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Cory Booker’s 25-Hour Stand Is Prototype For Political Resistance For Dems

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur)Category: Opinion

“Impossible things against impossible odds.” – Sen. Cory Booker

When Senator Cory Booker took the Senate floor and decided to speak non-stop for more than 25 hours, he wasn’t just breaking records. The New Jersey Democrat was shaking the very core of American politics, taking a stand against the chaos brought on by figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

And he did it without a break. He at no food, no bathroom breaks—just water and an uncanny conviction. It’s important to put Booker’s feat into proper historic perspective. The previous record was held by a raging racist named Strom Thurmond, who stood for over 24 hours protesting the Civil Rights Act in 1957. The Civil Rights Act of 1957, the first federal civil rights legislation since Reconstruction, aimed to protect the voting rights of African Americans by establishing a Civil Rights Division within the Justice Department and a U.S. Civil Rights Commission. Thurmond did a bunch nothing in his bigoted stand, reading from encyclopedia books and whatnot.

Booker surpassed Thurmond’s milestone by standing firmly against the crisis facing our nation today.

Big Respect.

At the outset of this historic moment, Booker made his intentions crystal clear: “I rise with the intention of disrupting the normal business of the United States Senate for as long as I am physically able.”

This wasn’t political theater. It was an urgent call to action. Booker, like others in staunch resistance, refusal to normalize unprecedented threats to our safety, financial stability, and democracy itself. Booker didn’t recite gibberish or ramble. “These are not normal times in America,” he maintained. “And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate.”

As I watched off and on, it was clear that Booker was giving us a masterclass in the art of the filibuster. This was a meaningful act of resistance, not political stalling. Unlike the past, where we’ve seen “Lyin'” Ted Cruz reading “Green Eggs and Ham” or another senator singing the Mets’ fight song), Booker was intentional. He used every moment purposefully. His approach was straightforward. He read letters from constituents, challenge his Democratic peers, and and un-muted voices that typically go unheard. Booker stood there, ready to keep going as long as necessary.

It was a powerful reminder that public officials are elected to represent and serve us, the people. Booker took that responsibility seriously.

Booker properly crafted a contrast between himself and those across the aisle intent on doing nothing or going along with the Trump program. Republicans (and some Dems) who refuse to engage in meaningful dialogue. I won’t even get started on meaningful legislation, which is in service of the people. If they’re committed to creating chaos, Booker argues, then we have a clear choice: Resist. We, the people, must demand more from our leaders, hold them accountable, and ensure the public record reflects the truth. He put it all on the record for 25 hours.

Be clear: Senator Booker’s historic filibuster isn’t just about breaking records. It is about reminding us what true leadership looks like. We have to put it into practice, as a people and in politics. It’s about standing up when everyone else is sitting down. And it’s a challenge to all of us: will we support leaders who genuinely represent our interests, or will we continue to let the circus run unchecked?

The choice, ultimately, is ours.

Epilogue:

AllHipHop has had a longstanding relationship with Cory Booker that dates back to his time as mayor of Newark, New Jersey. During those crucial years, Booker consistently supported our community initiatives, including our popular “Social Lounge,” which brought together celebrities, academics, activists, and political leaders for engaging discussions. He showed genuine support by joining us at our office for informal gatherings we fondly remember as “Politics and Pizza.” Cory Booker’s support during that transformative period was sincere, far beyond mere photo opportunities or attention-seeking behavior. His actions, both then and now, are authentic and impactful, inspiring not only the Democratic Party but the broader community as well.

His words and legacy are like a stone thrown into a river, creating ripples we’ll feel for years. While we might not see physical protests as frequently, many Black Americans are choosing different forms of activism. The energy Booker generated resonates deeply and is an extension of what lies under the water. We’re witnessing Black communities and other people of color aligning energetically and powerfully in ways that defy conventional logic.

Thank you, Senator Cory Booker, for your unwavering commitment.

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Jonathan Majors Talks Megan Good, Kang The Conqueror, Marvel, His Comeback & Redemption

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur)Category: Exclusives

“If this wasn’t my purpose, I asked God to take the desire away—but He just keeps enhancing it.” —Jonathan Majors

At one point, Jonathan Majors, now 35, was everywhere. The Texas-born actor launched into Hollywood royalty with critically acclaimed performances in The Last Black Man in San Francisco, Lovecraft Country, Creed II and the commanding, instantly iconic Kang the Conqueror in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Through his work, he quickly became synonymous with Black Excellence. But faster than his skyrocket, Majors was grounded the courts of public opinion and the legal system. Both his career and reputation were put on pause.

In the court of public opinion, few actors have had such a swift shift from “next big thing” to question mark. But that’s not where Jonathan Majors’ story ends. Not even close.

Enter Magazine Dreams. The Yale School of Drama grad’s latest is a raw, heart-wrenching performance that pushes the boundaries of character acting. Majors reintroduces himself not only as an artist but as a man in evolution. He’s training again, not just for roles but for a new life. He speaks to Chuck Jigsaw Creekmur with a quiet intensity, full of introspection, spiritual reckoning, and a newfound focus on love, legacy, and healing.

In this deeply personal conversation with AllHipHop, Majors opens up about the emotional and physical demands of Magazine Dreams, the complexities of being a Black man in America, spiritual healing through hypnosis, and his creative future. Furthermore, he discusses “working” alongside his partner and new wife, actress Megan Good. He even gives us his Top 5 dead-or-alive MCs, and trust—it’s not the list you’d expect.

This isn’t a comeback. It’s more of a continuation and a new chapter. Jonathan Majors may be walking between controversy and redemption, but seems to be doing it with purpose and definitely with an uncanny talent.

AllHipHop: What’s going on, everybody? It’s your man Chuck Creekmur, aka Jigsaw, and I’m here with a modern-day G.O.A.T.—Jonathan Majors. How you doing, man?

Jonathan Majors: I’m really, really good, brother. Blessed. Good to see you, man. Nice to meet you.

AllHipHop: You too, man. I’m a huge fan—I’m not even going to lie. This is a real treat. I have to admit, Magazine Dreams feels like your magnum opus. Apex acting. I saw it and cried. Even in the car on the way home, I was tearing up. First off, spiritually and mentally—are things clicking now?

Jonathan Majors: We’re firing on all cylinders, man. And I’ve got a great backup. She’s holding me down, and I’m just happy. I’m really happy.

AllHipHop: That’s beautiful. Now, looking at the complexity of Killian Maddox—physically, mentally, emotionally—did you take any special steps to prepare for this role that differed from others?

Jonathan Majors: Yes. When I first read the script, I thought, “This is it.” Some roles require everything. You don’t want to overdo it, but with Killian, I threw everything at it—and then had to go find more. I worked with my godmother, Michelle Shea, on the psychology. I realized Killian is like a superhero—he feels deeply and pushes his body beyond limits. That physical intensity became a kind of rehearsal. It was the first time I fully connected body and mind in the work. The training and emotional depth were both extreme—and deeply connected.

AllHipHop: Director Elijah Bynum—gotta put some respect on his name—did an amazing job. He said the film is more about the human experience than a racial one. I agree, but I also felt triggered by certain scenes, like the police interaction. You’ve said this story is uniquely Black in a cinematic sense. Can you elaborate?

Jonathan Majors: Absolutely. Elijah is right—it’s a human story. But also, humanity is experienced through groups, cultures, tribes. Killian is navigating a world where he’s an outlier—neurodivergent, physically exceptional, emotionally scarred. That makes him a minority in many ways. And then there’s the Black experience. You see very few other Black people in his world. Being Black is part of the human experience, but it comes with different obstacles. People judge you before knowing your name. So yes, it’s a human story—but a specifically human story from a Black lens.

AllHipHop: I was watching your Breakfast Club interview—shout out to them—and you mentioned hypnosis as part of your healing journey. They didn’t follow up, but I caught that. Can you expand on it?

Jonathan Majors: Yeah. I met a hypnotist in Hawaii while visiting my father-in-law. She had an office in L.A., and I was assembling my healing team. It was Christian-based, and she said all the right things. We never got to full hypnosis, but we did go deep—into the mind, into vulnerable spaces. The mind is powerful. You start saying things you didn’t know were inside you. That unlocked new doors for healing and growth. It was just one session, but it was impactful.

AllHipHop: I’m a lifelong comic nerd—The Incredible Hulk’s my favorite. When you got the role of Kang, I was hyped. He’s another complex character. Did you prepare differently for him?

Jonathan Majors: Definitely. Kang—and all his variants—is a layered role. For Kang Prime in Quantumania, I researched real-world conquerors and tyrants. That gave me emotional and psychological grounding. Then I did the comic book homework. I also used masks from my theater background—each mask had a different energy, stacked like layers. Kang is a composite of all those energies. When I played Victor Timely, he was already within that Kang mask. It was deep work—but fun.

AllHipHop: Off the record—or on the record—my podcast The Certified Squad is starting the petition to bring you back to the Marvel Universe. You don’t have to comment, I’m just putting that out there.

