Damon Dash has been summoned to federal court in Manhattan after failing to turn over key ownership documents tied to a $4 million judgment.
The judge has grown impatient and warned Dash that he could be arrested if he doesn’t comply by the end of the month.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger issued the order after Dash and his company, Poppington LLC, missed a July 10 deadline to submit certificates proving their ownership in several businesses and copyrights.
The paperwork was required so the U.S. Marshal could sell the assets at a public auction to help satisfy the judgment. As of July 14, the court confirmed that Dash and Poppington had not complied with the order.
Lehrburger noted this was part of a “pattern of non-compliance and delay” and scheduled a hearing for July 31 at 10 A.M., where Dash must personally explain why he should not face sanctions.
If Dash fails to appear, the court may issue a warrant for his arrest and impose financial penalties. However, he can avoid the hearing altogether by submitting the required documents by July 30.
The legal battle stems from a years-long dispute with filmmaker Josh Webber over the 2019 film “Dear Frank.”
Dash was removed from the project but later claimed ownership, prompting Webber and Muddy Water Pictures to sue for defamation and copyright infringement.
In 2022, a judge ordered Dash to pay $805,000 for failing to comply with court deadlines and refusing to participate in mediation.
The situation escalated after Dash made defamatory remarks about Webber on the Earn Your Leisure podcast. This resulted in a $4 million default judgment in 2025.
To recover the damages, the court approved the sale of Dash’s interests in several companies, including Dash Films Inc., Bluroc LLC, Blakroc LLC, Lebanon Improvements LLC, Ocean East Improvements LLC and 1996 Songs LLC. Poppington LLC was also ordered to hand over copyright certificates for multiple films.
Webber’s legal team confirmed Dash’s attorneys had not delivered the documents.
Dash previously sold his one-third share of Roc-A-Fella Records for a little over $1 million in December 2024, but the proceeds didn’t cover the full judgment due to outstanding obligations to the state of New York, which purchased the asset.
The court is now trying to enforce the remaining balance through asset liquidation.
The auction will be conducted by the U.S. Marshal, with any leftover funds returned to Dash after the judgment is satisfied.
Nicki Minaj reignited tensions with SZA on Tuesday (July 15) after unloading a string of insults online, with the drama tracing back to a failed 2020 collaboration request.
During Wednesday’s (July 16) episode of The Breakfast Club, media personality Loren Lorosa shared details from a private text exchange with Punch, president of Top Dawg Entertainment, who offered insight into the origin of the rift.
“He said, ‘Back in 2020, Nicki Minaj reached out for a SZA feature on a song,'” Lorosa explained. “He responded and told Nicki Minaj that SZA was in album mode heavy and that he would get it over to her and that was it. They never spoke again. Feature didn’t happen, but he says he’s lost after that as well.”
The situation escalated when Minaj posted a photo of Punch with a caption that read: “Me after I suck some good zik. Guarantee you wouldn’t fight a man. We have every tweet of your incessant bullying, lying, & more. Your name was added to that s### list s##### drawers. Same thing that make you laugh make you…s###.”
SZA appeared to respond indirectly by posting, “Mercury retrograde .. don’t take the bait lol silly goose.” Minaj fired back with a pointed message: “Go draw your freckles back on b##### #JusticeForDemoree #DepositionPerez Liar liar pants on fire. Sounding like a fkng dead dog.”
SZA didn’t hold back either, writing, “I don’t give a f### bout none of that weird s### you popping.” She later added, “I get bullied by millions online every day then step my ass out onna packed stadium tour where ppl show me REAL love . IN REAL LIFE . My parents are healthy and I’m the most successful I ever been . GET SOME F*CKING PERSPECTIVE n BARK AT THE WALL !!!”
Minaj wasn’t done there, of course, and continued her tirade.
“Wait,” she said. “Does Sza think she’s more successful than me? Lol yall catch me up pls. Sza if every song you’ve ever done vanished right now the music business wouldn’t even miss you. I’ve been to countries that never heard of you. I know you’re not THAT stupid are you? Stadiums?
“Did you look at the venues I played on my OWN headlined FESTIVAL tour out of the country last year? B—h have you ever headlined to 80K ppl? Btch what have you ever done besides yodel with auto tune that needed retuning?”
Minaj continued, “Boo im an icon. You’re not. The end. Pay that man for almost breaking his back. … You the type that would’ve been quiet in school trying to fit in. You still have no clue who you are!”
Wait. Does Sza think she’s more successful than me? Lol yall catch me up pls. Sza if every song you’ve ever done vanished right now the music business wouldn’t even miss you. I’ve been to countries that never heard of you. I know you’re not THAT stupid are you? Stadiums? Did you… pic.twitter.com/0fKGvT1Zow
Ayo! I can’t lie—Troy Ave stays outside. Outside. People call him a rat, but the boy does get active. But, there are questions with the latest thing.
So check this out. There is a wild video is going viral showing what appears to be Troy Ave clappin’ at a would-be robber in broad daylight. The was caught on camera. Troy pulls up in a Bentley with his homie Chef Geoff Cole, and BOOM. Somebody seems to try it—a jux. Troy Ave allegedly grabs the hammer and…yada, yada, yada…attempted robbery stopped.
Now here’s where it gets weird. Troy gave a lot of people John Wick vibes. But there’s no official police report, no arrests, no victim updates…nothing. Even Della Reese had to talk to the cops.
This reportedly went down in San Diego after the Chef Fest event. Geoff Cole even saluted Troy on IG, thanking him for saving the day. The whole thing could have been something more tragic – reminiscent of Pop Smoke or PnB Rock.
There’s always a “but.” BUT…isn’t Troy Ave a felon? Remember that Taxstone situation in 2016? Can felons have gats in Cali? Somehow, I am thinking he would be jammed up if this found its way to the cops. Maybe…that has not happened yet? New York and Cali do not play with their gun laws.
Jackboys will pop out and not care who you are. Well, they care! They won’t rob me because there’s nothing to take. They want what’s in your pocket, but hopefully they do not want your life.
Stay tuned. Something tells me we’ll hear more about this later.
-illseed out “You ain’t heard this from me… you heard this from the streets.”
