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DaBaby “Canceled” For Music Video Reenacting Murder Of Ukrainian Refugee In Charlotte

DaBaby can’t seem to stay out of the headlines. The Charlotte rapper has sparked outrage after releasing a new music video that reenacts the killing of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who was stabbed to death on a train in his hometown.

The clip portrays the tragic incident with a dramatic twist. DaBaby steps in to stop the attacker before the assault takes place. While the real-life crime ended in Zarutska’s death, the rapper’s fictionalized version casts him as a hero, preventing violence rather than simply rapping about it. Ehhhh…this just happened last month.

READ ALSO: DaBaby Snatches Kids’ Sneakers After Winning Wild Basketball Bet

That creative decision hasn’t gone over well. Social media quickly lit up with criticism, with many calling the move disrespectful and exploitative. Detractors accused the rapper of using a brutal real-world tragedy for publicity and labeled the video as “poor taste.” I tend to agree, even though it’s well shot.

DaBaby has dealt with backlash before. His once sky-high career took a major blow in 2021 after making homophobic remarks during a Rolling Loud Miami performance. Since then, he has struggled to reclaim mainstream footing. Some argue he can’t be “canceled” again because he’s already operating outside of rap’s top tier.

Still, others note that DaBaby has been making efforts in community outreach. He recently appeared at the “24 Hours of Peace” event in Newark, New Jersey, an annual gathering meant to promote love and nonviolence. Supporters argue that his video should be viewed as an artistic statement about stopping violence, even if the execution has drawn heavy criticism.

The timing and subject matter, however, have left many unsettled. Zarutska’s killing was brutal and senseless. Now, it’s been reexamined under the glare of DaBaby’s music video, with local residents and advocates questioning whether the incident should ever have been dramatized.

Art, of course, is subjective. Some view the video as tone-deaf exploitation. Others see it as an attempt to frame DaBaby as a peacemaker. Creative expression is cool but, when real-life loss is involved…we should exercise restraint.

DaBaby AGAIN is a lightning rod of controversy. He asked for this one.

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Mobb Deep’s Havoc Drops “Infinite” Tracklist—And There Are Some Monster Features

The next album in Mobb Deep‘s catalog, Infinite, is scheduled for an October 10 release.

Ahead of its arrival, the sole surviving member of the group, Havoc, has unveiled the tracklist, which includes some big features.

Havoc dropped the back cover of the album art on Wednesday (September 17) via Instagram, revealing Clipse, Nas, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon and H.E.R. are among the many guests. He didn’t include much in the caption, but his peers were elated by who’s on the 15-track project.

From De La Soul’s Posdnuos to MC Eiht to Sheek Louch, there was no shortage of excitement for the album’s arrival.

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Mobb Deep, formed in 1990 in Queensbridge, New York, rose to prominence with Havoc and Prodigy’s raw depiction of street life. Starting as Poetical Profits, their 1993 debut, Juvenile Hell, set the bar, but it was their 1995 sophomore album, The Infamous (featuring the classic single “Shook Ones Pt. II”), that established them as pillars of East Coast rap.

Mobb Deep’s intense, reality-driven lyrics and Havoc’s ominous production defined albums like Hell on Earth and Murda Muzik. Their influence, marked by vivid storytelling, remains central to Hip-Hop history.

But the duo suffered a monumental loss in 2017, when Prodigy died at age just 42 after being hospitalized due to complications from sickle cell anemia, a condition he’d battled since birth. He became ill following a Mobb Deep performance in Las Vegas and passed away days later. The exact cause of death wasn’t immediately released, but it was later revealed that he had choked on an egg he was served at the hospital.

Infinite is part of Mass Appeal Records’ Legend Has It… series, which boasts releases from Slick Rick, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, De La Soul, Nas and Big L. Havoc teased the lead single, “Against the World,” earlier this month.

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Inside Travis Scott’s Los Angeles Home: A Masterclass in Modern Design

If you’ve been following Travis Scott on Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen more than just Astroworld aesthetics and Jordan collabs. The guy’s been dropping casual glimpses of his Los Angeles pad, and let’s just say, it’s not your typical celeb mansion flex. We’re talking a design-forward sanctuary that feels more like a museum of modern living than a rapper’s crash pad. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t just impress, it invites curiosity. Every corner feels intentional, every detail part of a bigger story.

In homes like this, Edra furniture doesn’t just show up by accident; it’s the kind of choice that signals a deep dive into design culture, not just an assistant picking things out of a catalog. Nestled somewhere in the sun-drenched hills above Brentwood, where views of the Pacific meet old-money architecture, Travis’s home makes a clear statement: this is someone who understands space, detail, and the art of the vibe.