Jonathan Majors: (Laughs) I hear you.

AllHipHop: If you could relive any year of your life—without changing anything—what year would it be?

Jonathan Majors: 2014. The year my daughter was born. I’d love to relive that first year with her.

AllHipHop: Right now, with everything you’ve been through, what does success look like to you?
Jonathan Majors: Waking up rested. Kissing my wife. Hitting the gym. Stimulating my mind and body. Spending time with my wife and dogs. Making meaningful art that touches people. That’s success. And I’ve prayed—if this isn’t what I’m meant to do, take the desire away. But it keeps growing. So I know something big is coming. We’ve got two projects on deck. I can’t wait to share them.

AllHipHop: That’s dope. Megan’s in the DC Universe, you were in Marvel… maybe you’re building a new universe together?

Jonathan Majors: (Laughs) We are building a universe. I’d do anything with her. We’re already in the best movie—life. We work really well together. She helps me, I help her—it’s mutual. We’re in love, we believe in each other. So yeah, something is definitely going to happen creatively.

AllHipHop: Can you talk briefly about your upcoming projects?

Jonathan Majors: Sure. One is a sci-fi thriller drama called Merciless, directed by Martin Villeneuve—we shoot that soon. Another is about a CIA agent who gets pulled into a dark spiritual realm and must save his wife. It’s about how far a man will go for love. The third is a full-on action film—think The Raid. Gerard McMurray is directing. It’s for the culture. No blue screens—I start training next week. It’s going to be real.

AllHipHop: Are you into Hip-Hop?

Jonathan Majors: Am I into Hip-Hop? Absolutely. No question.

AllHipHop: Bet. So what’s your Top 5—dead or alive?

Jonathan Majors: Pac. Nipsey. Kendrick. Nas. Cam’ron.

AllHipHop: Cam! That’s dope. Got a favorite Cam track?

Jonathan Majors: Usually the last one I listened to. I’m on a Cam run right now. And also—can I add Jadakiss? And Scarface. That’s my six.

AllHipHop: Solid. Hey man, I just want to say—I hope I get to shake your hand one day. I’m proud of you. Life’s a journey, and we all stumble. But you’ve done the work. You’ve earned your flowers. We talk about Denzel and Sidney, but right now, in this moment? You’re a G.O.A.T. I’ve truly enjoyed your work.

Jonathan Majors: Thank you, brother. That means a lot.

AllHipHop: Best wishes, man.

Jonathan Majors: I’ll see you down the road, bro.

Artists Take Action Against School Shootings at SXSW With Sandy Hook Promise and a Supreme Court Lawsuit

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: Opinion

Julia Beverly reports from Austin, TX on the dire national epidemic of mass shootings at schools.

If Dylan Hockley and Daniel Barden were alive today, they’d be nineteen. It’s not hard to imagine them as young college students on spring break, maybe among the crowds of partygoers visiting Austin, Texas, the “Live Music Capital of the World,” to catch some up-and-coming bands during SXSW week. 

Instead, it is their parents who are here. Nicole Hockley and Mark Barden, co-founders of the national nonprofit Sandy Hook Promise, are faced not only with the ongoing grief of losing a child, but the unenviable challenge of drawing SXSW partygoers’ attention to this grim topic. Dylan and Daniel were two of the twenty young children killed in the devastating mass shooting in December 2012 at their Connecticut elementary school, Sandy Hook.

Since enacting reasonable gun control measures has proven elusive in our trigger-happy America, Sandy Hook Promise encourages a broader focus on prevention. Their Know the Signs program encourages young people recognize the signs of a peer who might be a danger to themselves or others. 

To support their mission, Sandy Hook Promise seeks donations, volunteers, and sells teddy bears. 

During Sandy Hook Promise’s Artist for Action events at SXSW, mental health professionals shared their expertise, and entertainers such as pop duo Aly & AJ spoke about their own traumatic experiences as survivors of a mass shooting. Singer Ginuwine closed out the night with an energetic rendition of some of his hit songs, the stage adorned with Sandy Hook Promise teddy bears and a framed photograph of Daniel Barden and his siblings.

The Lawsuit for Survival

Just a few blocks away, a Lush Cosmetics-sponsored immersive experience called “Bloom A New Day: Activation Against Gun Violence,” served as a memorial to, sadly, hundreds of other school shooting victims.

Six years after Dylan and Daniel were among the twenty students and six faculty members killed at Sandy Hook, the same tragic story repeated itself in Parkland, Florida, where seventeen staff and students were murdered at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Manny and Patricia Oliver, parents of Joaquin Oliver, one of the students lost in Parkland, are taking a different approach. They’ve partnered with Global Action on Gun Violence to file a lawsuit against the United States government, alleging that their failure to protect children like Joaquin from gun violence is a violation of human rights law.

As the Supreme Court considers arguments in this potentially groundbreaking case, the organizers ask that supporters sign the petition here.

Kendrick Lamar & The Weight Of Righteousness: A Peak Into Contradictions & Growth

By: Eric AzikeCategory: Exclusives

Kendrick Lamar has often been seen as Hip-Hop’s moral guide, almost like a “prophet,” dealing with the pressures of fame, faith and what people expect from him.

But as everyone picks apart his lyrics and actions, the real question is: Is Kendrick really the voice of what’s right, or is he just another person trying to figure out life’s tough choices like the rest of us?

Expecting any artist—or anyone, really—to be completely perfect is an impossible standard. Kendrick’s music shows that morality isn’t something set in stone but something that changes based on what he’s been through and learned, even from his mistakes. Maybe the most real thing about Kendrick is that he’s not pretending to be perfect; he’s honest about still figuring things out, just like everyone else.

Throughout Kendrick’s discography, he has never shied away from speaking on the moral battles he faces, in addition to the other topics he discusses. On his third studio album, To Pimp a Butterfly, he goes through an introspective journey that touches on his struggles with fame, temptation and the responsibility to be a voice for the Black community on tracks like “u,” where he beats himself up for not doing enough for the Black community, and “These Walls,” which explores how cycles of revenge and lust can distort personal and collective morality.

“The Blacker the Berry” is perhaps the most direct confrontation of his moral paradox, where he fiercely denounces racial injustice while acknowledging his own contradictions—hence the meaning behind the album title: how something beautiful (the butterfly) can be manipulated, exploited or “pimped” by the forces around it.

Even before To Pimp a Butterfly, Kendrick poses this moral dilemma in good kid, m.A.A.d city, an album that provides a look into a young Kendrick caught at a crossroads between the streets and salvation, survival and righteousness, where gang culture, peer pressure and violence threaten to pull him into the very cycles he hopes to escape.

So, where did the shift in the narrative about Kendrick occur? I would say it was with the release of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. People were upset with Kendrick’s use of the f-slur, as well as the inclusion of Kodak Black on the album—someone known to have numerous allegations of abuse.

Although I don’t agree with the use of the slur or the inclusion of Kodak Black, I believe their presence adds another layer to the moral complexities of Kendrick Lamar as a human being who grapples with contradictions, accountability and the reality that human growth is not linear and is often filled with imperfections.

The album itself breaks down the “morally right” Kendrick and instead presents us with a Kendrick who is flawed—battling internal biases, toxic behaviors and the generational cycles of trauma he has both suffered and perpetuated.

The big rap beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake last year got a lot of attention, with many people viewing Kendrick as the morally righteous one, calling out Drake over serious allegations involving underaged women.

Now, with Drake suing Universal Music Group over the beef, it’s reigniting the conversation around Kendrick Lamar’s moral compass, especially considering how he himself was criticized not too long ago.

The moral spotlight continues to shine on Kendrick as people question his choices, like his feature on Playboi Carti’s MUSIC, despite Carti also having troubling allegations. These contradictions show how tricky the idea of morality is in the music world, reminding us that no artist is perfect or free from critique. Even someone like Kendrick—seen by many as a voice of reason—is still just a human dealing with the same tough moral issues as anyone else.

Through it all, Kendrick Lamar shows us that being human is complicated, and our sense of right and wrong isn’t always clear-cut. He’s not the perfect role model some people make him out to be, nor is he a completely lost cause as others would claim.

Instead, Kendrick reflects the struggles we all face—dealing with contradictions, flaws, and the ongoing evolution of who we are. His music and life serve as a reminder that growing as a person is messy and imperfect.

By accepting his own flaws and moral confusion, Kendrick encourages us to do the same, showing that, like everyone else, he’s still learning and figuring things out. I think it’s important that we show him grace—just like we’d want grace shown to ourselves.

From Kendrick Lamar To Beyoncé: How Sampling Keeps Black Music History Alive

By: Eric AzikeCategory: Exclusives

Imagine sitting in your car, listening to the radio and hearing yet another song that sounds strangely familiar—only this time, it’s a sped-up version of a ’90s R&B track or a drill beat layered over a vintage soul record.

Lately, music fans have been vocal about their frustration with the rise in sampling, calling it lazy, uninspired and proof that the industry has run out of ideas. But is it really just copy-pasting history or is there more going on beneath the surface?

