President Barack Obama presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Michael Jordan during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Nov. 22, 2016.

NBA legend Michael Jordan has achieved another groundbreaking milestone in his legendary career, this time off the basketball court. Forbes has officially ranked him at number 379 on its esteemed Forbes 400 list, making him the first professional athlete to ever earn a spot among America's 400 wealthiest individuals.

This prestigious entry into the Forbes 400 is attributed to Jordan's strategic move earlier this year when he sold his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets, an NBA franchise he had acquired in 2010 for approximately $275 million.

Forbes estimates Jordan's current net worth at an impressive $3 billion. His journey to billionaire status began in 2015, driven not only by his basketball prowess but also his lucrative endorsement deals with iconic brands like Nike. This partnership, which started in 1984 with a contract worth $500,000 per year plus royalties, has remained a cornerstone of his financial success. As of the latest data, Jordan continues to receive yearly royalties from Nike, amounting to a substantial $260 million.

However, it's not just Nike that contributed to Jordan's financial empire. Over the years, he inked lucrative contracts with major brands such as Hanes, Gatorade, and Upper Deck, further bolstering his financial standing.

Beyond his wealth accumulation, Jordan has also become renowned for his philanthropic efforts. In celebration of his 60th birthday, he made history with a generous $10 million donation to Make-A-Wish America, marking the largest individual gift ever received by the foundation in its 43-year history.

While Jordan's prowess on the basketball court is legendary, with five MVP awards and six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls during his illustrious 15-season career, his off-court achievements continue to shape his legacy. His strategic investments and business acumen have made him an iconic figure not only in the world of sports but also in finance and philanthropy.

In the larger context of America's wealthiest individuals, Jordan's journey from the courts of the NBA to the elite ranks of the Forbes 400 is a testament to his unique blend of talent, business savvy, and dedication to making a difference.

As of Forbes' latest assessment, Elon Musk leads the Forbes 400 list with an estimated worth of $251 billion, followed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos with an estimated wealth of $161 billion.

Forbes reports that the collective net worth of America's 400 richest individuals now stands at an astounding $4.5 trillion, equaling the record set in 2021. This sum even surpasses the 2022 GDP of Japan, which was $4.23 trillion according to the World Bank.

Krayzie Bone, a prominent member of the legendary rap group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, has shared a recent health update following his week-long battle in the intensive care unit of a Los Angeles-area hospital. Krayzie, whose real name is Anthony Henderson, has faced serious health challenges in recent weeks.

The 50-year-old rapper was hospitalized last month after experiencing severe health issues, including coughing up blood. He has since undergone surgeries for internal bleeding and required the assistance of a ventilator.

Bhriss, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Rapper Blueface, also known as Johnathan Porter, has received a probation sentence in connection with a shooting outside a Las Vegas strip club last year. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. on October 8, 2022, leading to his arrest in November.

Known for his contributions to the hip-hop music scene, the 27-year-old gained recognition for his unique style and hit tracks. His breakout single, "Thotiana," released in 2018, catapulted him to stardom, garnering millions of views on YouTube and widespread acclaim.

The sentencing took place on Monday when Judge Kathleen Delaney confirmed a plea deal made over the summer, stipulating a probation-only sentence. Porter received a suspended sentence of 2-5 years in prison, which means he will serve probation.

According to court documents, the victim of the shooting reported being shot in the hand outside the Euphoric Gentlemen’s Club on Windy Road near the Las Vegas Strip. The victim claimed to have recognized Porter at the club and had spoken to him earlier in the evening. The altercation reportedly began when the victim made a comment about Porter talking to some women in a modest vehicle.

Initially charged with attempted murder, Porter's plea deal resulted in reduced charges of battery and discharging a firearm at or into an occupied structure.

In addition to the criminal case, Blueface faced civil lawsuits related to the shooting. Porter's legal team had requested a pause in the civil cases until the criminal proceedings were resolved.

