Fat Joe is advocating for more transparency in healthcare…
53-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban American rapper is teaming up with Jelly Roll, Wyclef Jean and Power to the Patients for an event in Washington, D.C. to advocate for a more affordable and equitable healthcare system through price transparency.
Taking place on Wedenesday, January 10 at Hamilton Live and with congressional leaders and government officials in attendance, the event see the artists “shed light on the injustices created by a healthcare system that hides its prices, stifling competition and evading accountability for overcharges and price gouging,” according to the announcement.
As part of the event, Fat Joe will serve as emcee while Jelly Roll and Wyclef Jean will perform.
“The U.S. healthcare system is America’s sickness,” said Fat Joe. “Healthcare price transparency isn’t a partisan or complicated issue. It’s common sense. The only people opposed to it are healthcare industry interests profiting by keeping patients in the dark. Price transparency can protect patients, families, employers, workers, even our own government from healthcare overcharging and pricing fraud as it does everywhere else in the economy. Clear prices allow consumers to choose affordable treatments without worrying that routine care will result in overcharges and even bankruptcy. Price transparency holds hospitals and insurance companies accountable, forcing them to compete and lowering costs, improving healthcare access, quality, and outcomes.”
Power to the Patients has played a key role in raising awareness on Capitol Hill about the urgent need to pass comprehensive healthcare price transparency legislation.
Last April, Fat Joe met with congressional leaders and the White House to advocate for the enforcement of price transparency rules that most hospitals around the country are disregarding.
The musicians called out hospitals and insurance companies that continue to hide prices by posting “estimates” or “average prices” instead of dollars and cents and noted the deception leads to the “stifling of competition, overcharges, fear, debt, and devastation all over the country.”
As a result of the continued awareness campaign, momentum for healthcare price transparency legislation has accelerated with both chambers of Congress taking action to advance legislation.
Fat Joe will join Power to the Patients, affiliated organization Patient Rights Advocate, and employers from across the country in meetings with Congressional leaders urging them to seize the momentum and get healthcare price transparency legislation passed and sent to President Joe Biden’s desk.
Bernice Burgos is making an impact in the Big Apple…
VH1 has unveiled the cast, trailer and premiere date for The Impact New York, featuring the 43-year-old Puerto Rican model and entrepreneur.
The reality television series is a spinoff to the BET+ reality series The Impact ATL.
The Impact New York, which premieres at 9:00 pm, Monday, January 22, comes from executive producers eOne and Quality Films. The show follows the lives of New York’s top influencers in business, music, beauty and fashion.
In addition to witnessing their creative processes, preparations, and high-stakes deal-making, viewers will get to go beyond the perfectly curated social media personas within the cast.
Burgos, a native New Yorker from Manhattan, embarked on her modeling journey while working as a bartender in her mid-20s. Her breakthrough came when she starred in Rick Ross’ music video for “Diced Pineapples” in 2012, catapulting her into a significant modeling career and cementing her status as one of the original influencers, empowering women worldwide.
Other Latinx artists set to appear on the series include Ashley Marie Burgos, Ella Rodriguez and Maleni Cruz.
Meet the cast of The Impact New York below and watch the trailer for Season 1 in the video posted above.
Ashley Marie Burgos
Ashley Marie Burgos, a multi-talented 26-year-old model, is making waves in the music industry, following the footsteps of her influential mother, the original mega influencer, Bernice Burgos. Collaborating on Bold and Beautiful and Miracles Fitness, two thriving sleepwear and fitness brands, Ashley boasts a dedicated fanbase nearly one million strong. Fueled by the success of her hit single “Knock Knock,” Ashley is positioning herself as a dynamic force in the industry, carving her distinctive path beyond her mother’s legacy.