The Living Room: Inside the Dope Vibe

Let’s start in the living room or what we’ll call the “tone-setter” of the house. First thing you clock? Those soft, sculptural poufs that instantly soften the sharp lines of the architecture. They look like those Gelly Poufs by Henge. Overhead, floating like they’re from a sci-fi art gallery, are lights that look suspiciously like the Light Ring Horizontal Polygonal Suspension Lamp. If you’ve never seen one IRL, imagine metal halos frozen mid-air, giving the room an ambient glow that’s somehow both cold and warm. Add in what looks like Sophie Lite Chairs by Poliform, tucked near an open-plan kitchen area, and you’ve got a room that balances high-end with lived-in cool. After all, the layout isn’t loud: there’s no Rococo drama here.

The Bar Area: High-End but Low-Key

Move over to the bar area and the vibe shifts. Those barstools? They’re dead ringers for the Radice Stool by Mattiazzi, minimal but with that perfect contrast between industrial and organic. Think warm wood meeting cool metal in a way that just works. Lighting is everything in a bar, and Travis (or more likely, his interior architect) nailed it. The lamps appear to be the Tape Light Pendant Lamps. These fixtures stretch light like molten lines across space, making the area feel intimate without being dark. It’s the kind of setup that says, “let’s have one more drink and talk about something real.”

The Cinema Room: Designed for Escapism

Now to the spot that probably gets the most use after tour season: the home cinema. And trust, this isn’t your average “TV on the wall” situation. The recliners? Almost definitely the Home Cinema Pillow Armchairs by Poltrona Frau. These are serious pieces: buttery leather, wide arms, adjustable backs, designed more for movie marathons than music video shoots.

Poolside: To Chill Like a Boss

Back outside, where L.A. earns its rep for eternal summer, Travis’s pool area doesn’t disappoint. This isn’t some plastic resort lookalike. Lined up beside the water are loungers that look like the Tressé Outdoor Sunbeds by Talenti. The arrangement isn’t crowded. There’s space between the loungers, a quiet reminder that the luxury here is as much about breathing room as it is about brand name.

Can Your Home Pull Off This Travis-Level Mood?

Travis Scott’s house is a design moodboard, not because it’s full of obvious luxury, but because every element seems with a specific intention. If you’re looking to bring a bit of that energy into your own place, whether it’s a loft in downtown LA or a rental with character in Highland Park, here’s the move: stop thinking in terms of furniture sets and start thinking in terms of atmosphere. And hey, maybe you can’t drop Edra Standard money on a sofa right now. No problem. Hunt for one piece, a light fixture, a stool, a rug, that feels like it belongs in a Travis-level moodboard. Let it anchor the room, then build around it.

D4vd Shares Matching Tattoo With Teen Found Dismembered In His Tesla

D4vd was thrust into a homicide investigation after the body of a missing 15-year-old girl was discovered in the front trunk of his Tesla, which had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills and later towed to an impound lot.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed the remains belong to Celeste Rivas, a teenager reported missing from Lake Elsinore in April. Her body was found decomposed inside the vehicle registered to D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke.

Rivas’ mother told TMZ she suspected the body was her daughter’s before officials confirmed it, pointing to a tattoo on the victim’s finger that read “Shhh…” — the same ink her daughter had.

She also said Celeste had a boyfriend named David.

Adding another layer to the case, D4vd has the exact same “Shhh…” tattoo on his right index finger.

While the tattoo design has been popularized by celebrities like Rihanna and Lindsay Lohan, the matching ink between the singer and the teen has raised questions.

Rivas was found wearing black leggings, a tube top, a metal stud earring and a bracelet shaped like the letter “W.”

Her body had been in the Tesla long enough to decompose, and police had been trying to identify her since the remains were discovered last week.

The 20-year-old artist, who rose to prominence in 2022 with his viral hit “Romantic Homicide,” has been touring and is reportedly cooperating fully with law enforcement.

The Tesla, which has Texas plates, was never reported stolen.

The LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division is leading the investigation, which remains open. No arrests have been made, and authorities have not publicly linked D4vd to any criminal activity.

Claudia Jordan Accuses Damon Dash Of “Wildly Inappropriate” On-Set Misconduct

Claudia Jordan unleashed on Damon Dash in a heated tirade Tuesday (September 16), accusing him of being a “pervert” and behaving inappropriately during the filming of Dear Frank, after Dash mentioned her during a recent interview and reignited old drama.

The former reality star and media personality detailed her experience working with Dash on the set of Dear Frank, claiming his behavior toward her and other women crossed serious lines.

“I have been quiet,” she said in a video posted on her Instagram Stories. “On the set of Dear Frank, you were wildly inappropriate. You did s### on that set that should have shut it down. Okay, very inappropriate the way you were carrying out with the women on set, and what you did to me during the one scene was f##### up.”