In a separate incident, Porter faced a robbery charge after allegedly stealing a fan's phone at the Palms casino. Records indicate that prosecutors agreed to drop the charge following Porter's sentencing in the shooting case.

Blueface's sentencing includes up to three years of probation, with an underlying sentence of 2-5 years behind bars. Any probation violation could result in a substantial prison term.

Kentavious Traylor, the individual who was grazed by one of the bullets in the shooting, expressed frustration with the judicial process, suggesting that Blueface received preferential treatment due to his celebrity status. Traylor claimed that the incident had a significant impact on his life and job prospects and voiced his disapproval of Blueface and Jaidyn Alexis, presumably a reference to an associate of the rapper.

In a significant breakthrough in a decades-old case, Duane "Keffe D" Davis, a Las Vegas man, has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the drive-by shooting that claimed the life of hip-hop icon Tupac Shakur in 1996.

Two law enforcement officials with direct knowledge of the arrest confirmed it to multiple media outlets. The exact charges against Davis are yet to be disclosed.

Today's arrest follows a search of Davis' home in July by Las Vegas police as part of the ongoing investigation into Shakur's murder.

While the details surrounding the arrest are limited, it marks a crucial development in a case that has perplexed investigators and captured public attention for 27 years.

During the search, authorities focused on various electronic storage devices, including desktops, thumb drives, CDs, external hard drives, and audio recordings. Notably, they discovered a Pokeball USB drive, a black iPhone, two iPads, a purple Toshiba laptop, and other items.

Shakur, also known as 2Pac, was fatally shot on September 7, 1996, in Las Vegas while riding with Death Row Records co-founder Marion "Suge" Knight after a Mike Tyson fight. Their vehicle was stopped at a red light when a white Cadillac pulled up alongside them. An unidentified assailant fired 14 shots, hitting Shakur four times. He succumbed to his injuries six days later, on September 13, 1996.

Orlando Anderson, a known Crips gang member, was an early suspect due to his involvement in an altercation with Shakur on the night of the shooting. Witnesses in Knight and Shakur's entourage indicated that Anderson may have been the shooter. However, Anderson died in an unrelated gang-related shooting in 1998, and the case went cold.

In 2018, Duane Davis, a former gang member, claimed on BET's "Death Row Chronicles" that he knew who killed Tupac Shakur but did not provide names. He also did not rule out the possibility that his late nephew, Orlando Anderson, was involved. Davis later chronicled these events in his 2019 memoir, "Compton Street Legend."

The arrest of Davis, one of the last living witnesses to the shooting, brings renewed hope of solving the murder of Shakur, an influential and iconic figure in the hip-hop industry. Davis had previously disclosed that he cooperated with federal and local authorities in 2010, sharing information about Shakur's killing and the murder of Shakur's rap rival, Christopher Wallace, also known as the Notorious B.I.G.

Shakur's death left a lasting void in the music world. He achieved remarkable success with albums like "All Eyez on Me" and engaged in a highly publicized feud with the Notorious B.I.G. before his tragic passing at the age of 25. In 2017, Tupac was posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying his status as one of the most influential and versatile rappers of all time.

In a historic move, Usher is set to headline the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show. The iconic singer from Atlanta will grace the stage at Allegiant Stadium, marking the first time the Super Bowl will be held in Las Vegas.

Usher expressed his excitement, stating, "It’s an honor of a lifetime to finally check a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list. I can’t wait to bring the world a show unlike anything else they’ve seen from me before."

Additionally, Usher announced that his ninth album, "Coming Home," will be released on Super Bowl Sunday. This marks his first album since 2016's "Hard II Love." The album will feature his previous 2023 release, "Good Good," featuring Summer Walker and 21 Savage.

Usher has a storied career with 18 top 10 hits on the Hot 100, including nine No. 1s, and four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200.

Seth Dudowsky, the head of music for the NFL, stated, "Usher is an icon whose music has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape throughout his career. We look forward to working with Usher, Roc Nation, and Apple Music to bring fans another Halftime Show for the history books."

