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EXCLUSIVE: Nelly’s Lawyer Accused Of Using Billing Trickery To Get $78K In Legal Bills

Nelly is back in court drama as his attorney’s $78,000 sanctions bill faces pushback from Ali of the St. Lunatics, who claims the charges are bloated with vague entries and clerical work disguised as legal labor.

Ali Jones, who performed alongside Nelly in the Hip-Hop group, accused Nelly of copyright infringement and unjust enrichment, claiming he was denied credit and compensation for contributions to songs on Nelly’s 2000 debut album Country Grammar.

The judge tossed the lawsuit, claiming Ali waited too long to bring the lawsuit to court. Nelly was awarded attorney fees and sought over $78,000.

In a recent court filing, Ali’s legal team accused Nelly’s lawyer, Kenneth D. Freundlich, of padding invoices with inflated hours and billing high partner rates for routine tasks.

The dispute stems from a previous ruling that awarded Nelly the right to collect legal fees from attorney Precious Felder, who a federal judge found had filed baseless claims and prolonged the case with unnecessary motions.

Now, the court must determine what portion of those fees is actually reasonable.

Ali’s attorney argued the submitted bill is far from justifiable, stating Freundlich’s records were “vague, block-billed, redundant, excessive for the limited work performed, and replete with clerical tasks masked as legal work.”

The objection points to numerous entries in which Nelly’s legal team charged top-tier rates for reading court dockets, checking emails, and filing documents—tasks typically handled by support staff.

One example flagged in the filing shows a senior attorney billing for “reviewed court order” without any detail on the nature or significance of the review.

Another entry combined multiple tasks—drafting, research, filing, and internal meetings—into a single line item, making it difficult to assess how much time was spent on each.

Ali’s lawyer also took issue with what they described as an overcrowded legal team, where multiple attorneys billed for the same tasks, such as reviewing emails or editing drafts, even though the case involved no discovery, no hearings, and only a few motions.

The filing said the invoices “reflect clerical tasks billed at attorney rates” and called the hours logged for the sanctions motion “excessive and disproportionate to the work performed.”

The objection urged the judge to slash the proposed fees by at least half, arguing that the amount Nelly seeks “cannot be imposed on Plaintiff” because sanctions are meant only to reimburse costs directly tied to Felder’s misconduct.

Boosie Badazz Rejected Prison, Sentencing Closes In

Boosie Badazz remains firm in his belief that he will dodge prison time as he awaits sentencing in his federal gun case, insisting during a recent appearance that he refuses to even entertain the idea of spending the next two years behind bars.

The Baton Rouge rapper leaned on faith and Southern conviction when asked about the possibility of a 24-month sentence, making it clear that he will not speak negativity into existence or claim an outcome he does not accept.

“I’m confident like a muthafucka. I ain’t going to jail. I don’t speak that out my mouth. I’m from down south. Your word your mouth is a powerful source.”

Boosie pushed back against social media predictions that he will automatically be hit with the maximum term when he returns to court. He stressed that nothing is predetermined and that sentencing depends entirely on the judge.

“It’s still up to the judge,” he said. “It’s up to God but it’s up to the judge. You know people saying ‘He gotta do two years.’ That’s not a fact of this case. It’s up to the judge what the judge wanna do. I’m confident man. I’m chin up chest high.”

Despite his optimism he said he is bracing himself for whatever outcome arrives in January. Boosie acknowledged the weight of the situation but suggested this case feels different from past legal battles that left him feeling targeted.

“I don’t have a judge that hates me this time,” he said. “I’ve always had judges that crucified me.”

Still he made it clear that his confidence is not blind. Boosie told TMZ earlier that he hopes a pardon will come through and he reiterated that belief during his latest remarks. That hope remains alive thanks to a monthslong push behind the scenes.

In October filings revealed that the Louisiana native hired lobbyists to help him secure a pardon. He has also gone public with multiple pleas asking state officials to reconsider his situation and extend mercy. The effort is ongoing as his legal team works to shift the narrative ahead of his court date.

Boosie’s sentencing which was originally slated for November 21 was moved to January 9 at his request giving him more time to prepare and pursue every realistic avenue. For him the delay is not a setback but another moment to reinforce his belief that the right outcome is still within reach.

As the new year approaches the rapper faces one of the most consequential moments of his career yet he continues to project resolve. Whether through a judge’s decision or a hoped-for pardon he maintains faith that he will walk into 2025 as a free man rather than another cautionary tale.

T-Pain Sold Catalog For A Century Worth Of Money

T-Pain turned a career’s worth of chart-toppers into a $100 million payday after selling his catalog to HarbourView Equity Partners, a move he says fast-tracked generational wealth.

During a revealing sit-down on the Club Shay Shay podcast, the Grammy-winning artist explained how the deal came together and why it was a no-brainer.

“The amount of money that they gave me for my catalog, it literally would have taken me a hundred years to make that money. I calculated it,” he said. “At first I was like, ‘why would I sell y’all this?’ And they were like, ‘look, here’s how much you’re making per year off of this. We’re gonna give you a hundred years worth of money right here all at once.’ I didn’t think that was a hard calculation.”

The 39-year-old hitmaker, who helped redefine the sound of modern Hip-Hop with his signature Auto-Tune style, said he shared the news with his wife in disbelief.

“I discussed it with my wife. I said, ‘hey, babe. The kids gone to school? I got to talk to you about something that’s real important about the future. I was like, can I close the door? Cause I don’t want the rest of the house to hear. So, I closed the door. ‘we rich, we rich, we got $100 million dollars.’ We rich.”

But the deal wasn’t just a one-time payout. T-Pain revealed that HarbourView is now invested in his future creative output, not just his past hits.

