If you’ve been plugged into the stand-up comedy scene at all in the last decade or so, you’re likely well acquainted with the name Roy Wood Jr. The hilarious comedian, best known for his work as a long-time correspondent and occasional guest host on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” can most recently be seen cracking up the panel on CNN’s “Have I Got News For You.” Wood may not have invented the comedy news genre, though he’s certainly put his own entertaining spin on it, having gone on to head such significant events as the White House Correspondents Dinner . His latest stand-up comedy special, “Lonely Flowers,” premiered on Hulu today, Jan. 17. Since Roy Wood Jr has become such a hot commodity in the world of comedy lately, it only makes sense that fans are wondering just how much cash he’s taken in with his numerous hosting and writing gigs. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide to Wood’s life, career and overall net worth. Wood’s Early Life And Career...

Dawn Staley continues to offer a guiding hand to basketball star Aliyah Boston. The pair first teamed up at The University of South Carolina. Staley serves as the school’s head coach of women’s basketball and is currently signed to a historic seven-year contract that has made her the highest-paid head coach in NCAA Women’s Basketball, as AFROTECH™ previously reported. Boston played under Staley’s leadership from 2019 to 2023. Together, they won one national titles against the University of Connecticut in 2022, notes NBC-10 Philadelphia. Boston’s collegiate career would position her as the school’s all-time leader in overall rebounds, offensive and defensive rebounds, blocked shots in SEC games, double-doubles, and triple-doubles, among others, according to the WNBA. She is also a four-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year, two-time National Player of the Year, and two-time SEC Player of the Year. Throughout it all, Staley has remained front and center as a fan even as Boston...

Janet Jackson is returning to the stage for another Las Vegas, NV,  residency, bringing her timeless talent back to Sin City once again! The artist captivated fans in 2019 during her Metamorphosis residency at Las Vegas’s Park Theater. According to Billboard, Jackson sold over 4,000 tickets per night, with a total of 76,813 tickets sold, generating $13 million in earnings. More than five years following the successful tenure, fans will be able to sing along to more of Jackson’s hits in light of her second residency, which kickstarted at Resorts World Theatre on Dec. 30, 2024, with a sold-out crowd, notes KSNV. “So excited to be back in Las Vegas with the new residency starting December 30th of this year, and moving into the new year 2025. Please join us. We cannot wait to perform for you. We cannot wait to see you. See you soon,” Jackson told fans on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Janet Jackson (@janetjackson) According to Vibe News, Bobby Reynolds, senior...

Tobe Nwigwe’s investments in himself and his savvy networking have paid off immensely. At Art Basel Miami, the artist and fashion designer took part in a panel discussion, reflecting on his journey so far, moderated by “Earn Your Leisure” podcast hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings. He shared a memorable story about invest ing in his own artistry by funding a feature with Pharrell Williams , who was already a fan of his work. “Pharrell charged a lot of money for his beats. It costs a lot of money. So when he hit me up and was like, ‘Yo, I love what you’re doing.’ I was like, ‘Man, appreciate it.’ He was like ‘Man, the industry been waiting on somebody like you.’ I was like ‘ Man thank you, man.’ He was like , ‘It’d be honor if you could come up to Miami ‘ and we met Pharrell,” Nwigwe said on the panel. Photo Credit: Earn Your Leisure Their collaboration resulted, and as part of the agreement, Nwigwe received an invoice for the feature — a testament to the professional exchange that...

World-renowned boxer Floyd Mayweather is making headlines for a recent knockout away from the ring: the gift he gave his grandson on Christmas Day. This year for the holidays, little KJ became the owner of a $20 million building in the Diamond District of New York City as shown in a heartwarming video circulating on social media . The three-year-old is the son of Iyanna Mayweather and rapper NBA Youngboy (who has 12 kids total); while their relationship didn’t last, Floyd has infinite love for his grandson, even proudly showing off the toddler’s boxing skills over the summer. Through his success, Mayweather has created generational wealth for his family, including Iyanna’s four siblings and their children. He was once the fifth-highest-paid athlete of all time, ending his career with a 50-0 record. However, his achievements and earnings are not the result of an easy path. As CNN reports, the icon’s father, after being released from prison , began training him for success at an early...