Sampling isn’t about rehashing old hits just to trigger nostalgia—it’s about reimagining music that already exists and making it accessible to a new generation. At its best, it’s a true art form that involves borrowing elements from an existing song—a melody, rhythm, vocal or even an instrumental—and transforming them into something new. This practice has shaped entire genres, from electronic and Hip-Hop to R&B and pop.

Sampling has grown in popularity over the years, starting with DJs looping breakbeats at block parties and eventually laying the foundation for Hip-Hop. Through the ’80s and ’90s, legendary producers like J Dilla, The Bomb Squad and DJ Premier pushed the craft forward, chopping up and layering samples to create entirely new sonic experiences.

Without sampling, some of the greatest producers of all time—The Alchemist, Timbaland, Pharrell Williams and others—might never have become household names. Sampling has given us some of the most iconic moments in rap history. Take Kendrick Lamar’s verse on “Like That” from We Don’t Trust You, where he raps over samples of Rodney-O & Joe Cooley’s “Everlasting Bass” and Eazy-E’s “Eazy-Duz-It.” That one track sparked a cultural moment and became the centerpiece of his high-profile rap beef with Drake last year.

Beyond Hip-Hop, sampling has been crucial in crafting timeless records across genres. Kanye West’s “I Wonder” from Graduation breathes new life into Labi Siffre’s “My Song,” pairing it with booming 808s that amplify its message of chasing dreams. Beyoncé’s COWBOY CARTER and RENAISSANCE albums honor the Black roots of house and country music, interpolating and sampling underground icons like Kilo Ali on “America Has a Problem” and referencing Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” on “Ya Ya.” Sampling narrows the generational gap and introduces audiences to music they might never encounter otherwise.

Music is an ongoing conversation. Artists don’t create in a vacuum—they build on what came before. Just as Shakespeare’s plays inspire modern films and Renaissance paintings are reimagined through digital art, music continues to evolve by reshaping the past.

Of course, not all samples are created equal. Some feel lazy—cut-and-paste efforts that bring nothing new to the table. That’s where much of the criticism comes from. It’s not sampling itself that frustrates people; it’s poor execution. But when done right, a sample becomes something fresh. In an era of shortened attention spans, sampling offers instant recognition while allowing artists to inject their own creativity. Case in point: Jordan Aletunji’s “Kehlani,” a track that blends familiar elements in such a powerful way that it earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song in his debut year.

Rather than seeing sampling as a shortcut or a lack of originality, artists should embrace it as a form of musical reclamation—an act of honoring and reshaping the sounds that came before. But with that comes responsibility. Artists need to know the history behind what they’re sampling.

Especially for Black artists, sampling isn’t just nostalgia—it’s legacy. It’s storytelling, innovation and reverence all rolled into one. It’s a way of ensuring our music—created by us, for us—continues to evolve and live on.

Diddy’s Ex-Bodyguard Makes More Salacious Claims About Mogul’s Sex Life

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: News

Diddy’s former bodyguard Gene Deal did another interview with The Art of Dialogue in which he makes salacious claims about the embattled mogul’s sex life. According to Deal, who spoke about a similar topic on the same platform before, Diddy had a sexual relationship with former Bad Boy Records president Kirk Burrowes.

As he explains in the clip, Deal used to follow Diddy to Burrows’s apartment when they’d do money drops. But Diddy would wind up sleeping over at the home, which initially confused Deal. Fast forward to 2025 and Burrows is among the many suing Diddy for alleged sexual assault.

Deal addresses it in the clip, but questions, “Wait a minute, they was lovers.” Deal also alleged other Bad Boy employees previously caught Diddy and Burrows in compromising positions.

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Burrowes filed his latest lawsuit against Diddy in February, alleging Diddy subjected him to “repeated sexual harassment, physical aggression and forced compliance with degrading sexual acts.”

The lawsuit also claims that Combs used “physical violence, blackmail, career sabotage and financial extortion” to force Burrowes into giving up his 25 percent stake in Bad Boy Entertainment. Burrowes filed a separate lawsuit against Diddy’s mother, Janice Combs, accusing her of participating in a fraudulent scheme to obtain full control of Bad Boy Entertainment.

It’s not the first time Burrowes has taken legal action against Diddy. In 2003, he filed a lawsuit over an alleged incident from 1996, but that case was dismissed. The current lawsuit is part of a series of legal complaints against Diddy, with at least 50 similar claims filed since November 2023.

Diddy’s legal team has dismissed Burrowes’ claims as “frivolous” and a waste of court resources, stating that these allegations have been repeatedly thrown out of court over the past 30 years.

Donald Trump Goes Viral After He’s#### In Face With Reporter’s Microphone

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Donald Trump experienced an unexpected incident during a press conference at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Friday (March 14). While addressing reporters on topics, including the situation in Gaza, a boom microphone accidentally struck Trump in the face.

Equipped with a fuzzy windscreen known as a “dead cat,” the mic made contact with Trump’s lips and left cheek, causing him to recoil slightly. The incident caught both Trump and the assembled press off guard, leading to a brief moment of silence.

Trump’s initial reaction to the mishap was a mix of surprise and humor. After initially glaring at the reporter responsible for the microphone, he quipped, “She just made television tonight. She just became a big story tonight.”

The microphone operator, whose identity hasn’t been revealed, was heard apologizing for the accident. The moment quickly went viral on social media, eliciting various reactions from supporters and critics alike.

While some viewed it as a potential security concern, others saw it as an embarrassing accident for the press. Despite the unexpected interruption, Trump continued the press conference, tackling issues such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and discussions regarding the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Trump spent Saturday (March 25) learning about a coordinated protest action called “Postcards to Trump,” where opponents are sending postcards to the White House expressing their opposition.

He also reportedly launched large-scale strikes against Yemen’s Houthi faction in response to their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. He warned that “hell will rain down upon you” if they don’t cease their offensive and also issued a stern warning to Iran to stop supporting the Houthis.

Additionally, he signed a stopgap spending bill that averts a partial government shutdown. This bill was passed by Congress earlier this week.

G$ Lil Ronnie’s Baby Momma Flexes Cash Days After Asking Public For Donations

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: News

Shanon Jones, mother of the 5-year-old girl killed alongside her father G$ Lil Ronnie, has once again drawn attention and scrutiny following their deaths.

On Wednesday (March 12), Jones and her immediate family members hosted a balloon release in honor of her deceased daughter, R’Mani, in Fort Worth, Texas. Footage from the memorial has since gone viral due to Jones being captured flexing stacks of cash during was supposed to be the vigil in R’Mani’s honor. Clips from the event have attracted scrutiny on social media as many users have pointed out that Jones and her family had previously asked the public for donations days prior amid R’Mani’s funeral.

It’s worth noting, however, that Jones addressed backlash about establishing a GoFundMe following Lil Ronnie’s shooting death as early as March 4. In a message, she posted to her Instagram Story, Jones revealed that the GoFundMe was established in part to deter scammers from attempting to capitalize on the deaths of her family members.

“Please stop playing wit me about my baby & baby father,” Jones wrote in part in the message. “Tf ain’t no money shortage on s### and a GoFundMe is posted cause you mfrs couldn’t wait to scam already created cash apps and GoFundMe.”

Jones concluded the post, “F### the whole entire world my baby’s gone disrespect mfrs.”

Earlier this month, Jones also drew heavy criticism from social media users after she shared an emotionally charged live stream expressing her complex feelings about her daughter dying as a result of the shooting at a car wash in Fort Worth. However, rather than conveying sadness, Jones explained to viewers why took pride in how the deceased 5-year-old girl was laid to rest.

“Yeah, y’all ain’t gonna lie, I grieve a little different y’all,” Jones began. “Y’all took my baby, but I’m not muthafuckin’ trippin’ on that s###…”

Watch the post above to hear Jones’ full explanation for her bizarre and brazen way of dealing with her grief.

A$AP Rocky’s Lawyer Joe Tacopina Joins Wendy Williams’ Legal Team In Fight To End Guardianship

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: News

Wendy Williams has retained high-profile attorney Joe Tacopina as her personal lawyer to fight to end her court-ordered guardianship.

Tacopina is known for representing notable figures, including A$AP Rocky during his gun assault trial last February and Meek Mill in his epic probation battle.

In an interview with TMZ on April 3, the lawyer confirmed that he is actively working to gain entry into the legal proceedings overseeing Williams’ guardianship.

Tacopina emphasized that his primary goal is to secure Williams’ release from the New York facility where she has been confined.

He described her current living conditions as inappropriate for her mental state, stating that she is not incapacitated and does not belong in an institution designed for individuals who are unable to care for themselves.

“She’s in a ward where people don’t know their names, where people don’t know between a red light and a green light,” Tacopina said. “I mean, she’s in a place where people are a danger to themselves. She’s not. She can’t leave there on her own to go get a cup of coffee.”

