Digga D is set to face a financial reckoning in January as a UK court prepares to determine how much he profited from a cannabis operation that landed him behind bars.
The 25-year-old rapper, born Rhys Herbert, is currently serving a three-year and 11-month sentence after pleading guilty to importing and distributing nearly 100 pounds of cannabis.
Authorities arrested him during a February 2023 raid at his Lincolnshire home while he was live-streaming on Instagram.
At a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing held Friday (September 26) at Lincoln Crown Court, prosecutors and defense attorneys reviewed what assets might be seized to recover the money Herbert made from the drug trade. Legal aid was granted to Herbert in July to support his defense in the ongoing proceedings.
Herbert’s lawyer, Ryan Thompson, requested more time to sort out the ownership of several pieces of jewelry seized during the arrest. He told the court some of the items may have been purchased for use in music videos or could belong to a third party.
Judge Simon Hirst agreed to postpone the hearing until January 9 and asked for a full breakdown of Herbert’s financial transactions during the time in question.
Herbert attended the hearing remotely from HMP Brixton, where he is serving his sentence.
The court previously heard that Herbert had earned more than £3 million from his music career and had been booked for multiple festivals in summer 2024 before his arrest.
In May, he admitted to importing 6.6 pounds of cannabis during two separate shipments in mid-2023 and to being involved in its distribution.
Herbert’s legal troubles stretch back years. In 2018, at age 18, he was sentenced to 12 months in prison for conspiracy to commit violent disorder after prosecutors used his music videos as evidence.
That case led to a controversial court order banning him and his group 1011—now known as CGM—from making music without police approval.
Despite the restrictions, Herbert has continued to find commercial success.
He launched his own label, Black Money Records, and performed at London’s Royal Albert Hall in October 2023, a milestone moment for an artist often at odds with the law.
The January hearing will decide what portion of Herbert’s assets must be surrendered as proceeds of crime.
Assata Shakur died Thursday in Havana at age 78, closing the chapter on a life that bridged Black liberation movements and Hip-Hop consciousness across generations.
Cuban officials confirmed Shakur’s death in a statement, citing “health ailments and her advanced age” as the cause, according to Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Born JoAnne Deborah Byron in 1947 and later known as JoAnne Chesimard, Shakur became one of the most recognizable figures of radical activism in the 1970s.
A former member of the Black Liberation Army, she was convicted in 1977 for the 1973 killing of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster during a traffic stop on the New Jersey Turnpike. She escaped from prison in 1979 and resurfaced in Cuba, where she was granted political asylum in 1984.
Her escape and exile turned her into a polarizing figure — a revolutionary to some, a fugitive to others. In 2013, the FBI added her to its Most Wanted Terrorists list, offering a $2 million reward for her capture.
She was the first woman ever placed on that list.
Shakur’s influence stretched beyond politics into Hip-Hop, where her legacy became embedded in the genre’s social and political roots.
As the step-aunt and godmother of Tupac Shakur, her ideology helped shape the voice of one of rap’s most iconic figures. Tupac paid tribute to her in his 1991 track “Words of Wisdom,” connecting her revolutionary stance to the emerging narrative of conscious rap.
Common honored her in his 2000 track “A Song for Assata,” featuring CeeLo Green. The song drew directly from her life story and featured lyrics like: “I’m thinking of Assata, yes / Listen to my love, Assata yes / Your power and pride is beautiful / May God bless your soul.” Common later explained, “I read this sister’s story, [and] knew that it deserved a song.”
Shakur joined the Black Liberation Army in the early 1970s, a group that advocated armed resistance against what they viewed as racial oppression. During her trial, she insisted she was innocent and targeted because of her activism.
In Cuba, she lived quietly but remained active in political thought. Her 1987 memoir, Assata: An Autobiography, became essential reading for students of Black radical movements and was widely circulated among activists and scholars.
Her death ends a life that spanned the civil rights era, the rise of militant Black activism, and the cultural evolution of Hip-Hop as a platform for social commentary.
D4vd allegedly first connected with 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez when she was just 11 or 12 years old through online gaming platforms, according to sources close to the investigation into her death.
The disturbing timeline surrounding the relationship between the rising artist, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, and the California teenager continues to unravel as authorities investigate how the two met and what happened in the months leading up to her disappearance and death.
Celeste was reported missing from Lake Elsinore in May 2024 after she left home to see a movie with D4vd, her brother Matthew Rivas told investigators. She never returned.
According to a source cited by the Daily Mail, Celeste remained in touch with friends for over a year after she was reported missing. Her communication stopped without explanation in late July or early August 2025.
On September 8, police discovered Celeste’s dismembered remains wrapped in plastic inside D4vd’s abandoned Tesla. The vehicle had been left near his $4.1 million rental property in the Hollywood Hills for several weeks.
Moves Clear Out D4vd’s Belongs Following Police Raid
Just over two weeks later, two masked men were seen standing guard outside D4vd’s home as movers removed furniture and boxes from the property on Wednesday (September 24).
One man wore an armored vest with a gold badge, while both concealed their identities with ski masks and sunglasses.
“They’ve decided to move out because of the ongoing circumstances,” homeowner Mladen Trifunovic told the Daily Mail. “They didn’t want to be there anymore.”
D4vd had been living at the residence since February 2024. The lease was signed by his manager, who paid $20,000 per month in rent under his own name.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed it collected “several items of evidence” during a search of the home, but has not named any suspects or made arrests. D4vd and his team have not responded to requests for comment.
Kim Kardashian Said Kris Jenner Tricked Her Into a Blind Date Disguised as a Job Interview
Kim Kardashian walked into what she believed was a professional meeting in Los Angeles, only to discover her mother Kris Jenner had secretly arranged a blind date instead.
During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Kardashian, 44, shared the awkward encounter where she came prepared with a résumé, thinking she was pitching career ideas to a television executive. Unbeknownst to her, Jenner had told the man it was a date.
“She told me it was a job interview, but she told him it was a date,” Kardashian said. “And so I pull up and I go and I’m talking about like what I want to do and I had a résumé on me!”
