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“Dumpster Fire” 6ix9ine Sentenced To Prison After Probation Violations Pile Up

6ix9ine stood before Judge Paul Engelmayer today (December 5) as the federal court delivered his sentence for repeated probation violations.

The rapper, whom the judge labeled as a “dumpster fire,” received a three-month prison sentence after prosecutors argued that his cooperation in the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods case should not shield him from consequences.

The Manhattan federal courtroom heard how 6ix9ine violated his supervised release multiple times since completing a 45-day jail term earlier this year.

Federal prosecutors detailed his February drug possession charges in Palm Beach County, where officers discovered cocaine and MDMA inside his home. The violations occurred just weeks after his release from jail for previous misconduct involving methamphetamine use and unauthorized travel.

Prosecutors painted a picture of escalating behavior that culminated in an August assault at a Wellington, Florida, mall. Court documents revealed 6ix9ine attacked a man who mocked him for cooperating with federal authorities.

The victim walked away initially, but 6ix9ine and an associate followed him upstairs, knocked him down and struck him repeatedly until they noticed he was armed.

The government had requested a sentence of between 3 and 9 months in prison, arguing that 6ix9ine treated his 2019 cooperation agreement as immunity from future criminal conduct. They told Judge Engelmayer that the rapper’s actions demonstrated he believed cooperators were “above the law.”

6ix9ine’s legal troubles began in 2018 when federal agents arrested him on racketeering charges related to the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods. His decision to cooperate against former gang associates led to a reduced two-year sentence in 2019, with Judge Engelmayer praising his apparent understanding of the consequences.

6ix9ine’s cooperation in the Nine Trey case helped convict several gang members, but prosecutors argued today that his recent conduct showed he had not learned from his past mistakes.

Lauryn Hill Wasn’t Late, But FIFA World Cup Draw Was, Sparking Backlash

Lauryn Hill took the stage at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. during Friday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 draw ceremony, but her performance came after more than an hour of delays that left the audience growing impatient.

The Grammy-winning artist delivered a medley of her classic hits, including “Doo Wop (That Thing)” alongside her son Marley, but the timing proved problematic. Reporters at the venue noted that fans and officials alike were eager to get to the actual draw after extensive preliminary programming.

“You have to feel a bit for Lauryn Hill – she’s up there nearly herniating herself trying to get some response from the audience and they’re doing absolutely nothing,” journalist Alexis Petridis said. “Medley of hits…Nope. Bringing her kids onstage to honor the memory of Bob Marley? Crickets. I suspect she’s wondering why she turned up.”

The ceremony, hosted by Kevin Hart and Heidi Klum, featured multiple musical performances and lengthy video segments before the main event. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had earlier awarded President Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, calling him a “close friend” during the presentation. Trump received the honor for his role in facilitating the 2026 tournament across North America.

The extended ceremony format drew criticism from sports journalists and fans who expected a more streamlined approach to revealing the World Cup groups.

Trump’s presence at the event added another layer of attention, with the president receiving his peace prize before departing the Kennedy Center. FIFA officials praised his administration’s support for the joint hosting arrangement between the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Social media users expressed mixed reactions to Hill’s performance, with some praising her vocal abilities and others criticizing the timing and length of the ceremony, making her name trend with both positive and negative comments about the drawn-out proceedings.

Pras Michel Appeals 14-Year Prison Sentence Through DC Circuit Court

Pras Michel filed an appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on December 4, challenging his 14-year federal prison sentence tied to a sprawling foreign influence and money laundering case involving Malaysian businessman Jho Low and the 1MDB scandal.

The Fugees rapper, whose legal team is led by attorney Peter Zeidenberg, is seeking to overturn the 168-month sentence handed down on November 24 after a Washington jury convicted him in April 2023 on 10 counts, including conspiracy, illegal foreign lobbying, witness tampering and money laundering.

Federal prosecutors accused Michel of accepting more than $100 million from Low to sway U.S. political outcomes and shield the fugitive financier from extradition.

The Justice Department said Michel funneled foreign funds into Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign and later tried to influence the Trump administration to halt its probe into the 1MDB scandal.

The case spotlighted what prosecutors described as a “back-channel lobbying campaign” aimed at derailing U.S. investigations into the multibillion-dollar fraud surrounding Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund.

The 1MDB case has triggered criminal proceedings in multiple countries and remains one of the largest financial scandals in recent history.

Michel’s conviction is among the few under the rarely enforced Foreign Agents Registration Act, which requires individuals acting on behalf of foreign entities to disclose their activities to the Justice Department.

Alongside his prison sentence, the Grammy-winning artist was ordered to forfeit $65 million.

During sentencing, Michel’s attorneys pushed for probation, citing his philanthropic efforts and arguing that he was manipulated by Low, who remains on the run. The court rejected that request.

The trial also drew attention for its use of artificial intelligence software, a first in a federal criminal case. Michel’s legal team used the technology to sift through evidence and shape legal strategies. However, the AI-assisted defense did not sway the jury.

The D.C. Circuit will now evaluate whether errors occurred during Michel’s trial or sentencing. The appeals process could stretch out over months or even years.