Nicki Minaj lashed out on social media after SZA highlighted her chart-topping achievements during their escalating online feud that began Tuesday (July 16) over a perceived subtweet and a long-simmering tension involving SZA’s manager.
The drama erupted after SZA shared a tweet—”Mercury retrograde .. don’t take the bait lol silly goose”—which Minaj interpreted as a jab, despite SZA’s denial.
That post lit the fuse for a barrage of insults from Minaj, who ridiculed SZA’s vocals, looks and career trajectory.
Minaj’s supporters, known as the Barbz, quickly jumped in. One user tweeted at SZA, “Baby, you inserted your self in some s### that didn’t involve you. You ARE NOT THE VICTIM.”
SZA fired back, “I wasn’t even talking about or to anyone I had just got off stage talkin bout retrograde. N##### @‘d ME. The F### YES IM MAD NOW DO YOU NEED THAT !??”
As the back-and-forth intensified, another Minaj fan tried to downplay SZA’s credibility, writing, “Girl you on a joint tour do that s### solo.” SZA clapped back with receipts, sharing a screenshot showing her SOS Tour grossed $100 million. “What the f### you wanna see lemme know,” she wrote, noting the milestone placed her alongside Tina Turner, Rihanna and Beyoncé as one of the few Black women to hit that mark.
She followed up with, “Lmao lemme go back to being calm shy and meek. Yall have blessed night ! See you tomorrow for night 2 Paris !!”
Minaj, clearly not done, responded with “Shutup ugly,” then added, “I’m in a meeting so idk if u was still talking s### or not so if you didn’t I’ll delete later. Hoe.”
SZA then pivoted to celebrating her own wins, announcing that her album SOS became the “first diamond album .. in under 3 years,” and that her earlier project CTRL had reached seven-times platinum status.
Minaj unleashed another tirade: “Wait. Does Sza think she’s more successful than me? Lol yall catch me up pls. Sza if every song you’ve ever done vanished right now the music business wouldn’t even miss you. I’ve been to countries that never heard of you. I know you’re not THAT stupid are you?”
She continued, “Stadiums? Did you look at the venues I played on my OWN headlined FESTIVAL tour out of the country last year? B#### have you ever headlined to 80K ppl? Btch what have you ever done besides yodel with auto tune that needed retuning? Boo im an icon. You’re not. The end.”
Minaj then accused SZA of staying silent when her manager, TDE’s Terrence “Punch” Henderson, allegedly harassed her. “Why didn’t u speak up when your exec was bullying & harassing me ya dirty mangy c###?” she wrote.
The rapper also took aim at SZA’s release strategy, saying, “B#### put out a whole new album as a deluxe to an already existing album that was out for like a year or 2 so the original album could break records. Like what in the insecure lack of morals & integrity you doing? I thought she was like a real artist? Girl bye.”
Minaj didn’t stop there. She reposted alleged old tweets from SZA criticizing other female artists, writing, “Like do you know the level of inside HATE for yourself you had to have had to be this much of a c### for no reason to the women you later worked with? Now wanna act like you a mthfkn tarot card, b#### quit. What an odd little weirdo.”
Like do you know the level of inside HATE for yourself you had to have had to be this much of a c### for no reason to the women you later worked with? Now wanna act like you a mthfkn tarot card, b#### quit.
Hip-hop is a popular music genre that is characterized by its strong rhythm and motivational qualities that can make listeners feel like any goal is achievable. This powerful form of music has found its way into many different industries and has changed how people experience activities as diverse as working out and shopping. Many gamers have also embraced the energetic beats of this genre to create a more focused experience.
Why are developers and casinos choosing hip-hop soundtracks?
Online players should be familiar with the background sounds of their favorite casinos. These classic game sounds are often boring and repetitive, or considered noise by some players, because they lack the kind of melody and vibe that young players appreciate.
Online casinos are always on the lookout for new ways to keep players interested and engaged. They understand that the choice of background music can create the kind of atmosphere that keeps players engaged. That’s why many have looked at how to tap into the hip-hop music genre.
Here are the different possibilities from the synergy between online casino games and hip-hop music that have made this union more in vogue in recent times:
Popularity
Pop music and culture are more popular among modern casino players, thanks to the availability of music streaming platforms like Apple Music and Spotify. More people have also become active online and on social media platforms. Smartphones have become the order of the day, and there’s now a strong digital collection of music that people are exposed to.
Better sound quality
The technological advancements in modern online gaming demand that operators connect their casinos to top-quality sound systems that don’t make players feel like they are experiencing just noisy background sounds. More casinos are investing in state-of-the-art audio technology to produce high-quality soundscapes that sync perfectly with players’ gameplay.
And with the growing integration of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies into online casinos, new ways of experiencing casino games and music are even more exciting. A player can enjoy their favorite games in VR mode at supported casinos, and enjoy live dealer games like poker with a virtual hip-hop concert in the background! This hyper-realistic, super-immersive experience is another reason casinos are exploring hip-hop for improved player engagement.
Strong psychological impact
Though music is largely seen as a form of entertainment, its influence transcends just having sounds in your ears. Music has been proved to have psychological effects and can influence gambling behavior. For instance, players who enjoy fast-paced hip-hop music, such as rap, EDM and trap, typically play at a rapid betting rate. The connection between the game speed and music pace makes the experience more exciting.
Similarly, those who prefer slower jams can employ hip-hop sounds to stay calm and remain in better control of their gaming decisions. These psychological effects are leveraged by casino operators to strategically create an environment where gaming and good vibes are obtainable.
Appeal to more youthful players
Millennials and Gen Z players make up the highest numbers of online gamblers these days. These players bring the streaming charts alive and are in sync with the latest social media trends. They are also often on their phones, which is why many mobile casinos available on AskGamblers have optimized their sites for mobile gaming. Operators looking to attract such players can use hip-hop to capture them.
For instance, a casino with outdated sounds and no modern feel will likely not appeal to players in this massive demographic, because their offerings do not align with the realities and needs of the younger generation.
Improved revenue
Music can be a solid form of motivation for casino players. With good music, operators can enhance emotional engagement in players and potentially boost their revenues. For example, when a site has the perfect hip-hop tracks added to its experience, players are more likely to get connected to the game and spend more time on the site.
Similarly, the operator’s retention rate will likely be higher, as more players return to play due to the conducive ambiance. The more time spent playing games or revisiting the casino site, the more the operator’s revenue increases.
