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Shaquille O’Neal may have dominated on the basketball court, but his off-court moves in crypto haven’t aged quite as gracefully. The NBA Hall of Famer recently agreed to a $1.8 million settlement in a class action lawsuit over his role promoting FTX, the now-defunct cryptocurrency exchange. O’Neal, along with high-profile celebrities including Steph Curry, Tom Brady and others, were caught in the crosshairs when the $32 billion company collapsed, according to Bloomberg. As celebrity-backed crypto ventures fall under sharper scrutiny, the FTX fallout has become a cautionary tale with deep cultural implications, especially for vulnerable communities often targeted by influencer marketing.  

FTX Settlement, Shaq’s Impact       

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Family offices already caught the attention of high-net worth individuals and now they're taking it up a notch higher to diversify their investment portfolios. Away from the traditional assets and stocks, more people are warming up to arts and collectibles as alternative investments. With 40% of Americans already actively hoarding their collectibles, it is a booming industry that cannot afford to be ignored.   

Redefining Wealth Through Art       

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Tariffs are back in the news, and that has both American car buyers and automakers watching closely. In 2024, the U.S. imported $219.5 billion in passenger vehicles, up about 4.4% from the year before. As lawmakers weigh new duties on foreign-made cars and parts, the effects could hit hard, especially in top auto-importing states like Michigan, California, and Texas. Just five countries supply over 83% of all U.S. car imports by value. Mexico leads with $50 billion in exports, or nearly 23% of the total, thanks to its proximity and favorable NAFTA/USMCA terms. These numbers show how tightly the U.S. auto market is tied to a few key partners, making it highly sensitive to trade shifts.   

Tariffs Threaten Auto Imports       

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What if the next billion-dollar startup isn’t from Silicon Valley, but from the bustling streets of Lagos, Nigeria or the creative corridors of Accra, Ghana? Across the African continent, a tech revolution is underway and Black Americans are uniquely poised to be part of the story. As more African founders solve real-world problems with homegrown innovation, the diaspora is stepping in with capital, mentorship, and cultural alignment that mainstream investors often lack.   

Africa’s Next Startup Giants       

Akon City won’t be coming “Phresh Out the Runway" as told by Rihanna in our CBX Vibes!