Pras Michel rose to fame in the 1990s as a founding member of the Fugees alongside Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill. The group’s 1996 album The Score became a Hip-Hop classic, featuring hits like “Ready or Not” and “Killing Me Softly.”

Netflix Snags Warner Bros Discovery’s Studios In $72 Billion Power Play

Netflix locked down a historic $72 billion acquisition Friday, grabbing control of Warner Bros Discovery’s film studios, TV production units and streaming platforms, outbidding Paramount, Skydance and Comcast in a high-stakes race that redrew the map of Hollywood’s media empires.

The deal hands Netflix the keys to a century’s worth of iconic intellectual property, including the Batman, Superman, Harry Potter and Game of Thrones franchises.

It also gives the streaming juggernaut full ownership of HBO Max and Warner Bros.’s production infrastructure, further cementing its grip on the global content market.

Netflix offered $27.75 per share in a mix of cash and stock for Warner Bros Discovery’s streaming and studio assets, while the company’s cable networks, including CNN and TNT, will be spun off into a separate business.

The move comes as Warner Bros Discovery wrestled with $40.4 billion in debt and a $148 million loss in Q3. CEO David Zaslav announced in June 2025 that the company would split its operations to attract potential buyers. The formal sale process began in October after Warner Bros received multiple unsolicited offers.

Paramount Skydance countered with a $ 27-per-share bid to acquire the entire company, including the cable networks. Comcast also threw its hat in the ring through NBCUniversal. But Netflix’s targeted proposal, which excluded the less profitable cable assets, won over shareholders.

The acquisition gives Netflix a massive leg up in the streaming wars, allowing it to lean on proven franchises rather than build new ones from scratch. The company closed 2024 with 302 million subscribers worldwide, adding 19 million new users in the last quarter alone.

Netflix expects to finalize the deal within 12 to 18 months, pending regulatory clearance and the completion of Warner Bros. Discovery’s cable network spinoff, slated for Q3 2026.

DJ Quik’s Son Found Guilty Of Second-Degree Murder

DJ Quik’s son, David Blake Jr., was found guilty Thursday of second-degree murder and firing from a vehicle in the 2022 killing of Julio Moises Cardoza Jr. in Downey, California, ending a high-profile case that has shadowed the Hip-Hop legend for more than two years.

The Los Angeles County jury also determined that Blake Jr. was responsible for inflicting significant bodily harm and using a firearm during the deadly incident.

The 30-year-old, who turned 31 the following day, now faces a possible sentence of 40 years to life in prison when he returns to court on February 6.

The conviction stems from a violent confrontation on May 25, 2022. Prosecutors said Blake Jr. fired multiple shots at Cardoza from a parked vehicle during a fight involving the victim and another man.

Cardoza, 33, was hit several times and later died at a nearby hospital.

Blake Jr. fled the scene immediately after the shooting. He was taken into custody the next day and has remained behind bars since, according to court records.

The trial began in late November 2024 and wrapped up with closing arguments on December 2.

The jury returned its verdict after deliberating earlier this week. While Blake Jr.’s legal team mounted a defense, the specifics of their arguments were not made public.

Before his arrest, Blake Jr. worked as a liaison for Compton City Councilman Isaac Galvan and had ambitions in music, following in his father’s footsteps, DJ Quik.

The elder Blake, born David Marvin Blake Sr., is a veteran West Coast Hip-Hop producer and rapper known for his work with Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, and Kurupt.

DMX Vs. Eminem Probably Did Not Happen, Insiders Met Anyway

DMX and Eminem are still a conversation. This is X’s birthday month so I guess it is appropriate.

There was an underground battle that allegedly went down in New York City – on the radio. The problem is there is nothing behind the curtain. There are backdoor meetings (conference calls) happening right now and they are not confirming anything. A couple of Ruff Ryders people, Uncle Ray (allegedly) and a couple nearby industry people…and the consensus is unanimous. This thing never happened. Nobody in this business believes it.

READ ALSO: DMX 55: Fans, Family & Hip-Hop Unite For Birthday Tribute At SOB’s

Kevin Black, the executive, is respected without question. His résumé at Interscope speaks for itself. Still, the growing response feels like he either misremembered the moment or created a cinematic one in his mind. Uncle Ray, DMX’s manager from the glory years, flatly said it didn’t happen to us. Others who knew X from the Bronx to Yonkers have quietly backed that up. One group call yesterday included several people from X’s early circle or close to the matter and every single person on that line reportedly said the same thing. No battle.

What makes it more intriguing is the way people seem to be tiptoeing around the truth like they don’t want to embarrass anybody. Why hasn’t Funk Flex dispelled this? When someone makes a shocking claim and not one soul can corroborate it the energy gets stranger. And that is both ways, yay and nay. I guess they will not give it any energy so it blows over.

Blogs and podcasts cut checks to guests and when the money hits CashApp, a lot of the subject want to keep the money flowing. So, we know some say “the most” to justify another interview. I’m not saying that’s what Kevin Black is doing although he definitely sent the Internet in overdrive with this. I am not happy. I need answers!

Right now this rumor sits somewhere between folklore and real. For now, I file this under “duck tales.”

