It’s been over a decade since Tarzzahn first laid down the vocals for “Kang of the Junga,” and yet the record sounds like it was crafted yesterday. The long-awaited release captures a vivid, cinematic energy, equal parts pain, prophecy, and perseverance. “It’s raw, it’s street nostalgia,” he says. “A masterful but unpolished version of myself being vulnerably adversarial.”
The Dallas artist’s journey began in chaos. His name, Tarzzahn, was born out of spiritual warfare and street survival, a divine assignment more than an alias. “It was God’s business,” he says. “I was given a gift to communicate and transcend with the kings of monstrosities that uproot in impoverished environs. I replenish the savage around me and protect the land.” For him, Tarzzahn isn’t a nickname, it’s a mantle.
Raised in Dallas, Tarzzahn describes the city as “where the ball is always glowing and the trap is always jumping.” That duality—ambition against adversity—bleeds into every bar. The music embodies what it means to be a dreamer who grew up in a world that teaches you to fight before you fly. “Every song is a colorful reflection of my triumphs and disappointments,” he says. “I wanted it to sound like life itself, brilliant, bruised, and alive.”
Though the project was recorded in 2010, Tarzzahn believes “Kang of the Junga, arrived right on time. “You have to be humbly prioritized with patience,” he says. “You have to take big steps that are hostile to your dreams because failure isn’t an option and it’s an operation for optimization. God’s timing is perfect timing.”
That philosophy defines his artistry and his life. He views himself as “the Lord’s voice for the jungle,” a vessel for both the struggle and salvation of the streets. “I’m a conquistador for little boys and girls like me,” he explains. “I refuse to plateau. I’m not bigger than the next man, but my life’s a little more, so my vision stretches further.”
Looking forward, Tarzzahn’s purpose is rooted in community. “My future is me choosing happiness and being a pillar for my people,” he says. “I want the youth to know that being just a gangster is unacceptable. Be brilliant, be benevolent, and be consistent with success.”
“Kang of the Junga” is a mirror of resilience, a blueprint for those navigating survival and spirituality. “Pay attention to your movements and dedicate yourself to the details,” Tarzzahn says. “Even if you fall, climb out the sludge and get back rich.”
With divine grit and a poet’s pen, Tarzzahn proves that royalty is earned in the jungle.
Kevin Gates faces a massive financial battle as his estranged wife, Dreka, demands over $73,000 monthly in combined support payments. The Louisiana rapper’s marriage has crumbled into a courtroom war over money and custody.
Dreka’s legal team filed explosive documents claiming the Hip-Hop artist abandoned his family financially in late 2021. She alleges Gates stopped covering essential expenses, including property taxes and private school tuition for their children.
The court papers paint a picture of a man who prioritized luxury over family obligations.
While his family struggled, Gates allegedly purchased 18 high-end vehicles and a $4.7 million Calabasas mansion. The contrast between his spending habits and family support has become central to Dreka’s case. Her attorneys argue this behavior demonstrates his ability to pay substantial support.
The financial crisis has reached critical levels, as the former couple’s Mississippi farm is now facing foreclosure. The IRS has imposed a $7 million tax levy on the property. Dreka seeks $27,193 monthly in child support and $46,274 in spousal support from the court.
Gates has responded by questioning the validity of their marriage entirely. His legal team calls Dreka’s marriage claims “factually baseless,” according to court documents obtained by TMZ. This defense strategy could impact both support obligations and property division.
Custody arrangements have also become contentious between the former couple. They married in October 2015 and share two children: 12-year-old Islah and 11-year-old Khaza.
Dreka requests primary physical custody of their children, claiming they have spent 95% of their time with her since 2023. The arrangement would formalize what she describes as the current reality.
Gates named his double-platinum debut album Islah after his daughter and later released Khaza, honoring his son. Dreka filed for divorce in July 2024, citing irreconcilable differences with a separation date of July 10, 2024.
Diddy awakened to a makeshift blade pressed against his throat during a terrifying encounter at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center.
The Hip-Hop mogul found himself in mortal danger when an armed inmate infiltrated his cell while he slept. Longtime friend Charlucci Finney revealed the chilling details of the near-fatal incident to Daily Mail.
“He woke up with a knife to his throat,” Finney disclosed about the attack on his friend of over 30 years. “I don’t know whether he fought him off or the guards came, I just know that it happened.”
The 55-year-old music producer currently serves a 50-month sentence for prostitution-related offenses at the notorious detention facility. His legal team previously warned Judge Arun Subramanian about violence threats from inmates seeking to gain “prestige” by harming the celebrity prisoner.
Finney believes the knife attack served as intimidation rather than a genuine murder attempt. “If this guy had wanted to harm him, Sean would have been harmed,” he explained. “It would only take a second to cut his throat with a weapon and kill him.”
The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns at MDC Brooklyn, where Diddy has spent 13 months awaiting trial and sentencing. Defense attorney Brian Steel previously told the court that guards stopped another shiv-wielding inmate from attacking his client.
Diddy’s attorneys want him transferred to FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey for the remainder of his sentence. They argue the low-security facility would provide better safety and family access while allowing participation in drug rehabilitation programs.
Finney suffers sleepless nights worrying about his famous friend’s welfare behind bars. “Sean has kept a lot of this stuff to himself because he doesn’t want to worry his family,” he said. “But if you’re in jail and you’ve been charged with anything sexual it’s not a good place to be.”
The record producer was convicted in July on two counts of transporting male escorts for drug-fueled sex parties known as “freak offs.” Judge Subramanian sentenced him to four years plus two months in prison and imposed a $500,000 fine.
Diddy avoided more serious sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have resulted in life imprisonment. His conviction centered on organizing elaborate sexual encounters rather than forced prostitution.