Jordan went further, alleging Dash’s conduct during a particular scene preparation was unacceptable.

“You was a f###### pervert on set,” she said. “You were disgusting. The things you did with that p### tape and what you tried to do to get me ready for a scene with you… You thought you was hot. You’re not. You’re a fat f###### mess.”

Jordan also took a jab at Dash’s legal and financial troubles, saying, “Why keep trying to bring me into your mess? You’ve been sued by everybody, and you lost every single lawsuit, and you owe the government all this money, yet you keep trying to bring me into your b#######.”

@housewivesfromahousewife

Real Housewives of Atlanta 🍑 Claudia Jordan claps back at Dame Dash for his comments about her on The Breakfast Club

♬ original sound – Housewives From A Housewife 💜

Damon Dash Addresses Graphic “Dear Frank” Scene

The video was a direct response to Dash’s comments during a Breakfast Club interview that aired Wednesday (September 16), where he accused Jordan of repeatedly criticizing his finances and personal life on her podcast and social media.

He recalled a moment on set when he allegedly asked Jordan to watch a pornographic film in a car to prepare for a sex scene.

“She was saying that she found that to be sexual harassment or something like that, or she just felt like it was inappropriate,” he said. “And I was like, yo, I didn’t want to talk sex with you. That’s why I gave it to you and said, ‘Go over there.”

Dash later reposted Jordan’s video with a caption that read, “Please tell your truth in front of a lot of people….i dare you.”

Cardi B Announces Fourth Pregnancy With Stefon Diggs

Cardi B confirmed she is expecting her fourth child with Stefon Diggs during a sit-down interview on CBS Mornings, revealing the news just months ahead of her arena tour and days before the release of her second studio album.

The 32-year-old rapper shared the pregnancy update Wednesday (September 18), putting an end to weeks of online speculation.

“I feel like I’m in a good space,” she told Gayle King, adding “I feel very strong. I feel very powerful that I’m doing all this work. But I’m doing all this work while I’m creating a baby, me and my man, we’re very supportive of each other.”

The baby is due before the kickoff of Cardi’s Little Miss Drama tour in February. Her long-awaited sophomore album, Am I The Drama?, is set to drop Friday (September 19).

Cardi B Reveals Stefon Diggs Promised To “Heal” Her

The Grammy winner credited Diggs, a wide receiver for the New England Patriots, with being a steady presence during the emotional rollercoaster of preparing for a major release.

“He just makes me feel safe and very confident and very strong,” she said. “I mean, like, two weeks ago I was literally having a panic attack. I was, like, crying and crying and crying, just because I was just getting really nervous with you know, the whole album rollout.”

Cardi admitted that criticism over her music has made her hesitant to release new work.

“And I’m like, see, this is why I don’t put music out,” she explained. “Because it’s like, this is my art and this is something that I put a lotta love and time to. And it’s just like, sometimes, when people just rip it apart it just hurts you and it crushes you.”

The couple was first linked in October 2024 and made their public debut at a New York Knicks playoff game in May 2025. Cardi, who shares three children with ex-husband Offset, said she was initially reluctant to start a new relationship.

However, Diggs told her, “Let me heal you. Give me a chance for me to heal you.”

She admitted she waited to go public with the pregnancy until she could “close some deals first,” and joked that her parents still don’t know. “I’m scared of them,” she teased.

With her signature humor, she encouraged supporters to back her upcoming release.

“Now y’all could buy my album so I can buy Pampers and diapers and all that type of stuff,” she added. “I told you. Now go support my album, cause I’m a mother of four now.”

Describing the new album, Cardi said, “I feel like it touch every little thing that I want to touch. And I just feel like it’s something that is not out there right now.”

The full interview with Gayle King airs Thursday (September 18) at 7 A.M. ET on CBS Mornings.

Ice Spice Praises Cardi B For Inspiring Women In Rap After Nicki Minaj’s Reign

Ice Spice gave Cardi B her flowers during a recent sit-down with Keke Palmer, saying the Bronx superstar revived belief in women’s place in Hip-Hop at a time when Nicki Minaj felt like an unreachable standard.

“I feel like Cardi B definitely brought back that hope [that] girls could rap. Because for a long time, Nicki [Minaj] seemed so unattainable,” Ice Spice said on “Baby, This is Keke Palmer.” “You know, that’s part of the lore, too of why I was so obsessed because I’m like, ‘Only she could do it.’”

The 24-year-old rapper, who has collaborated with both women, acknowledged the complicated space she occupies between two of the biggest names in the genre.

She and Minaj teamed up on 2023’s “Princess Diana (Remix)” and again in 2024 on “Barbie World.” Cardi B, meanwhile, recorded a remix of Ice Spice’s breakout hit “Munch (Feelin’ U)” but ultimately shelved it, saying she wasn’t happy with her delivery.

