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Director Who Made Some Of Hip-Hop’s Most Iconic Videos Dead At 63

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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Diane Martel, the fearless visual architect behind Blurred Lines and All I Want for Christmas Is You, died earlier this week at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York following a prolonged fight with breast cancer.

She was 63.

Her family confirmed her passing in a statement, saying she “passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family.” Martel is survived by her aunt, Gail Merrifield Papp, the widow of Public Theater founder Joseph Papp and three cats.

Martel’s career spanned more than 30 years, starting in the early 1990s when she emerged from New York’s underground Hip-Hop scene. Her directorial debut came in 1992 with the gritty Throw Ya Gunz by Onyx, a video that set the tone for her raw, unfiltered aesthetic.

She quickly became a go-to director for Hip-Hop royalty, helming visuals for Method Man, LL Cool J, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, “Chief Rocka” by Lords of the Underground, Gang Starr, and Keith Murray.

Her catalog includes both chart-toppers and deep cuts, from Nicki Minaj‘s Pills N Potions to Insane Clown Posse‘s Another Love Song.

In a 2003 interview with Vibe, Martel made her stance on creative integrity crystal clear:

“I’m concerned with how wack videos are right now. How fortunate are directors every time we’re given an opportunity to represent the culture? How dare we serve people weak s### when Hip-Hop was born of such strength.”

Her breakout moment came through her long-standing collaboration with Mariah Carey, directing eight of the singer’s videos, including the enduring holiday juggernaut All I Want for Christmas Is You, which has racked up nearly 900 million views on YouTube.

Martel’s reach extended far beyond Hip-Hop. She crafted iconic visuals for Christina Aguilera‘s Genie in a Bottle, Justin Timberlake‘s Like I Love You, Beyoncé‘s Best Thing I Never Had, and Alicia Keys‘ If I Ain’t Got You.

But it was in 2013 that Martel found herself at the center of a cultural firestorm. She directed two of the year’s most talked-about videos: Miley Cyrus’ We Can’t Stop and Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines.

The latter drew intense criticism for its portrayal of women and sparked a broader conversation about consent in pop culture.

Years later, model Emily Ratajkowski accused Thicke of groping her during the Blurred Lines shoot. Martel backed her up, telling The Times, “I screamed in my very aggressive Brooklyn voice, ‘What the f*** are you doing, that’s it! The shoot is over!

“Your endless history will remain recognized. Sleep Peacefully,” DJ Premier said in a touching tribute, while EPMD’s Erick Sermon said, “my girl. This hurts.”

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Kanye West Heading To South Africa As World Tour Continues

By: Nolan Strong Updated Category: News
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Kanye West, now performing under the name Ye, is bringing his globe-spanning tour to South Africa with a one-night-only concert set for December 13, 2025, at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.

The stadium, which accommodates over 62,000 people, will host Ye’s only scheduled performance on the African continent next year. The announcement, made through Ye’s official X account, drew immediate attention online and attracted a mix of excitement and skepticism.

Ticket registration will open September 23 via Ticketpro.co.za, though early technical issues delayed the original rollout. The event is being coordinated by the Monyake Group and Ellis Park Stadium, but concerns have surfaced over the promoter’s limited online presence and inactive website, prompting questions about the event’s legitimacy.

Despite the uncertainty, anticipation is high. This will mark Ye’s first major concert in South Africa since 2013 and industry observers expect a strong turnout given the exclusivity of the event.

Some online users expressed concern, citing Ye’s unpredictable track record, including abrupt cancellations and erratic behavior. Others welcomed the announcement, eager to see the Hip-Hop icon return to the stage after a turbulent few years.

The Johannesburg date follows Ye’s recent performances in Asia, where he delivered two very different shows.

On July 26, Ye performed to a sold-out crowd of 50,000 at Incheon Munhak Stadium in South Korea. The show featured a stripped-down stage design, explosive visuals, and a surprise appearance by his daughter, North West, who joined him for choreography and rapping.

The performance received praise for its energy and emotional moments, including a crowd-wide singalong of “Heartless.”

Two weeks earlier, on July 12, Ye took the stage in Shanghai for his first full concert in China in 17 years.

That show, however, was marred by rain, sound issues, and delays. West arrived more than 40 minutes late, walked off stage multiple times and left before the final songs finished.

Many attendees demanded refunds, while some defended the performance, blaming the weather and praising the setlist.

The South African concert news also comes just days after the U.S. theatrical release of In Whose Name?, a documentary chronicling six years of Ye’s life.

Directed by Nico Ballesteros, the film compiles over 3,000 hours of footage and explores Ye’s mental health, political ventures and personal struggles.

The film premiered on September 19 and is currently playing in AMC, Regal and Cinemark theaters nationwide.

Cam’ron Reveals Truth Behind Booking Damon Dash’s Son “Your Son Was Broke”

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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Cam’ron continued to discuss his bitter feud with Damon Dash by revealing on his talk show that Dame’s son, Boogie Dash, allegedly reached out for financial help and agreed to appear on Cam’s show in exchange for money.

According to Cam, the offer to appear on the show wasn’t a setup but a response to Boogie’s financial struggles.

