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Nick Cannon Explains Why “Co-Parenting” Term Is Harmful

Nick Cannon dismissed the term “co-parenting” during a recent episode of his podcast Nick Cannon @ Night while reflecting on his relationships with the mothers of his 12 children.

The 44-year-old entertainer and host of The Masked Singer responded to a fan question by saying he’s never been comfortable with the label.

“I’ve always kind of had an issue with that term,” Cannon said, explaining that he views parenting as a shared responsibility regardless of whether the parents are romantically involved.

“When you start throwing labels on things, I think it does more harm than help and can get very dangerous, because then everybody else has a preconceived notion of what you’re doing,” he said, according to People.

Nick Cannon admitted he’s still working on getting things right.

“I haven’t figured it out yet. I haven’t gotten it all the way right. But also to your point, if I just step into every situation with respect and compassion and individuality. That’s the other thing I always do with anyone I’m involved with in my life.”

He emphasized that he avoids lumping the mothers of his children into a single category.

“I don’t bunch them together. I really try my hardest not to be like, ‘Oh yeah, my baby mamas,’ you know, unless I’m telling a joke or something like that, but no one wants to be grouped into anything,” he said. “Everyone wants to be treated like an individual with respect and compassion.”

Cannon became a father in 2011 when he and then-wife Mariah Carey welcomed twins Moroccan and Monroe. The couple separated in 2014 after six years of marriage.

Since then, Cannon has fathered 10 more children with five other women. His children include Golden, Powerful, Zion, Zillion, Zen, Legendary, Onyx, Rise, Beautiful and Halo.

His son Zen died at five months old in 2021 following a battle with brain cancer.

Dr. Umar Johnson’s FDMG School Reportedly Has 99 Problems

DR. UMAR JOHNSON’S FDMG SCHOOL FACING SEIZURE?

Dr. Umar Johnson might be about to face his biggest test yet and it’s not a meme, snow bunny or lecture in sight. Word on the street is the FDMG Academy (they do not even have a website anymore) is tangled up in some serious trouble. The City of Wilmington reportedly ready to snatch the keys if $76,000 in unpaid water bills, penalties, and fees aren’t paid up.

There are reportedly two court judgments, writs of motion and the sheriff’s office sitting on standby. This bad boy is allegedly going to auction. It kind of sucks, but let me pose a question at the end of this writing. What happened to the Frederick Douglass & Marcus Garvey RBG International Leadership Academy for Black Boys?

Umar hasn’t said a lot. But check this floating online:

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There are reportedly $1.6 million in donations and that hasn’t gone unnoticed by higher forces. Then there’s two buildings that can’t seem to open over like a decade (he says six years). Now even his fans are saying his m.o. is “collect the money, shift the blame and keep the faithful followers giving again.” White supremacy isn’t the enemy this time.

There are school for young Black boys (and girls), but they’re just doing the work, not talking online.

Umar’s mouth may have boxed him in. He has years and years of rhetoric, blasting folks and more. He’s basically alienated potential big-money donors. This is more about fund raising than anything else. Remember, he didn’t want any government assistance. People looking for a savior have found something else and nobody likes this.

Some folks think that his “frozen accounts” claim is just his way of getting out of this mess. What if Dr. Umar came clean and admitted he was in over his head, would you forgive him? Accountability goes a long way with sheep. Wolves…not so much. We’ll see. White folks do not seem to know he even exists. So…there’s that.

It’s been over 20 years since he first talked about building a school. That’s longer than people’s entire K-12 education. He could’ve started with five to ten boys in a small space and built from there. Instead, we’ve got unpaid bills, endless fundraising pleas and more Instagram clips. DAMN.

This feels like a cruel joke. What would Marcus Garvey do?

Jim Jones Drops Podcast Bombshell With Fivio Foreign’s First Interview

Jim Jones officially kicked off his podcast journey with a first episode featuring Fivio Foreign, who opened up about life after jail and reconnecting with his children.

On Wednesday morning (August 12), Jones dropped a teaser for his new show, “Artist 2 Artist,” revealing that the Brooklyn rapper would be the debut guest.

In a preview clip, Fivio raised eyebrows when asked about seeing his kids after getting out of jail.

“How’d it feel seeing them when you came home?” Jones asked.

“I ordered the kids over and I just told the mothers, ‘I got them,’” Fivio replied.

Jones shared the clip on Instagram with the caption: “It’s never tht perfect time sometimes u just gotta do it @artist2artistt just a regular conversation something we all need to have wit our friends New show dropping.”

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While the official release date for the podcast hasn’t been confirmed, the buzz around the IFC studio—Jones’ newly launched media hub—is already building.

The Intellectual Factory for Content, or IFC, is a multi-use creative space offering recording studios, video production rooms and a sports bar set to open in summer 2025.

