#SecureTheBag Russell Simmons Sells Rushcard for $147 Million

Hip-hop mogul, Russell Simmons, closed January with a major power move. 

According to Yahoo News...

NEW YORK (AP) -- RushCard, the prepaid debit card company founded by hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, is being bought by rival Green Dot for $147 million.

Green Dot said Monday it will buy UniRush, the parent company of RushCard as well as the Rapid! payroll debit card. Simmons started RushCard in 2003 as one of the first prepaid cards to focus on minority customers and charge lower-than-average fees.

RushCard is perhaps best known for a software upgrade that went haywire in 2015, cutting off more than 400,000 customers from their funds for days and even weeks. People told of being unable to purchase necessities for their children, and customer service lines were tied up for weeks.

Despite RushCard's 2015 problems, Streit said Green Dot is buying RushCard largely for the name recognition as well as its sizeable customer base of 750,000 people. Green Dot plans to retain the RushCard name and brand along with its other products.

"Having his name associated with RushCard is a big reason why we are buying it," Streit said in an interview.

As part of the transaction, Streit said Green Dot will not be liable for any settlements tied to the 2015 incident. This includes the investigation still ongoing by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

#Goals Terrance J Snags Production Deal With MTV & VH1

Former E News host, Terrance J, has inked first-look production and talent deal with MTV and VH1. With this deal Terrance will develop and executive produce original content for both networks via his Jenkins Entertainment Group. Additionally, he will provide on-air hosting duties throughout the year for potential projects including tentpole pre-shows, live events, after shows and original series for both networks. 

"We're excited to have Terrence J join the MTV and VH1 families in both executive producer and on-air capacities," said Amy Doyle, General Manager of MTV, VH1 and Logo. "His past work has earned him fans around the globe and we know he'll bring his signature voice to our brands."

"MTV and VH1 are some of the most iconic television brands in the world," said Terrence Jenkins. "I grew up watching both and I can't wait to bring my POV in programming and personality to these networks and their loyal viewers."

He currently hosts Are You The One? live after-show, Aftermatch, airing Wednesday nights at 11 PM on MTV.