The Harlem-born rapper addressed the controversy during an episode of Talk with Flee, claiming that Boogie Dash had contacted Cam’s producer, Larry, for money just weeks ago.

“If you want to know the truth, Dame, this is what happened. Your son, a few weeks ago, called Larry asking for money. He needed money. Not last month, not last year, not a couple years ago,” Cam’ron said.

Cam said Larry offered to pay Boogie to appear on the show, and Boogie accepted.

“He [Larry] said, ‘Yo, you want to come on the show? We’ll pay for it.’ He [Boogie] said, ‘yeah, I’ll come on the show,” Cam’ron explained. Cam’ron said he texted Boogie directly to ask what he wanted to discuss.

“I said, Boogie, what do you want to talk about? [Boogie said] ‘My movies and my music.’ I said, ‘All right, no problem.”

But things quickly escalated when Damon Dash accused Cam of trying to manipulate his son to avoid addressing their issues face-to-face.

Dame posted on Instagram, “Cam, this is a whole new level of low. You know, it’s just not proper conduct to bring children, or my children, or anyone’s children. And I know Larry made the call, but to try to divide a family and take advantage, manipulate my child, all because you’re too scared to have a direct conversation with me about the things you said about me. It kind of shows your pedigree of pettiness.”

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Cam denied any malicious intent, saying the timing may have been unfortunate, but the offer was sincere.

“No, your son was broke. Hit Larry for some bread. Larry thought it’d be cool for you to come on the show,” Cam said. “Like I said, could have been bad timing. But no, I ain’t going to diss your son. Your son needed money.”

The fallout between the two Hip-Hop figures has been simmering for months. Their relationship fractured after Cam’ron criticized Dame for mishandling business opportunities.

Tensions flared when 50 Cent announced he had acquired the rights to Paid In Full and tapped Cam’ron as executive producer for a new series. Dame, who produced the original film, was not involved and wasn’t appreciative of the actions of his longtime friend.

Dame responded by calling Cam disloyal, especially over his interview with 50 Cent. Cam has also taken shots at Dame’s other son, Lucky, while Damon threw shots at Cam’s deceased mother.

The feud could now turn legal, as Dame has threatened to file a $300 million lawsuit accusing Cam of defamation and business interference.

Cam fired back with his “When I See You” freestyle, mocking Dame’s finances and dental issues and claiming Dame’s influence had faded.

Lizzo Slams “Racist” Sampling Laws That Target Hip-Hop

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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Lizzo called out music sampling laws and their racial implications during a Million Dollaz Worth of Game interview, arguing the rules unfairly target Black creativity and the roots of Hip-Hop.

The “Truth Hurts” singer didn’t hold back when discussing how copyright enforcement has evolved to criminalize the very foundation of Hip-Hop’s sound.

“The first time people started sampling was who? It was rappers in the ’80s and ’90s,” she said. “They were sampling records because they didn’t have access to big studios. They didn’t grow up learning how to play bass and stuff like that. They created the genre of hip-hop through sampling records in their parents’ vinyls and stuff. There were no sampling laws back then.”

Lizzo argued that the crackdown on sampling is more than just a legal issue — it’s a cultural one.

“I just feel like the theft of it all, putting theft on Black culture, that’s the part that kind of turns me off,” she said. “Hip-hop’s medium was sampling. Sampling is a Black art that bred hip-hop. Hip-hop was born from sampling. And now sampling is synonymous with theft.”

She described the legal pursuit of artists over unlicensed samples as “policing Black art,” a phrase she repeated throughout the interview. While she acknowledged the need for some level of regulation, she criticized how copyright law is often applied.

“They had to regulate some sort of thing and there’s certain things that are fair and unfair,” she said. “I get it. But when you’re suing people off of a vibe, it’s like, man, that’s the vibe of my song.”

Sampling has long been a cornerstone of Hip-Hop, with early pioneers looping breaks from funk, soul and jazz records to create new sounds. However, as the genre evolved into a global phenomenon, the legal landscape underwent significant changes.

Lawsuits over unauthorized samples have become increasingly common, forcing artists to clear even the smallest snippets or risk litigation.

SIGNS: Entire Police Department Quits After Mayor Fires Historic Black Woman Police Chief

By: Houston Williams Updated Category: Rumors
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Martha Caradine Demoted As Ackerman’s First African American Woman Police Chief Sparks Echoes Of A Wider Pattern

Martha Caradine made history in September 2024 when she became the first African American woman to lead the Ackerman, Mississippi police force, rising from assistant chief . But in September 2025, she was demoted, and several officers resigned in protest. According to reports, there was one cop left on staff.

That move doesn’t just stand alone. It fits into a disturbing trend: Black women being pushed to the margins across federal and local jobs as the second Trump administration ramps up mass firings, cuts, rollbacks of DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) efforts, and layoffs.

Since Trump re-entered the Oval Office, over 300,000 Black women have left or been forced out of the workforce. These insidious movies include layoffs, budget cuts or feeling unsafe and unsupported. It is all real and it has all happened since The Donald moved into that big, white house.

In August 2025, the unemployment rate for Black women jumped to 7.5 percent, up from 5.4 percent in January. This marked a rapid unraveling of job security for the nations most educated and qualified group.