“HarbourView, the people I sold my catalog to, they didn’t just say, ‘we want your catalog.’ They said, ‘we’ll buy your catalog. But also, if you make another hit, we want that, too. If you make more songs, we want them, too. If you make a hit TV series, we want that, too. If you make a football league that nobody even thought of, we want that, too. If you score a movie, we want that, too. So it’s a partnership now.”

The Florida native has already started investing his earnings. He purchased a 50,000-square-foot warehouse in Tallahassee to house his growing Nappy Boy business operations, spanning entertainment, gaming, and beverages. He also bought a plane.

The sale marks a significant milestone in T-Pain’s career, including over 50 million singles sold, billions of streams, and more than 10 Billboard Hot 100 entries.

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of several of his biggest records, including “Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin’),” “Bartender” featuring Akon and “I’m N Luv (Wit a Stripper)” with Mike Jones.

Outside of music, T-Pain has built a strong presence on Twitch, where his livestreams have earned him a loyal following and further cemented his reputation as an entertainer and entrepreneur.

Ray J Banned From Twitch After Gun Incident

Twitch wasted no time dropping the hammer on Ray J’s channel after he found himself in handcuffs this Thanksgiving morning after what can only be described as the messiest livestream meltdown in recent memory.

Ray J was arrested at 4:08 A.M. on felony criminal threat charges following a chaotic broadcast that had viewers watching in horror as domestic drama played out in real time.

The whole situation went sideways when Ray J decided to air his grievances live while packing heat. During the stream, he was heard saying he was having the “worst Thanksgiving” and claiming someone wanted to take his kids.

That’s when things got really ugly – viewers watched him pick up a gun, load it, and warn that he would “blow” anyone who came near his door.

Princess Love walked into the frame holding one of their children, and according to multiple reports, she accused Ray J of pointing the weapon directly at her and their daughter.

Ray J denied this claim during the stream, instead saying she and another person were drunk. The whole scene was pure chaos, with a child crying in the background and police sirens getting closer.

Law enforcement sources told TMZ that officers responded to a Porter Ranch home after receiving calls about a possible domestic violence incident. When they arrived, they found Ray J and took him into custody without incident.

He was released from the LA County jail with bail set at $50,000.

Twitch has zero tolerance for violent threats or dangerous weapon displays during live broadcasts – something that’s been crystal clear in their community guidelines for years.

When you’re waving guns around and making threats while streaming, you’re basically asking to get permanently banned.

The streaming service has been cracking down harder on violent content in recent years, and celebrity status doesn’t provide immunity from platform rules.

This latest drama is just another chapter in what’s been an absolutely messy divorce saga between Ray J and Princess Love.

These two have been playing relationship ping-pong since they tied the knot in 2016. We’re talking about four separate divorce filings here – Princess Love first pulled the trigger on divorce papers in March 2024, which marked the fourth time they’ve tried to call it quits.

Princess Love initially filed for divorce back in 2020 after a major blowup in Las Vegas during her pregnancy in 2019. They managed to patch things up temporarily, but Ray J filed his own papers in 2020, then again in 2021, before withdrawing them in 2023.

In February 2024, Princess Love posted on Instagram about their decision to separate “after much reflection,” asking for privacy while they figured out co-parenting their two kids – 6-year-old Melody and 5-year-old Epik.

The custody battle has been particularly nasty. In April 2024, Ray J filed for joint custody and spousal support, listing assets including jewelry, income, and other undisclosed properties.

The court documents paint a picture of a couple who can’t seem to figure out how to split without making it everyone else’s business.

Eminem Shocks Thanksgiving Viewers With NFL Thanksgiving Halftime Show

Eminem stunned the hometown crowd at Ford Field on Thanksgiving Day when he emerged through a cloud of smoke to perform ” ‘Till I Collapse” during Jack White’s halftime show for the Detroit Lions. The unexpected cameo came in the middle of the NFL matchup between the Lions and the Green Bay Packers.

White kicked off the halftime set with his 2024 single “That’s How I’m Feeling” before moving into The White Stripes’ early hit “Hello Operator.” Then came the moment that brought the stadium to its feet.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Detroit’s own, Eminem!” White shouted, introducing the Hip-Hop icon as he rose from a platform onstage surrounded by white smoke. Eminem, born Marshall Mathers, launched into his 2002 anthem with his signature intensity. At the end of his brief but high-energy appearance, he addressed the crowd with a simple message: “Detroit! Happy Thanksgiving, y’all.”

White closed out the show with a performance of “Seven Nation Army” as the Detroit Lions Cheerleaders danced across the field in sync with the beat.

After the performance, White posted a single word on Instagram: “Detroit.” Eminem also took to social media to share his excitement, writing, “Detroit thank u!!! So great to join @officialjackwhite with @iamdenaun at the @detroitlionsnfl Thanksgiving Halftime Show!”

Adding to the family affair, Eminem’s daughter, Hailie Jade, was also in the crowd. She posted a short video of herself holding her baby son Elliot, who wore earmuffs to protect his ears from the stadium noise. Hailie and her husband Evan McClintock welcomed their first child in March.

Eminem wasn’t just a performer; he also served as producer of the halftime show. Earlier this month, the 53-year-old rapper and his longtime manager, Paul Rosenberg, announced a multi-year agreement with the Detroit Lions to oversee halftime entertainment and talent booking through 2027.

The Thanksgiving Day game, a Lions tradition, took place on November 28 at Ford Field in Detroit.

Jim Jones Goes Viral After Hilarious “Grinch” Moment Amid Thanksgiving Giveaway

We’ve been pointing out all week how many rappers stepped up over the holiday break, and honestly it was beautiful to watch. T.I., Jim Jones, Big Sean, Nipsey Hussle’s foundation, 50 Cent and plenty more came out heavy with the giving. It felt like a real shift, because usually we see the chains, the bragging and all the flexing. This year had a different energy.

