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Mickey Factz Explains Being At NYU, Drake, Jay-Z and Nas As Kings Of Rap

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur) Updated Category: Exclusives
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Hip-Hop has been taught for decades, just not always in classrooms. The earliest “curriculum” was the basement, the sidewalk cipher, the radio and the DJ who decided you were worth spinning. Then the internet cracked the gates open. When AllHipHop launched in 1998, it helped define that early online wave, where discovery and debate moved at forum speed and where lyricists could be championed without a major label megaphone.

Fast-forward to today and the conversation has flipped: no gatekeepers, more noise and a real hunger for craft again. That’s where Mickey Factz comes in. He built Pendulum Ink as an online school centered on lyricism, plus the stuff artists usually learn the hard way, like business, content, and even mental health support. The Bronx wordsmith recently brought “The Art of the MC” into NYU’s Clive Davis Institute, stepping into a course previously taught by Black Thought. He and Chuck Jigsaw Creekmur discuss the education of rap and much more.

Factz and Jigsaw zoom out on the larger state of Hip-Hop, touching on the ongoing Jay-Z vs Nas GOAT debate and what longevity really means in 2026. Factz questioned whether any artist can permanently hold the crown without continuing to add to the canon, especially as Nas keeps releasing high-level work. And where does Drake fit into the conversation as the charts reflect a decline of sorts. Factz also spoke about Hip-Hop’s current fragmentation, citing gatekeepers, lack of mentorship and no clear torchbearer. Hip-Hop isn’t lacking talent, it’s lacking structure, discipline and more. Check the full video interview below, along with an edited Q&A.

Mickey Factz: Yeah, yeah, it’s Mickey Factz, Dean of Pendulum Inc. The goat of lyric breakdowns. And I’m here with one of the originators of the internet wave for Hip-Hop, exclusively AllHipHop.com. Keep it locked.

AllHipHop: What’s going on world, it’s AllHipHop in the building at Oneworld Studios with a veteran, a legend. I’m a call you a Hip-Hop icon. An emcee. And now an educator.

Mickey Factz: Wow. Thank you, brother. Yes sir.

AllHipHop: I was on the train like, “Mickey Factz is teaching people how to rap.” And I had mixed emotions. Because I’m from the basement era. You studied tapes, wrote trash, threw it away, recorded, battled in front of the supermarket. Now we teaching that? Or are people skipping ahead?

Mickey: Everything you said is what every MC did. You were self-teaching. But every art form has teachers. There’s jazz classes, piano classes, art classes. There were no rap classes. I wanted to change that. And before I started, I asked my peers for the blessing.

AllHipHop: Who’d you ask?

Mickey: Black Thought. Lupe. Rest in Peace Chino XL. We had a lot of conversations. Through them, I felt like I had what I needed. Then once it rolled out, MCs started hitting me like, “Yo, I want to come teach at your school.” At first we reached out. Now they reach out to us.

AllHipHop: Give people Pendulum Inc in plain terms.

Mickey: It’s an online school for lyricism. Teaching MCs how to rhyme on beat better, how to write better. We have mental health group therapy sessions. We teach the business of music, how to create content. Electives too, like poetry for rappers, Hip-Hop history with Dart Adams. And we bring in a legendary guest MC every month. We’ve been operational four years. Most businesses fail after two. We still here.

AllHipHop: I’m going to ask you a messy one. What MC makes you cringe technically?

Mickey: I’m not saying “what works,” I’m talking technique. But everybody has nuances. The MCs who lean more on songwriting to appeal to the masses, they don’t always live in that super technical space. I’m not asking everybody to rap ultra technical, I just want content on point and at least a two-syllable multi. Somebody like Kid Cudi, talented songwriter, super successful, but his lyrical technique might not be the highest. That’s not a shot. It’s just not his focus.

AllHipHop: Break down what a “multi” is, because a lot of people hear it and don’t realize there’s a name for it.

Mickey: If I say, “What rhymes with space?” you say “ace.” Space/ace is one syllable. Two-syllable, “backspace.” Flat face, fat face, rat race. Three-syllable, “outer space.” The more syllables you stack, the more advanced the pattern gets.

AllHipHop: People forget Run-DMC. They kept it simple, right?

Mickey: Here and there, but listen. “There is none higher… they call me sire.” Sire/fire is two syllables. Shout out to Run-DMC.

AllHipHop: You said DMC came to the school?

Mickey: Yeah. Shout out to DMC. To me he was the MC’s MC.

AllHipHop: Let’s talk NYU. How did that even happen?

Mickey: I’m at lunch with Ray Daniels and I get a random text like, “Yo, this is Dan Charnas. I work at NYU. We’d love for you to be a professor.” I thought it was spam, so I let it sit. Then I checked LinkedIn, it was real. I called him and I got fast-tracked. The position was held by Black Thought previously, and his schedule couldn’t make it work, so they called me. I thought it’d be virtual. They said nah, in-person. I live in Atlanta now, so once I got it, I started booking flights once a week.

AllHipHop: How were the students? Did anybody give you a hard time?

Mickey: I love them, but they treated it like a show at first. Showing up 15, 20 minutes late. I’m like, “Yo, I’m flying in at 7:30am for a 10 to 1 class, y’all can be on time.” But it was love. I had people FaceTime in, Method Man showed love, Maeda Dawn showed love, and Corey Gunz was coming in. They’re in the Clive Davis Institute, so they get professors who were musicians, managers, attorneys. But not a rapper who’s lived the highs and lows and worked with people they actually listen to. It was eye-opening for all of us.

AllHipHop: I replay that whole Royce, Ransom, you, Lupe moment over and over. It might be the greatest thing that never happened. It felt like relationships got blown up, and the culture veered off a cliff.

Mickey: Everybody expected the rumble. Lupe and I were ready for whatever. We didn’t know who would jump in or if Royce would respond. We had conversations about strategy, even about dropping records if it got worthy. Lupe dropped freestyles every day for like a week just to show the time he was on. Then nothing really happened, so it dissipated.

AllHipHop: Let’s talk the state of Hip-Hop. I don’t feel that “young hungry” torch-passer like when Nas hit, or when Kendrick hit. Does that concern you?

