Nasty Nes Rodriguez, better known as the Crazy Pinoy, helped cement the West Coast’s Hip-Hop legacy.
Now, after suffering from a heart attack, kidney failure, and pneumonia, the pioneering DJ finds himself facing a battle for his life.
Rodriguez, a legendary figure in Hip-Hop radio, launched FreshTracks on Seattle’s 1250 KFOX— the first all-rap radio show on the West Coast—giving rise to numerous talents, including Sir Mix-A-Lot.
Over his decades-long career, Nes left his mark not just on airwaves, but also as the driving force behind RapAttackLives, a platform that continues to promote emerging and established Hip-Hop artists.
His contributions to the genre helped shape the culture and ensure its long-lasting impact. However, Rodriguez now faces daunting hurdles on his road to recovery.
His family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs of his medical treatments and rehabilitation.
They are calling on the community Nes has supported for decades to help him through this challenging phase.
Every donation offers much-needed support and can relieve Nes of the financial burdens that accompany his extensive healthcare needs.
Those who can’t contribute financially are encouraged to share the campaign across their networks, as increasing awareness is equally crucial for easing Rodriguez’s recovery journey.
Nes has been an unwavering presence in Hip-Hop, and now, in his hour of need, it’s time for the Hip-Hop community to give back with the same energy he has poured into the culture.
Sean “Diddy” Combs had his plea for a gag order denied by a federal judge, meaning he cannot silence any potential witnesses or their attorneys before his upcoming legal battles.
Diddy sought restrictions aimed at preventing those who claim to be his victims, as well as their lawyers, from making public statements that he argued could interfere with his right to a fair trial.
However, Judge Arun Subramanian firmly rejected the motion, ruling that such broad limitations fall outside of the court’s rules.
The request was seen as an extreme and unusual measure that the government opposed, labeling it “extraordinary and beyond the purview” of the legal framework.
Rooting his decision in established legal precedents, Judge Subramanian explained that local rules don’t authorize broad restrictions on speech that could silence potential witnesses, some of whom have yet to be identified.
“Combs’s authorities don’t support a gag order applicable not only to trial participants but also to any alleged victim and their lawyer,” the judge wrote as part of a detailed opinion.
Subramanian added that the severe nature of gag orders often makes them a “last resort” legal remedy, an approach not warranted in this scenario.
As Subramanian noted, “less restrictive alternatives must be considered and rejected before imposing a restraint on speech.”
Diddy had referenced various legal cases in his argument for the gag order, but the judge found these citations insufficient.
The motion was described as excessively wide in scope, treating witnesses and their attorneys similarly, potentially impacting other related legal proceedings, something Subramanian saw as a step too far.
In a further blow to Diddy’s legal strategies, Judge Subramanian also turned down his request to have witnesses withdraw online posts that Diddy claimed violated local rules.
Additionally, Diddy asked for access to government communications about these extrajudicial statements, a demand the court also declined to grant.
“The unprecedented relief that Combs seeks on this motion is unwarranted,” the judge wrote in his conclusion.
Subramanian pointed to existing steps already taken by the court, including reminding all parties of the standards set by federal and local rules on public statements about the case.
Pharrell Williams once fought to keep a job at McDonald’s, facing three terminations before he decided fast food wasn’t for him.
The Grammy-winning artist, now a significant figure in music and fashion, opened up about his early employment struggles while speaking with BBC Radio 2.
Pharrell Williams, who has an estimated net worth exceeding $250 million, revealed the reason for his McJob failures: “McDonald’s was my first and only job. I got fired three times. I was eating the chicken nuggets.”
Finding a personal favorite combination in the fast food world, Williams shared, “I have to say, I found the sweet and sour sauce and the chicken nugget a pretty combination. It got me in trouble. I got fired three times but not for the same thing.”
Known globally for his chart-topping hit “Happy” and his collaborations with some of the biggest names in music, the singer and producer shared details about why his time with the Golden Arches ended.
“The first two times it was just because I was lazy. The third was like, ‘What are you doing? You’re just sitting there eating nuggets?’” he joked, illustrating how his laidback attitude didn’t quite fit the high-energy demands of his fast-food role.
Williams’ firing from McDonald’s appears to have served as fuel for subsequent success.
He soon pivoted towards a career that transformed him into a multi-talented artist with hits alongside Kanye West, Ed Sheeran, Madonna, and Rihanna.