50 Cent Suggests Diddy Sent Flowers to Miami Club as a Warning Over Explosive Docuseries

50 Cent claimed Diddy sent him a bouquet of flowers to a Miami nightclub, suggesting the delivery was a veiled message tied to the release of Sean Combs: The Reckoning, a documentary he executive-produced that scrutinizes the embattled music mogul.

The rapper, born Curtis Jackson, posted a photo on Instagram showing a floral arrangement addressed to him at El Eleven Miami, a venue located at 29 NE 11th St. The card attached to the bouquet appears to confirm the delivery destination. But it was 50 Cent’s caption that drew attention.

“What kinda gay s### is this Diddy send me flowers at club 11 LOL why all the four play get busy, you know I’m stupid 🤔,” he wrote.

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The post suggests 50 Cent interpreted the gesture as more than just a surprise delivery. Given the timing and their long-standing feud, he appeared to take it as a provocation.

“A warning, I’m 90’s grimy…you don’t warn me. LOL,” 50 Cent added.

The post comes just 3 days after the December 2, 2025, release of Sean Combs: The Reckoning, a four-part docuseries that compiles testimony from alleged victims, former associates and jurors.

The series paints a damning portrait of Diddy’s alleged misconduct, including abuse and manipulation.

Diddy’s legal team attempted to block the release, issuing a cease-and-desist to Netflix before the premiere. In the letter, his attorneys called the project a “shameful hit piece” and accused the producers of using “stolen footage that was never authorized for release.”

The documentary’s debut followed Diddy’s 2024 arrest and conviction on prostitution-related charges, further intensifying public scrutiny. The flower delivery, if truly from Diddy or someone in his circle, adds another layer to their escalating conflict.

While 50 Cent has used social media to troll Diddy in the past, this post implies he views the bouquet as a subtle threat or psychological tactic.

Beyonce Does Not Like Brandy: Rumors

What is going on? What is going on between Brandy and Beyonce? You know the basics by now. If not read this:

READ MORE: Brandy’s Team Claims Bizarre Beyoncé Comment Was Actually Hacking

The new LL – Loren LoRosa confirmed what was being pushed around the rumor mill. According to her sources, Brandy and Beyoncé’s relationship is allegedly ice cold at best. Shout out to the Alphas, because this all happened on their Founders Day.

“From what I’m told, they do not fool with each other,” she said on The Breakfast Club, explaining that whatever cordial energy existed years ago has faded. She added that Kelly Rowland and Brandy used to be fairly tight, but even that bond had reportedly cooled. LoRosa said the tension supposedly goes back to Beyoncé becoming “the girl,” a rise that may have shifted energies between the two icons. Strange.

READ ALSO: JAY-Z & Beyoncé Stun LA Crowd Supporting Kelly Rowland At Boy Is Mine Tour

She summed it up this way. “Brandy is the girl, and they both are still phenominal iconic women in what they do,” she continued. “But at some point during Beyoncé’s climb, things kind of got a little bit rocky and they haven’t established anything better friendship-wise from that point.”

As you know, or don’t, this has been in circulation for a minute, but I did not think it was BEEF. Dang.

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If you can see the second page of that post, the vid seems to show Beyonce walking right past Brandy. I did a bit of research and Brandy and Kelly Rowland are not cool anymore either. So, there’s and then, you see that they ALL took a pic together, including Monica…but not Brandy. YIKES.

Right now, neither Beyoncé nor Brandy has said a word. And honestly, they probably won’t. But Ray J? He will probably say something soon.

Cardi B’s Little Sis Hennessy Carolina Shakes Up IG With Gym-Built Body Reveal

Here’s a “thirst-trap style” story you could run based on Hennessy Carolina’s recent gym-routine post, drawn from her own social behavior and what we can find about her fitness vibe online: Hennessy Carolina just made a late-night scroll worth it.

The younger sister of Cardi B hit IG with a near-mirror selfie showing what months of grind in the gym and waist-training have sculpted: a waist snapped tight, hips curved, and a backside that demands double-taps.

The caption? Silence. She didn’t have to say a word. The shape says it all.

This isn’t her first flex. Hennessy has dropped gym images before under tags like “#WhatWaistPartner,” a nod to her waist-training routine.

In a prior post, she showed off serious midsection compression gear, captioning a video “Staying Healthy & Snatched,” and strolling through a grocery aisle like she owned the runway.

One of her recent reels summed it up bluntly: “Working out is therapeutic for me. It’s the place I let my mind be quiet and let my body do the talking to get through my intense training.”

She’s clearly not playing — she’s in full body-sculpt mode, and the results are visible.

The new post? It’s the payoff. Dark gym leggings clench around every curve, lighting hits just right, and posture screams confidence. It’s not casual. It’s a statement. Hennessy isn’t hiding; she’s showing.

And she’s letting muscle, sweat, waist trainers, and discipline do the talking. So if you found yourself lingering a second longer, you weren’t imagining it. Hennessy Carolina just turned a gym update into a “look twice” moment. And yes, she knows exactly what she’s doing.

Hennessy Carolina flexed her gym gains and waist-training results in a striking gym selfie that had Instagram double-tapping fast.

Usher & Big Sean Launch $1 Million Incubator To Fuel Detroit’s Next Wave Of Creators

Usher and Big Sean are putting real money where their roots are with a $1 million investment in a high-tech creative incubator for Detroit youth, set to open inside the new Michigan Central Boys & Girls Club in February 2026.