Bernice Burgos All Hail The Queen: Bernice Burgos, a native New Yorker from Manhattan, embarked on her modeling journey while working as a bartender in her mid-20s. Her breakthrough came when she starred in Rick Ross’ music video for “Diced Pineapples” in 2012, catapulting her into a significant modeling career and cementing her status as one of the original influencers, empowering women worldwide. With a fierce legacy and an indomitable pioneering spirit, Bernice Burgos stands as a true legend. Beyond her successful modeling career, she ventured into entrepreneurship, founding Bold & Beautiful, a sleepwear line designed to empower women of all shapes and sizes. Her brand champions confidence and inclusivity.
Chinese Kitty Chinese Kitty, an influential figure in both music and social media, reaches millions worldwide with her music. Having graced some of the world’s most illustrious stages, including the Rolling Loud festival, she commands attention with her name alone. With an impressive following of nearly 4 million devoted fans, her every move is anticipated by a captivated audience. Renowned for her striking beauty, Chinese Kitty has become a #bodygoals icon. Her unapologetic East Coast intensity infuses every lyric, delivering seductive bars and knockout hooks that amass millions of streams and views. As a rapper, entrepreneur, and Love & Hip Hop Miami star, her debut album SMD epitomizes her uncompromising style, offering a powerful collection of unfiltered hits.
Cleotrapa
Cleotrapa, an undeniable influencer and captivating recording artist from Staten Island, New York, embodies unapologetic charisma and relatability. At 25, she’s evolved into a magnetic online personality, blending inspirational messaging and satirical commentary on everyday life, drawing in her following of well over a million across various platforms. Cleotrapa’s top-tier humor paired with her signature New York swag has catapulted her to becoming one of social media’s most beloved personalities among fans and brand partners alike.
DreamDoll
DreamDoll, a Bronx native, has unequivocally carved her own path over the past few years. She organically built her music following on Instagram, a platform that catapulted her onto prominent TV shows and into partnerships with major brands. Her larger-than-life personality and doll-like appearance harmonize effortlessly with her slick cadence and rhymes, establishing her as a standout among the rising stars in the rap genre. With over 5 million followers, DreamDoll stands tall as one of New York’s finest, effortlessly delivering fiery verses. Notably, her collaborations with industry giants like Lil Kim and French Montana showcase her versatility and acclaim. Her top-tier fashion sense commands attention, making anything associated with DreamDoll an instant hit.
Ella Rodriguez Known in her hometown of Bronx, NY, as Ella Bands, the soft-spoken powerhouse ascended to become one of New York City’s most prominent social media influencers in 2015. Ella, alongside her longtime partner Artist, better known as rapper A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, embraces the joys of parenthood, raising two beautiful children together. Elevating her social media prominence into a thriving million-dollar empire, she stands as an accomplished entrepreneur, vocalist, and dedicated mother. With an impressive Instagram following of nearly 2.3 million and nearly 10 million overall engagements on TikTok, Ella’s ever-expanding influence is a force to be reckoned with in business and on social media.
Maleni Cruz Maleni, a viral sensation hailing from Brooklyn, has garnered widespread acclaim with her carefree demeanor and exceptional humor, amassing millions of views, likes, and shares across her viral videos. Alongside her partner Chicklet, she’s gained recognition for being outspoken and assertive, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with, unafraid to express her opinions and stand her ground. Her Dominican roots and New York upbringing her relatable, endearing to 3 million followers who adore her comedic style.
Scot Louie Scot Louie, an acclaimed celebrity fashion stylist known for his work with stars like Ryan Destiny, Normani, Victoria Monét, Lil’ Kim, and Keke Palmer, has been a trendsetter influencing millions in the fashion world with his signature hashtag #fashionNEEDSme. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Scot began styling celebrities at the age of 15. While continuing his work in fashion, Scot has also ventured into the culinary space with DinnerPlus, his innovative ‘Food Board’ which features a variety of curated dishes on Instagram, showcasing his artisanal spice blends with carefully curated recipes, Scot’s passion for food has blossomed. Anticipating the release of his upcoming cookbook in Fall 2024, Scot is set to make a flavorful mark beyond the fashion industry.