But I’ve got to single out one person who unintentionally went viral in the middle of all that generosity. None other than Jim Jones. Leave it to Capo to bring his own Harlem flavor to Thanksgiving. How? By turning into a full-on Grinch in the best possible way. To your average person, he probably looked like the holiday villain. To a New Yorker, he was just speaking the language. And it was hilarious. Even Jim had to laugh at himself after the clip started making the rounds.

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Once that footage hit the internet, you know AI and social media comedians couldn’t resist. They started cranking out remix after remix, and Jim even reposted one of the funniest ones just to show he can take a joke about himself.

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But did you peep that line of people waiting? I don’t mind a little Grinch-like energy when you’re out there dolo or with a tiny crew handing out mountains of food to folks who could use a boost during the holidays.

Trust me, I’m over here cracking up too.

Check how he checked this lady coming back for thirds. LOL!

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Of course, they had to create some content!

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Ray J Walks Free From Jail After Gun Incident: Princess Love Denies Being Drunk

Ray J spent Thanksgiving behind bars after allegedly pointing a loaded gun at Princess Love during a livestreamed argument at their Los Angeles home, a confrontation that ended with the singer posting $50,000 bail and walking out of jail Thursday afternoon.

The 44-year-old singer and businessman was seen leaving the Los Angeles County jail dressed in all black, avoiding eye contact with reporters as he took a phone call and exited without comment.

His manager told photographers he rushed over after receiving a call from Ray J behind bars, saying he “came right over to get him out.”

The arrest stems from an explosive domestic dispute that unfolded live on Ray J’s social media feed. What began as a tense family argument quickly escalated when Ray J appeared to load a firearm on camera.

Princess Love later claimed he pointed the weapon at her and her cousin’s husband as she attempted to leave the house with their children.

“I would never put my kids in danger,” she said. “And that includes leaving them with a man who’s waving a gun around.”

In the hours following his release, Princess Love posted a video on Instagram with the caption “Enough is enough,” where she accused her ex-husband of abusive behavior and said she’s been raising their two children, Melody and Epik, without his help.

“You’re more than drunk,” she said, urging him to seek treatment and alleging that their children once found him “in bed naked with another woman.”

The situation reached a boiling point when an off-camera voice, believed to be her cousin’s husband, confronted Ray J. The singer allegedly responded with, “I’ll shoot the f*** out of you.”

Ray J briefly addressed the incident in a now-deleted social media post, claiming he felt threatened when Princess Love’s cousin’s husband entered his room to retrieve the children. He wrote that he had “a major issue” with the man’s presence and believed he was “defending his space.”

The couple’s relationship has long been volatile. They married in 2016, and Princess Love filed for divorce in 2020. Since then, they’ve been navigating a rocky co-parenting arrangement, often making headlines for their public disputes and reconciliations.

Now, Ray J faces a felony criminal threat charge, which carries severe legal consequences if convicted. His next court hearing is scheduled for December 19.

The incident adds to a growing list of domestic violence cases within the Hip-Hop world, but the fact that this one played out live in front of thousands and allegedly in front of children has amplified the public scrutiny.

Ray J, whose career has spanned music, reality television and tech ventures, now finds himself grappling with a legal battle that could overshadow everything else.

Diddy Turns Fort Dix Into Community Feast For 1,000 Inmates

Diddy wasn’t about to let his first Thanksgiving behind bars pass without purpose. Locked up at Fort Dix since October 30, the Hip-Hop mogul rallied a group of inmates known as the Bankroll Bosses to pull off a massive holiday meal that fed every housing unit in the prison—roughly 1,000 people.

The effort took two full days of planning and prep, with inmates using whatever tools they could find—ID cards doubled as knives—to transform commissary ingredients into a meal that felt more like a family gathering than a standard prison tray.

“Thanksgiving, to me, is about making sure other people eat. Everybody misses their family. People get depressed during the holidays. We just wanted to come together as a family and do our own thing,” Diddy told TMZ through his rep.

Prison holidays are usually bare minimum. Meals are served quickly, with little effort to create any sense of warmth or community. But Diddy and his crew weren’t interested in routine. They decided to take matters into their own hands.

B.I., a former gang leader who helped organize the operation, explained the scale of the project: “We cooked the food and sent it to all the buildings. Enough for about 200 people in each building. It took two days to prep everything.”

Without access to stoves or microwaves, the group had to improvise. They bought supplies from the commissary and used basic tools to prepare and distribute the food. Somehow, they made it work.

Diddy’s adjustment to prison life has surprised many. Videos have surfaced showing him working various jobs inside the facility, and he’s spoken about the unexpected sense of unity among inmates.

“There’s a lot of misinterpretations about prison. There is a strong brotherhood. We all look out for each other. It’s nothing but a positive thing,” he said. “It’s like a little bit of home in a dark place.”

The Thanksgiving initiative is part of a broader effort by Diddy to maintain a sense of leadership and connection while serving his 50-month sentence for Mann Act violations.

He was convicted on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution and moved to Fort Dix after initially being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

Speculation about his release has been swirling, especially after his son King Combs hinted he might be home for the holidays. But that scenario appears unlikely. While Diddy has been granted an expedited appeal schedule, legal analysts don’t expect a swift outcome.

For now, he remains focused on staying active and engaged behind bars. Whether running Bad Boy Records or organizing a prison-wide Thanksgiving, Diddy continues to find ways to lead—even from a cell.

