Skrilla has previously documented his sacrificial practices involving doves, chickens, and other animals throughout his rise to fame. He exploded into mainstream consciousness in February 2025 with his drill rap track Doot Doot (6 7), which became a cultural phenomenon among Gen Alpha and teenagers nationwide.
The song’s repetitive “six, seven” chant became so pervasive that Dictionary.com named “67” as its Word of the Year for 2025, citing a sixfold increase in searches since June 2025.
Skrilla’s viral success with Doot Doot (6 7) has led to over 60 million streams across platforms, transforming the Philadelphia artist from local talent to a national phenomenon. The track’s success led to collaborations with established artists like G Herbo and a record deal with Priority Records.
His social media comment section exploded with opinions about his New Year rituals. While some were shocked, most people who follow him already know about his religious beliefs.
The Philadelphia native has been remarkably candid about his religious beliefs and practices in multiple interviews and on social media. In a widely circulated YouTube video from August 2024 titled “Skrilla On Sacrificing Goats And Chicken For His Religion,” the rapper openly discussed his involvement in animal sacrifice rituals.
“I sacrifice goats, chickens, mice like I do for certain though like I’m not allowed to explain it,” Skrilla said in the interview, acknowledging his participation in these religious ceremonies while maintaining some boundaries around discussing specific details.
Skrilla practices Santeria, an Afro-Caribbean religion that syncretizes traditional Yoruba beliefs with Catholic elements. Animal sacrifice remains a fundamental aspect of Santeria worship, where practitioners believe the Orishas (deities) require nourishment through blood offerings.
Chickens and doves are among the most commonly sacrificed animals in Santeria rituals, with doves holding particular significance as symbols of Obatala, considered the father of all Orishas.
In Santeria tradition, different animals serve specific ceremonial purposes.
Chickens are frequently offered during cleansing rituals and to seek protection, while doves are associated with peace, purity, and divine wisdom.
The religion teaches that these sacrifices create a spiritual connection between practitioners and their deities, with the blood serving as sustenance for the Orishas while the meat is consumed by the community.
In various podcast appearances, Skrilla has identified himself as “a Santo” and mentioned practicing “Palo,” referring to Palo Mayombe, another Afro-Caribbean spiritual tradition that also incorporates animal sacrifice.
Adin Ross has officially wandered into a Hip-Hop minefield involving Wack 100, Glasses Malone, and Doechii, and it feels less like confusion and more like clout tourism gone wrong. The accused racist streamer found himself under fire after Glasses Malone publicly checked him for disrespect tied to Doechii, a rising Black woman artist who did absolutely nothing to deserve being dragged into internet foolishness. Instead of taking the medicine and learning the lesson, Adin reportedly picked up the phone and called Wack 100, then made sure the internet knew all about it.
Now pause right there. In Hip-Hop, optics matter. Calling another grown man allegedly affiliated with street politics to shield yourself from accountability is corny behavior. Broadcasting it online like a trophy makes it worse. Wack 100 has been many things in this culture, loud, controversial, polarizing, but he has openly claimed Blood affiliation for years. Glasses Malone has never hidden that he is a Crip. So when a white streamer inserts himself and starts dialing up figures tied to opposing affiliations, it stops being goofy and starts feeling reckless.
This is where the bigger issue shows up. Hip-Hop already has enough internal friction without outsiders lighting matches and acting surprised when flames show up. He’s going to be ok. He’s got every resource in America AND Wack’s number too. Too often, trolls wander into the culture, disrespect Black women, stir up tension between Black men, then play innocent when the big energy shifts. That cycle is tired. Disrespecting a Black woman like Doechii should be the clearest red line there is. Cross it, and expect consequences. Simple. Historically, Black men have died for much less.
What makes this situation especially troubling is the performative aspect. This was not about safety or understanding. It was about flexing access and daring the culture to respond. That is dangerous territory. If anything ugly ever comes from Black-on-Black conflict fueled by internet antics, the blame will not be abstract. It will be specific.
Glasses Malone did what many feel more people should do. Apply pressure and make it clear that disrespect is not free. And the comments suggest he will not be alone. The lesson Adin Ross seems to be missing is that it does not have to be one person. It can be anybody. Hip-Hop has long memories and shorter patience.
If 2026 truly marks a shift, it starts with drawing hard lines. No more trolling Black women. No more playing gang politics for clicks. No more pretending ignorance is a shield. The culture is watching, and the reckoning is already warming up.
Dallas rapper ZeetheWizard continues fighting for his life on life support three days after being shot during a New Year’s Day celebration at Pink House Dallas nightclub.
The 22-year-old artist was among five people wounded when gunfire erupted around 4 AM during the venue’s grand opening event.
The shooting occurred just months after ZeetheWizard achieved a major career milestone by signing with Future’s Freebandz record label in November 2025.
ZeetheWizard was scheduled to perform at Pink House Dallas as part of the club’s New Year’s celebration and had taken the stage shortly before midnight to entertain a crowd that included several family members. After his relatives left the venue, the rapper stayed behind to continue celebrating the holiday with BigXthaPlug, friends and other attendees.
According to Dallas police reports, an “altercation” broke out in the parking lot around 4 A.M., leading to the shooting that left five people wounded. ZeetheWizard sustained the most serious injuries and was immediately transported to a local hospital in critical condition, where he was placed on life support.
The Dallas Police Department has increased security around the hospital where ZeetheWizard is receiving treatment, citing ongoing safety concerns as detectives continue investigating the shooting.
Hospital officials are allowing only immediate family members to visit the rapper and even extended relatives are being turned away due to heightened security measures.
Investigators have not made any arrests in connection with the shooting, and police have not released information about potential suspects or motives. The case remains active as detectives work to piece together the events that led to the violence during what was supposed to be a celebratory night for the new venue.
Instagram may be your best bet for online dating, says this Toronto dating coach. @thedeeceejay has over 20,000 followers on TikTok and is known for his dating tips for men. What are his latest tips on? How to use Instagram stories in a way that yields more interactions with women.
Dating has become increasingly more digital nowadays. For example, in 2024, the dating app Tinder reached a new record with 50 million users. The kink-friendly app Feeld noted a 340% increase in its users ages 60+ from 2022–2024, and Match.com continues to be a staple for daters aged 50+, according to an article on Wired. But Instagram, the social media platform with over 3 billion users, is also becoming a steady app in the romance app rotation.