This performance continues the partnership between the NFL and Roc Nation, with past halftime shows featuring renowned artists like Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, The Weeknd, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna.

The Super Bowl Halftime Show will be presented by Apple Music for the second consecutive year. Last year's show with Rihanna became the most-watched halftime show of all time.

Super Bowl LVIII will air live on CBS on February 11, 2024.

Hip-hop legends Fat Joe, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, Method Man, French Montana and Chuck D have joined forces with nonprofit organization Power to the Patients to release a compelling public service announcement. Their message is unequivocal: elected officials must commit to creating a transparent, honest, affordable and equitable nationwide healthcare system.

This call to action coincides with a crucial moment, as the House of Representatives prepares to vote on a pivotal healthcare price transparency bill. The artists are uniting their voices to champion robust and meaningful price transparency laws. These laws would mandate that hospitals and insurance companies reveal real, itemized prices for their medical services and procedures.

WATCH NOW: We’re in the midst of an American humanitarian crisis, where hospitals & insurers hide their prices from patients.

We demand actual prices — not estimates or averages — & transparency in healthcare. 👊 pic.twitter.com/m6zfUnXnVE

— Power to the Patients (@PowertoPatnts) September 22, 2023

"For 50 years now, hip-hop has been a reflection of culture and society, including stories of struggle, pain, social injustice, racial inequality, and community marginalization," declare the artists in the PSA. “Today, we confront a healthcare system that has been rigged against all of us. Hospitals force patients to sign contracts for services without ever showing us actual prices."

They assert that this lack of transparency not only stifles competition but also leads to overcharges, financial hardship and widespread patient anxiety. If individuals cannot afford their medical costs, these contracts often enable the confiscation of their possessions, perpetuating a cycle of fear and preventing millions of Americans from seeking necessary medical care. The artists emphasize that this issue constitutes an “American humanitarian crisis” that demands immediate attention.

Power to the Patients, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving comprehensive price transparency in healthcare, plays a central role in these advocacy efforts. The organization supports legislative initiatives at the federal, state, and city levels, firmly holding hospitals and insurers accountable for adhering to existing federal transparency regulations. Power to the Patients aims to ensure that all Americans are informed about their fundamental right to access accurate and transparent healthcare pricing.

This united call for healthcare transparency builds upon the extensive efforts of Power to the Patients and Grammy-nominated artist and philanthropist Fat Joe. Earlier this year, Fat Joe elevated his advocacy to the highest levels, visiting the White House and meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. His mission: to champion the rights of millions of patients, families, communities, employees, employers, and unions across the nation who have been adversely affected by the current healthcare system.

In June, Fat Joe and Power to the Patients collaborated with healthcare transparency initiatives led by the New York City Council and various union groups. Their collective efforts culminated in the signing of the Healthcare Accountability and Consumer Protection Act by Mayor Eric Adams in June 2023. This groundbreaking legislation established the nation's first Office of Health Care Accountability, enabling New Yorkers to compare healthcare costs charged by different hospitals for identical services.

The stark reality is that over 100 million Americans grapple with medical debt, a leading cause of personal bankruptcy. According to the most recent semi-annual report by the Patient Rights Advocate, only 36% of U.S. hospitals currently comply with the Federal Price Transparency Rule.

This PSA will broadcast on television in Washington, D.C., and be accessible online in select markets across the nation.

Grammy-nominated rapper Travis Scott has found himself at the center of legal troubles once more as his missing phone, submerged in the Gulf of Mexico, becomes a focal point in the ongoing civil litigation surrounding the tragic 2021 Astroworld Festival. Ten people lost their lives, and thousands were injured during the event.