Despite past rumors of friction with Minaj, Ice Spice said she still holds the Queens rapper in high regard.

“Being co-signed by Nicki Minaj felt ‘crazy, crazy, crazy,'” she said. “I always wanted that to be the case, but when it happens, you’re like, ‘Whoa, is this real life?’ Two records with her, I was gassed. Of course, I still am.”

Ice Spice On Why Nicki Minaj Record Deal Fell Through

As for why she didn’t sign to Minaj’s Heavy On It Records, Ice Spice explained it came down to timing.

“I was already signed when she was trying to sign me,” she added. “So I think that’s where the hiccups were. It was really no room anymore, at that point, to make a new deal. I’m signed to two labels.”

Their relationship came under scrutiny in 2023 after leaked texts appeared to show Ice Spice calling Minaj “ungrateful and delusional.”

She later addressed the messages in Rolling Stone, saying they were written “in a moment of frustration around contract negotiations” and admitted she “could have [chosen] different words.”

“Regardless of how I felt in that moment, [Nicki] is still somebody I respect as an artist,” she said. “I’m always going to admire everything she’s done for me and the culture.”

D4vd’s Tesla Mystery Deepens As Teen Girl’s Identity Confirmed

Los Angeles police identified the body of a teenage girl found dead in the front trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to singer D4vd.

The vehicle became the center of a disturbing investigation after Los Angeles police discovered a decomposing body inside the vehicle’s front trunk at a Hollywood tow yard on September 8.

The Tesla had been abandoned and sitting at the lot for two days before employees reported a foul odor.

When officers opened the front compartment, they found the remains of a girl believed to be between 14 and 15 years old, according to LAPD sources who spoke with ABC News.

The body was stuffed inside a bag and was in an advanced state of decomposition. The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office has yet to determine a cause of death.

The girl, whose identity is being withheld as police attempt to notify her family, was previously described as 5 feet 2 inches tall, weighing 71 pounds, with wavy black hair.

She was wearing a tube top, black leggings, a yellow metal bracelet and stud earrings. A tattoo on her right index finger read “Shhh…”

Investigators believe she had been dead for some time before the discovery.

D4vd is on tour and is reportedly cooperating with investigators

The 20-year-old singer, who rose to fame on TikTok in 2022, is best known for his breakout tracks “Here With Me” and “Romantic Homicide.” He dropped his debut album in April and is scheduled to perform in Los Angeles on Saturday (September 20).

The case took another grim turn the following day when police found a second body—this time in the trunk of a Honda at a separate tow yard in South Los Angeles.

Authorities say there is currently no evidence linking the two incidents.

Wendy Williams Returns To Spotlight At NYFW As Court Orders Deposition

Wendy Williams lit up New York Fashion Week on Tuesday (September 17) with a bold appearance at LaQuan Smith’s Fall/Winter ’25 show, stepping out in full glam while navigating a high-profile legal battle and serious health issues.

The 61-year-old former daytime TV host arrived in head-to-toe LaQuan Smith, turning the sidewalk into her own catwalk as cameras snapped and onlookers buzzed.

When asked by TMZ how she felt being back in the spotlight, Williams declared: “A zillion dollars!”

The rare public outing comes as Williams faces mounting legal pressure tied to her guardianship and the controversial Lifetime documentary Where Is Wendy Williams?

According to court documents cited by PEOPLE, a judge ruled on Monday (September 15) that Williams must sit for a deposition by November 4 in a lawsuit filed by her court-appointed guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, against A&E Television Networks.

The suit alleges Williams lacked the mental capacity to consent to her appearance in the 2024 documentary due to her diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia and aphasia.

Despite the diagnosis, the court determined Williams is not legally barred from testifying. The judge stated it would be up to a jury to decide how much weight to give her statements.

The deposition will be taken “de bene esse,” a legal term for testimony recorded in advance due to concerns about a witness’s health or memory potentially declining before trial.

A&E has since filed a countersuit against Morrissey, setting the stage for a drawn-out legal fight over the documentary’s production and consent process.

Williams, who exited The Wendy Williams Show in 2022 after nearly 14 years, has kept a low profile since leaving television.

Her Fashion Week appearance marks one of the few times she’s been seen publicly in recent months.

Cardi B Admits She Missed Her Kids’ First Day Of School Over Assault Trial

Cardi B nodded off in court during a high-profile assault trial and now she’s owning up to it with no excuses and a little humor.

The Bronx-born rapper appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show on Monday (September 15) and addressed the viral moment in which she was caught on camera dozing during her summer courtroom showdown.

