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Diddy Behind Bars: Feds Investigating MDC Brooklyn Over “Horrific Conditions”

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Multiple federal agencies investigated safety at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, the facility housing Diddy while he awaits trial. Specific details of the investigation weren’t disclosed, but officials claimed there was “no active” threat spurring their action.

“In an effort to maintain the safety and security of all personnel inside the facility and the integrity of this operation, we are unable to provide additional information at this time,” the Federal Bureau of Prisons said. “We will provide additional information at the conclusion of the operation.”

MDC Brooklyn has been plagued by violence. Two inmates were stabbed to death over the summer. Federal prosecutors charged nine inmates for attacks at the facility.

“Violence will not be tolerated in our federal jails,” U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said. “As alleged, in June and July of this year, two men detained at MDC Brooklyn—Uriel Whyte and Edwin Cordero—were murdered by fellow inmates using makeshift weapons. Others at MDC Brooklyn have been viciously assaulted by inmates, as alleged in the three other cases … As the only federal pretrial facility in New York City, MDC Brooklyn houses pretrial inmates accused of some of the most serious crimes in our region. No matter the reason for their detention, my Office will work tirelessly to vindicate the rights of victims who suffer violence within MDC Brooklyn.”

Diddy’s lawyers cited the facility’s dangerous reputation when he sought bail following his September arrest.

“Several courts … have recognized that the conditions at Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn are not fit for pre-trial detention,” his attorneys argued. “Just earlier this summer, an inmate was murdered. At least four inmates have died by suicide there in the past three years. Numerous Courts in this district have raised concerns with the horrific conditions of detention there.”

Judges denied Diddy’s bail request. He awaits a ruling after filing an appeal.

Diddy’s trial is scheduled for May 2025. He faces sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution charges.

Lin-Manuel Miranda & Eisa Davis Implore Hip-Hop To Reexamine Classic Movie “The Warriors”

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur)Category: Exclusives

The cult classic The Warriors has long been a staple in Hip-Hop and continues to captivate audiences decades after its 1979 release. Now, Lin-Manuel Miranda, renowned creator of the play Hamilton, recently shared how the film inspired his latest.

The musical project, a creative journey, with playwright/creative Eisa Davis and acclaimed producer Mike Elizondo is currently available on all streaming services. The opus features Lauryn Hill, Busta Rhymes, Marc Anthony, Billy Porter, Ghostface Killah, RZA and Colman Domingo, among others.

In an exclusive conversation, Miranda told AllHipHop that The Warriors is his “most-watched movie.”

“I gasp every time an MC references it,” he said. “So from ODB [Ol Dirty Bastard] to Common to the new LL COOL J album opening track, ‘Spirit of Cyrus.’ And I think part of the power of the movie and its hold on Hip-Hop and the culture is that it doesn’t judge its characters.”

The Warriors tells the story of a small gang from Coney Island fighting their way back home through the gritty landscape of 1970s New York City. The gang was framed for the murder of Cyrus, the unifying leader of the city’s colorful gangs.

“[Music] just puts us in the situation,” Miranda explained. “Every gang in New York is going to the Bronx with the promise of peace. That promise is shattered, the Warriors are blamed, and we just got to get back home. The story is very universal, beautiful, clear story.”

Davis, a celebrated playwright and actress, stepped in to create a “musical love letter” instead of a traditional stage production.

“Action movies and musicals are always fighting for the same real estate,” Miranda said. “In an action movie, when you can’t talk anymore, you fight. In a musical, when you can’t talk anymore, you sing.”

Mike Elizondo, whose credits include collaborations with Dr. Dre, Eminem and 50 Cent, infused the album with a diverse musical palette.

Eisa Davis said, “He’s someone who, like us, has a very widespread appreciation of music. He loves every single genre that there is as we do. And we got to put pretty much all of those on the album, and we got to work with him in his studio outside of Nashville with a band to just really make the sound something that we thought, maybe someone will sample this someday. It was just really exciting.”

Miranda, Davis and Elizondo bring fresh energy to The Warriors, ensuring its legacy endures in yet another form.

Diddy Suffers Legal Blow Despite Desperate Plea For Judge’s Help

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Judge Arun Subramanian rejected Diddy’s request for an expansive gag order in the rap mogul’s sex trafficking case. According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, the judge instructed prosecutors and federal agents to not disclose any grand jury material but declined the defense’s proposal in a ruling on Friday (October 25).

“With this order in hand, both sides can make sure that anyone involved with this case or the related investigation understands what they are not permitted to disclose,” the judge wrote. “To be clear, this order isn’t based on a finding that there has been any wrongdoing thus far, as the Court has made no findings at this juncture relating to defendant’s allegations that information related to the case has been leaked. The point of this order is to help ensure that nothing happens from now on that would interfere with a fair trial.”

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Diddy’s legal team raised concerns about leaks after the New York Post published an article titled “Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs mixed star-studded bashes with raucous ‘freak off’ sex parties after VMAs and Super Bowl, videos reveal.” Diddy’s lawyers accused the feds of forming an “illicit partnership” with the press to ruin his ability to receive a fair trial.

“The Court is in receipt of defendant’s October 25, 2024 letter concerning a news article with remarks attributed to a federal law enforcement source claiming to be involved in the Government’s investigation,” Judge Subramanian wrote. “Those remarks, if made by an agent involved in the investigation or prosecution of this case, are plainly improper … The court will take appropriate action for any violation of the rules, and on that score, as the Government is aware, the defendant’s motion for an evidentiary hearing on these issues is still pending.”

Diddy was indicted for sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution. He remains behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn with a pending appeal regarding his bond. His trial is scheduled to begin in May 2025.

Bad Bunny Supports Kamala Harris After Trump’s Bizarre Racist Rally

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Bad Bunny boosted Kamala Harris’ campaign video targeting voters in Puerto Rico Harris on Sunday.

Jennifer Lopez and Ricky Martin were also among the stars to lend a boost to the Democratic presidential candidate after a speaker at Donald Trump’s political rally at New York’s Madison Square Garden called Puerto Rico “a floating island of garbage.”

The comment stirred outrage among prominent Puerto Ricans – and many others – in media and entertainment.

“There’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico,” said Tony Hinchcliffe, a comedian and podcaster who was one of many speakers before Trump took to the stage.

Faced with a muted response and a few boos from the crowd, Hinchcliffe immediately and defensively responded “OK, OK.”

In response, music superstar Bad Bunny, who has more than 45 million Instagram followers, shared Harris’ campaign video that notes what a contentious relationship Trump had with the island during his tenure in the White House.