His work as both a producer and member of music groups, including The Neptunes and NERD, helped him climb to the top of the charts in both the U.S. and worldwide markets during the 2000s.
In addition to his music career, the artist has made significant strides in fashion, establishing brands like Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream.
As of February 2023, he also assumed the role of men’s creative director at Louis Vuitton.
The D.O.C. provided a promising update on the 2022 documentary about his life, The DOC. Although it originally premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, it’s been held up for years and has yet to see a proper, wider release.
But on Saturday (November 9), the Dallas-bred Hip-Hop legend shared a tweet about the film’s status. After a fan shared, “Please tell me we can watch this sometime soon my legend,” The D.O.C. replied, “Soon. Finally looks like I’ve found a home.”
Directed by David Caplan, The DOC chronicles the life and career of Tracy Lynn Curry, who rose to fame in the late ’80s and early ’90s as a platinum-selling MC, songwriter for the likes of N.W.A, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E and co-founder of Death Row Records.
It follows his triumphant—and at times heartbreaking—journey following the life-altering car accident that cost him his voice and cut his promising solo career short, just months after the release of his 1989 debut album, No One Can Do It Better. Cameos include Erykah Badu, Eminem, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Xzibit, Too $hort, Kurupt, Daz Dillinger and more.
The D.O.C. spoke to AllHipHop‘s Kyle Eustice around the time the film was premiered. He spoke about how his relationship with Badu changed his entire trajectory.
After years of substance abuse, The D.O.C. was at a low point. In 2002, he ran into Badu at the Hip Hop Summit in their hometown of Dallas, and she offered an empathetic ear.
“He just didn’t feel good,” she said in the film. “And when you don’t feel good, you try to numb that pain, you’re trying to self-medicate, and he self-medicated to a point where it clouded his mind and became kind of reckless.”
With Badu’s support, The D.O.C. got sober, cleaned up his diet and was saying “f### The D.O.C.” After welcoming their daughter, Puma, he was like “f### rap” and focused on raising their daughter instead.
“I owe Erykah everything,” he said in 2022. “I owe her everything. I mean, Erykah is a soulmate. She brought amazing energy to this film in a lot of ways. She was really in touch with us in a lot of ways behind the scenes, and did a lot to help us push this thing forward. And just as a man went forward, my two sons, Erykah was the doula, she delivered my boys..”
Harve Pierre, once a top executive at Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Bad Boy empire, is pushing to have a lawsuit against him by singer Dawn Richard thrown out of court.
The case centers around an altercation that allegedly occurred in December 2010 at a Manhattan recording studio.
Richard claims Pierre was involved in the incident, which she says left her confined against her will for hours.
The lawsuit alleges that Diddy’s bodyguard forcibly removed Richard from the studio during an argument, detaining her inside a car for several hours before eventually releasing her at Pierre’s order.
According to Richard, this only happened after her father arrived on the scene and demanded her release.
Pierre’s attorney, Scott E. Leemon, argues that the case should be dismissed for multiple reasons, including the inapplicability of a 2022 amendment to the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVL).
Leemon also insisted that the accusations did not establish a sufficient legal link between Pierre and Diddy’s alleged actions.
He said, “The complaint fails to support a reasonable inference that Mr. Pierre enabled Combs’ conduct.”
Further complicating the case for Richard, Pierre’s legal team claims that the allegations of false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress are outdated.
“New York State has a one-year statute of limitations for claims like these,” explained Leemon. “Even if the claims were timely, they lack the necessary evidence suggesting that Pierre was involved in any tortious act.”
The complaint also accuses Pierre of breaching an implied contract, but Leemon argues that such a claim requires proof of a binding agreement, which Richard’s suit does not provide.
“There is no allegation of any contractual obligation between the parties,” he said.
In addition, accusations of fraud and intentional misrepresentation were raised within the complaint, but Pierre’s team believes these claims are unsubstantiated.
“The complaint’s vague and undifferentiated allegations of fraud against all defendants fail to meet the specificity standards required in such cases,” Leemon remarked.
Pierre’s legal team remains confident that the pending motion to dismiss will succeed, saying they believe the court will determine that Pierre is not liable for any alleged misdeeds.
“The complaint fails on several grounds, and we are optimistic that Mr. Pierre will be cleared,” Leemon concluded.