Challenges of using hip-hop music at online casinos
Here are some possible stumbling blocks that could hinder the appeal of hip-hop music at online casinos:
Securing music rights from the music owner – and the licenses required to use such songs – can be rigorous and time-consuming.
Hip-hop has its own target audience, and may not suit every casino player. That means those who prefer calmer gaming environments may struggle.
Technical issues arise when trying to sync hip-hop beats with game actions. The complex rhythms in hip-hop do not always match the timing of slot spins or card deals. This mismatch can create an awkward feeling where the music and gameplay feel disconnected.
Player concentration can suffer with highly energetic hip-hop tracks. Games that require strategy or careful thinking might not work well with music that demands attention. The lyrics can be distracting when players need to focus on making decisions.
Brand image concerns affect how casinos choose their music. Some hip-hop songs contain explicit content or controversial themes that might not fit with a casino’s desired image.
The future of hip-hop in online gaming
Online casinos have come so far from where they used to be, and the intersection between them and hip-hop music is gaining attention. With different possibilities, such as improved player engagement and increased revenue, further technological advancements are set to drive the appeal for hip-hop at online casinos. However, regulations and other considerations remain crucial to this promising future.
There’s a certain kind of magic woven into the Santa Barbara lifestyle. It’s a unique blend of sun-drenched coastal energy and sophisticated, relaxed living. Here, self-care isn’t viewed as an occasional indulgence; it’s an essential part of a life well-lived.
But in a city that truly understands wellness, the standard for a great spa experience is incredibly high. You’re not just looking for a massage; you’re looking for a full-body reset. You’re not just booking a facial; you’re chasing that signature, effortless Santa Barbara glow.
After a deep dive into the local wellness scene, we’ve curated a definitive guide to the must-try treatments at a standoutSpa Santa Barbara locals are buzzing about. This is your insider’s list to the services that truly deliver on their promise, helping you look incredible and feel completely renewed.
Forget scrolling through endless menus; these are the transformative experiences you need to book now.
The Experts Behind the Experience
What truly sets a spa apart is the expertise and passion of its team. This is where a deep understanding of science meets the art of wellness. The experience here is guided by a team of highly credentialed professionals, ensuring every treatment is not only luxurious but also safe and effective.
The spa is led by Medical Director, Dr. Michael Feinberg, who brings over 35 years of medical experience and a prestigious background with degrees from The University of Pennsylvania and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, as well as a Master’s in Public Health from UCLA.
He is joined by aesthetic specialist Katerina Ostriakova, RN, who holds a Master of Science in Nursing and brings a wealth of expertise in advanced aesthetic treatments. Their combined knowledge creates a foundation of trust and excellence.
The Massages That Will Change Your Week
A truly great massage can feel like a mini-vacation, a button that resets your entire system. These signature treatments are designed to do just that, offering a true escape for your body and mind with a level of detail that sets them apart.
This is so much more than a standard massage; it’s an 80-minute blissful journey designed to melt away every ounce of tension you’re carrying. The experience begins with a powerful, extra-concentrated CBD oil being worked into your muscles, which immediately starts to soothe aches and quiet inflammation. The air is then filled with eucalyptus aromatherapy to help you breathe deeper, followed by calming notes of bergamot and lavender. A holistic heat pack infused with herbs is placed on your back to dissolve deep-seated knots while you receive a gentle sugar scrub on your hands and feet. It’s a completely immersive, head-to-toe experience that leaves you feeling lighter, clearer, and profoundly relaxed.
For Undoing Knots and Stress: The Warrior Massage
This is the perfect treatment for anyone who carries their stress physically and needs serious relief from tight, overworked muscles. The Warrior Massage is a powerful and intelligent 80-minute experience that starts with a percussive Theragun session to awaken and loosen deep-seated tension before the hands-on work even begins. What follows is an expert manual massage using deep tissue pressure and trigger point therapy to unblock stored energy. The masterstroke is the use of a gliding warm salt stone, infused with aromatic lemongrass and ginger, which works into the deepest layers of your muscles for lasting relief.
For Detox and Lightness: The Lymphatic Drainage Massage
This wonderfully gentle and highly effective treatment is a secret weapon for reducing puffiness and improving circulation. The 80-minute massage begins with a full-body dry brush, a technique used to stimulate the lymphatic system and slough away dead skin. The therapist then uses incredibly light-pressure techniques, following the body’s natural lymphatic pathways to help reduce fluid retention and assist the body in flushing toxins. It leaves you feeling lighter, more energized, and is also excellent for improving the appearance of cellulite.
For a Romantic Escape: The Tie the Vibe Couples Massage
This is how you do a couples massage. The experience is designed to align both mind and body, starting with the resonant vibrations of a singing bowl to center you in the room. The massage itself is a synchronized, flowing dance, with therapists using warm, aromatic essential oils like ylang ylang and patchouli to create a deeply relaxing atmosphere. It’s a connecting and meditative 80-minute experience that allows you to unwind together, making it one of the most unique and luxurious Santa Barbara spa treatments available.
The Facials for That Effortless Santa Barbara Glow
The goal of a world-class facial is simple: to leave you with skin so healthy and radiant that makeup feels like an option, not a necessity.
These treatments are expertly designed with that coveted, sun-kissed Santa Barbara glow in mind.
For an Instant Refresh: The Hydradermabrasion Facial
This is the ultimate quick fix for your skin. It’s a gentle, non-invasive treatment that uses a specialized device to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and, most importantly, infuse your skin with deep hydration. It’s fantastic for getting rid of dullness, congestion, and dehydration in one 50-minute session. You walk out with skin that feels incredibly smooth, plump, and visibly glowing. It’s one of the most popular Facials Santa Barbara offers for a reason—it delivers immediate, undeniable results.
For Serious Results: The Perfect Derma™ Peel
For those looking for a more transformative treatment to address specific concerns like sun damage or fine lines, The Perfect Derma™ Peel is a fantastic choice. This professional-grade chemical peel uses a blend of effective acids to lift hyperpigmentation and reveal smoother, more even-toned skin. What makes it a standout is that it’s virtually painless with minimal downtime—typically just 2-4 days of light peeling for a major payoff.