Kardashian said she realized something was off when the conversation didn’t match the tone of a job interview.
“I don’t think she thought I’d be so prepared to bring a résumé… I was like, ‘I’m going to kill you (mum).’”
She quietly tucked her résumé back into her bag once she understood the man across the table wasn’t there to hire her.
Kris Jenner Says the Man Was in on the Setup
Jenner, who was off-stage during the interview, chimed in to clarify that the man wasn’t caught off guard.
“He totally knew because he was also an Emmy Award-winning…”
Kardashian cut her off before she could finish, but Jenner continued:
“I’m not going to say his name, but he said, ‘Would it help if I brought my Emmy with me?’ He was kidding. But I thought, this is never going to work.”
Kardashian didn’t hold back in her response:
“So you also wanted to set me up with someone that thought an Emmy was what was going to seal the deal? Hmm.”
Khloé Kardashian Wanted No Part in Matchmaking
Also on the show was Khloé Kardashian, who made it clear she had no interest in playing matchmaker.
“I’m not known for a good picker,” she said.
Kim replied with a laugh:
“Same, babe.”
Kim Kardashian’s Dating Background
Kardashian has been married three times—first to Damon Thomas, then to Kris Humphries, and later to Kanye West. She shares four children with West. Since their divorce, she’s been linked to comedian Pete Davidson and NFL wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Live chats have become pop’s new backstage pass. When stars go live, they turn passive followers into an audience that’s talking, reacting, and converting in real time. Those minutes can move pre-saves, spike Shazam searches, and sell the first wave of tickets—before a press release even lands, as reported by Billboard. The best part: it feels intimate. Fans aren’t just watching promo; they’re in it, asking questions, voting on ideas, and celebrating every reveal.
You’ll see this play out across mainstream platforms—Instagram Live, YouTube Live, TikTok Live—and sometimes in adult-rated ecosystems such as Cam Rabbit, where creators experiment with real-time engagement mechanics. The core playbook is the same: craft a room, set a countdown, seed exclusives, and guide the chat toward a clear action. Done right, a 20-minute stream can carry the weight of a week’s worth of traditional marketing.
This article breaks down the tactics behind those streams: how artists design the room, cue engagement spikes at precise timestamps, convert chat energy into pre-saves and ticket sales, and measure what actually moved the needle. If you run an entertainment site or fan account, you can adapt the same principles for premieres, interviews, and fan events.
Build Hype Before The First Second Of “Live”
1) Prime the room
Announce the live window 24–48 hours in advance with a countdown sticker and a pinned comment explaining what fans will get (a snippet reveal, tour date puzzle, exclusive merch code). Add a calendar link and a pre-save or waitlist form so the audience assembles early.
2) Seed a story arc
Even spontaneous sessions perform better with an outline: hello → teaser → game/poll → surprise guest → reveal → CTA → encore Q&A. The audience stays because they sense momentum.
3) Warm up superfans
DM your most active commenters, fan-run pages, and Discord mods to show up early and start chat momentum. They’ll greet new viewers, answer repetitive questions, and help set a kind tone.
Design The Room For Maximum Participation
Camera and sound: Keep framing tight (eyes and hands), use a clip-on mic, and avoid echo. Music beds can sit at very low volume; the star’s voice needs to carry.
Pinned prompts: Replace “hey everyone” with a pinned question: “Drop your city—where should we open the tour?” or “Pick the bridge: A/B/C.” Pinned prompts train viewers to type now, not later.
Polls and quick wins: Ask for a one-word vote (“neon” vs. “chrome”), then use the result (“Okay, neon it is—here’s the cover.”). When fan input changes the plan—even in small ways—participation doubles.
On-screen cues: Hold up physical props: a city list, a blurred poster, a scratch-off card. Tactile elements photograph well for screenshots and recaps, extending the live moment across feeds.
Convert Chat Energy Into Pre-Saves And Ticket Sales
Friction-free links
Put the single most important link in the bio and in a pinned comment. Mention it verbally at three natural moments: right after the snippet, right after the date reveal, and after the final Q&A.
Time-boxed incentives
Offer a limited perk during the stream only—early seat map access, a signed postcard for the first 500 orders, or entry to a private mini-stream. Time pressure turns attention into action.
Micro-CTAs
Instead of “pre-save now,” say: “Tap the link, choose your platform, hit ‘pre-save,’ then drop a like when you’re done.” Watching chat fill with checkmarks creates social proof that nudges fence-sitters.
Use Game Mechanics Fans Already Love
Geo puzzles: Reveal tour cities by flashing three visual clues per stop (a landmark, a food, a jersey). Chat guesses the city; the artist confirms and pins the ticket link for that location.
Lyric unlocks: For every 100 pre-saves during the stream, unveil another line of the chorus on a handheld cue card. The goal is communal: the room “earns” the reveal together.
Easter-egg hunts: Hide a code in a frame—on a hat, a mug, a guitar pick. Fans screenshot and share, which pushes the live beyond the app’s borders.
Moderate Like A Showrunner
Guardrails
Establish rules at the top (“Be kind, no spoilers, mods may mute”). Empower trusted community members as moderators and give them a written quick-action guide (pin/unpin, timeouts, spam filters).
Spotlight fans
Read usernames aloud, react to smart comments, and pin thoughtful questions. The moment a fan hears their name, retention jumps for them—and their friends.
De-escalation
If negativity spikes, address it once (“We’re keeping it positive tonight, mods will clear spam”), then return to the plan. Star energy sets room energy.
Think Global From Day One
Time zones
If your audience spans continents, run two shorter live sessions eight to twelve hours apart, then cut a highlights reel for everyone who slept. Each region gets a “first,” and nobody feels last.
Local CTAs
Use dynamic links that recognize country and route to the correct ticketing partner or streaming platform. Nothing kills momentum like a broken region link.
Language cues
Learn three greetings and “thank you” in your top fan languages and use them on-air. It’s simple, memorable, and screenshottable.
