Da Brat has been a powerhouse in the hip-hop industry for decades, making history as the first female rapper to go platinum. Over the years, she has expanded her career beyond music, diving into business ventures, television, and radio. With multiple streams of income and a legacy that continues to influence hip-hop, Da Brat’s net worth in 2025 reflects her longevity in the industry and her smart financial moves. Da Brat’s Rise To Fame Born Shawntae Harris, Da Brat burst onto the hip-hop scene in the early 1990s after winning a rap contest that caught the attention of producer Jermaine Dupri. Under his guidance, she signed with So So Def Recordings and released her debut album, Funkdafied , in 1994. The album was a massive success, selling over a million copies and making Da Brat the first solo female rapper to achieve platinum status. Her distinctive flow, energetic delivery, and ability to blend street rap with mainstream appeal helped her carve out a unique space in the industry....
Writing a resume can be a frustrating process. Finding the right words to highlight your experience, tailoring your resume for different jobs, and making sure it passes applicant tracking systems (ATS) can feel overwhelming. That’s where ChatGPT can help . By using the right prompts, you can quickly refine your resume, generate strong bullet points, and make sure your application stands out to recruiters. Whether you’re starting from scratch or improving what you already have, here’s how to make AI work for you. How To Write A Strong Resume Summary With ChatGPT A resume summary should be clear, engaging, and to the point. It’s your chance to introduce yourself and highlight what makes you a strong candidate. If you’re struggling to get it right, try this prompt: “Write a professional resume summary for a [job title] with [years] of experience in [industry]. Focus on key skills in [specific skills], major accomplishments, and career goals. Keep it under 100 words.” For example, if...
Black inventors and entrepreneurs have played a crucial role in shaping industries, improving daily life, and driving technological advancements, often overcoming systemic barriers to bring their ideas to life. Despite facing discrimination and a lack of recognition, many Black inventors revolutionized everything from agriculture and medicine to transportation and communication. Their innovations continue to impact the world today, proving that ingenuity and perseverance can break through any obstacle. Garrett Morgan: Innovator Of Public Safety Garrett Morgan was a prolific inventor whose creations have saved countless lives. Born in 1877, he is best known for developing the modern three-position traffic signal, which introduced a warning light between “stop” and “go,” significantly reducing accidents. This invention was later patented and sold to General Electric. Morgan also invented the gas mask, which he originally designed to protect firefighters from smoke inhalation. His...
Business self-help books are essential to those who are looking to succeed in their chosen career paths. Learning from others who have already paved the way might open up new trains of thought and ways of thinking that could shake the foundation of how you run your business. Robert Greene’s The 48 Laws of Power is a must-read for entrepreneurs looking to master strategy, influence, and leadership. If you found it insightful, here are other books—including works by Black authors—that explore power, persuasion, and success in business. The Art Of War By Sun Tzu Goodreads Rating: 4.0/5 It might seem an odd recommendation for books like The 48 Laws of Power, especially for business purposes, but The Art of War offers surprising insights that can be useful in business and entrepreneurship. A classic on strategy and competition, The Art of War offers lessons on preparation, adaptability, and psychological advantage. Entrepreneurs can apply its teachings to negotiations, business...
Crafting the perfect resume requires strategic decisions about what to include and what to leave out. One of the most common questions job seekers face is how many jobs they should list. While you want to showcase your experience, overwhelming recruiters with excessive details can work against you. The ideal number of jobs to include depends on factors like your career stage, relevance to the role, and resume length guidelines. How Much Work Experience Should You Include? A general rule of thumb is to include 10 to 15 years of work history. This provides employers with enough context about your career progression while keeping your resume concise. If you have decades of experience, listing every job you’ve ever had isn’t necessary. Instead, focus on positions that are most relevant to your current career goals. For early-career professionals, it’s acceptable to list all your past jobs, internships, or even significant freelance work. If you’ve only had one or two formal jobs,...
Balancing a personal startup with a full-time job can seem like a bold but rewarding endeavor. Many entrepreneurs launch their ventures while still working at another company, using the stability of a paycheck to fund their ideas. However, this approach requires careful consideration of legal, ethical, and practical factors to ensure success without jeopardizing your current employment. Understanding Legal And Contractual Obligations Before diving in, it’s crucial to review your employment contract. Many companies include clauses that restrict employees from working on side projects, especially those that could compete with their business. Non-compete agreements may prevent you from starting a business in the same industry, while intellectual property clauses could mean your employer owns anything you create during your employment. If any of these terms are unclear, consulting a legal professional can help you avoid potential complications. Balancing Work And Entrepreneurship...