Lopez posted the same video pitch, as did singer-actor Ricky Martin, who has 18.6 million Instagram followers.

He added the comment “I remember” on the Harris video and also included a clip of Hinchcliffe’s “garbage” comment.

Nick Cannon Suggests Mariah Carey’s Crazy Success Was Partly To Blame For Split

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: News

Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey married in 2008 and welcomed twins  Moroccan and Monroe in 2011, further solidifying their commitment.

But despite their seemingly strong connection and shared ambitions, the marriage hit rocky terrain due to growing pressures, career obligations and fundamental differences in lifestyles. By 2014, they had separated and the divorce was finalized in 2016.

While both Carey and Cannon have expressed respect and admiration for each other in the years since, they openly acknowledged that their differences were challenging to navigate within the marriage. In a recent interview with Ray Daniels, Cannon opened up about their split and admitted it can be partially attributed to Carey’s astronomical success.

As Cannon explained, he wasn’t mad at their lifestyle; she had “islands” and people bringing him “steak on a platter.” But there came a time when he questioned, “Is this who I am? I’m Mariah’s man? Is that what my life is supposed to be?” He continued, “There’s nothing wrong with it and I got really comfortable.”

Cannon concluded “this ain’t the hustler in me” and they ultimately broke up. He went on to father multiple children with several different women. But in an August interview with E! News, the Wild ‘N Out host admitted he would get back together with Carey without hesitation.

“We belong together,” Cannon said. He added he would “absolutely” get back together with Carey, noting it would “be stupid if [he] didn’t.”

But Cannon soon followed up with, “She don’t want me. [I’ve had] a whole baseball team. Like, ‘No, you can’t come back home.’”

Cannon’s large flock of children has become internet fodder—and he appears to get a kick out of his reputation as a serial procreator. In July, he took out a $10 million insurance policy on his family jewels. Cannon, who has 12 children with six different women, used Dr. Squatch’s Ball Valuation Tool, which evaluated size, favorite features and bedroom maneuvers, among other factors.

Dr. Squatch, a natural men’s soap and personal care company, took out an official policy via MMA/Momentous. Cannon said in a statement, “Haters say it’s time for me to stop having kids and put this super sperm to rest, but I’m doubling down on these valuable balls and my future kids. Shoutout to Dr. Squatch for giving my balls the credit they deserve and hooking me up with the protection I need to keep this family tree rolling.”

In addition to Moroccan and Monroe, he also has sons Golden and Rise and daughter Powerful with Brittany Bell; twins Zion and Zillion and daughter Beautiful with Abby De La Rosa; son Legendary with Bre Tiesi; and daughter Onyx with LaNisha Cole. Cannon also shares two children with Alyssa Scott: son Zen, who died at 5 months old in December 2021 after being diagnosed with brain cancer, and daughter Halo Marie Cannon, who was born in December 2022.

Trump & Cohorts Upset Fat Joe, Bad Bunny, Ricky Martin & All Self-Respecting Latinos At MSG Rally

By: Houston WilliamsCategory: Rumors

Madison Square Garden turned into the circus of the century on Sunday (October 27) and Trump was the biggest clown. Barnum and Bailey would blush at this mess. It was supposed to be a state of the “party” event in the heart of New York City. But this was a mess that set off a series of events that upset Fat Joe, Bad Bunny, Ricky Martin, Rosie Perez and just about every self-respecting Latino.

Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe hit everybody with a viral routine of cringe. Homie called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.” Now, I thought they wanted to get voters, but he basically sought to offend millions immediately. Um, and then there was a Black man that stood up and cheered. His Black ass was hit with a joke about watermelons. He said “we carved watermelons together” on Halloween.

Then, Tucker Carlson gave us a masterclass in BS. He mocked VP Kamala Harris’s ethnic background saying she was “the first Samoan Malaysian low IQ former California prosecutor ever to be elected president.” What a bozo! And you know it could not stop there.

Rudy Giuliani and Stephen Miller? Giuliani said, “Hamas isn’t there for us,” and that “the Palestinians are taught to kill us at two years old.” He also said Kamala Harris wants Gazan refugees in the U.S., without providing any info at all. Basically, he was lying. Miller said the so-called assassination attempts on Trump were orchestrated by Democrats. Again, no evidence at all. More lies. Trump’s childhood bud David Rem said that Kamala Harris—our nation’s vice president—is the “anti-Christ.” Big witch-hunt vibes are coming from the Republican Party.

The MSG situation really resembled a pro-Nazi rally in 1939. And guess who else was there? Trump’s Cheetos twin Hulk Hogan hit the stage to say, “I don’t see no stinking Nazis in here, brother!” I am not about to trust the word of a white man who calls African-Americans “Ni99a.” It was a super convening of racist white men, who lashed out at Blacks and Latinos.

All of them trashed America, call it a horror show riddled with crime, unwanted immigrants and an economic disaster. They really hate America. What was odd was none of the Republicans with House seats on the line showed up for this circus. I think they want to distance themselves from this big old bozo. On the low, they want so scam their wins and then line up with him later. How are you all feeling about this? I think it sucks big time.

Solange Reveals She’s Been Fighting Multiple Autoimmune Conditions For Years

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Solange Knowles has opened up about her struggles with disabling health conditions on social media, revealing she was diagnosed with multiple autoimmune disorders in 2018.

The 38-year-old musician shared the personal news in response to a post from fellow artist Shaun Ross, who had detailed his own experience with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) caused by long COVID.

“Sending you so much love and strength Shaun and to everyone in the comments dealing with the overwhelming, confusing, and isolating nature of POTS!” Knowles wrote in the comments. “I was diagnosed with POTS, Sjogren’s and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) back in 2018. I completely understand what it’s like to not want your health circumstances to define you.”

Knowles expressed gratitude for the “spoonie” community, a group of individuals with chronic illnesses who use the metaphor of spoon usage to describe how much energy they have on any given day.

“The good folks at @dysautonomiaintl were an incredible resource for me,” she said. “I’m so thankful for the spoonie community for supporting me in moments of total uncertainty.”

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), one of the conditions Knowles battles, can cause a rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness and fatigue when transitioning from lying down to standing. Alongside POTS, Sjogren’s syndrome leads to dry eyes and mouth, while Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) can impact various systems in the body, including the heart, gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system.

This isn’t the first time Knowles has had to navigate her career with health challenges. In 2017, the singer canceled two performances, citing a “medical condition,” though she hadn’t disclosed specifics at the time.