Earlier this month, Fivio was released after serving nearly 200 days behind bars.

He was arrested in January on multiple charges, including aggravated assault, terroristic threats and unlawful possession of a weapon.

The charges stemmed from an alleged incident on New Year’s Eve in New Jersey, where Fivio was accused of threatening a woman with a gun after she asked for help jumpstarting her car.

In May 2025, he pleaded guilty to third-degree terroristic threats as part of a plea deal. The remaining charges were dropped, and he was sentenced to time served, along with three years of probation.

Jim Jones Teases Podcast Launch

Jones had hinted at launching a podcast earlier this month, posting videos from inside the IFC and asking followers, “Don’t get scared now,” while teasing that nobody could outtalk him.

Though he initially said the podcast setup was just part of the facility’s offerings, it’s now clear he’s stepping into the content game himself.

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RZA Wants Rihanna To Name Her Baby After Ol’ Dirty Bastard

RZA threw out a wild baby name idea for Rihanna during the Nobody 2 premiere in Los Angeles—he wants her to name her next kid after his late Wu-Tang Clan brother, Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

Rihanna revealed at the 2025 Met Gala she’s expecting her third child with A$AP Rocky. The couple will keep their “R” name tradition, but the gender is still under wraps.

The Wu-Tang legend chopped it up with PEOPLE and didn’t hold back when asked what name he’d pitch for Rihanna’s third baby.

“You know what? ODB, because you know the legend must live on,” he said.

This all comes after Rihanna and A$AP Rocky named their first son RZA Athelston Mayers, a clear nod to the Wu-Tang mastermind himself.

RZA’s been open about how much that meant to him, telling CNN, “It is a great honor to know that there’s another generation that’s not even of my own household that feels the strength and the inspiration of that name.”

Rihanna’s been spotted rocking Wu-Tang gear, so it’s not like the baby name came outta nowhere. She’s clearly got love for the crew.

As for ODB—real name Russell Jones—he passed away back in 2004 at just 35 years old. He collapsed at RZA’s studio in NYC and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The medical examiner ruled it an accidental overdose caused by a fatal combo of cocaine and the painkiller tramadol.

ODB helped launch Wu-Tang into the stratosphere with their 1993 debut Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).

His solo debut, Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version, dropped in 1995 and went platinum, powered by tracks like “Brooklyn Zoo” and “Shimmy Shimmy Ya.”

The dude was known for his wild energy and unpredictable style, making him one of the most unforgettable voices in Hip-Hop history.

So, if RiRi’s really eyeing baby number three, RZA’s got dibs on the name—and he’s keeping the Wu legacy alive while he’s at it.

Drake Shocks With Latest Kendrick Lamar Legal Strategy

Drake is taking his battle with Kendrick Lamar into the courtroom. But you already know this. There’s a new move that has us Hip-Hop heads scratching our heads.

(((Breathes in deeply)))

In a surprising twist, Drake’s legal team has reportedly asked Universal Music Group to hand over documents related to domestic violence allegations against Kendrick. The request has left many wondering what the Toronto superstar hopes to gain. (I’m trying to maintain my professional side here.) Kendrick has more or less dismissed these accusations by featuring his smiling wife and children in the music video “Not Like Us.”

It doesn’t stop there. Drake’s camp is also asking for information on manager Dave Free’s relationship with Kendrick’s kids. Yes, you read that right. The bizarre request has people speculating whether this is some kind of obscure legal maneuver or just a puzzling fishing expedition.

One more time…

Check this out:

DOCUMENT REQUEST NO. 50:

From January 1, 2014 to the present, all Documents and Communications relating to allegations of domestic violence, violence against women, and/or other forms of violence committed by Kendrick Lamar Duckworth.

DOCUMENT REQUEST NO. 51:

From January 1, 2019 to the present, all Documents and Communications relating to David Isaac Friley (a/k/a Dave Free) and his relationship with Kendrick Lamar Duckworth and Kendrick Lamar Duckworth’s children.

This type of move is unprecedented in rap beef. Subpoenas? We’ve never seen this happen before in a rap battle. I guess it is no longer a battle, right? That was over a year or more ago.

Drake isn’t just dealing with the legal feud. He’s gearing up to release his new album Iceman and anticipation is boiling over. Hardcore supporters and casual listeners alike are ready to see if the 6 God can deliver a musical comeback. His latest legal moves keep reminding us that he’s basically a sore loser.

Maybe this is all part of a bigger plan. Maybe. But…it feels like Drake’s strategy is like playing chess on a checker board. Or checkers on a board with no squares. We’re all over the place. If Drake wanted to keep the focus on the music, these courtroom antics are doing the opposite. A musical comeback will do what a loss in a rap battle or a legal win could never do.