Instagram as a Dating App?
It’s more common than you may think. Romantic connections happen all the time on Instagram, especially amongst Gen Z, according to a Time article. Firstly, if someone’s profile is active, it can be a better way to gauge who they are than a static dating profile app, the article says.
But while Gen Z and millennials are chronically online, “a survey conducted by data collectors Singles Reports found that nearly 80% of the individuals surveyed were experiencing fatigue and emotional burnout from online dating.” This is where Instagram can offer a more dynamic way to date online that is low-stakes.
‘IG story cheat codes‘
@thedeeceejay is a big believer in the use of Instagram for dating, specifically Instagram stories. Stories offer a quick and casual way to share with your followers that isn’t as permanent as posting on your feed. For 24 hours, the leaves changing color you saw, the friend you got dinner with, and your favorite meme can exist on your profile for users to respond and comment on. Then, it’s gone, giving you a fresh slate to start over with the next day. @thedeeceejay says that people are not using stories to their full dating potential.
“If you post one of these three things, it’s going to trigger something in her brain,” says @thedeeceejay. Here are what he calls his “story cheat codes”:
Gym content: “shirtless photos, you repping out 225 [lbs] on the bench. … And when you eventually see her in person … she’s going to know what’s underneath that shirt because she saw your story a couple weeks ago,” says @thedeeceejay.
Coffee: “Anything caffeine-related. Literally, whether it’s your Starbucks order or literally a [expletive] Alani can,” @thedeeceejay explains. He suggests adding a question like, “Which flavor should I try next?” for a conversation starter on this post.
Dogs: “I don’t care if it’s your mom’s dog, your friend’s dog, a [expletive] stray dog—post a picture and be like, ‘Oh, just made a new friend.’ Girls physically cannot stop themselves from responding to a dog photo,” @thedeeceejay insists.
“Use Instagram however you want to use it, but if you ever want to dabble … try one of these three posts,” he concluded the video.
His video has over 131,000 views and 5,000 likes as of this writing.
Viewers Weigh In on Dating Coach’s Instagram Story Advice
Some people are already hip to @thedeeceejay’s tips and vouch for them. Others find @thedeeceejay a bit delusional.
“Posted all 3 today … . You know ball,” says one comment.
“What are you talking about,” laughs another comment.
“This bread crumbing is exhausting,” shades another.
“Is this satire lol,” critiques a further.
Do These Instagram Story Tips Work?
Josh, from The Josh Speaks blog, weighs in on the topic in a Medium article, dissecting the different reasons why your crush might be watching your story. Josh says they could generally be interested in what you post, watch everyone’s stories because they love social media, or maybe they are romantically interested in you. He recommends posting regularly to keep your crush’s attention and agrees that stories are a solid way to get your crush’s attention when used properly.
“The key here is not to just blast Instagram with tons of pictures but to be a bit more tactical. For example, you might want to post two pictures of yourself wearing two different t-shirts. And on those pictures, you might want to say: ‘Which t-shirt do you think looks better? DM me your answer,’” Josh says. This gives your crush an entry point into speaking with you and serves as an ice breaker.
Josh also recommends responding to your crush’s stories and not just leaving everything up to them.
“Don’t just drop a little heart emoji on it; that’s not really going to stand out at all. You want to make meaningful comments and ask meaningful questions every single time she posts something unique and interesting,” Josh suggests about sliding into their direct messages.
Whether you agree with the two men’s tips or not, the best way to use Instagram for dating is probably to just be yourself and engage with others’ content authentically.
AllHipHop has reached out to @thedeeceejay for comment via Instagram and TikTok direct message and via Instagram via email. This story will be updated if he replies.
Doechii will be respected. And disrespect won’t be tolerated.
Hip-Hop collectively responded with a firm not today as Glasses Malone decided he had heard enough. The Florida native (Doechii) who has been minding her business and stacking wins suddenly became the target of reckless online chatter, with streamers tossing around insults like they invented cultural critique yesterday. Somehow, calling a talented Black woman the b-word and an industry plant became entertainment.
That is where the line got crossed.
Let us be clear.
Doechii did not ask for smoke. “All that industry plant s### wack / Y’all can’t fathom that I worked this hard. And y’all can’t fathom that I earned this chart,” Doechii raps in “girl, get up.” Overall, she rapped, she sang, she showed range and she elevated herself without stepping on anyone’s neck. Her recent collaboration with SZA touched on the nonsense directly, and instead of reflection, the chatter got louder. That is usually how it goes when people mistake algorithms for authority.
Enter Glasses Malone, who apparently woke up in 2026 ready to remind folks that the culture still has immune systems. In a blunt online message that traveled fast, he warned certain loud personalities to shut it down before things got uncomfortable. One line in particular had people sitting up straight. “We do not know where you are but we know your homies.” No theatrics. No clout chasing. Just a clear boundary drawn in permanent marker.
The names floating around included Adin Ross, who admits to readily using the N-Word, and N3on, figures who seem to confuse access with acceptance. Hip-Hop is not a playground and the culture is not a prop, guys. You can stream all day, but that does not grant you the right to disrespect artists who are actually contributing something of value.
What made this moment resonate is that it was not just street energy. There was executive silence that spoke volumes too. Punch from Top Dawg Entertainment let a tweet fly that did not need translation. Different roles, same stance. Protect the artist. Protect the culture.
This is how the year should start. With correction. If the Doechii slander quiets down now, it will not be because people suddenly learned manners. It will be because Hip-Hop reminded outsiders that respect is not optional. In 2026, protecting one another is not a slogan. It is our policy.
Understand that people move differently. For ME, when it’s past internet banter and music competition, I won’t engage on the internet. But I share the same sentiments.
Lizzo just dropped the ultimate response to body shamers with her latest Instagram post that has everyone talking about her incredible transformation.
The Grammy winner posted stunning white bikini photos on January 3, 2026, showing off her reported 60-pound weight loss, which can only be described as a perfect clapback to haters.
This latest post comes just weeks after Lizzo responded to trolls in December 2025, when a viral fat joke about her began circulating on social media.