Beyond the Spa: The Best in Aesthetic Treatments
This is where wellness meets cutting-edge science. For those seeking targeted, long-lasting results, these advanced treatments offer the benefits of cosmetic procedures, all performed with a refined, modern approach.
For a Lift Without Surgery: Endolifting
Endolifting is a revolutionary, minimally invasive treatment that provides results similar to a surgical facelift, without the downtime. It’s a powerful tool for tightening skin and addressing small pockets of fat in areas like the jowls or under the chin. The treatment contours the face for a firmer, more youthful appearance, with results that are both immediate and long-lasting.
For Smoothing and Sculpting: Botox & Dermal Fillers
These are classics for a reason, and the approach here is subtle and natural. Botox injections are used to temporarily relax facial muscles, smoothing away dynamic wrinkles and fine lines. Dermal fillers, which use hyaluronic acid, are perfect for restoring lost volume in the cheeks, enhancing the lips, or softening facial creases. The goal is to make you look like the best, most refreshed version of yourself.
For an Inside-Out Boost: IV Therapy & Injections
True beauty and wellness start from within. The personalized IV Therapy treatments offered here are designed to boost your energy, immunity, and overall vitality. A custom blend of essential vitamins and nutrients is delivered directly into your bloodstream for maximum absorption, giving your skin and body a powerful boost from the inside out and complementing any external treatments you receive.
Your Perfect Day Spa Getaway
Finding a place that consistently delivers an exceptional, high-value experience can be a challenge. This curated guide to some of the top Santa Barbara spa treatments is your inside look at the best of the best. A great spa day is a true investment in yourself, and choosing the right destination makes all the difference.
If you’re looking for the best spa in Santa Barbara to spend an afternoon, this is it. It’s a sanctuary where you can truly recharge, confident that you are in expert hands. Our advice? Book the treatment that’s calling your name, turn off your phone, and get ready to feel amazing.
This is the ultimate Day spa Santa Barbara experience.
For the Wellness Devotee: A Note on Membership
For those who wish to make wellness a consistent and rewarding ritual, the spa offers an exclusive membership program. This is a wonderful way for Santa Barbara locals to commit to their self-care journey.
The membership is thoughtfully designed around a monthly signature treatment, such as their classic massage or facial, making it effortless to maintain your glow and sense of well-being year-round.
A Sanctuary for Groups & Private Parties
The spa’s serene and beautiful environment can also be reserved for private group events. It creates a perfect, intimate setting for celebrating special occasions like birthdays and bridal parties, or for hosting unique corporate wellness retreats and family spa days.
They offer a memorable opportunity for your group to relax, unwind, and enjoy a day of shared pampering together.
Image Credit: Essence Med Spa
Plan Your Visit
Ready to experience one of these incredible treatments for yourself?
Here is everything you need to know to find this Santa Barbara sanctuary.
Location: 107 W Gutierrez St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9am to 9pm Sunday: 9am to 8pm
Beyoncé concertgoers were caught in a chaotic stampede at Atlanta’s Vine City MARTA station on Monday night (July 14) after a woman’s scream over an insect triggered panic, sending people scrambling for safety and leaving nine injured.
The incident unfolded just after the final show of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, when a woman reportedly spotted a bug, screamed and bolted.
Her reaction set off a chain of confusion in the packed station, with others running in fear, unsure of what caused the commotion.
“The initial reports were that a woman was scared of an insect and screamed and ran away from it, and others panicked not knowing what was happening,” a MARTA spokesperson explained.
As the crowd surged toward the escalators, the moving staircase suddenly accelerated, then came to a jarring stop. Riders lost their balance and tumbled, piling onto one another in a heap of sequins, boots and panic.
Nine people were hurt in the melee. One person suffered a broken ankle, seven others were treated at hospitals for scrapes and bruises, and one declined medical attention.
Footage from the scene showed several concertgoers—many still dressed in Cowboy Carter-inspired outfits—being wheeled away on stretchers and in wheelchairs.
Beyoncé Unreleased Music Stolen In Atlanta
The stampede capped off a turbulent week for Beyoncé in Atlanta. Just days earlier, on Tuesday (July 8), her team suffered a major security breach when thieves broke into a rental vehicle and stole unreleased music and confidential tour materials.
Among the items taken were laptops, designer clothing, Apple AirPods Max headphones and, most critically, five thumb drives and hard drives containing unreleased Beyoncé tracks, show footage and both past and future set lists.
Investigators tracked the stolen electronics using built-in location services and reviewed surveillance footage from the garage.
They recovered partial fingerprints and identified a possible suspect vehicle—a red 2025 Hyundai Elantra. By Tuesday (July 15), an arrest warrant had been issued, though no arrest had been made and the stolen materials remained missing.
Shaquille O’Neal did not mince words when he warned Robert Griffin III to stop targeting Angel Reese, threatening to “punch you in your f###### face” if the former NFL quarterback posted about her again.
The heated exchange stems from RG3’s repeated commentary about Reese, including a July 10 post on X that featured a racist, doctored image of her NBA 2K26 video game cover.
While RG3 claimed he was calling out racism, critics said the post only amplified the harm and dragged Reese into unnecessary controversy.
O’Neal, a longtime supporter and mentor to Reese through their LSU connection, made his stance clear on Bailey Jackson’s “Off The Record” podcast Tuesday (July 15),
“RGIII, tweet another monkey post about my girl Angel Reese, and I’mma punch you in your f###### face. OK? It’s enough. Like, I don’t usually do stuff like this but stop it, bro,” Shaq said. “You got your job, you got your podcast, leave my Angel Reese alone. I’m the one calling her and telling her not to respond, f###### stop it. That’s the last time. OK. Thank you.”
The NBA Hall of Famer also took aim at the media’s obsession with fueling a rivalry between Reese and Caitlin Clark, saying the attention is misplaced and harmful.
“That’s not real hate,” Shaq said, dismissing RG3’s claims that Reese “hates” Clark. He added, “You already spoke on it. Let it go. So what? He hates her. So f###### what? I hate you now for messing with her. Now what? Say something about me.”
Shaq also questioned RG3’s credibility and legacy.
“He’s not that f###### great,” he said, adding that he’ll be remembered for his podcast rather than his sporting achievements.
Reese, for her part, responded to the controversy by calling out “lies” and “clout-chasing” on social media.