“I’m not even going to lie, I was,” she admitted when asked if she really fell asleep. “I had a long night! I’m in the middle of an album rollout. I was so sleepy, I was trying to fight it.”

The trial stemmed from a 2018 incident where Cardi was accused of assaulting a security guard. Despite the fatigue, she walked away victorious. But the stress wasn’t lost on her.

“I’m so overwhelmed,” she told Hudson. “I’m in the middle of an album rollout, and I have to go to court. And then, when I get to court, I realize that it’s going to be on national TV, being televised. It’s like, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me’ … I missed my kids’ first day of school.”

The Grammy Award-winning rapper is gearing up for the September 19 release of her next album, Am I the Drama?, which she confirmed will feature collaborations with Janet Jackson, Selena Gomez, Tyla, Megan Thee Stallion, Lizzo and Kehlani.

Young Thug’s “UY Scuti” Project Reportedly Pushed Back After Features Leave

Young Thug might be finding himself on an island right now as whispers in the industry say his upcoming project UY Scuti is hitting some turbulence. Word is several artists who once called themselves friends are now backing away from jumping on the album.

Sources tell us the hesitation isn’t about the music but about the messy cloud hanging over Thug’s name. With leaked jail calls and endless chatter about whether he did or didn’t talk to authorities, the speculation alone is a lot for the “culture.”

While nobody has gone on record about refusing to collaborate, the silence is deafening. When a rapper as big as Thug is putting together a body of work and names start quietly disappearing, it raises eyebrows. Nobody has said outright why they don’t want to be part of the rollout, but you don’t need a magnifying glass to connect the dots. I certainly will not name names.

As for UY Scuti, sources describe it as being in a “weird place” of Thuggers career. What was supposed to be another big swing is now stalled in limbo, with uncertainty over how many high-profile voices will actually make the final cut. It is supposedly going to come out on September 26.

This situation highlights the cold reality of the Hip-Hop game. Loyalty tends to evaporate when street controversy looms. Whether Thug manages to rally support or ends up dropping a stripped-down project will say a lot about how much his industry ties can withstand the current storm.

What do you think? Who will stand by their man?

Cam’ron Roasts Damon Dash After REVOLT CEO Confirms He’s Lying About Chairman Role

Cam’ron wasted no time roasting Hip-Hop mogul Damon Dash after REVOLT CEO Detavio Samuels denied he was acting chairman as Dash had previously claimed.

In a statement written to the REVOLT team, obtained by The Shade Room, Samuels wrote, “Team, I know some of you might’ve caught Dame Dash’s interview on The Breakfast Club. To set the record straight: Dame Dash is a hip-hop pioneer with a proven track record as a creator.

“Yes, we’ve been in conversations about potential partnerships—things like licensing his shows and films to REVOLT. But there is no signed deal.”

He added, “He is not the chairman of our company. There is no acquisition path on the table. The quote from me in VIBE is completely fabricated. I never said any of that.”

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The quote Samuels is referring to reads, “As the CEO of a media company dedicated to Hip Hop culture and the diverse creators and consumers who drive it, it made sense to do business with Dame.”

Cam’ron took the opportunity to hit below the belt with a joke about Dash’s teeth—or rather lack of.

“You can’t say he’s lying through his teeth, he ain’t got none,” he wrote in the Instagram comment section. “Lying thur ya gums his treacherous lol.”

Dash quickly refuted Samuels’ account and posted an Instagram post with his “receipts.” As he noted in the caption, “I hate to bring out receipts but @detavio give me a call, I never would’ve took the deal if there wasn’t a pathway to ownership.”

Dash included a text to Samuels in which he asks, “Also is there still a pathway to ownership,” and Samuels appeared to say “yes.”

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Dash claimed he would serve as the network chairman of REVOLT TV for one month during an interview with The Breakfast Club on Tuesday (September 16). The 54-year-old Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder said. he was planning to hold the position for one month, during which REVOLT will simulcast 25 episodes of his podcast, Bosses Take Losses, and stream a large portion of his media catalog.

Dash co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records in 1994 alongside JAY-Z and Kareem “Biggs” Burke, helping to launch the careers of artists such as Freeway, Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek, Kanye West and Cam’ron.

REVOLT, meanwhile, was launched in 2013 by Diddy, who stepped down as chairman in November 2023 amid ongoing legal issues related to his RICO scandal. The network has since shifted to an employee-owned model.

Lyor Cohen Champions AI As Artists’ “Ally” As Google, Music Giants Battle Over Copyright Chaos

Lyor Cohen believes artificial intelligence could be the creative lifeline artists never knew they needed—even as the music industry sues AI companies for allegedly stealing copyrighted work.

The longtime music executive and current head of YouTube Music and Google Music shared his optimistic stance in a Billboard guest column, arguing that AI won’t erase artistry but instead elevate it.