EXCLUSIVE: Brian McKnight Says Jaguar Wright Is Ducking Him—Turns To Arizona Newspaper For Help

Brian McKnight is over chasing down Jaguar Wright in person and now he wants to take it to the press — literally.

The R&B vet is asking a judge for the green light to serve Wright through ads in The Arizona Republic after she allegedly ducked every attempt to hand-deliver his defamation lawsuit.

According to McKnight’s legal team, they’ve rolled up to her Phoenix spot six different times since May, and it’s been a whole lot of nothing.

Sometimes the blinds were cracked, but nobody answered. Another time, someone inside claimed no one named Jaguar lived there. Certified mail?

That flopped, too.

“It is apparent that [Wright] is evading service. Given that [McKnight] made reasonable attempts to serve [Wright] and [Wright] is evading service by refusing to answer the door or open the door, or to sign the return receipt, service by publication is necessary to provide notice of [McKnight’s] complaint,” McKnight’s lawyer Ryan Saba said.

Bryan McKnight slapped Jaguar Wright with the lawsuit back in April, accusing her of spreading absurd lies online. He says she made up serious allegations, like claims that he abused his ex-wife Julie McKnight and hired sex workers just to harm them as he was freaking off with them.

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The lawsuit calls her statements totally false and damaging, and says she launched the attacks on purpose to wreck his name.

Wright, who’s known for going off on Hip-Hop stars like Jay-Z and Beyoncé, has a rep for throwing out accusations.

In this case, she also claimed Julie McKnight was her cousin — something Brian says is made up, too.

Wright clapped back after the lawsuit hit, calling McKnight a “scumbag” and saying she’ll be a “nightmare” for him.

Now McKnight wants to serve her through the paper. Under California law, if someone’s ducking service and all other options fail, a judge can say, Cool, run an ad in a paper once a week for four weeks.

The judge will soon decide whether McKnight can hit publish on those legal classifieds. If so, Jaguar might see herself in the Sunday paper while sipping her morning coffee.

Kid Cudi Says Diddy Court Drama Part Of “Rock & Roll Life”

Kid Cudi pulled up to court in jeans and a leather jacket after getting subpoenaed in the Diddy sex trafficking and racketeering case, and he says the whole thing felt like something out of a Hollywood movie.

On this week’s episode of Call Her Daddy, Cudi opened up about testifying against Diddy in New York, calling the whole experience “chaotic” and part of his “rock and roll life.”

The rapper didn’t hold back when talking about the incident that got him wrapped up in the case—back when he was dating Cassie Ventura and his world got turned upside down.

Cudi said things got really weird after Diddy found out he was seeing Cassie. He claims his Hollywood Hills crib was broken into in December 2011.

When he came home, his Christmas presents were torn open, his dog was locked in the bathroom, and all the security cams were messed with. Then two weeks later, his Porsche got torched with a Molotov cocktail. Cudi’s convinced Diddy was behind it.

That arson was one of the big charges Diddy beat during his Blockbuster trial, which ended with him being found not guilty on RICO charges, but guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

Even though he didn’t want to get involved, Cudi said he ended up on the stand after getting hit with a subpoena.

“First they asked, I said, ‘No,’ then again, I said, ‘No.’ Then I got subpoena, and I was like, ‘F###, s###. No,” he told Alex Cooper. He didn’t show up in a suit either.

“I was like, ‘Man, f### this s###. This is what I’m wearing today. I’m going to this f###### s### in this. I’m not dressing up for this s###.'”

Cudi said he only found peace being there because of his long-standing friendship with Cassie.

“Cassie is my friend, you know, and I love her and I wanna see her do well,” he said. “That’s what kind of gave me peace with it when I sat down in that chair.”

Even though Cudi and Diddy eventually met up and hashed things out in 2012, the case moved forward with Cudi as a key witness.

Cudi summed it all up like this: “Over years, I just thought about it as like, just some wild s### that happened in my rock and roll life.”

Beyoncé Snags First Emmy For Netflix’s ‘Beyoncé Bowl’ After 10 Nominations

Beyoncé finally clinched her first Emmy win Tuesday (August 12) for the Netflix special “Beyoncé Bowl,” a Western-inspired halftime spectacle that aired during the 2024 NFL Christmas Day matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans.

The award, for Outstanding Costumes for Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Programming, was shared with her creative team, including costume designers Shiona Turini, Erica Rice and Molly Peters, costume supervisor Chelsea Staebell and workroom head Timothy White.

The “Beyoncé Bowl” performance featured tracks from her country album “Cowboy Carter.”

The special included appearances by her daughter Blue Ivy Carter, Post Malone and Shaboozey. The show was Netflix’s first-ever live-streamed NFL halftime event and paid homage to Texas rodeo culture and Black Southern and Western history.