“Today I saw a fat joke about me— in 2025—and it was viral,” she wrote in her December Instagram post that got everyone’s attention. The Truth Hurts singer made it clear she wasn’t going to let anyone shame her for her body choices, no matter what size she was.
“Let me be a reminder to everyone to NEVER let anyone shame you for what you choose to do with your body,” she continued in that fiery December response.
Now she’s backing up those words with action, posting photos that show off her dramatic transformation in a tiny white bikini from her own shapewear brand Yitty. The photos were taken inside her Beverly Hills mansion and show Lizzo looking confident and makeup-free, letting her natural beauty shine through completely.
She also included a second photo wearing a vibrant blue Pucci romper, captioning the whole post with “YITTY & a Pucci fit… nastyyyyy” followed by a tongue-out emoji.
This transformation didn’t happen overnight, though, and Lizzo has been open about her journey, including the dark moments that led to her weight loss. She revealed that her weight loss began in the fall of 2023 during a period of severe depression following multiple lawsuits from former team members.
“I was severely depressed and had been the subject of vicious scandal, and it felt like the whole world turned its back on me,” she shared.
The singer admitted to becoming “deeply suicidal” and cutting off loved ones during this difficult time, but eventually decided to turn her “extreme inaction to action.”
Her health journey included Pilates sessions that sometimes left her crying, working exclusively with Black women instructors, and learning about the exercise’s diverse founding history. Lizzo has been transparent about trying various methods, including Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs, to help with her transformation goals.
“I’ve tried everything,” she admitted on the Just Trish podcast, explaining that “Ozempic works because you eat less food.”
She abandoned her previous junk food lifestyle, where she was consuming between 3,000 and 5,000 calories daily, for a more structured approach.
“When I actually started eating whole foods and eating like beef and chicken and fish, I was actually full,” she explained about her dietary changes.
The singer recently announced she had reached her goal weight, posting in January that she hadn’t seen that number since 2014. This latest bikini post serves as the perfect victory lap, showing that she’s not just winning in court but also winning at life.
Her message remains consistent: your body is for you, not for anyone else’s approval or criticism, and she’s living proof of that philosophy.
Two women went viral for sharing their experience attempting to shop at a Washington, D.C., Brandy Melville.
On Dec. 21, two women, one of whom posts under the handle @ilovegracieabrams1321, posted a TikTok describing their experience at Brandy Melville. The viral video has amassed over 2.3 million views as of this writing.
Workers Make Rude Comments as Women Wait
The two women described arriving at the store around 5:30 p.m., only to find an unusually long line outside. While waiting, they noticed a pattern that quickly raised red flags. “Ten people would come out, and they’d let one person in, or none,” one of the women said.
Despite the slow trickle of entry, employees inside appeared unbothered. The women report that they were unpacking boxes and moving at a leisurely pace while dozens of people waited outside in freezing temperatures.
Several people in line, the narrator noted, had driven nearly two hours just to reach the Georgetown location. Still, when customers politely asked why the line wasn’t moving, the response they received was not clarification but attitude. One employee, referred to as “the brunette girl,” reportedly rolled her eyes and responded with “so much passive aggressiveness” whenever anyone asked a question.
After roughly an hour and a half, the group finally reached the front of the line. As some members of the group were allowed inside, one person was physically blocked at the door. “She put her arm out and said, ‘This is the max amount of people. I can’t let you in,’” one of the women recalled, despite the rest of the group already walking inside.
Finally on the Inside: Things Only Get Worse
The women claimed that tensions further escalated inside. A separate customer who had been stuck in the same line allegedly slipped inside and politely begged to buy just one shirt. According to the account, the employee said, “Do I look like I care? Get the [expletive] out of my store.”
Minutes later, after allowing customers to browse and stand in line, employees allegedly announced at 6:54 p.m. that no one would be rung up after 7 p.m. Shoppers say no warning had been given. “They let us get our hopes up as if we were finally going to get something,” the narrator said. She called the experience “a complete waste of everyone’s time.”
Viewers Say Rudeness From Workers Is Par for the Course
Overwhelmingly, viewers were similarly frustrated with the popular clothing store, with many sharing similar stories. “The workers are such mean girls!” wrote one commenter. “Was there today and they were literally talking about ur vid, had it pulled up on their phones n everything. so so so rude and dismissive.”
Many commenters shared their experience of having worked at Brandy Melville. “As a former brandy employee (left bc it’s actually the worst and the most negative work environment ever), they can’t do that,” claimed one commenter. “If you are in the store before they close. they have to let you to continue shopping and check out.”
“I’m a manager at another brandy and as long as you are inside before 7, u have the right to shop, try on, and check out!!” added another user. “The crowd control line makes sense, but they should’ve never kicked u out of the store or spoken to y’all like that, so sorry this happened to you 🙁 hope y’all can visit a better brandy soon!”
Why Does Brandy Melville Have a Controversial Reputation?
Brandy Melville, a fast-fashion retailer best known for its “one size fits most” clothing, has long faced criticism for its exclusionary practices and toxic workplace culture. The brand has repeatedly been accused of promoting unrealistic beauty standards, fostering racial discrimination, and encouraging hostile environments for both shoppers and employees.
A 2021 Business Insider investigation detailed allegations from former workers. These included claims that Brandy Melville cultivated a “white, thin, and affluent” image. Employees who didn’t fit that aesthetic were reportedly sidelined. Given that history, many viewers say the Georgetown encounter feels less like an isolated bad night and more like a familiar pattern.
AllHipHop reached out to @ilovegracieabrams1321 for comment via TikTok direct message and Brandy Melville for comment via email. This story will be updated if either party responds.
After a Florida man moves into a smaller rental home, he is shocked to receive higher electricity bills than ever before. Then he takes a second look at the “cabin” behind the property.
TikTok creator Nick (@nickharding904) posted a video about the issue on Oct. 24. He starts the video by saying, “So I moved into this house back in February of [2025], and the electricity prices have been insane.”
The first bill only covered part of the month, and it was approximately $200. Nick says his last place was bigger, and the electricity never cost more than $150 per month. “Every month since, the bill has been between $300–$400,” he says.
Nick decided to adapt by lowering his air conditioning use and was shocked to receive yet another $400 bill. That’s when Nick remembered the cabin-like structure set up across the property line from his backyard. A wire runs from the cabin along the fence line. “What’s going on here? Am I paying for my neighbor’s electricity?” Nick asks.