Kanye West described the experience of being part of his forthcoming documentary, “In Whose Name?,” as intense and reflective, comparing it to “being dead and looking back” on his life.
The film, directed by 18-year-old Nico Ballesteros, took six years to come together.
Armed with just an iPhone and what’s reported to be a billion-dollar budget, Ballesteros followed West on an introspective journey that promises to confront the artist’s rise to fame, his outspoken persona, and the controversies that have often surrounded him.
Ballesteros shared a glimpse of their collaboration via an Instagram post that included a text exchange between himself and Ye, the 47-year-old rapper.
In the message, West said, “The doc was very deep. It was like being dead and looking back on my life.”
The young filmmaker responded, “This is the most profound text message I have ever received. I love you brother.”
The documentary, produced by Goodfellas and Utopia, aims to give viewers an uncensored look at the life of one of Hip-Hop’s most polarizing figures.
A press release for “In Whose Name?” emphasizes its exploration of West’s journey from a musical innovator to becoming the wealthiest Black man in U.S. history, all while addressing the risks he took in the name of personal and creative freedom.
Set to launch in 2025, the film is expected to offer a candid and immersive portrayal of West’s life and career, focusing on his internal battles, larger-than-life ambition, and often controversial expression of his beliefs.
In addition to the documentary, West is reportedly working on his 11th studio album, titled “Bully.”
While no official release date has been announced, sources speculate it could be out sometime next year.
Elon Musk took a swipe at Jennifer Lopez’s credibility, raising questions about her moral authority after her recent political speech.
Musk’s remarks came during an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, where he responded to comments Lopez made at a rally in support of Kamala Harris.
The singer and actress urged the crowd not to vote for Donald Trump, stating the former president has “consistently worked to divide us.”
Lopez also referenced comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s controversial anti-Latino remarks at a Trump event, saying, “It wasn’t just Puerto Ricans that were offended that day. It was every Latino in this country. It was humanity and anyone of decent character.”
Musk, however, questioned Lopez’s decision to speak out against Trump, pointing to her past relationship with music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.
During his podcast appearance, he argued her moral positioning might be flawed due to her silence on accusations surrounding Diddy.
“J.Lo was like his ex-girlfriend, and now all of a sudden, she’s warning people about Trump,” Musk said. “How many people did she warn about Diddy? Oh, zero. Maybe we shouldn’t trust her opinion.”
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO didn’t stop there, remarking on allegations that have long surrounded Combs within the music industry.
“People in the music entertainment industry had to know that Diddy was, like, abusing, you know, kids basically, and yet they still fed him kids. Where’s the accountability?” Musk added.
Lopez dated Combs from 1999 to 2001 during both their meteoric rises to fame.
To date, she has not publicly addressed recent reports or legal accusations surrounding Combs.
The rapper and entrepreneur has faced serious charges related to sex trafficking, racketeering, and the transportation of individuals with intent to engage in prostitution, though Lopez’s connection to these controversies remains absent.
Musk’s comments draw attention to the broader tension between celebrity activism and public accountability.
His critique of Lopez’s political statements raises the question of whether those in the public eye are held to consistent standards based on their past associations, or if selective outrage clouds real issues at hand.
Sean “Diddy” Combs is attempting to have a lawsuit dismissed that accuses him of sexually assaulting a former model in 2003, arguing that the case is both outdated and legally insufficient, according to court filings.
The suit, brought by Crystal McKinney, claims that the prominent Hip-Hop mogul assaulted her following a New York Fashion Week event over two decades ago and ruined her marriage.
But Diddy’s legal team contends that the statute of limitations has long expired.
McKinney’s lawsuit, filed earlier this year, seeks to take advantage of a two-year revival provision introduced in 2022 under New York City’s Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law (VGM).
This provision allows some individuals whose claims were otherwise time-barred to file lawsuits for alleged misconduct.
McKinney argues the amendment gives her legal standing.
She alleges that Diddy invited her to his recording studio, Daddy’s House, where the attack allegedly took place. The disgraced mogul, through his attorneys, has denied the validity of these claims.
Erica A. Wolff, one of the attorneys representing Diddy, said the amendment under the VGM was “preempted” by New York State’s Adult Survivor’s Act (ASA), a law granting a similar revival window for sexual assault claims that closed in November 2023.