Ray J And Ex Plead Their Case With Internet Theories Everywhere

This Ray-J situation is wild. As you already know, he was arrested after pulling a gun on someone during a livestream. The first reports claimed he was trying to threaten or possibly shoot his child’s mother, Princess Love. But newer reports say he may have been trying to harm another man who was in the residence. I don’t know what that’s really about, but what’s clear is Ray-J was arrested on Thanksgiving Day—already having the worst holiday ever even before the cuffs went on.

Now here’s where things get tricky. Some people are suggesting there’s more to this than what we’re seeing. In fact, they’re saying the whole fiasco might’ve been a skit or something staged behind the scenes—a pre-planned ploy to go viral. That’s what the streets are talking about. Or maybe it’s what Ray-J, Princess Love, and others are floating to stay out of trouble. Either way, this is the kind of foolishness we end up dealing with as MEDIA on a holiday when we should be enjoying our families. But here we are.

Honestly, it feels like Ray-J’s life is spiraling out of control, and people around him are just trying to protect the bag. What’s really true is anybody’s guess. Still, it’s getting more frustrating to even write about this type of nonsense. And for the record, I saw the footage—it looked real to me. Whether the reactions were real is another story, but I didn’t see any acting, no staging, nothing that made it look scripted.We all know there are networks out here—Black-owned networks included—that push and rely on this kind of content to stay relevant in 2025. Personally, I’ll take old-school BET over this mess any day. This stuff goes completely against the best interests of the public. And when I say the public, I mean Black America.

There’s more…

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Love came back…first pass…

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Princess Love was not done calling out Ray J. She says he’s abusive, that she’s raising the kids on her own, and insists she would never do anything to harm her children. Princess also claims that during one of Ray’s visits, the kids walked in on him in bed with another woman. And finally, she says he needs rehab.

Check it out.

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Saba Uses Thanksgiving Weekend To Celebrate His Cousin’s Legacy

Saba is bringing heartfelt purpose and hometown pride to Thanksgiving weekend with the return of John Walt Day, a tribute concert honoring his late cousin and fellow Pivot Gang member, John Walt.

The benefit show, set for Friday, November 28, at Chicago’s Metro, marks the first time the event has been held since 2022. The timing is intentional.

Walt’s birthday falls on November 25, and the holiday season’s themes of family and gratitude align with the spirit of the memorial. The show will feature a mix of established and rising Hip-Hop artists paying homage to Walt’s legacy as both a performer and mentor.

“This year represents a true homecoming for us,” Saba told The Chicago Sun-Times. “When I return to Chicago and connect with people who genuinely understand our music and want to be part of this community, you can feel how much this event means to everyone involved.”

Walt was 24 when he was fatally stabbed outside a CTA station in River West in February 2017. His death rattled Chicago’s underground Hip-Hop scene, where he had been gaining recognition for his lyrical talent and leadership within Pivot Gang.

Saba helped launch the annual John Walt Day in 2017 alongside Walt’s mother, Nachelle Pugh.

The event not only honors Walt’s memory but also raises funds for the John Walt Foundation, which awards $1,000 scholarships to young Chicago creatives ages 14 to 24.

Beyond scholarships, the foundation supports programs like T.I.P. Fest and collaborates with Lollapalooza through its Lolla University initiative. It also runs Feed the West Side, a food distribution effort that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This month, the program delivered 25 Thanksgiving meal boxes to families, each containing enough food for an entire week.

Saba’s dedication to community outreach has remained steady. Earlier this month, he organized a pop-up for his recent album Coffee! at Spill the Beans Café, where attendees were encouraged to donate winter coats.

Since Walt’s passing, Saba has turned personal loss into creative momentum.

His 2018 album Care For Me explored grief and healing, earning critical praise. In 2024, he dropped two new projects, one with No I.D. in March and another surprise album, Coffee!, recorded entirely inside his Ford Bronco.

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Sukihana Reveals She’s Made A Fortune Using OnlyFans

Sukihana said she turned her financial struggles around during the pandemic by launching an OnlyFans account that ultimately brought in millions of dollars.

During a recent appearance on Respectfully: The Justin LaBoy Show, the rapper and reality TV personality opened up about how her decision to join the subscription-based platform changed her life.

When asked about her earnings, Sukihana didn’t hesitate.

“I made millions of dollars,” she said. “I don’t even really get on there like that. I might, every now and then, maybe like a special holiday or whatever, I’ll post some pictures, but like, I’m gonna like doing a lot of TV and film.”

The Delaware native explained that she launched her OnlyFans account at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, when she was struggling financially.

“I made like millions of dollars on OnlyFans,” she repeated. “And I guess why I made my OnlyFans during the pandemic.”

She added that her life before the platform looked drastically different.

“Bro, I was f##### up. I didn’t even have a crib,” she said. “I didn’t have no car or nothing like that. I was just like, you know what? I gotta make it happen. I gotta figure out a way to put some food on the table and a roof over my head.”

The pivot to OnlyFans proved to be a turning point.

“When I started my OnlyFans, life just switched,” she said. “I was buying Ferraris, Bentleys, getting myself a crib. You feel me? And, you know, I put myself on my feet, started buying jewelry. You feel me?”

While she didn’t go into detail about the type of content she shared, she hinted at it with a laugh when LaBoy asked.

“I was doing a lot. Don’t act like you don’t know,” she said.

Although Sukihana has since shifted her focus toward television and film projects like Love & Hip Hop and Baddies, she acknowledged that her time on OnlyFans played a significant role in her financial independence.

Suki tapped into a broader trend during the pandemic, when many entertainers and influencers turned to digital platforms like OnlyFans to generate income.

Rappers like Iggy Azalea, Bhad Bhabie, Rubi Rose and Tyga made fortunes using the platform.

Meta Execs Called Themselves ‘Pushers’ Getting Users Hooked, Lawsuit Reveals

Meta staff bluntly described Instagram as a “drug” and themselves as “pushers” in internal chats revealed in a sweeping lawsuit filed in California, where hundreds of school districts and state attorneys general are accusing major social media companies of knowingly designing addictive platforms that harm young users.