She denied any connection to the people RG3 claimed were in her inner circle. Her mother also publicly refuted RG3’s statements.
Shaq made it clear he’s encouraging Reese to stay above the noise.
“She’s not gonna respond cause I’m the one calling and telling her, ‘Baby, keep it classy,’” he said. “I don’t mind you doing your job, but don’t pick on that little girl. Cause guess what? I’m her protector. Now pick on me. You pick on me, I’m gonna punch you in your f###### face.”
Troy Ave fired his weapon during an attempted robbery in San Diego after a masked suspect charged at him and celebrity chef Geoff Cole outside a garage in mid-June 2025.
Surveillance footage captured the tense moment as a man crept through an alley and rushed Cole. Without hesitation, Troy Ave pulled a handgun and opened fire, sending the would-be thief running.
The Brooklyn rapper chased the suspect, firing at least two more shots. It remains unclear whether any bullets hit the target.
Cole publicly thanked Troy on Instagram on Tuesday (July 16), crediting him with possibly saving his life.
“I came home after Celebrating the success of a sold out Chef Fest with Love & support from all over the West Coast!” he wrote. “And a hater from the SAME CITY tried 2 take it all away! This the 2nd time but it WON’T be a 3rd! s/o 2 my BROTHER Ave for Holding it Down in a situation where most woulda RAN or FOLDED.”
While some praised Troy Ave’s fast reaction, others on social media weren’t buying it. Many accused the pair of staging the incident for attention.
“Y’all believe anything on here. Great promotion for that song tho,” one person commented.
“You could have done a different take and made it look a little more believable,” another wrote.
“Maaannn u was reaching for the strap before buddy came round the corner. Why u gotta fake that s### for clout? S### corny af,” a third person added.
The incident adds another chapter to Troy Ave’s history of gun violence. He previously served time in connection with a 2016 shooting at Irving Plaza in New York.
T.D. Jakes said he was bombarded by 44,000 AI-generated bots that flooded the internet with false claims tying him to Sean “Diddy” Combs and alleged sex parties, calling it a coordinated smear campaign targeting prominent Black public figures.
The megachurch leader and media mogul addressed the digital onslaught during a recent interview, revealing the scale of the misinformation push. “When the [rumors] first broke out, it was 44,000 bots that were released on me,” Jakes said. He added that an investigation “discovered that 98% of them were all artificial intelligence-generated.”
The rumors, which gained traction online in the wake of multiple lawsuits and criminal allegations against Diddy in 2024 and 2025, falsely linked Jakes to criminal behavior and salacious events.
He was named in a lawsuit as someone Diddy allegedly tried to use for image control, but Jakes was never accused of any wrongdoing.
Fake videos and AI-manipulated thumbnails circulated on YouTube, falsely depicting Jakes being arrested or attending parties connected to Diddy. None of the content was supported by credible evidence.
T.D. Jakes Takes Legal Action Over Diddy Lies
Jakes and his legal team have since filed motions seeking information from YouTube and Google to uncover who is behind the false content. The goal is to identify the individuals or groups responsible for launching the bot-driven attacks.
Jakes made it clear he had no involvement in any of the alleged incidents. “The other thing that it really proved to me, to Oprah, to Denzel, to all the people, is that it’s everybody. It goes along with the turf,” he said. “We have got to stop getting our information from TikTok,” he said.
He also dismissed the rumors as baseless. “That’s kinda water under the bridge. If there were anything there, the FBI would have been in it … It’s like when I had my health scare—within seconds, it was all over the world, you wouldn’t have to find it on Instagram, you wouldn’t have to find it on YouTube. You would find it on the 6 o’clock news.”
Jakes suffered a heart attack in November 2024 while preaching at The Potter’s House in Dallas.
After recovering, he stepped down as senior pastor. Jakes then handed over leadership to his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts and her husband, Touré Roberts.
Kendrick Lamar earned four Emmy nominations Tuesday (July 15) for his Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show, placing him in the running for Variety Special, Directing, Music Direction and Choreography. The high-profile performance, broadcast by Fox, marked another milestone in the Pulitzer Prize winner’s career as he continues to blend commercial success with critical acclaim.
Lamar’s halftime set was praised for its sharp visuals and tight execution, adding another layer to his already decorated resume. The Emmy recognition arrives as Lamar remains a central figure in rap’s most talked-about feud of the year.
His lyrical war with Drake has dominated headlines since last spring, with both artists trading pointed diss tracks. Lamar’s “Not Like Us” became a cultural moment, with its beat and bars dissected across social media and radio.
The track, widely seen as a direct hit at Drake, fueled a wave of response tracks and commentary. The back-and-forth has reignited interest in lyrical competition in Hip-Hop, drawing comparisons to past rivalries. It also sparked Drake’s lawsuit with his label, Universal Music Group, which he accused of defamation and negligence over the release and aggressive promotion of “Not Like Us.”
The lawsuit, submitted in January 2025, alleges that Universal’s promotion of the song—which features lyrics insinuating Drake is a pedophile—directly endangered his life and career by fueling public hostility and multiple security threats, including a shooting at his Toronto residence and the circulation of flyers labeling him a predator. The complaint also claims the track’s cover art displayed an aerial photo of Drake’s home, further encouraging harassment and potentially inciting vigilante behavior.
Drake’s legal team asserts that Universal Music Group leaned into the song’s commercial potential at his expense, leveraging its viral success and cultural impact—bolstered by high-profile Grammy and Super Bowl promotions—to gain negotiating power ahead of contract renewals with both he and Lamar.
Despite “Not Like Us” becoming a chart-topping hit and cultural milestone, Drake’s lawsuit pointedly targets Universal, not Kendrick Lamar himself, for allegedly prioritizing profit over artist safety and disseminating “false and malicious” narratives. Universal has moved to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that Drake’s claims are merely an attempt to recover from what they describe as a self-provoked and publicly lost rap battle, while Drake’s counsel maintains that the label is responsible for amplifying dangerous misinformation that has already led to real-world consequences
While the Emmy nominations celebrate Lamar’s artistic achievements on stage, the ongoing tension with Drake keeps his name circulating far beyond award season chatter.