Despite the physical toll, her voice continues to resonate deeply with fans across the world, as she balances her personal journey with her passion. Amid fame, Solange Knowles is standing tall by sharing her reality and remaining connected to others in similar situations, putting a spotlight on chronic illness and the strength of community.

Amber Rose Walks Back Beyoncé Speech Theft Claims After Beyhive Swarms

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Amber Rose appeared to accuse Beyoncé of stealing material from her speech after the Destiny Child’s singer addressed a crowd in support of Kamala Harris at a Texas rally. Rose, who has pledged her unwavering support to Donald Trump, claimed on social media that Beyoncé’s remarks on motherhood mirrored her own.

“She wanna be me so bad,” the proud Trumper wrote. “Literally took my whole speech.” She added an eye-rolling emoji in the post. After getting nearly 7,000 snarky replies, she later claimed she was only trolling.

 

Beyoncé, appearing with former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland, took the stage on Friday (October 25) to offer her support for Harris, the current vice president.

“We are so happy to be standing here on this stage as proud Texas women supporting and celebrating the one and only Vice President Kamala Harris,” Beyoncé told a cheering crowd.

The singer, who shares three children with husband JAY-Z, spoke deeply about the future her children would inherit. The rally unfolded amid a pivotal moment in Texas, where Harris, the first female vice president, continues to garner support ahead of potential electoral challenges.

“I’m not standing here as a public figure tonight. I’m here as a mother who cares deeply about the world my children and all our children will grow up in, a world where we have the freedom to control our bodies,” she said.

In her speech, Beyoncé spoke passionately about the importance of women imagining a future with fewer restrictions.

“Imagine our daughters growing up seeing what’s possible with no ceilings, no limitations. We are at the precipice of an incredible shift, the brink of history,” she said.

Although the two women both addressed motherhood, the contexts and motivations behind their speeches seem rooted in very different political ideologies. Rose’s criticism quickly drew pushback from her followers, many of whom dismissed her claim.

Fans commented with responses like, “Amber Rose, we promise you more than anything that Beyoncé does NOT want to be you,” while others wrote, “If reaching were a person… Amber, please, not now.”

Celebrity Videographer Dante Hillmedo Sets His Sights on the Big Screen!

By: Staff WriterCategory: Music News

Dante Hillmedo is the guy behind the lens at some of the most exclusive events in entertainment. As the owner of Team Elite Productions LLC, his New York City-based film and photography company

, Dante has captured the energy and style of icons at the MET Gala, Michael Rubin’s All White Party, and created memorable visuals for major brands like VH1, Roc Nation, and Essence. His camera doesn’t just record; it taps into the vibe, bringing out the personality and raw moments that fans crave but rarely get to see.

With a reputation for delivering A1 content, Dante’s talent and hustle have kept him in demand, making him a go-to for celebs who want more than just your typical reel. But he’s not stopping at videography—Dante recently wrapped up his first feature film, Butterfly, signaling a new chapter in his career. Inspired by the same grit and soul that shaped his journey, he’s now setting his sights on directing, aiming to make movies that hit audiences right in their core.

AHH: You’ve filmed some of the biggest celebrity events in the industry. Can you share one of the most memorable moments you’ve captured that fans wouldn’t get to see otherwise?

Dante: I would say any of Michael Rubin’s All White Party events, we’ve been the only team allowed to shoot the party that’s amassed millions of views worldwide. A cool moment that wasn’t captured though was Beyoncé commenting on my shades and shaking my hand, she’s super sweet in person.

AHH: As someone who has had a unique perspective at exclusive celebrity events, how do you balance capturing candid moments while respecting the privacy of high-profile individuals?

Dante: One of the reasons most hire me for these events is I’m very good with discretion, I don’t fan out over celebs, I treat them with respect and consideration. So I only shoot what I feel would paint them in the best light.

AHH: Now that you’ve wrapped production on your first film, how did your background in filming live events and celebrity content shape your approach to directing?

Dante: It taught me a lot about production, managing multiple things at the same time, and also choosing the right equipment for the job.

AHH: What was the biggest challenge you faced while transitioning from videography to directing, especially since it’s a shift from capturing reality to creating scripted narratives?

Dante: The casting of actors, writing the script, booking locations, keeping everyone on the same page, budgeting, etc.. It was a lot for one person but I got it done.

AHH: What’s one misconception that fans might have about celebrities at exclusive events versus how they are in real life?

Dante: The belief that all of them are in some nefarious conspiracy lol. People come, have fun, network and go home. All parties ain’tl a Diddy party lol.

AHH: If you could choose any three celebrities you’ve worked with to appear in one of your future films, who would you pick and why?

Dante: Funny enough, I wanted Teyana Taylor to help co-produce my film since she has a love for dance and is into films as well. I spoke to her briefly about it and reached out to her production company but I guess it wasn’t meant to be this time around. I’d also like to work with Chloe Bailey, and Denzel Washington in some capacity in the future.

AHH: Looking back on the past decade, what are some of the major shifts you’ve noticed in the entertainment industry, especially with how celebrity culture is portrayed?

Dante: I’d say that celebs give too much these days visually. Many have made themselves too accessible, whether that’s in person or via social media. Part of the allure of a celebrity was the mystery of their daily lives. Now we see it all, so a lot of them lose their exclusivity and people get too involved in their personal lives. I think Denzel is someone who does it the right way, a healthy balance.

AHH: Now that you’re moving into film directing, what kind of stories are you most excited to tell, and how do you want audiences to feel after watching your work?

Dante: I want them to feel emotion. Whether that’s excitement, joy, pain, horror, I want my films to ignite emotion on a level that makes them walk away after completing a film feeling like they’ve enjoyed something special. Something that they’d want to tell their friends about. That’s my goal to deliver.

As Dante Hillmedo steps into the world of filmmaking, he’s bringing with him a decade of experience, grit, and a vision sharpened by capturing some of the most exclusive moments in entertainment. From behind the scenes at star-studded events to now crafting his own stories on the big screen, Dante isn’t just building a career—he’s building a legacy. With Butterfly on the horizon and his ambitions aimed even higher, Hillmedo’s journey is just beginning. For those who have been following his work, it’s clear: Dante’s story is one you’ll want to keep watching. You can follow Dante on Instagram at @DanteFilmz and check out his website at TeamElitePhoto.com

Brooklyn Rapper Hustle Hans Drops New Heat With Afrobeats Singer Candee Bee 

By: Staff WriterCategory: Music News

Here comes Hustle Hans with his brand new collab! Staying true to his Afro-West Indian roots by featuring Ghanaian artist Candee Bee, this brand new single called “Wedding” has been on my personal top 10 playlist since I was fortunate enough to have it from the man himself before its release date. The song embodies all of the elements of an instant classic. 