Mickey: Yes and no. No, because this was inevitable. AllHipHop and Nah Right and 2 Dope Boys, y’all were pivotal. You were like the mutation of what the DJ was, getting music to the people. Now there’s no gatekeepers, no filter. Anybody can record and go viral tomorrow. That’s where we need some sort of filter again.

AllHipHop: Who are you listening to right now?

Mickey: My students at Pendulum Inc. I’m excited for Conway, excited for Nas, I listen to Graf, waiting on Saigon, waiting on new Thought, love Stove God, hoping Royce drops next year, more Lupe. And Ransom is breaking every rule. A DJ Premier album, then a Conductor album right after. That’s crazy.

AllHipHop: Is Jay-Z still the GOAT if he’s not dropping?

Mickey: He’s still a GOAT, but is he the GOAT? That’s between Jay and Nas. When Jay pops out with a verse, everything shuts down. But we need an album.

AllHipHop: I’ve concluded we might need Drake. Where you at with him?

Mickey: Necessary evil, if you want to phrase it like that. Incredible songwriter. I think he should stay in that space. I don’t know if I want “guns and tough talk” Drake. “Nokia,” that’s Drake. That’s the pocket I want him in.

AllHipHop: Can a lyricist just be a lyricist now, without the movement behind them? The crew, the machine, the mentorship?

Mickey: Having a strong team helps push you to the next space. People want to see motion. Mentorship is missing. Cole might be the last one. Drake doesn’t have an MC under him, he’s got singers. Who’s Future’s MC? Who’s Big Sean’s MC? Even the elite pens don’t really have “the next.” How do we fix it? I’m not sure. I’m working on it.

AllHipHop: Last thing. Podcast rappers. It’s devolved into gossip.

Mickey: That’s where the money is, so people go where the money is. I like podcasts where we talk bars, songs, choruses, features, collaborations, cyphers, battles. I don’t care about who fought who or who dated who. At Pendulum, we stand on the art form. Game told me he hates press because it turns negative, he gave me 30 minutes. I told him we only talk bars. He stayed an hour and 15. That’s what time I’m on.

AllHipHop: Respect. And it’s a wrap.

EXCLUSIVE: Lil Durk Held In Solitary For 131 Days Over Apple Watch As Lawyers Fight Prison Condition

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Exclusives
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Lil Durk has spent more than four months in solitary confinement at MDC Los Angeles, locked in a small cell for 23 hours a day, as his legal team demands answers over what they call a lack of due process tied to an alleged contraband Apple Watch.

The rapper has been confined to the Segregated Housing Unit (SHU) since August 29, 2025, according to AllHipHop.com.

His attorneys filed a motion requesting a status hearing, arguing that he has been held “without process” in violation of federal regulations and possibly the Eighth Amendment, which prevents cruel and unusual punishment.

Durk’s lawyer, Christy O’Connor, says he has been in the SHU for 131 consecutive days, with no access to commissary, only one phone call per month, and no in-person visits.

“[Lil Durk] is confined to a very small jail cell, just large enough for a single bed, a toilet, and a sink,” O’Connor said. “The deleterious effects of extended solitary confinement on an inmate’s psychological well-being are well-documented.”

Despite the serious restriction, Lil Durk has not yet received the disciplinary review required under federal prison rules, which state that inmates must receive a Unit Discipline Committee review within five working days and may be entitled to a hearing before a Disciplinary Hearing Officer.

His attorneys argue that the Bureau of Prisons and MDC Los Angeles have offered conflicting justifications for his prolonged isolation.

In October, an MDC attorney reportedly said Durk’s celebrity status had nothing to do with his SHU placement. But in December, the Warden allegedly told defense counsel that the rap star posed a threat to the general public because of the high-profile nature of his case and potential rule violations.

Defense attorneys also claim Lil Durk had no behavioral issues during the 11 months he spent in general population before being moved to SHU.

The government’s stance on the Apple Watch accusation has also been described as inconsistent.

Officials say the SHU placement is unrelated to the FBI’s investigation or any charging decision, yet they also claim the Bureau of Prisons is waiting to begin disciplinary proceedings until after a charging decision is made.

Lil Durk’s attorneys cited research on the psychological damage caused by extended solitary confinement, including depression, anxiety, social withdrawal and sensory issues.

The government has taken “no position” on the defense’s request for a status hearing.

Lil Durk is in federal custody after prosecutors charged him with murder for hire tied to a 2022 Los Angeles shooting that killed Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, the cousin of rival rapper Quando Rondo. Authorities allege Durk helped plan and fund the attack as retaliation for the 2020 killing of King Von.

He was arrested in Florida in October 2024 and extradited to California.

Judges have denied bond, citing the seriousness of the charges and concerns about flight risk. Durk has pleaded not guilty and remains jailed as he awaits trial.

Battle Rap Icon Tsu Surf Set To Be Freed After RICO Conviction

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Tsu Surf is scheduled for release from federal prison on February 16, 2026, according to Federal Bureau of Prisons records.

The Newark battle rapper, born Rahjon Cox, has been serving a five-year federal sentence after pleading guilty to racketeering conspiracy and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

His scheduled release date represents the culmination of a legal saga that began with a 2022 RICO indictment targeting alleged members of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips.

Surf was sentenced in 2023 by U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton. The judge also imposed three years of supervised release and a $15,000 fine as part of his punishment. The charges stemmed from prosecutors’ allegations that Surf was an active member of the Silverbacc Gorillas (SBG) set within the larger Crips organization.

Originally, federal prosecutors sought up to 30 years in prison, 20 for racketeering conspiracy and 10 for the firearm charge, along with a combined $500,000 in fines.

However, Surf’s April 2023 guilty plea during a virtual hearing significantly reduced his potential sentencing exposure. By admitting to both the racketeering conspiracy and firearm possession charges, he avoided the possibility of decades behind bars.

The battle rap legend built his reputation through lyrical dexterity and memorable performances, establishing himself as one of the scene’s most respected competitors. His legal troubles created uncertainty about his future in the culture that made him famous.

While February 16, 2026, is his official release date, federal inmates may be released earlier through good-behavior credits or placement in halfway houses.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains discretion over such decisions based on individual circumstances and institutional conduct.