More than 500 performers took part, including dancers, cultural figures and a full African-American marching band.

The performance helped the game draw 27 million viewers at its peak, making it the most-watched NFL game since 2001. Within 10 days of release, Netflix reported over 50 million additional streams of the special.

Despite being nominated 10 times in the past, this marks Beyoncé’s first Emmy win.

With 35 Grammy Awards already in her collection, she now stands halfway to EGOT status—needing only an Oscar and a Tony to complete the elite quartet.

She’s also in the running for two more Emmys in 2025: Outstanding Variety Special (Live) and Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special, both for “Beyoncé Bowl.”

The Creative Arts Emmy Awards will be held in early September 2025, followed by the Primetime Emmy Awards later that month.

Finesse2Tymes Exposes Family Drama In New Song Over Mom’s Homeless Claims

Finesse2Tymes fired back at his mother’s public accusations with a new song preview and a string of alleged payment receipts on Tuesday (August 12), defending himself against claims that he left her homeless.

The Memphis rapper shared a snippet of an unreleased track on Instagram, using Teddy Pendergrass’ “Love T.K.O.” as a sample while venting about family betrayal and financial fallout.

“Got rich to help my folks, they hung me by a rope,” he raps. “Paid all momma bills, she turn around and called me broke/F##### up how this s### go.”

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In addition to the preview, Finesse2Tymes also shared a screen recording showing what appeared to be multiple money transfers to his mother, Pluria Alexander, totaling thousands of dollars over the past year.

Finesse2Tymes’ Mother Claims Rapper Splashed Millions On Friends & Women

The move came after Alexander publicly accused her son of cutting her off financially, claiming she was facing eviction in Texas.

Alexander, who launched a GoFundMe campaign asking for $6,000 to cover moving expenses, said this is the third time she’s been left without housing due to her son’s actions.

“You spent $4 million on n***as and b######… jewelry… You ain’t spent it on family,” she said in a video.

She also claimed the rift began after an argument, which led to him halting financial support. Alexander accused her son of “narcissistic abuse” and said she would no longer accept money from him, even if offered.

In response, Finesse2Tymes compared his strained relationship with his mother to Eminem’s well-documented issues with his own mom, using a freestyle to draw the parallel.

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He later posted, “Keep ya eyes open and ya mouth shut,” on Instagram, suggesting he preferred to handle the matter privately moving forward.

The drama caught the attention of 50 Cent, who advised the rapper to mend things with his mother. Finesse2Tymes dismissed the advice, pointing to 50 Cent’s own history of family disputes.

50 Cent Reacts After NBA YoungBoy Sparks Yaya Mayweather Pregnancy Rumors

50 Cent addressed NBA YoungBoy’s pregnancy lyric about Yaya Mayweather by trolling Floyd Mayweather and offering support to Yaya.

50 Cent jumped into the latest NBA YoungBoy drama on Tuesday (August 12) after the rapper dropped a lyric suggesting his ex Yaya Mayweather might be expecting his child again—something she quickly denied.

The G-Unit mogul posted a screenshot of the pregnancy rumor on Instagram and took a subtle swipe at longtime frenemy Floyd Mayweather.

“Champ,” he wrote, “I’m not gonna say anything because nothing I say is gonna sound right.”

He followed that with a message to Yaya: “Love you baby chin up!”

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The speculation started after YoungBoy’s surprise mixtape Deshawn dropped Tuesday (August 12), featuring a track titled “This Month Confessions.”

In the song, he raps, “Now Yaya pregnant, gotta make her get rid of it / This ain’t the time, I told you, ‘No,’ / I made you cry, now I feel illiterate.”

The lyric immediately set off a wave of gossip online, prompting Yaya to post a video of herself lying in bed with YoungBoy on Instagram Stories. That only added fuel to the fire—until she shut it down.

“Idk where y’all getting this from but I’m not pregnant,” she wrote.

Yaya also posted a heartfelt message, seemingly to YoungBoy, praising his growth and resilience.

YoungBoy, who married Jazlyn Mychelle in 2023, has two children with her and is reportedly expecting another.

He and Yaya share a son, Kentrell Jr., born in January 2021, but have not been romantically involved for some time.

Kash Doll Teases Rekindled Romance With Za’Darius Smith As Tracy T Stirs Custody Drama

Kash Doll reignited speculation about her relationship with Za’Darius Smith after hinting at a reunion, just three days after publicly announcing their breakup on social media.

On Tuesday (August 13), the Detroit rapper tweeted “I love my mannnn.”

She had previously confirmed the split from the NFL linebacker on Saturday (August 10).

“At this point of my life I just need to be single,” she wrote on X (Twitter). “Za’Darius a great guy but we can’t see eye to eye and with all due respect we decided to part ways.”