Measure What Actually Worked
Timestamps
Note exact moments: 06:42 (snippet), 09:10 (poll result), 12:30 (CTA). Compare traffic spikes in your link tracker to on-air beats; the pattern will tell you which actions drive clicks.
Quality of viewership
Watch retention and chat rate, not just peak viewers. A smaller room that stays for 15 minutes and spams checkmarks will outsell a huge, idle audience.
Follow-through
Track pre-save to first-day streams, waitlist to ticket purchase, and merch code redemption. Over time, you’ll build a predictive model: which live elements map to which outcomes.
A 30-day Launch Blueprint (Steal This)
T-30 to T-14: Two “soft” lives to showcase writing or rehearsal. Collect city votes. Open a waitlist.
T-10: Announce the main live, reveal cover art with a poll, preload the pre-save link.
T-7: Tease the chorus for five seconds. Mods recruit superfan squads per city.
T-3: Post the set list for the stream itself (teaser, poll, guest, reveal).
T-0 (Live #1): Chorus snippet, tour city puzzle, pre-save CTA with micro-goal (“let’s#### 5k now”).
T-0 + 8h (Live #2): Asia/Europe timing, same structure, new Easter egg.
T+1: Highlights reel with top comments and a thank-you.
T+7: Surprise acoustic mini-stream for early supporters only; share a private merch code.
T+14: “Road to Tour” live from rehearsal; ticket push for remaining cities.
Keep it Brand-Safe And Platform-Friendly
If you reference adult-rated spaces or third-party live rooms, add an 18+ note and keep your main content PG-13. Use “nofollow/sponsored” on outbound links where appropriate, and never rely on a single platform for your whole rollout—algorithms change, but an email list and SMS alerts remain yours.
The Big Idea
Live chat isn’t a gimmick; it’s a portable stage. With a plan, a pin, and a few game mechanics, pop stars can turn 15 minutes of conversation into real-world action: pre-saves, ticket claims, and louder opening-night choruses. Treat every stream like a mini-show with beats, pacing, and a strong finale—and the audience will show up for the encore.
Kneecap rapper, Mo Chara, walked out of Woolwich Crown Court in London on Friday with a terrorism charge dismissed and a defiant message for the British government: “Your attempts to silence us have failed.”
Chara, whose real name is Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, had been facing prosecution over allegations he displayed a Hezbollah flag during a 2023 performance in London.
However, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ruled the charge invalid due to a procedural error, stating that the six-month statutory deadline had expired before consent was properly obtained, according to BBC News.
The 27-year-old artist had been charged in May, nearly six months after video from a November concert at London’s O2 Kentish Town surfaced. The footage, reviewed by the Metropolitan Police, allegedly showed a flag linked to the proscribed group Hezbollah.
Mo Chara denied the accusation and maintained the case was politically motivated.
The investigation gained momentum after Kneecap’s controversial Coachella performance, where the group criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza and displayed a screen reading “F### Israel. Free Palestine.”
That moment, along with chants and statements at other shows, drew sharp attention from authorities and international media.
Kneecap’s Mo Chara Defends Free Speech: “We Will Not Be Silent”
Following the dismissal, Kneecap’s official X account posted a lengthy statement from Mo Chara, who framed the case as an attack on political speech.
“This entire process was never about me, never about any threat to the public and never about ‘terrorism,’ a word used by your government to discredit people you oppress,” he wrote. “It was always about Gaza. About what happens if you dare to speak up.”
He continued, “Your attempts to silence us have failed, because we are right, and you are wrong. We will not be silent. We said we would fight you in your court and we would win.”
He ended the message with: “We have. If anyone on this planet is guilty of terrorism, it is the British state. Free Palestine! Tiocfaidh ár lá. (Our day will come).”
A message from Liam Óg:
"A massive thank you to my legal team.
Darragh, Jude, blinne, Brenda, Gareth and to all at Phoenix law.
A special thanks also to my interpreter Susan.
This entire process was never about me, never about any threat to the public and never about… pic.twitter.com/xj16kEvcdl
The Belfast-based trio, which includes Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí, has built a reputation for politically charged lyrics and unapologetic commentary. Their music, often performed in Irish Gaelic, has drawn both praise and condemnation, especially for their outspoken stance on Palestinian rights since the October 7 Hamas attack and Israel’s response in Gaza.
Kneecap has previously been barred from performing in Canada and has faced backlash for comments made at Glastonbury and other festivals. The group has repeatedly denied any affiliation with terrorist organizations, calling the charges a distraction from what they describe as “state-supported war crimes.”
The court’s decision on September 26 is being seen as a significant moment for freedom of expression within the UK’s counter-terrorism legal framework.
Hip-hop is no longer just music. Over time, it has become one of the strongest cultural tools used by global industries to get attention, gain trust, and stay relevant. Brands across fashion, sneakers, video games, food, alcohol, and even sweepstakes platforms have all aligned themselves with rap artists, not only for promotion, but for credibility.
These partnerships shape what people wear, play, eat, and buy. Whether it’s a sneaker named after a rapper, a game with their likeness, or a limited-time meal tied to a hit single, the impact is wide and long-lasting.
What makes these collaborations work is not just fame: it’s authenticity, history, and the artist’s direct influence on the product. In some cases, the artist leads the creative direction. In others, their image adds cultural weight to the brand. Either way, the result is the same: higher visibility, stronger brand identity, and a real connection to the market.
Hip-Hop in Gaming
Hip-hop has become a major force in video games. This includes more than background tracks or artist cameos. Music labels and artists now work directly with game studios. They build full storylines, exclusive characters, and virtual concerts around hip-hop.
Rockstar Games has embraced this idea. During development of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Grand Theft Auto IV, they hired music journalists like Greg Johnson to make sure the hip-hop elements were accurate and connected to real-world scenes and artists. The GTA franchise later added updates to GTA Online that featured Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, showing that artists now take part in both music and story writing.