The 235-page legal brief, filed Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, targets Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube. What sets this case apart is not just the allegations, but the companies’ own internal messages and research that appear to confirm them.

In one internal Meta conversation, a researcher wrote, “IG (Instagram) is a drug … we’re basically pushers.” The admission wasn’t made under pressure from critics or regulators — it came from inside the house.

Executives at TikTok didn’t fare better. One internal report stated, “minors do not have the executive mental function to control their screen time.”

That’s a clinical way of saying the app is designed to override kids’ self-control and the company knows it.

Snapchat leaders admitted their platform consumes users to the point where “Snap dominates their life.” YouTube staff conceded that pushing frequent daily use “was not well-aligned with … efforts to improve digital wellbeing,” yet the company launched YouTube Shorts anyway — fully aware of its addictive mechanics.

The lawsuit alleges these tech giants ignored their own research and instead prioritized engagement and ad revenue. Meta reportedly shelved a study showing users felt less anxious and depressed after a week away from Facebook.

According to CNN, one employee compared the decision to the tobacco industry, saying, “like tobacco companies doing research and knowing cigs were bad and then keeping that info to themselves.”

TikTok’s so-called parental control tool, Family Pairing, was dismissed internally as “kinda useless.”

One employee said, “Family Pairing is where all good product design goes to die.” Executives also rejected absolute screen-time limits because they would lead to “fewer ads,” cutting into profits.

The lawsuit arrives as mental health issues tied to social media use continue to climb. Studies have linked excessive screen time with rising rates of anxiety, depression and sleep disorders in teens.

Adults are also affected, though adolescents are especially vulnerable due to their still-developing prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for impulse control.

The platforms use reward systems similar to slot machines, known as “variable ratio reinforcement schedules,” which keep users scrolling in search of unpredictable dopamine hits from likes, comments or viral content.

Snapchat identified “infinite scroll and autoplay” as “unhealthy gaming mechanics” in internal documents, and noted that streaks, daily exchanges between users, can become “stressful” obligations. YouTube recognized that short-form video creates an “addiction cycle,” but moved forward with Shorts anyway.

Despite public statements about prioritizing user safety, the companies’ internal messages tell a different story. Meta spokesperson Andy Stone called the court filing “deliberately misleading” and said the company has made “real changes to protect teens.”

TikTok claimed the lawsuit “inaccurately rewrites our history,” while Snapchat said its platform was “designed differently from traditional social media.”

Meanwhile, school districts across the U.S. are pouring money into mental health services to combat what they describe as a youth mental health crisis driven by social media.

Outside the U.S., Australia is leading the charge with a new law banning social media access for users under 16.

The legislation, which takes effect December 10, 2025, requires platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube and Threads to verify users’ ages and block underage accounts.

Meta announced it will begin shutting down accounts of Australian users under 16 starting next month.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the law, saying it responds to parents’ concerns and shifts the burden of age verification to tech companies. Critics warn it may drive teens to less regulated platforms, but supporters argue it’s a necessary step to protect developing minds from algorithm-driven exploitation.

Lawmakers in the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union are closely watching how the Australian model plays out, with similar legislation already under discussion.

EXCLUSIVE: Three 6 Mafia, $uicideboy$ Settle $6M Battle Over Stolen Songs

Three 6 Mafia closed a long, messy copyright fight this week after reaching a settlement with a producer tied to $uicideboy$, ending a years-long dispute over dozens of allegedly stolen songs.

The deal arrives after DJ Paul and Juicy J accused the New Orleans duo of ironically lifting 36 of Three 6 Mafia tracks and repackaging them under near-identical titles while building a massive cult following.

The feud became public in 2020 when DJ Paul and Juicy J sued $uicideboy$ for using what they described as wholesale replicas of classic Memphis cuts. The Memphis rappers said $uicideboy$ members Scrim and Ruby da Cherry had lifted more than 36 songs from their legendary catalog.

The lawsuit claimed that $uicideboy$ songs like “Mask and Da Glock” and “Smoked Out, Loced Out” were rip-offs that drew on the group’s dark aesthetic and the legacy of late member Lord Infamous.

DJ Paul said the sampling was done without permission and argued the music was lifted to profit from Three 6 Mafia’s catalog.

$uicideboy$ denied wrongdoing and claimed Juicy J verbally cleared sample use during earlier collaborations. That claim became a central dispute as DJ Paul said no agreement existed and insisted the group had been “using our music” before any introductions.

The original suit demanded more than $6 million and accused the duo of trading on Three 6 Mafia’s history. The settlement resolves the case.

DJ Paul and Juicy J reached a deal with the rappers and dismissed all claims against them with prejudice. So, the case is “settled in its entirety” and both parties “waive any right to appeal.”

The backstory spans years of cultural tension. Three 6 Mafia’s sound shaped underground rap for decades and inspired the rise of horrorcore-influenced acts like $uicideboy$, who built a global fanbase and sold out arenas.

Morgan Freeman Reveals Why Oscar Win Didn’t Affect His Ego

Morgan Freeman knew long before his Oscar win for Million Dollar Baby that the golden statue was in his future and insists the honor didn’t rattle his sense of self.

The 88-year-old Morgan Freeman opened up in a new interview with AARP’s Movies for Grownups, reflecting on his 2005 Academy Award and decades in Hollywood. Despite the prestige that came with the win, Freeman said he always expected it.

“I kind of knew early on that I would eventually get (an Oscar). It didn’t change me,” Freeman said. “I hope it didn’t change me. Because the only change you can expect after you’ve gotten an Oscar is maybe your price goes up a tiny bit and your job prospects go up a bit.”