Big Boss Vette Celebrates Cancer Victory With Hospital Bell Dance

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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St. Louis rapper Big Boss Vette turned her cancer victory into a celebration that captured hearts across social media this week. The artist behind the viral hit Pretty Girls Walk announced she is officially cancer-free after completing an intensive 20-week treatment program for stage 2-3 breast cancer.

Vette shared the news through an emotional video posted to her social media accounts on January 5, 2026, showing her ringing the ceremonial hospital bell that marks the end of cancer treatment. The 52-second clip features the rapper dancing down a hospital hallway to her breakout song while wearing a pink hospital gown and headscarf.

“IF YOU WOULD’VE TOLD ME I’D BE BEATING CANCER AZZZZZZ IN 2026 I WOULDN’T HAVE BELIEVED YOU !!!! WE DID IT YALLLLLLLLL,” she wrote in the accompanying post that quickly went viral.

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The announcement shocked fans who had no idea the 25-year-old artist was battling cancer throughout 2025. Vette received her diagnosis in December 2025 and immediately began an aggressive treatment plan that included chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy.

Throughout her treatment, Vette made the deliberate choice to keep her diagnosis completely private while continuing to work on her music career. The only public hint came in a December 9, 2025, social media reply, in which she responded “Cancer” to a viral prompt asking what people don’t understand until they experience it themselves.

The chemotherapy treatments caused significant hair loss, which is visible in her celebration video. Medical staff and hospital workers can be seen cheering and clapping as she moves confidently through the corridors, creating a powerful moment of triumph over adversity.

Vette rose to prominence in 2022 when Pretty Girls Walk became a massive TikTok sensation, leading to collaborations with artists like Coi Leray and a major record deal with Republic Records. Since then, she has released tracks including Snatched and Eater, establishing herself as one of rap’s most promising female voices.

The timing of her announcement adds extra significance to her hospital celebration. Starting 2026 cancer-free represents both a personal victory and a professional fresh start for the rising star.

Fans flooded social media with messages of support and admiration for her strength throughout the private battle. Many praised her decision to fight quietly while maintaining her career momentum, calling her a true inspiration.

The viral hospital video has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times across platforms, with hip-hop media outlets and fellow artists sharing messages of congratulations. The moment perfectly captures Vette’s resilient spirit and determination to overcome challenges.

Vette’s medical team confirmed she completed all required treatments and recent scans show no signs of cancer remaining in her system. She will continue regular follow-up appointments as part of standard post-treatment monitoring protocols.

Eminem Scores WWE Raw Theme Deal Days After Ted Nugent Attack

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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‌WWE Raw announced Eminem‘s “Godzilla” featuring Juice WRLD as its new official theme song on January 5, 2026, replacing Travis Scott’s “4×4” in a move that comes just days after rock guitarist Ted Nugent publicly attacked the Detroit rapper.

The timing of WWE’s announcement creates an interesting backdrop as Eminem continues to expand his sports-entertainment empire despite criticism from fellow musicians.

Ted Nugent called Eminem a “total idiot” during a YouTube video posted in late December 2025, where the MAGA maniac criticized both the rapper’s music and political views while acknowledging his talent. Nugent said Eminem and Jack White were “total idiots” who “don’t want their country to have secure borders” and “think men should destroy women’s sports.”

However, WWE’s decision to feature “Godzilla” as the theme song for Monday Night Raw marks another major sports-entertainment partnership for Eminem, following his multi-year deal with the Detroit Lions, announced in November 2025.

Under that Lions partnership, Eminem and his longtime manager, Paul Rosenberg, serve as executive producers of the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Halftime Show through 2027. The first show featured Jack White performing “Seven Nation Army” and a surprise appearance by Eminem, which Nugent dubbed “soulful” despite bashing both artists.

The song “Godzilla” was originally released in 2020 from Eminem’s album Music to Be Murdered By and features the late Juice WRLD, who died in December 2019 from an accidental overdose.

The track became a commercial success and showcased Eminem’s rapid-fire delivery, making it a fitting choice for WWE’s high-energy Monday night programming. The replacement of Travis Scott’s “4×4” with “Godzilla” marks a significant shift for WWE Raw’s musical identity, moving from Scott’s trap-influenced sound to Eminem’s more aggressive rap style.

WWE has historically used theme songs to set the tone for its programming, and the choice of “Godzilla” suggests the company wants to emphasize intensity and energy for its flagship Monday night show.

North West’s Solo IG Account Vanishes After Just Three Weeks Online

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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North West’s Instagram account has disappeared from the platform just three weeks after the twelve-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West made her solo social media debut on December 20, 2025.

The account, which rapidly gained nearly 500,000 followers within two days of launching, was deactivated on January 5, 2026, following intense public criticism over North’s fashion choices and appearance in recent posts.

North faced significant backlash for photos showing her wearing fake piercings, including what appeared to be a bridge nose piercing, along with black dental grills and edgy fashion statements that critics deemed inappropriate for her age.

The controversy intensified when North posted TikTok videos featuring a 106-carat diamond pendant, blackened teeth, and various facial accessories, sparking heated debates about age-appropriate content for preteens on social media platforms.

Kim Kardashian previously defended her daughter’s creative expression during an October 2025 appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast, where she asked critics to show “grace” toward parents navigating social media with their children.

“I nurture her creative side,” Kardashian said during the podcast interview, acknowledging that “as a mom, you’re kind of like learning at the same time” when dealing with public scrutiny of parenting decisions.

North herself demonstrated confidence in handling criticism, telling her mother she doesn’t care about negative comments about her blue hair and fashion choices, according to Kardashian’s podcast.

The Instagram account’s disappearance comes amid ongoing tensions between Kim Kardashian and Kanye West regarding their daughter’s social media presence, with West previously expressing concerns about North being on TikTok when she was eight years old.

In February 2022, Kanye West publicly criticized North’s TikTok presence in a now-deleted Instagram post, stating that his daughter appeared on the platform “against my will” and sharing concerns about her online exposure.

Kim Kardashian responded to West’s criticism at the time by emphasizing that North’s TikTok account was managed by adults and that she wanted to nurture her daughter’s creativity while maintaining appropriate boundaries.