Is This Florida Man Paying for His Neighbor’s Electricity?
Nick decided to visit his county’s property appraisal website and found that the two units are on the same parcel of land. “It’s not listed separately,” he says.
So, he decided to call the electric company. He says they told him they don’t have a record of that address. That led him to call the property management company. A representative confirmed that the company managed a property at that address, but couldn’t say whether the tenant was receiving a separate electricity bill.
That led Nick to conduct an experiment. He went over to his circuit breaker box and flipped off one of the switches. As he suspected, that cut the power to the porch light on the second unit. “So, what you are telling me is that for the last eight months, I have been paying for somebody else’s [expletive] utilities?” asks Nick, referring to the property owner, Patel, as a “slumlord.”
Before the video ends, he states that he will give property management until the following Monday to give him an explanation. Otherwise, he says he plans to escalate to various city departments, including code enforcement.
Viewers React to the Jacksonville Man’s ‘Slumlord’ Story
In the comments section, viewers weighed in on the situation and offered advice for how Nick might choose to proceed.
One person said, “Look up the permits on the property appraiser’s website and see if there’s a permit for the building.”
A second person said, “This happened to us when we had a house fire. It affected the second house’s power. The utilities got involved and the homeowner got in hella trouble for an illegal second rental.”
“The power company should be able to come out and they’ll see that your unit doesn’t have its own meter,” a third viewer wrote. “I don’t know if they can install the separate meter or if they’ll contact the land owner and they’ll be forced to update the meters. That landlord is most likely aware and was hoping no one would notice. Maybe because that other building is not legally on the property.”
In Florida, landowners can furnish each residential unit with its own meter, opt for submetering— which allows the utility company to charge each renter for their individual usage—or use a formula based on occupancy numbers and average energy consumption. That arrangement would generally be outlined in the lease agreement, however, and not uncovered like in Nick’s situation.
AllHipHop contacted Nick via TikTok comment and direct messages for comment. This story will be updated if he responds.
Angel Reese started 2026 with more than just stunning Instagram photos. The WNBA superstar shared a powerful message about personal transformation, prompting fans to discuss her mindset shift heading into the new year.
The basketball champion posted a series of photos wearing a striking black mini dress from the Vietnamese fashion brand Fanci Club. But her caption revealed something deeper than just a fashion moment. “New year= elevation: mentally, physically, and spiritually,” Angel Reese wrote, giving fans insight into her goals for 2026.
The dress itself made a statement as well. The $410 Mustella fur mini dress features black cotton sides with brown fur panels down the middle, creating a bold contrast that caught attention across social media. Angel Reese paired the piece with matching boots and wore a long black fur coat for some shots.
Fanci Club has become a favorite among young celebrities. The Vietnamese brand, founded by designer Duy Tran, has dressed stars like Doja Cat, Bella Hadid, and Olivia Rodrigo. The brand’s Y2K-inspired designs, featuring tight silhouettes, have gone viral multiple times when worn by A-list celebrities.
For Angel Reese, choosing this particular outfit seems intentional. The basketball star has been making waves both on and off the court, and her New Year’s post suggests she’s ready to take things to the next level in 2026.
The timing of her message is also significant. After a successful WNBA season, Angel Reese appears focused on growth beyond basketball. Her emphasis on mental, physical, and spiritual elevation indicates she’s considering success across multiple areas of her life.
As 2026 gets underway, Angel Reese has set the tone for what promises to be another exciting year. Her combination of style and substance in this New Year post shows she’s ready to elevate every aspect of her life.
Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro is now locked up at the same dangerous Brooklyn jail where Diddy nearly had his throat slashed by a fellow inmate in 2025.
Maduro arrived at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn on Saturday (January 3) after Donald Trump ordered a military operation that captured the Venezuelan leader from his fortress-like compound in Caracas. The facility has earned a reputation as one of America’s most violent federal prisons, where inmates regularly face life-threatening attacks.
The 62-year-old dictator will face the same brutal conditions that terrorized Diddy during his time at MDC Brooklyn before his October 2025 transfer to Fort Dix. According to sources close to the Hip-Hop mogul, an inmate snuck into Diddy’s cell while he was sleeping and pressed a makeshift blade against his throat.
“He woke up with a knife to his throat,” said Charlucci Finney, a friend of Diddy who revealed the terrifying incident. “It would only take a second to cut his throat with a weapon and kill him.”
The attack happened during one of Diddy’s nights at MDC Brooklyn, where he was being held on prostitution-related charges before his sentence was completed. The assailant reportedly wanted to earn “prestige” by harming the disgraced mogul, highlighting how high-profile inmates become targets in the facility’s violent environment.
Diddy was eventually transferred to Fort Dix federal prison in New Jersey in October 2025 to serve his 50-month sentence.
MDC Brooklyn has been described as “hell on Earth” by former inmates and advocates. Federal judges have repeatedly criticized the facility’s dangerous conditions, which include regular 24-hour lockdowns, violence between inmates, and inadequate security measures that allow weapons to circulate freely.
The prison has housed other high-profile defendants, including Ghislaine Maxwell, Sam Bankman-Fried, and Michael Cohen. Currently, Luigi Mangione, who allegedly assassinated UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is also being held at the facility alongside Maduro.
Judi Garrett, former assistant director at the Federal Bureau of Prisons, expects Maduro will be placed in a special housing unit for his own protection. However, even these supposedly secure areas have proven vulnerable to violent incidents.
Maduro faces charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons violations. His wife and son are also named as defendants in the federal indictment.
The operation involved more than 150 aircraft and special forces from the Army’s Delta Force, with CIA intelligence helping track down the Venezuelan dictator. Trump revealed that Maduro was trying to reach a steel-reinforced safe room when American troops overwhelmed his security.
Meanwhile, Trump announced that the United States will “run” Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” can take place.
Bun B and his Trill Burgers team just scored a massive legal win that has them celebrating into the New Year.
According to The Houston Chronicle, the rapper’s award-winning burger chain decisively rejected false ownership claims from former business partners in an arbitration ruling.