“State law takes precedence over city law. McKinney’s claims expired in 2010, and nothing within the ASA’s timeframe allows these expired claims to be brought to court now,” Wolff argued. Therefore, the defense team insists, McKinney’s complaint is “time-barred.”
The court will weigh the arguments in the coming weeks, with the possibility that McKinney’s case could be dismissed with prejudice, preventing further legal attempts on the same grounds.
NLE Choppa Presents: The Wash, continues to get buzz, but NLE Choppa isn’t stopping. He surprises fans with the new, cheeky video for his track “GO.” The video was co-directed by Choppa himself and has fun at a car wash, the same setting as the short film. “GO” serves up some wild vibes, with plenty of laughs along the way.
In The Wash, NLE Choppa stars as the determined owner of a struggling independent car wash, doing whatever it takes to keep his business afloat. He assembles an eye-catching team with a menu full of hilariously suggestive services like “Sloppy Toppy,” “Rim Job,” and “Badussy Special.” The story’s funny moments and clever dialogue drive it toward a surprise ending with a feel-good message about resilience and faith. An all-star cast of friends and collaborators joins in, including Lil Wayne, Lou Ratchet, Lil One, Lil Pistol, JP, Ray Vaughn, Relly B, Sukihana, TraRags, and Yaisel LM, making it an unforgettable ride from start to finish.
Kanye West is once again facing scrutiny after missing a scheduled deposition in a lawsuit filed by an ex-employee accusing the rapper and fashion mogul of discriminatory practices.
According to court filings, West was expected to provide a deposition last week in response to the lawsuit but was absent from the session.
Provo’s legal team had reportedly notified West about the deposition earlier in the month, but there has yet to be any rescheduling or communication from West’s side.
The court documents stress the urgency of the situation, stating, “It is crucial that Provo’s counsel obtain this deposition in a timely manner to ascertain all relevant, pertinent facts in this case to allow Provo to fully prosecute his claims and prepare for trial.”
Now, Provo’s attorneys are seeking an order to compel the Grammy-winning artist to appear for questioning and a hearing is scheduled for February 11 in Los Angeles to address the issue.
Additionally, Provo’s legal team has submitted a separate request for sanctions, demanding $1,760 in compensation for what they describe as time lost due to West’s failure to attend the deposition.
Provo initially filed the lawsuit in April, alleging that West “frequently screamed at and berated Black employees” within his companies, along with firing Provo for refusing to cut his dreadlocks—an act the former guard claims was discriminatory.
West’s legal team had previously attempted to dismiss the case, arguing that their client’s actions during Provo’s employment were “justified.”
“Kanye and members of his management team subjected Provo and other Black employees to less favorable treatment than their white counterparts,” Provo’s lawyer claimed. “Specifically, Kanye frequently screamed at and berated Black employees, while in contrast, he never so much as raised his tone of voice toward white staff.”
Recent reports indicate West currently lacks representation in the case, further complicating his legal defense.
The presidential election isn’t the only political race to produce polarizing results.
In a stunning turn of events, Ken Fletcher, a Michigan Democrat and former Delta Township supervisor, was re-elected Tuesday (November 5), despite having resigned from office just months ago amid serious criminal allegations. Fletcher, 58, is accused of engaging in explicit conversations with an undercover officer posing as a minor.
This has led to public outcry and intense debate over his controversial path back to office. Fletcher’s arrest in September was part of a sting operation orchestrated by Michigan State Police’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
The investigation alleged that Fletcher had begun messaging a supposed 15-year-old on the dating app Grindr, with plans to meet in person. According to The Independent, the messages were directed to an undercover officer, and Fletcher’s interactions led him to face charges of accosting a child for immoral purposes and using a computer to commit a crime.
Fletcher, who insists he was “just talking” to the decoy, officially stepped down from his position following his arrest. However, because his resignation occurred after state ballot deadlines, Fletcher’s name remained on the ballot, leading to his re-election despite two write-in candidates attempting to challenge him. CBS-affiliated WLNS News reports that Fletcher won the election by a landslide, receiving nearly 89% of the votes, while his closest competitor, Saturn Wlles, garnered just over 11 percent.
Eaton County Clerk Diana Bosworth explained to WLNS News that, per Michigan election law, Fletcher’s name could not be removed from the ballot.