While Tacopina has been retained as Williams’ personal attorney, he has yet to officially enter the guardianship case due to legal barriers.

“The judge has to approve any lawyer coming into the guardianship,” he explained, noting that this is an obstacle he is prepared to challenge.

Tacopina has already begun filing motions to gain access to the case, with additional legal options and higher courts available should his entry be denied.

“There’s a process in play,” he said. “If the judge, for some reason, doesn’t allow us into the guardianship matter as Wendy’s counsel of choice, which almost sounds ridiculous, but they could try and argue that she doesn’t have the wherewithal or the abilities to pick her own counsel, which is obviously silly. But if they did, we’d take an interlocutory appeal, or we could go as far as doing something called an Article 78, which is actually suing the judge in a Supreme Court in New York State.”

Tacopina stressed the situation’s urgency, asserting that Williams is being unjustly held in a facility where she does not belong.

He refuted claims that she suffers from Frontotemporal dementia, attributing past concerns about her health to struggles with alcoholism, which he says she has since overcome.

He also highlighted that Wendy Williams has performed well on medical evaluations, further supporting his argument that she does not need a guardian.

This legal battle comes amid a rising social media movement advocating for Williams’ freedom.

Fans have launched a #FreeWendy campaign, which has gained traction across social media platforms, calling for the termination of her guardianship.

The campaign has mobilized protests in both New York and Los Angeles, with supporters demanding an end to what they describe as her unjust confinement.

Protests occurred on April 1 outside Coterie Hudson Yards in New York and at Williams’ Hollywood Walk of Fame star in Los Angeles. Organizers claim that Williams plans to show support for the movement from inside her assisted living facility.

The push for Williams’ independence has also been echoed by her family, who have openly criticized the guardianship. They have launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $50,000 to cover legal expenses and support her fight for autonomy.

Wendy Williams, who has been under guardianship since 2022, has consistently maintained that she is mentally sound and should be allowed to manage her own affairs.

Tacopina’s involvement marks a significant shift in her legal strategy as she intensifies her fight to regain control over her life.

“The bottom line is, she needs to get out of there, and sooner rather than later,” Joe Tacopina stated. “Every day she spends there is a travesty of justice.”

Young Thug Beats Probation Violation After Judge Shuts Down Fanil Willis’ Jail Request

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Young Thug walked away from a potential probation violation lockup after a Georgia judge ruled that a controversial social media post wasn’t enough to send him back behind bars.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker denied a motion filed by District Attorney Fani Willis’ office that sought to revoke the rapper’s probation.

Prosecutors claimed Young Thug had “engaged in conduct that threatens the safety of witnesses and prosecutors, compromises ongoing legal proceedings, and warrants immediate revocation of probation,” according to court documents obtained by AllHipHop.

The state’s motion, filed Wednesday (April 2), pointed to a post on Williams’ social media account that included a photo of a law enforcement officer with the caption “biggest liar in the DA office.”

Prosecutors argued the post violated the terms of his probation, which was part of a plea deal that secured his release from jail last October.

Judge Whitaker disagreed.

“Upon consideration of the State’s April 2, 2025 Motion to Revoke Defendant’s probation, which alleges a violation of the terms and conditions of Defendant’s probation for having posted a picture of a particular law enforcement officer with the caption ‘biggest liar in the DA office’ and Defendant’s April 3, 2025 response thereto and having reviewed the terms and conditions of Defendant’s probation imposed by this Court, the Court declines to revoke Defendant’s probation based on the violation asserted,” the judge wrote in her ruling.

Before the decision, Williams addressed the situation directly on X, formerly Twitter.

“I don’t make treats [sic] to people. I’m a good person, I would never condone anyone threatening anyone or participate in threatening anyone. I’m all about peace and love,” Young Thug claimed.

Thugger, a Grammy-winning artist, had spent over two years in custody following his arrest in the sweeping YSL gang case.

In December, he entered a no-contest plea to racketeering and gang charges and pleaded guilty to drug, gun and a lesser gang-related offense.

That deal resulted in a sentence of time served, 15 years of probation and a 20-year suspended sentence that could be enforced if he violates probation.

The rapper is set to return to the stage in June, co-headlining the Summer Smash Festival alongside Don Toliver x Yeat and Future.

It will be his first live performance since his release.

Chrisean Rock Lays Out Changes She’s Ready To Make If Blueface Is “Serious” Post Jail Sentence

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: News

Chrisean Rock is still more than ready to drop everything she has going on to rekindle her relationship with her incarcerated baby daddy Blueface.

During her recent appearance on a Twitch stream with Kai Cenat affiliate Tylil James, Chrisean wholeheartedly and unapologetically declared her willingness to give Blueface another chance—despite the fact he is currently incarcerated in a California corrections facility serving a four-year sentence over a probation violation.

Chrisean did, however, lay out one caveat in particular that would be necessary for them to lock back in with each other.

“If Blueface called me right now and wanted to be serious and do it right, bye,” Chrisean said.

She didn’t stop there, revealing her willingness to cut off outside distractions should she and Blueface decide to get back together.

“I’m unfollowing everybody on this f###### Instagram n#### it’s all about us,” she said. “I did that s### before.”

In a final, shocking declaration, Chrisean revealed the drastic change in her appearance she’d undergo to further solidify their union, saying,” And I’ll tatt that n#### on the other side of my face.”

Though Tylil James and his associates were visibly disturbed by Chrisean’s comments, she claimed they were just mad while mocking them and making child-like gestures in their faces.

However, while it’s apparent that Chrisean is ready to make changes for Blueface, it remains to be determined if the “Thotianna” rapper will do the same for her.

Last month, Chrisean Rock took the stage at Faith City Central Church in Maryland on March 30 with her infant son while debuting her gospel single “Yahweh” during a live worship service.

After the performance, Rock joined the church’s pastor to discuss her evolving relationship with faith.

“You can still be gangsta and still follow God,” she said, addressing the crowd while reflecting on her past and present.

Before her appearance at the church in her home state, Chrisean had also revealed her decision to leave behind secular music and focus on what she calls “Godly music.”

She has also vowed to abstain from sex until marriage and has stopped smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol.

Though it’s unconfirmed whether or not Chrisean will require Blueface to adhere to the standards of her new life, it goes without saying that the West Coast rapper is in for a whirlwind change should she present the ultimatum to him upon his release from prison.

Rubi Rose Admits She Lied On Druski About Their Relationship While Seemingly Exposing Lil Baby

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: Rumors

Rubi Rose has finally come clean about whether or not her relationship with Druski was indeed the real thing.

The moment of truth arrived during Rose’s recent appearance on a Kick stream with Adin Ross and Drake’s associate Ben Da Don. At one point during the stream, Rose expressed her desire to be forthcoming with the audience, considering she has turned over a new leaf and decided to embrace transparency across the board.

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In doing so, Rubi Rose admitted that she lied about the dynamic of her short-lived relationship with Druski for one reason only.

“Okay, so I guess here’s the honesty moment,” Rubi Rose said. “Oh s### You know this—okay me and Dru [Druski] were really in a relationship and I said it was PR because he p##### me the f### off and hurt my feelings.”

But that wasn’t all Rose had to say, as she now views the situation as somewhat of a moment of weakness.

“So yeah, but that was really lame of me and embarrassing that I shouldn’t have said that but it was like I had to stand on it, you know,” she explained.

As for the current status of the relationship between the pair, Rose revealed that they are still “cool” despite her spiteful actions toward him while opening up about the extent of their relationship.

“It’s in the past now and we’re friends and we’re cool still,” she said. “Oh, and we’ve known each other for like 10 years like since high school type s###. So it’s like we’re always gonna be friends. So I just want to clear it up because he was really bothered by that.”

As if her backtracking on her claims about Druski weren’t juicy enough, Rose also appeared to claim that she once had a fling with Lil Baby.

Though, the claim is somewhat unfounded given that Rose made it when the microphone of the stream was muted immediately following Ross and Co. asking her if she had hooked up with anyone she “shouldn’t have in the past.

Adding even more fuel to the fire, lip readers on social media believe that Rubi Rose alluded to the Atlanta rapper being underwhelming in his bedroom performance.

Check out the clip below.

Kanye West Reveals Drake’s Response To His Proposed “Bully” Collab

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: Rumors

Kanye West and Drake may have actually been in contact with each other throughout the recent saga that ended up serving as the rollout for his latest album.

During his recent appearance on Akademiks’ live stream West revealed that he actually contacted Drake about providing a guest verse for his new BULLY album. Apparently, West’s vision for Drizzy was to appear alongside him on the intro track to the album—which only has three features by way of guest verses from Peso Pluma, Ty Dolla $ign and Playboi Carti.

“You know Something, I just thought about something, you know, I sent ‘Preacher Man’ off of BULLY the intro to Drake first,” West told Akademiks.

When Ak pressed West about how the Toronto lyricist responded, the “Carnival” rapper briefly summarized his begrudging retort. Given their past history, Drake’s alleged lukewarm response, according to West’s account of their exchange, seem spar for the course.