Success in business is as much about strategy as it is about skill. Robert Greene’s The 48 Laws of Power has long been a guide for those looking to navigate the complexities of leadership , negotiation, and influence. While the book is often seen as controversial, its insights can be powerful tools when applied with intention and ethics. Below are key quotes from The 48 Laws of Power that can provide valuable lessons for business professionals striving to master their industry. “Never Outshine The Master.” In business, understanding hierarchy is crucial. Whether you’re working for a company or building your own, making superiors feel secure in their position ensures smoother professional relationships. Many careers have been derailed because an employee unintentionally threatened their boss’s authority. The key takeaway? Demonstrate competence, but allow those above you to take credit when necessary. Influence is built strategically, not by brute force. “So Much Depends On...
Annuities are often marketed as safe, reliable financial products that provide guaranteed income during retirement . While they may sound appealing on the surface, annuities can come with hidden pitfalls that make them less than ideal for many investors. Here’s a closer look at why annuities might be a poor investment choice for you. High Fees And Expenses One of the biggest drawbacks of annuities is their high cost. Many annuities come with layers of fees, including administrative charges, mortality and expense risk fees, and investment management fees. Variable annuities, in particular, can include additional costs like fund management fees and rider charges. These fees can eat into your returns over time, significantly reducing the overall growth of your investment. For instance, fees for variable annuities often average around 2% to 3% annually. Over decades, these fees compound and can cost you tens of thousands of dollars compared to lower-cost investment options like index...
In the world of finance and corporate leadership, Mellody Hobson stands as a beacon of excellence and a role model for aspiring professionals. An investor, businesswoman and financial educator, Hobson is a former chair at companies like Starbucks and Dreamworks, TED Talk frequent-flier, and importantly the president and co-CEO of Ariel Investments. With a career spanning decades, she has redefined what it means to be a Black leader in the investment world while championing diversity and inclusion at every step. But Hobson’s journey to becoming one of the most influential businesswomen in America is as inspiring as it is groundbreaking. Early Life And Education: Foundations Of Success Born in Chicago in 1969, Hobson grew up in modest circumstances, raised by a single mother who instilled in her the importance of hard work and education. Hobson excelled academically and eventually earned a full scholarship to Princeton University, where she graduated with a degree in Public and...
In today’s competitive job market , having additional licenses, certifications, education , and training can give you a significant edge, enhance your resume, and make you more marketable to employers. The best part? Some of these credentials are easy to obtain and don’t require years of study or experience. Here’s a guide to some simple yet impactful licenses and certifications that can help you advance your career. Google Analytics Certification Google Analytics certification is a must-have for professionals in marketing, e-commerce, and web development. This free certification, offered by Google, provides a solid foundation in analyzing web traffic, understanding customer behavior, and optimizing online performance. According to DashThis , the certification helps professionals improve their data interpretation skills, a critical aspect of any business reliant on digital channels. The program is beginner-friendly and can be completed in under 10 hours. It also sets candidates...
Employers’ liability insurance is a crucial type of business insurance designed to protect employers from financial loss if an employee sues for a work-related injury or illness. While workers’ compensation insurance typically covers medical expenses and lost wages for injured employees, employers’ liability insurance provides coverage when an employee alleges that negligence or unsafe practices by the employer directly contributed to their injury or illness. This insurance safeguards businesses against potentially devastating lawsuits, ensuring that employers can manage legal and financial risks effectively. How Employers’ Liability Insurance Works Employers ’ liability insurance comes into play when an employee believes their injury or illness resulted from the employer’s negligence and chooses to file a lawsuit rather than rely solely on workers’ compensation benefits. For example, an employee might claim the employer failed to provide adequate safety training, leading to an...
Writing a letter of recommendation for a friend can feel like an honor and a responsibility. It’s an opportunity to support someone you care about while helping them advance in their career , education , or personal endeavors. A well-crafted recommendation letter can make a strong impression on potential employers, admissions committees, or other evaluators. Here’s a guide to help you write a thoughtful and effective letter of recommendation for a friend. Understand The Purpose Of The Letter Before you start writing a letter of recommendation for a friend, clarify the purpose of the letter itself. Is it for a job, graduate school, a volunteer position, or something else? Understanding the context will help you tailor the letter to meet the specific requirements. Ask your friend for details about the opportunity, such as the job description or program guidelines, so you can align your tone and content with what the recipient expects. Much like creating a resume, tailoring the letter...
Economic challenges often force companies to make tough decisions about their workforce, with “furlough” and “layoff” being two terms frequently mentioned. While both terms involve disruptions to employment, they carry different implications for employees and businesses. Understanding these differences is crucial for navigating uncertain times and planning the next steps effectively. What Is A Furlough? A furlough is a temporary, unpaid leave of absence initiated by an employer. Unlike a layoff, a furlough allows employees to remain on the company’s payroll, maintaining their employment status even though they are not actively working or receiving pay. The key feature of a furlough is its temporary nature, as it is typically used when a company expects to bring employees back once conditions improve. Employees on furlough often retain access to certain benefits, such as health insurance, depending on company policies and the length of the furlough. Employers use furloughs to manage...
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...