She added she would be stepping away from the internet. “I’m giving the internet a break also so I’m done with yall too right now,” she said.

Smith also appeared to confirm the breakup, posting a simple “Single” on his Instagram Story shortly after.

The couple’s breakup came on the heels of a public appearance together at Kash Doll’s best friend’s wedding, where they were photographed alongside her son, Kashton.

That image became the center of online drama when Tracy T, Kash Doll’s ex and Kashton’s father, posted the photo with the caption, “Kashton don’t wanna be there.”

Smith didn’t hold back in his response, writing, “N#### when you ready to buy school clothes and go half on that tuition let me know!!”

Tracy T fired back with another jab, posting, “Look like ima be paying that tuition by myself.”

Kash Doll then jumped in, replying: “Tuition and Tracy in the same sentence is something I’ve never seen before. I don’t care who I’m not with it’ll never be you p####!”

Tracy T Slams Kash Doll In Heated Rant

As the online back-and-forth escalated, Tracy T took things further in a video where he claimed he would soon have full custody of their son.

“My son finna be with me. He moving with me,” he said. “I ain’t playing.” He also added, “I don’t want him to be around no f### n####. That ain’t his daddy.”

Tracy T made it clear he had no interest in reconciling with Kash Doll. “F### her,” he said and accused her of being “laid up at that f### boy house.”

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T-Hood’s Mother Calls Out Self-Defense Claim After Fatal Shooting

T-Hood was shot and killed during a domestic dispute at his Snellville home Tuesday (August 8), and police are now investigating whether the fatal encounter was a case of self-defense.

The 33-year-old Atlanta rapper was allegedly involved in an altercation with a woman at the residence earlier that evening, according to Gwinnett County authorities.

Officers said the woman suffered injuries during the incident. The person who fired the gun remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. A witness present during the shooting is also assisting police.

Law enforcement has not filed any charges as of now, but detectives are treating the case as a potential self-defense situation due to the nature of the domestic conflict and the woman’s injuries, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

Son Of “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” Stars Named Prime Suspect In T-Hood Death

In a development drawing attention across Hip-Hop and reality TV circles, Ky Frost—the son of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta stars Kirk Frost and Rasheeda Frost—has reportedly been identified as the primary suspect. T-Hood had been romantically linked to the couple’s daughter, Kelsie Frost, and the dispute is believed to have involved her. However, Kelsie has publicly denied any direct involvement in the shooting.

T-Hood’s mother took to social media to challenge the self-defense narrative and reject claims that the incident happened during a party.

“He was walking away and got 5 shots in his back,” she wrote. “People this is serious. We will not let this ride. I need everyone to post up. We will not be defeated. I know you’re watching telling me to keep fighting for you. I love you my celebrity. Justice for THood”

Police have confirmed that no one outside the home was involved, and the investigation remains active. Authorities are continuing to gather information and have not ruled out additional developments.

T-Hood was known in Atlanta’s underground Hip-Hop scene for songs like “Perculator,” “Big Booty” and “Ready 2 Go.”

Conway The Machine Shut Down Benny The Butcher Feud Rumors, But “Something” Happened

Conway The Machine Brushes Off Paris Altercation Rumors With Benny the Butcher

Conway The Machine is putting an end to the chatter about a supposed dust-up with Benny The Butcher in Paris. He’s now telling folks it was nothing more than a regular night with the crew.

The rumor mill had been in overdrive after whispers hit social media claiming the Griselda heavyweights got into it while overseas. Online “eyewitnesses” claimed tension was high and even painted the scene like a rap reality show. But according to Conway, there’s no beef to see here.

During an appearance on the Way Up With Angela Yee, the Buffalo lyricist admitted that something did happen, but it wasn’t the feud some were making it out to be. Allegedly. “People were drinking and stuff happened,” he explained, stopping short of giving specifics. “It was just another night with the fellas.”

That’s that ’90s type energy.

That’s a far cry from the blow-by-blow drama floating around the internet. If anything, Conway’s account makes it sound like a typical tour night, where too many drinks meet too much energy. No crews split and definitely no lasting friction between him and Benny. WHEW!

A few rumors aren’t going to derail the Griselda movement. If Conway’s calm delivery is any sign, this Paris “incident” is already in the rearview.

Griselda’s bond is too strong for a little late-night chaos.

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Swizz Beatz Shut Down Split Rumors With Romantic Alicia Keys Anniversary Post

Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys aren’t letting social media rumors write their love story. For days, whispers have been bouncing around Instagram and TikTok claiming the power couple is headed for divorce — with one wild allegation suggesting Swizz fathered a child with a white woman.