Former U.S. Fifth Circuit Judge Gregg Costa handed down the final verdict on New Year’s Eve, rejecting every single claim made by Patsy and Benson Vivares against the restaurant empire. The siblings had been fighting for over a year, claiming they created the original smashburger recipe and deserved ownership stakes.
“We beat the brakes off those lying motherf—ers. Happy New Years!” said Jourdain Poupore, the attorney representing Trill Burgers co-founder Nick Scurfield.
His blunt celebration perfectly captured how the legal team felt after months of battling what they called completely false accusations. The victory came after a bitter dispute that painted a messy picture of how the popular burger chain actually started.
No one disputes that Trill Burgers was founded in 2021 through a partnership among the Vivares siblings, hospitality entrepreneur Andy Nguyen, Houston rap legend Bun B, and marketing expert Nick Scurfield.
But that partnership fell apart just one year later when the business relationship between the siblings and the other founders completely fractured. The Vivares siblings filed a lawsuit in 2023, alleging they were the original creators of the Smashburger concept and still owned a stake in the business.
Bun B and his team responded forcefully, not only denying those claims but also accusing the siblings of stealing $45,000 from the company. The legal battle got nasty fast, with both sides throwing serious accusations at each other.
The case eventually went to arbitration, where both sides could resolve their differences privately rather than in open court. Costa’s ruling completely rejected the Vivares siblings’ claims and confirmed that Bun B, Nguyen, and Scurfield are the rightful owners of the burger empire.
For Bun B, this victory protects more than just a business; it protects a legacy. The Houston native helped create the legendary rap duo UGK with Pimp C back in 1991. Bun has also released five solo albums using the Trill theme: Trill, II Trill, Trill OG, Trill OG: The Epilogue and Return of the Trill.
That trill mentality clearly carried over into this legal fight. Instead of backing down from false accusations, Bun B and his team stood their ground and fought until they won completely.
Trill Burgers can now focus on what they do best: serving up award-winning smashburgers.
Electric violinist Brian King Joseph dropped a message just days before he filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Will Smith on New Year’s Eve.
Joseph worked on Smith’s 2025 “Based on a True Story” tour as an electric violinist. But what started as a dream gig turned into something completely different, according to the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.
The lawsuit claims Joseph discovered someone had entered his Las Vegas hotel room in March 2025.
He found a handwritten note reading “Brian, I’ll be back…just us” with a heart, signed “Stone F.” The room also allegedly contained wipes, a beer bottle, HIV medication with someone else’s name, and hospital discharge papers.
Joseph says he reported the incident to hotel management, but got fired instead of getting help. The lawsuit accuses Smith of “deliberately grooming and priming” Joseph for “further sexual exploitation.”
The 35-year-old musician, whom you might remember from America’s Got Talent, posted an Instagram video on Christmas Day that makes much more sense now that details of his lawsuit have gone viral.
“Earlier this year I was hired to be a performer on a major major tour with somebody who was huge in the industry. So I was excited, you know, proud of myself for getting the opportunity. Unfortunately, some things happened,” he said.
Joseph couldn’t get into specifics because of the legal case, but his message was clear.
“I know that there’s a lot of other people out there who have been afraid to speak out, and I understand, and if that’s you, I see you,” Joseph said in the video.
Joseph, who finished third on America’s Got Talent Season 13, has built a career as “The King of Violin.” He’s been playing since age four and performing professionally for years. Landing the Smith tour gig seemed like a major breakthrough. But his Instagram message shows this isn’t just about him.
“Getting fired or getting blamed or shamed or threatened or anything like that simply for reporting sexual misconduct or safety threats at work is not okay.”
Will Smith’s attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, fired back, calling the allegations “false, baseless and reckless.” But Joseph isn’t backing down. The lawsuit seeks damages for sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, and wrongful termination.
Joseph claims the incident left him with PTSD and economic losses after losing the tour job.
Education officials made history last month when they approved America’s first public high school dedicated entirely to Hip-Hop culture. The Bronx School of Hip-Hop will open its doors in September 2026.
New York City’s Panel of Educational Policy voted unanimously to establish the groundbreaking institution in District 9, reports ChalkBeat. The school will serve students in the South Bronx, where Hip-Hop was born over 50 years ago.
“Hip-Hop reflects the brilliance of our students,” said Harry Sherman, District 9 superintendent. “It’s time for our students and community to make sure it belongs to us.”
The new high school will welcome 115 to 125 ninth-grade students in its opening year. School officials plan to add more grades each year until it becomes a full four-year program.
Students will study Hip-Hop foundations alongside traditional academics. The curriculum includes entrepreneurship and civic engagement through music. School leaders want to create pathways to college and careers for graduates.
A Grammy-nominated producer is helping design the school’s programs. Local business partners are also contributing to the project’s development.
“It’s about keeping the Bronx at the center of a culture we gave to the world,” said Carl Manalo, high school superintendent for Districts 7, 9, and 12.
Hip-Hop started in the Bronx on August 11, 1973. DJ Kool Herc threw a back-to-school party for his sister, Cindy Campbell, at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue. The 18-year-old DJ extended percussion breaks while dancers created new moves. He began speaking in rhymes over the music.
That basement party launched a global cultural movement worth billions of dollars today.
The school will share space with two merged middle schools at 1600 Webster Avenue. Even with all three schools in the building, officials expect only 34-40% capacity.
The Hip-Hop Museum will also open in the South Bronx this fall. The museum plans a Hip-Hop Science program combining culture with STEM learning.
A woman hired a personal trainer, but started questioning their practices and technique. That’s because the trainer has been “fixing her form” by contacting her in a way she feels is inappropriate and squeezing her body.
In a video with over 20,800 views on TikTok since Dec. 17, Arya Rae (@aryaraeeeee) discussed the uncomfortable physical contact.
“ I hired a personal trainer, and he keeps, like, touching my butt and saying it’s because he’s trying to fix my form, but I don’t know,” she told her viewers. “He touched it for, like, and started squeezing it. So, I don’t think that’s right.”
Despite this, viewers have let her know it may not be as inappropriate as it seems.
Is It Normal for a Personal Trainer to Touch a Client for ‘Muscle Activation ’?
Some commenters immediately chimed in to let Arya know that this may be a normal practice. As one commenter concluded, “touching the muscles establishes [a] mind/muscle connection. I cannot say if his reasoning is professional or not, but asking if he can touch you and state the reasoning why is a professional courtesy he should have extended to you.”