“If elected and the candidate chooses not to accept the position, a vacancy will be declared and an appointment can occur,” Bosworth stated.
Under Michigan law, Fletcher has until January 1st to take the oath of office or formally vacate the role, giving him time to weigh his next steps. Mary Clark, Delta Township’s acting supervisor, confirmed Fletcher’s options, noting he could “get sworn in and resign, or obviously… get sworn in and stay.”
Fletcher’s attorney, Mike Nichols, suggested that Fletcher is contemplating whether returning to office is in the township’s best interest, and or his own, for that matter.
“The biggest question… is, is this the right thing for not just me but for the community… Am I still the best person for the job?” Nichols told The Independent.
Fletcher’s case is not isolated, as similar controversies have rocked local and national political offices in recent years. Across the country, several elected officials have faced accusations involving inappropriate contact with minors, challenging communities’ trust in leadership and prompting calls for stricter oversight.
Similarly, former Maryland Mayer Joel Bierman faces 30 charges related to child pornography and child sexual abuse material after the 46-year-old was charged six felony charges — including solicitation-related charges and 22 counts of possessing child sexual abuse images.
As Fletcher’s November 12 court date approaches, all eyes are on Delta Township, waiting to see whether he will ultimately reclaim his office or step aside in the face of these serious allegations.
Watch the video above for additional details on the incident.
R&B star Amerie gave fans an exclusive taste of her upcoming project last night, collaborating with renowned producer Troy Taylor.
They have a whopping 27 song ideas on the table and the two creative powerhouses have generated a lot of excitement.
There is not a lot more information at the moment, but the prevailing song is called “Undeniable.” The preview has left fans buzzing as Amerie’s smooth vocals and Taylor’s polished production suggest a sound both familiar and fresh.
“This is new music. The amazing Troy Taylor. We have 27 ideas, but today we cut the very first record. We’re just getting started.”
“Her voice has not changed – its mint condition classic. That’s what I’m trying to tell ya’ll,” Taylor said to the public watching.
And those people were a smorgasbord of celebrity professing their live for “Undeniable.” Fat Joe and DJ Premier both expressed their pleasure in the union.
Then, they played “Undeniable” back for people to hear.
Amerie has consistently showcased her genre-blending style, leaving an indelible mark on R&B since her breakout hits like “1 Thing” and “Why Don’t We Fall in Love“
Known for her ability to create music that seamlessly balances vibrant energy with emotional depth, she’s paired perfectly with Taylor. He’s a celebrated veteran producer heralded for his work with artists like Trey Songz, Boyz II Men, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, the Isley Brothers and many others.
The Amerie-Taylor collaboration is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated R&B projects on the horizon. There’s no work on when the album could drop.
Tony Todd, best known for his unforgettable performances in Candyman and Star Trek, has passed away at the age of 69 in his Marina del Rey, California, residence, his representative confirmed.
Though his cause of death remains undisclosed, the news leaves a void in both the horror and sci-fi genres where Todd made an indelible mark.
His career began gaining traction with his role as Sgt. Warren in the 1986 Vietnam War film Platoon.
However, it was his portrayal of Kurn, brother to Starfleet officer Worf, in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine that further solidified his place in fans’ hearts.
Yet, worldwide fame came shortly after, in 1992, when he played the titular character in Candyman, commanding the screen as Daniel Robitaille, the vengefull son of an African-American slave spirit wrongfully murdered in the 19th century.
At six foot five, Todd’s imposing physical presence and deep voice amplified the horror of the role, leaving audiences terrified over the course of the film and its three sequels.
Todd played a diverse array of characters throughout his prolific career. In television, he held a recurring role in Boston Public and had notable guest appearances in shows like Law & Order, The X-Files, 24, and Homicide: Life on the Street, showcasing a versatility that spanned various genres and formats.
While forging his legacy in horror, the actor never seemed to slow down; at the time of his passing, Todd had multiple TV and film projects either completed or in post-production.
Survived by his two children, Alex and Ariana, his impact on entertainment is poised to resonate long after his final moments on screen.
The whole situation with Young Thug is going to be intense. Thugger is back out, and everyone’s watching his relationship with Gunna closely. We have already reported on how Thugger shut down the rumors of their friendship, but what about the other side? Gunna has not said anything, but his ride-or-die brother has. He wants Thug to make sure they both do not like each other.