Finney operates a clothing line promoting Diddy’s innocence and collects petition signatures weekly for his friend’s release. “The sex trafficking didn’t stick because the jury was smart enough to understand that this was not sex trafficking,” he insisted.
The White House denied reports Monday that President Trump was considering commuting Diddy’s sentence. A spokesperson called the TMZ report “fake news” with “zero truth.”
Diddy’s legal team filed an appeal notice Monday (October 10) seeking to overturn both his conviction and prison sentence. He remains scheduled for release in late 2028 under current sentencing guidelines.
Roger Goodell stood firm Wednesday, defending the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny for Super Bowl LX’s halftime show despite mounting criticism from Donald Trump and conservative voices nationwide.
The NFL Commissioner addressed the brewing political storm during his post-Fall League Meeting press conference. Trump recently blasted the selection, calling it “absolutely ridiculous” and claiming he had “never heard of” the Puerto Rican superstar.
“I don’t know who he is. I don’t know why they’re doing it. It’s, like, crazy. And then they blame it on some promoter they hired to pick up entertainment. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous,” Trump stated.
Goodell pushed back against the backlash with measured confidence.
“It’s carefully thought through. I’m not sure we’ve ever selected an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism. It’s pretty hard to do when you have literally hundreds of millions of people that are watching,” he explained.
The 31-year-old artist, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has emerged as a dominant force in global entertainment. Bad Bunny currently leads the 2025 Latin Grammy nominations with 12 nods and recently earned recognition asBillboard’s Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century.
His impressive trophy collection includes three Grammy Awards and 11 Latin Grammy Awards. The reggaeton icon also holds a historic record with 27 nominations for the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards.
Bad Bunny’s political stance has intensified the controversy surrounding his Super Bowl selection. The artist has been vocal in opposing Trump’s policies and recently completed a 31-day residency in Puerto Rico while avoiding mainland U.S. performances.
Goodell remained unwavering in his support for the choice. “We’re confident it’s going to be a great show. He understands the platform that he’s on, and I think it’s going to be exciting and a united moment,” the Commissioner declared.
The NFL chief emphasized Bad Bunny’s global appeal and entertainment value. “He’s one of the leading and most popular entertainers in the world. That’s what we try to achieve. It’s an important stage for us. It’s an important element to the entertainment value,” Goodell concluded.
The announcement in late September generated worldwide attention and increased streaming numbers for Bad Bunny’s music catalog. Conservative critics have continued voicing opposition to featuring a Spanish-speaking performer at America’s premier sporting event.
Super Bowl LX takes place on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
George Strait supporters have mobilized a digital campaign demanding the country legend replace Bad Bunny as the 2026 Super Bowl halftime performer.
The Change.org petition has collected 71,000 signatures as of Wednesday (October 22) afternoon.
The NFL announced the Puerto Rican reggaeton artist as the Super Bowl LX headliner on September 28. Bad Bunny commands massive social media influence with 49 million Instagram followers and 81 million monthly Spotify listeners.
The petition gained traction across social media platforms as country music supporters shared their preference for traditional American artists and creator Kar Shell argues the halftime show should celebrate American musical heritage.
“The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most watched music performances worldwide, celebrating not just the sport but the cultural tapestry of America,” Shell wrote.
The campaign emphasizes three core principles: maintaining family-friendly entertainment, removing political elements and honoring American music traditions. Shell believes Strait represents these values better than the current selection.
Country music advocates point to Strait’s legendary status as “The King of Country” with over 60 number-one hits spanning four decades. The Texas native has sold more than 120 million records worldwide and maintains a devoted fanbase across multiple generations.
Bad Bunny’s selection generated mixed reactions from American audiences.
Some celebrated the historic choice of the first Latin male artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. Others criticized the decision, citing concerns about political messaging and cultural representation.
Turning Point USA announced a competing “All American Halftime Show” celebrating “faith, family, and freedom” in direct response to the NFL’s announcement.
The organization founded by Charlie Kirk plans to counter-program during the official halftime performance.
Super Bowl LX will take place on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The halftime show traditionally attracts over 100 million viewers worldwide, making it one of television’s most-watched musical performances.
The lawyer suing Fat Joe, Tyrone Blackburn, was indicted in New York after allegedly hitting a 66-year-old process server with his car while trying to dodge being served legal documents related to his high-profile lawsuit against the rapper.
The incident, which unfolded in May, escalated Blackburn’s role from legal representative to criminal defendant.
Blackburn allegedly reversed his vehicle into the process server’s leg after realizing he was about to be served papers related to a $20 million civil suit filed by his client, Terrance “T.A.” Dixon.
The server later claimed the impact caused serious injuries that required knee surgery.
Blackburn, who was arrested in June, now faces assault charges stemming from the vehicle encounter.
Blackburn represents Dixon, who filed the lawsuit in June, accusing Fat Joe of “coercive labor exploitation, financial fraud, sexual manipulation, violent intimidation, and psychological coercion.”
The complaint also alleges the rapper engaged in sex acts with minors and took part in money laundering.
Dixon claims he worked closely with Fat Joe for nearly two decades—not just as a hype man, but as a creative contributor. He says he helped write and provide background vocals for tracks including “Congratulations,” “Ice Cream,” and “Money Over B######,” yet was never properly paid.
Fat Joe’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, dismissed the allegations, saying the lawsuit was full of “lies intended to damage his reputation and force a settlement through public pressure.”
Blackburn’s criminal case now runs parallel to Dixon’s civil suit, turning an already messy legal saga into a double-barreled courtroom fight.
Lizzo is once again entangled in a copyright dispute after a new lawsuit accused her of lifting parts of a song for her viral 2025 social media track “I’m Goin’ In Till October,” also known as “Good Jeans.”