The chord progression immediately gives you a nostalgic feeling of euphoria as it puts you in a mood to dance and makes you think about that special someone in your life! Born and raised in Trinidad but now a native of New York, Hustle Hans has been exploring various artistic expression through fusion music! This track is no exception, with an Afro centric beat, blended handsomely with hip hop and reggae. This author has no doubt the track will be an instant hit! Enjoy “Wedding” by Hustle Hans featuring Candy Bee. Available on iTunes, Spotify now!

Ex Biggie Estate Publicist Breaks Silence On Alleged Sexual Harassment & Diddy Drug Use

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: Exclusives

The Notorious B.I.G. raps he and Diddy were “close like Starsky and Hutch” on the 1997 single “Hypnotize,” the last song he released before his death. Just one week later, the Hip-Hop legend (born Christopher Wallace) was assassinated at the age of 24 while trailing behind Diddy’s Chevy Suburban.

Nearly 25 years later, publicist Jonathan Hay was hired by Biggie’s son CJ Wallace to reproduce some of the late MC’s biggest hits for the family’s estate. But according to Hays, their business arrangement took a dark turn. He alleges a member of Biggie’s team made sexual advances toward him.

“My experiences with the Biggie Smalls team turned abominable to say the least,” Hays tells AllHipHop. “Similar to Diddy’s alleged practices, The Notorious B.I.G. estate refused to acknowledge my sexual harassment complaints when I awkwardly came forward. I wouldn’t participate in phone sex, nor would I watch one of the representatives of The Notorious B.I.G estate pleasure himself on a video chat during the pandemic.

“For two years after the disgusting incidents, I lived with regret that I didn’t ‘go along’ with all that freaky ass weirdness, as I was instantly shunned and they terminated the project. I lost a significant amount of money and almost two years of exclusive Biggie work.”

Hays says Diddy was still a partner in The Estate of Christopher Wallace publishing fortune, which included musical assets featuring JAY-Z. He only got the courage to disclose what had happened to him in the wake of Diddy’s RICO arrest.

“I have strong resources, but in no way could I go up against the estate of The Notorious B.I.G., Diddy and JAY-Z,” he admits. “It’s only now that I can speak out about this because so many strong women have come forward with lawsuits and alleged criminal complaints against the former Bad Boy mogul.”

In another incident, Hays claims he was on a Zoom call with Diddy, King Combs and two members of the Estate shortly after the release of Hays and Frank White’s “Big Poppa (House Mix).” As Diddy complained about the song not being “good enough,” Hays says he observed him sniffing what he assumed to be either ketamine or cocaine.

“Diddy said that I needed to make house music with ketamine, as that’s how all the ravers would hear it at places like Burning Man and Miami Ultra Music Fest,” Hays continues. “While on this bizarre pep talk call from Diddy, he was also sniffing Ketamine or cocaine, which was so crazy to me at the time. I was flabbergasted he was sniffing, especially with this kid being on the Zoom too.”

After the deal fell apart, Hays, who’d relocated to Brooklyn by this time, made a “last ditch effort” and contacted Faith Evans through her manager.

“I let them know that a representative of The Notorious B.I.G estate had made extremely unwanted sexual advances toward me,” he explained. “I also attached the gross mp3 [heard by AllHipHop] of Biggie’s rep singing repeatedly that he loved me in a very weird way. Faith Evans ex-husband and the active stepfather of Biggie’s son, Todd Russaw, sent me an email acknowledging that it was ‘disturbing’ and that he would follow up… but he never did.

“It became somewhat concerning when I started receiving random texts of threats from Diddy’s associates and those associated with Biggie’s estate. For almost a year I stayed low-key with my girlfriend in Washington Heights, Manhattan after we temporarily moved to Texas to get out of Brooklyn.”

Hays was eventually sent a cease-and-desist letter over the Biggie project. It read in part, “Our client informed us that you are threatening to release the above-referenced album without its authorization. The album and all the master recordings embodied therein shall be individually and collectively referred to hereinafter in this letter as the ‘Album.’

“Particularly, you stated the following in an email to Christopher J. Wallace and Willie Mack on July 2, 2021: ‘I can release it [the Album] on my own, without any affiliation of anything involving Think Big, Frank White, Biggie’s Estate, etc.’ Your statement is unequivocally false.”

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The letter also suggested Hays might have violated a non-disclosure agreement. It went on, “Our client has shared some of your correspondence with its team members and third parties implying you may have breached the Non-Disclosure Agreement you signed on April 14, 2020 (the ‘NDA’). Our investigation continues, and we hereby reserve all of our client’s rights regarding this matter. We encourage you to review the NDA and make sure that you do not intentionally or inadvertently violate it going forward.”

Needless to say, the project never fully materialized. Hays had primarily put the incident behind him but felt compelled to speak up after more and more people came forward with their alleged Diddy horror stories. The unsealed indictment claims that between 2008 and the present, Diddy abused, threatened and coerced women and others, and led a racketeering conspiracy that engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice, among other crimes. Diddy remains in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

It was all a dream…until it wasn’t.

Kool & The Gang Put Someone On “Sample Patrol” In Early Hip-Hop Days

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: Exclusives

The 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony invaded the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland on October 19.

Par for the course, the annual ceremony brought out some of the biggest names in music, including this year’s inductees Kool & the Gang, Cher, A Tribe Called Quest, Peter Frampton, Ozzy Osbourne, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner and Mary J. Blige, and a slew of notable presenters.

Backstage in the press room, Method Man, Chuck D, The Who’s Roger Daltrey, Keith Urban, Cher, Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Dua Lipa and Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello were some of the many who agreed to be grilled by hungry reporters. AllHipHop had a chance to not only meet Kool & the Gang’s namesake, Robert “Kool” Bell, and fellow member J.T. Taylor but also got to ask them about sampling.

Starting in 1972 with The Jimmy Castor Bunch single “It’s Just Begun,” Kool & the Gang’s music has been sampled by numerous Hip-Hop artists—from DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince (“Summertime”) and N.W.A (“Real N*ggaz”) to Eric B. & Rakim (“Don’t Sweat the Technique”) and EPMD (“You Gots to Chill”).