Caradine’s story sits nicely inside this ongoing turmoil. Her demotion isn’t just about one town. It reflects a system-wide issue where Black women who reach high level leadership roles seem especially vulnerable. Based on their qualifications, talent and even personalities they deserve none of this.

Her marriage to Lawrence Caradine, chief of police in nearby Eupora, adds another layer. This is in the home – not remote for her family. They have not commented, but they do have an active FB page where they bring to light those that support them.

Ackerman’s new mayor, who happens to be a white woman, has caused outrage, but she stands on her decision. But people are awake, watching and the support of the resigning police force shows true conviction. Martha Caradine’s demotion may seem local, but it resonates nationally. Black women’s job exits are trending upward, faster than most other groups. This happens despite their qualifications and education. This is the new battleground.

Caradine’s removal shows how fast “firsts” can be celebrated for a moment, but then systemically abandoned. Ackerman won’t be the only town watching this pattern. We’ll all be watching.

Rapper Says He’s Homeland Security After NYPD Cop Roasted For Performing As Stripper In Video

By: Nolan Strong Updated Category: News
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Phabian “S-Quire” Winfield found himself at the center of a national firestorm when a music video he released in March 2025 went viral—not for his lyrics, but for featuring an off-duty NYPD detective performing as a stripper.

Now, the federal Homeland Security officer is reclaiming the narrative with a documentary that reveals the secret life he kept hidden while working in law enforcement.

Titled The Making of a Moment, the film premieres on October 29 at Manhattan’s SVA Theatre and dives headfirst into S-Quire’s double life as a government agent by day and Hip-Hop artist by night.

The project also examines the fallout from his controversial video, “Doin That,” which went viral online.

The clip’s most talked-about element wasn’t S-Quire’s rhymes—it was the appearance of NYPD detective Melissa Mercado, who was off the clock and performing in a pole-dancing role.

The internet was abuzz with debate over whether law enforcement officers should be allowed to engage in side gigs that are perceived as provocative. What no one realized at the time was that the rapper behind the camera was also a federal agent.

“This film isn’t about hype—it’s about truth,” S-Quire said. “I stayed silent while the internet judged me, but now the full story comes out.”

Narrated by WBLS radio host Lenny Green, the documentary retraces S-Quire’s path from Hempstead, New York, through years of personal and spiritual battles, to the viral moment that nearly derailed both his careers. It also explores broader questions about identity, faith and the toll of living two lives under public scrutiny.

S-Quire operates through his company RITENOWMUZIC LLC and describes himself as a Hip-Hop artist, author, filmmaker and federal officer.

According to his bio, his work is designed to “inspire resilience, challenge perceptions of identity, and give voice to those navigating unseen struggles.”

The documentary arrives at a time when law enforcement agencies across the country are reevaluating how officers conduct themselves outside of work—especially on social media.

While rules differ by agency, federal employees often face stricter restrictions on outside ventures that could impact public trust or their security clearance.

The controversy surrounding “Doin That” raised questions about whether federal workers should be allowed to pursue creative careers that don’t directly interfere with their duties.

S-Quire’s film aims to address those concerns while offering a personal look at the man behind the headlines.

Following its New York premiere, The Making of a Moment will be distributed globally through streaming services, with a wider release planned for late fall 2025 via FilmHub.

Tickets for the October 29 screening are available on Eventbrite, and the official trailer is now live on YouTube.

Kneecap Vows To Fight After Canada Bans Rap Group From The Country

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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Kneecap had their upcoming Canadian shows abruptly canceled after the federal government barred the Irish Hip-Hop trio from entering the country, citing alleged ties to extremist groups.

The decision, announced Friday by a top official, has ignited a tense standoff between the Belfast-based artists and Canadian authorities.

Vince Gasparro, Parliamentary Secretary for Combating Crime, delivered the news in a video posted online.

“Kneecap has engaged in actions and have made statements that are contrary to Canadian values and laws that have caused deep alarm to our government,” Gasparro said. He added that the group “have amplified political violence and publicly displayed support for terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas.”

The group, known for its politically charged lyrics and use of the Irish language, responded swiftly.

“We do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah. We condemn all attacks on civilians,” they said. On social media, they called the claims “wholly untrue and deeply malicious” and promised to “be relentless in defending ourselves against baseless accusations to silence our opposition to a genocide being committed by Israel.”

Kneecap—made up of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí—was scheduled to perform in Toronto and Vancouver next month. The ban has derailed those plans and prompted the group to explore legal action.

The controversy follows months of scrutiny over the trio’s political messaging.

Videos surfaced showing members allegedly shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” and “the only good Tory is a dead Tory” at performances. One member, Mo Chara, is currently facing terrorism charges in the UK for allegedly waving a Hezbollah flag at a London concert last November.

He is due back in court on September 26.

Their Coachella performance earlier this year also drew backlash after they led the crowd in “Free Palestine” chants and projected messages accusing Israel of genocide.

Sharon Osbourne was among those who called for their US visas to be revoked.

Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act gives the government broad discretion to deny entry to foreign nationals suspected of promoting violence or terrorism.

Immigration lawyer Richard Kurland told CBC News that officials can act on “reasonable suspicion” without the need for a criminal conviction.