Tyler Perry understands the responsibility of leading by example when working with talent, a principle that shapes his unwavering commitment to ensuring actors receive fair and deserving compensation. Perry has received recognition from countless actors who revealed he was the first to ensure they were compensated fairly. This includes Taraji P. Henson. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, Henson received her first $500,000 paycheck for a role from Perry. “I was asking for half a million. I didn’t get paid that until I did my first Tyler Perry film. He was the first person that gave — that broke the standard that I was getting paid for films, and he gave me $500,000,” Henson said during an interview on Variety’s segment titled “Actors on Actors.”   Actor Cory Hardrict also revealed that Perry paid him generously during his time starring in “Divorce in the Black,”  which was directed, written, and produced by Perry. “He paid me the most I’ve ever made in a film for three weeks ever [of...

Houston,TX, native and 32-time Grammy award-winning recording artist Beyoncé put on a halftime show performance at the NFL’s Christmas Day football game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans. She performed several hits from her most recent album, “ Cowbo y Carter” which pays homage to the often-forgotten Black history of country music . Mrs. Knowles-Carter, dressed in all-white cowboy regalia, sat atop a white horse led by a Black cowboy for her grand entrance onto the field. She was joined by backup dancers and the third-ward Texas Southern University marching band, Ocean of Soul. They delivered a “ Homecoming” -esque show that featured songs like “Blackbiird,” “Sweet Honey Buckiin,” and “Leviis Jeans,” which she collaborated with Post Malone, Shaboozey , Tanner Adell, Britney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy and Reyna Roberts on. As noted by Forbes, Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” World Tour earned over $600 million in revenue. While she has yet to announce concert dates for her “Cowboy...

Dr. Dre had his doubts about Snoop Dogg securing ownership of Death Row Records. Both Hip-Hop artists and businessmen were signed to the label in the ’90s before parting ways. Snoop Dogg’s decision to leave the label in 1997 was difficult, as he faced consecutive challenges. “See, that’s what you gotta understand. Ni–as broke my spirit,” he explained on the “The 85 South Comedy Show” podcast. “They broke me, man. They broke my spirit. Look, ‘Doggystyle,’ workin’ on [The] Doggfather, win my murder case, Dre leaves, Tupac get killed, Suge going to jail, Death Row want to kill me. That’s all in the same year.” Fast-forward to 2022, and Snoop Dogg reclaimed his time, returning to the label not as an artist but as an owner. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, he acquired Death Row Records from the Blackstone-controlled MNRK Music Group. “It feels good to have ownership of the label I was part of at the beginning of my career and as one of the founding members. This is an extremely...

Wiz Khalifa views his decision to sell a portion of his catalog as a sound business move. In July 2023, the artist sold a portion of his music and publishing assets to HarbourView Equity Partners, a global alternative asset management company, according to a press release. The sale included hit singles such as “See You Again,” “Black & Yellow,” and “The Thrill.” “Wiz Khalifa has already made a profound impact on culture as a musician, executive, media visionary, and creative force. We celebrate his talent and creativity and are thrilled to welcome him and Taylor Gang to the HarbourView family today,” said Sherrese Clarke Soares, Founder and CEO of HarbourView, in a news release. Khalifa commented: “Sherrese and HarbourView truly understand the value of music and artistry. We are excited to partner with them as they continue to build a dynamic media company that is in line with the values and goals we all have here at Taylor Gang.” More than a year after the transaction, he explained...

Jaden Smith, the son of Hollywood icons Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith , has built his own legacy as an actor, musician, and entrepreneur. While he balked at the idea of public schooling previously, that hasn’t stopped him from making a name for himself both in his family’s industry of entertainment, and in his own business ventures. Currently, he’s using his entrepreneur’s spirit to improve the world as he sees it, painting himself as a philanthropist as well. However, as a businessman, philanthropist and actor at the young age of 26 (and while having famous parents and a just-as-famous sister ), what is Jaden Smith’s net worth? Acting Career Smith made his acting debut alongside his father in the critically acclaimed film, The Pursuit of Happyness in 2006. His role as Christopher Gardner Jr., the son of a struggling salesman, garnered widespread recognition for his acting abilities at a young age. This performance opened doors to other significant acting roles, such as the...