“When they were sampling our music, a lot of things we didn’t know,” Bell admitted. Taylor jumped in with, “We just heard it like, ‘Wait a minute.’ That was ‘Jungle Boogie, that was this.”

Bell continued, “I put somebody on sample patrol to catch our licks, catch that drumbeat [laughs].”

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Still, Kool & the Gang appreciated that Hip-Hop music was exposing their catalog to a whole new audience. As Taylor explained, they also realized just how many lawsuits were piling up as sampling became the norm.

“I remember in the beginning people were getting sued all over the place, big money suing, so the labels I think they told the artists, ‘Listen you have to let us know. You have to get the license for this stuff,'” he said. “We still got our credit and royalties and everything like that. It’s a testament to just how popular these songs were.

“To me, the Hip-Hop genre gets a lot of flack. When you try to take a little sample, a little audio file and splice it up to a way you can make a brand new thing, that’s creative too. It wasn’t the original thing, but they make something original from it. So it’s like give and take, is it a copy? Is it not? It’s humbling at the same time. When you have the original piece, you gotta pay up guys. I think they do now.”

Bell used DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince classic “Summertime” as an example. The 1991 cut, taken from the duo’s fourth studio album, Homebase, relied heavily on Kool & the Gang’s 1974 smash “Summer Madness.”

“We did ‘Summer Madness ‘ and Will Smith called it ‘Summertime,'” he said. “He didn’t do too much sampling, he just rapped over the whole song. We got paid though. The No. 1 record, double platinum and he went on to becomes a movie star.”

The celebration continued with a joint Kool & the Gang-A Tribe Called Quest afterparty at the Cleveland House of Blues. Kool DJ Red Alert manned the decks as Blige, Method Man, Chuck D, Q-Tip, Jarobi and many others flooded the venue.

Kool & the Gang was formed in 1964 by Bell and his brother Ronald Bell. The band rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s with hits that became anthems of the disco and funk eras. Some of their most iconic songs include “Celebration,” “Get Down On It,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Ladies’ Night” and “Cherish.”

Initially a jazz band, Kool & the Gang evolved over the years, incorporating funk and R&B influences that led to massive commercial success. The group has won multiple Grammy Awards and is also a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, although several of the original members are no longer here. Co-founder/drummer George “Funky” Brown died of lung cancer in November 2023, Ronald Bell passed in 2020 and saxophonist Dennis “D.T.” Thomas died the following year.

All photos by Kyle Eustice

No, Tory Lanez Wasn’t Declared “Innocent” By Appellate Court In Megan Thee Stallion Shooting

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: News

A rumor suggesting an appellate court accepted a claim of innocence from Tory Lanez in the Megan Thee Stallion shooting case has been proven false.

Court reporter Meghann Cuniff, who’s been following the case closely since the beginning, took to Twitter on Saturday night (October 26) to rip various reports apart. She began, “Just got home from the World Series and learned some people spent their Friday night spreading lies about Tory Lanez’s appeal for shooting Megan Thee Stallion. No, the appellate court has not declared Lanez ‘innocent.’ Not even close.”

Cuniff went on to explain in the comment section, “All the court did was consolidate Lanez’s habeas petition and his actual appeal. They haven’t ruled on anything yet and it’s pathetic that this trash website amplifies outright lies, even when the court document is right there staring everyone in the face.”

She continued, “Oh I just realized something! This is an entirely new habeas petition. He has one in from last year about the driver’s statement, but according to the docket his lawyers filed another one this week. Which makes the idea that the court somehow granted it even stupider. AG hasn’t.”

Cuniff believes the rumor started with Unite the People, the same group that falsely reported the appellate court had freed Lanez from prison. She added, “The group seems to struggle with correctly interpreting court actions for the public, and we should keep that in mind moving forward. We don’t know what’s in Lanez’s new petition because Unite the People hasn’t released it, but the AG’s office already responded to his main appeal, and here’s how they described a main piece of evidence against Lanez, his phone call from jail.”

Tory Lanez was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. The incident, which took place after a Hollywood party, involved an argument in an SUV that escalated, leading to Lanez shooting Megan in her feet as she attempted to exit the vehicle.

Megan later revealed the details of the traumatic event in interviews and court testimonies, describing the physical and emotional toll it had taken on her. Lanez faced serious backlash from the music industry and fans, with many speaking out in support of Megan as she publicly navigated the assault’s aftermath.

During the trial, the jury found Lanez guilty on several charges, including assault with a semiautomatic firearm, carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle and discharging a firearm with gross negligence. Despite pleas from his supporters for leniency, the judge imposed the decade-long sentence, noting the severity of his actions and the lasting impact on Megan Thee Stallion’s life and career.

The Attorney General’s office already responded to Lanez’s primary appeal motion. They once again called to attention a main piece of evidence against him: his phone call to Kelsey Harris from jail on July 12, 2020 after the incident. Stay tuned.

Ice Cube Fires Up Dodgers Stadium For World Series Game 2

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: News

Ice Cube was a trending Twitter (X) topic on Saturday (October 26). The West Coast gangsta rap pioneer was a special guest as Game 2 of the 2024 World Series got underway at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles.

Rocking a blue Dodgers hat, jersey, jacket and matching Nikes, Cube got the crowd riled up shortly before his beloved hometown team took on the New York Yankees. Once he took the field, he shouted his signature “yay-uh-yay” catchphrase before he went into a performance of the 1996 single “Bow Down” by Westside Connection, which he dedicated to the Yankees.

“The world is mine, n**** get back,” he raps. “Don’t f### with my stack the gauge is racked/About to drop the bomb, I’m the m###########’ don/Big fish in a small pond/Now the feds tryna throw they book at the crook/But I shook they worm and they hook/Guppies hold they breath, they wanna miss me when I’m tipsy.”

Cube slightly changed the lyrics to “bow down to a team that’s greater than you, when you come to our town, y’all, when you’re westward bound y’all” as the Yankees looked on.” Cube then elated the crowd with a live rendition of “It Was A Good Day.” He added at the end, “It’s time for Dodgers baseball, baby!” before dropping the mic in the dirt.

The 2024 World Series is off to an exciting start at Dodger Stadium. The matchup brings together the top seeds from both leagues, with each team finishing the regular season with dominant performances. The Dodgers, playing on home turf for Game 1 and 2, brought a roster bolstered by stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani. On the Yankees’ side, heavy hitters include Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, making this a battle of powerhouse lineups.

The Dodgers clutched the win on the opening night, finishing with a 6-3 score capped off by Freddie Freeman’s walk-off grand slam in extra innings. Despite a strong early performance from Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who launched a two-run homer to secure an initial lead, the Dodgers steadily responded.