Jewish advocacy group B’nai Brith Canada supported the ban, saying, “Kneecap has repeatedly glorified violence and extremism. Their incitement is not just a danger to the Jewish community, it is a danger to Canadian values and to all Canadians.”

Despite the criticism, the trio has earned praise for revitalizing the Irish language through Hip-Hop. Formed in 2017, Kneecap belongs to the post-Troubles generation in Northern Ireland and often weaves political themes into their music.

“It’s impossible not to be political here [in Northern Ireland] if you’re going to speak Irish,” Mo Chara told NPR in 2023.

Their semi-fictional biopic won a BAFTA award earlier this year and they performed at Glastonbury despite pushback from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who said their appearance was “not appropriate.”

The Canadian government’s move comes as Justice Minister Sean Fraser introduced legislation to criminalize the use of terror-related symbols in hate speech.

LGP Qua Remembered With Two Streets Named In His Honor

By: Nolan Strong Updated Category: News
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LGP Qua now has his name etched into the streets of North Philadelphia after the City Council unanimously approved renaming two blocks to honor the late rapper and activist who was killed on Mother’s Day during an attempted robbery.

The 900 block of West Clearfield Street will now be known as “Voice of the Youth,” and the stretch of North 9th Street from Clearfield to Indiana Avenue has been renamed “LGP Qua Way,” a tribute to Qidere Johnson’s stage name and his commitment to uplifting young people in his community.

Johnson, 30, was fatally shot on May 12, 2025, in the Juniata Park neighborhood. He died at Temple University Hospital following the shooting, which police said happened during a robbery attempt.

His death sent ripples through Philadelphia’s Hip-Hop scene and beyond, especially among those who knew him as a voice against the very violence that took his life.

Councilmember Jeffery Young, who represents the 5th District, used Thursday’s ceremony to call attention to the broader issue of gun violence in the city. He pointed to a recent shooting involving a student from Dobbins High School as another example of the crisis.

“This week alone, our city has been shaken by mass amounts of gun violence,” Young said. “But for an incident like this to take place within our School Safe Corridors is especially concerning.”

Young said the city must invest in real solutions.

“That is why I remain committed to putting our resources toward solutions that work — community safety partnerships, youth support programs, and investments that address the root causes of violence,” he said.

LGP Qua was more than a rapper—he was a mentor and motivator for Philadelphia’s youth. His music often carried messages of hope and resistance against the gun violence that plagued his city. He earned the nickname “Voice of the Youth” for good reason.

Police have arrested three suspects in connection with Johnson’s killing. Two men were taken into custody in May, and a third was apprehended in August.

Johnson’s mother, Tamara Davis, previously spoke out about the pain of losing her son on Mother’s Day, calling it a devastating loss for their family and the community he worked to protect.

The renaming is effective immediately, serving as a permanent marker of Johnson’s legacy in the city he sought to change.

Rampage Jackson’s Son facing Prison Stint Over Wrestling Beat Down

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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Rampage Jackson’s son Raja Jackson was arrested in Los Angeles on felony battery charges after a violent in-ring assault left a wrestler hospitalized with serious injuries during a live event.

The 25-year-old MMA fighter, and son of former UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, was taken into custody Thursday and booked at the Los Angeles County jail with bail set at $50,000, according to public records.

The arrest follows a disturbing August 23 incident at the KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, where Jackson stormed the ring and attacked wrestler Stuart “Syko Stu” Smith.

Video from the event shows Jackson slamming Smith to the mat before climbing on top of him and delivering over two dozen punches to the face. The attack continued until other wrestlers intervened and pulled Jackson away.

Smith was knocked unconscious and later hospitalized with a fractured maxilla bone, a torn lip, jaw trauma and multiple missing teeth. He was eventually discharged but described his condition as “a long road to recovery” in a Facebook post dated August 31.

The confrontation reportedly began earlier that night when Smith struck Jackson with a can during a match. While one video showed the two appearing to reconcile afterward, another clip captured a wrestler telling Jackson to give someone a “receipt” — a wrestling term for a real hit in response to a stiff or unscripted move.

KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy issued a statement condemning the incident: “What was supposed to be a planned and agreed upon wrestling spot, turned into a selfish, irresponsible act of violence against Mr. Smith. This egregious act is reprehensible and never should have occurred.”

Rampage, a former UFC light heavyweight titleholder, publicly addressed his son’s actions on X, formerly Twitter.

“Raja is a MMA fighter not a pro wrestler and had no business [being] involved in an event like this,” he wrote. “I don’t condone my son’s actions AT ALL! I am very upset that any of this happened.” He added, “bad judgement, and a work that went wrong.”

Raja Jackson, who began his MMA career in 2023, has yet to make a major impact in the sport despite his lineage. His father, by contrast, built a reputation in PRIDE and the UFC for his knockout power and charisma.

The Los Angeles Police Department responded to the August incident and filed a felony battery report, but no arrest was made at the time. It remains unclear whether Raja Jackson has hired an attorney.

Cardi B Bolts To No. 1, Breaking Nicki Minaj’s Speed Record

By: Houston Williams Updated Category: News
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Cardi B is back in headline-snatching form and this time she’s making digital history.