The GRC Trust filed suit against the Grammy-winning artist and Atlantic Records, claiming she used elements from their original composition “Win or Lose (We Tried)” without permission, TMZ reports.
According to court filings, the trust alleges that Lizzo’s track borrows both vocal and instrumental components from their copyrighted work.
The song, which was shared on TikTok and Instagram earlier this year, quickly gained momentum online despite never being officially released for sale or streaming.
A spokesperson for Lizzo pushed back on the claims, telling the outlet, “We are surprised that The GRC Trust filed this lawsuit. To be clear, the song has never been commercially released or monetized, and no decision has been made at this time regarding any future commercial release of the song.”
The GRC Trust said it had attempted to negotiate a licensing deal with Lizzo’s team, but talks fell apart. The lawsuit now seeks monetary damages and a court order to block any further use of the disputed material.
This isn’t Lizzo’s first brush with copyright controversy. Her 2019 breakout hit “Truth Hurts” was mired in legal drama over songwriting credits. Producers claimed they contributed to the track, while singer Mina Lioness said Lizzo took the viral phrase “100% that b*tch” from her 2017 tweet. Lizzo later credited Mina for the lyric.
In this most recent case, the trust alleges that Lizzo and Atlantic Records knowingly used their song without securing the proper rights, despite being aware of the original work.
A content creator and foodie made the trip from San Antonio to Boerne to film a food review. Unfortunately, she found the town less hospitable than she hoped.
TikTok user Molly (@MOLLYDJAX) posted about the incident in an Oct. 10 video. She says she and her husband took a seat at the restaurant and found it strange that no one gave them a proper welcome since they were invited to come. Eventually, they decided to tell the server that they are a content creator and were invited in to sample the fall menu.
“Hey, so my name is Molly and I was invited here from TikTok to do a review on the fall menu and to try some items,” says Molly.
Molly also explains that the person who messaged them on TikTok said it would be comped items so the couple really wanted to make sure they ordered what was expected of them and not something that the business doesn’t want to get highlighted.
TikToker Invited to Boerne for Food Review
The server is confused and seems to go speak with management about it. They returned and said, “I think they want you to try all of these right here?”
The server was referring to the fall menu that features two alcoholic drinks and two lattes. “And I think you can order something from the food menu, too, I don’t really know what they want you to do,” the server told her. Molly asked the server to give them a moment to figure out what to do.
“We an hour away from the house, ain’t nobody finna drink no four drinks,” Molly says.
Eventually, Molly and their husband order a juice, a mimosa, leave the money for the items on the table and leave the restaurant.
Molly’s video has over 12,000 views and over 500 comments.
Making the Most Out of the Boerne Trip
Despite the confusing interaction at this Boerne restaurant, Molly and their husband decide to make the most of the one hour drive they had down there. They went to the town square to do some sight seeing and purchased a huge cinnamon roll.
Molly couldn’t help but feel that something was off as they were walking around Boerne. She says the couple got several weird stares from people.
“Everything was beautiful and everything was scenic. I will tell you one thing we noticed immediately was the stares and looks can take you out,” says Molly.
That’s when they decided to look up the demographics of the town, which according to Word Population Review is 75% white. Molly then started put things into the perspective. She wondered if the looks were connected to the treatment she and her husband received at the restaurant.
Viewers React to the Couple’s Boerne Experience
“Boerne, Fredericksburg, Kerrville, and all those little towns give ‘small town/sundown’ vibes,” says one comment.
“So I am a 62-year-old white woman and I don’t even go to Boerne because it is so white. The people in Boerne are just not socialized very well (if I have to be polite),” says another comment.
Molly responded, “It hurts my heart truly. We honestly thought that areas was a part of San Antonio like one of its mini little cities. We thought the staring was because we were recording and walking around getting footage, but then it became unsettling. I don’t want to believe that all in that area share certain views, but I wish I had known. We almost took the whole family. I’m glad we didn’t.”
All Hip Hop reached out to Molly to learn more about their experience via TikTok message and email.
Janelle Monáe delivered a surreal moment during a recent interview where she claimed to have witnessed David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust performance live in the 1970s.
The revelation came during a sit-down with Lucy Dacus for Rolling Stone’s Musicians on Musicians series, where the Grammy-nominated artist described a vivid, almost cinematic experience that shaped her creative path.
“I traveled back into the 1970s and I saw him do Ziggy Stardust and it was incredible,” Monáe said. “I was backstage, and this is what I want to do.”
The statement caught Dacus off guard, but Monáe didn’t flinch. She leaned into the metaphor, using it to explain how Bowie’s theatrical and boundary-breaking style helped her embrace her own artistic identity.
“So I jetted back to, you know, the 2000s. And I was like, ‘I can have the musical, make the music, create the lyrics, and create community around transformation and being queer,'” she added. “And not even just in sexuality, but in how we see the world.”
Monáe, who earlier this year performed Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” at the 2025 Grammy Awards tribute to Quincy Jones, has drawn comparisons to Bowie for her genre-bending sound and theatrical performances.
The interview, published October 20, 2025, spotlighted Monáe’s admiration for artists who defy expectations and reinvent themselves.
“Let’s go outside the mundane and what people know us as,” she said. “Leave room to allow yourself to transform.”
The full conversation is part of Rolling Stone’s annual Musicians on Musicians series, which pairs artists for unfiltered discussions about creativity, influence and evolution.
The Paid in Full Foundation held its third Hip Hop Grandmaster Awards on Saturday night (October 18) at the Bellagio’s Tower Ballroom in Las Vegas.
Anyone graced with an invite was likely overwhelmed by the sheer number of legends in the building—from Nas, Dr. Dre, Ludacris and George Clinton to Scarface, Rakim, Fab 5 Freddy and Mobb Deep’s Havoc.