Ohtani contributed key moments, tying the game on a sacrifice fly from Mookie Betts, which set up a tense late-game scenario. Finally, with two outs in the bottom of the 10th, Freeman’s powerful slam electrified the crowd at Dodger Stadium, sealing the win and setting the tone for the series ahead. Needless to say, it was a good day for L.A.

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Lizzo’s Halloween Costume Clowns Infamous “South Park” Ozempic Episode

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: News

Lizzo shared a photo of her Halloween costume to Instagram on Saturday (October 26)—much to the amusement of her 11.7 million followers.

The costume plays off the infamous South Park episode “The End of Obesity” that aired in May.

In the photo, Lizzo is dressed as a fictional weight loss drug called simply “Lizzo,” which is intended to mimic Ozempic. It includes the taglines, “Need Self Love? Try Lizzo! Lose Guilt. Gain Confidence” and a warning label that read, “Side effects include: a smile on your face and a pep in your step.”

Lizzo added in the caption, “Ok Halloween, you can start now.”

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South Park: The End of Obesity took aim at the hype surrounding Ozempic and brought Lizzo into the mix, blending their characteristic satire with the current cultural obsession with weight loss. The show depicted characters debating the drug’s popularity and its use by celebrities, with a caricature of Lizzo woven into the plot to highlight societal pressures on body image and celebrity health fads.

The episode explored how the public and media often scrutinize celebrities like Lizzo, particularly for their body positivity messages, while simultaneously promoting quick-fix solutions like Ozempic. South Park didn’t hold back in exaggerating the absurdity of Hollywood’s latest trends, showing how the obsession with weight loss often contradicts messages of self-acceptance, ultimately calling out the contradictory messages society sends about beauty, health and worth.

Lizzo shared several other photos of her costume and fans seemingly couldn’t get enough. Comments like, “She took the joke and ran with it… She has a sense of humor” and “Lollllllllll I love it South Park can dish it and you can dish it right back” littered the comment sections.

In the final post, she dances with someone dressed up as Cartman to the new single “APT.” by BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ featuring Bruno Mars.

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Lizzo’s original reaction to South Park: The End of Obesity was more or less positive. Right after it aired, she dropped a video on Instagram, saying, “I just feel like, damn, I’m really that b####. I really showed the world how to love yourself and not give a f###, to the point where these men in Colorado know who I am and put it on their cartoon that’s been around for 25 years.”

Shyne Documentary To Highlight Urbanworld Film Festival

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur)Category: News

The Urbanworld Film Festival and Innovation Summit will present the powerful documentary The Honorable Shyne as the highlight and finale of the annual event.

The film captures the extraordinary, unusual transformation of Moses “Shyne” Barrow, the Grammy Award-winning artist who from rap star to a respected politician. Barrow’s story will be told in an exclusive Q&A following the screening.

The festival returns to New York City from November 13-17 and will continue a tradition of celebrating diverse voices and unique narratives. HBO will also celebrate 28 years as a founding partner.

Regal Union Square will host screenings from international filmmakers, while the Urbanworld Innovation Summit will kick off the festival on opening day at Lincoln Center’s Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center.

The summit provides a space for creators to explore the changing landscape of digital content delivery, narrative art, and emerging technology.

“We are honored to present films and projects from over 15 countries, reflecting the diversity and depth of human experience,” Karen McMullen, Urbanworld Film Festival director, said.

Additional highlights include the screenings of Albany Road, starring Lynn Whitfield and Renée Elise Goldsberry, and Brand New, Denzel Whitaker’s directorial debut with co-director Yuki Maekawa-Ledbetter. Directors Coodie and Chike will also lead a “Clips and Conversation” session, offering insights into their cultural influence as filmmakers.

The five-day festival offers screenings, discussions, and even live performances. ESPN Films will present a breaking showcase.

For more, go to UrbanWorld: urbanworld.org

Below is the full slate of UrbanWorld 2024:

CONFIRMED PARTNERS: 

Founding Partner: HBO  

Prestige Partner: Warner Bros. Discovery  

Supporting: Comcast NBCUniversal, MoviePass, The New York State Council on the Arts  

Industry: Motion Picture Association, Roku, The Handy Foundation, Walt Disney Studios, ESPN Films, Andscape, Hulu, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Amazon MGM Studios

2024 URBANWORLD FILM FESTIVAL SLATE: 

SPOTLIGHT FEATURES:  

  • Unstoppable (Amazon MGM Studios) starring Jharrel Jerome, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, Mykelti Williamson with Don Cheadle, and Jennifer Lopez
  • It Was All a Dream, Directed by Dream Hampton, following the early days of hip-hop and featuring Biggie Smalls, Method Man, and Ice-T  
  • Breakin’ on the One (ESPN Films)

SHORT FILM HIGHLIGHTS:  

  • Fannie, starring Aunjanue Ellis, re-creating Fannie Lou Hammer’s famous speech
  • Criminal, Directed by Robe Imbriano, with a live music performance by the film’s collaborators Stew & Heidi  
  • It Just Happened, starring Denzel Whitaker, a short comedic film  
  • The Brown Dog, an animated short featuring the voice talents of the late Michael K. Williams and Steve Buscemi, Directed by Nadia Hallgren and Jamie-James Medina  

CLIPS AND CONVERSATION: 

  • Coodie & Chike, award-winning filmmakers, and directors are known for their compelling documentaries and music videos, including the critically acclaimed Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy 

US NARRATIVE FEATURES: 

  • Albany Road, Director, Michael Swanson                                                    
  • Freight, Director, J. Alphonse Nicholson

WORLD NARRATIVE FEATURES: 

  • Hello Spring (China) Director, Lanjua Ma
  • The Battle (Brazil) Director, Vera Egito
  • To a Land Unknown (UK), Director, Mahdi Fleifel

DOCUMENTARY FEATURES:

  • Family Tree Director, Jennifer MacArthur 
  • Paint Me a Road Out of Here Director, Catherine Gund
  • Singing Back the Buffalo Director, Tasha Hubbard
  • Songs from the Hole Director, Contessa Gayles

US SHORT NARRATIVE FILMS:

  • At Night, Director, Zoe Simone
  • August & Ebony, Director, Sunyin Zhang
  • Bloomed In The Water, Director, Joanne Mony Park
  • Border Hopper, Director, Nico Casavechia
  • Brand New, Co-Directors, Quincy Ledbetter and Denzel Whitaker
  • Chimera, Director, Kryzz Gautier
  • Chocolate with Sprinkles, Director, Huriyyah Muhammad
  • drawn, Director, Claro de los Reyes
  • Echoes of Pomegranate, Director, Alex Bijan Zandi
  • Fannie, Director, Christine Swanson
  • In the Fold, Director, Manuel Del Valle
  • It Just Happened Director, Steven Bennett
  • Jamila, Director,  Julia Freij
  • Last Hoorah at G-Baby’s, Director,  DeeDee Casmir
  • Leave On High, Director, Javier Ortega, Andrew Slane
  • Marcel’s Piñata, Director, Adrian B. Herrera
  • Nwa (Black), Director, Hans Augustave
  • Rites of Passage, Director, Grant Housley
  • Side Roads, Director, Alvaro Nunez Sechi
  • Tender Thoughts, Anndi Jinelle Liggett
  • Terminally Ill, Director, Chris Cole
  • The Adventures of Robin Hood, Director, Monica Moore-Suriyage
  • Thomasville, Director, Alex Woodruff
  • Trending, Director, Felix Martiz
  • When Winter Comes, Director, Yuan Yuan

WORLD SHORT NARRATIVE FILMS:

  • Dawn Every Day,(Egypt) Director, Amir Youssef
  • Doris, (Ghana) Director, Edem Dotse
  • Ebb & Flow, (Lebanon) Director, Nay Tabbara
  • F**k Sisterhood, (France) Director, Gael Barboza
  • Future is Panorama, (Syrian Arab Republic) Director, Muschirf Shekh Zeyn
  • If We Met Now, (Canada) Director, Halen King
  • My Son Went Quiet, (Canada) Director, Ian Singh Bawa
  • Son, (Iran) Director, Sama Hosseinpuor
  • The Backway, (UK) Director, Cherno Jagne
  • The Cascade, (Mexico) Director, Pablo Delgado Sanchez

SHORT DOCUMENTARY FILMS:

  • A Family Portrait, Queens, Director, Billy Silva
  • A Race in the Sun, Director, K. Nicole Mills
  • Betye Saar: Drifting Toward Twilight, Director, Kyle Provencio Reingold
  • Complexion, Director, Toko Shiki
  • Criminal, Director, Robe Imbriano
  • El Regresso (The Return) Director, Samantha Ramirez
  • Fenice, Director, Sterling Hampton IV
  • Forget-Me-Not, Director, Tamika R. Guyishard
  • Simi, Director, Maria Mayo
  • The Afro Mexpats, Director, Ebony Marie Bailey
  • The Archive: Queer Nigerians, Director, Simisolaoluwa Akande
  • The Can Mas Eshtete, Director, Laura Chechoway
  • What Were You Meant For, Director, Kevin Anthony Brooks
  • When There Are No Words, Director,  Gabriella Canal

ANIMATION:

  • Baigal Nuur – Lake Baikal, Director, Alisi Telengut
  • Dodo, Director, Yi Luo
  • Pacemaker, Directors,  Brian Vincent Rhodes, Christopher Lennertz
  • Tehran is Ours, Director, Hamideh Azimi
  • The Brown Dog, Director, Nadia Hallgren, Jamie-James Median

YOUNG CREATORS:

  • Ayo, Check Up! Director, Natan Xia
  • Frog Jumping, Director, Ian Linn
  • Goodbye Train Director, Chioma Ejimofo
  • Moon in the Water, Director, Jingwen Fang
  • Primero, Sueño Director, Andrés Lira
  • Sunday in August, Director, Troy Charbonnet

SCREENPLAYS:

  • En Root, writer Rashmi Singh
  • Fuego (2024), writer Edwin FrankO
  • If I Die in America, writer Ward Kamel
  • Kevin writers Carmus Johnson, Shannon Walsh & Jack Gorman
  • Spitting Fire, writer Angie Comer  

50 Cent Reveals He Was Only Making $17K Per Episode During Early “Power” Seasons

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: Rumors

50 Cent has revealed that he initially took on multiple roles related to the production of the hit series Power during the early seasons of the show.

During his recent interview with Steve Stoute at UnitedMasters’ SelectConNYC event, the G-Unit rap mogul and television powerhouse dropped a bombshell about his early earnings on the hit STARZ series Power. Despite wearing multiple hats on the show, 50 Cent told attendees that he was only pulling in a modest $17,000 per episode.

“In the Power series, I was receiving $17,000 to be an executive producer, to be a reoccurring character, to be almost a music supervisor, to create the theme song for the show,” 50 Cent said.

When Steve Stoute pressed for confirmation, 50 Cent further peeled back the layers, revealing the major pay discrepancy between his walk-thru fees for appearances versus what he was making for his significant roles within the production of the series.

“$17,000 per episode — I get paid more to go to the nightclub and wave,” he said.

50 Cent then explained that his vision extended beyond the paycheck and was driven by his determination to prove the value of his brainchild.

“I just wanted them [STARZ] to get pregnant with the idea that we have to have this baby,” he said. Stoute dug deeper, questioning what drove Jackson to work on the series for a rate so far below his usual earnings.

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“I wanted to make the show,” 50 Cent said, adding that his determination wasn’t just about personal gain but about telling a story that resonated with his culture.

“No one in our culture has made any television and produced what they wanted to make,” he concluded.

Today, Power is far more than a cult classic, considering the franchise has cemented itself in TV history. The original series attracted over 2 million viewers per episode at its peak and generated hundreds of millions in revenue for STARZ.

Throughout six seasons and numerous spinoffs—including Power Book II: Ghost and Power Book III: Raising Kanan—the franchise has received critical acclaim and several NAACP Image Awards, solidifying 50 Cent’s gamble as one of the best of his career. Not to mention that 50 Cent also won a $1 billion lawsuit in August over the series after defeating ex-drug kingpin Cory “Ghost” Holland in a court battle after he claimed the entertainment mogul stole his life story to create Power.

The rap star defeated three legal actions brought against him by Holland in connection to the lawsuit filed in 2021 against 50 Cent, Courtney Kemp, Starz and Lionsgate, asserting that Power unlawfully reflected Holland’s life without consent.

Funk Flex Threatens Shyne Over Diddy “Fall Guy” Claims: “I’m Going To Expose You”

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: News

Funkmaster Flex went off on former Bad Boy Records artist Shyne over comments he made about the infamous 1999 Manhattan nightclub shooting involving Diddy.