Her freshly dropped album, AM I THE DRAMA?, stormed up the charts and became the fastest project by a female rapper to hit No. 1 on U.S. iTunes this decade.

This was accomplished in just 30 minutes.

For perspective, Cardi just dethroned her longtime rival Nicki Minaj. Minaj’s Pink Friday 2 previously held the crown with a 51-minute sprint to the top of the digital charts.

Fans are already dissecting the timing and the symbolism, considering both Queens of Hip-Hop have long been compared and contrasted in their respective chart dominance.

The Bronx superstar has made a career out of defying expectations and this latest milestone only adds fuel to her legend. iTunes may not be the end-all metric in today’s streaming-heavy world, but it still reveals just how rabid her fan base is when new music is released.

Cardi has clearly mastered the art of anticipation and delivery, whipping her supporters into a frenzy the moment the album went live. It did not hurt that she skewered her competition on several songs on AM I THE DRAMA?

READ ALSO: Cardi B Drags BIA With Brutal Lyrics On Explosive Diss Track “Pretty & Petty”

Female rap has been a battlefield. For more than a decade, Nicki Minaj was the bar. Cardi has spent much of her career proving she belongs in the same conversation. After a long hiatus, she has cemented her bragging rights.

This was a record-breaking moment.

Cardi has a baby on the way and is now planning a tour, so she’s going to have her personal and professional hands full.

Cardi B Says Offset Still Holds “Hate” As Co-Parenting Crumbles Amid Divorce

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Cardi B says co-parenting with Offset is nowhere near functional as the pair continues to navigate the fallout from their split, more than a year after she filed for divorce.

In a revealing conversation with Gayle King on CBS Mornings, the Bronx rapper made it clear that while she’s moved on emotionally, her ex hasn’t.

“I think like not right now. Not right now,” Cardi said when asked if they’re able to co-parent. “I don’t really have hate in my heart anymore. I think he has like some type of hate in his heart right now.”

The Grammy winner, who is currently pregnant with her fourth child—her first with NFL star Stefon Diggs—also expressed frustration over being constantly linked to her estranged husband.

“I’m so tired of people associating me with somebody that is from the past,” she told King. “I filed for divorce a year ago. That should be very clear. I don’t deal with that, I don’t mess with that, I don’t have no contact with that.”

Cardi and Offset, whose real name is Kiari Cephus, share three children: 7-year-old Kulture Kiari, 3-year-old Wave Set and 1-year-old Blossom.

Their relationship, which began with a secret 2017 wedding, was marked by several public splits and reconciliations before Cardi filed for divorce in July 2024.

Despite the current strain, Cardi said she still hopes they’ll eventually find common ground for the sake of their children.

“We should be able to raise kids,” she said. “We should be able to ask each other questions. We should be able to be like, ‘Hey, look at what one of the kids just did. Look at this. Look at the report card.’ We should be able to celebrate. But it’s not about the kids. One thing I’m learning it’s not about the kids.”

She added that while she’s let go of any bitterness, she believes Offset hasn’t.

“I don’t know how long that’s gonna take because somebody could say it out their mouth, but the action is not,” she said. “I don’t know how long that’s gonna take for him, but that that’s always been my wish.”

Cardi also pointed out that she’s maintained peaceful relationships with past partners.

Offset previously addressed their breakup in his song “Move On,” telling the Associated Press in August that the track was about “moving on peacefully.”

“It’s about moving on peacefully,” he said. “That’s what the message is supposed to be. It’s all love and peace. I just ended the album with that, just to end that chapter because it’s time to move on, it’s over and done with.”

He added, “It was great while it lasted. That shouldn’t be the topic for either one of us no more. It’s a book that’s closed.”

Cardi announced her pregnancy with Diggs in August 2024, just weeks after filing for divorce, marking a new chapter in both her personal and family life.

Kanye West Goes Nuclear On Kris Jenner Over Meds – “I’d Rather Be Dead”

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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Kanye West went off on Kris Jenner in his new documentary, In Whose Name? throwing a full-blown tantrum about how the world perceived his 2016 psychiatric hospital stay.

He called out the whole Kardashian clan, saying they made him feel like “a p############” for being on meds. Then he dropped this bomb: “I would rather be dead, not in jail” and “I would rather be dead than to be on medication.”

In a rather shocking scene, Ye screamed in Kris’ face about how much it “does matter” what people think. And he didn’t say it once—he kept shouting “It does matter!” like he was trying to drill it into her head.

Kris, cool as ever, clapped back with a calm but cold “It doesn’t matter what the peanut gallery says on the internet.”

The blow-up apparently happened sometime in 2018. The documentary doesn’t shy away from the chaos. It dives into Ye’s mental health struggles, his antisemitic outbursts and a bunch of other heavy moments from the past few years.

Social media’s been buzzing since the clip dropped. Some folks were stunned by Ye’s meltdown, while others gave props to Kris for staying chill while he was yelling in her face.

The film’s director, Nico Ballesteros, said the goal wasn’t to show Ye unraveling but to show Kanye behind the headlines.

Chadwick Boseman’s Hip-Hop Play “Deep Azure” Set To Premiere

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: AHHplus
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Chadwick Boseman mixed Hip-Hop and Shakespeare in a haunting stage piece about police violence and grief that will debut in London’s Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in February 2026.