Beyoncé also landed four nods for her Netflix special, Beyoncé Bowl, which showcased her 2023 Renaissance World Tour performance. The production is up for Variety Special, Directing, Production Design and Choreography. Both specials are now in the Emmy race alongside the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, which scored nominations for Production Design, Lighting Design/Direction, Sound Mixing and Choreography.
Winners will be announced during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 14.
Consequence and his 13-year-old son, Caiden The Crownholder, are real legacy vibes. The father-son duo caught up with AllHipHop and brought charisma and generational energy. Caiden, who recently went viral with more than five million views on his On The Radar freestyle, is emerging as a force in his own right.
Meanwhile, Consequence is set to release a new single produced by longtime collaborator Kanye West. The two spoke candidly with AllHipHop about the state of Hip-Hop, creating music in the TikTok era, their upcoming projects and more. Cons admitted that his son tends to raid the closet, but he had his own as well.
AllHipHop (Chuck Creekmur): AllHipHop is in the building once again with Consequence and Caiden the Crownholder. You still holding that crown?
Caiden: No doubt. Absolutely.
AllHipHop: Since the last time we talked, you had one of the Top 10 Most Viral On the Radar freestyles on TikTok.
Caiden The Crownholder: Yeah, it’s at 5.4 million now.
AllHipHop: That’s what’s up! Hey, man, I gotta ask you this, how does it feel to have a dad that loves you so openly and publicly? It’s documented.
Caiden: It’s the greatest feeling in the world.
AllHipHop: That’s what’s up. And, Cons, your son is so talented. You gotta be proud.
Consequence: Absolutely. This has been the happiest Father’s Day I’ve had. His album is done. We outside this summer.
AllHipHop: When y’all pulling up to the studio for a full interview?
Consequence: July.
AllHipHop: Bet. We’re locked in. Let’s talk music. Caiden, you’re in the game now and it’s a tough space. How are you feeling about the landscape?
Caiden: I feel pretty good. New things are coming to me. I’m rocking with it. It’s been good lately.
AllHipHop: Cons, what about you?
Consequence: You know me. It’s wash, rinse, repeat. These days it’s about being a content creator. TikTok, Instagram—you gotta adjust. Back in the day, you had to learn how to scratch, how to use MySpace. It’s always evolving.
AllHipHop: So what’s changed?
Consequence: It’s just a new format, but Hip-Hop’s always been about pushing forward. From “Callin’ Me” to newer music, we’ve taken this thing further than we ever imagined. Like a wise man once said: “We never thought we’d take it this far.” So we have to keep going. The road may get rocky, but we know the texture, the sound, the feel. It’s our responsibility to pass that knowledge on to the next generation, like this guy right here. That’s how the tradition stays alive.
AllHipHop: Respect. It doesn’t always feel like it’s ours anymore.
Consequence: Nah, I’m not having that. Never have. I’ve never been the type to kick my feet up. It’s boots to the ground with me, always.
AllHipHop: Let’s talk about the music y’all are creating. What should we expect from the project? Any features?
Consequence: Absolutely. We’ll be dropping the tracklist soon. He’s 13 and already has incredible records. The charisma, the MCing, the versatility—it’s all there. And yes, we kept some traditional vibes too. I’ll say this—we have a record with me, Caiden, Cory Gunz and Peter Gunz.
AllHipHop: That’s a classic lineup.
Consequence: You already know. Cory Gunz can spit. I’m a rapper’s rapper—but also a songwriter, and I’m always about that check. That’s well documented. But the bars? They’re still there. Just wait until you hear it.
AllHipHop: I’m familiar. I’m looking forward to that one.
Consequence: Let’s go!
AllHipHop: OK, switching gears—I hate to do this, but I gotta ask: What’s up with your boy?
Consequence: Which one?
AllHipHop: Let’s start with Kanye. What’s the word?
Consequence: Let’s save that for the longer sit-down. But when my new single drops—and yes, Ye produced it—we’ll talk. I’ve got the beat of the summer again. I wasn’t lying last time, and I’m not lying now. This joint is incredible.
AllHipHop: Say less. Looking forward to it. On the fashion tip, though—you see the drip, the kicks. You stay fresh.
Consequence: You know how I do.
AllHipHop: Caiden, what’s your favorite fashion item right now?
Caiden: Probably my Hublot watch—and of course, the chain.
AllHipHop: Hublot! Excuse me, young king! Cons, I see the family doing well!
Consequence: We’re in a great space. Since the last time you saw him, he’s grown up. Now we’re at a point where we wear the same sneakers. I’ve been looking forward to that. It’s a whole new vibe now—double the flavor.
AllHipHop: Y’all wearing the same size?
Consequence: Same sneakers, not the clothes yet. But we getting there.
AllHipHop: That reminds me of my pops. You’ve created something special.
Consequence: Appreciate that. This is a special moment in time for us. And I can’t wait for people to hear his new album.
AllHipHop: Spicy?
Consequence: Spicy. And he’s talking hot on there, too.
Squid Game is here and AllHipHop’s D-Nellz caught up with two of the show’s breakout stars—Park Sung-hoon(Player 120) and Kang Ae-sim (Player 149). This exclusive conversation touched on acting, strategy and the cultural impact of Hip-Hop in Korea. The wildly popular Netflix series continues to push boundaries and these two Korean actors bring both emotional depth and cultural insight.
Park Sung-hoon shares how Hip-Hop influenced his personal style growing up and how it still motivates him on set. He recalls bumping tracks by Korean rap legends like YDG (Yang Dong-geun, Squid Games Season 2) and TANOS during his Squid Game shoot days. Kang Ae-sim, a veteran of Korean theater and screen, offers her thoughtful take on the show’s evolution and the surreal experience of joining the internationally beloved Netflix show.
The duo even discusses whether they’d survive in the real Squid Game and who was the class clown on set.
AllHipHop (D-Nellz): Hip-Hop has become huge across Asia. How has it impacted you personally or creatively?
Park Sung-hoon: A few years ago, Hip-Hop exploded in Korea—thanks in part to shows like Show Me The Money. That show gave Hip-Hop a serious spotlight. And it’s wild—two of our Squid Game castmates, TANOS and Yong-sik, are legit Hip-Hop figures. Growing up, I was heavily influenced by Hip-Hop—if you look at old photos of me, I’m rocking oversized gear, big pendants, towels around my neck—just fully in that world. I’ve also worked with a lot of actors who started out as musicians, so I listen to their music while filming. I used to play a lot of YDG and TANOS on my way to set.