The Detroit Entertainment Innovation Incubator will offer young people a gateway into the entertainment and tech industries with access to a virtual production studio, special effects lab, and a creators lounge.

The initiative is backed by Usher’s New Look® (UNL), Big Sean’s Sean Anderson Foundation (SAF), Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, and Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.

“I’ve always been a true believer in igniting a spark in the next generation to be better and have access to things we didn’t,” Usher said. “This new spark lab in Detroit with my friend and fellow Boys & Girls Club alum Big Sean will not only minimize the access gap for the youth but also prepare them for greatness. It takes just one person to believe in your success, and I’m honored to be one of many in this partnership to help make that happen.”

Big Sean, who has long been involved in revitalizing Detroit’s creative scene, emphasized the importance of building opportunity at home.

“Detroit is where my creativity was born. From freestyling in my mom’s basement to performing on the biggest stages in the world,” he said. “My mission has always been to make sure the next generation of dreamers and innovators from my city have the access, tools, and mentorship to do the same. The Innovation Incubator is about showing young people that they don’t have to leave Detroit to chase opportunity, they can build it right here.”

The incubator will be located on the youth-dedicated floor of The Station, a key part of Michigan Central’s 30-acre innovation district. The space is designed to give Detroit’s youth direct exposure to high-growth industries through immersive learning and real-world experience.

Shawn H. Wilson, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, called the collaboration a continuation of Detroit’s legacy of innovation.

“Detroit has always been the blueprint for innovation, from the assembly line to Motown,” Wilson said. “This collaboration—especially with two heavy hitter alumni—extends that legacy by proving the creative economy can be a pathway to ownership and equity.”

This project marks the fifth major investment Big Sean and SAF have made in partnership with BGCSM since 2018.

His foundation has already launched four Big Sean Studios in club locations across the city, giving over 10,000 youth access to music production, DJing, and other creative tools.

The incubator will also offer programming for teens and young adults aged 14–24, covering everything from film and music production to artificial intelligence, 3D design, and immersive technology.

Participants will be able to earn credentials through Emory’s Goizueta Business School and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, receive mentorship from industry leaders, and even secure startup funding for their own ventures.

Carolina Pluszczynski, COO of Michigan Central, said the goal is to equip the next generation of Detroit creators with the tools to lead in emerging industries. “By our work with BGCSM, now with the added support from Usher and Big Sean, we’re continuing to build new pathways and opportunities, nurturing the next generation of innovators—from creators to manufacturers to technologists—who will drive our city forward for decades to come.”

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, which operates the business arms of the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings, has been a longtime partner of BGCSM. Since 2020, the organization has helped open five Esports lounges across metro Detroit as part of the Red Wings’ Learn, Play, Score initiative.

The 13,000-square-foot Michigan Central Boys & Girls Club will also include an autonomous training center and an innovation lab focused on mobility, advanced manufacturing, and AI.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for February 2026.

Lizzo Slammed Trolls After Viral Fat Joke Crosses The Line

Lizzo took direct aim at body shamers Thursday after a viral fat joke about her appearance made the rounds online, posting a pointed Instagram message telling critics to back off.

The chart-topping singer didn’t hold back in her caption, writing, “Because when you’re big they talk sht, when you’re small they talk sht. Your body will never be good enough for them because it’s not FOR them. It’s for you.” She capped it off with a jab at her detractors: “I stays living with a paid off mortgage in yall b*tches heads.”

Her post came just weeks after she opened up about a deep mental health crisis in a November Substack essay.

In the piece titled Why is everybody losing weight and what do we do?, Lizzo revealed that washe “became deeply suicidal” in late 2023 following a lawsuit filed by former dancers. “I had been the subject of a vicious scandal, and it felt like the whole world turned its back on me,” she wrote.

The lawsuit, which accused her of harassment and toxic workplace behavior, coincided with a wave of online criticism that pushed her to isolate and cut off close relationships.

She said she felt unable to defend herself publicly while navigating the legal fallout. This isn’t the first time Lizzo has confronted public scrutiny over her body.

@lizzo Get cozy and get some @YITTY ♬ Beans Greens Potatoes (Remix) – DJ Suede The Remix God & Windsor Jones

In May 2023, she clapped back at a tweet mocking her weight during a performance, saying the constant judgment made her “hate the world” and consider quitting music altogether.

“I’m not trying to BE fat. I’m not trying to BE smaller. I’m literally just trying to live and be healthy,” she wrote at the time.

Back in August 2021, she broke down during an Instagram Live after being hit with racist and body-shaming comments following the release of her single “Rumors” featuring Cardi B.

The backlash was so intense that Facebook and Instagram removed some of the offensive posts. Cardi B defended her collaborator, tweeting, “body shaming and callin her mammy is mean & racist as f###.”

Lizzo has shared her health journey on social media, including a 16% body fat reduction achieved through Pilates and dietary changes.

Despite the progress, she’s faced criticism from both ends, some attacking her for being “too big,” others accusing her of betraying body positivity by losing weight.

In her Substack post, she explained that her physical transformation was about healing, not meeting beauty standards.