The late actor’s play, Deep Azure, will be staged at the indoor candlelit venue operated by Shakespeare’s Globe, marking its first UK production, according to The Guardian.

Originally written in response to the 2000 police killing of Boseman’s Howard University classmate Prince Jones, the work explores themes of racial injustice, mourning and spiritual resilience.

Director Tristan Fynn-Aiduenu, who will lead the London production, called the play “incredibly poignant in speaking about the injustices of police brutality and the unwinding nature of grief, but also the gorgeous brilliance of our Black Souls and exploring every hue they can express on a stage.”

Boseman, who died in 2020 at age 43 after a private battle with cancer, penned the play before his rise to global fame as T’Challa in Marvel’s Black Panther.

He studied classical theater at Oxford through the British American Drama Academy. He began shaping Deep Azure after the death of Prince Jones, who was fatally shot by an undercover Prince George’s County police officer in Virginia. The officer mistook Jones for a suspect and fired 16 times.

Jones was unarmed.

The tragedy left a lasting impression on Boseman and fellow Howard alum Ta-Nehisi Coates, who later chronicled the event in his 2015 book Between the World and Me.

In 2006, a jury awarded damages to Jones’s daughter in a civil case for wrongful death.

The Sam Wanamaker production will run from February 7 through April 11, 2026.

Chance The Rapper Defends Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder After Resignation Over Gaza Stance

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Chance the Rapper threw his full support behind Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield on Thursday (September 18) after the longtime ice cream executive stepped down over what he described as corporate censorship tied to the war in Gaza.

Greenfield, who co-founded the socially conscious brand in 1978, announced his exit after nearly five decades, citing frustration with parent company Unilever’s refusal to allow the brand to speak out on political issues, including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“Ben & Jerry’s is the only major company I know of that has repeatedly lobbied for Black American Reparations,” Chance wrote on Twitter (X). “Two older men with access who have no incentive other than justice, are now being punished and silenced for their unwavering support of Palestine.”

The Grammy-winning rapper added, “I’m not heartbroken, im galvanized. We continue to fight the good fight.”

Greenfield’s departure was made public through a statement shared by fellow co-founder Ben Cohen. “It’s with a broken heart that I’ve decided I can no longer, in good conscience, and after 47 years, remain an employee of Ben & Jerry’s,” Greenfield wrote.

He called the move “one of the hardest and most painful decisions I’ve ever made.”

The resignation follows a prolonged standoff between the Ben & Jerry’s founders and Unilever, which acquired the Vermont-based company in 2000. At the time, Unilever agreed to let the brand maintain its progressive voice. But Greenfield said that promise has eroded.

According to The New York Times, Ben & Jerry’s filed a lawsuit against Unilever last year, accusing the conglomerate of blocking the brand from calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

In 2021, the company halted sales in Israeli-occupied territories, calling the move consistent with its values. Tensions escalated further when Cohen was arrested in May for disrupting a Senate hearing while protesting U.S. military aid to Israel.

Chance’s relationship with Ben & Jerry’s goes beyond admiration. In 2023, he collaborated with the company on a flavor called “Mint Chocolate Chance,” with proceeds benefiting his nonprofit, SocialWorks.

The Chicago-based organization supports youth through education and community programs. Chance has personally contributed $2 million to the initiative.

Colin Kaepernick Has Paid For Trey Reed Autopsy After Suspicious Hanging Death

By: Houston Williams Updated Category: News
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Colin Kaepernick is stepping in where questions linger. The former NFL quarterback will pay for an independent autopsy for Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old Delta State University student found dead on campus, civil rights attorney Ben Crump confirmed Friday.

READ ALSO: Coroner Releases Shocking Update In Trey Reed Hanging Case …

Reed’s body was discovered the morning of September 15 hanging from a tree near DSU’s pickleball courts, according to university officials. Classes were canceled for the day as law enforcement began its investigation. Police have said there is no evidence of foul play, but Reed’s family has pushed back, citing conflicting details about his death.

The Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office performed the initial autopsy on September 17, ruling the death a suicide by hanging. Toxicology results are pending, which could take weeks. Still, Reed’s family requested a second examination, one that Kaepernick will cover through his Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative, a program created to give families access to independent forensic reviews.

“Trey’s death evoked the collective memory of a community that has suffered a historic wound over many, many years and many, many deaths,” Crump said in a statement. “Peace will come only by getting to the truth. We thank Colin Kaepernick for supporting this grieving family and the cause of justice and truth.”

The Bolivar County Coroner’s Office has also emphasized that its probe remains active, with early findings showing no signs Reed was assaulted before his death. Multiple agencies, including the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, have joined the inquiry. Investigation materials have reportedly been forwarded to the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for review.

Authorities have declined to release Reed’s official autopsy report, further fueling the family’s unease. Crump said their pursuit of answers is about more than one case — it touches the legacy of mistrust between Black communities and institutions that historically failed them.

For now, Reed’s family waits for a second autopsy that they hope will clarify what happened to their son. Kaepernick’s support places the tragedy under a wider spotlight, as a grieving family and watchful community look for truth amid uncertainty.