“This thing isn’t here to replace artists. It’s here to help them soar to even higher levels of artistry,” Cohen wrote.

Cohen, who began his career at Rush Management and Def Jam in the 1980s, compared generative AI to earlier innovations like drum machines and samplers that once rattled the industry but eventually became essential to Hip-Hop.

“Think of gen AI as the ultimate creative partner,” he said. “An artist can now create a dozen versions of a record, find the perfect hook, or get the lyrics just right, all while keeping their hands on the wheel of their creative work.”

He pointed to artists already embracing AI tools. The Wu-Tang Clan utilized Google’s Veo to produce the video for “Mandingo,” while Teyana Taylor employed AI filmmaking software for her short film, “Escape Room.”

But Cohen’s enthusiasm arrives as major record labels take a sharply different stance.

In 2024, Universal Music Group, Sony Music and Warner Music Group filed lawsuits against AI startups Suno and Udio, accusing them of training their models on copyrighted songs without permission.

The suits, led by the Recording Industry Association of America, seek up to $150,000 per infringing work.

The labels claim these platforms copied decades of music to generate new tracks that mimic protected recordings. Suno reportedly has over 10 million users, and Udio’s AI-generated songs have gone viral on social media and streaming platforms.

Independent artists also joined the legal fight, filing class-action suits alleging that their work was used without their consent. One complaint stated that Suno and Udio “elected to simply steal the songs.”

Despite these legal battles, Cohen insists authenticity remains irreplaceable.

“While new technology has always brought about disruption, fans have a knack for connecting with authenticity,” he wrote. “AI isn’t going to be a replacement for that — artists must continue to bring their true selves to their work, otherwise, fans will see right through it.”

Still, the rise of AI-generated music is undeniable.

According to Deezer, as of September 2025, 28% of all daily uploads to its platform were fully AI-created. Yet these tracks account for just 0.5% of streams, with most plays flagged as bots.

His message comes as the courts weigh the future of copyright law and the role AI will play in shaping the next generation of music.

LimeWire Acquires Fyre Festival Minus Cheese Sandwiches

LimeWire has scooped up the infamous Fyre Festival brand in an eyebrow-raising deal that merges two of the internet’s most notorious names under one roof.

The acquisition, announced by LimeWire CEO Julian Zehetmayr, follows a heated eBay auction hosted by convicted fraudster and original Fyre Festival organizer Billy McFarland.

The sale included everything from trademarks and social media accounts to a Caribbean event site.

McFarland, who still owes $26 million in restitution, described the Fyre brand as an “attention engine” and said it could fuel everything from pop-ups to media ventures.

The auction, held on July 15, 2025, became eBay’s most-watched non-charity listing during its run.

Despite 174 bids from 42 participants, McFarland sold the brand at a final price of $245,300.

Zehetmayr said the company isn’t reviving the failed festival but plans to reinvent the brand with “real experiences, and without the cheese sandwiches.”

While the buyer’s identity remained secret at first, LimeWire revealed it had edged out competitors, including Maximum Effort, the creative agency co-founded by actor Ryan Reynolds.

Reynolds reacted to the loss with humor, saying he still plans to attend the first event but “will be bringing my own palette of water.”

The 2017 Fyre Festival collapsed dramatically, leaving ticket holders stranded in the Bahamas with inadequate infrastructure, poor food, and no performances.

The debacle inspired multiple documentaries and became a symbol of influencer excess and marketing gone wrong.

LimeWire, once a file-sharing giant that was shut down in 2010 after a legal fight with the Recording Industry Association of America, has been staging a comeback.

It relaunched in 2022 with a focus on decentralized content sharing and has attracted a new wave of users.

COO Marcus Feistl said LimeWire intends to flip the Fyre narrative. “We’re not here to repeat the mistakes — we’re here to own the meme and do it right,” he said.

“Fyre became a symbol of everything that can go wrong. Now it’s our chance to show what happens when you pair cultural relevance with real execution.”

A waitlist for updates on the reimagined Fyre brand is now open. The auction officially transferred ownership of the Fyre Festival brand on July 15, 2025.

Coroner Releases Shocking Update In Trey Reed Hanging Death

De’Martravion “Trey” Reed was found dead hanging from a tree near the pickleball courts at Delta State University early Monday morning (September 15), prompting immediate concern and online outcry.

Still, a preliminary ruling from the Bolivar County coroner says there’s no sign of physical assault.

The 21-year-old student from Grenada, Mississippi, was discovered around 7:30 A.M., and by 8 A.M., the coroner’s office had arrived and declared him dead at the scene.

In a statement released Tuesday, the office said, “Based on the preliminary examination, we can confirm that the deceased did not suffer any lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an assault. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the individual was physically attacked before his death.”