He added, “That’s the one thing or two things, I guess, you could look forward to. Other than that, don’t let your ego get the best of you.”

Freeman took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Eddie “Scrap Iron” Dupris in the 2004 boxing drama Million Dollar Baby, starring alongside Hilary Swank and Clint Eastwood. The role solidified his legacy, but it wasn’t his first brush with the Academy.

Throughout his career, Freeman has earned four other Oscar nominations: Best Supporting Actor for Street Smart in 1987, Best Actor for Driving Miss Daisy in 1989, Best Actor for The Shawshank Redemption in 1994 and Best Actor for Invictus in 2009.

When asked which films best define his six-decade run in Hollywood, Freeman pointed to two titles in particular.

Driving Miss Daisy sits way up there,” he said. “And so does Invictus. Actually, I like a lot of them.”

Freeman’s most recent appearance on the big screen came with Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, which debuted on November 14. He previously starred in the original Now You See Me in 2013 and its sequel in 2016.

Warner Music’s AI Revolution: Suno & Udio Deals May Bring Back Golden Era Sound For Hip-Hop

Warner Music Group turned legal foes into collaborators by securing licensing agreements with AI music startups Suno and Udio, signaling a dramatic shift in how Hip-Hop and the broader music industry may evolve in the digital age.

The label, which had been locked in copyright disputes with both companies, reversed course by announcing back-to-back partnerships, first settling with Udio last week and then revealing a new alliance with Suno, which includes handing over ownership of live music discovery platform Songkick.

“We’re unwaveringly committed to the protection of the rights of our artists and songwriters, and Udio has taken meaningful steps to ensure that the music on its service will be authorized and licensed,” said Warner CEO Robert Kyncl.

The turnaround is striking. Just months ago, Warner joined Universal Music Group and Sony in accusing Suno and Udio of using copyrighted material without permission to train their AI models.

Now, Warner is the first to settle and partner, leaving competitors scrambling to catch up.

“This landmark pact with Suno is a victory for the creative community that benefits everyone,” Kyncl added. “With Suno rapidly scaling, both in users and monetization, we’ve seized this opportunity to shape models that expand revenue and deliver new fan experiences.”

The deal with Suno comes on the heels of a $250 million Series C funding round that valued the company at $2.45 billion. The round was led by Menlo Ventures and included backing from Nvidia’s NVentures.

But beyond the dollars, the implications for Hip-Hop are massive.

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These platforms will allow users to remix, cover or generate entirely new songs using the actual voices and compositions of Warner artists who choose to participate. That could include the likes of Lady Gaga, The Weeknd and Sabrina Carpenter.

Warner has emphasized that artists will retain “full control over whether and how their names, images, likenesses, voices, and compositions are used in new AI-generated music.”

That level of oversight is essential in Hip-Hop, where creative identity and authenticity are central to the culture. Udio co-founder and CEO Andrew Sanchez framed the partnership as a significant step forward for the music business.

“This partnership is a crucial step towards realizing a future in which technology amplifies creativity and unlocks new opportunities for artists and songwriters. Our new platform will enable experiences where fans can create alongside their favorite artists and make extraordinary music in an environment that offers artists control and connection.”

The Suno deal also includes a strategic handoff of Songkick, which Warner acquired in 2017.

By transferring the live event platform to Suno, Warner is aligning AI-generated music with real-world performance opportunities, potentially creating a bridge from digital creativity to physical stages.

Starting in 2025, Suno plans to roll out “more advanced and licensed models” to replace its current offerings. Under the new system, free users will be able to play and share songs, but downloading will require a paid subscription—setting up a monetization model that benefits both the tech company and Warner.

The industry’s rapid pivot from litigation to collaboration highlights how quickly the AI music narrative has changed. Instead of trying to shut down these platforms, Warner is now investing in them and shaping how they operate.

For Hip-Hop producers and beatmakers, this opens access to tools built on major-label catalogs, similar to how sampling technology revolutionized the genre in the 1980s and 1990s.

Both Suno and Udio, with built-in social features, aim to create communities where creators can share and collaborate on new music.

While Universal and Sony are reportedly still in talks to resolve their own legal battles with Suno and Udio, Warner’s decision to move first may give them a long-term advantage.

The new music creation platform with Udio is expected to launch in 2026.

Tech N9ne’s Thanksgiving Always Includes His Late Mother, Who Defined His Career

Tech N9ne is known for one of the most striking visual identities in Hip-Hop, but according to the Kansas City legend, every mask, clown face, and pair of hospital scrubs traces back to one person: his late mother, Maude “Marty” Sue Yates Khalifa. On this holiday, we reminisce on our conversation with the legend and his love for his mother.

In an interview with AllHipHop, Tech revealed that the dark, theatrical imagery that has followed him throughout his decades-long career wasn’t inspired by comics or horror. Nope, it was born from the hospitals, psychiatric wards and haunted houses he navigated as a child while watching his mother battle lifelong illness.

“People called me a devil worshipper, but all that imagery came from my Christian mama.”

“My mom had grand mal seizures since she was 18,” Tech told Chuck Jigsaw Creekmur. “Throughout my whole childhood, she’d have seizures in our Christian household, and we’d keep her in bed and make sure she didn’t swallow her tongue.”

Everything changed when she remarried when Tech was 12.

Her new husband, a Muslim man, believed she needed psychiatric care after each seizure, which led to her being placed in several psychiatric facilities across Missouri. Those visits left an imprint on young Tech, especially seeing her dressed in oversized hospital scrubs during each stay.

READ ALSO: Tech N9ne’s Origin Story: Blood, Beats, and Becoming a Legend

“Every time I’d go visit her, she’d have on hospital scrubs,” he said. “That’s one level of it – the Michael Myers, the killer clown, the dark imagery. All of that came from real life.”