AllHipHop: Kang Ae-sim, do you feel a connection between music—Hip-Hop or otherwise—and acting?
Kang Ae-sim: Absolutely. Music helps unlock emotional energy, and it influences the rhythm of how I approach a role. Even if I’m not immersed in Hip-Hop like Park is, I respect the genre deeply.
AllHipHop: When you first read the script for Season 3, what was your reaction?
Park Sung-hoon: Honestly? I was shocked. I didn’t expect a third season, but the script was incredibly tight. It felt like Seasons 2 and 3 were always meant to follow the original. It was that well put together.
Kang Ae-sim: I felt the same way. Season 1 was meant to be the end, but it got so much love, the world expanded. The writing surprised me—it was complex, emotional, and thrilling.
AllHipHop: Did you feel any pressure knowing the entire world was watching?
Park Sung-hoon: Not pressure—more like disbelief. It was surreal to realize I was part of something this big. I just focused on doing my best and enjoying the process.
AllHipHop: If you were in the real Squid Game, would you go solo or build an alliance?
Park Sung-hoon: [Laughs] One, two, three—build an alliance. I definitely want help. This isn’t a game you want to go through alone!
AllHipHop: Last question—who’s more serious on set, and who’s more playful?
Park Sung-hoon: [Laughs] I’ll admit it—I’m the playful one. I love keeping the mood light between scenes.
Kang Ae-sim: And I’m probably the more serious one. But we balance each other out well.
Desiree Perez is asking a Florida court to hold her daughter Demoree Hadley in contempt after an online interview and Instagram activity allegedly violated a court order and triggered a wave of threats against the Roc Nation CEO and her legal team.
Hadley claims Perez used her influence to detain her for over two weeks without cause, alleging false claims of drug abuse and suicidal behavior.
In response to the lawsuit, Roc Nation secured a special court order barring Hadley and her husband from making public statements about the case, including on social media.
According to court filings, Hadley violated that order by participating in an interview with YouTuber Tasha K and allowing the video to be shared on her Instagram page.
The company says Hadley “affirmatively violated this Court’s Special Order and publicize[d] an interview she gave about this case to further influence public perception.”
Hadley told the court she didn’t intentionally share the video and that Tasha K added her as a “collaborator,” which automatically posted the video to her account.
Hadley said she removed it the same day.
Roc Nation isn’t buying any of it and said the post was not accidental, as Hadley claimed, but a deliberate move to incite online attention.
“There’s no way it would appear on her account unless Demoree made that choice,” the company argued.
The fallout from the interview has been severe. Roc Nation says Perez and her attorneys have received thousands of threatening messages.
“[Hadley] and her husband’s inappropriate social media posts…have created an untenable reality for multiple Defendants as well as their counsel, who face daily threats as a consequence of [Hadley’s] and her husband’s conduct,” Roc Nation’s lawyer Timothy A. Kolaya explained.
Hadley allegedly violated that order by sending it to a social media influencer, who reposted it online. The post was shared, including by Hadley’s husband.
Now, Roc Nation is asking the court to find Hadley in contempt for violating the judge’s order.
While the Roc hasn’t specified what penalties it seeks, a contempt ruling could lead to sanctions or other legal consequences. The court has not yet ruled on the contempt motion.
Nicki Minaj ignited a digital firestorm Tuesday (July 15) after unloading a series of explosive tweets aimed at Top Dawg Entertainment President Terrence “Punch” Henderson, calling him a “Tiny Dick Executive” and accusing him of harassment.
“Me after I suck some good zik,” Minaj tweeted. “Guarantee you wouldn’t fight a man. We have every tweet of your incessant bullying, lying, & more. Your name was added to that s### list s##### drawers. Same thing that make you laugh make you…s###.”
Minaj, a Grammy-Award nominated rapper, doubled down, repeating the same message and tagging it with more insults, escalating tensions between her and the TDE camp.
SZA, one of TDE’s most high-profile artists, tried to de-escalate the situation with a lighthearted jab, tweeting, “Mercury retrograde .. don’t take the bait lol silly goose.”
That comment only fueled Minaj’s fury. She fired back, “Go draw your freckles back on b#####. #JusticeForDemoree #DepositionPerez. Liar liar pants on fire. Sounding like a fkng dead dog.”
SZA didn’t hold back in her response: “I don’t give a f### about none of that weird s### you poppin,” she wrote.
Minaj then replied, “B#### looking & sounding like she got stung by a f###### bee. dot dot dot. Draws on my fake freckles.”
Me after I suck some good zik. Guarantee you wouldn’t fight a man. We have every tweet of your incessant bullying, lying, & more.
Your name was added to that s### list s##### drawers.
Of course, the Barbz came out in full force, defending their self-anointed queen with comments aimed at SZA. One person asked, “Have you lost your f###### mind? Like actually,” to which SZA replied, “absolutely. U ain’t heard the album that went number one 13 weeks? That shoulda let you know. IM OUT MY F###### MIND.”
The online spat unfolded publicly across Twitter, drawing attention from across the rap world. The feud appears to have started over Minaj’s issues with Punch, but quickly spiraled into a personal back-and-forth between two of music’s biggest names.
Neither Punch nor TDE has issued a public response.
Cesar Pina used his real estate seminars and social media clout to allegedly orchestrate a nationwide fraud and money laundering scheme that netted millions and included bribing a New Jersey official, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday (July 15).
The New Jersey real estate promoter, known online as “Flipping NJ,” was indicted by a federal grand jury on six criminal counts, including wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy and bribery tied to federally funded programs. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Pina allegedly promised high returns to investors, then used their money to pay off earlier investors and fund personal expenses.
“Cesar Pina is alleged to have misappropriated millions of dollars of peoples’ hard-earned money, laundered money for narcotics traffickers, and bribed a politician in furtherance of real estate projects,” U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said. “This multi-year torrent of criminal activity hurt investors around the United States, facilitated the scourge of narcotics trafficking, and undermined confidence in our public officials.”
