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What began as one man filming himself while eating takeout from local eateries has evolved into a movement that’s reshaped the economic trajectory for countless small restaurants across the country. Keith Lee, the former professional MMA fighter-turned-social media powerhouse, now holds the key that determines success for restaurateurs without big marketing budgets.

With over 17 million followers on TikTok and 2.6 million on Instagram, Lee’s food reviews have become a viral phenomenon. The restaurants featured in his videos — many of which are Black-owned and/or family-run — often experience what is now known as “The Keith Lee Effect,” which ushers in long lines, sold-out menus, and newfound media attention that can change a business’s trajectory overnight.

“I’ve been on TikTok since 2020,” Lee told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “But it wasn’t until December 2022 that I realized people were taking it way more seriously than me just eating food. I still just be eating food, praying, and staying with my family—but it’s spiraled into something much bigger in other people’s eyes.”

One of the reasons behind Lee’s viral reach is his humility and transparency, which have made him one of the most trusted voices on the Internet.

“I just be chilling,” he said with a laugh. “I understand that I’m put here by God and I have a purpose, but I’m just a vessel. The real heroes are the people who wait outside for two or three hours to support those small family-owned businesses.”

Still, not every city has welcomed his honest reviews. Lee’s comments about food scenes in Atlanta and D.C. sparked public backlash. Still, he remains grounded. “I don’t take it personal,” he said. “I get that people take pride in their city’s food culture. I just mind my business and adapt.”

However, he won’t remain silent if criticism erupts into attacks on his family or small business owners. “I’ll take the heat before letting those restaurants be at the forefront of negativity,” he said. “This is their livelihood—it’s way more serious for them than me just eating food.”

Despite his fame, Lee insists that money has never been his motivation. “I don’t make a lot of money on social media itself,” he said. “Most of it comes from companies with marketing budgets who want to collaborate. But I don’t take a dime from small restaurants.”

Kieth Lee has also turned down multi-million-dollar offers that didn’t align with his values. “Not all money is my money,” he said. “If you take what’s not meant for you just because it looks good, you block the blessings that are.”

Still, Lee’s business savvy is undeniable. He teased that he’s working on new products and long-term projects slated for release over the next few months. “I’ve been meticulous about it,” he said. “Everything coming at the end of this year or next has been thought about for a very long time.”

As Lee’s millions of followers know, faith and family are at the center of his empire. “I pray before everything—before I eat, before I drive, before an interview,” he said. “And I don’t ask for anything. I just thank God in advance.”

It’s that gratitude and groundedness that keep him balanced amid fame. “We were happy when we were living in a two-bedroom apartment on food stamps,” he said. “As long as my family is healthy and together, I’m more than happy. Everything else is extra.”

Watch Keith Lee’s full exclusive interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE below.

Terrace Martin, who’s been nominated for six Grammy awards and produced songs for everyone from Kendrick Lamar and Snoop Dogg to Stevie Wonder and Charlie Wilson, has just released new music with a surprising collaborator: The House of Suntory Japanese whisky.

For the launch of its limited-edition Toki Black, Suntory worked with Martin and Japanese jazz artist Ryota Nozaki, known as Jazztronik. The resulting composition was inspired by Toki, which means “time,” and by the Japanese philosophy of Ichigo Ichie—the idea that each moment is unique and unrepeatable.

Suntory recorded the creative process and released both a film and a bespoke vinyl: Side A features an improvisational session between the artists, while Side B presents Martin’s modern reinterpretation.

“I never worked with all Japanese musicians. The only thing we had to communicate with was music. But music, love, and this whisky had everybody just on one accord. It was a beautiful experience,” Martin said at a launch event in New York City, “and Toki Black was the fuel.”

BLACK ENTERPRISE caught up with Martin after the launch of Toki Black Japanese whisky to hear more about how he approaches the business side of creating music for brand deals:

What was it about this opportunity with Suntory that piqued your interest?

Besides the great whisky, everybody on the Suntory team felt like a family. Everybody had tons of great ideas. Their ultimate goal was to make sure both of our brands were aligned.

How do you evaluate the opportunities you’re presented to collaborate with brands?

I choose collaboration partners based on the brand’s integrity and what their mission is. If the brand’s mission lines up with mine, I’ll decide I want to go forward.

Did you enlist any help to assess the business side of these collaborations?

Yes, I’ve gotten advice from multiple people about their brand deals, like Herbie Hancock and Snoop Dogg. Most of the time they told me it went extremely well when pairing with the right brand.

This was your first time working with people you haven’t been making music with for the last 30 years. What does it mean to you, especially as a Black artist, to have been able to make a living with your crew from back in the day?

Reaching success with the same set of friends I’ve had since grade school is a blessing; I’m very grateful and thankful for that. It means the world to me, operating in such a crazy business I have a trusted family that I can also go to, and that’s more than gold.

At a time when it feels like there’s less communication and collaboration and more mistrust and division, can you share advice for working with people who aren’t like you?

My best advice is to expect the unexpected, remove all ego, and go into each situation with an open mind and open heart.

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Since being appointed Birmingham, Alabama’s new Chief of Police, Michael Pickett has drawn attention on social media for the physical appeal he brings to the job.

A quick search of his name on social media reveals numerous accounts praising Michael Pickett, the Birmingham Chief of Police, who was appointed to the role in April, for his looks.

“Birmingham, Alabama, police chief so damn fine yall omg,” one X user wrote.

“You ever wanted to know what “my type” is? Please see the Chief of police in Birmingham,” another user tweeted.

X user Te’Erika went a step further, sharing details of his background while nominating him as a “fine specimen of a Black man.”

“Michael Pickett, pick me!” she exclaimed. “Look at him. Oh my gosh!”

Pickett has gained renewed attention in Birmingham following his appointment as Chief of Police. The title came after serving as Interim Chief since December, following Chief Scott Thurmond’s retirement. A 20-year department veteran and graduate of Ramsay High School and Miles College, Pickett began his career as a patrol officer in the West Precinct.

Throughout his career, Pickett has served in various roles, including undercover work and overseeing safety and security for major events like The World Games. As Deputy Chief of Special Operations, he launched Operation Knight Rider to combat illegal and dangerous exhibition driving in the city.

During his time as interim chief, Pickett strengthened partnerships with Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway and with federal and state law enforcement agencies. Now, under his leadership, the Birmingham Police Department aims to focus on recruiting the next generation of law enforcement officers.

“I want to thank Mayor Woodfin for his confidence in me and support for the Birmingham Police Department,” Pickett said. “From the mayor and council’s support of the $16 million police recruitment and retention plan to a commitment to new resources, and investment in a comprehensive violence reduction strategy, we are working to create the next generation of effective law enforcement in Birmingham.”

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A Miami, Florida, woman decides to get “gummy bear” breast implants in 2021. However, she discovers that her surgery didn’t go as agreed after she gets into a car accident.

In a video with over 288,000 views, TikToker Sanadamarie (@sanadamarie) explains that she became determined to get her breasts done in 2021. She says she wanted them smaller and more lifted, but liked the look of implants.