Neither star has directly addressed the chatter, but instead of clapping back with words, they responded with a visual that said everything. Swizz shared a serene clip of Keys gliding through the ocean, looking peaceful and unbothered, in honor of their 15th wedding anniversary. His caption was aimed at those quick to believe gossip, telling people to spread that same loving moment as fast as they’d spread the lies.

READ ALSO: Swizz Beatz Reveals Surprising Secret Behind His Marriage To Alicia Keys

It was a pointed yet classy way to acknowledge the noise without fanning the flames. And honestly, some of the TikTok “tea” about their marriage has been so over the top it could pass for bad reality TV. The speculation almost sounded believable — almost.

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The truth is, marriage, especially one in the public eye, comes with many ups and downs. Fifteen years together means Swizz and Alicia have weathered more than a few rough patches. Celebrating love is the best way, instead of letting the internet dictate their narrative.

For those keeping score, the couple tied the knot in 2010 and share two sons. They’ve always said they keep each other’s careers and keeping their family life strong. If this anniversary post is any indication, they’re far from throwing in the towel.

In a culture quick to turn celebrity marriages into public entertainment, their quiet message says “The best response to rumors is simply living your life.” That’s louder than the lies!

CONGRATS!

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Drake Targets UMG Boss Lucian Grainge Over Alleged Role in “Not Like Us” Defamation

Drake is pushing a federal court to compel Universal Music Group to hand over internal files from its CEO/chairman, Sir Lucian Grainge, accusing the executive of personally approving and promoting false claims in Kendrick Lamar’s monster diss track “Not Like Us.”

In a legal filing submitted Tuesday (August 12), attorneys for the Canadian rapper argued that Grainge played a direct part in circulating material that portrayed Drake as a sexual predator and exposed his home address.

The lawsuit, filed earlier this year, claims UMG’s actions not only damaged Drake’s reputation but also endangered his safety.

Grainge’s involvement, according to the filing, could reveal “actual malice”—a legal threshold Drake must meet to prove defamation. His lawyers say Grainge’s communications could show he knew the claims were false and pushed them anyway.

UMG initially tried to shield Grainge from discovery by labeling him an “apex” executive, a term used to argue that high-ranking officials shouldn’t be subject to routine document production.

That argument has since been dropped, but the label now insists Grainge had “no meaningful involvement” and that any relevant material would simply duplicate what’s already been collected from other executives.

Drake’s legal team isn’t buying it. They argue that even overlapping documents are essential to show what Grainge knew and when. “Plaintiff never agreed to delay requesting Grainge’s files,” the filing states.

To minimize the burden, Drake’s attorneys proposed using agreed-upon search terms to comb through Grainge’s records.

The dispute stems from Drake’s January 2025 lawsuit against UMG, which alleges the label deliberately promoted “Not Like Us” to damage his image and apply pressure during contract negotiations.

The track, performed by Kendrick Lamar, included lyrics calling Drake a “pedophile” and featured cover art showing his Toronto address.

Drake says the fallout included multiple break-ins at his home and the shooting of his security guard. He also accuses UMG of launching a viral campaign using influencers and bots to amplify the song’s reach.

UMG has denied the claims, calling the lawsuit “misguided” and “baseless.”

The company argues it would be “illogical” to harm one of its most profitable artists. The court has not yet ruled on whether UMG must produce Grainge’s documents.

EXCLUSIVE: Missy Elliott’s Wealth Muted In Long-Running Songwriting Dispute

Missy Elliott is in the thick of a legal mess in Philly, where her old songwriting buddy Terry Williams is trying to cash in on songs from their 90s girl group days with SISTA—and a judge just told him to leave her bank account out of it.

Williams claims he helped write a bunch of tracks for SISTA’s album 4 All The Sistas Around da World and says he’s owed credit and a cut of the money.

Missy’s not having it and says she wrote those joints solo. The legal back-and-forth has been dragging on for years and now it’s landed in federal court.

But here’s where it gets spicy—last week, Judge Nitza Quiñones Alejandro told Williams he can’t use Missy Elliott’s fame or money to try to beef up his case.

The court said talking about her celebrity status or other music work that’s unrelated to the songs in question could mess with the jury’s judgment and is mostly off-limits.

The judge spelled it out.

“References to Elliott’s wealth, fame, and other works have little to no relevance to this case, and that the probative value of this evidence is outweighed by a danger of unfair prejudice,” Judge Alejandro said.

Williams tried to argue that since Missy talked about her career publicly, her success should factor into the trial. The judge wasn’t buying it and said that still doesn’t make it fair game.

“Williams cannot use Elliott’s wealth to unfairly inflate his compensatory damages claims. References to Elliott’s wealth, fame, and other works are generally inadmissible,” Judge Alejandro ruled.

That said, the judge left a little wiggle room.

If Missy’s background connects directly to the songs they’re fighting about, it might come up—but only if it actually matters to the case.