Travis Scott’s Astroworld Lawyers Are Unable To Retrieve Travis Scott’s Phone Records As His Attorney Says That Phone Fell Off A Boat Nearly 2 Years Ago & Is At The Bottom Of The Gulf Of Mexico. His Rep Releases A Statement #TravisScott pic.twitter.com/5oAHlmiI46

— Real1Of1TV (@Real1of1TV) September 21, 2023

Tory Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, has transitioned from an inmate in a Los Angeles jail to a state prison, marking a significant development following his conviction on all three charges related to the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. Deputies handcuffed Lanez in the courtroom after the jury delivered a guilty verdict.

Before this transfer, Lanez was held in a Los Angeles jail. However, he left the jail in Los Angeles yesterday for North Kern State Prison, situated about 35 miles north of Bakersfield.

This medium-security facility functions as a reception center for new inmates within California's state prison system. Lanez is expected to remain there for several months while awaiting assignment to a permanent location.

In a legal saga that spanned three years, Lanez received a 10-year prison sentence for his involvement in the case. The charges against him included the negligent discharge of a firearm, assault with a semiautomatic firearm and carrying a loaded and unregistered firearm.

This sentencing marked the conclusion of a lengthy legal and cultural ordeal involving Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion, who had been friends at the time of the shooting. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Herriford delivered the 31-year-old Lanez's sentence in December. He was convicted of three felonies: assault with a semiautomatic firearm, having a loaded and unregistered firearm in a vehicle and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.

During the trial, Megan testified that Lanez fired a gun at the back of her feet and told her to dance as she walked away from an SUV they had been traveling in, shortly after leaving a pool party at Kylie Jenner's residence. Megan underwent surgery to remove bullet fragments and identified Lanez as the shooter months after the incident.

In a statement read in court, Megan described the ongoing impact of the shooting, saying, "Since I was viciously shot by the defendant, I have not experienced a single day of peace. Slowly but surely, I'm healing and coming back, but I will never be the same."

Before the judge's sentencing, Lanez expressed remorse for his actions and requested either probation or a minimal prison sentence. He emphasized his continued care for Megan and accepted full responsibility for his actions that night.

Megan Thee Stallion, the Grammy-winning rapper, is heating up the education scene through a collaboration with the iconic snack brand Flamin' Hot by Frito-Lay.

Photo Courtesy Dunkin' Donuts

During the MTV Video Music Awards, Ben Affleck debuted a new Dunkin' Donuts commercial, where he teams up with rapper Ice Spice to create the "Ice Spice Munchkins Drink." In the ad, Affleck's attempts at freestyle rapping fall flat, leading to some amusing moments. The drink, described as "reminiscent of the texture of a cookies and cream shake," combines Dunkin's pumpkin-flavored donut holes with Frozen Dunkin' Coffee. Ice Spice, also known as Isis Naija Gaston, was nominated for four VMAs and won Best New Artist.

In a historic moment for the rap genre, Doja Cat's "Paint the Town Red" has soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, ending a year-long absence of rap songs at the chart's pinnacle.

Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a gala celebration at the vice presidential residence in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, commemorating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. The event featured a lineup of iconic hip-hop artists and pioneers, including Common, MC Lyte, Roxanne Shante, and more

The celebration marked a significant milestone in the genre's history, with hip-hop enthusiasts from across the nation gathering to honor its cultural impact. Harris, a self-professed fan of hip-hop, emphasized its profound influence on American culture.

The 2023 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards, a showcase of music excellence, unfolded at Miami Beach's LIV Nightclub this past Wednesday. Presented by BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.), the event shone a spotlight on artists and creators who have profoundly shaped the R&B and Hip-Hop genres.

Lil Wayne, a BMI cornerstone for over two decades, claimed the prestigious BMI Icon Award—a testament to his astounding legacy. With an impressive 53 BMI Awards, his influence on the music landscape continues to evolve. BMI President/CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI VP of Creative Catherine Brewton, based in Atlanta, presented this honor, lauding Lil Wayne's transformative impact on Hip-Hop and aspiring artists.

The event was punctuated by electrifying performances, commencing with an enthralling medley from Big Freedia, followed by Bobby V's rendition of "Mrs. Officer." NLE Choppa ignited the audience with his take on "A Milli," while Trombone Shorty delivered a spellbinding set.