Diddy Resurfaces On Jay Electronica’s New “New” Album

By: illseed Updated Category: Rumors
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Another one? YES! Jay Elect has another album and not the one we talked about yesterday!

READ ALSO: Jay Electronica Finally Released His Legendary Lost Album “Act II” On Streaming

Diddy and Jay Electronica are back…like they never left? Now that’s enough to make you sit up straight. The streets are buzzing that Sean “Diddy” Combs has popped up on Jay Electronica’s new album and if you blinked you might’ve missed it.

The track is called “Abracadabra” and fittingly, Diddy’s voice sets the tone right at the intro. Now, this is being pushed as his first “appearance” since that very public arrest last year. Interesting timing, right?

Let’s rewind. Remember when Jay Electronica was one of the hottest unsigned MCs in the land? Diddy was one of the very first people lobbying to bring him into the Bad Boy empire. But Jay went the Roc Nation route instead, aligning with JAY-Z. Fast forward to now and here we are, with Jay finally dropping back-to-back music bombs and Diddy sneaking in through the intro.

If Hip-Hop is a chessboard, this feels like a move with layers.

Now, I’m hearing something even wilder. Jay Electronica isn’t just dropping one album. Word around Roc Nation’s camp is that he might be flooding the market. Maybe even two in one day. You read that right. He could have another project up his sleeve waiting to hit streaming platforms as you’re reading this. The quiet prophet might turning into a monster. Stand by!

As for Diddy, well, his situation is far from music. He’s staring down imminent sentencing in his legal case, and depending on how the judge swings, he could walk or he could serve more time. Either way, this cameo couldn’t come at a more delicate moment. I don’t think it can hurt him, though. I think he’s going to need every ounce of support from his circle if things don’t go his way. And if he is freed.

EXCLUSIVE: Best Buy Wants Out Of Diddy Assault Case Involving Contest Winner

What makes the whole thing deeper is that Diddy himself admitted that Jay Electronica taught him about patience. Listen to the song. Think about that. One of the most impatient moguls in Hip-Hop history, known for hustling 24/7, learning patience from Jay Elect! Jay Electricity made us wait a decade for his debut. The contradiction!

At the end of the day, rap is in a strange place, but these moments remind us of its unpredictability. If Jay Electronica is really back and if Diddy is creeping back too, then we’re in for an intriguing chapter. Protect Hip-Hop. It’s still supposed to be a force for good.

By the way…

Remember when Diddy tweeted, “Damn it hurts in a whole other way when someone you felt and I mean really felt was your Friend, Betrays you. It hurts when Breathe [sic].”

Crazy!

Kamala Harris Blasts Trump’s Admin Over “Abuse Of Power” In Free Speech Fight

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur) Updated Category: AHHplus
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Kamala Harris Slams Trump’s “Abuse of Power” as Jimmy Kimmel Fallout Fuels Free Speech Debate

Kamala Harris has sounded the alarm about free expression in America as Donald Trump’s return to the White House has again produced a high-profile media controversy.

The former vice president, who warned during her 2024 campaign that Trump would seek “revenge” if re-elected, stopped short of naming names Thursday (September 18). But, in a post on Twitter (also called X) the former vice president called out what she described as a dangerous assault on the First Amendment.

“What we are witnessing is an outright abuse of power,” Harris posted. “This administration is attacking critics and using fear as a weapon to silence anyone who would speak out. Media corporations — from television networks to newspapers — are capitulating to these threats. We cannot dare to be silent or complacent in the face of this frontal assault on free speech. We, the People, deserve better.”

Harris’ comments came one day after Disney abruptly pulled Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show off the air. The network cited his on-air digs at Trump’s response to the fatal shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. Though Harris made no mention of Kimmel or Disney directly, the timing of her remarks connected her message to the uproar.

The late-night host’s removal has sparked backlash across Hollywood and beyond, with protesters gathering outside Disney’s Burbank headquarters and at the Hollywood Boulevard studio where Jimmy Kimmel Live is filmed. Media observers note the move followed fierce criticism from FCC chair Brendan Carr and warnings from station owners Nexstar and Sinclair that they would yank the program from their lineups.

Trump has repeatedly gloated over Kimmel’s suspension both online and during his recent state visit to the United Kingdom. The president has a history of targeting media outlets. Over the past year, he settled multimillion-dollar lawsuits with CBS parent Paramount Global and Disney over coverage he claimed was defamatory. He has also taken the Wall Street Journal and New York Times to court for critical reporting.

Those skirmishes are part of what Harris and other high-profile Democrats, including Barack Obama, describe as a campaign of intimidation designed to muzzle critics. Harris herself was entangled in Trump’s legal battles, with CBS paying $16 million last year to settle a $10 billion lawsuit over editing of her 60 Minutes interview during the 2024 election.

The Kimmel controversy continues to unfold as Jon Stewart prepares a rare Thursday night appearance back at The Daily Show, and as Harris prepares to launch a nationwide tour for her campaign memoir 107 Days.

The book release and her recent uptick in public appearances have fueled speculation she may be positioning herself for another presidential run in 2028, though she has denied interest in the California governorship.