“He said something like, ‘Aw man, don’t mean to like spoil your dreams,’ or some s###,” he said. “I don;t know, he just did his thing and s###.”

West then proceeded to make a surprising prediction about the future of he and Drake’s collaborative relationship.

“Like maybe I think before it’s all said and done like, you know, I’ll do an album,” he concluded

While it may be somewhat of a reach, to say the least, that Drake and West will team up for a full-length album sooner, rather than later, their creative chemistry together is certainly undeniable. Over the past two decades and some change, the few instances in which the two rap titans have collaborated with each other have culminated in highly successful commercial releases.

In 2009 when the pair joined forces with Eminem and Lil Wayne on Drake’s “Forever” the track became an instant success and was ultimately certified 6x platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Not to mention, some of their more obscure collaborations, including their 2017 collaboration “Glow” have become cult favorites amongst their shared fanbases.

West’s latest quest to sow a collaborative album with Drake follows his convoluted rant on Twitter where he revealed he feels closest to Drake even though they are arch enemies.

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Young Scooter To Be Celebrated During Balloon Release After Tragic Death

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Young Scooter will be honored with a balloon release in Atlanta following his sudden death during a police response to a false 911 call made by a reality TV personality.

The tribute is set for 6 p.m. at Bessie Branham Park on Delano Drive, where mourners are encouraged to bring red, white and blue balloons to celebrate the late rapper’s life.

The 39-year-old Hip-Hop artist died on March 28—his birthday—after suffering a fatal leg injury while fleeing police in the Lakewood Heights neighborhood.

According to the Fulton County Medical Examiner, the injury was a “penetrating injury to the thigh” caused by wood or debris, which led to fatal blood loss. His death was ruled accidental.

Atlanta police say the incident began when Demi Blanco, a cast member on Zeus Network’s “Baddies,” called 911, claiming she saw a naked woman being assaulted and heard gunfire.

Officers arrived to find no signs of violence but encountered two men running from the scene. One of them was Young Scooter.

While attempting to scale a wooden fence, he sustained the injury that ultimately killed him.

Authorities have not disclosed her motive for the fabricated emergency call. Hours before her arrest, she went live on Instagram and reversed her story, saying she had been assaulted.

Blanco, whose real name is Demetria Spence, was arrested on April 1 and charged with transmitting a false public alarm. She was granted a $7,500 bond.

USHER Heats Up London Stage With Intimate “Cherry On Top” Moment

By: London JennnCategory: News

USHER lit up social media after a steamy onstage moment with a woman during his “Cherry on Top” segment at London’s O2 Arena, where the R&B icon leaned into the flirtatious energy of the crowd and shared a slow, intimate serenade that sent the audience into a frenzy.

The viral clip shows the Grammy winner with a female guest who fully embraced the moment, whispering into his ear, swaying to the rhythm and singing along as he crooned directly to her.

The crowd roared with approval as the two locked into a sensual exchange that quickly made the rounds online.

The moment unfolded during USHER’s Past Present Future tour. The trek is a 10-night residency at the O2 Arena from March 29 to May 7.

The London leg has already drawn significant attention, not only for USHER’s polished performances but also for surprise appearances like Naomi Campbell’s walk across the stage on April 1.

The 54-year-old supermodel dazzled in a sparkling ensemble, strutting with her signature runway confidence.

In a recent interview with The Standard, USHER spoke about the significance of performing abroad and the cultural differences he observes between the U.S. and Europe.

“Economically, socially, things are difficult in the US, and anything that separates people is a problem,” USHER explained. “You go out on the streets here and you see many different people moving together, working together, and that’s great. They’re integrated and it’s interesting.”

He added, “In America it’s always been harder for black people. But anywhere where there are black people it’s always been difficult. We have to move forward by respecting people’s beliefs and people’s culture… Outside of America, there is much more respect for black culture.”

USHER’s London residency continues through May 7, offering a mix of nostalgia, showmanship and viral-worthy moments each night.

EXCLUSIVE: Diddy Says Doctor Who Sided With Amber Heard Can’t Be Trusted In His Case

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Sean “Diddy” Combs wants the government’s key witness kicked off the stand—and he’s not mincing words.

In a scathing motion filed in federal court, Diddy’s legal team is moving to block Dr. Dawn Hughes, a forensic clinical psychologist, from testifying for the prosecution.

They say she’s not bringing facts—just opinion, spin, and recycled scripts.

According to the 25-page filing, Hughes plans to speak broadly about “coercive control,” a term prosecutors often use in domestic abuse and trafficking cases.

She’s expected to outline patterns of behavior that some abusers allegedly use to dominate their victims.

But Diddy’s legal team says she’s walking into the courtroom with “no knowledge of the actual facts in this case.”

“in this case, Hughes has apparently not interviewed the alleged victims at all, much less engaged in the sort of psychological diagnostics that her profession demands,” Diddy’s lawyer, Alexandra A.E. Shapiro, fumed. “As a result, she offers unadorned opinions that can explain the accusers’ behavior—even though she has made no effort to exclude alternate explanations.”

In other words, they say, she’s building a narrative—not offering expert analysis.

Diddy’s lawyers are demanding that the judge block Hughes from testifying entirely. They accuse her of being a professional witness who trots out the same talking points in trial after trial.

“The government wants an expert so that it can waive her testimony in summation like a magic wand to cure the glaring defects in its fact witnesses’ credibility,” Shapiro said. “This will be a continuing refrain—’ as Dr. Hughes told you … as Dr. Hughes explained’—and it will be highly effective. But this is not a proper use of expert testimony and it will not help the jury discover the truth.”

Shapiro argued that Hughes’ testimony has little to do with actual science and everything to do with painting Diddy as a violent, controlling man before a single witness takes the stand.

The defense is particularly concerned about Hughes’ expected use of the term “coercive control,” a phrase they say has no widely accepted definition in legal or scientific circles.

They argue it will prejudice jurors by casting Diddy’s alleged actions as part of a larger, sinister pattern—before any evidence is presented.

“The evidence in this case will show, for example, that Combs financially supported his girlfriends. That does not count as coercion under the legal definition, but it would count under Hughes’s definition,” Shapiro continued. “Suppose the evidence shows that after a fight, Combs apologized, expressed love, and bought his girlfriend a gift. That would not count as coercion under the legal definition, but it would count under Hughes’s definition.”

Diddy’s lawyers accuse the prosecution of using Hughes as a backdoor way to suggest guilt.

By laying out a generalized pattern of abuser behavior, they say the government hopes jurors will connect the dots themselves.

The defense also noted that Hughes has testified in other high-profile cases, often for the prosecution.

Her previous appearances include the sexual assault trials of Harvey Weinstein, Johnny Depp and Danny Masterson. They suggest that her presence on the stand signals less about truth and more about emotional influence.

Dr. Hughes is expected to explain the psychology of abuse victims: how they can delay reporting, maintain contact with their abuser, or even protect them from legal consequences.

In the government’s view, this testimony helps jurors understand behavior that may seem confusing or contradictory. But Diddy’s camp says that argument falls flat here.

Combs is facing federal charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for illegal sexual activity.

The government claims he led a years-long criminal enterprise that used manipulation, money, and fear to control victims.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Diddy’s trial is set to kick off on May 5.

Kevin Gates Fuels Dating Rumors With Brittany Renner Video While Still Married

By: London JennnCategory: Rumors

Kevin Gates stirred up fresh speculation about his relationship with Brittany Renner after posting a viral video on social media showing the two holding hands, despite reportedly still being legally married to Dreka Gates.

In the clip posted Wednesday (April 2), the Louisiana rapper croons along to Soul For Real’s “Candy Rain” before turning the camera to Renner, revealing their intertwined fingers. 

The two burst into laughter as Gates says, “If unbothered was a person.” He captioned the video with, “I hope this makes somebody smile today bae u kno im goofy,” and added the hashtag “#LoveThisForMe.”

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The post triggered a wave of reactions, with fans questioning if Gates splt from his wife.

One user commented, “WHERE TF IS DREKA ???” while another wrote, “Kevin don’t p### me off !!! It’s gonna always be Dreka for ME !!”

Others, however, praised the chemistry between Gates and Renner, calling them “cute together” and noting how happy the rapper appeared.

Gates and Dreka have been together for over two decades, marrying in 2015 after years of dating. They share two children, Islah Koren, born in 2012, and Khaza Kamil, born in 2014.

This isn’t the first time Gates and Renner have been romantically linked. The pair previously went viral in 2022 after exchanging flirtatious and explicit messages online. 

Their recent joint appearance on DDG’s livestream on March 28 reignited rumors, and this latest video has only added fuel to the fire.

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Renner, who has undergone significant personal changes recently, converted to Islam in August 2024. 

She described the shift as a “purification process. Renner also revealed she had been sober for six months and celibate for eight as of January 2025.

As of now, neither Kevin Gates nor Brittany Renner has confirmed the nature of their relationship.