She described her weight as “a protective shield” and “joyful comfort zone” that she chose to release after years of emotional trauma.

Through it all, Lizzo has continued to advocate for body acceptance while insisting that her health decisions are hers alone.

D4vd Beats Kendrick Lamar For Top Google Spot Amid Horrific Death Probe

D4vd surged to the top of Google’s 2025 trending people list as a Los Angeles County grand jury continues to review evidence tied to the death of a 15-year-old girl whose body was found in a Tesla registered to the rising Hip-Hop artist.

The 20-year-old singer, known for streaming hits like “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me,” became the most-searched person of the year, surpassing Kendrick Lamar, according to Google’s annual Year in Search report.

The ranking reflects the sharpest spikes in search interest, not total search volume, and D4vd’s name skyrocketed online following the discovery of Celeste Rivas-Hernandez’s body in September.

The teenager’s remains were found inside the trunk of a Tesla impounded by the LAPD on September 8. The vehicle was registered to D4vd, and police have named him and another individual as suspects in the ongoing investigation.

Authorities have pushed back on early rumors about the condition of the body, clarifying that Rivas-Hernandez was neither frozen nor decapitated, as some social media posts had claimed.

Behind closed doors, a grand jury is now examining the evidence, and potential charges could follow once the autopsy report is finalized. The case has gripped public attention and dominated headlines throughout the fall and winter.

While D4vd has remained silent publicly, his representatives have stated he is cooperating with law enforcement. The investigation has already had a significant impact on his career.

His deluxe album “Withered” was delayed, tour dates were scrapped and he was dropped from the lineup of Australia’s Spilt Milk festival.

Meanwhile, the Google search frenzy around D4vd didn’t just fuel headlines; it also made one Polymarket user rich. A trader known as 0xafEe turned a $10,600 bet into more than $1.2 million by correctly wagering that D4vd would top the trending list.

As of early 2025, the grand jury proceedings remain ongoing.

Chance The Rapper Is New Voice Of Chicago Train Announcements

Chance The Rapper launched his vocal presence across Chicago Transit Authority stations on Wednesday, marking another milestone in the Grammy winner’s ongoing commitment to his hometown community.

The 31-year-old artist, who gained international recognition through his independent streaming-only releases, now provides voice announcements for CTA riders throughout the system.

Chance The Rapper’s collaboration with the transit agency represents a natural extension of his deep Chicago roots and public service advocacy.

“This is a unique partnership between two Chicago icons – CTA and Chance – that allows us to celebrate the special meaning they both have for our great city,” said CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen.

The announcement collaboration follows Chance’s August 2025 release of STAR LINE, his second studio album and first major project since 2019’s The Big Day.

The independently released album continues his tradition of maintaining artistic control while addressing social themes.

“I think this partnership is so important because I grew up taking the Red Line train from 79th,” said Chance the Rapper. “All of the train lines create a pathway to connection and an opportunity for people to build community, and that’s what STAR LINE is about. It’s about us forming together to fight anything that’s going against us. This is an important time in the city for people to stand up, be brave and protective of each other.”

His CTA collaboration extends beyond simple announcements, with Chance The Rapper appearing on the transit authority’s official podcast “Moving Experiences: Stories of the CTA” to discuss his personal relationship with Chicago’s public transportation network.

The partnership represents Bennett’s continued investment in Chicago infrastructure and community building, complementing his educational initiatives and local economic development efforts.

His approach to civic engagement has consistently emphasized grassroots connection and direct community impact.

Bennett’s educational philanthropy through his SocialWorks nonprofit has distributed over $5.1 million to 51 Chicago schools since 2017.

His initial $1 million donation to Chicago Public Schools in March 2017 established him as a significant advocate for local education funding. Most recently, SocialWorks awarded $100,000 grants to five CPS high schools in August 2025 to enhance career-focused programs.

Bennett’s voice will now guide daily commutes for thousands of Chicago residents, adding his distinctive presence to the city’s transportation landscape.

The transit partnership mirrors similar celebrity collaborations with public transportation systems.

Cardi B partnered with the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority in September 2025 to record safety announcements and etiquette reminders for NYC subway riders.

The Bronx-born rapper’s “Ride safe, keep it cute, and keep it moving” messages addressed fare payment, subway surfing prevention and general transit courtesy.

Eminem Destroyed DMX In Battle, Former Interscope Exec Claims

When you think we’ve heard it all, something wild pops up that nobody ever mentioned before. So let’s take a trip back—say, around the year 2000, because honestly, we don’t know the exact year. Let’s go back to a time when Funkmaster Flex was hosting battles on the radio, DMX was outside terrorizing the industry, and Eminem was still battling like a hungry up-and-coming monster.

Now picture this: Kevin Black is one of the top executives at Interscope Records. You might not know him, but Black is one of the most accomplished music executives of that era. He never gets the flowers he deserves, but he was right there in the trenches during the Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Jimmy Iovine run at Interscope. Anyway, Kevin Black is popping back up in the interview circuit, and suddenly all eyes are on him.

READ ALSO: DMX 55: Fans, Family & Hip-Hop Unite For Birthday Tribute At SOB’s

Because he just claimed on a podcast that DMX and Eminem battled each other back in the day. On the radio. In New York City. With Funkmaster Flex hosting! When I saw this yesterday, I didn’t even post it on the site—I had to try and verify this madness. Spoiler: I couldn’t. But let me continue.