Check out what he said:
Sadly, the fans are the ones that are hurting. They were hoping and praying for good music from these two. But clearly, this ain’t going to happen.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know Gunna got out early, sidestepping the possibility of incarceration. Technically, he didn’t snitch, but technically, he kind of did. Things looked bleak for Thug at that point, and it put the two at odds—at least, that’s what it seemed like. Meanwhile, Young Thug’s protégé and former “partner-in-rhyme” went on to make big waves in music. Personally, I didn’t think his new music was great, but the younger crowd loved it, and I can’t be mad at that. The reality is, Gunna’s fame only grew while Thug was locked up.
Now that Thug is back on the scene, it might seem possible for the two to reunite musically. But in a now-deleted tweet, Thug shared his honest opinion on the situation, and it doesn’t look promising. It seems he and Gunna may no longer be on friendly terms. However, the fact that he deleted it makes me think he might have reconsidered. From a business angle, getting too emotional doesn’t make much sense. It’s smarter to focus on what’s good for business—team up, make music, and get paid.
What do you think? Principles should always matter, but wise decision-making counts too. Either way, I know Thug is about to make some major moves. Who he makes those moves with, though—that’s anyone’s guess right now.
A$AP Rocky may have plans to deliver his anticipated album Don’t Be Dumb following news of the hallmark visual single from the project generating a Grammy nomination for him.
Following his recent appearance in New York City for the release of his latest collection with Puma, Rocky provided fans with a shred of hope concerning his highly anticipated new album. The most of what the Harlem native said was in audible due to the background noise of paparazzi and a crowd of swarming fans, A$AP Rocky responded “ASAP” when a fan shouted at him asking when he plan to drop Don’t Be Dumb.
While it’s obvious that he didn’t provide a specific date, it would be hard to imagine a world where fans don’t get the album before the end of the year, considering it was originally planned to be released in October.
Adding fuel to the fire, A$AP Rocky earned his first Grammy award nomination in eight years, after the album’s single “Tailor Swif” was nominated in the category for Best Music Video in which he’ll compete against Taylor Swift. Overall, with his latest nomination, A$AP Rocky becomes a 3x-nominee. His other nomination arrived 10 years ago by way of Best Rap Song for his “F###in’ Problems” collaboration featuring 2 Chainz, Drake and Kendrick Lamar.
In addition to “Tailor Swif,” Rocky has also shared singles from the album, including “Ruby Rosary” with J. Cole and the solo single “Highjack.” Additionally, it appears as though A$AP Rocky may have multiple hits stored away in the vault that could potentially be ready for the album. During a recent red carpet interview, Rihanna revealed she’s been working on her own solo project with her Rocky and, as a result, they can’t decide who will get to use what for their LP’s.
“I already got stuff that I feel like I could make hits out of,” RiRi revealed during an Entertainment Tonight interview. “Me and Rocky are really trying to figure out who’s gonna use what because it’s so good.”
Grammy-nominated rapper Young Thug has publicly distanced himself from his former collaborator Gunna, alleging the artist betrayed their friendship by cooperating with authorities.
Young Thug took to social media to announce the split in a post that was quickly deleted but widely circulated.
“Stop acting like we’re friends on the internet. I don’t know you,” he wrote, signaling a stark shift from their previous closeness and collaborative success under their shared label, YSL Records.
The rift between the two rappers began after both were implicated in legal troubles related to YSL.
Young Thug, Gunna and more than two dozen YSL members were also indicted for racketeering.
Prosecutors claimed Young Thug’s YSL Records served as the front for a dangerous street gang.
Gunna was released from Fulton County Jail in December 2022 after making an Alford plea to one count of conspiracy to violate the RICO Act.
While Thugger’s legal team sought to maintain a business relationship with Gunna due to their contractual obligations, recent developments suggest the professional ties are also at risk.
The artists are signed to Thug’s YSL imprint and have frequently collaborated, building a reputation as a creative duo.
Young Thug’s lawyers had even petitioned the court to allow the two to maintain limited contact for business purposes, as Gunna’s popularity continues to grow despite the controversy.
However, tension reportedly flared last week after Young Thug posted vague messages on Twitter, hinting at betrayal and calling out those who “betrayed” his trust.
Though Gunna has mentioned in interviews that he and Thug were on good terms, he has remained silent in the face of the accusations.