This influence stretches far beyond traditional video games. The gambling and sweepstakes industry has taken notice too. Music themes now appear on platforms where users can spin, collect, or win game-based prizes. One of the more known sites, Fortune Coins, has added hip-hop inspired games such as Snoop Dogg Dollars and Snoop’s High Rollers.
These game titles use artist branding and music cues to stand out. Players on these sites often get promotional offers, such as their exclusive Fortune Coins no deposit bonus exclusive Fortune Coins no deposit bonus of up to 650,000 GC. These offers are tied to the same cultural styling seen in mainstream games.
Sneakers and Music Culture
Sneakers have long been linked to hip-hop. Artists wear them in music videos, perform in them on stage, and write about them in lyrics. What began as style has turned into long-term brand partnerships and limited-edition designs. These sneaker drops are not random. They tell stories, mark milestones, and highlight the relationship between music and self-image.
RUN-D.M.C. and Adidas Superstar
One of the earliest examples of this connection was RUN-D.M.C. with the Adidas Superstar. The group wore the shell-toe version without laces. It became part of their look. They even released the song “My Adidas” as a direct response to people who criticized their style. At a concert in Madison Square Garden, they raised their Adidas sneakers on stage. Thousands of fans did the same. An Adidas executive saw it happen and pushed for a deal. It became the first major corporate endorsement between a music group and a sports brand. The result was a $1.6 million partnership that changed how both industries saw collaborations.
Eminem and Air Jordan IV Carhartt
Another example of music and sneakers joining forces is the Air Jordan IV Retro Carhartt collaboration with Eminem. Released in very limited numbers, the shoe carried both Eminem’s name and the durable Carhartt material. It became one of the most valuable Air Jordans ever made. Only a few pairs were sold to the public, while most were auctioned for charity. The design reflected Eminem’s Detroit roots, his connection to workwear, and his long-term ties with Nike.
Travis Scott and Air Jordan IV “Cactus Jack”
Travis Scott has also left his mark through sneaker design. His Air Jordan IV “Cactus Jack” had colors inspired by his hometown football team. The design connected fans to Houston while keeping a high-end aesthetic. Travis worked directly with Jordan Brand on several releases. Each one includes subtle logos, custom packaging, and limited stock. These collaborations helped grow his influence in both music and streetwear circles.
Drake and Air Jordan XII “OVO”
Drake’s OVO imprint partnered with Jordan Brand to create the Air Jordan XII “OVO.” The release used premium white leather and gold accents. The OVO owl logo appeared on the insole, and the pair matched Drake’s clean visual style. The shoes sold out instantly and were later resold at high prices. That drop proved that even more reserved artists can still lead successful sneaker launches.
Clothing Brands and Artist Influence
Clothing brands often start working with artists after noticing they wear the product. Over time, those organic connections turn into deals. These collections usually keep the original brand’s style but add the artist’s artwork, album themes, or personal story.
2 Chainz worked with True Religion after years of supporting the brand. He even named one of his early mixtapes T.R.U. REALigion, showing how connected he was to the brand before any contract existed. Later, the brand made a collection based on that mixtape. It wasn’t just clothing; it was a continuation of a story.
Chief Keef followed a similar path. His look and sound matched the rugged denim that True Religion was known for. That made the relationship feel natural to fans. Collaborations like these work when the public sees the artist and the brand as part of the same world.
Cameos and Soundtrack Culture with Hip-Hop in Film
Hip-hop has never stayed in one lane. Music is the base, but the reach goes much further. In movies, rappers don’t just star in lead roles or produce soundtracks. They show up in quick cameos, blink-fast guest scenes, and sometimes completely unexpected spots.
At the same time, film soundtracks tied to hip-hop have built a legacy of their own. Some full albums shaped how people remember certain movies. In a few cases, the music became more important than the film itself.
Biz Markie in Men in Black II
Biz Markie showed up in Men in Black II as an alien who only used beatboxing to communicate. He wasn’t there to fight or give big speeches. He just stood in his space and made it his own. Will Smith’s character responded in kind, as if this back-and-forth had happened before. It felt like a nod to fans of both hip-hop and the original movie. Short, strange, and still one of the standout moments.
Master P in Gone In 60 Seconds
Master P took a role in Gone In 60 Seconds as Johnny B. He didn’t have a long arc or deep backstory. His part was quick, sharp, and right to the point. He gave Nicolas Cage’s character something to react to. It fit the movie’s world without needing to explain itself.
Eminem, Cam’ron, Kid Cudi, Post Malone, and Bad Bunny in Happy Gilmore 2
This one loaded the cameos into one film. Eminem played the son of the man who shouted from the stands in the first movie. Cam’ron walked through a scene as himself. Kid Cudi showed up as an FBI agent. Post Malone took a seat in the announcer’s chair. Then Bad Bunny played Happy’s new caddy. It was over-the-top on purpose. Each one had a different tone, but all of them felt like they belonged.
Kendrick Lamar and Black Panther: The Album
Kendrick Lamar didn’t just put songs on a soundtrack. He helped shape the identity of Black Panther. His voice came up across half the album. Each track added to the tone. Some tracks stood on their own, but most pulled straight from the film’s message. “King’s Dead” worked like a second script. It backed the movie and raised the energy. “Paramedic!” gave shine to new voices while keeping the focus on the larger theme.
J. Cole, Dreamville and Creed III
J. Cole’s label took charge of the Creed III soundtrack. The songs worked like scenes between the fights. “Jack” gave fast punches with fast verses. “Ma Boy” let Lute and JID trade lines with balance. The project held the mood of the movie without just copying it. It gave the film pace and gave the artists a space to stand out.
2Pac, Queen Latifah, Ghostface Killah and Sunset Park
Sunset Park had a cast full of talent, but the music held equal weight. The songs didn’t just fit the scenes. They added another layer to what the film tried to show. 2Pac brought intensity. Queen Latifah added control. Ghostface Killah and others gave the project a feeling that stayed even after the credits. One track with MC Lyte and Xscape borrowed from Michael Jackson’s “Liberian Girl” and turned it into something brand new.