The coroner’s findings come as the hashtag “Justice for Trey Reed” continues to trend on social media, with many calling for transparency and answers about how Reed died.

His body has been sent to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for a complete autopsy.

Delta State University President Daniel Ennis addressed the coroner’s statement and the ongoing investigation.

“Delta State University is aware of the statement released overnight by the Bolivar County Coroner’s Office,” Ennis said. “We continue to cooperate with law enforcement in their investigation. Our focus remains on supporting Trey’s family, friends, and the Delta State community as we continue to grieve this loss together.”

Reed’s mother told local media she last spoke with her son on Friday and said he was looking forward to his time at the university. She added that she still has many unanswered questions about what happened.

Classes were canceled on Monday across the Delta State campus, located in Cleveland, Mississippi, and counseling services were made available to students and staff.

University officials reiterated that there is no indication of foul play and no threat to campus safety.

Bolivar County Coroner Randolph “Rudy” Seals Jr. extended condolences to Reed’s family and urged the public to allow investigators time to determine the facts.

As of Tuesday, the investigation remains active while authorities await the autopsy results.

Man Who Ripped Off Beyoncé In Atlanta Busted By Cops

Beyoncé had her unreleased tracks and tour secrets swiped from a car in Atlanta and now a dude named Kelvin Evans is sitting in jail for it.

This all went down back in July, just two days before Queen Bey kicked off her “Cowboy Carter” tour stop in Atlanta.

Someone broke into a black Jeep Wagoneer parked at the Krog Street deck and stole two suitcases full of sensitive items—such as flash drives with unreleased music, laptops, show blueprints, setlists, designer shades, clothes, and a pair of AirPods Max.

Cops say Evans is the guy behind it all.

According to 11Alive, the break-in triggered a thorough investigation that ended with Evans getting busted and booked into Fulton County Jail.

Here’s how it played out: Investigators followed GPS pings from the stolen gear, which led them to two spots—Hank Aaron Drive and North Avenue in Hapeville.

Surveillance footage helped them ID the ride used in the heist. When cops pulled that car over, they popped the driver for a weed charge.

That driver told police that her uncle, Kelvin Evans, had borrowed the car. She also told them she saw four black suitcases in the back but “did not question it,” according to the warrant.

Surveillance footage from Hank Aaron Drive on the day of the theft showed someone wearing the same outfit as the guy caught on camera at Krog Street. Police say that guy was Evans.

Now, he’s facing charges for breaking into the car with the intention of stealing. The stolen material was a huge deal, especially since this was Bey’s significant return to touring and the “Cowboy Carter” era was still in full swing.

No word yet on whether the police have recovered everything or if more people are being picked up, but this was a serious breach for someone at Beyoncé’s level.

Nick Cannon Blames Emotional Wounds & Divorce For Having 12 Kids

Nick Cannon says unresolved pain—not impulse—was behind his decision to father 12 children across multiple relationships, opening up about his past choices during a revealing conversation on The Breakfast Club.

The 44-year-old media mogul and Wild ‘N Out creator reflected on how trauma and unchecked emotions shaped his approach to parenthood, admitting he once moved through life with little pause for reflection.

“It wasn’t like I was acting out,” Cannon said. “It was more of being careless, being frivolous with my process because I could do it, because I had the money (and) because I had the access to whoever and however I wanted to move.”

Cannon, who was previously married to pop icon Mariah Carey, said he didn’t set out to build a sprawling family.

“Then, obviously, life happens as well, so it wasn’t like, ‘Oh, I’m gonna go have 12 kids.’ It was more like, ‘Yo, I’m gonna just live life and have fun and whatever happens happens. I can handle it.'”

He shares twins Moroccan and Monroe with Carey; Golden, Rise and Powerful with Brittany Bell; twins Zion and Zillion and daughter Beautiful with Abby De La Rosa; son Legendary with Bre Tiesi; daughter Onyx with LaNisha Cole; and daughter Halo with Alyssa Scott.

Nick Cannon and Scott also had a son, Zen, who died from brain cancer at five months old in December 2021.

Looking back, Nick Cannon acknowledged that failing to process the emotional fallout from his divorce contributed to his choices.

“If I would have did the work and the healing after getting divorced, I probably would have took my time in a lot of other scenarios,” he said. “And for whatever reason, I thought that was the answer a lot of times, like, ‘Oh, I’m gonna figure it out over here.'”

He added, “Now, you’re leaving trauma every step of the way instead of fixing it from its origin.”

Cannon also admitted that the end of his marriage left him feeling defeated.

“I felt like a complete failure,” he said, though he maintained that separating from Carey was ultimately “the right decision.”