Lil Wayne joins an elite cadre of music creators, including Busta Rhymes, Janet Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Nile Rodgers, Snoop Dogg, The Jacksons, LA Reid, Babyface, Al Green, Isaac Hayes and James Brown, who have forever altered the industry.

Adding to the evening's accolades, rising star Ice Spice was awarded the inaugural BMI Impact Award. In just two years, Ice Spice has garnered acclaim with four top 10 hits on the Hot 100, collaborating with luminaries like Taylor Swift, Pink Pantheress, Nicki Minaj and Aqua.

BMI also celebrated the previous year's top producers and songwriters for the 35 most-performed R&B/Hip-Hop songs in the U.S. The coveted Song of the Year award was clinched by "About Damn Time," authored by Ricky Reed and Blake Slatkin and brought to life by Lizzo. This track, which held the Billboard Hot 100's top spot for two weeks, also secured a Grammy for Record of the Year.

The Songwriter of the Year honor was shared by three outstanding artists. Chris Brown, known for hits like "Baddest," "Come Through," and "Under the Influence," was among them. Doja Cat, celebrated for her contributions to tracks like "Get Into It (Yuh)," "Vegas," and "Woman," also shared the title. Tems, known for impactful songs like "Free Mind," "Lift Me Up," and "Wait for U," completed the trio.

Tay Keith and Lil Yachty shared the title of Producer of the Year, a tribute to their roles in crafting hits such as "Jimmy Cooks" by Drake, "Rich Flex" by Drake and 21 Savage, and "Hot Sh-t" by Cardi B featuring Kanye West and Lil Durk. The ceremony also recognized other outstanding producers, including ATL Jacob, Rob Bisel, Dougie F, Finatik N Zac, RiotUSA and Metro Boomin.

Sony Music Publishing was hailed as BMI’s R&B/Hip-Hop Publisher of the Year, representing a significant portion of the previous year's most-performed songs, including the BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Song of the Year, "About Damn Time," as well as hits like "Break My Soul," "Get Into It (Yuh)" and "First Class."

In commemoration of 50 years of Hip-Hop, BMI united a constellation of stars, each representing a distinct chapter in the genre's history. New York was brought to life by Ja Rule and Doug E. Fresh, while Too Short celebrated the West Coast. Representing Atlanta, the Ying Yang Twins delivered an explosive performance. Flo Milli introduced the Miami sounds of Trick Daddy and Trina, and other captivating performances included Mannie Fresh and Capella Grey.

Legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan and Los Angeles-based jewelry brand King Ice have announced an exclusive collaboration inspired by the iconic album "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)." This unique partnership brings together the worlds of music and fashion to pay homage to Wu-Tang Clan's enduring influence.

The Wu-Tang Clan x King Ice collection includes meticulously crafted jewelry pieces such as necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings, all plated in 14k gold. Each item features hand-set stones on the front, side, and back, showcasing the attention to detail that has become synonymous with the Wu-Tang brand.

Enthusiasts of both Wu-Tang Clan and high-quality jewelry will appreciate the versatility of this collection. With 16 distinct pieces on offer, fans can mix and match necklaces with earrings and rings to create their own personalized Wu-Tang style.

A standout piece in the collection is the "Ice Pick" necklace, which draws inspiration from Method Man's iconic pendant. What sets it apart is its concealed compartment, offering a unique blend of style and functionality.

King Ice, a renowned name in the jewelry industry, has previously collaborated with influential figures in music, including Snoop Dogg, Death Row Records and NLE Choppa.

The Wu-Tang Clan x King Ice collection serves as a testament to the impact of Wu-Tang Clan on both music and culture. Prices for these exclusive pieces range from $60 to $500, and the collection is available exclusively at KingIce.com.

For fans of Wu-Tang Clan and those with an appreciation for finely crafted jewelry, this collaboration offers a unique opportunity to connect with the group's legacy through wearable artistry.