Nobody forced him to get in that car he knew very well what he was getting himself into he chose to get in that car knowing the consequences that might happen thats on him Thug aint ruin no life Gunna almost ruined his own life thats on him https://t.co/18o0dIq3qV
Tupac Shakur and Madonna once shared a secret two-year romance, but they never would have hooked up if the rapper wasn’t on a date with another woman the night the music icons met.
Actor Rosie Perez recently spilled the tea about the former couple during a recent appearance on the “Drew Barrymore Show.”
Perez explained that the late rapper, who was tragically killed in 1996, met the superstar singer at the Soul Train Music Awards in 1993. However, the story begins with Perez getting stood up by a man who bailed on her because he feared his girlfriend would find out about their date.
Perez said her “good friend” Tupac Shakur called her just after she got off the phone with her date. He immediately offered to take his place, saying, “You know what, I’m gonna go with you. We’re gonna walk up in there, we’re gonna act like we’re on a date, and he’s going to die.”
Once the pair arrived at the awards ceremony, Perez said her “dear friend” Madonna wasted no time getting the low down on her date.
“She came up to me and was like, ‘Yo, what’s up?” Perez recalled. “Y’all are together?’”
Once Perez explained that Shakur were just friends, Madonna responded, “Hook me up.” Perez obliged, and the rest was history.
Tupac Shakur Broke Up With Madonna In A Letter From Jail
Tupac Shakur broke up with Madonna while he was in jail facing a sexual assault charge in 1995. He wrote a letter to the singer indicating racial differences played a role in their split.
“For you to be seen with a black man wouldn’t in any way jeopardize your career,” he wrote in part. “If anything it would make you seem that much more open and exciting. But for me at least in my previous perception, I felt due to my ‘image’ I would be letting down half of the people who made me what I thought I was.”
Judge Paige Reese Whitaker, who is white, apologized for using the n-word during the YSL RICO trial on Friday (November 8). The judge read the phrase “n##### is lacking” aloud while discussing evidence as the trial continues with Young Thug.
“Before we broke for lunch, we were hashing through a bunch of Instagram conversations,” she said. “And I was reading one out loud and basically saying it as my eyes were going over it for the first time ever and just reading whatever was on the paper. And I read out the word n-i-g-g-a-s, which I hope that that was not offense to anyone. It was certainly not meant to be offensive to anyone. I do not use that word. And it was merely—I should have been looking first before I said it, whatever I said out loud, to edit if there were any offensive words. So, I wanna apologize on the record for that.”
Young Thug’s co-defendants Yak Gotti and Shannon Stillwell remain on trial. Young Thug, Quamarvious Nichols, Rodalius Ryan and Marquavius Huey accepted plea deals in October.
Judge apologizes for accidentally saying the n word when reading text message evidence
Shannon (one of the defendants) is heard saying "Your Honor, there was no offense" pic.twitter.com/4MAut1m6hb
Judge Whitaker sentenced Young Thug to 40 years with five years in prison but commuted it to time served. He was released from jail after spending more than two years behind bars. He must serve 15 years on probation.
Young Thug received strict probation terms. He must stay away from Atlanta for 10 years barring a few exceptions (including weddings, funerals and court-ordered community service). He cannot associate with any of the defendants in his RICO case except for his brother Unfoonk and fellow rapper Gunna. If Young Thug violates his probation, he could serve 20 years in prison.
Prosecutors said they will wrap up their case against Yak Gotti and Stillwell before Thanksgiving, ending the longest trial in Georgia history.
Sean “Diddy” Combs is asking a federal judge in New York to force the government to reveal the identities of individuals allegedly involved in his racketeering case.
Combs’ legal team claims the vague accusations make it impossible for him to mount an adequate defense.
The charges against Combs point to his involvement in a sprawling racketeering conspiracy stretching back 16 years.
The indictment accuses him of crimes such as kidnapping, forced labor, and sex trafficking. However, his attorneys assert that the charges lack vital details, including the names of the supposed victims.
“Mr. Combs is charged with various offenses arising out of allegations that he coerced some individuals into sexual conduct, but he does not know their identities,” the defense memorandum reads.
The filing goes on to argue that the allegations originate from “dozens of financially-motivated individuals” with allegedly false claims of sexual assault.
Some of these people, according to the defense, Combs has never even personally met.