Needless to say, there were some unforgettable moments that will live forever—especially on social media. One of the highlights of the evening was a panel hosted by Paid in Full Foundation Board of Director Quincy Jones III that featured Babyface, Scarface and the first recipient of The Quincy Jones Award, George Clinton.
Jones asked Clinton to rap the verses to Eric B. and Rakim’s “Follow the Leader,” to which Clinton replied, “Oh man you’re not gonna make me do it in front of him?” Despite the brief protest, Clinton proceeded to spit every single word to the classic track to the audience’s amazement. It wasn’t long before Rakim emerged from backstage and joined Clinton for the final verse.
Moments later, Dr. Dre—who built his 1992 masterpiece The Chronic on numerous Parliament-Funkadelic samples—surprised the crowd and praised Clinton for not only his contribution to music but to Hip-Hop specifically.
“George Clinton is one of my main motivations and what I grew up to,” Dre said. “Forty years this year, I started in 1985. This summer marks 40 years that I’ve been doing this thing. In the beginning of my career and my childhood and everything was based on this man right here. Everything that I’ve done, studied… all the drums and all the instruments that this man did inspired me to do what I’m doing right now, and I’m just so appreciative. It’s all love.
“These guys [Rakim and George] are responsible for changing music the way it was and the way it is right now. You know how crazy it is for somebody to go into the studio and change the way we listen to music? These two gentlemen did.”
That was only a sliver of the magic happening inside of the Tower Ballroom. Everyone in attendance had gathered to honor this year’s Hip Hop Grandmaster Award recipients Grand Puba of Brand Nubian and Kool G Rap as well as fellow honorees Jalil of Whodini and the Fat Boys’ Kool Rock Ski.
Former Yo! MTV Raps host Fab 5 Freddy interviewed several people from the red carpet, including Luda, Van Jones, Kool Rock Ski, George Clinton and Scarface. The evening’s host, Roxanne Shanté, spit freestyles, DJ Cool V cheered from his table, Kool G Rap mingled with friends, Havoc rapped his verses from Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones II” and Nas performed “Made You Look” (among others). Past Hip Hop Grandmaster Award honoree Kool Moe Dee was also joined by Fearless 4 MC Mike C and crew for another electric performance.
The event effortlessly illustrated both the strength and resilience of the Hip-Hop community while simultaneously raising money for a good cause. Many of the most influential and trailblazing Hip-Hop artists never received recognition proportional to their contributions the culture.
The Paid in Full Foundation’s primary purpose, as stated on its website, “aims to rectify that through its grantmaking program, by both honoring the people who built Hip Hop and enabling them to pursue their creative and intellectual pursuits for the benefit of society.”
All net proceeds raised from the Hip Hop Grandmaster Awards directly support The Paid in Full Foundation’s mission to “empower Hip-Hop pioneers and other creatives.” Read more about it here and enjoy a photo of George Clinton arriving in a motorized wheelchair below.
A$AP Rocky secured one of fashion’s highest honors and a major industry milestone after being named the 2025 Fashion Icon by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, recognizing his decade-long influence on menswear and his ability to blend Hip-Hop culture with luxury fashion.
The CFDA confirmed the Harlem-born rapper will be celebrated at the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards on November 3 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
The event, presented by Amazon Fashion, will spotlight Rocky’s style evolution from streetwear innovator to luxury tastemaker.
“‘A$AP Rocky is a Fashion Icon in the purest form… He is one of a kind… His truly original approach to fashion inspires me, and so many, to think differently…’” said CFDA Chairman Thom Browne in a statement.
Rocky made headlines earlier this year as Ray-Ban’s first-ever Creative Director, where he unveiled a “Blacked Out” redesign of the brand’s Mega Icons line.
His creative reach also includes a long-standing partnership with PUMA, most recently producing the Fall/Winter 2025 collection titled “Built on Jazz in the Concrete Jungle,” a tribute to Harlem’s musical legacy.
His creative agency AWGE, launched in 2014, has become a key player in fashion’s experimental space.
AWGE made its runway debut at Paris Men’s Fashion Week in 2024 and returned this year with a follow-up presentation that reinforced Rocky’s role as both designer and curator.
As Co-Chair of the 2025 Met Gala, Rocky arrived in a custom AWGE suit that reflected his signature blend of avant-garde tailoring and streetwear roots. He’s also been featured in campaigns for Gucci, Dior, Bottega Veneta, Moncler and Calvin Klein.
In September, Rocky teamed up with Moncler Genius for a capsule that mixed his urban style with high-end outerwear. His ongoing work with PUMA continues to highlight his New York upbringing while pushing the boundaries of athletic-inspired fashion.
The CFDA’s Fashion Icon award not only honors Rocky’s personal style but also his broader impact through AWGE, which continues to influence the intersection of music, fashion and visual art.
The 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards will take place on November 3 in New York City.
Montell Jordan stood before a live audience with a powerful update on his ongoing health battle — confirming that he’s back in treatment for recurring prostate cancer while filming a documentary about his journey.
The 1990s R&B singer, who previously shared that his cancer had returned earlier this year, opened up about his current fight during a recent appearance captured in a viral clip.
“I had surgery in November, and then about a month ago, month and a half ago, they found some more cancer,” he told the audience in a clip that surfaced Tuesday, October 21. “So I am currently undergoing treatment to get healed and to get cured and to take the journey to be a two-time cancer survivor.”
The 1990s R&B staple, best known for his chart-topping anthem “This Is How We Do It,” shared that he’s documenting the ordeal in a project titled Sustain.
“I am documenting the entire journey as well, in a documentary called ‘Sustain’,” he said.
Despite being in the thick of treatment, Jordan didn’t let cancer stop him from showing up for his supporters.
“I have six more weeks of the treatment that I’m taking right now,” he said. “So I just did a whole week of treatment, and then got on a plane after treatment on Friday to come here to be with you today.”