The indictment accuses Pina of running a Ponzi-style investment scam starting in 2017, soliciting funds under the guise of flipping residential properties in New Jersey and beyond. He allegedly promised returns of 30 percent or more within months, but instead used new investor money to repay earlier backers and cover unauthorized business and personal costs.
Federal agents say Pina also laundered drug money and took part in a sting operation where he allegedly cleaned funds that were represented as narcotics proceeds. He’s further accused of bribing a Paterson city official to push forward a real estate project called “Old School 5,” which was under review by the city’s zoning board.
“Rather than utilize his social media presence for the betterment of society, Mr. Humberto Pina chose to use it to expand his criminal activities,” DEA New Jersey Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz said. “His actions, along with his willingness to launder money from drugs proceeds, is no different than those individuals flooding our streets with illicit and diverted narcotics.”
The charges carry steep penalties. Each wire fraud count could lead to up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The money laundering charges carry the same prison term but with fines up to $500,000. The bribery charge could result in 10 years behind bars and a $250,000 fine.
“Under the guise of being an entrepreneur with his clients’ best interests at heart, Cesar Pina allegedly defrauded dozens of investors of millions of dollars,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy said. “His alleged actions didn’t stop at fraud but involved bribery, money laundering, and conspiring to launder illicit funds from the sale of drugs.”
The investigation was led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the DEA, the FBI, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The Franklin Lakes Police Department also assisted. The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation.
Skepta lit the match and Joyner Lucas is here for the smoke. Lyrical warfare, it is. The North London grime rapper dropped “Friendly Fire” and decided it was time for the gloves to come off.
“Joyner Lucas you bastard/You sound like you come from Harvard,” he rapped. Joyner Lucas noticed.
Lucas has officially fired back and both rappers seem to be holding their best material in the chamber. This is definitely heating up fast. The bars are coming, fans are choosing sides and YouTube reactors are probably licking their lips. “Give me some UK subscribers!”
Nobody’s gone nuclear just yet. These feel like sparring rounds. But the potential is definitely there. I hope they relax.
There’s an air of tension. We just heard about OVO affiliate Top5 getting stabbed in the U.K., even though details are still unclear. While that incident doesn’t appear connected to rap, the timing is eerie. Anything can happen.
The framing of this as a U.K. vs U.S. showdown feels a bit outdated. It’s not 2007. We need collabs unless there’s friendly competition. Skepta drew a weird line between U.K. rappers and the American South; a comparison that doesn’t really hold up.
Maybe URL or another battle league steps in and actually organizes a battle. That way the fans win and the rappers get paid. Until then, let’s enjoy the bars.
The Fyre Festival brand, the one that left rich kids crying in FEMA tents, has officially been auctioned off on eBay.
The bidding started at one cent and after 175 bids and 42 people fighting over a brand with more lawsuits than performances, the sale wrapped at $245,300.
The winner of this digital yard sale now owns everything from the Fyre name to its social media accounts, domain names, trademarks, and marketing files.
It also includes old promo footage and even the festival’s SMS and email lists. The lucky buyer also gets the rights to host a celebration in the Caribbean.
McFarland originally attempted to sell all this in a private deal that was intended to generate seven figures. But after five days of talks, that whole plan crumbled.
That’s when he tossed the Fyre brand on eBay like a used blender.
The infamous con man is still buried under $26 million in debt to investors from the first time he tried to throw this disaster of a party back in 2017.
If you somehow forgot, the OG Fyre Festival promised luxury villas, gourmet food, and major acts but ended with people stuck on a remote island eating cheese sandwiches and sleeping on wet mattresses.
McFarland ultimately served nearly four years of a six-year federal sentence for fraud.
And the Fyre Festival II—the sequel McFarland swore was happening in May 2025 in Mexico, was axed after officials said they had no clue what he was talking about.
No word yet on who threw down that quarter-mil for the brand or what they plan to do with it.
Fat Joe is the center of attention again but not for a new record.
The Bronx-bred rapper recently caused conversation after claiming he was once part of the Nation of Gods and Earths, also known as the Five Percent Nation. The group is breakaway sect of the Nation of Islam, but I am not going to get into all of that.
While Fat Joe didn’t offer a full sermon, a single photo did plenty of talking. Here it is:
In it, the rapper stands among a group of people, casually sporting a knit kufi-style hat. This is associated with some form of cultural expression. The post didn’t include a long caption or any direct explanation. But for those tuned into Hip-Hop culture and street history, it didn’t take long to catch the implication. It seems like he was saying this is proof of his claims.
Some of these people know being a Five Percenter demanded knowledge, dedication and a lifestyle rooted in divine mathematics.
Critics speculated that if Fat Joe was indeed down, it could have been someone that was not all the way down himself. “There were definitely some dudes out there faking the funk,” one post read. “So maybe Joe got knowledge from a 85er pretending to be righteous.”
Check this too…
But none of this chatter has stopped the jokes. Memes quickly flooded timelines and group chats. One of the standout nicknames being tossed around? “The God Crakk Kim Great God Allah” Priceless!
Despite the buzz, Fat Joe hasn’t offered any follow-up clarification. I think Joe will be ok in this one!
Kim Kardashian addressed a long-standing rumor about a 2014 moment in Paris, where she appeared to leave her daughter, North West, behind at a hotel while heading to her car.
The viral clip from nearly 11 years ago shows Kardashian exiting a Paris hotel alone, walking toward a waiting vehicle, then turning around and reentering the building.
Moments later, she reemerged holding North, who was just a toddler at the time. The footage sparked speculation that she had forgotten her child inside.
Now, Kardashian is setting the record straight. In a recent Instagram Story, she explained the real reason for the brief solo appearance.
“I wanted to show off the look before holding her bc (because) her outfit didn’t match mine!” she wrote. “I didn’t forget her!!!!”
This isn’t the first time she’s responded to the incident.
Shortly after the video made the rounds in 2014, she tweeted, “Do u guys really think a 1 year old would be inside the lobby by herself! Oh wait, she was waiting to check out lol (sic).” She added, “I went to the car to make sure the car seat was in because the day before, we had a car seat issue.”
Kardashian shares North, now 12, with ex-husband Kanye West. The two finalized their divorce in 2022. They also co-parent three other children: Saint, 9, Chicago, 7, and Psalm, 6.
The original footage was filmed in October 2014 during Paris Fashion Week.