Kevin Black took a LOT of credit for Eminem’s success in that interview—and even implied he wrote on some hits. But I digress. The real bombshell was his claim that Eminem and DMX battled live on the radio… and that Eminem destroyed DMX.

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First of all, how would something that major happen with ZERO evidence? Not even a rumor? Second, these two are wildly different types of battlers. Jay-Z and DMX battling makes sense—they were peers with similar energy. Eminem is more of an underground punchline sniper. X is a street-bred, energy-driven warrior. The matchup alone sounds unreal.

And right on cue, the internet exploded. Comment sections are in total shambles. Some people are giving Kevin Black tons of respect—he is a legend. But a whole other crowd is like, “WHEN did this happen? HOW did this get past everybody?” And honestly, that’s my question too. In all my years covering hip-hop culture deeply, I have NEVER heard of Eminem and DMX battling. They have a song together, sure—but a battle? Never.

I even reached out to a couple of people. One said “no.” The other didn’t reply, which, after a day, I’m also taking as a “no.”

If this really happened, Funk Flex would have to speak on it. Flex is not the type to shy away from a moment—or the attention that comes with it. So I fully expect him to address it soon. But as of this writing, he hasn’t said a word.

Definitely stay tuned. Because if there are receipts, Funk Flex will definitely have them.

Adidas Beats Shareholders Class Action Lawsuit Over Kanye West’s Antisemetic Meltdown

Adidas secured a legal win in San Francisco after a federal appeals court tossed out a lawsuit claiming the company misled investors about its partnership with Kanye West, also known as Ye, before their billion-dollar collaboration unraveled in 2022.

A three-judge panel from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the German sportswear company had sufficiently warned shareholders about the risks of working with high-profile celebrities.

The court concluded that investors should have understood the potential hazards tied to Ye’s erratic behavior, stating, “a reasonable investor would know that a partnership with a celebrity partner like Ye would come with inherent risks relating to improper behavior.”

The decision, handed down in San Francisco, upheld an earlier dismissal from August 2024 by a federal judge in Portland, Oregon, where Adidas runs its North American operations.

The lawsuit, led by HLSA-ILA Funds on behalf of maritime workers in southeast Virginia, accused Adidas of being “fully aware” since 2018 that Ye had made inappropriate remarks to employees at both Adidas offices and his Yeezy design studio.

The plaintiffs argued that Adidas failed to disclose these issues, causing stock prices to drop when the company cut ties with Ye in October 2022.

But the court wasn’t convinced that Adidas acted in bad faith. The ruling emphasized that the company had consistently outlined the risks of celebrity collaborations in its annual filings.

The Adidas-Yeezy partnership, which began in 2013 after Ye left Nike, was a financial juggernaut. By 2021, it had generated $1.7 billion in revenue, accounting for nearly 7% of Adidas’ total annual sales.

The Yeezy sneaker line alone ballooned from $65 million in 2016 to more than $1 billion just five years later.

However, the alliance began to unravel in 2022, as reports surfaced detailing troubling workplace incidents. Allegations included Ye showing explicit images to staff and creating a toxic work environment.

The situation escalated when Ye made antisemitic remarks online and during interviews, prompting Adidas and other corporate partners like Gap, Balenciaga and CAA to sever ties.

Adidas officially ended the nine-year relationship in late 2022. The company spent much of 2023 and 2024 offloading leftover Yeezy inventory, with proceeds from the sales going to organizations fighting antisemitism.

Despite efforts to move forward, Adidas reported a 2% decline in North American sales in 2024, attributing the drop to “solely due to significantly lower Yeezy sales.”

Pharrell Williams Rebukes Critics With a Defiant Message at the 2025 FNAA Awards

Pharrell Williams seemingly arrived at the 2025 Footwear News Achievement Awards already carrying the weight of a political controversy that had rippled through social media, think pieces, and community.

As he won Shoe of the Year honors for his Virginia Adistar Jellyfish design, he stepped onstage with clarity about who he is and how he refuses to capitulate to his detractors.

“Sound bite this,” he began, with precision. “Since most people don’t like to read or do research anymore, sound bite this. God is the greatest. Sound bite this. I’m from Virginia. Sound bite this. You don’t know what I know. You ain’t seen what I saw. No, you ain’t been where I go.”

The cadence was barbed, repetitive and intentional. In recent weeks, his political comments had been cast as aloof or dismissive. In the testimony-like speech, he sprinkled in personal testimony and cultural critique.

“I’m from the mud,” he said. “As a child, nobody’s been evicted more times than me. Lights turned off, water turned off, and at times, had to pump the water.”

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He went further, giving his life story a sociological frame: “I’m proletariat. In fact, I’m lumpenproletariat. Sound bite this. I had to stay on my feet. Sound bite this. But I could never walk in the shoes of my parents, parents, etc., all they had to endure while staying on their feet.”

He continued to position his worldview beyond celebrity politics and speak as someone who survive America from the bottom up.

“Sound bite this. At least a couple times a day, put down your phone and think on your own,” he said.

