uelz Santana, rapper and member of The Diplomats (Dipset), sparked controversy by claiming that young people no longer need to know how to read. He cited the rise of AI and audiobooks as justification, a stance that drew sharp criticism from many on the left.

Consider Malcolm X, who did not attend high school or college but became a celebrated debater—thanks to his voracious reading and global travels. Similarly, President JFK, despite neglecting his Harvard education and relying on his father’s help, built strong reading habits while bedridden and broadened his perspective through travel. These experiences, rather than traditional academics, helped prepare him for the presidency.

If Santana had instead argued that formal education, such as college, is unnecessary for young people, more critics might have found common ground with his perspective.

For more on this story, click here.

While witnessing NBA star Klay Thompson defend his rapper girlfriend, Megan Thee Stallion, against Jason Williams' derogatory comments was admirable, it prompted me to reflect on the many who came before him, silently watching as men and the press publicly ridiculed and shamed their girlfriends, and even their wives.

In January 2013, the press and music insiders heavily criticized Beyoncé for lip-syncing the National Anthem at Obama's Inauguration. The singer's husband, rapper Jay-Z, never came to her defense. Instead, the woman who had spent years meticulously crafting a "strong woman" persona called a press conference to perform the National Anthem live, proving to the media that her singing ability hadn't lapsed. Her fans and naysayers had been familiar with her range as a vocalist for nearly two decades, because we've heard her sing live before. 

I wanted Jay-Z to tell the press to leave his wife alone. I wanted Beyoncé to issue a statement that read, "If you don't know I can sing my ass off by now, you're the problem, not my talent." But instead, she cowered. Her husband, as usual, through his silence, showed the world that women are unprotected and disrespected. But it isn't just Black women who lack defense from their partners.

During the 2024 presidential election, Donald Trump expressed in a social media post that he hated singer Taylor Swift after she endorsed VP Harris. In May 2025, Trump stated that Swift was "no longer hot." In both instances, Swift was dating 6'5", broad-shouldered NFL tight end Travis Kelce. His mouth stayed closed. Not only did Kelce never issue a statement, but when a reporter asked how he felt about Trump coming to see him play, he replied that it was always good to see a president at a game, regardless of who it was.

White men being more protective of their women than any other race of men is a delusion. Those who've been misled need to rethink their position and reflect on the many white women who Bill Cosby, Jeffrey Epstein, and Harvey Weinstein freely violated for years, without fear of any white father, brother, uncle, or friend retaliating.

The secret is out. As the smoke clears, the most unprotected and disrespected species becomes evident. It isn't just Black women that men don't create safe spaces for. Men value no race of women. However, that doesn't mean they stroll through life with no passion or conviction for anything.

Women have to sit on the sidelines and watch their partners take to the streets and burn jerseys of athletes who infuriated them after switching teams. We've seen male athletes fight each other over plays on the football field and the basketball court. Women look on as rappers kill each other over music, while they call women bitches and hoes and convince us that it's art.

My gender doesn't get retribution; we are put through a humiliation ritual in public and private, leaving us with lifelong memories of anger, shame, regret, precarious relationships, and self-doubt. It is a hard, cold fact that men don't love the way we do. Sadly, more women are adopting the personalities and narratives of men, weaponizing their words and deeds against their gender. Until we realize we are all each other has, we and our daughters will never have the protection needed in a world where the female gender isn’t safe, even in the spaces where we should be the most valued—schools, churches, homes.

This is a call to action. Women, we are all we have. Let’s move like it.

In the early 2000s, media outlets heavily promoted Cameron Diaz as an extraordinary beauty, insisting her appeal set a standard for women and was every man’s type.

Now, in 2025, history repeats itself with Sydney Sweeney, even though there is little to objectively set most white actresses apart beyond talent. This recurring cycle is further perpetuated by an overreliance on cosmetic enhancements, which result in uniform, expressionless appearances.

Meanwhile, the media only tends to highlight Black women’s beauty when it appears truly exceptional. For example, Kayla Nicole, the ex of NFL star Travis Kelce, recently showcased her talent by perfectly recreating a Toni Braxton video for Halloween—impressing audiences and fueling speculation about her influence on culture and relationships.

Against this backdrop, the ongoing comparison between Kayla Nicole and Taylor Swift highlights how race and socioeconomic factors shape perceptions of beauty. When confronted with Kayla’s appeal, Swift’s supporters often pivot toward emphasizing Swift’s financial and professional achievements instead.