The recent Instagram controversy highlights the ongoing challenges celebrity parents face when balancing their children’s creative expression with public expectations and age-appropriate content guidelines on social media platforms.

North’s brief Instagram presence included posts featuring her artistic endeavors, including special effects makeup work that she has been studying through professional classes with industry experts who work with her mother.

The account’s rapid growth to nearly half a million followers within 48 hours demonstrated the intense public interest in North’s independent social media presence, separate from the joint TikTok account she shares with her mother.

Critics specifically targeted North’s recent posts showing her wearing what appeared to be facial piercings, though it remains unclear whether these were temporary accessories or permanent modifications to her appearance.

The backlash extended beyond fashion choices to broader questions about how much celebrity children are exposed to social media criticism and about parents’ responsibility to protect them from online harassment while supporting their creative interests.

Kim Kardashian has consistently emphasized that North’s confidence helps her handle criticism, noting that her daughter maintains a mature perspective about people who disapprove of her personal style choices and creative expression.

The Instagram account’s deactivation represents the latest chapter in the ongoing public discussion about celebrity children’s social media presence and the appropriate boundaries for preteens navigating online platforms under intense public scrutiny.

North West’s Instagram account remains inaccessible as of January 6, 2026, with searches for the profile now displaying messages indicating the page is no longer available or may have been removed from the platform.

Donnie McClurkin Denies “Pray Away The Gay” Abuse Allegations In Lawsuit

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Grammy-winning gospel singer and pastor Donnie McClurkin is categorically denying sexual abuse allegations filed against him by a former church member who claims years of grooming and assault during spiritual counseling sessions.

McClurkin’s attorney, Greg Lisi, said the accusations are completely false and grossly mischaracterize interactions that occurred over a decade ago.

Giuseppe Corletto filed the lawsuit on Friday in Manhattan state Supreme Court under New York City’s Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, alleging McClurkin sexually abused him over several years starting in 2003.

Corletto claims he sought out McClurkin after reading the pastor’s autobiographical book Eternal Victim-Eternal Victor, which described overcoming what McClurkin called the curse of homosexuality through faith.

The lawsuit alleges McClurkin began molesting Corletto during the gay away spiritual sessions at Perfecting Faith Church in Long Island, New York. Corletto worked as McClurkin’s assistant from 2004 and regularly traveled with the pastor, during which time the alleged abuse escalated to rape, according to court documents.

Lisi firmly rejected all allegations in a statement to NBC News, saying McClurkin never engaged in any form of sexual abuse, assault, or sexual coercion against Corletto. The attorney emphasized that the claims grossly mischaracterize their interactions and are contradicted by real facts from events that occurred over two decades ago.

Corletto’s lawsuit includes an alleged apology email from McClurkin after a 2013 incident at a Niagara Falls hotel, where the pastor allegedly called himself a dirty old man and apologized for forcing Corletto into something he consistently said no to.

The email allegedly stated that McClurkin felt foolish and stupid about his behavior toward someone seeking guidance and spiritual support.

According to McClurkin, he built his career on overcoming childhood sexual abuse and homosexuality through faith, winning three Grammy awards and selling millions of albums. His path to stardom included an endorsement from Oprah Winfrey, who declared his self-titled album one of her favorite things in 1996, and a performance at the 2004 Republican National Convention.

The allegations against McClurkin emerge amid a broader pattern of sexual abuse scandals involving prominent pastors and religious leaders.

T.D. Jakes faced similar allegations when Duane Youngblood accused the megachurch pastor of grooming and attempted sexual assault during the 1980s on a YouTube show, though Jakes dismissed his defamation lawsuit against Youngblood in October 2025.

Youngblood’s brother, Richard, also made allegations against Jakes, who denied them in a sworn affidavit before voluntarily withdrawing from the legal action. The dismissal followed nearly a year of court filings and failed efforts to recover damages arising from the allegations.

Robert Morris of Gateway Church pleaded guilty to child abuse charges in 2024 after a woman accused him of sexually abusing her as a 12-year-old girl in the 1980s. Morris resigned from the Texas megachurch he founded following the allegations and later admitted to indecent conduct with a child in an Oklahoma court.

McClurkin’s legal team is expected to file a formal response to the allegations in the Manhattan state Supreme Court within the coming weeks.

Snoop Dogg’s First NBA Call Features Wild Steve Kerr Meltdown

By: Nolan Strong Updated Category: News
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‌Snoop Dogg made his NBA broadcasting debut on January 5, 2026, during the Golden State Warriors versus Los Angeles Clippers game at Intuit Dome, and he witnessed one of the wildest coaching ejections of the season.

The legendary rapper joined Reggie Miller and Terry Gannon in the broadcast booth for the second half of the game on Peacock and NBCSN. The Long Beach native prepared extensively for his first NBA analyst role by watching game film, attending team shootarounds, and participating in production meetings with the NBC Sports crew.

Snoop Dogg said, “This is a dream come true for me” about joining the NBA broadcast team as part of his expanded deal with NBCUniversal. The game took a dramatic turn in the fourth quarter when Warriors head coach Steve Kerr erupted over a missed goaltending call that officials later admitted should have been flagged.

Kerr’s heated exchange with the referees led to his ejection from the game, with the Warriors trailing by one point. Snoop Dogg provided animated commentary as Kerr was physically restrained while arguing the controversial no-call that changed the game’s momentum.

Stephen Curry fouled out with forty-three seconds remaining after the sequence of controversial calls that sent Kerr into his tirade. The Warriors ultimately lost to the Clippers, 103-102, in what became a memorable debut for their newest broadcaster.

Snoop’s broadcasting debut comes as part of his return to NBCUniversal for coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, where he will once again work alongside host Mike Tirico.

The rapper’s Olympic commentary during the 2024 Paris Games earned widespread praise from viewers and critics alike.

Anthony Joshua Considering Retirement From Boxing After Heartbreaking Tragedy

By: Houston Williams Updated Category: News
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Anthony Joshua is reportedly ready to retire from boxing after a tragic car accident in Nigeria.

The former heavyweight champion has informed those closest to him that he plans to step away from the ring following a devastating accident that took the lives of his trainer and best friend. This tragedy has reshaped his outlook on life and competition, according to his relative.