Future Says Life “Will Never Be The Same” After Young Scooter’s Death

By: London JennnCategory: News

Future has broken his silence on the tragic death of longtime friend and collaborator Young Scooter with an emotional message on social media days after the rapper’s fatal accident in Atlanta.

“Life will never b the same without u my brother. I love you my [ninja] this s### unreal [heartbroken emoji],” Future wrote on his Instagram Story on April 2, alongside a video of the two together. 

Earlier this week, he tweeted, “I can hear u loud and clear my brother(street)…we got u kid.”

Young Scooter, born Kenneth Edward Bailey, died on March 28—his 39th birthday—after suffering a fatal injury while trying to flee police during a chaotic scene at a home on William Nye Drive in Atlanta.

According to the Fulton County Medical Examiner, the rapper’s death was ruled accidental. 

He sustained a deep wound to his right thigh after coming into contact with wooden fencing or debris while attempting to jump over multiple fences. The injury caused significant blood loss, and he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Police were initially dispatched to the scene after receiving a 911 call that falsely claimed a woman was being assaulted and dragged back into the house, with gunfire reportedly heard. 

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When officers arrived, they set up a perimeter. Two men fled from the rear of the home—one returned inside while Scooter tried to escape through neighboring yards.

Authorities later confirmed that no woman matching the caller’s description was found and no shots had been fired. 

Police traced the call to “Baddies” star Demetria Spence and arrested her on April 1. Cops charged Spence with transmitting a false public alarm under Georgia law. 

Spence was granted bond Wednesday (April 2).

Young Scooter Speaks On His Bond With Future

Future and Scooter’s bond stretched back to their Atlanta childhood, collaborating frequently. 

The two grew up together and remained close throughout their careers. In 2012, Scooter became one of the first artists signed to Future’s label, Freebandz. 

In a 2023 interview with AllHipHop, Young Scooter spoke about how Future’s success inspired him to pursue music. 

“I love it. Because that’s the person I grew up with and I seen it all from day one. Day zero,” he said.

Your Ultimate Guide To Surviving (And Thriving At) J. Cole’s Last Dreamville Festival

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur)Category: Exclusives

Music festivals are a heartbeat of Hip-Hop culture—and this year, it doesn’t get any bigger, bolder, or more legendary than Dreamville Festival 2025. And this is the final installment after five years.

The fifth and final installment of J. Cole’s signature music celebration returns to Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday (April 5) and Sunday (April 6). Held in Dorothea Dix Park, this is more than just a festival—it’s a full-blown cultural moment, a reunion of vibes, bars, and basslines under Carolina skies.

The lineup? Absolutely bonkers.

Expect performances from Lil Wayne with Hot Boys and Big Tymers, 21 Savage, and of course, J. Cole, who will close out Sunday with the mystic queen Erykah Badu. There are more heavies like PARTYNEXTDOOR, Chief Keef, Keyshia Cole (celebrating 20 Years of her debut), Tems, Ludacris, GloRilla, Coco Jones and Wale. The full Dreamville roster will be present. That means J.I.D, Ari Lennox, EARTHGANG, Bas, Cozz, Lute and Omen. The weekend consists of straight fire.

But let’s be real, this is going to be a fun, but grueling couple of days. The struggle can be real. So we have you covered. Here’s your ultimate survival guide to making Dreamville Fest (and any festival, really) the time of your life.

And here is the link to all the information on the week and weekend.

1. Respect Your Feet

You might be tempted to flex with the latest kicks, but trust me: you need to relax. Between the walk from the parking lot to standing for hours, your feet will be screaming if you don’t choose comfort first. Think broken-in sneakers or even supportive, comfy boots. Leave the Yeezys at home! Or throw them away! Regardless, if you love your favorite jawns, you do not wear them to the festival.

2. Plan Your Stage Moves in Advance

Don’t wait until the gates open to figure out your game plan. The lineup is stacked, and you may have to align times, energy and bathroom runs accordingly. Download the festival app (or stalk the website) and map out your must-sees. That way, you’re not running to Tems or Ludacris like you’re Usain Bolt.

3. Hydrate Like Your Life Depends On It

North Carolina spring weather can be deceiving—sunny one minute, warm and humid the next. Combine that with dancing, drinking and you might be paying! Bring a refillable water bottle and hit those water stations. Liquor drains, water sustains. 🙂

4. Don’t Leave Before It’s Done

Sure, traffic after a festival is the stuff of nightmares. But so is missing a surprise set or last-minute guest appearance. Dreamville is famous for pulling off iconic moments. Remember last year? I recommend you stay until the last beat drops. There can be personal reasons like “I’m too old for this sh#t” then maybe it’s cool to bounce early.

5. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bud…Maybe)

Let’s be clear—not every festival is cannabis-friendly. But in certain circles (ahem, Rolling Loud), it’s basically part of the dress code. At Dreamville, while the official stance is strict, we know that some folks sneak in their own stash. I do not advise it, but if you’re going that route, be smart. Stay lowkey, and don’t overdo it. And absolutely do not partake in somebody else’s stuff.

6. Keep Track of Your Crew

Thousands of people + weak cell signal = the worst game of hide-and-seek you will ever play. Choose a central meetup spot before you enter. Trust, it’ll save you from a whole lot of “where you at?” texts that never go through.

7. Bring a Portable Charger

You’re gonna be IG-ing, texting, and using the map app to get around. Don’t let a dead phone leave you stranded when it’s time to find your car or order a Lyft. Bring a power bank—it’s a small thing that makes a huge difference.

8. Stash Some Emergency Cash

Yes, we’re in a digital world, but Wi-Fi and card readers don’t always play nice. Whether it’s grabbing a bite to eat or tipping, a little cash goes a long way.

9. Know When To Say When

Whether it’s a personal emergency, a mosh pit, or just sensory overload, have an exit strategy. Pick a meetup point outside the gates and determine which parking lot you’re in if things get crazy. Trust me—you’ll thank yourself later.

10. Enjoy the Dream

At the end of the day, Dreamville Festival is about more than just music. It’s food trucks. It’s artists. It’s part education. It’s a vibe. It’s community. It celebrates culture, creativity, and everything Dreamville stands for. There is even a week of free events (look for it)! Take in every second—this is the last edition of Dreamville Fest, and you don’t want to miss a single memory.

🎟️ Tickets are moving fast, with VIP already sold out. A limited number of two-day GA passes are still available at www.DreamvilleFest.com. Proceeds support the Dreamville Foundation and Dorothea Dix Park Conservancy, so you’re partying with a purpose.

Now go secure that pass, pack your essentials, and get ready to live your best festival life. We’ll see you in Raleigh for Dreamville.

Doja Cat Calls Out “Ignorance” & “Lies” Amid Renewed Controversy

By: London JennnCategory: News

Doja Cat pushed back against renewed criticism and resurfaced allegations after a viral podcast clip reignited debate over her past behavior and Hip-Hop credentials.

On Wednesday evening (April 2), the Grammy-winning artist took to X (Twitter) to address the backlash.

“I don’t want to stand up for myself in regards to all of these lies being told because to be honest I don’t think it will make a difference,” she began. “Maybe I’m wrong and maybe it would. Ive just learned to let ignorance be and let people learn and use their own discernment.”

Doja added, ” If you watch the ‘news’ and believe it all what kind of person does that make you? I’m enough. My music is enough. My word is enough. Everything following that is everyone else’s problem but mine.”

Doja Cat later deleted the post.

Her comments came after a clip from Apple Music’s “Rap Life Review” podcast went viral, where hosts debated Doja Cat’s place in Hip-Hop and revisited her history of controversy.

One host, Eddie, acknowledged that she was “really good at music” and “raps well” but added, “She’s not hip-hop.”

Ebro Darden brought up past incidents, including her involvement in “racial chat rooms showing feet” and wearing a T-shirt featuring comedian Sam Hyde, a figure associated with alt-right and neo-Nazi circles.

Darden also questioned, “She ain’t Black enough? She too lightskin?” and asked if she was “playing with white people too much?”

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Doja Cat responded to a user who said the criticism made her “mad,” replying, “I’m more angry than you know and incredibly disappointed.” When another user said critics had “ruffled your feathers,” she answered, “100%.”

Doja Cat Previous Controversies

The renewed scrutiny echoes backlash from May 2020. Doja Cat was accused of participating in online chatrooms tied to white supremacist groups.

She denied the allegations, calling them “100% incorrect.” Doja admitted, “I’ve used public chat rooms to socialize since I was a child,” but insisted she was never “involved in any racist conversations.”

She added at the time, “I’m a Black woman. Half of my family is Black from South Africa and I’m very proud of where I come from.”

More criticism followed in October 2023 when she posted a photo of herself wearing a shirt featuring Sam Hyde holding a rifle. The image drew backlash from users who said she was promoting fascist and neo-Nazi imagery.

In a later interview with Ebro Darden, Doja Cat addressed the shirt. “You can’t know everything,” she said and explained she thought Hyde was funny. She emphasized the shirt “wasn’t meant as an attack” and distanced herself from political discourse, saying, “Politics are not something that I wanna sweep into my life. I just want creativity and joy.”