Whether that makes it into trial is still TBD.

This drama also includes a stash of 34 unreleased tracks that Williams says he worked on. Missy says she wrote them all herself.

Back in August 2024, Missy scored a win when the judge threw out Williams’ lawsuit over Aaliyah’s song “Heartbroken,” saying he waited way too long—22 years—to claim he helped write it.

That part of the case is dead, but the SISTA fight is still going.

Hip-Hop Film Festival’s 10th Anniversary Brings Back Master Cyphers & Top Cinema Creators

The Hip Hop Film Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary by bringing the heat back to Harlem with its signature Master Cyphers — three days of high-energy, TED Talk-style sessions designed to school independent creators on everything from film business strategy to Afrofuturism.

Running August 21–23 at the Harlem Film House headquarters, the Master Cyphers promise a lineup of award-winning alumni and innovators ready to share the kind of insider knowledge that doesn’t come from textbooks. Each 60-minute session blends a 45-minute talk with a 15-minute Q&A, giving attendees a direct line to the minds shaping the future of independent film and Hip-Hop culture.

“The Master Cyphers offer a front-row seat to the real-world experiences of creators who are changing the game. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker, an emerging storyteller, or a curious fan of hip hop and cinema — this is where knowledge drops, minds open, and creativity levels up,” said CR Capers, founder of the Hip Hop Film Festival.

The Hip Hop Film Festival represents the spirit in which its namesake came from — truth in storytelling and the culture at the heart of neighborhoods across the world. From its origins, hip hop has always been about giving voice to the people, telling the stories of our lives, our struggles, and our dreams when no one else would. What I want to bring to the festival is an expansion of that service — helping fellow filmmakers gain the tools they need to grow their craft and share their stories. By offering my own experience and guidance, I can provide the tips and insight to help them navigate this industry, so the festival not only showcases our voices, but strengthens them for the future.

The programming spans three rooms daily, with each night capping off in style — think immersive keynote events, networking mixers, complimentary food, and open bars.

Opening Day — Thursday, August 21 (4 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
The festival kicks off with sessions like Falling In Love With The Word “No” by Jermaine William, From Grind to Greenlight with Cylla Senii, and Film Business Ain’t Solo Dolo! led by A.A. Gajadhar. Artie Brennan’s The No Ends Theory closes out the regular schedule before the night’s main event, Script to Screen with Bobby Yan, complete with dinner and drinks.

Day Two — Friday, August 22 (1 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
Friday’s spotlight includes Escape: Resilient Minds by Jonathan Green, This Really Happened: Turning Real Life Into Reel Life from Alyscia Cunningham, and Danny Danielson’s Hustle Hard! — all served alongside brunch and an open bar.

Final Day — Saturday, August 23 (7 p.m. – 10 p.m.)
The finale jumps off with Indie Movies: The New Rap Game from Sleepyeye Freeman, Daniel Osorio’s Scenes & Sounds: Storytelling Through Music Videos, and Taquan Pugh’s The Power of DIY Filmmaking. At 9 p.m., Jamal Hodge takes the mic for Afrofuturism Meets Afrohorror, closing the series with dinner and drinks.

Tickets and the full festival schedule are available at www.hiphopfilmfestival.org.

Brooklyn Rapper Rowdy Rebel Allegedly Arrested In L.A. For Gun Violations

Rowdy Rebel and Los Angeles just can’t seem to coexist without drama. Things have taken a serious turn. The Brooklyn rapper was reportedly arrested in L.A. after allegedly being caught with a firearm. The full details are still developing, but sources claim pictures show police removing his chains and bagging his property. I saw some of these images and Rowdy looked worn out. And then some.

This wasn’t just a random stop in sunny California. Rowdy’s time in L.A. is layered with serious history and a backstory full of tension. Last time he left the city, he had some choice words for the Hoovers, saying “SMD” and “F them” on his way out. You remember that, right?

If you know street politics, you know that type of talk has a way of echoing—loudly. It’s no secret the Hoovers’ name has been linked to the tragic loss of Pop Smoke. And that brother was a close friend of Rowdy’s.

READ ALSO: Pop Smoke Case Wraps Up, Judge Gives Killer Lengthy Sentence

Some reports say he’s on parole, but others suggest his parole ended in December 2024. That detail matters big time. If he’s still on parole, this could mean an automatic hold and possibly no bail. If he’s not, he might have a shot at bonding out. Either way, as a felon allegedly caught with a gun is not a great look!

Rowdy never hung up his flag like Bobby Shmurda. He’s still considered active, from what I’ve heard. This means L.A. County Jail won’t a vacation. People tell me it is the land of the Crips, and if the alleged comments toward the Hoovers still linger—pray. Rowdy’s got a rep for holding his own, but this is one of the worst case scenarios. Maybe he can earn him some alliances inside there.