The revelation came from his uncle Adedamola Joshua who said the decision brings relief to the family after years of emotional strain and stress of watching Joshua fight at the sport’s highest level.

He recently attended the funeral of both men at London Central Mosque a moment that underscored the depth of the tragedy. In the aftermath Adedamola Joshua confirmed that his nephew had already made his decision known.

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“The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing,” he told PUNCH. “That is one thing that makes us glad because each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally.

“Each time he’s knocked down, it is just like the heart is coming out of our chest.

“All these emotional feelings whenever he’s fighting, it’s too much trauma for us, also. Now that he has said that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”

Joshua’s relative added that the boxer believes this is the right time to walk away after a 12 year professional career that delivered multiple championships global recognition and historic nights in packed arenas.

Joshua last competed in December when he defeated Jake Paul in a demolition that finished with Paul’s jaw being broken in two places. The event also delivered a major payday for Joshua, setting the stage for a busy 2026.

The Paul bout was viewed as a strategic move designed to keep momentum alive while larger plans were being finalized behind the scenes.

Those plans included a possible long awaited clash with Tyson Fury with a return penciled in for February or March. Joshua was also exploring other options for a comeback fight as he continued rebuilding after a loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Promoter Eddie Hearn publicly stated that Joshua still had ambitions of reclaiming a world heavyweight title and was even open to facing Fabio Wardley if the opportunity arose.

Everything changed after the car accident in Nigeria last week.

Joshua suffered minor injuries and was hospitalized in Nigeria before returning to the United Kingdom. The crash claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and longtime team members Latif Latz Ayodele and Sina Ghami.

The loss sent shockwaves through Joshua’s inner circle, the boxing community and also prompted questions about his future in boxing.

Whether the decision becomes permanent remains to be seen but for now those closest to Joshua say the gloves are off and the priority has shifted.

50 Cent’s “In Da Club” Hits 2 Billion Streams As Domination Over Media Continues

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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50 Cent just hit another massive milestone as his legendary track “In Da Club” crossed 2 billion streams on Spotify in January 2026.

The achievement adds another crown jewel to what was already a record-breaking streaming year for the Queens rapper, who dominated digital platforms throughout 2025.

The track from his 2003 debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ continues to prove its staying power more than two decades after its release.

Originally produced by Dr. Dre and Mike Elizondo, the song was offered to D12 and Rakim before landing with 50 Cent, who turned it into a career-defining anthem. “In Da Club” spent nine weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Diamond certification, but its streaming numbers show how the song found new life in the digital age.

The track now sits alongside three other 50 Cent songs in Spotify’s exclusive Billions Club, including “Candy Shop” with over 1.2 billion streams, “P.I.M.P.” with more than 1 billion streams, and “Hate It Or Love It” featuring The Game, which also crossed the billion-stream mark.

The 2 billion stream milestone caps off an incredible 2025 for 50 Cent, who finished the year as New York’s top rapper on YouTube with 1.89 billion streams. His total global streaming numbers reached 1.9 billion across all platforms, proving that his music continues to connect with both longtime fans and new listeners discovering his catalog.

Beyond music streaming, 50 Cent has built an entertainment empire that extends far into television and film.

He launched the 50 Cent Action streaming channel with Lionsgate in December 2024, featuring action movies, series, and the entire Power franchise, which he executive-produces.

In December 2025, 50 Cent dominated Netflix with his hit documentary Sean Combs: The Reckoning, which reached #1 and stayed there for almost the entire month, beating out major franchise releases like Stranger Things.

His G-Unit Studios in Shreveport, Louisiana, serves as the production hub for his television projects,

Lil Zay Osama Baptized, Declares Drill Music Done – “Real Music Only”

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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Lil Zay Osama entered 2026 with a viral baptism clip and a personal reset, embracing faith and pledging to leave behind street life and drill music.

Footage of the Chicago rapper standing in a small outdoor tub while being immersed by a minister began circulating on social media just after New Year’s Day. The video, which shows a solemn prayer before he is briefly submerged in water, led many to believe the baptism was intended to ring in the new year.

But according to Osama, born Isaiah Dukes, the actual baptism took place months earlier.

“I got baptized in April 2025,” he clarified in a social media post, calling it one of the most meaningful moments of his year.

Still, the resurfaced clip struck a chord online. Some viewed the baptism as a sign of spiritual growth and a move away from his past legal and street-related troubles. Others questioned whether his music would reflect his new direction.

Lil Zay Osama didn’t leave that to speculation. In a lengthy New Year’s message, he outlined his 2026 goals with candor.

“I really appreciate every year of my life from the wrongs to the rights fr, that s### shaped me to be who I am today every L was a lesson and learning experience for me,” he wrote. “2026 I’m Not dissing no OPPs, not making no drill music hit songs real music only. Focusing on Building a closer bond with my kids focus on straight money no street s###.”

He added, “I’m coming for you how u coming for me im not doing nun extra for nobody that ain’t doing it for me done being nice cool and friendly with u n##### and b###### it’s over with putting priorities first at all times buying all properties, building businesses and investing all 2026, and in that gym working out, getting closer to god nun else!”

The shift in tone follows a generous act that capped off his 2025.

Lil Zay Osama partnered with Ceasefire to support Corshawnda Hatter and her children, a Chicago family who had been violently attacked outside a school.

At Ceasefire’s Calumet Park headquarters, he surprised them with “tons of presents,” including an Xbox, dolls, clothing and a $650 check to help with holiday expenses.

Hatter said the gesture made Christmas “real brighter” and gave her a sense of community support after the traumatic incident left her with permanent injuries and her son hospitalized.

Zeethewizard Tragic Update: Dallas Rapper Dies Days After Pink House Club Shooting

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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‌Dallas rapper Zeethewizard died Monday at a local hospital after being critically wounded in a New Year’s Day shooting at Pink House Dallas nightclub.

The rapper was among five people shot during the club’s grand opening celebration around 4 A.M. Thursday morning.

The 25-year-old artist had built a promising career after transitioning to music following a sports injury that ended his athletic aspirations. Zeethewizard was an active member of the New Dallas collective, a Hip-Hop group that advocates for peace and unity within the city’s music community.

