Hip-hop Legend LL Cool J's Platform, Rock the Bells, Secures $15M in Funding

Rock the Bells, the hip-hop platform founded by rap legend LL Cool J, announced on Monday a $15 million funding round anchored by a multi-year collaboration with media giant Paramount Global.

The deal includes a first-look agreement for unscripted and scripted content, feature films and co-branded merchandise opportunities.

Additionally, the two companies will collaborate on marketing support for Rock the Bells experiences and activations, including the opportunity to livestream the upcoming 2023 Rock The Bells Festival that will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop.

LL Cool J expressed his excitement about the partnership in a statement, saying that hip-hop is an art form that "continues to rise to higher heights," and that Rock the Bells is at the forefront of bridging generations.

"I'm excited about all the amazing things we have planned for the community, fans, and brands! This is just the beginning," he added.

Founded in 2018 by LL Cool J, Rock the Bells has become a prominent platform for celebrating and preserving hip-hop culture. With a focus on the art form and its icons, Rock the Bells has gained a loyal following and attracted major brands as partners.

The partnership with Paramount Global is expected to open up new opportunities for Rock the Bells to showcase hip-hop culture and its icons while continuing to honor its legacy.

"Paramount is thrilled to expand our deep relationship with LL COOL J with our investment in Rock The Bells," said Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events at Paramount. "We look forward to working with him to shine a spotlight on Hip-Hop culture and icons through music, events, and diverse content."

Other companies that participated in the Series B funding round, a type of investment round where a company seeks to raise capital to scale and expand its business operations, were Raine Ventures and Irving Azoff of Iconic Artists Group, with participation from Amex Ventures, Wildcat Capital Management and Capstar Ventures. The company also received additional investment from ASK Capital, North Island (Glenn Hutchins), AME Cloud Ventures and XO Capital.

Time Names Michael B. Jordan as One of Four Cover Stars for Its Annual List of 100 Most Influential People

Photograph by Paola Kudacki for TIME

Michael B. Jordan has been named one of the cover stars for this year's TIME 100, the magazine's annual list of the world's most influential people.

In an essay for TIME, Jordan's friend and frequent collaborator, director, and Oscar-nominated producer Ryan Coogler, praised the actor's work both on and off the screen.

"With this year's Creed III, he took on a new role — feature-film director — and handled it with aplomb," Coogler wrote. "But I knew Mike had it in him. Because over that quarter-century of work, nothing was given to him. Everything was earned. And I strongly believe that his best work is still to come."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TIME (@time)

Jordan is one of 100 people from around the world to be included on this year's list, which features a diverse array of leaders, thinkers, artists, and activists. The honorees were chosen by TIME editors for their impact on the world over the past year, with a focus on those who have made a significant difference in their respective fields.

Other notables on the list include Beyoncé, actress-producer Angela Bassett, director-producer Gina Prince-Bythewood, WNBA star Brittney Griner, Patrick Mahomes II, playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, singer Steve Lacy, artist Simone Leigh and artist El Anatsui, among others.

The list includes 16 climate leaders, a record number. Politicians like U.S. President Joe Biden, Hakeem Jeffries, and Mitch McConnell also made the cut, as did journalists Evan Gershkovich and Niloofar Hamedi.

Jordan is no stranger to the TIME 100, having been included on the list in 2020.

Click here to see the 2023 TIME100 full list, tributes and videos.

Academy Award Winner Jamie Foxx Recuperating After Undisclosed Medical Issue

Screengrab via YouTube: Jamie Foxx as a vampire hunter in 2022's “Day Shift.”

Academy Award-winning actor and singer, Jamie Foxx, is currently recuperating after suffering a "medical complication" on Tuesday.

Corinne Foxx, his daughter, took to Instagram to share the news with fans and supporters on Wednesday.

"We wanted to share that, my father, Jamie Foxx, experienced a medical complication yesterday," the 29-year-old actress shared in her post.

No further details regarding the nature of Foxx's medical condition were disclosed. However, Corinne Foxx offered reassurance that her father is "already on his way to recovery" thanks to "quick action and great care."

"We know how beloved he is and appreciate your prayers," the post concluded. "The family asks for privacy during this time."

Jamie Foxx, 55, is a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, known for his exceptional talent and captivating performances. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the 2004 biopic "Ray." Foxx is also a renowned singer, comedian, and TV host, having made appearances on hit shows like "Saturday Night Live" and "In Living Color."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Corinne Foxx (@corinnefoxx)