Doja Cat’s upcoming album Vie is expected to drop later this year.

Kanye West Claims Bianca Censori Walked Out Over His Tweets; Tried To Hospitalize Him

By: London JennnCategory: News

Kanye West used a track from his upcoming WW3 album to confirm that Bianca Censori walked out on him after suffering a panic attack triggered by his unhinged social media outbursts.

In the newly previewed song “Bianca,” West lays bare the unraveling of their relationship, rapping, “Bianca, I just want you to come back,” and “My baby she ran away, but first she tried to get me committed.”

He continues, “She’s having a panic attack ‘cuz she’s not liking the way that I’m tweeting.”

Kanye West & Bianca Censori Split Rumors

The track, which West debuted Wednesday night (April 2), offers a raw glimpse into the couple’s apparent split, which had been the subject of speculation since February.

At the time, reports claimed both had contacted divorce attorneys following their controversial appearance at the Grammy Awards.

Bianca Censori’s see-through dress at the event, reportedly chosen at Kanye West’s urging, drew criticism and sparked renewed concern over his alleged control over her.

Insiders claimed West dictated her wardrobe, finances and even her creative output. One source alleged he sent security to follow her after she tried to leave their hotel.

Despite growing public concern, West’s spokesperson previously dismissed the breakup rumors as “unverified tabloid gossip,” insisting the pair were together in Los Angeles preparing for Valentine’s Day.

But West’s lyrics confirm the separation, and he doesn’t hold back.

He claims Censori wanted him hospitalized, but he insists he’s okay. “There’s nothing wrong with me,” he says in the song.

He also raps that he’s tracking her location through an app and compares their relationship to “the new Cassie and Diddy,” a reference that raised eyebrows given the recent serious allegations against the music mogul.

Elsewhere in the track, West says his family wants him “locked up” and claims he’s armed for protection, stating he has “heavy artillery” because people are trying to kill him.

The eyebrow-raising WW3 album is rumored to drop April 3.

Kanye West Drops “WW3” Album Details Featuring Shocking Titles & Dave Blunts Feature

By: London JennnCategory: News

Kanye West has unveiled the tracklist for his upcoming album WW3, featuring inflammatory titles and lyrics that continue his pattern of antisemitic rhetoric and controversial imagery.

Unveiled on X Wednesday night (April 2), the 11-track project includes songs titled “Heil Hitler,” “Hitler Ye and Jesus,” and “Free Diddy,” with a guest appearance from rapper Dave Blunts on the opening track.

West, who has repeatedly praised Adolf Hitler and incorporated Nazi symbolism into his fashion and music, has described his new musical direction as “My new sound called antisemitic.”

Among the lyrics previewed last month from the album’s title track, West raps, “rocking swastikas ’cause all my n##### Nazis,” followed by, “They’re telling me that I’m a bully/I’m antisemitic, fully” and “Reading ‘Mein Kampf,’ two chapters before I go to sleep.”

The song also references West’s use of nitrous oxide, with lines like “Went to the dentist and got me some nitrous/Went to the dentist and put in some diamonds.”

Kanye West “WW3” Tracklist

The tracklist also includes “Cosby,” “Dirty Magazines,” “Bianca,” “Virgil Let Me Down,” “Jared,” “Money and Fame,” and “Nitrous.”

X/Kanye West

The song “Virgil” follows West lashing out at late fashion designer Virgil Abloh, expressing unresolved bitterness over Abloh’s success.

“Imagine a n#### steal your dream and is given your crown because he ain’t wear a red hat,” West tweeted earlier this week. “Then the culture you built mad at you speaking up on it.”

The inclusion of Dave Blunts on the album follows West’s recent public endorsement of the rapper.

“Dave Blunts is my favorite rapper,” West announced. “His raps give me the energy of my tweets.”

He also shared a private text exchange where he offered Blunts access to his personal trainer, writing, “We need you to stay alive.”

West’s recent antics have drawn intense criticism for promoting hate speech, including his repeated use of Nazi references and antisemitic statements. His latest album seemingly doubles down on those themes.

SIGNS: Husband Of Indiana Teacher Threatened Teens Allegedly Having Group Sex With His Wife

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: Rumors

A torrent of allegations against a married couple in Indiana has shocked the community after the husband and wife were accused of egregious crimes involving minors.

According to a report from KHOU11, prosecutors allege that Brittany Fortinberry, a former schoolteacher, engaged in sexual relationships with multiple teenage boys. Additionally, her husband, Nicholas Fortinberry, is accused of not only being aware of the abuse but also allegedly threatening victims into silence. Court documents paint a harrowing picture of Brittany’s alleged actions.

She’s accused of sexually abusing at least ten students while employed at schools in Morgan County. According to investigators, she provided drugs to middle school boys and coerced them into sexual encounters. One victim recounted being repeatedly drugged and assaulted by Brittany when he was just 13 years old.

In a particularly grotesque claim, one of the boys said Brittany would put her own children to bed before initiating encounters with the teens. Another victim alleged that after her arrest in a separate misconduct investigation, Brittany reached out to him and spent $600 on a group of teens for various purchases before engaging in group sex with them. Shockingly, she reportedly made the boys wear the mask from the horror movie “Scream” during these acts and allegedly threatened to kill herself if they reported her.

Other allegations detail a pattern of predatory behavior. Brittany allegedly paid teenage boys between $100 and $800 for explicit photos, sent nude images and videos through Snapchat and another app called “Session.” She is also accused of having forced boys into sexual acts despite their resistance, reportedly telling them, “Just let it happen.” One victim claimed Brittany exploited a teenager who had been asked to babysit her children, coercing him into a sexual relationship and exchanging sexual favors for material goods for other teens.

While Brittany’s alleged crimes are horrifying on their own, prosecutors say her husband Nicholas also played a disturbing role in enabling the abuse. Investigators claim Nicholas knew what his wife was doing and took extreme measures to keep her victims silent. One victim, a 13-year-old boy, recounted an incident where Nicholas directly threatened him.

“If you don’t stop what you’re doing with my wife, then I’m going to kill you in front of your family,” an investigator quoted Nicholas as saying in court documents. Nicholas allegedly added, “Do not continue to do what you’re doing with my wife until you turn 16.”

Authorities believe Nicholas was aware of his wife’s actions but failed to report them, leading to charges of intimidation and failure to report. Despite the severity of the allegations, he was released on a mere $600 bond.

The sheer magnitude of Brittany’s alleged offenses prompted prosecutors to file an extensive list of charges. In addition to previous charges, she now faces ten counts of child molestation, eight counts of dissemination of matter harmful to minors, five counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and one count of sexual misconduct with a minor.

As more parents of victims have come forward, law enforcement has uncovered even more shocking details. The Department of Child Services launched an investigation that led to the discovery of numerous additional victims who had remained silent, highlighting the alarming scale of Brittany’s alleged predation.

Local school districts where Brittany was previously employed have released statements in response to the unfolding scandal. The Metropolitan School District of Martinsville confirmed that Brittany worked as a substitute teacher from October 2023 until her resignation in January 2024, emphasizing that no misconduct had been reported during her tenure. Eminence Community Schools, where Brittany briefly worked as a middle school math teacher, revealed that they were alerted to allegations on August 22, 2024 and immediately reported the matter to authorities. Brittany was suspended that same night and her employment was officially terminated the following morning after she submitted a resignation.

Experts warn that while sexual abuse cases involving authority figures are not uncommon, cases involving male victims often go unreported. Kristina Korobov, a senior attorney for the Zero Abuse Project, emphasized the need to take such allegations seriously, stating, “There is nothing sexual about what happens to these kids. It is a violation and it’s an exploitation.”

EXCLUSIVE: Young Thug Could Be Sent Back To Jail After Threat To Kill Fani Willis Emerges

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Exclusives

Young Thug reposted a banned image of a testifying gang investigator and called her “the biggest liar in the DA’s office” — and now prosecutors want his probation revoked, citing what they call an escalating campaign of intimidation that has endangered lives and could derail justice.

Young Thug is facing potential jail time after Fulton County prosecutors accused him of targeting a key witness and inciting threats against law enforcement figures, including District Attorney Fani Willis.

In a motion filed on April 2, 2025, by the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, Fani Willis asked Judge Paige Whitaker to revoke Young Thug’s probation, citing what it described as a “blatant disregard for the law, the safety of witnesses, and the integrity of judicial proceedings.”

The allegations stem from a social media post Young Thug shared on April 1.

The post included a photograph of Investigator Marissa Viverito, who was in the middle of testifying during a high-profile, multi-defendant gang murder hearing.

A judge had specifically ordered that her image not be shown. But a blogger defied that order and Young Thug reposted it with a caption that read: “Marissa Viverito is the biggest liar in the DA’s office.” The post quickly racked up more than two million views, sparking a wave of online vitriol — including threats against Viverito and her family.