Montell Jordan Stresses Importance Of Early Detection
Jordan’s health battle began in early 2024 after a routine PSA test flagged elevated levels. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer soon after and underwent a radical prostatectomy. By the end of that year, he announced he was cancer-free.
But last month, he revealed, during a nine-month follow-up in mid-2025, doctors discovered lingering cancer cells in the prostate bed and lymph nodes on his left side.
That recurrence led to a new treatment plan involving proton radiation five days a week for nearly two months, along with hormone therapy to suppress testosterone, which can fuel cancer growth.
He’s using his platform to stress the value of regular check-ups and early detection. “Early detection is the thing that allows me to have a choice to treat it and live and to continue giving myself the best quality of life possible,” Jordan said on NBC’s TODAY.
A North Carolina mother is viral after revealing that the after school program she pays $300 per month for her 9-year-old son to attend apparently called the police on them. She is now looking for answers about what happened.
Jazz Monique Love is a nurse based in Greensboro, North Carolina. She posted about the situation on Oct. 7 in a TikTok video with over 1.3 million views. In the video, Love says TMSA Academy called police on her 9-year-old son, claiming she had “abandoned” him.
This happened even though she was paying $300 per month for his after-school care and provided three phone numbers on file that staff apparently never called. After an administrative mix-up of students, school officials kept her son, Jason, in the front office for nearly two hours. Then, they elected to contact police instead of his mother, who works 12-hour nursing shifts.
After School Program Called Police On 9-Year-Old
The incident left the child traumatized and crying about his first encounter with law enforcement. The story underscores a growing pattern of schools criminalizing Black children for routine administrative issues.
Black students are referred to law enforcement at more than twice the rate of white students nationwide. Federal investigations find that schools disproportionately call police when Black children are involved—even for minor issues or, in this case, an administrative error.
“So today, they got it mixed up with another student who they said they have to constantly call the parents to come get,” Love explains on the clip, which lasts over seven minutes. “They say he wasn’t supposed to go to after-school today. They kept him in the front office for whatever reason, whoever made that decision. So once he got to the front office, you would think that they would call the parents to say, ‘Hey, Jason’s not going to after-school today. Is anybody going to pick him up?'”
North Carolina Police Finally Contact Mom At Work
Love says no one called. “Actually, they called the police and said that I abandoned my child,” she said. “So, the police called me.”
She was with a patient, but said she immediately answered. “The officer says, ‘Oh wow, you’re answering on the first ring. I didn’t expect that,'” she says.
“So she proceeds to say, ‘Yeah, hey. Jason is still here at the school in the front office. Front office said that he was abandoned, so I was calling to see, did you need me to bring him home?'” Love continues. “So I say to the officer, ‘If he was kept at the front office since 2 o’clock, it’s now 3:40. Why didn’t nobody call me to ask was I picking up Jason? So I could have clarified, ‘Hey, Jason’s supposed to be in the after-school till 5:45’ or something?'”
Love eventually arrived at the school. “The first person that approached me is a white lady,” she says. “I asked her several times, on camera: ‘Did you call me when you realized my son was still not picked up in the front office?'”
‘Accountability Was Not In the Room’
The employee says that sent her a “message on ParentSquare,” but evidently elected not to call any of the provided phone numbers. ParentSquare is a home-school communication apparatus that works similar to social media.
“You would think after that it would be, ‘You know what, Miss Love? I’m so sorry. We made a mistake.'” she quipped. “Oh no. Accountability was not in the room. Instead, she proceeded to try to make some weird excuse as to why it was OK that they called the police on my 9-year-old instead of admitting that, ‘Hey, I probably should have called the parents.'”
What hurt her most is that her son is now traumatized from the ordeal. “My child is a little Black boy who just had his first encounter with the police like a criminal,” she says. “My son ran into my arms and started crying like a baby—because he is a baby. He’s never been in trouble before. He’s a good kid. And he had an encounter with the police today due to lack of communication and no protocol in place.”
Viewers React to the After School Administrative Error
People in the comments were aghast at how this count occur. “$300 a month and they don’t know where he’s supposed to be after school,” said one woman. “An app is NOT sufficient communication. especially if its urgent,” said another person.
Even actual principals expressed confusion and outrage. “Why in the world would they not call you?!” asked Dr. Roylin Petties III, a Pittsburgh area administrator. “Also, how did they mix him up if they been doing this since August! Yea, that’s wild!”
Another commenter that pointed out a significant issue was the fact that it appears the front office could not differentiate the children. “All of them need to be fired because not one of them recognized your son who has been in the Aftercare program since AUGUST?!?!” the commenter noted. “THAT is unacceptable, they should know him by now and not just his name, but him.”
In the follow-up video, Love says that she has attempted to contact various members of the administration. She was still in search of a formal meeting at the time of the follow-up. She also intimates legal action could be forthcoming.
Principal posted general apology on ParentSquare, according to Love, but she says it was given to other parents and not Love or her aggrieved child. It appears the school only responded to save face after the negative viral attention.
An Ongoing Problem
These stories are more common than you might like to think. In 2019, a school resource officer was fired for arresting a six-year-old for having a temper tantrum. Another report detailed the parents of a 10-year-old boy suing their school district in Louisiana after an officer choked the child and arrested him following an ADHD outburst mismanaged by adults by every adult involved.
In one absurd instance in Tennessee, reported by ProPublica, police in a county with a sordid history of arresting Black children jailed 11 kids, including an 8-year-old Black girl charged with a crime not found in the statute.
All Hip Hop reached out to Love for additional information.
An Atlanta area TikToker says he paid a broker, going by Brightside Moving Group, $1,800 upfront for what he thought was a straightforward $3,800 move to Texas. But things changed quickly after subcontractor Master Movers wrapped and loaded his belongings onto their truck.