These dynamics reveal an unwillingness by society and media to admit that white beauty standards are upheld by illusion rather than inherent superiority. Ultimately, Kayla Nicole’s distinctive and captivating presence signals that mainstream recognition of Black women’s beauty is overdue.

For more on Kayla Nicole’s Halloween costume, click here.

Rapper Megan Thee Stallion released her Lover Girl video last week to heavy criticism, which the entertainer is shrugging off as “bots and paid people.”

Is this scrutiny contrived, or is Megan pushing boundaries too far? The highly provocative style in her latest work surpasses even what is typically seen in her genre, raising questions about the limits of artistic expression in hip-hop.

Megan’s growth as a lyricist and her poise set her apart from her peers. However, Lover Girl marks a significant shift: it’s an extreme, provocative portrayal that goes beyond typical boundaries in hip-hop. My central argument is that this new direction crosses a line of artistic responsibility, which is why the criticism is warranted.

TikTok creators say the release distracts from the trouble facing her management company, Roc Nation. Megan responded on social media, claiming that negative critics are bots and that people were paid to target her.

The video and lyrics are among the most degrading I’ve seen from any rapper. I can’t help but wonder what her new boyfriend, Klay Thompson, thinks.

As a feminist, I’m still concerned about how a man views what the woman in his life does for work, especially when he seems decent. Megan has upgraded her partner as well. Before dating Thompson, as with so many others, physical appearance didn’t seem to matter. But Thompson, Dallas Mavericks shooting guard, is an impressive 6’5 and looks great in a tuxedo at Megan’s side on the red carpet. Is it fair to ask her to consider his feelings? I think so. Women should think about how their image affects their partners, especially when both are famous.

Clinton once asked what we want our legacies to be —a question that is relevant now. My concern is not just with the sexualized images but with how these representations impact cultural legacy, especially for women. The argument I present is about the consequences of such portrayals, not just their existence.

I’m sure Megan will do as she pleases. She’ll keep pushing videos where clothes are optional; nothing will be censored. The only standard will be a hairless lower half.

This criticism is not orchestrated. My main point is the legitimacy of concerns about Megan’s choices—they reflect real discomfort, not just online noise.

For more on this story, click here.

Bad Bunny to perform at Super Bowl LX after record-breaking shows in Puerto Rico. Checkout the artist’s reaction after Jay-Z called him with the news!

First Kayla Nicole, now Summer Walker. Both women allowed Chris Brown to have his way with them on stage, seemingly overlooking his alleged violent past with multiple women. My main concern is how such behavior signals what is often normalized when it comes to men in the public eye, especially by women themselves.

I urge women to reflect when they feel frustrated about the double standards men benefit from—being called "insatiable lotharios" or "sex addicts" instead of "whores" or "sluts." When describing men who harm women, consider why softer terms are often used, and remember how this language contrasts with the harsher labels women receive. The point is: when women accept and normalize certain behaviors, it enables men to avoid consequences and keeps these double standards intact.

For Kayla Nicole’s explanation, click here.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are engaged, but are black women getting overlooked for marriage proposals because of the images they publicly display?

White women are “doing the most” also. However, it doesn’t affect them equally. What should black women do?

Will we ever stop talking about Kayla Nicole? Travis Kelce’s ex is in the middle of many hot debates after pop singer Taylor Swift and her beau of two years announced their engagement this week.

From the desk of Lawtonlane.com

The prosecution lost the RICO charges against Sean "P. Diddy" Combs' trial today. While the music mogul can be relieved, a jury of his peers still found him guilty of transportation for prostitution, which is the lesser of the charges.

Needless to say, Lawton Lane News is outraged. For more information on this flawed prosecution, which could have been strengthened if they had subpoenaed Ally Carter, click here.

The trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs has come to an end with deliberations now taking place. Just a few minutes ago, the judge delivered his instructions to the jurors, and Diddy’s fate rests in the hands of twelve strangers who will decide if the disgraced music mogul is found guilty in his RICO case.

Last week, reports claimed that for the first time since the trial began, Diddy appeared to be shaken, as if it were finally settling in that he could be leaving behind the luxurious and jet-setting life he had created through his music, brand and endorsement deals, which had earned him millions.

Stay tuned. For more on this sad story, which didn’t have to end this way if it weren’t more critical to Diddy to be a pimp and a gangster, allegedly, click here.

From the desk of Lawtonlane.com

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez got married last week, and the claws are coming out—from White women.

First, former Fox TV host Megyn Kelly never seems to miss an opportunity to snipe at Sanchez, and yesterday, former Today anchor Katie Couric called Sanchez “tacky.”

Kelly and Couric have daughters.

For more on this shameful story, click here.