Barack Obama Rips Trump To Shreds Over Jimmy Kimmel Suspension

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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Jimmy Kimmel was abruptly pulled from the airwaves after criticizing the MAGA movement’s response to a high-profile killing, prompting Barack Obama to publicly denounce what he described as political interference in media by the Trump administration.

The late-night host’s show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was shelved indefinitely by Disney, according to an ABC spokesperson, just hours after Kimmel suggested on-air that Tyler Robinson—the man accused of killing a man named Kirk—might have been a pro-Trump Republican. “Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be pre-empted indefinitely,” the spokesperson told CNN.

The fallout from Kimmel’s monologue quickly escalated into a broader political flashpoint when Obama took to social media Thursday to call out what he sees as a dangerous trend of government coercion targeting journalists and entertainers.

“After years of complaining about cancel culture, the current administration has taken it to a new and dangerous level by routinely threatening regulatory action against media companies unless they muzzle or fire reporters and commentators it doesn’t like,” Obama posted on X.

Roughly 15 hours had passed between Disney’s announcement and Obama’s response, which included a direct reference to a New York Times report about journalist Karen Attiah’s firing from The Washington Post. Attiah claimed she was dismissed over her online remarks following Kirk’s death.

“This is precisely the kind of government coercion that the First Amendment was designed to prevent – and media companies need to start standing up rather than capitulating to it,” Obama added in a follow-up post.

Kimmel, a longtime critic of Donald Trump, made the controversial remarks during his Monday night monologue, accusing the MAGA movement of exploiting Kirk’s death for political gain. The identity and motives of Robinson, the suspect in the killing, remain under investigation.

As of Friday (September 19), Disney has not provided a timeline for when or if Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to air.


Dank Demoss Gets Justice After Lyft Driver Body-Shamed Her, Denied Ride Over Weight

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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Dank Demoss settled her discrimination lawsuit against Lyft this summer after a driver in Detroit refused to give her a ride, claiming her weight would damage his car, according to court filings.

The 36-year-old rapper and influencer, whose real name is Dajua Blanding, captured the January incident on video when she ordered a Lyft to attend a Detroit Lions watch party.

As she approached the vehicle, the driver told her he couldn’t complete the ride.

“I can fit in this car,” Blanding said in the video. The driver replied, “Believe me, you can’t.”

He then claimed his tires couldn’t support her weight, apologized, and suggested she book an Uber XL instead. He also offered to cancel the ride so she wouldn’t be charged.

“I’ve been in cars smaller than that,” Blanding told FOX 2 Detroit. “I just want them to know that it hurt my feelings.”

Her attorney, Zach Runyan, confirmed the lawsuit was “resolved” earlier this year but declined to share details of the agreement.

Blanding’s legal team argued that the denial of service based on her size was comparable to discrimination based on race or religion.

“I knew that it was illegal, and I knew that it was wrong,” attorney Jonathan Marko said when the suit was filed.

Dank Demoss has built a following of more than 234,000 on Instagram, where she promotes body positivity and shares her music. Since 2019, she has released songs such as “So What,” “Feel My Pain,” and “No Love,” and has utilized her platform to address issues of discrimination and self-acceptance.

The video of the Lyft incident circulated widely online, prompting broader conversations about how ride-share companies handle bias. Lyft’s community guidelines prohibit discrimination based on physical traits, among other factors.

The company has not issued a public statement about the settlement.

Ky Frost Walks Free After Fatal Shooting Of Rapper T-Hood

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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Ky Frost has been officially cleared in the shooting death of T-Hood, with Gwinnett County police concluding that the 24-year-old acted in self-defense during a violent confrontation at a Georgia residence.

Investigators wrapped up their probe into the August 8 incident that left rapper Tevin Hood, known professionally as T-Hood, dead from multiple gunshot wounds.

According to authorities, the altercation took place at a home near Snellville and stemmed from an escalating domestic dispute involving Frost’s sister, Kelsie Frost.

“Tevin was the primary aggressor that night,” a police spokesperson said. Detectives allege T-Hood initiated the confrontation and brandished a weapon before Frost responded with gunfire.

Frost, the son of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta stars Kirk Frost and Rasheeda, reportedly drew his own firearm and shot T-Hood, who later died at a hospital. Police said Frost remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators.

The case has now been forwarded to the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office for review. While no charges have been filed, prosecutors will determine whether to proceed based on the police recommendation.

Surveillance footage obtained by TMZ played a key role in the investigation. The video allegedly shows T-Hood physically attacking Kelsie Frost in a prior incident.

That footage, combined with witness statements, helped shape the determination of self-defense.

Police also noted that T-Hood had previously been involved in a domestic violence incident with Kelsie. The rapper, who was 33 at the time of his death, had been dating her in the months leading up to the shooting.

An autopsy revealed that T-Hood was shot four times in the back. Despite that detail, authorities maintained that Frost’s actions were legally justified.

T-Hood had survived a separate shooting earlier in the year and was gaining traction in Atlanta’s Hip-Hop scene with songs like “Load Up.”

The Frost family has not issued a public statement since the incident.

Meanwhile, T-Hood’s relatives have hired legal counsel and expressed their intent to pursue justice through criminal or civil channels.

The District Attorney’s office has not announced when it will make a final charging decision.