The Pharcyde, The B.U.M.S. and Street Fighter
This one came out before a lot of major hip-hop clashes, and it pulled artists from different coasts into one place. The Pharcyde gave a song called “Pandemonium” that included sounds from the game itself. It matched the action and tone without going too far. The B.U.M.S. dropped verses that mentioned characters and moves like Guile and Ryu. It was loud, fast, and made for fans who wanted both rap and action in the same place.
Food Partnerships and Commercial Reach
Hip-hop artists often bring real influence to brand deals, even in industries that seem unrelated to music. One clear example came from McDonald’s and Travis Scott. The fast-food chain added a meal under his name and built a full campaign around it. It wasn’t just a menu change. It had packaging, ads, and promotions that matched his image. Fans treated it like a product drop, not just lunch.
Another campaign came from Just Eat with Snoop Dogg. He didn’t just appear in the ad. He wrote a jingle that turned a delivery app into something people remembered. The sound and the look matched what people expect from Snoop, which made the campaign feel direct instead of forced.
These kinds of campaigns show how hip-hop works outside of music. The artists add their voice, and that changes how people see the product. It doesn’t feel like a pitch. It feels like part of the world the artist already lives in.
Snoop Dogg came through with a massive Twitch flex and a not-so-subtle message to Ray J, gifting 50,000 subscriptions to Kai Cenat during his record-breaking “Mafiathon 3” stream after Ray J accused celebrities of freeloading off the streamer’s platform.
On Thursday night (September 25), while Cenat was live with Kevin Gates, Snoop Dogg phoned in with a surprise offer that left the Twitch star stunned.
“I got 50,000 subs for you when you ready for them,” Snoop told Cenat on the stream.
Cenat, clearly caught off guard, responded, “You cap, man.”
But Snoop wasn’t playing.
“I’m trying to help you get to the mil,” he said, asking Cenat how to deliver the massive sub drop. When Cenat confirmed it would be the biggest donation he’d ever received and shared that he had just broken the Twitch record that day, Snoop doubled down.
“I’m finna get you 50,000 so you can get over the record,” he added. “The record ain’t nothing. You got to get over the record.”
Snoop Dogg’s donation came just days after Ray J took to social media to blast celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Mariah Carey, and John Legend for appearing on Kai Cenat’s stream without contributing financially.
“Homie out here working hard, doing 30-day subs, he got people like Kim and Mariah coming on. These n##### didn’t gift this n#### nothing,” Ray J said in a video earlier this week. “He tryna get to a million subs, Kim, Mariah, John Legend, all y’all n#####.”
Ray J claimed he personally gifted around 15,000 subs during his appearance and challenged others to do the same.
“All y’all should gift 50,000… I’m starting to feel like y’all using n#####… It’s working for y’all. What y’all do for the homie?”
Snoop made it clear he wasn’t feeling Ray J’s approach.
“I didn’t like the way Ray J called n##### out,” Snoop said. “Like we don’t got [Cenat’s] back.”
Cenat’s “Mafiathon 3” has been one of the most talked-about events on Twitch, with the streamer broadcasting around the clock for 30 days straight in a push to hit 1 million subscribers.
Young Thug dropped his long-awaited album UY Scuti on Friday (September 26), but the celebration hit a sour note when he realized a Rod Wave feature had been left off the final cut—prompting him to publicly apologize and promise heads would roll.
The Atlanta rapper took to social media early Friday morning to clear the air about the missing verse from Rod Wave on the track “Blaming Jesus.” In a blunt post, he wrote:
“Rod wave had a verse on blaming Jesus and I’m sorry to the fans that my team didn’t put it on the song. Doin some firing in the a.m and the song will be fixed tomorrow – I’m sorry to his fans”
The mistake didn’t go unnoticed, especially with anticipation high for UY Scuti, which marks Young Thug’s return to music after his release from jail in October 2024.
Rod Wave has a loyal following, and the missing verse left many disappointed. Thug’s response was swift and unapologetically direct—someone on his team would be out of a job.
The album also stirred conversation with the inclusion of YFN Lucci, a surprising move considering the long-standing tension between the two. Both artists featured each other on their respective projects—Lucci on UY Scuti and Thug on Lucci’s Already Legend.
The collaboration came with some light-hearted online jabs, but Lucci later confirmed the move was intentional and meant to send a message of unity in Atlanta’s Hip-Hop scene.
Adrien Broner offered a direct apology to Cam’ron early Friday morning after his behavior on the “It Is What It Is” podcast drew backlash for repeated inappropriate remarks toward co-host Treasure “Stat Baby” Wilson.
Broner shared a screenshot of a private message he sent to Cam’ron on Instagram, acknowledging his missteps and expressing remorse for the disrespect shown during the taping.
“Big bra as a man I can truly apologize my n####,” he began. “I f### with you heavy gang f### all that internet s### I will never internet beef with a n#### I looked up to since I was a baby.”
He added, “I hope ain’t no bad blood in between us like a armrest cause I’m go shake this monkey off my back and get my s### together and I would love if you apart of this next chapter in my life gang Luv.”
Cam’ron responded warmly, writing, “Thx for that bro. Cause I feel the same. I love you like a brother. And I’m here for whatever you need.”
He later reposted Broner’s message to his Instagram Stories, adding “Love u bro,” and echoed the same sentiment in the comments section of Broner’s post.
Broner followed up the exchange with a public statement to his supporters, addressing his recent behavior and vowing to improve.
“I know these last few weeks I hasn’t been the best version of myself and I take all accountability of my actions,” he wrote. “To my fans and supporters I’m okay I’m AB. I’ll try to be better going forward down this dark road.”
Broner concluded, “Last but not least to everyone I’m okay and will be back.”
Cam’ron Boots Adrien Broner Off Podcast
The apology stems from Broner’s controversial appearance on the “It Is What It Is” show earlier this month, where he appeared visibly intoxicated and made several flirtatious comments toward Stat Baby despite her clear discomfort and the presence of her boyfriend.