His comments came just weeks after he stirred debate at the 5th Annual Black Ambition Demo Day, where he offered unusually blunt views about American politics and racial capitalism.

“I hate politics,” he said at the time. “Despise them. It’s a magic trick. It’s not real. I don’t believe in either side. Because I think when you pick a side, you are inadvertently supporting division.”

The statements were mostly met with backlash online, but Pharrell didn’t retreat. He expanded on the thought, challenging the prevailing frameworks around identity-based support and business advancement.

READ ALSO: Roland Martin Blasts Pharrell Williams For “Dumbest” Comments About Politics

“Yes, it’s not a popular point of view,” he acknowledged. “But…I just gotta say, when I think about it, the wells are drying up.”

“Do you think you’re the best?” he continued. “Do you want the job because you’re Black or because you’re the best?… Yes, these founders happen to be Black and brown, but it should be based on the fact that they’re the best, not because of a shade of skin color.”

The clap back has not rippled over the internet in the same manner as his initial remarks at the time this was published.

Fat Joe Exposes Lawyer Tyrone Blackburn Over AI Infested Sloppy Filing With Devastating Statement

Fat Joe’s legal clash with former business associate Terrance Dixon took a sharp turn after LexisNexis publicly dismantled defense attorney Tyrone Blackburn’s excuse that artificial intelligence tools had generated fake court citations in his filings.

In a December 3 court submission, Fat Joe’s attorney, Jordan Siev, presented a letter from LexisNexis’ North American Head of Legal, Julie Chapman, stating that Blackburn was “never an authorized user or subscriber” of the company’s Lexis+AI or Protégé platforms.

The letter called Blackburn’s claims “misleading and unsupported by evidence” and urged the court to ignore his attempt to shift responsibility for the bogus citations.

Blackburn had previously told the court he had “adopted upgraded legal research tools, including LexisNexis Protégé,” and claimed the platform “generated suggestions and citation fields that [he] mistakenly incorporated without fully verifying.”

But Chapman’s statement directly contradicted that.

“Although Mr. Blackburn’s firm was once a subscriber to other LexisNexis services, that did not include the Protégé service,” she wrote.

The lawsuit, filed by Fat Joe, accuses Dixon and Blackburn of defamation over allegations that the Bronx rapper was involved in financial exploitation and sex trafficking.

Fat Joe has called the claims a “smear campaign” and argued that Blackburn used unreliable AI-generated content to support baseless accusations.

This isn’t the first time Blackburn’s legal tactics have raised red flags.

Earlier this year, he represented Pastor Duane Youngblood in a defamation case brought by Bishop T.D. Jakes. In that case, Blackburn submitted legal briefs that included what the court later ruled were “fake, AI-generated cases.”

The judge sanctioned him $5,000 for “clear ethical violations” and concluded he had “knowingly submitted legal documents he neither prepared nor reviewed for accuracy.”

That earlier ruling, first reported by AllHipHop, cast a long shadow over Blackburn’s credibility and highlighted the growing concern around the misuse of AI in legal proceedings. Now that LexisNexis itself has rejected his claims, the scrutiny has only intensified.

Fat Joe’s legal team didn’t mince words in their filing. “This is not an isolated mistake,” it read. “It is a repeated tactic to mislead the court using non-existent legal authority.”

Whether Judge Jennifer Rochon of the Southern District of New York will impose sanctions remains to be seen.

But with LexisNexis confirming Blackburn’s statements were false, the damage to his professional standing may already be done.

MacDonthefifth Drops New Single “Praise”

“Mac Don Don Don and when you hear that you know it’s fire” is MacDonthefifth trademark intro anytime the Queens, New York rapper takes to his social media to let the world know he’s about to drop new heat. The streets of Hollis know when Mac drops a record it’s gonna be dope hard hitting bars over next level instrumentals from the best producers in the game.

Mac Don previous single “Ain’t Nothing You Can Do About it” was produced by Brooklyn hit maker DR Period who made his name producing nearly the entirety of the M.O.P 1994 debut album To the Death anda variety of East Coast hip hop artist during the late 1990s, such as AZ, Onyx, Public Enemy, Shyheim, and Smoothe da Hustler.

Queens, New York has always been a Mecca for some of the most influential Hip Hop artist such as RUN DMC, L.L Cool J, Nas, 50 Cent, Mobb Deep, Tribe Called Quest and Kool G Rap to name a few.

MacDonthefifth “Praise” official video

In Late November of 2025, MacDonthefifth went in his bag and dropped his new inspirational single “Praise” produced by Chzech Venturio on RockBoy Records / Sony Orchard.

MacDonthefifth “Praise” Spotify

This is a new lane for the Queens MC, but it didn’t disappoint. The single has the internet buzzing as listeners are embracing the record and the spiritual energy displayed by MacDonthefifth. The official video produced by Lot Pacasso, complemented the record Perfectly.

I have read comments on various platforms stating Mac Don has always been a trend setter in fashion and in hip hop since he dropped his first single on FUBU / Universal. MacDonthefifth is the Frank Sinatra of Hip Hop, “he’s gonna do it his way” on his terms independently which has been successful for Mac.