We are asking: what the hell brought him back to L.A. in the first place? Business? Music? Family? Some say new ops were actively looking for him. Whatever the reason, moving around that city with beef and a gun is not what’s happening. And yet: it was. He was gambling.

There’s still no official word on exactly how the arrest went down, but talk of a possible car stop is floating around. For now, Rowdy’s locked up, the charges are confirmed! But you did not hear that from me. The notorious L.A. County system is beyond infamous!

Good luck!

Tems Confronts Industry Sexism In Lagos, Launches Empowerment Program For African Women

Tems, the Nigerian Afropop sensation and two-time Grammy winner, launched a bold new initiative in Lagos aimed at uplifting women in the music industry while calling out the systemic disrespect she says women routinely face.

“People don’t really respect women in my industry,” she told the BBC’s Olawale Adekola and Wedaeli Chibelushi in a recent interview.

That blunt truth frames the mission behind her new project, The Leading Vibe Initiative, which debuted on August 8 in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

The program is designed to provide mentorship, workshops and networking opportunities for young women pursuing music careers.

Tems said she created the initiative to make it easier for women to break into the business without compromising their values.

“I promised myself that if I get to a place where I can do more, I will make this initiative for women like me and maybe make it easier for women to access platforms and access a wider audience and success.”

Tems, who rose to global prominence with her soulful voice and genre-blending sound, spoke openly about the personal costs of staying true to herself.

“There’s always a cost. There’s always a price that you pay. And a lot of those prices I wasn’t willing to pay, and there wasn’t a lot of options.”

She also shared how her love for music goes beyond fame.

“It’s not everybody that sings that loves music. If I wasn’t famous, I would still be doing music. I would be in some kind of jazz club… randomly on a Friday night.”

Despite industry pressure to conform, Tems said she stood firm in her identity.

“Even when people tell you to change your sound, change your style, you look at them and you say: ‘No’. If it meant me not being signed, I was okay not being signed.”

Her refusal to compromise has paid off.

In addition to her Grammy wins, she’s set to open for Coldplay next month at Wembley Stadium, a major milestone in her career.

Raekwon & Mobb Deep Announce 19-Date Tour Run In Celebration Of Two Iconic Albums

Raekwon and Mobb Deep have announced a 19-city trek this fall, a toast to three decades of two of the coldest Hip-Hop records ever—Only Built 4 Cuban Linx and The Infamous.

The tour, put together by Live Nation and LOUD Live, kicks off November 13 in Portland, Oregon and wraps up December 15 in Miami Beach.

The legends will hit big cities like New York, Chicago, Toronto and L.A., bringing that raw ’90s flavor back to the stage. But it’s not two separate sets; this tour is different.

Raekwon and Havoc are blending it together, jumping in and out of each other’s tracks for a full-on, non-stop performance.

Raekwon hyped it up, saying, “Me and Havoc from Mobb will be pure Hip-Hop at its finest. This is gonna take rap shows to the next level—guaranteed!” Havoc added, “The fans can expect nothing less than pure, raw, unfiltered energy on stage. I’m excited to celebrate these two legendary albums—the world doesn’t exist to me without that purple tape in it. This will be a tour the fans will never forget.”

Steve Rifkind, CEO of LOUD Live, made it clear this isn’t some quick cash grab.

“This tour defines what Hip-Hop means to the culture—30 years of greatness, and two Top 10 hip-hop albums of all time. Raekwon and Mobb Deep have supported each other for over three decades,” he said. “The Loud Wu-Tang family and Mobb Deep family have been through it all together. When this tour comes to your city, you’re definitely going to witness greatness at its best—with a ton of surprises.”

On top of the music, there’s a VIP package for the real heads. You’ll get early entry, a meet-and-greet with both Raekwon and Havoc, a photo op, merch, and access to exclusive pre-show shopping.

Tickets go live with artist presales starting August 13 at 10 A.M. local time. General sales kick off August 15 at 10 A.M. on LiveNation.com.

Thu, November 13 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom

Sat, November 15 – Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre

Mon, November 17 – San Diego, CA – SOMA

Tue, November 18 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern

Fri, November 21 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium

Mon, November 24 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center

Tue, November 25 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom

Fri, November 28 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre

Sat, November 29 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit

Mon, December 1 – Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale Theatre

Tue, December 2 – Toronto, ON – HISTORY

Wed, December 3 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia

Sat, December 6 – Boston, MA – Citizens House of Blues

Sun, December 7 – New York, NY – Brooklyn Paramount

Mon, December 8 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring

Wed, December 10 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte

Thu, December 11 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle

Sun, December 14 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live (Co-Pro)

Mon, December 15 – Miami Beach, FL – Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theatre