Broner repeatedly told Wilson, “I love you” and “You’re amazing,” slurring his words and ignoring the hosts’ warnings.
Cam’ron ultimately halted the recording, paid Broner for his time and asked him to leave the studio to protect his co-host.
The episode quickly went viral, prompting Cam’ron to explain the situation further on social media.
He said Broner’s behavior was likely due to being drunk or high and made it clear that respect for the women on the show was non-negotiable.
Just days before the apology, Broner was caught on video in a heated dispute with restaurant employees and police officers over an unpaid bill totaling $2,200.
The footage, which circulated widely online, showed Broner agitated and flanked by officers as staff confronted him.
Adrien Broner allegedly tried to talk a restaurant owner out of a $2200 tab, using his fame as a push to, "Pay the money tomorrow.”
YFN Lucci and Young Thug dropped jaws and bars on Friday (September 26), when both Atlanta rappers released new albums featuring each other—an unexpected move that ended a years-long feud and signaled a reset for the city’s Hip-Hop scene.
The dual releases—YFN Lucci‘s Already Legend and Young Thug‘s UY Scuti—landed on the same day. But it wasn’t just the timing that caught attention.
Both albums included surprise guest appearances from the former rivals, creating buzz across social media and Hip-Hop circles.
Lucci addressed the long-awaited reconciliation during an interview with Fly Guy DC on SiriusXM, confirming that the collaboration was intentional and aimed at shifting the tone in Atlanta’s rap community.
“First off, we been through a lot,” he began. “Everybody lost people; we lost people. Most important s###, we lost our time. We had to be away from our family. So, coming home, it’s like, damn, what the hell can a n#### do to bro? We gone’ keep doing that s### and end up back in jail or one of our homies dead or one of us dead? Or we gone’ fix this s### and make this s### look good for the A?”
He added, “F### it, let’s do one. Some people are going to be mad, some people are going to be happy. But who cares? We got to g###### deal with the outcome of this s###.”
The two rappers had been locked in a bitter feud for years, one that spilled into diss tracks and street tension, culminating in separate high-profile legal battles.
Young Thug pleaded guilty in October 2024 to gang, drug and firearm charges tied to the YSL RICO case. He received time served and 15 years probation, and is currently under house arrest with a restriction from entering metro Atlanta for a decade.
Young Thug, YFN Lucci – Whaddup Jesus
Lucci was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 10 years probation after pleading guilty in January 2024 to gang-related charges stemming from a 2020 drive-by shooting.
He was released on January 31, 2025, after receiving credit for time served and a recommendation for early parole.
YFN Lucci, Young Thug – Still Waiting
The decision to collaborate came after both artists returned from prison and reassessed what their feud had cost them—and what Atlanta’s Hip-Hop scene could gain from unity.
The rollout for the albums included light-hearted trolling between the two on social media. However, the message behind the music was serious. The features weren’t just for show. They were a deliberate move to steer Atlanta rap away from conflict and back toward creativity.
Young Thug and YFN Lucci shocked the Hip-Hop world Friday (September 26) by appearing on each other’s albums, signaling the end of a years-long feud that once split Atlanta’s rap scene down the middle.
The two rappers, who had been embroiled in a bitter rivalry for nearly a decade, dropped their respective projects — UY Scuti from Young Thug and Already Legend from YFN Lucci — on September 26.
But the real headline came from their unexpected features on each other’s albums, a move that insiders say was intentional and meant to close the chapter on their public conflict.
Lucci appears on “Whaddup Jesus,” a melodic track that touches on their shared past, with Thug nodding to old street tensions.
Meanwhile, Thug shows up on Lucci’s “Still Waiting” alongside 21 Savage, marking a moment many thought would never happen.
Young Thug & YFN Lucci Drop On The Same Day
The mutual features weren’t just symbolic — they were strategic. Sources close to both camps confirmed the collaboration was planned as a way to shift the narrative in Atlanta Hip-Hop, which has long been shaped by beefs and rivalries.
The rollout included some lighthearted trolling on social media, but behind the scenes, the move was serious and calculated.
UY Scuti marks Young Thug’s first full-length release since being released from jail in October 2024.
The 20-track album runs just over 74 minutes and includes appearances from Future, Cardi B, Ken Carson, T.I., Sexxy Red, Travis Scott, Lil Gotit, Mariah the Scientist and more.
Thug uses the project to reflect on his time behind bars, relationships, and regrets, especially on the single “Miss My Dogs.”
Lucci’s Already Legend is his first major project since returning home earlier in 2025.
The 21-track album spans 55 minutes and includes previously released singles like “Would You Care?” and “JAN. 31st (my truth).”
The fact that both rappers chose to feature each other on the same day, on albums that dropped simultaneously, is being viewed by many as a deliberate and public truce.
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony will receive a hometown salute during a celebration at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, where the third annual Music Keynote to the City will honor the legendary Hip-Hop group. The news comes two months after it was announced that the group would also get their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame sometime in 2026.
The Rock Hall tribute will take place Sunday (September 28) at 3:30 p.m. local time at the Rock Hall. Cleveland City Councilman Brian Kazy will present the ceremony, which will include a formal recognition of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony—Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, Bizzy Bone, Flesh ‘n Bone and Wish Bone—followed by a brief performance. Admission to the ceremony is free with RSVP, though museum entry is not included.
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, formed in Cleveland in 1991, carved a lasting legacy in Hip-Hop with their melodic flows and rapid-fire delivery. Their breakout single, “Thuggish Ruggish Bone,” and chart-toppers like “Tha Crossroads” helped define the genre in the ’90s.
The group collaborated with their mentor Eazy-E, who signed them to Ruthless Records, Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G., bridging coasts and styles in a way few others have.
The Rock Hall also unveiled a trio of Rihanna’s stage and video outfits now featured in its “Legends of Rock” exhibit. The collection includes the bustier worn in her “Rude Boy” music video, the bodysuit from the same shoot and the bustier she wore during her “Rehab” performance at the 2008 American Music Awards.