DJ Sincere of DRTYBSMNT Radio broke the single last week on his Iheart affiliate Channel. “This is what the industry needs right now, a different perspective. Its a positive, uplifting song compared to all the dark music that’s out. That’s why it resonates with people, there’s nothing like it on the radio” DJ Sincere.

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#macdonthefifth #praise #rockboyrecords #musicnews #hiphopnews #queens #newyork

50 Cent’s Diddy Doc Directors Reach Out To Misa Hylton About Her Own Project

Misa Hylton is signalling that she’s ready to control her own narrative as the spotlight returns to her past and she may do it on her terms.

She recently shared Instagram DMs from filmmaker Alex Stapleton, who reached out with a pitch for Netflix-based projects while her 50 Cent-produced documentary about Diddy, Sean Combs: The Reckoning, tops global streaming charts.

Stapleton wrote that she wanted to speak “directly” with Hylton about “a project I’m directing for Netflix,” explaining that she planned to “lean into all that you contributed to hip hop and Bad Boy.”

She added that there were “two separate projects but both do involve your own show.”

Hylton responded with caution and clarity. “I’m not doing interviews about Sean,” she wrote, asserting that any participation on her part must revolve around her own journey.

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Stapleton’s outreach comes at a charged moment.

Sean Combs: The Reckoning premiered on December 2, 2025, as a four-episode docuseries on Netflix, directed by Stapleton and executive-produced by 50 Cent.

The series retraces Diddy’s rise to fame, his dominance through Bad Boy Records, the abuse allegations against him, and his 2024 arrest. The doc features never-before-seen footage captured in the days leading up to his arrest — footage obtained legally, according to the producers.

The Reckoning doesn’t just rely on archival material. It includes first-person interviews from former associates, security personnel, artists, and legal jurors, among them Erick Sermon, cofounder of legendary rap group EPMD.

Erick Sermon appears on screen, claiming that Diddy once cut off his friendship with Hylton, a claim that underlines decades-old tensions tied to loyalty, power and control in the Bad Boy orbit.

Since its release, the doc has generated controversy, with interviews by former associates, including artists from Bad Boy, jurors from the trial, and alleged victims, surfacing. Stories include claims of abuse, control, and exploitation, providing a sweeping, if disturbing, portrayal of Diddy’s legacy.

Against this turbulent backdrop, Hylton’s post feels calculated. She isn’t closing the door; she appears to be repositioning herself.

By declining to participate in any Diddy-centered interviews while entertaining the idea of her own documentary, she sends a message: this isn’t about him, it’s about her. Her Instagram carousel ended with a slide quoting a scripture: “Until they confess all the lies they said against you to gain favor, they’ll never know PEACE. Isaiah 48:22.”

That assertion frames her stance: she’s protecting her truth and keeping her story on her terms.

SIGNS: Kunta Kinte Lives, Nearly Takes Lives Using AR-15

Kunta Kinte. I thought this was a fictional character from the legendary movie “Roots.” But in 2025, we take nothing for granted. Kunta Kinte Lives As An Alleged Menace To Society.

Kunta Kinte Taylor and a hail of bullets headline one of the wildest Baton Rouge tales to surface this season, and I am unpacking what really went down on Swan Avenue, round where Lil Boosie is from. Word is the whole incident started over money owed and a planned marijuana pickup, but it ended in a scene that felt more like an action film than a neighborhood visit.

Kunta Kinte Taylor, 29, has been a familiar name in that part of Baton Rouge for a minute. Still, nobody expected his latest moment to involve an AR-style rifle, three terrified women, and a frantic escape that ended with one of those women running toward a Southern University Police officer for help. The affidavit paints the whole thing in stark detail. The women allegedly pulled up to see Taylor at an apartment on Swan Avenue. They told a woman on the scene that they were there specifically for him. Fifteen minutes later, a person walked up to their car, pointed a gun at them, and things escalated fast from there.

According to the police paperwork, Kunta Kinte then came around a nearby vehicle armed with that AR-style rifle and opened fire on the car. Another person also started shooting, although the affidavit keeps that individual unnamed. The women sped off in fear. One bullet reportedly came within inches of one woman’s head and only missed because it struck the metal frame between the front and rear windows. She told police that Kunta Kinte fired multiple additional shots even after they tried to get away and that she had known him for four years, which only made the moment more chilling.

After the gunfire, Kunta Kinte and the unnamed shooter were seen slipping into the back seat of a car as it pulled out of the apartment complex. By Tuesday, though, the police had him in custody. Kunta Kinte is now facing three counts of attempted first-degree murder, illegal use of weapons, aggravated criminal damage to property, and domestic abuse aggravated assault.

Damn, Kunta! That is not King Kunta activity, bro.

Authorities also noted that Kunta Kinte had been arrested earlier this year over a domestic abuse battery case from June. So this may be a man with a pattern and not just an explosive moment gone wrong. Either way, Baton Rouge is buzzing because this one feels like it could have taken an even darker turn if that bullet had landed just an inch to the left. Folks are grateful it did not. The legal side of this situation just began, and the city is watching closely.

Alex Haley just did the worm.

Source: https://www.wbrz.com/news/baton-rouge-police-arrest-man-accused-of-shooting-at-three-women-at-swan-avenue-apartment-complex/