Cardi B Says Dropping “Am I The Drama?” Album Is Like Pushing Out New Baby

Cardi B is bringing the heat to the charts and the streets with her upcoming album Am I the Drama?, which features a stacked list of collaborators including Janet Jackson and Megan Thee Stallion, set to arrive this Friday.

The Bronx-born rapper announced the news on Monday, in partnership with Spotify, teasing the full lineup on social media.

“Who else is the drama?” she asked, posting the names of the featured artists, which also include Selena Gomez, Lizzo, Kehlani, Summer Walker, Cash Cobain, and Tyla.

The 23-track project includes previously released songs such as “Up,” “Outside,” and “Imaginary Playerz.” The inclusion of Megan Thee Stallion may hint at a reprise or nod to their viral hit “WAP,” which closes out the album.

Cardi has been actively promoting the album across New York City, popping up on subway trains and even hosting a bodega-style merch shop.

On Monday’s episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show, she opened up about the emotional weight of the project.

“I am so overwhelmed. It’s like I’m pushing another baby,” Cardi told Hudson. “It was completely completed and this is what’s missing out there. I touch on everything I wanted to touch.”

She also confirmed that a tour is in the works, saying she’ll be hitting the road “soon.”

Am I the Drama? drops Friday, adding another chapter to Cardi’s ever-evolving Hip-Hop legacy.

Diddy’s Twin Girls Take Fashion Week By Storm Ahead Of Mogul’s Sentencing

Jessie and D’Lila Combs made their official New York Fashion Week debut Tuesday (September 10) while their father, Sean “Diddy” Combs, remains in federal custody awaiting sentencing.

The 18-year-old twins appeared energized and focused as they prepared for their first professional runway show, telling TMZ they were “super excited” to be part of the Fashion Week scene.

“It’s been great,” they said, adding that the thrill of the experience outweighed any nerves.

The sisters are also building their own fashion line, 12TWINTY1, which they launched in July.

The brand name nods to their shared birthday—December 21—and their twin bond. “This isn’t just a brand. It’s our story. Our bond. Our roots,” they wrote in a launch statement. “@12twinty1 was created with purpose, built from who we are, not just what we wear.”

They continued, “The name reflects our birthday, December 21, but it means so much more: 1 is bold, fearless, and marks the beginning of something powerful. 2 speaks to love, connection, and harmony, the essence of our twin hood.”

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The Combs twins have been receiving steady guidance from longtime family friend and fashion icon Kimora Lee Simmons, who has walked for top-tier designers and helped shape early-2000s fashion.

“We talk to her every day,” the twins said, adding that Simmons regularly advises them on style and the business of fashion.

Their debut comes as their father faces serious legal consequences. In July, Diddy was convicted on two federal counts of violating the Mann Act.

Despite the legal turmoil, the twins say their father is staying positive.

Donald Trump Gives Major Concession To China In TikTok Battle

President Trump confirmed progress on a high-stakes TikTok deal as Beijing made it clear the app’s U.S. version will still run on Chinese-developed algorithm technology, despite long-standing national security concerns.

The Chinese government’s public stance arrives just as U.S. and Chinese officials finalize a framework to avoid banning the popular video platform, which boasts 172 million American users.

The agreement would create a new U.S.-based company valued at up to $50 billion, giving American investors a majority stake, while ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company based in China, retains a 19.9% stake.

Security officials in Washington have long raised alarms about the app’s recommendation engine, warning it could be used to spread propaganda or collect sensitive data.

Despite those concerns, the deal is moving forward.

Former President Donald Trump, who delayed TikTok’s ban through executive orders, is set to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday to finalize the arrangement.

“The big Trade Meeting in Europe between The United States of America, and China has gone VERY WELL!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “A deal was also reached on a ‘certain’ company that young people in our Country very much wanted to save.”

The proposed structure would enable U.S. investors, such as billionaire Jeff Yass of Susquehanna International and Bill Ford of General Atlantic Partners, to take control of TikTok’s American operations.

Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison is expected to provide cloud infrastructure, while his son David Ellison—who recently acquired Paramount—may also take an ownership stake.

A key compromise in the deal would let the new U.S. company replicate TikTok’s algorithm rather than own it outright. Officials say this would create “essentially a US-created app,” distancing it from Chinese control while maintaining the platform’s core functionality.

TikTok has been under intense scrutiny for years.

Although the app is not available in mainland China, U.S. lawmakers have repeatedly raised concerns about data privacy and influence operations.

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States has investigated the company multiple times, and Congress passed bipartisan legislation mandating Chinese divestment.

The Supreme Court later upheld that law, paving the way for the current negotiations.

The extension that kept TikTok active in the U.S. was set to expire on Wednesday. Trump had reportedly considered letting the app shut down to gain leverage in broader trade talks, but the breakthrough deal appears to have prevented that outcome.