“They told us $3,800 to do the whole move,” he said. “Made a list, and all of that good stuff. Then, Brightside and Master Movers—when they came out, they put everything in the road. I said, why did they put everything in the road? They wrapped everything up, insulated everything, and just put it in the road like this. Why didn’t they just put it in the truck? Well, it was a whole plan.”
When he refused to pay the amount, they dumped everything on his lawn and demanded another $4,000 just to bring it back inside his home. His warning on TikTok highlights a surging problem in the moving industry.
Atlanta Man Says Movers Left His Possessions on the Roadside
“My people, be very careful of these companies—these companies that act as though they’re full service, but they’re not,” he warned. “They’re shady. They ain’t slick. They force people to pay thousands of dollars more than they budgeted, so be careful of them. Make a note.”
“Police report, dispute the payment, small claims,” one commenter recommended. “Atlanta is full of nothing but scammers,” said another commenter, echoing many others calling the city similarly derogatory names.
“A moving company ALMOST got me like that,” another recalled. “Sometimes they’ll store your stuff in a warehouse and make you pay extra for them to bring it to you. Never trust these moving companies.”
Some people didn’t have any sympathy. “This is rich [people’s] problems. Poor people move themselves,” one man said.
Similar Complaints About Moving Companies
Hostage load complaints to federal regulators jumped from 364 in 2017 to 932 by mid-2021, according to AARP. Brokers disguise themselves as legit moving companies, then trick customers with lower estimates, and then work with subcontractors who basically extort victims after their possessions are already loaded up. Many people are caught between a rock and a hard place, with few legal options since police treat these situations as civil disputes rather than criminal theft.
The area that people can focus on is the estimation process. The Better Business Bureau states that it is illegal “to charge more than 110% of the estimate before delivering goods, even if there are more than anticipated. If there are extra charges for additional goods, they can only charge an additional amount after delivery and unloading.” So, it doesn’t look like it was legal for the company to ask Biggie D for another $4,000 to complete the move.
The broker is “generally are not able to provide an in-person estimate, which can be an important red flag.” Also, estimates have to be legally based on weights, not volume. So, a moving broker or company cannot eyeball space to be taken up, as is often the case.
There are steps to ensure people don’t get taken advantage of, including checking credentials, insurance, and checking into the U.S. Department of Transportation and Better Business Bureau to ensure a mover is legitimate.
All Hip Hop reached out to @biggie.d8 via TikTok for comment.
Michael Jordan returned to the spotlight Tuesday night (October 21) as he made his on-air debut as a special contributor for NBC Sports during the network’s first NBA broadcast in over 20 years.
The Hall of Famer appeared during halftime of the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets season opener, joining play-by-play veteran Mike Tirico to reflect on his new role and his evolving connection to the game that defined his legacy.
“I have an obligation to the game of basketball … as a basketball player is to be able to pass on messages of success and dedication to the game of basketball,” Jordan said, explaining his motivation for stepping into broadcasting after decades away from the mic.
NBC’s NBA relaunch leaned heavily into nostalgia, reviving John Tesh’s “Roundball Rock” theme and using artificial intelligence to recreate the voice of late announcer Jim Fagan.
“We have an obligation to pay it forward. That’s part of what this is all about.”
Watch Michael Jordan’s first conversation with Mike Tirico in the first edition of MJ: Insights To Excellence. pic.twitter.com/7tfzGm6SpM
The network first revealed Jordan’s involvement back in May, but Tuesday’s appearance marked his first on-camera contribution.
Michael Jordan Reveals He Misses The Game
Now 62, Jordan admitted he rarely picks up a basketball anymore, though he still feels the pull of competition.
He shared a story about shooting a free throw at a rental property while watching the Ryder Cup, saying he was unexpectedly nervous.
“The reason being is those kids heard the stories from the parents about what I did 30 years ago,” he said. “So, their expectation is 30 years prior, and I haven’t touched a basketball.”
When Tirico asked if he made the shot, Jordan didn’t hesitate: “Absolutely. That made my whole week.”
Jordan also opened up about the emotional distance he now feels from the court, acknowledging he misses the intensity of the game but knows his body can’t keep up.
“I wish I could take a magic pill, put on shorts and go out and play the game of basketball today because that’s who I am,” he said. “That type of competition, that type of competitiveness is what I live for, and I miss it. I miss that aspect of playing the game of basketball, being able to challenge myself against what people see as great basketball. But it’s better for me to be sitting here talking to you as opposed to popping my Achilles and I’m in a wheelchair for a while.”
NBC’s NBA comeback is part of a long-term media rights deal set to begin in the 2025-26 season. Jordan’s presence adds weight to the network’s coverage, which also includes Reggie Miller as lead analyst.
The next episode of Jordan’s series, “MJ: Insights to Excellence,” airs October 28 and will explore topics like load management.
Finesse2Tymes wasted no time speaking out after his release from jail Tuesday night (October 21) following a major drug bust in Texas, using Instagram to deliver an unfiltered message and preview new music.
Hours after bonding out of Harris County Jail, the Memphis rapper addressed the situation head-on in a lengthy post.
“See the difference between me and most is idc about showing my growth, I ain’t running from my flaws, I ain’t hiding behind no PR, I aint hiding behind no money, I ain’t doin what no label tell me to don’t,” he wrote. “I ‘SHOW’ that I don’t like u Nygas I don’t sugar coat and shake hands when I see ya, and I ain’t fakin. This my real life, and yeah ima shake back I always do. God never put me through more than I can handle.”
The post came just one day after his arrest in the Dallas–Fort Worth area on Monday (October 20).