An audio clip making the rounds online finds the veteran radio personality slamming Shyne for saying he was the “fall guy” for Diddy. Not only does Funk Flex insist Shyne isn’t telling the truth, he also calls him a handful of derogatory names.

“When somebody tries to say they the scapegoat or they was used… it’s been bothering me,” he begins. “And I’m gonna keep it a buck. Shyne, I love you bro, and I know what you’ve been though—no I don’t—but you’re a liar. You’re a stone-cold faced liar, Shyne. 

“First of all, you remember when D-Rock had to beat you up in that studio ‘cause you were feeling yourself? You lucky you signed to Bad Boy ‘cause if you did not sign to Bad Boy and you signed to Def Jam or anywhere else they were gonna pound you out like the day they beat you up at that studio.”

Funk Flex goes on to suggest Shyne is nothing more than a hypocrite, saying he was on site the day Diddy was honored with New York’s Key to the City.

“You can’t lie with me around, bruh,” he continues. “And I’m gonna tell you something else Shyne. If you hated Puff so much, when he got the key to the city, you were in the trailer, sucker. You’re a sucker. I can’t stand you. You got no guts. You went to jail ‘cause you took out your guns ‘cause you were scared to get punched in the face by some dudes that you knew that was your people that you jerked.

“You jerked them ‘cause you were signed to them first. You were signed to those dudes first! I am going to expose you Shyne ‘cause you’re a liar. You can fool your country on who you are, but you ain’t fooling me.”

Funk Flex was trigged by a recent trailer for Shyne’s forthcoming Hulu documentary, The Honorable Shyne. The teaser begins with Shyne recalling being rap’s hottest new prospect. “Everybody that heard me wanted to sign me,” he says before revealing he became a millionaire at Bad Boy.

But then the shooting happened. Both Diddy and Shyne were arrested following the incident, but Diddy was acquitted of all charges. Shyne declares in the trailer, “I was absolutely set up to be the fall guy.” He adds, “I spent 10 years in prison, but I was able to move on. There’s a time to pivot, there’s a time to transition.”

Shyne served more than 10 years in prison for the shooting but maintains his innocence. He’s currently focused on his political career. In both June 2021 and February 2022, he was appointed the Opposition Leader in the House of Representatives and the leader of the Belize United Democratic Party.

He returned to the United States for a state visit in August 2021, meeting with several U.S. politicians. In August 2021, the Atlanta City Council dесlаrеd the 20th Ѕhуnе Ваrrоw Dау “fоr hіѕ dеdісаtіоn, соmmіtmеnt аnd ѕеrvісе tо the grеаt реорlе оf Веlіzе.” He hopes to be elected Belize’s next prime minister in 2025.

DaBaby Says Fans Can’t Bait Him Into More Megan Thee Stallion Controversy

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

DaBaby swore he wanted no drama with Megan Thee Stallion fans on Friday (October 25). The Interscope Records artist clarified himself after discussing her in a recent Drink Champs interview.

“Them days of baiting me into the b####### OVER WIT,” he wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). “I ain’t got nothing for ya but good music and entertainment. controversy & violence done cost me enough.”

He added, “I understand your perspective but honestly I just wanted to avoid putting one of the ladies above the other and give love & respect to both of em,” he wrote. “I know the drama n s### more entertaining, but I done learned that if ima say anything ima make sure it’s sumn positive. Don’t overthink it world.”

DaBaby and Megan collaborated in the past but haven’t worked together in a few years. He expressed interest in working with her again on Drink Champs.

“I got love for Meg,” he said. “Me and Meg did some dope s### together. And it’s good to see her rise amongst the obstacles. I’m manifesting a song with Glo[Rilla] and Meg together and Baby. I think that’s the way me and Meg should pop back out. Because I feel like ain’t none of these n##### — and no disrespect — that y’all are making music with can really embody that.”

Fans were not amused since DaBaby aligned with Tory Lanez, who was convicted of shooting Megan. DaBaby also rapped about sleeping with her on the 2022 track “Boogeyman.”

“You played with me, that s### was childish/The day before she said that Tory Lanez shot her, I was f###### on Megan Thee Stallion/Waited to say that s### on my next album/Hit it the day before too/But I kept it player, I ain’t say nothing ’bout it/Had her pretty boy, boyfriend tweeting me, ready to die ’bout the b#### like a coward,” he rapped.

Megan released an expanded version of her self-titled album on Friday. DaBaby dropped his latest project How TF Is This a Mixtape? in September.

The Game, Pete Rock, DJ Premier, Chuck D & Other Hip-Hop Royalty Mourn DJ Clark Kent

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: News

The number of people paying tribute to the late DJ Clark Kent on social media is truly staggering.

Shortly after his family announced the legendary New York City DJ had died, Instagram and Twitter exploded with tributes to the bona fide sneaker head/producer. From DJ Premier and Pete Rock to Dame Dash and Grandmaster Flash, there was no shortage of condolences pouring in for DJ Clark Kent.

“DJ Clark Kent was my brother, my longtime friend, and so much more to so many people,” Doug E. Fresh wrote. “He will always be very special to me – one of the greatest DJ’s and producers IN THE WORLD!, but most of all a great person! You did well, my brother. I love you!!!!”

Loud Records founder Steve Rifkind added, “Man I just heard I remember when we first met. We always spoke mostly about music and sneakers especially when you heard I was consulting Nike. Then when I signed Wu Tang and the music convention New Music Seminar you called and said let’s throw the party of all party’s which we did. RIP my friend my condolences to you and your family going to miss you I’m here for your family.”

DJ Premier, meanwhile, made him a promise, writing, “So so so many gigs we’ve done together for the love of music in pure form for 35 years. You were always so bold and so Brooklyn. Love You Clark. We’re gonna miss you King. We will keep repping for the true DJ’s. Rest Easy. Condolences to your entire family.”

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Eric B. was among the first to break the news on social media, but Clark Kent’s family soon confirmed his death with an Instagram post of their own.

“IT IS WITH DEEP SADNESS THAT WE SHARE THE PASSING OF BELOVED RODOLFO A. FRANKLIN, KNOWN TO THE WORLD AS DJ CLARK KENT,” the post read. CLARK PASSED AWAY THURSDAY EVENING SURROUNDED BY HIS WIFE KESHA DAUGHTER KABRIAH AND SON ANTONIO.

They also revealed his cause of death was colon cancer, which he fought “quietly and valiantly” for three years.

Check out some of the tributes from The Game, Chuck D, Rakim, Rapsody, Pete Nice and many many more below.

Illustration: Chuck D

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