Muscle activation generally refers to activating a specific group of muscles. In this case, a personal trainer might check to make sure that their client is using their muscles properly and following through on an exercise throughout a workout.
But, trainers should also ask for feedback throughout the workout and regularly communicate why and how they’re touching their client, especially if it’s their first time working together. Generally, a trainer can also ask their client for general feedback to see if a workout is feeling right, and incorporate warm-ups into their routine to ensure a better likelihood of the results they’re looking for.
A good trainer may not necessarily need to “squeeze for results” multiple times during a set once they’ve verified that their client is working out with appropriate form.
As Fitness and Health reiterates, trainers should “avoid touching clients unless it is essential for instruction, using verbal cues and demonstrating on [their] own body in preference to touching the client. Most trainers might touch their clients during a first set, but may not continue doing so after verifying form.”
Was the Trainer Engaging in Inappropriate Physical Contact With His Client?
Based on Arya’s video, it didn’t necessarily seem like the trainer was “avoiding touching” his client unless absolutely necessary.
What she described in her video was a trainer’s habit to touch her multiple times during a set, not just one or two instances. She mentioned how he “[kept] trying” to touch her, without any explanation.
A fitness and lifestyle coach even wrote, “I’ve worked with hundreds of people and I’ve probably touched 4 shoulders. Fire the man.”
Overall, there was an emphasis that touching her repeatedly during a workout wasn’t necessarily “normal,” especially in inappropriate areas. Those generally include the breast, crotch, or butt.
AllHipHop reached out to Arya for comment via TikTok direct message. We’ll let you know if she responds to our request.
Ray J is making a desperate plea in court to see his children after a restraining order has kept him away from 7-year-old Melody and 6-year-old Epik since Thanksgiving.
The singer’s lawyer, Alex Kessel, asked a Los Angeles judge Friday to modify the protective order that prevents Ray J from having any contact with his kids or their mother, Princess Love.
“This occurred when he was protecting his children. There’s no reason to separate him from his two children,” according to a motion obtained by The New York Post.
The legal battle started after Ray J was arrested on Thanksgiving Day following a heated argument with Princess Love at his Porter Ranch home. The incident happened around 4 A.M. during what was supposed to be a family holiday gathering.
According to court documents, Princess Love and a male friend came to Ray J’s house for Thanksgiving dinner and planned to stay overnight with the children. After the kids went to bed, the adults continued drinking, which Ray J claims led to the confrontation.
The court filing states that Ray J was trying to prevent Princess Love from driving with the children while intoxicated.
The cops showed up, and the singer was arrested and charged with six misdemeanor charges, including brandishing a firearm and child endangerment.
Ray J was released on $50,000 bail after his arrest, but he remains under the restraining order. But his main concern isn’t the criminal case – it’s getting back to his kids.
Ray J missed Christmas with his children and couldn’t celebrate his son Epik’s 6th birthday during the holiday season. He posted a heartbreaking message on social media about spending Christmas alone.
“A lonely Christmas. No kids, no presents, no little feet running around – just a tree and the weight of missing what matters most. I’m learning the hard way,” Ray J wrote.
For Ray J, the legal fight isn’t about avoiding criminal charges; it’s about being a father to his children. The restraining order has created a painful separation during what should be precious family time.
Kessel said Princess Love actually supports Ray J seeing their children and plans to testify in his favor.
Court papers confirm that “the children’s mother does not object to the defendant having contact with their two children.”
“The possession of a gun was to prevent the victims from physically removing them from the home and placing them in the vehicle of an extremely intoxicated person,” the documents say.
The couple has a long history of relationship drama. They’ve filed for divorce four times since 2020, with Princess Love most recently filing in February 2024.
Each time, they’ve dismissed their requests while trying to work things out.
Lil Durk is heading toward a federal trial in Los Angeles as prosecutors disclose they plan to call multiple cooperating witnesses who they say will testify that the rapper ordered and financed a deadly 2022 ambush tied to a long-running Hip-Hop feud.
Federal prosecutors revealed their witness strategy in a new court filing this week as they fight the defense’s efforts to block key testimony and related evidence.
The government says insiders are prepared to describe how the alleged plot was planned, funded and carried out, placing Durk at the center of the operation.
According to prosecutors, the government’s theory is straightforward. They claim Durk used his money, status and trusted intermediaries to arrange the attack from afar.
The filing states that cooperating witnesses will testify that Durk approved the plan, helped coordinate travel and logistics, and promised payment upon completion of the job.
“The government’s proposed evidence also provides critical corroboration of its multiple cooperating witnesses, who are anticipated to testify that [Lil Durk] ordered the violence in Los Angeles, used intermediaries to recruit others to carry out the scheme, and promised a reward for carrying out the murder,” prosecutors said.
The latest filing was submitted ahead of a January court hearing focused on what evidence jurors will be allowed to hear.
Defense attorneys have asked the judge to exclude testimony and materials they argue unfairly paint Durk and his Only the Family collective, known as OTF, as a criminal enterprise.
Prosecutors strongly oppose that request.
In the filing, the government argues the disputed evidence is essential for jurors to understand relationships among the defendants and why certain individuals allegedly followed orders. Prosecutors say they are not claiming OTF is purely criminal.
Instead, they argue a subset of people associated with the group allegedly operated like a street gang when settling disputes.
“The evidence shows that [Lil Durk] and his close OTF associates had rivalries, discussed violence against rivals and took violent street action to settle scores with their rivals, including the Los Angeles murder defendants, are alleged to have committed in this case,” prosecutors said.
Defense lawyers have signaled they plan to attack the credibility of cooperating witnesses, characterizing them as untrustworthy and self-interested.
Prosecutors acknowledged that strategy in the filing but said it does not justify keeping the testimony from the jury.
You may think you’re a decently mannered restaurant goer, but chances are you have at least one of these annoying or straight-up rude tendencies. Servers dish out the little things that guests do that get under their skin in these “betrayal lists.”