Central to Combs’ argument is the complaint that the indictment spans from 2008 to 2024 but doesn’t clarify which specific individuals were allegedly coerced during that time.
His legal team believes this lack of precision complicates their ability to sift through the significant amount of evidence the court provided in discovery.
“The productions are so voluminous that, in the absence of further information, it is unclear which portions are even relevant to the charges,” Diddy’s lawyers argued. “Discovery review under the circumstances is an endless and impossible task.”
One of Diddy’s primary attorneys, Alexandra A.E. Shapiro, highlighted a crucial hurdle in preparing a defense without more transparent information.
“Mr. Combs deserves fair notice of the fundamental nature of the charges so he may defend himself,” Shapiro stated, adding that “he cannot reasonably prepare a defense without knowing the identities of the alleged victims.”
While federal prosecutors maintain that they have complied with providing discovery and other necessary information, Diddy’s legal team views the situation much differently.
They assert that the current level of detail leaves them ill-equipped to counter the “wild and ever-expanding allegations appearing in the press” from government representatives and civil attorneys.
Diddy’s team dismissed concerns that revealing victims’ names could pose dangers, pointing out that several alleged victims and their attorneys have come forward publicly despite any supposed risk.
T.I. has explained why he will never tolerate any Outkast slander or negative rhetoric about his fellow Atlanta rappers, such as Young Thug, 21 Savage, and more, when it comes to discussing the top rappers from the Southern Hip-Hop mecca.
During a live and on-campus episode of First Take on ESPN, T.I. joined former NFL players Cam Newton and Shannon Sharpe, along with sports analysts Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim, to discuss a recent list ranking the top rappers from Atlanta.
The list ranked André 3000, Future, T.I., Gucci Mane, and Jeezy as Atlanta’s finest — seeding the “Whateva You Like” lyricist at the No. 3 spot. While T.I. expressed gratitude for his inclusion, the conversation sparked an engaging debate about each artist’s contribution to Atlanta’s music culture.
Newton responded with curiosity about the full list, acknowledging the diversity in influence across each artist.
“Guys like T.I., guys like Gucci [Gucci Mane], guys like Jeezy, they curated a sound that we see the Future’s talking about,” Newton said. “You see what I’m saying? That wordplay, that word flow.”
According to Newton, each artist’s unique impact on Atlanta’s sound remains undeniable, but he argued Future has carved out “a league of his own.”
Shannon Sharpe interjected and emphasized T.I.’s central role in pioneering trap music, especially as it has shaped Atlanta’s reputation in Hip-Hop.
“If you think about trap music, you can’t get no farther than the T without having T.I. in it,” Sharpe said. In Sharpe’s view, T.I. is foundational to the trap sound, and his contribution to the genre’s growth places him as one of Atlanta’s most significant figures.
Adding his voice to the discussion, Stephen A. Smith piggybacked off of Sharpe’s remarks by revealing he was perplexed by T.I.’s third-place ranking.
“I don’t understand how he couldn’t be number one,” Smith declared, expressing how T.I.’s influence had resonated not only within Atlanta but across the national Hip-Hop scene.
However, when T.I. finally addressed the list, he offered a balanced perspective, showing humility and deep respect for Atlanta’s Hip-Hop history by shouting out multiple generations of artists before even mentioning his own luminary career. He started off by literally staining Outkast, who he believes are the city of Atlanta’s paramount figures in rap.
“Nobody steps on Outkast’s toes when we talking, you know, any kind of Atlanta legacy,” T.I. said. “You go straight to Outkast first.”
He went on to praise newer talents like Young Thug, 21 Savage, and Lil Baby, recognizing their contributions to the current generation.
“I’m just happy to be on the list and among people who have been the greatest and who are to be the greatest in this thing,” he said.
The conversation underscored Atlanta’s multi-generational influence on Hip-Hop, highlighting how artists like T.I., Outkast, and Future each left indelible marks in distinct eras. T.I.’s career is marked by multiple Billboard chart-topping albums, including Paper Trail and King, and he boasts three Grammy Awards along with several multi-Platinum singles. Comparatively, Outkast, as a duo, has set remarkable standards in Hip-Hop, with Speakerboxxx/The Love Below and Stankonia achieving RIAA Diamond and multi-Platinum certifications. They’ve earned six Grammy Awards, solidifying their impact not only within Atlanta but across the entire music industry.