The other half of his unique aesthetic was shaped by his mother’s unusual parenting style.

A devout Christian, she still introduced her son to horror movies and Halloween culture at an early age. She took him to see Carrie in 1976 and the original Halloween premiere in 1978. She brought him through Kansas City haunted houses every October and to circus shows where he developed his childhood fear of clowns, a fear he later transformed into his famous “Killer Clown” persona.

But the most powerful lesson came from her insistence that dark imagery held no spiritual danger.

“She bought me a Dracula action figure,” Tech said. “And she told me, ‘Don’t look at this Dracula any different than your G.I. Joe or your Darth Vader toy. They’re all plastic. They only have the energy you give them.’ That’s something a lot of religious folks don’t teach their kids.”

Tech says that guidance not only shaped his worldview but protected him creatively.

“So when people called me a devil worshipper, I used to laugh,” he said. “They didn’t know all this came from my Christian mama.

His mother passed away in 2014 from lupus, and Tech says his use of hospital scrubs is a tribute to her. He’s begun wearing the scrubs more often during interviews, prompting fans and reporters to ask about the symbolism.

“This is her garment,” he said. “I wear it in honor of my late great mother, Marty Sue Yates Khalifa.”

The scrubs, the face paint, the killer-clown iconography is less about shock value and more about a son trying to make sense of the world he grew up in. And paying homage to his mother.

“I applied all of it to Tech N9ne,” he said. “And it saved my life.”

Listen to Tech N9ne’s latest album 5816 Forest, his audio origin story.

EXCLUSIVE: Tyrone Blackburn Threatened By Judge Over Latest A.I. Fiasco Involving Diddy Accuser

Tyrone Blackburn is now under judicial scrutiny after a federal judge flagged a suspicious legal citation in a lawsuit tied to Diddy, raising questions about the use of generative AI in court filings and prompting a mandatory in-person appearance next month.

Judge Leo M. Gordon issued the order after Blackburn submitted an opposition brief in the case involving Diddy accuser Liza Gardner, referencing a case titled United States v. Masha, 99 F.3d 1005 (7th Cir. 2021).

But when Diddy’s attorney Erica Wolff attempted to verify the citation, she told the court it was nowhere to be found.

“We found a matter involving someone named Masha,” Wolff said during a November 17 hearing, “but it does not have that citation, is not in that reporter, is not in the Seventh Circuit, and has absolutely nothing to do with the issues in this case.”

When pressed by Judge Gordon, Blackburn admitted to using generative AI to assist with legal research but insisted he wrote the filing himself.

“Yeah, see, I don’t have all of, I’ve pulled over 200 cases from my, so I will get that. When I go back to my home, I will provide the court with that,” Blackburn told the judge.

The court gave him a deadline to either produce the cited case or notify both the court and opposing counsel that he could not do so. That deadline came and went without a response. Wolff later informed the court that Blackburn also failed to respond to attempts to discuss the issue.

Judge Gordon noted that this was not the first lapse in communication from Blackburn in the Gardner case and cited court rules requiring accuracy and diligence in all filings.

“Mr. Blackburn was included on the email to this Court and has not acknowledged receipt or responded. Despite having every opportunity to do so…Mr. Blackburn has not complied with the court’s directive,” Judge Gordon wrote.

The judge’s order now requires Blackburn to explain why parts of his filing should not be thrown out and why he shouldn’t face penalties for the citation error. The citation issue adds to the ongoing legal battle involving Gardner, who claims that Diddy and singer Aaron Hall assaulted her when she was 16 following an MCA Records event in New York.

According to her lawsuit, she and a friend were taken to Hall’s apartment, given alcohol and coerced into sexual acts. Gardner also alleges Diddy returned days later and physically assaulted her, fearing her friend might talk.

Gardner is seeking to move the case to New Jersey, arguing that significant parts of the alleged misconduct occurred there. Diddy has denied all allegations. Blackburn’s involvement in the Gardner case follows two other high-profile legal disputes where courts questioned his use of AI-generated case law.

In a defamation suit brought by Fat Joe, Blackburn filed a motion to dismiss that included several citations opposing counsel said didn’t exist.

After being called out, Blackburn asked the court for permission to revise the brief to fix the errors. The judge denied the request and criticized the lack of care taken in the original filing.

In another case involving TD Jakes, Blackburn was accused of submitting documents with “bogus” citations that forced the opposing legal team to spend time and money verifying false information.

Jakes’ legal team requested over $70,000 in fees due to the extra work. A judge later sanctioned Blackburn, concluding the filings relied on non-existent case law likely generated by AI and not adequately vetted.

Blackburn is scheduled to appear in person in Newark, New Jersey, on December 3 to respond to Judge Gordon’s concerns.

Q Parker Stands By Diddy, Says Big Comeback Is Inevitable

Q Parker, know as a one-time member of 112, took a moment in his promotional run for his new solo R&B album Evolution of Romance to revisit a topic that has followed him all year. 112 was one of the original roster of Bad Boy Records.

The singer said his support for Sean “Diddy” Combs has not wavered even as the Bad Boy founder continues to fight legal battles that have reshaped the public conversation around him.

The remarks came during an upcoming interview with AllHipHop, where Parker spoke plainly about their connection and the weight of their shared history within the powerhouse label. He said the headlines or sentiments surrounding Combs have not changed how he moves.

“I still feel the same [as earlier in the year],” Parker said. “I don’t believe in cancel culture. When someone makes a mistake, you don’t just throw them away. When I’m down with you, I’m down with you. That doesn’t mean I condone your behavior…it means I support you.”

The Atlanta native said his stance is not blind loyalty but a commitment to letting accountability and grace coexist.