First, what exactly is a betrayal list? The trend actually started with Kanye West. According to The Tab, Kanye posted on X a list of people who wronged him in some way. He captioned the post “I AM IN PAIN THAT NO ONE PERSON CAN FIX,” before sharing the list, which was titled “THE BETRAYAL.” The characters on that list ranged from Patrick Star (yes, SpongeBob’s best friend) to Donald Trump to even his own 12-year-old daughter, North West.
In late 2025, the trend took off on TikTok with people posting their very own “betrayal lists,” aka lists of people who have really ticked them off. Servers seem to have a special place in their heart for this trend. Unfortunately, the things on their list might sound more familiar to you than you think.
‘What Dressings Do You Have?’
Anya (@anya4fterd4rk) posts server-centered content here and there on their TikTok profile. However, her betrayal list video went more viral than others.
Some of the things on Anya’s server betrayal list include the following:
“You’re the best server we’ve ever had” *$5 [tip].
“What dressings do you have” *list all 10 dressings, FIRST BEING RANCH “i’ll just take ranch.”
Helicopter manager.
“Can I have a coke AND a water” *water proceeds to sit on table for decoration *asks for coke refills whole water stays UNTOCUHED.
Middle aged women who haven’t seen each other in years…
The video has over 631,600 views and 73,000 likes.
Oliva (@livcapulong) also has a server betrayal list. Some of the items on their list parallel Anya’s:
Tipping $5 on any amount and thinking you did something.
Paying majority of your bill cash, then paying the rest on debit and tipping 15%.
Getting mad at me because your well done steak frites are taking long.
Thinking you’re the only person in the restaurant when we’re slammed.
HAPPY HOUR more like sad hour.
Teenagers.
Just to name a few on Olivia’s list, which gathered over 302,100 views and 9,000 likes.
Viewers Weigh In
Anya’s video is flooded with supportive comments and other servers weighing in on annoying things customers do.
“Needing birthday singers during Friday dinner rush,” one comment says.
“‘We’re ready to order’ proceeds to wait at the table for 5 mins while they figure it out,” someone else chimes in.
“Genuinely arguing and beefing over the check, yall play rock paper scissors im busy,” says another.
However, under Olivia’s video, several folks are upset that Olivia thinks she’s entitled to a tip.
“Stopped reading after the tip entitlement. Get another job, people are allowed to eat out and not feel like they’re obligated to compensate for your wages. We’re taxed and in an economic decline ourselves as well,” says one comment.
“Hey so, customers aren’t obligated to tip you. Take it up with your boss,” says another, and tons of other comments with similar sentiments.
Are $5 Tips Common?
On the topic of tipping, both Anya’s and Olivia’s lists include people who only tip $5, no matter the bill amount. So, is this a common practice? Maybe. One Reddit thread also has a server crashing out over this “betrayal.”
The heading for the Reddit post is “$5 is NOT a universal tip, people!” They then proceed to explain the issue.
“I have found that in 75% of cases when people dine-in (and are happy with service) they will tip me $5. It doesn’t matter if their bill was $15, $50, or if it was $100. I guess that people think that $5 is a good tip no matter how much you spend. However, on a $100 dollar bill, that is only a 5% tip! To me that amount should only be if I did a poor job,” says @evilcuddleswithevil on the thread TalesFromYourServer.
While some sources like Bankrate say the standard tip for a sit-down restaurant should be 18%, it’s clear some folks disagree.
AllHipHop has reached out to both Anya and Olivia for comment via TikTok direct message and comment. This story will be updated if either party responds.
Stefon Diggs finally broke his silence Friday (January 2), speaking to reporters for the first time since news broke about his criminal charges for allegedly assaulting his chef.
The New England Patriots star looked tired as he faced the media in the team’s locker room.
“It’s been a very emotional time,” Diggs said quietly. “It’s definitely an open case so I can’t even say anything about it.”
The wide receiver apologized for being unavailable to reporters over the past few days. He said he would only answer questions about football moving forward.
“I’m going to continue to be the guy I’ve been. Try to finish the season strong,” Diggs explained. “We all deal with life stuff, family stuff… being a football team is hard. You band together, you lean on your brothers.”
Court documents show Diggs faces serious charges stemming from a December 2 incident at his Massachusetts home. Police charged him with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery.
“She said that they began to discuss this, which apparently angered the male,” police wrote in their report. “She alleges that the male then smacked her across the face.”
The woman told officers that Diggs then tried to choke her using his elbow around her neck, making it hard for her to breathe.
Diggs’ attorney, David Meier, strongly denied the allegations. “Stefon Diggs categorically denies these allegations. They are unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and were never investigated — because they did not occur,” Meier said.
The lawyer called the timing suspicious, saying the accusations came after an “employee-employer financial dispute that was not resolved to the employee’s satisfaction.”
The criminal charges come at a terrible time for Diggs personally and professionally. His arraignment is scheduled for January 23, just two days before the AFC Championship Game.
Meanwhile, his relationship with Cardi B continues making headlines. The couple recently welcomed their first child together, but they spent Christmas separately.
Cardi B defended their relationship on social media after critics questioned why Diggs was spending the holidays with his other children rather than with her.
“Y’all want me to leave my man and be miserable,” Cardi B posted in response to the backlash.
This was the year Hip-Hop slowed down and stood tall again, like it or not. The albums that mattered asserted their presence. Legacy acts didn’t come back to reminisce; they came back to out-rap, out-think, and out-execute. Meanwhile, the underground and next wave sharpened the sword creatively, honing greatness one project at a time. Instead of volume, they reminded everyone that bars, intention, and identity still move the culture. It was a time where many – especially the OGs – took control.
There were hundreds, possibly thousands, of rap and Hip-Hop albums commercially released in 2025 across major labels, indie labels and self-releases. The range was ridiculous and, quite frankly, overwhelming for our multi-generational motley crew. Every album did not make our terse grouping of 25, because we opted to represent the breadth the whole culture had to offer. We encourage you to comment after this list and include your favorite projects from 2025. EPs and mixtapes are welcome.
Clipse sound untouched by time and completely uninterested in trends. Pusha T and Malice rap with surgical precision over cold, elegant Pharrell production, delivering an album that feels less like a comeback and more like a reminder of hierarchy. It’s disciplined, menacing, and confident in a way only veterans can be. And yet, they expanded greatly on luxury rap and even delved into existentialism as expressed by a pair of former dope boys.