The collective’s mission of promoting harmony stands in stark contrast to the violence that claimed Zeethewizard’s life during what should have been a celebratory event.

BigXthaPlug was present at the Pink House Dallas event and reacted emotionally to the shooting incident that wounded his friend and fellow artist.

The shooting wounded four other individuals besides Zeethewizard, though police have not released information about suspects or potential motives behind the violence.

Dallas authorities continue investigating the incident that transformed a New Year’s celebration into a tragedy for the local Hip-Hop community.

Dallas police are asking anyone with information about the Pink House shooting to contact investigators as they work to identify those responsible for the violence.

EXCLUSIVE: DMX To Be Posthumously Ordained As Minister At Underground Railroad Site

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Exclusives
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DMX will be posthumously ordained as a minister at the Foster Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Tarrytown in a ceremony that honors his deep spiritual influence and lifelong connection to faith.

The late Hip-Hop icon, born Earl Simmons, will be formally recognized by the Gospel Cultural Center with a service at 3 P.M. inside the 164-year-old sanctuary, which once served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

The church, founded in 1860, is one of the earliest African Methodist Episcopal Zion congregations in Westchester County and has been designated a historic landmark for its role in helping enslaved people escape to freedom.

“Earl Simmons wrestled with God in the public square, turning his pain into a ministry of raw truth,” said Bishop Dr. Osiris Imhotep, founder of the Gospel Cultural Center. “This ordination recognizes the divine calling he fulfilled every time he spoke a prayer into a microphone.”

DMX, who passed away in 2021 at age 50, was known as much for his anthems as for his spiritual vulnerability.

Throughout his career, he often opened shows with heartfelt prayers and closed albums with spoken-word invocations.

In tracks like “Lord Give Me a Sign” and “Prayer,” he blended emotion with spiritual reflection, turning his music into a form of ministry that resonated with millions.

The ordination ceremony will include scripture from Acts 17:31 and is expected to draw Hip-Hop lovers, faith leaders and community members alike to celebrate the legacy of a man who used his platform to preach as much as perform.

The service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

EXCLUSIVE: BIG U Says Breathing Machine Confiscated, Mail Missing After He Was Sent To “The Hole”

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Exclusives
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Big U says his health is deteriorating and his legal defense is unraveling after being thrown in “the hole” at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles.

He also claims jail officials confiscated his CPAP breathing machine, withheld critical legal documents and stopped him from attending his murdered son’s viewing despite a court order allowing him to do so.

The jailed record industry executive told a federal judge that he has been unable to sleep safely or prepare for his complex racketeering trial since being transferred to the Special Housing Unit, commonly referred to as “the hole,” on January 1, without explanation or prior notice of disciplinary action.

“Put frankly, death can occur for those who require breathing machines when they sleep if they do not have one. Therefore, since being in the SHU without it, I simply cannot allow myself to fall asleep whatsoever,” Big U wrote in a letter to U.S. District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha.

“My additional mattress accommodation due to back and shoulder injury, and my eyeglasses have also not been provided in SHU. My knee brace was returned after a short period, but the lack of sleep support and proper bedding has made my physical discomfort worse,” Big continued.

In the same filing, Big U said his legal preparation has been severely compromised. He claims that jail staff took a USB drive containing discovery materials and personal legal paperwork and failed to properly log it.

“To my knowledge, the USB and those legal materials were not inventoried,” he wrote. “When I have asked about them, staff have not acknowledged that they exist or that they were taken.”

He also stated that his communication with his legal team has been disrupted and that his mail has been tampered with.

“Approximately twenty-five pieces of legal correspondence were extremely delayed or never reached me at all,” he wrote. “On multiple occasions, legal mail has arrived to me already opened, so of course not opened in my presence. On other occasions, I have been told mail was sent but I never received it. These problems have involved important materials such as my indictment and other case documents or legal notes.”

His filing also details a personal tragedy

While in custody, Big U’s son was fatally shot in Los Angeles in late 2025. He stated that the court granted him permission to attend a private viewing, but jail officials prevented it from occurring.

EXCLUSIVE: Big U Blocked From Son’s Burial After Court Rejects His Proposal

“Losing my child while I am in custody has been among the most challenging experiences of my life,” he wrote. “Despite that order, I was not permitted the contact or participation that the Court intended. The order was not followed. I was not able to be present for my son in the way the Court had authorized and made an exception for after his death. I was not allowed private viewing, even though there was a court order for this. Of course, I will never have that opportunity again.”

Big U is at the center of a sweeping federal racketeering case prosecutors say involves the “Big U Enterprise,” a criminal organization allegedly tied to the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips.

Authorities claim the group operated like a mafia-style syndicate for over a decade, engaging in murder, extortion, fraud, human trafficking and other crimes.

He has pleaded not guilty to all 43 counts in the indictment.

One of the most serious allegations accuses Big U of orchestrating the January 2021 murder of aspiring rapper Rayshawn Williams, allegedly in retaliation for a diss track aimed at him. The case, built on intercepted phone calls and extensive surveillance, was unsealed in March 2025.

Prosecutors argue that the scope and complexity of the charges, which include tax evasion, wire fraud, and robbery, justify delaying the trial to May 5, 2026.

Big U has elected to represent himself in certain aspects of the case and has requested additional legal support, including additional attorneys, investigators, and a communications specialist.

The trial is currently scheduled to begin on May 5, 2026.

6ix9ine Proud He’s Doing Time With Nicolás Maduro & Luigi Mangione “Bout To Eat Raman”

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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6ix9ine is heading to federal prison tomorrow and says he’ll be bunking up with none other than Nicolás Maduro and Luigi Mangione.

Both high-profile prisoners are being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where 6ix9ine will be heading on January 6 after violating his supervised release.

The rapper, who’s no stranger to wild situations, dropped the news in a video on Monday and couldn’t help but make light of the situation.

“Guys remember when I told you I was arrested and in prison with Diddy, the president of Honduras, and Sam Bankman-Fried and you guys thought I was lying? And then it came out that the president of Honduras was like ‘He’s such a cool guy,’ I put Diddy on the phone with Akademiks. Now, I’m about to go meet the president of Venezuela,” 6ix9ine said.