“Nobody’s perfect, and I don’t have a heaven or a hell to put anyone in,” he told Chuck Jigsaw Creekmur. “I’m not going to be super judgmental about someone who changed my life.”

One of the key moments in the discussion involved Parker’s final communication with Combs before the music mogul was detained. Parker said Combs listened to early cuts from Evolution of Romance and offered encouragement one day before authorities took him into custody.

“The day before he was taken away, he gave me his blessings,” Parker said. “I played him three or four songs to get his opinion. He has an incredible musical ear. I really enjoyed that time. It ended up being the day before he was taken away.”

Parker said Combs’ imprint still lives in his creative decisions as an indie act. He pointed to lessons on branding, rehearsal and discipline that shaped 112 during their Bad Boy rise in the 1990s.

“I learned so much from him – marketing, promotion, how to work hard,” Parker said. “I still carry those lessons and pass them on to the people I mentor.”

Even with Combs’ future uncertain, Parker shared confidence that the music executive will eventually stage a larger-than-life return.

“Knowing him, whenever he’s released, there’ll be a celebration,” Parker said. “He doesn’t do anything small. I look forward to seeing him celebrated and celebrating.”

Parker’s new album aims to restore emotional R&B to the center of the genre, something Diddy sought to do with this last project.

Busta Rhymes Stuns Families With Surprise Appearance & Turkey Giveaway

Busta Rhymes transformed a routine community event into something extraordinary earlier this week when the Hip-Hop icon made an unannounced appearance at P.S. 135 in East Flatbush, delivering his signature message that “the blessings don’t stop” while helping distribute turkeys to families in need.

The legendary rapper joined Assembly Member Monique Chandler-Waterman for the second consecutive year at what organizers dubbed “The Blessings Don’t Stop” event, according to The Brooklyn Paper.

The gathering provided mental health resources, essential food items and a powerful reminder of community solidarity during challenging economic times.

“It is important to give back to those in need and remember where you came from and help those in need,” Busta Rhymes told the crowd, embodying the philosophy that has driven his recent community outreach efforts across Brooklyn.

The phrase “the blessings don’t stop” has become synonymous with the rapper’s philanthropic approach, reflecting his belief that continuous giving creates endless opportunities for positive impact.

This mindset has guided his expanding charitable work throughout his native Brooklyn, where he’s established himself as more than just an entertainer.

Volunteers distributed turkeys, vegetables, potatoes and other pantry staples to address food insecurity affecting one in 10 New York City residents, according to Hunger Solutions New York.

The event built upon last year’s successful “Harvesting Health & Harmony” initiative, which also featured the Grammy-nominated artist.

The timing proved particularly significant as grocery costs continue rising nationwide, making traditional holiday meals increasingly difficult for working families to afford.

The rapper’s presence elevated what could have been a standard food distribution into a celebration of community resilience and mutual support.

Ray J Spends Thanksgiving In Jail After Threatening Princess Love With Loaded Gun

Ray J hit what might be his lowest point yet when he was arrested Thursday morning after allegedly pulling a gun on Princess Love during a completely unhinged live stream that left their children traumatized and viewers stunned.

The chaos erupted around 4 AM when the troubled singer went live from his Porter Ranch home, immediately launching into a rant about having “the worst Thanksgiving in the f***ing world.”

What started as another one of Ray J’s increasingly frequent social media meltdowns quickly escalated into something far more dangerous when he grabbed a handgun off the table and loaded it on camera.

“If these n****s step foot close to this door I’m going to blow this f**ing sht away, bro,” Ray J said while handling the weapon, according to the live stream footage that captured every disturbing moment.

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The situation spiraled completely out of control when Princess Love entered the frame holding their daughter, Melody, attempting to remove the children from what had become a volatile environment.

That’s when Ray J’s behavior reached its most alarming point – Princess Love repeatedly accused him of pointing the gun at her and their child.

“You pointed a gun at us,” Princess Love said multiple times during the confrontation, while Ray J fired back by calling her and her cousin drunk.

The exchange grew more heated when Princess Love called him a “woman abuser,” revealing the toxic dynamic that’s been playing out in their relationship. When a man entered the scene and confronted Ray J, the singer’s threats became even more explicit and dangerous.

“I’ll shoot the f*** out of you,” he snapped, followed by even more chilling words: “I’ll kill you. Get out of my house before I shoot you right now. I got a gun on me.”

The sound of a child crying could be heard as police sirens approached in the background. Law enforcement sources confirmed to TMZ that officers responded to a domestic violence call involving threats, cleared the residence, and took Ray J into custody.

He was booked on charges of making criminal threats with bail set at $50,000. This latest incident represents the culmination of months of increasingly erratic behavior from the 44-year-old entertainer.

Over the past six months, Ray J has made a series of bizarre and controversial statements that have raised serious questions about his mental state and judgment. Most notably, he’s been making wild claims about working with federal authorities to build a RICO case against Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner, statements that have landed him in legal hot water.

During various live streams and interviews, Ray J has alleged that the Kardashians are under federal investigation, claims that legal experts have called completely unfounded and defamatory in a lawsuit. In response, Ray J has countersued, alleging that Kim and Kris violated a $6 million settlement agreement related to their infamous sex tape.

He claims the Kardashians have been working behind the scenes to damage his reputation and business interests, accusations that have only stoked an already explosive legal fire. The gun incident with Princess Love isn’t just another celebrity domestic dispute; it’s the latest chapter in what appears to be a man spiraling out of control while his children watch.

Earlier this month, during a meltdown with his new girlfriend, Ray j claimed he wanted Princess Love back, but that’s out the window

The fact that this all played out on a live stream, with viewers witnessing the trauma in real time, makes it even more disturbing.