This sequel deepens everything that made the first Alfredo special. Gibbs sounds sharper and more reflective, while Alchemist builds rich, cinematic backdrops that feel luxurious without losing grit. It’s street rap aged to perfection.
Warm, joyful, and quietly profound, this album feels like a gift. De La Soul balance reflection and celebration, offering wisdom without heaviness. It’s a return that feels necessary, honoring Dave in an emotionally and culturally way we all partook in. Thank you.
4. Nas & DJ Premier — Light-Years
The internet tried it, but we say no, no, no. Light Years was pure craftsmanship. A love letter to Hip-Hop Culture. Two masters doing exactly what they’re supposed to do, reminding everyone what elite Hip-Hop fundamentals sound like.
Uncomfortable in the best way. Woods delivers layered, politically charged writing that demands attention and patience. This is rap as literature, not entertainment filler.
6. Little Simz — Lotus
Fearless and expansive, Lotus shows Simz operating without boundaries. She blends genres and emotions seamlessly, delivering an album that feels global, personal, and fully realized. She’s walking into her icon season.
7. JID — God Does Like Ugly
JID locks into a sharp balance of storytelling and technical skill. Every verse feels intentional, every song purposeful. This is elite-level rapping without gimmicks.
8. Earl Sweatshirt — Live Laugh Love
Earl continues refining his minimalist approach, letting emotion breathe between bars. The album feels intimate and unresolved in a way that mirrors real life. Growth is a beautiful thing.
9. MIKE — SHOWBIZ!
Soft-spoken but deeply affecting, MIKE turns introspection into strength. The writing is personal without being indulgent, making this one of the year’s most quietly resonant records.
10. Aesop Rock — Black Hole Superette
Dense, verbose, and endlessly detailed. Aesop remains peerless in his lane, crafting songs that feel like puzzles without losing emotional grounding.
11. Saba & No ID — From the Private Collection of Saba and No ID
This album feels curated, not rushed. Saba’s introspection pairs naturally with No ID’s soulful, understated production, creating a project rooted in reflection and growth. This feels like a long conversation between rapper and producer that finally made it to tape.
12. Armand Hammer — Mercy
Bleak, confrontational, and intellectually demanding. Armand Hammer refuse accessibility in favor of honesty, making Mercy a challenging but rewarding listen. Art rap that refuses to soften its edges.
13. Open Mike Eagle — Neighborhood Gods Unlimited
Thoughtful, funny, and socially aware, Open Mike Eagle continues to turn personal anxieties into shared experiences. The album feels like a conversation or a sitcom we all want to watch.
14. Larry June, 2 Chainz & The Alchemist — Life Is Beautiful
Polished hustler rap with mature perspective. Alchemist provides luxurious backdrops while Larry June and 2 Chainz sound relaxed, confident and self-assured.
15. Conway the Machine — You Can’t Kill God With Bullets
Conway doubles down on grit and conviction. The album is raw without feeling repetitive, reinforcing his place as one of the culture’s most consistent voices. This project dropped on the same day as Nas and Preem and stood tall.
16. Jim Legxacy — Black British Music
Experimental but emotionally grounded. Jim Legxacy captures the fluidity of modern UK rap while pushing it into new territory. A snapshot of where UK rap is headed, not where it’s been.
17. Chance the Rapper — Star Line
A focused and thoughtful return. Chance sounds re-centered, prioritizing clarity and intention over spectacle. A focused comeback rooted in optimism and growth…not loud, just confident.
18. Dave — The Boy Who Played the Harp
Cinematic and emotionally vulnerable. Dave continues to blend realism with ambition, crafting songs that feel personal yet expansive. The Boy Who Played the Harp is probably Dave’s best yet.
19. Monaleo — Who Did the Body?
Sharp, confident, and versatile. Monaleo balances humor and authority, showing range without losing her identity.
20. Wale — everything is a lot
Wale delivers his most grounded and expansive work in years. Introspective bars with lush, soulful production, make everything is a lota lot. It’s charismatic, thoughtful and feels like he’s finally got clarity. We did not forget his team not blessing us with an interview last year. No hard feelings. 😉
21. G Herbo — Lil Herb
Reflective drill (if there is such a thing) with the commiserate emotional weight. Herbo sounds more self-aware, pairing street realism with maturity. Job well done.
22. Mobb Deep — Infinite
Cold, grimy, and unapologetic. A veteran return rooted in New York DNA. Rest In Peace, Bandana P.
23. Xzibit — Kingmaker
A late-career flex filled with authority, we were really happy to hear from X to the Z. Xzibit sounds sure of who he is and his booming voice is one that deserves more albums like Kingmaker. Not enough lists had this gem.
24. Tyler, The Creator — DON’T TAPE THE GLASS
Polarizing by design. Tyler pushes against expectations again…whether it lands depends on how much risk you’re willing to follow.
25. Westside Gunn — Heels Have Eyes 2
Westside Gunn doubles down on luxury grime, blending high-art aesthetics with raw street energy. The album feels curated rather than crowded, with sharp features, gritty textures, and Gunn’s unmistakable voice guiding it all. It’s Griselda world-building with Stove God Cooks, MIKE, Eastside Flip and Benny the Butcher in on the fun.
Will Smith‘s legal team isn’t backing down and they’re hitting back hard against some serious accusations leveled by a violinist suing the rapper/actor.
Brian King Joseph just accused Smith of sexual harassment and wrongful termination. The violinist, who competed on America’s Got Talent back in 2018, says he worked on Smith’s Based on a True Story: 2025 tour.
Joseph claims something weird happened in his Las Vegas hotel room in March 2025. He says he found a handwritten note that read “Brian, I’ll be back…just us.” The note was signed “Stone F,” according to the lawsuit.
The violinist also says he found some personal items in his room. He reported everything to the hotel staff and the police. Then he told Smith’s management team about it.
Joseph claims he got fired three days later. Tour officials said they were “moving in a different direction.” Joseph thinks that’s retaliation for speaking up.
Allen B. Grodsky spoke up for his client. He told PEOPLE magazine the claims are “false, baseless, and reckless.” Joseph is asking for money damages from Smith and Treyball Studios Management, Inc.
The violinist claims he suffered “severe emotional distress, economic loss, reputational harm,” and “PTSD and other mental illness” from what happened.