One of those threats included a direct incitement to violence: “If the hate is really real, then pull up on her mama crib,” paired with a photo of the investigator’s mother’s home.

Her home address and her parents’ address were posted publicly soon after. Just hours later, the threats escalated even further.

A different social media account posted a message threatening the life of Fulton County DA Fani Willis: “I will personally make sure Fani Willis is assassinated.”

Prosecutors included that post as an exhibit in the filing and tied the online activity directly to Williams’ influence and online reach.

“This is not an isolated incident,” Willis wrote. “It is part of a calculated campaign of intimidation, harassment, and misinformation designed to undermine the legal process.”

Prosecutors argue that Williams has continued associating with individuals who use digital platforms to intimidate witnesses and public officials, pushing a narrative that undermines the court and its personnel’s credibility​.

Williams, who previously pleaded guilty and was placed on probation on October 31, 2024, was ordered to have no contact with the victims or their families.

But his online activity and association with those promoting threats, prosecutors argue, violate those terms and justify immediate revocation of his probation.

“Failure to act decisively will only encourage further attempts to threaten, harass, and intimidate those involved in this case,” Fani Willis warned.

They emphasized that Young Thug’s global reach amplifies the danger, referencing his own admission during his October 2024 hearing. “I understand how it could be twisted. I understand what it could do to the mind of people,” Young Thug told the court back then. “I promise you I am 100 percent changing that… I am smarter. It’s more things to rap about.”​

Judge Whitaker had acknowledged the rapper’s wide-reaching influence during sentencing, likening the rap industry’s public-facing drama to professional wrestling and reminding Young Thug that his words have consequences beyond music.

Young Thug is already trying to damage control, but it may be too late.

“I don’t make treats [sic] to people I’m a good person, I would never condone anyone threatening anyone or definitely participate in threatening anyone. I’m all about peace and love,” the rap star posted in response to the State’s call to lock him up.

However, the state argues that Young Thug has betrayed that trust and turned his platform into a weapon against the judicial system.

In addition to revoking his probation, prosecutors are also asking the court to hold Young Thug financially accountable for the security resources deployed to protect those targeted.

Young Thug pleaded guilty in the YSL RICO case and was sentenced on October 31, 2024. He received a 40-year sentence, with five years commuted to time served and the remaining 15 years to be served on probation.

An additional 20 years are “backloaded,” meaning they will only be served if he violates his probation terms. ​ A hearing date for the state’s revocation motion has not yet been publicly scheduled.

[Young Thug’s] probation should be immediately revoked to prevent further harm, ensure
compliance with the law, and send a clear message that witness intimidation and threats against public
officials will not be tolerated,” Fani Willis said. “The State urges this Court to take swift and decisive action by revoking [Young Thug’s] probation.”

Young Scooter’s Death: Reality TV Star Granted Bond After Deadly Hoax

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Demetria Spence was granted bond Wednesday (April 2) in Atlanta after police say her bogus 911 call triggered a deadly chain of events that ended with the death of Hip-Hop artist Young Scooter.

Spence, 31, a reality TV personality who goes by Demi Blanco on Zeus Network’s Baddies, was arrested and charged with transmitting a false public alarm.

Authorities say her fabricated emergency report sent officers to a Lakewood Heights home, where chaos unfolded and led to the rapper’s death on March 28, the same day he celebrated his 39th birthday.

The judge set her bond at $7,500.

As part of her release, Spence must avoid the scene of the incident, cannot possess any weapons and is barred from contacting witnesses.

The call, which police now say was likely a case of swatting, came from a 911-only phone. The device can make emergency calls but lacks a service plan, making it nearly impossible to trace.

Swatting is a dangerous prank where someone falsely reports a violent emergency to dispatch armed police to a specific location. The tactic has become increasingly common and has proven deadly in several cases across the country.

In this case, the caller claimed there were seven men inside a home on William Nye Drive, that she heard gunshots and saw a naked woman with a baby being thrown outside.

“Okay so I’m just I’m the neighborhood watch call 911 reporting a shooting there is a literally a whole domestic dispute going on there’s like seven guys that live in his house,” the caller said.

She went on to claim, “The guys are selling drugs out of the home all you see is guys coming in and out of the house with guns then claiming a naked woman was thrown outside it sounded like they were fighting over drugs and then they started shooting.”

The caller also alleged the woman was bleeding and being held against her will.

But when officers arrived, they found no woman, no baby and no signs of a domestic dispute. Police knocked on the door and a man inside slammed it shut before fleeing.

That man was later identified as Young Scooter. He ran from the home, jumped two fences, cut his leg on wood and was injured in the process.

Young Scooter later died at Grady Hospital from those injuries. Spence was arrested in Atlanta and booked on charges related to the false report.

Police say her actions directly contributed to the events that led to Young Scooter’s death.

Damon Wayans Likens Kanye West To Homeless People While Speaking On His Rants & Music

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: News

Damon Wayans used a surprising metaphor to describe his interpretations of Kanye West’s recent social media rants.

During his appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast, the Hollywood star name checked multiple celebrities, such as LeBron James, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Tom Cruise, among others. One of his most interesting and likely controversial takes arrived once he and Sharpe began reflecting on West recent disturbing rants on Twitter and other social media platforms.

Seemingly using the sandwich method, Wayans slapped the good together with the bad while speaking on his thoughts about West’s abrasive rhetoric.

“I love Kanye, you know, and people are mad at him, you know, what he’s doing is wild,” Wayans said in part before making the comparison between West and unhoused individuals. “But, you know, when you see a homeless person in the street and they’re talking to themselves, you can’t be mad at them, something’s wrong, they’re sick. Right.”

Wayans also challenged public perception of West’s ramped-up rants and the stigma surrounding individuals exhibiting signs of a mental health crisis.

“Kanye, something’s wrong with him, you know, and people—I don’t listen to the homeless man yelling stuff and think, ‘oh, he mean that?'” he said. “Right. He don’t mean that. It’s just coming out.”

Wayans went on to suggest that West needs to fall back on the support of family, despite the “Carnival” rapper’s recent tirades against his own immediate family members.

“Somebody, you know, you need an uncle,” he said. “Right. Grab him. ‘Hey, come here, boy, let me talk to you. You don’t say that. You don’t do that’. Somebody who he loves and respects. Right. Does he have that in his life? I don’t know.”

In the end, though, Wayans did give West his flowers while remarking on the legacy his illustrious discography boasts.

“But I love Kanye,” he said. “He’s a musical genius.”

Wayans’ assessment of West’s words follows yet another barrage of tweets targeting his contemporaries such as Drake, J. Cole, Future, Playboi Carti and the late Virgil Abloh.

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EXCLUSIVE: Tupac Shakur Song Could Vanish Over $5M Fight With Dr. Khallid Muhammad’s Estate

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Exclusives

Tupac Shakur’s estate is now at the center of a federal lawsuit over claims it stole a powerful political speech and used it without permission.

The lawsuit comes from the estate of Dr. Khallid Abdul Muhammad, who says Shakur’s 1996 track “White Man’z World” illegally sampled Muhammad’s copyrighted speech.

The suit doesn’t just name Shakur’s estate—it also targets Suge Knight, Interscope Records, Death Row Records, Universal’s publishing arm and producer Darryl “Big D” Harper.

According to the complaint, the Tupac Shakur’s team lifted a seven-line excerpt from a 1993 lecture Muhammad gave at the “Black Holocaust Nationhood Conference.”

That speech included a direct call to support political prisoners.

That clip ended up on “White Man’z World,” a standout track from The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, released just weeks after Shakur was shot and killed in Las Vegas in September 1996 at the age of 25.

The album dropped on November 5 of that year under his alias, Makaveli.

Meanwhile, Dr. Khallid Muhammad, a firebrand orator and former national spokesman for Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam, died from a brain aneurysm in 2001. He was 53.

Muhammad had become a well-known figure for his Black nationalist views and later served as chairman of the New Black Panther Party.

The lawsuit argues that Muhammad’s voice wasn’t just background noise. In fact, it asserts that his speech gave the song emotional weight and political urgency.

The estate says that Tupac’s team never requested a license, gave credit, or paid a dime. Moreover, the complaint says the sample is still being used commercially today.

“White Man’z World” is currently available on streaming platforms, featured on radio, and licensed for various forms of distribution.

According to the estate, that ongoing use only deepens the infringement.

“His presence on ‘White Manz World’ reinforces Tupac Shakur’s role as not just an artist, but as a voice for Black empowerment and resistance against oppression. At a time when hip-hop was a leading force in shaping political discourse among Black youth, Dr. Khallid’s inclusion gave ‘White Manz World’ an undeniable authenticity, elevating it beyond music into a revolutionary message against racial injustice,” lawyer Malik Z. Shabazz explained.

Furthermore, the estate insists that the defendants had access to public records showing the speech was protected.

The suit demands at least $5 million.

In addition, it seeks a permanent injunction to block further exploitation of Muhammad’s voice, attorneys’ fees and the impoundment of infringing materials.