“I have that luck of just being locked up with presidents. Oh, and I’m about to meet Luigi too. I’m about to play chess with them n#####, eat ramen noodles,” 6ix9ine added.

Maduro is the former Venezuelan president who was snatched up by U.S. forces in Venezuela last Saturday. He’s now facing a whole list of serious charges like narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine-importation conspiracy and weapons-related stuff.

On Monday, he pleaded not guilty and said he was still the President of a sovereign nation.

Meanwhile, Mangione is still waiting for his day in court after being accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson back in 2024.

Before getting shipped off to Fort Dix, even Diddy spent some time at MDC Brooklyn while awaiting trial. He’s now serving a 50-month sentence tied to a prostitution transport case.

6ix9ine’s sentence is only three months, but leave it to him to turn a short bid into a circus.

DaBaby Drops News Video With His Daughter & Announces New LP “Be More Grateful”

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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DaBaby delivered a one-two punch of music and meaning on Monday (January 5) with the announcement of his next album, Be More Grateful, and the release of his new single “Don’t Insult Me,” featuring his daughter, Twin.

Directed by Nick Mays, the music video opens with paparazzi swarming the rapper and his daughter before Twin uses her powers to push back the chaos. The scene quickly pivots from confrontation to control, setting the tone for a track that blends personal reflection with sharp lyricism.

Throughout the video, DaBaby warns people not to play with him because he’s “put that iron on a few n#####” as Twin stays by his side.

“Don’t Insult Me” marks one of the most vulnerable entries in DaBaby’s catalog. The track arrives ahead of Be More Grateful, which drops January 16. Listeners who pre-order the album will instantly receive “Don’t Insult Me” and “PBJT,” in addition to previously released tracks “Letter to My YN,” “Paper Low” and “Out Ya Business.”

The rollout began with “Letter to My YN,” a motivational anthem designed to uplift the next generation.

The Belly-inspired video, featuring DaBaby and his nephew, emphasized mentorship and the importance of avoiding destructive paths. That message continues to echo throughout the new project.

On his birthday, DaBaby dropped “Out Ya Business,” a black-and-white visual also directed by Mays.

Shot inside a school, the video focused on discipline and mental clarity, aligning with the rapper’s recent efforts to use his platform for more than just chart-toppers. Offstage, DaBaby has expanded his outreach through his nonprofit initiative, DaBaby Cares.

Launched during Suicide Prevention Month in 2024 in memory of his late brother Glenn Johnson, the program aims to tackle mental health stigma and provide resources for youth.

Its first event, held at West Charlotte High School, provided students with access to mental health resources and a Youth Mental Health 101 guide.

50 Cent Uses Nicolás Maduro’s Arrest To Troll Diddy With Slick “Oil” Joke

By: Nolan Strong Updated Category: News
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50 Cent has found another opportunity to target his longtime rival Diddy by using Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s recent arrest and detention at MDC Brooklyn.

The Queens rapper posted an AI-generated Instagram meme showing Maduro speaking with Diddy, with the Venezuelan leader saying “They took my oil also!” in reference to both countries’ oil-related situations.

The timing of 50 Cent’s post connects two major news stories involving the same Brooklyn detention facility where both men have been held.

Maduro was captured by US military forces in Venezuela over the weekend and transported to New York, where he now faces narco-terrorism and cocaine importation charges at the Metropolitan Detention Center.

View this post on Instagram

50 Cent captioned his Instagram post with motivational language about productivity and success, writing, “Good morning ladies and gentlemen, may today be productive and prosperous towards you and your goals. Make your enemies watch your progress repeatedly.”

The message maintains his typical approach of mixing business motivation with personal attacks against his rivals. The meme specifically references the massive quantity of baby oil that federal agents seized during raids on Diddy’s properties as part of his prosecution.

Authorities discovered over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, which prosecutors said were used during what they called “freak offs” – elaborate sexual performances that Diddy allegedly organized and participated in.

Maduro’s oil reference also connects to President Trump’s recent comments about Venezuela’s petroleum resources during a Saturday press conference at Mar-a-Lago. Donald Trump announced plans for major US oil companies to invest billions of dollars in rebuilding Venezuela’s damaged oil infrastructure following Maduro’s removal from power.

The Instagram post represents another chapter in 50 Cent’s sustained campaign against Diddy, which has intensified significantly since the Bad Boy founder’s legal troubles began.

50 Cent has consistently used social media to mock Diddy’s situation, often focusing on the baby oil seizures and other embarrassing details from the federal case. His trolling efforts expanded beyond social media when he partnered with Netflix to serve as executive producer of Sean Combs: The Reckoning, a four-part documentary series that premiered in December.

The project examines numerous allegations against Diddy throughout his career and has become a major success for the streaming platform.

Diddy is currently serving a 50-month prison sentence after being convicted in July on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. A Manhattan federal jury found him not guilty on more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges, but the prostitution convictions resulted in his current incarceration plus five years of supervised release.

The Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn has housed several high-profile inmates, including Ghislaine Maxwell and R. Kelly, and has faced criticism for its conditions and security issues.

As for Maduro, he appeared in Manhattan federal court on Monday morning, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges and declared himself a political prisoner and still the president of Venezuela.

A$AP Rocky Dances With Winona Ryder In Funny Visual For “Punk Rocky”

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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A$AP Rocky launched his latest visual spectacle for the single “Punk Rocky” on Tuesday, enlisting Winona Ryder for a surreal, genre-bending music video that previews his long-anticipated fourth album DON’T BE DUMB, set to arrive January 16 via A$AP Worldwide and RCA Records.

The video, co-directed by Rocky alongside Folkert Verdoorn and Simon Becks, collectively known as The Three Musketeers, features a cast that includes Ryder, Danny Elfman, Thundercat and A$AP Nast.

The clip brings to life five of Rocky’s six alter egos from the upcoming album, including GR1M (played by Rocky), RUGAHAND (Tommy Revenge), BABUSHKA BOI (Thoto), SHIRTHEAD (the Williams twins) and DUMMY.

Ryder, who rose to fame in the late 1980s with standout roles in Beetlejuice, Heathers and Edward Scissorhands, adds a haunting presence to the video.