The holiday season at the office can be a wonderful time to build camaraderie, boost morale, and share a few laughs. One simple way to bring coworkers together is by hosting a festive trivia session. These holiday-themed trivia questions can spark fun conversations, test everyone’s knowledge, and encourage friendly competition among colleagues. Why Host A Holiday Trivia Session Holiday trivia offers a lighthearted break from daily tasks and deadlines. By focusing on fun, seasonal topics, employees can relax, get to know one another, and celebrate the spirit of the holidays. This type of activity helps strengthen team bonds and can be easily incorporated into holiday parties, lunchtime gatherings, or virtual meetings. Classic Christmas Knowledge Do you know the other name typically given to eggnog? (Milk Punch) In the song  “Frosty The Snowman,” what brings Frosty to life? (A magic hat) Which country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree? (Germany) How many reindeer...

Despite releasing three albums, Common found himself struggling to sustain his music career. The rapper’s career took off in Chicago, IL, in the ’90s. He released three albums during this decade: “Can I Borrow a Dollar?” (1992); “Resurrection” (1994); and “One Day It’ll All Make Sense” (1997). Common explains that his first album received limited attention and credits his second album with putting him on the radar of some of the industry’s greats. “I remember Biggie doing one of those promos for me, being like ‘Yo this I wish this kid was from Brooklyn.’ I remember seeing Nas, and he was like ‘Keep doing your thing,” Common recalled on the “Earn Your Leisure” podcast hosted by Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings. The rapper also opened up about the challenges he faced in the music industry early in his career, which caused him to question whether it was a sustainable path. “It was hard being in Chicago and trying to get even signed or get heard… I still wasn’t planted in the industry. I...

Adrian Peterson, one of the most dynamic running backs in NFL history, has built a substantial fortune over his illustrious career. While Peterson is known for his extraordinary athletic skills, particularly his record-breaking performances on the field, his wealth is the result of his successful football career, endorsement deals, and business ventures. NFL Career And Earnings Peterson’s net worth was primarily accumulated through his long career in the NFL, which spanned from 2007 to 2017. The running back was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings as the 7th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, and quickly became a household name. Over his career, Peterson earned an impressive $102 million in salary alone. His time with the Vikings, along with stints with the New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals , and Washington Football Team, contributed to his financial success. Peterson’s highest-paying contract came in 2011 when he signed a seven-year, $96 million deal with the Vikings, which...

Russell Simmons , a pivotal figure in the music and fashion industries, has amassed significant wealth over the decades.  This fortune stems primarily from his groundbreaking contributions to hip-hop culture, business ventures, and media endeavors. Simmons is best known as the co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, a label that helped launch the careers of iconic artists like LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, and Run-D.M.C. Building Wealth Through Music The foundation of Simmons’ net worth lies in his revolutionary work in music. Def Jam Recordings , which he co-founded with Rick Rubin in 1984, became one of the most influential labels in hip-hop history. The label’s success, fueled by signing game-changing artists, established Simmons as a major player in the music industry. By the late 1990s, he sold his stake in Def Jam to Universal Music Group for a reported $100 million, cementing his financial success. Expanding Into Fashion Simmons didn’t stop with music. In 1992, Russel Simmons ventured...

Robert L. Johnson ’s journey from a young man with a vision to a media magnate and philanthropist is a story of perseverance, strategy, and relentless pursuit of success. As the founder of BET (Black Entertainment Television), Johnson became the first African American billionaire, cementing his place as one of the most influential figures in the media industry. His journey, however, was not without its challenges. Here’s a closer look at how Johnson built his empire and made a lasting impact as a businessman and philanthropist. Early Life And Education Born on April 8, 1946, in Hickory, Mississippi , Johnson grew up in a family that valued education and hard work. His parents were both educators, and their influence instilled in him a desire to succeed academically and professionally. Johnson attended the University of Illinois, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Afterward, he went on to obtain a Master of Public Affairs degree from Princeton University. His time...