Fat Joe is helping raise awareness about the nation’s healthcare system…
The 53-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban American rapper has joined Busta Rhymes, Method Man, Rick Ross, Chuck D, and French Montana for a special PSA that advocates for more transparency in the healthcare system.
“Today, we confront a health care system that has been rigged against all of us,” they collectively said in the minute-long video. “Hospitals force patients to sign contracts for services without ever showing us actual prices, stifling competition, overcharging without accountability. And if we can’t pay, these same contracts allow them to take everything we own.”
Partnering with Power to the Patients, they labeled the current healthcare system as an “American healthcare crisis,” and rallied for more honest, affordable and equitable healthcare nationwide.
The video also came ahead of the congressional voting on healthcare transparency bills in Washington, D.C.
“Stifling competition. Overcharging without accountability and we can’t pay. These same contracts allow them to take everything we own,” they continue. “Creating so much fear that millions and millions of Americans refuse to enter a hospital. Our health and our lives at stake. This is an American humanitarian crisis. We demand prices and transparency in healthcare.”
Earlier this year, Power to the Patients, Fat Joe, City Council members and various union groups in New York City joined forces to advocate for transparency efforts.
That resulted in Mayor Eric Adams signing the Healthcare Accountability and Consumer Protection Act in June 2023.
The Act launched the nation’s first Office of Health Care Accountability to allow New Yorkers to compare hospital costs for the same services.
Naya Riverais stepping up her game on the internet…
YouTube and Lionsgate’s hit dance drama series Step Up: High Water, starring the 32-year-old part-Puerto Rican actress and former Glee star, has surged in viewership for its Season 2 premiere.
The first episode of the sophomore season has drawn 11.5 million views in the seven days since its March 20 debut, according to YouTube. Compared with the first episode of Season 1, which drew 1.3 million viewers through seven days following its January 31, 2018 debut, the Season 2 premiere is up 884% over the first season.
Based on the successful film franchise from Lionsgate, Step Up: High Water follows several students at a cut-throat performing arts school in Atlanta.
Series regulars Rivera, NE-YO, and Faizon Loveare back for Season 2, along with newcomers Ashley Greene, Robin Givensand Jeremy Copeland.
Multi-platinum recording artist and entrepreneur Rick Rossis set to guest star as himself. Todrick Hallwill also make a cameo playing himself. JaQuel Knightwill choreograph episode three as well as make a cameo playing himself.
Step Up: High Water is created and executive produced by showrunner Holly Sorensen(Recovery Road, Make It Or Break It).Adam Shankman, Jennifer Gibgotand Meredith Milton, all producers of the original Step Up films, executive produced season one, along with Channing Tatumand Jenna Dewan, who both co-starred in the original Step Up film. All have returned to executive produce for the second season.
The 73-year-old Mexican American actor and Machetestar has joined the cast of the comedy film The House Next Door, the sequel to Meet The Blacks, which has Mike Epps reprising his starring role. Deon Taylor is returning to direct.
Rick Ross and Katt Williams also star in the film along with returnees Bresha Webb, Zulay Henao, social media star Andrew Bachelor (a.k.a King Batch), and comedians Lil Duval, Michael Blackson and Tyrin Turner.
The project is currently shooting in Atlanta, Georgia.
It centers on overstressed Carl Black (Epps) who, after surviving a night of terror and becoming a best-selling author, moves his family back to his childhood home where he hopes to work on a new book. But when his quirky neighborhood becomes host to a mysteriously extravagant pimp (Williams), Carl’s work is interrupted as his cousin becomes convinced the new neighbor is a vampire and is trying to steal Carl’s entire family away.
Meet The Blacks bowed in theaters in 2016 via Freestyle Releasing and grossed $9 million at the box office.
Trejo, who was recently seen on CW’s The Flash, is known for his collaborations with director Robert Rodriguez in films like From Dusk Till Dawn andSpy Kids.
The Latino music producer and video director, whose real name is Carlos Suarez, will be releasing his forthcoming urban compilation album The Union as part of a new deal with Sony Latin Music.