The Music Keynote to the City is part of the Rock Hall’s ongoing efforts to honor artists with deep ties to Cleveland and beyond. Thanks to KeyBank’s CLE*VIP program, Cleveland residents can visit the museum free of charge every day.
Looking ahead, the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony is set for next fall, with the official date and lineup of inductees still to be announced. The annual event, which celebrates artists across genres who have made lasting contributions to music, typically draws major names and performances. Last year’s ceremony featured appearances from Missy Elliott and Willie Nelson, among others, according to NBC News.
The Bone Thugs-n-Harmony celebration and Rihanna exhibit are both housed at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, located at 1100 Rock N Roll Blvd in Cleveland.
Wale is diving into the gritty past of his hometown with Silk, a television series spotlighting infamous D.C. hitman Wayne “Silk” Perry during the city’s deadliest years.
The Grammy-nominated rapper and Washington D.C. native is stepping behind the camera to executive produce the crime drama, which centers on Perry’s violent reign from 1989 to 1993—a time when the nation’s capital earned the grim title of “murder capital” of the United States.
“D.C. is more than just politics,” Wale said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “We have a rich, Black history that’s inspired audiences around the world, and it’s time to tell more stories that are based here.”
The series will trace Perry’s rise as a feared enforcer for Harlem drug trafficker Alpo Martinez, who moved his cocaine operation into D.C. following the downfall of local kingpin Rayful Edmond. Perry’s reputation for carrying out executions with precision and ruthlessness made him one of the most feared men in the city’s underworld.
“This story is one of the last authentic stories in Black crime lore,” Wale’s manager Kazz Laidlaw said. “People have seen slivers in movies like Paid in Full and read conjecture online, but beneath the surface is an entire world that hasn’t been seen before.”
Perry, now known as Nkosi Shaka Zulu El, is serving five life sentences at ADX Florence, the federal supermax prison in Colorado. He was convicted in 1994 for a string of murders tied to Martinez’s drug empire. His conviction followed Martinez’s arrest and cooperation with federal prosecutors, which included testimony that helped seal Perry’s fate.
Among the victims were drug dealer Garrett Terrell and Evelyn Carter, a witness who had been prepared to testify.
Wale has secured a stake in Perry Industries, the D.C.-based company that holds Perry’s life rights. He will produce the series alongside Laidlaw and C. Edwards of Perry Industries.
Set against the backdrop of early 1990s Washington, the show will weave in the city’s chaotic political climate, high crime rates, and the pulse of its go-go music scene. The same years saw the Washington Redskins winning Super Bowls, Mayor Marion Barry under FBI investigation, and Congress passing the 1994 crime bill.
“That era in D.C. was internationally famous,” Wale said. “The Redskins were winning Super Bowls, the mayor was indicted by the FBI, Joe Biden passed the crime bill, and D.C. had 482 homicides — the highest in the country.”
Wale, who has previously acted in Ambulance and American Gods, has consistently infused his music with references to his D.C. roots. With Silk, he’s aiming to bring an unfiltered look at a city that’s often reduced to political headlines.
The project is still in early development, and no network or streaming platform has been attached.
The series joins a growing wave of crime dramas like Power, Snowfall and Narcos that explore the drug-fueled chaos of the 1980s and 1990s.
Diddy has been ordered to explain why he needs fancy threads instead of jail-issued garments when he appears in federal court for sentencing on October 3, 2025, after a judge rejected his earlier attempt to wear civilian clothes for a separate hearing this week.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian denied a motion from Diddy’s legal team to allow him to wear non-prison attire at his September 25 court appearance, saying the defense failed to provide a valid reason for the request.
The judge left the door open for the October sentencing but made it clear he expects a more detailed explanation before signing off.
Diddy’s attorneys submitted a scaled-back wardrobe request, asking the court to approve two button-down shirts, two pairs of pants, two sweaters and one pair of shoes without laces.
The October hearing will determine Diddy’s sentence after he was convicted on two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution.
The charges stem from violations of the Mann Act, a federal law that prohibits transporting people for illegal sexual activity.
The judge’s demand for justification reflects how federal courts handle inmate appearances, especially in high-profile cases involving celebrities like Diddy.
The court typically allows civilian clothing during jury trials to avoid prejudicing jurors, but the same leniency doesn’t always apply during sentencing.
Meanwhile, Diddy’s legal team is also pushing to overturn his conviction or secure a new trial.
They also argue Diddy never transported anyone himself and did not receive money from the encounters.
Prosecutors counter that Combs directed and sometimes participated in the acts, secretly recorded them without consent and met the legal threshold for trafficking.
Judge Subramanian heard arguments on the motion to acquit or retry the case on September 25. As of presstime, he has not yet ruled on whether the conviction will stand or if a new trial will be granted.
Diddy has been held in custody since September 2024. His bail requests were denied due to concerns about potential violence and witness tampering.
Nas landed a major win in his hometown as a $5.5 billion casino expansion project he backs in Queens received unanimous approval from a local advisory board, clearing a key hurdle in the race for one of New York’s coveted downstate casino licenses.
“Queens get the money,” one voting member said, adding a jab at JAY-Z: “Sorry, JAY-Z. We win again! I just had to rub that in.”
Richards’ comment referenced the recent collapse of JAY-Z’s $5.4 billion Times Square casino proposal, which was rejected in a 4-2 vote by Manhattan’s Community Advisory Committee on September 17.
It was also a nod to the pair’s infamous feud, which resulted in a pair of classic diss tracks: “Takeover” by JAY-Z and Nas’ reply, “Ether.”
Nas, who grew up in the Queensbridge Houses, partnered with Resorts World to help shape the development’s community outreach and long-term impact.
The plan includes 3,000 units of workforce housing, over 50 acres of new parkland and upgraded transit connections to JFK Airport and Manhattan. He’s also helping lead a $50 million commitment to launch the Genting Innovation Campus, a wellness center and a STEAM institute aimed at youth in Southeast Queens.
If licensed, the casino would double its gaming revenue from $1 billion to an estimated $2.2 billion by 2027. The expansion is expected to create 5,000 permanent jobs and an additional 5,000 jobs during construction.