The two-time Academy Award nominee and Stranger Things star has long been a cult favorite for her offbeat roles and gothic screen presence, making her a natural fit for Rocky’s eccentric visual universe.

“Punk Rocky” is the first official single from DON’T BE DUMB, Rocky’s first full-length album in eight years.

The track was co-written by A$AP Rocky, Ghost, Ging and Zach Fogarty. Its gritty, lo-fi energy sets the tone for what Rocky has described as a push toward more deliberate and creative choices in both music and life.

The album’s cover art was crafted in collaboration with filmmaker Tim Burton, whose signature visual style helped bring Rocky’s six personas to life. Each character reflects a different chapter of Rocky’s career and identity.

A$AP Rocky has been teasing DON’T BE DUMB for more than two years through live performances, fashion collaborations and cryptic previews.

The album rollout follows a high-profile year for the Harlem-born artist, who served as co-chair of the 2025 Met Gala, was named creative director for Ray-Ban and became Chanel’s newest house ambassador.

He also previewed new material during headlining sets at Lollapalooza and Camp Flog Gnaw, giving audiences an early taste of the sonic direction of DON’T BE DUMB.

The album is scheduled to release January 16, 2026.

Island Boys Rapper’s Daily Fentanyl Addiction Exposed After Latest Arrest

By: Nolan Strong Updated Category: News
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Franky Venegas from the Island Boys got arrested on New Year’s Eve with fentanyl paraphernalia and now an acquaintance has revealed his alleged daily drug habit.

The 24-year-old TikTok star spent the first day of 2026 locked up in Collier County Jail following a traffic stop that exposed his ongoing substance abuse problems.

Deputies pulled over Venegas and driver Olivia Dubois near a Circle K gas station on State Road 29 in Naples around midnight. Officers said they observed suspicious movements by Venegas inside the black Mercedes-Benz as they approached the vehicle during a routine traffic stop.

The search of their vehicle revealed multiple items containing fentanyl residue that painted a disturbing picture of regular drug use. Deputies found a debit card with Venegas’ name that had a white powdery substance testing positive for fentanyl in the center console area.

Officers also discovered a cut straw with fentanyl residue where Venegas was sitting and a pill breaker containing the deadly synthetic opioid. The evidence suggested a pattern of frequent drug consumption rather than casual experimentation with dangerous substances.

Paris Livvy, a social media content creator who knows Venegas through influencer Jack Doherty, made shocking claims about the rapper’s drug use habits during an interview with WZVN-TV.

“They always do fentanyl like on a daily basis,” Livvy said about Venegas and his twin brother Alex. “I don’t even know how they do it.”

Livvy described Venegas as someone who became famous for being “weird” rather than talented, adding fuel to the brothers’ controversial reputation. “He’s kind of just like a joke,” she explained. “Like he kind of went famous for people being like this guy is so weird.”

The weirdest incident involving the Island Boys happened when the twin brothers posted a viral video of themselves tongue kissing each other. The controversial clip sparked massive backlash across social media platforms as fans expressed disgust over the incestuous behavior between siblings.

Franky and Alex Venegas defended the kissing video, claiming they were promoting content on their OnlyFans accounts. The brothers said the intimate moment was purely for financial gain rather than genuine romantic feelings between them.

The year 2025 proved especially difficult for both Island Boys members as their legal troubles mounted throughout the months. Franky faced his first major arrest in February 2025 during another Naples traffic stop that resulted in gun and drug charges.

Police found oxycodone pills and a spray-painted firearm without serial numbers during that February incident, leading to serious weapons charges. Franky remained out on bond for the altered firearm possession case when deputies arrested him again on New Year’s Eve.

Alex Venegas experienced his own mental health crisis in November 2025 when authorities detained him under Florida’s Baker Act. The involuntary mental health hold allows police to detain someone for 72 hours if they pose a danger to themselves or others.

The Baker Act detention happened during a livestream where Alex appeared to be having a psychotic episode that he later blamed on “multiple substances.” His brother Franky confirmed that Alex’s drug use contributed to his mental breakdown and subsequent hospitalization.

Livvy believes both brothers need professional help for their substance abuse problems rather than continued arrests and jail time.

“They’re just like not good people,” she said. “Like they’re very like crazy in real life and like they don’t really think and like definitely like I think they probably need rehab.”

Why Cardi B’s Wife Comments Have Hip-Hop Talking

By: illseed Updated Category: Rumors
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Cardi B and marriage talk have collided at the exact moment Hip-Hop crowned her Rapper of the Year, and that timing is doing a lot of the heavy lifting in the rumor mill right now. The proclamation sent a few people into a mild panic, but the reality is simple. In a moment where Hip-Hop lacks true pop culture juggernauts moving serious units, Cardi stood tall while others stayed comfortable. That part is not really debatable.

Where things get sticky is not the charts or the sales but the heart. Or at least the Instagram captions. Cardi has been publicly referring to herself as a wife while very much still being legally married to Offset. No matter how you slice it, they are not together. This is not a union in spirit, energy, or reality. This is paperwork. A technicality. A lingering signature waiting to happen while lawyers circle the block.

The whispers say Offset wants his financial slice and that the divorce is not exactly friendly. That is the word on the street, not a sworn affidavit. At the same time, Cardi appears locked in with Stefon Diggs, a star receiver who comes with his own complicated headlines and a growing family tree that seems to sprout new branches every season. That is another conversation for another day and probably another headache.

What is interesting is Cardi’s framing. She is not presenting herself as single, confused or in between. She is presenting herself as a wife. That is intentional. With Diggs in football mode and Cardi clearly invested, it feels like she has already mentally walked down an aisle that the rest of us cannot see yet. Whether that aisle leads to peace or chaos is above my pay grade.

From a business standpoint, some will argue she should move differently. But Cardi has never lived her life based on focus groups or advisory boards. She moves on instinct and emotion, sometimes to brilliant effect and sometimes to public spectacle.

People are talking loudly, typing faster than thinking, and projecting their own anxieties onto her life. I will not join that choir. If she is happy, then she is winning. And in Hip-Hop, happiness might be the rarest flex of all.