According to court records, the rapper faces eight charges, including four counts of possession of controlled substances, possession of marijuana under two ounces, possession of a dangerous drug, bringing prohibited items into a correctional facility and tampering with evidence.
Authorities say the controlled substances fall under Texas Penalty Groups 1 and 2, which include drugs such as cocaine, opioids, ecstasy and hallucinogens. He was initially held without bond but was released on bail by Tuesday evening.
Finesse2Tymes Teases New Song Snippet
Finesse2Tymes also used the moment to remind his supporters of his talent, writing, “But while yall posting my downfall, Post what’s gone bring me up to. I ain’t just a fukk up, I got talent, and it ain’t my fault that I gotta catch on to life late, i ain’t have a mama, daddy, to hold my hand they was fukk ups to but At least i know what loyalty is. #LoyaltyOvaLove Black sheep in the flesh.”
Alongside the post, he dropped a snippet of his upcoming track “Money And Peace,” which samples Fabolous’ 2007 hit “Make Me Bette.”
He tagged Jermaine Dupri in the caption and added, “@jermainedupri It’s time.”
Supporters quickly flooded the comments with praise for the track. “Bro be sliding on s###,” one wrote. Another added, “Dude you can rap good asf. Just keep dropping & stay out.”
This marks Finesse2Tymes’ second drug-related arrest in Texas in just two months.
Chris Brown fired back at Kevin McCall Tuesday night (October 21) on Instagram after the songwriter’s emotional podcast appearance made waves and Young Thug stepped in to offer financial help.
“Remember this: you can’t walk across a burnt bridge. And you know what’s funnier than a troll? A BROKE ONE,” Brown wrote on his Instagram Story. He didn’t name McCall, but the timing and tone made the target obvious.
The jab followed McCall’s tearful appearance on the “Back On Figg” podcast, where he revealed he’s struggling financially despite penning several of Brown’s early hits, including “Deuces” and “Strip.”
During the nearly three-hour episode, McCall pulled out his EBT card and asked why he’s in poverty while Brown lives lavishly.
“Why the f### I got an EBT card? And this n#### is at Breezy Bowl and made ninety-or-whatever-the-f###-million,” McCall said, visibly emotional. “Can I get $25K for them four songs I owe you, bro?”
He broke down in tears, saying, “That s### ain’t fair, bro!”
Kevin McCall breaks down in tears after revealing he relies on an EBT card, despite having written songs for Chris Brown—who recently made $90 million from his tour 😳
Young Thug Defends Chris Brown, Offers To Cover Alleged Debt
The clip quickly went viral, prompting Young Thug to offer his support. The Atlanta rapper posted on X, formerly Twitter, telling McCall he’d cover the alleged $25,000 debt himself.
“Kevin McCall hit me my n####, I’ll give u the 25k u need, and i no CB would give it to u also bro he a real one. N##### is busy sometimes brada,” Thug wrote.
McCall’s relationship with Brown has been fractured for nearly a decade. The two collaborated on several successful records in the early 2010s before falling out publicly.
Between 2014 and 2016, McCall accused Brown of withholding royalties and pleaded for a meeting to sort out business matters. Brown responded by mocking him online, calling him a “bottom feeder” and threatening violence.
In resurfaced footage, Brown dismissed McCall’s complaints, saying he used the money from their collaborations to buy awards and cars, then added, “with [McCall’s] money,” before calling him a “b####.”
McCall also opened up during the podcast about his estrangement from his children, including a daughter he shares with model Eva Marcille, and admitted to having suicidal thoughts.
Suge Knight stirred up old industry drama and revisited his admiration for Eve during a recent sit-down with The Art of Dialogue_,_ where he danced around dating rumors and took a verbal jab at Dr. Dre.
Knight didn’t confirm a romantic relationship with the Grammy-winning rapper but made it clear she still holds a special place in his memory.
“I still got a love for Eve today. I like gangsta b######. I like b###### that bout their money, bout their life, to fight for what they want,” he said.
The conversation was sparked by a claim from Eve’s memoir, Who’s That Girl?, where she allegedly said she dated Knight to get back at Dr. Dre for dropping her from Aftermath Records.
Knight didn’t directly address that claim but referred to Eve as “the home girl,” speaking with evident admiration.
“All Eve had to do is nod her m###########’ head and I would’ve broke Andre’s m###########’ jaw,” Knight said, referencing her fallout with Dre.
Eve signed to Aftermath at just 17 after impressing Dre during an impromptu audition in Philadelphia. He flew her to Los Angeles and added her to his roster early in the label’s formation. However, the partnership didn’t last long.
According to Eve, her youthful impatience and constant demands to record frustrated Dre. She admitted she repeatedly showed up to his studio sessions uninvited, which eventually led to her being dropped.
Knight suggested Eve’s early struggles weren’t due to her talent but rather industry politics.
“Eve is a survivor. I think Eve’s platform and Interscope was smaller than her. And she was so ahead of the game and her lyrics and when she knew what she wanted to do, it probably got jealousy involved in it. And that’s probably what happened,” he said.
Knight went on to compare Eve to Cardi B, calling them “two of the same baddest [b######] around” and added, “Cardi B is still the best to ever do it.”
The opening chapter of Jeff Pearlman’s Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakurhits like a revelation. The book, out now, isn’t just a deep dive into one of Hip-Hop’s most complex icons, it’s a jaw-dropping journey that uncovers stories even the most devoted 2Pac fans never knew.
One of the most stunning discoveries comes straight from one of 2Pac’s most haunting songs, “Brenda’s Got a Baby.” The 1991 track tells a gut-wrenching, tragic story about a 12-year-old girl who gives birth and abandons her child in the worst way. The song has long been known as a piece of art rooted in real tragedy. But few realized just how real it was.
The baby in that song? Still alive. The mother? Also alive. And Jeff Pearlman found them both.