A$AP Rocky dismissed traditional therapy and praised Jay-Z as a trusted confidant during a revealing conversation with Elle, linking mental health skepticism to his own experiences and upcoming film.
“I think Jay-Z is a Black therapist,” A$AP Rocky said. “A lot of people come to him with their problems.”
The Harlem rapper made the remark while discussing the shortage of Black therapists and his personal doubts about the effectiveness of therapy.
His comments came as part of a wide-ranging interview tied to the release of If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, a psychological thriller he stars in alongside Rose Byrne.
“That whole f**king film is an anxiety attack,” he said.
Rocky didn’t hold back when asked about his stance on therapy, comparing it to mystical practices.
“My outlook on therapy is so pessimistic, it’s not even funny. I might get killed for this, but I put therapists in the same box as psychic readings,” he said.
He added, “I look at it like, yo, if you don’t share the same experiences what’s the point of me telling a stranger my business for an hour straight, for them to just say, ‘OK, well, how did that make you feel?’”
The Elle feature also touched on Rocky’s personal life. He and Rihanna recently welcomed their third child, a daughter, further expanding their high-profile family.
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is set to hit theaters next month.
6ix9ine was back in court on Thursday (September 25) after prosecutors alleged he assaulted a man who mocked him for cooperating with federal authorities in the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods case.
Federal prosecutors from the Southern District of New York say surveillance footage shows the rapper briefly attacking a man inside a West Palm Beach mall.
The individual reportedly called him a “snitch,” referencing his testimony in the 2019 racketeering trial that helped convict several gang members.
Prosecutors urged U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer to jail Hernandez immediately, but the judge declined.
Sentencing is now scheduled for November 4 on three separate violations tied to his supervised release. The court will decide whether Hernandez will serve additional prison time.
The rapper’s legal issues stem from a 2019 plea agreement in which he cooperated with federal prosecutors to avoid a lengthy sentence. He initially faced up to 47 years behind bars but received just two after testifying against members of Nine Trey.
In exchange, he agreed to five years of supervised release, 1,000 hours of community service and a $35,000 fine. This latest courtroom appearance follows a string of recent legal problems.
That guilty plea alone violated the terms of his supervised release. Judge Engelmayer warned Hernandez at the time that “the rules don’t apply to him” attitude could land him back in prison.
The rapper had already served 45 days in jail last November for unauthorized travel and multiple failed drug tests, including one for methamphetamine.
Despite his own cooperation with law enforcement, 6ix9ine has publicly criticized other artists for doing the same.
He previously took aim at Young Thug amid the Atlanta rapper’s controversy after a video of him talking to police in an interrogation room and a series of leaked jail calls put him under scrutiny and damaged his reputation.
Walter Emanuel Jones is remembered by a generation as Zack Taylor, the original Black Power Ranger. Now, at 54, the Detroit-born actor is trading martial arts for microphones as he dives headfirst into rap.
Jones, who also goes by Tre Emanuel, dropped a new track that leans heavily into Hip-Hop with a bounce that would fit nicely on today’s playlists. While most might expect nostalgia when they hear the Black Ranger is rapping, Tre delivers something closer to mainstream rap than a gimmick. He’s nice. If the name wasn’t attached, listeners could easily mistake it for a fresh new artist. I guess he is a fresh new artist.
Detroit has produced rap giants like Eminem, Big Sean and J Dilla. Tre doesn’t have a well-known history in Hip-Hop, but his sound is polished. I am thinking he’s been rapping all this time and finally decided to go for it. By the way, he’s got other songs like “Dance,” a feel-good cut that’s more about fun than bars.
Walter’s story has some weight outside of music. As a child, he lost part of his left hand after an accident with a real gun he mistook for a toy. The injury cost him his middle finger. It has almost nothing to do with Hip-Hop or Hollywood, but it adds a layer of grit to his life.
For many, Jones will always be the first Black Ranger—a trailblazer. He is one of the most recognizable kids’ shows of the ’90s. I am glad he’s looking forward. He’s got new songs hitting and he has great momentum. He’s been a morphing superhero and now he’s a morphing talent. Surprise!
Metro Boomin walked out of a Los Angeles courtroom Thursday (September 25) with a clean slate after a federal jury swiftly ruled he was not liable in a civil sexual assault lawsuit brought by Vanessa LeMaistre, ending a tense legal battle that began last year.
The verdict came after less than an hour of deliberation, with jurors rejecting all four claims against the Hip-Hop producer.
The case had drawn considerable attention due to the nature of the allegations and Metro Boomin’s high-profile status in the music industry.
LeMaistre filed the lawsuit in October 2023, alleging that in 2016, after consuming alcohol and half a Xanax pill during a recording session, she lost consciousness and later woke up in a hotel room where she claimed Metro Boomin was sexually assaulting her.
Metro Boomin leaves federal court in LA after a jury cleared him in a lawsuit alleging he sexually assaulted a woman in 2016.
I'll have a full recap with quotes from closing arguments and more photos and video.
One of the more contentious moments in court came when the defense introduced handwritten notes LeMaistre wrote during a 2024 Ayahuasca retreat in Peru.
In those notes, she mentioned plans to “blow the whistle” on Metro Boomin and referenced seeking millions in damages. His attorney described the writings as “disturbing” and questioned LeMaistre’s motives and credibility.
A psychologist called by the defense also challenged the reliability of LeMaistre’s memory. The expert pointed to discrepancies between her testimony and her medical records, raising doubts about the consistency of her claims.
LeMaistre’s legal team requested a mistrial after the defense referenced her sexual history without prior court approval. The judge denied the motion, allowing closing arguments to proceed.
Throughout the trial, Metro Boomin received visible support from close friends, including rapper Young Thug, who made an appearance in court.
The jury’s decision Thursday officially ended a case Metro Boomin described as a “preposterous” attempt at a celebrity shakedown. The producer is now shifting his focus back to music after the verdict cleared him of any liability.