The producer/director/A&R — known for spearheading visuals like French Montana’s “No Shopping” video featuring Drake and working alongside rap heavyweights like Diddy and Rick Ross — will curate The Union, a project that will blend hip-hop, bachata, R&B and reggaeton.
“Throughout my journey with this album and singles, not everyone understood my vision or just found it complicated,” Spiff TV tells Billboard in a statement. “But Sony Latin Music understood it from the moment I walked into their offices and their entire team became passionate of bringing what we currently are as a merged culture. The Union will be a music model of infusing culture diversity.”
Adds Sony Latin president Nir Seroussi: “There have been many attempts to bring the two worlds together but no one has come close to what Spiff has accomplished. He’s a true visionary and we’re thrilled that he has chosen us as his partner on this groundbreaking project.”
In anticipation for the album, Spiff TV released his latest single “Just As I Am” on Tuesday featuring Prince Royce and Chris Brown. Fusing R&B and bachata, the track will be available on Prince Royce’s new record FIVE, dropping on Friday, Feb. 24.
A release date for The Union is yet to be announced.
Def Jam Recordings is celebrating their 30th birthday with a special concert featuring performances from the label’s past and present artists, including the 33-year-old part-Dominican American R&B singer/actress.
Ashanti will be joined by Rick Ross and 2 Chainz at the event slated to take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on October 16.
Other artists set to take the stage include DMX, Fabolous, Jeremih, EPMD,Foxy Brown, Jhene Aiko, Method Man, Redmanand Ja Rule. More acts will be announced at a later date.
As part of the celebration, Def Jam will also release a limited-edition LP and CD box set featuring a collection of songs curated by Def Jam’s founder Rick Rubin. It also includes a commemorative T-shirt and booklet.
Tickets for the October 16 concert go on sale on August 22. However, those who pre-order the box set will receive an access code to a special pre-sale on August 20.
“It’s very exciting to be able to be part of such a special announcement that solidifies and continues forward the enduring mark the brand has made on pop culture,” said Steve Bartels, CEO of Def Jam Recordings, in a statement.
In a photo posted on Ross’ Twitter page, Ashanti dons a black leather corset dress and knee-high boots. Ross, meanwhile, sports his signature black sunglasses while standing beside her.
“Ashanti lookin like $$.. Video coming soon,” he captioned the pic.
Also spotted on the set were DJ Khaled and the song’s producer L.T. Hutton. It’s not clear whether or not they’ll appear in the upcoming video.
“I Got It” is lifted from Ashanti’s long-delayed new albumBraveHeart. Originally scheduled to be released last year, the singer’s fifth studio set is now slated to arrive on February 18 via her own record label Written Entertainment.
The 34-year-old half-Puerto Rican hip-hop artist and record producer has premiered his latest single “Hands Up,” with help from New York City’s Hot 97‘s Funkmaster Flex.
Swizz’s new track is a massive collaboration, featuring four of hip-hop’s brightest stars, Nicki MInaj, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz dropping verses while Swizz Beatz handles the hook.
Weezy kicks off the verses, acknowledging Beatz’s hip-hop greatness with, “Swizz this beat is a beast” and name-dropping Beatz’s wife Alicia Keys. Meanwhile, Minaj reasserts her reign with, “Ayo pass the crown to the real queen,” then “I’m a mogul, yes I am global/ I don’t do Barnes but yes I am noble/ Every interview yes I am their focal, point. I’m in da mansion, flossing, clickin’ cable.”
Maybach Music Group mogul Ross delivers the hip-hop lifestyle rundown, from his Cherokee to his Bugatti and down to his Rolls Royce, the jewels and the “hundred grand.” Chainz rounds it up, commanding the ladies with, “Let me see you pat your weave if you ratchet.”
Taking place on Wedenesday, January 10 at Hamilton Live and with congressional leaders and government officials in attendance, the event see the artists “shed light on the injustices created by a healthcare system that hides its prices, stifling competition and evading accountability for overcharges and price gouging,” according to the announcement.