In this exclusive conversation, Pearlman sits down to explain how he tracked down two unwitting but pivotal figures in Hip-Hop history—the real-life “Brenda” and her “baby”—and his relentless curiosity turned myth into human connection.
There’s a few things notable about this story—and we’ll get into them. But yeah, I started the book off with finding “Brenda’s baby”—in quotes—and then reuniting that person with his mother, Brenda.
Now, when people read that part, they often react the same way you did—they stop reading for a second, like, “Wait… what did I just read?”
And honestly, I get it. It’s crazy.
You said something interesting though—you called it my “white superpower.” I wouldn’t really call it that. I think it’s my Sports Illustrated background more than anything.
I started as a newspaper writer in Nashville. Then I went to Sports Illustrated. Back then, the whole idea at SI was go beyond. Gary Smith, who was one of the greats, used to always say, “Make the extra call. Make the extra call. Make the extra call.” That became part of how I think. Like, we’re all writing about the same athletes, LeBron, for example. The difference between a good LeBron story and a great one? You make that extra call.
So with 2Pac, I’ve always loved “Brenda’s Got a Baby.” I wouldn’t say it’s one of his 10 best songs. It’s kind of literal, kind of early in his career, not the best production. But the idea of it—that grabbed me.
I’d seen an old interview where Omar Epps said ‘Pac read about the story in a newspaper. So I thought, “I’m gonna find that article.”
Didn’t take long. It was called “Cries in the Night,” published in the New York Daily News in 1991 by a reporter named Linda something. It was about a 12-year-old girl in the Noble Drew Ali housing development in Brooklyn. She was raped by her cousin, gave birth on the bathroom floor, put the baby in an Odd Job plastic bag and dropped him down the trash chute. The maintenance guy heard crying, found the baby and saved him.
That was it. That’s the story ‘Pac turned into “Brenda’s Got a Baby.”
So I called my friend from high school, a genealogist named Michelle. She’s a total wizard. I said, “You think we could find this person?” She goes, “That’s a hard one, but give me a few days.”
A few days later she calls: “I think I have contact info.”
She gives me a number. Nobody answers phones anymore, so I text. And it’s like the crudest, most awkward text ever. Something like, “Hey, my name’s Jeff Pearlman, I’m a writer, working on a 2Pac book. By any chance, is this you?”–and I attach a photo of the article.
Not my finest text moment.
But he writes back: “Holy crap. Let’s talk tomorrow.”
So the next day we talk. He lives in Las Vegas. I drive out from Southern California. We meet at a Starbucks.
And sure enough, everything in that article happened to him. He’d been adopted. His adoptive parents moved him to Vegas. He knew a little about his background but not the full story.
After his parents died, he did an Ancestry.com search. Names started popping up—all connected to Brooklyn and the Noble Drew Ali projects. He reached out to a few people, and they were like, “Holy crap. Do you know who you are? Do you like 2Pac?”
He laughs and goes, “I like Biggie more. I’m from Brooklyn!”
I tell him, “You know 2Pac’s from New York too, right?”
He’s like, “Yeah, but I still like Biggie more.”
Then they tell him, “We think you’re the baby from ‘Brenda’s Got a Baby.’”
He flies to New York, meets the family and it’s this full-onAntwone Fishermoment. Hugging, crying, tears everywhere. He even showed me a photo of himself standing next to the trash chute where he’d been found. Unreal.
Then I ask him, “Have you had any contact with your mother?”
He says no. So I go back to Michelle. “You think we could find her?” She says it might be harder, but give her a few days.
Sure enough, a few days later, she finds her. She texts the woman, just trying to confirm. The woman calls back, and Michelle says, “I’m working with a writer named Jeff Pearlman. When you were 12 years old, did you give birth?”
And the woman just starts crying, “Do you know where my son is? Do you know where my son is?” She’s screaming, sobbing, saying she’s been looking for him for 20-something years.
Michelle says, “Yeah, we’re in contact with him.”
Then the woman says, “I live in Newark, but I’m away from home right now… for a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert.”
Michelle goes, “Where are they playing?”
The woman says, “Vegas.”
So they met that night. They reunited.
That was it. After 30 years, Brenda and her baby were together again…at a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert, of all places.
In 30 years of reporting, it’s hands down the craziest story of my life. And it’s all thanks to Michelle, the genealogist who made it happen.
And yeah, Brenda’s a Red Hot Chili Peppers fan. That’s one of my favorite details of the whole thing.
That’s what journalism is about to me, you go smaller and smaller until you find the human part. Everyone else might look at “Brenda’s Got a Baby” as a song, but I saw it as a door to a real person.
Outkast will mark the milestone on October 30 with a celebration at Cascade, the famed Atlanta skating rink, where the duo will host an adults-only night of music, giveaways and special appearances from 7 p.m. to midnight.
The event is free but limited to skaters 21 and older who RSVP in advance.
The announcement came straight from their Instagram page, where the duo shared the RSVP link and revealed the event’s location. The night of skating and sound lands just one day before the official anniversary of Stankonia, which dropped on October 31, 2000.
The record, a genre-bending force in Southern Hip-Hop, earned Andre 3000 and Big Boi three Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “Ms. Jackson,” which also took home Song of the Year.
The album helped solidify Atlanta’s place in Hip-Hop’s national landscape and pushed the boundaries of sound and style in the early 2000s.
In addition to the party, Outkast will team up with Live Thrive for a “So Fresh, So Green” electronics recycling drive on October 29. That event runs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Headland Delowe Shopping Center, a nod to the duo’s early beginnings in East Point.
The celebration also comes ahead of another major honor for the group. Outkast is scheduled to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on November 8, 2025, cementing their legacy beyond Hip-Hop.
The skating party falls on the 25th anniversary of Stankonia reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart.
