Dank DeMoss, a plus-size rapper by her own claim, is making waves after a wild experience with a Lyft driver went viral. You may remember her from the show “Deb’s House,” which started Deb Antney.
The rapper filed a lawsuit claiming that a driver denied her a ride, allegedly because she was “too big.” The story upset many, while others are debating the logistics of the situation.
I am not sure how I feel.
I watched the show and know how big she was. She says she was up to 600 pounds at one point but had gotten down 100 pounds.
Dank DeMoss preaches body positivity in general and transparency about her weight loss journey. Fans cheer her on. This situation is a bit different.
Now, the driver dude and others suggested she get a Lyft XL (which I did not know existed). These are larger vehicles designed for more passengers or extra space.
Well, there is one way to determine who is right and who is wrong.
Lyft reportedly fired the driver after the incident surfaced. The company preaches something else regarding inclusivity and rides for all passengers.
There are still questions about who was right and wrong.
Weight limits exist in amusement park rides, on furniture and even personal vehicles. Dude’s car was making noise, so I suspect he was feeling nervous.
The difference between 230 pounds and 430 or 500 pounds can make this complicated. Safety may have been a factor, but if the driver had acted solely out of bias, homie would have been out of line.
Dank’s supporters argue she was humiliated and denied basic services. They believe the driver was being prejudiced against the rapper. This is a doozie, either way.
I guess Homeboy is an Uber driver now. Since she’s all viral and controversial, let us partake in some of Dank’s music.
President Donald Trump is considering deporting American criminals to foreign countries if they are “repeat offenders.”
Trump suggested paying other countries a “nominal fee” to take in American repeat offenders, presenting the idea as a cost-saving strategy during a speech to House Republicans in Miami.
“If they’ve been arrested many, many times, they’re repeat offenders by many numbers, I want them out of our country,” he said. “We’re going to get approval, hopefully, to get them the hell out of our country, along with others. Let them be brought to a foreign land and maintained by others for a very small fee.”
According to Trump, his proposal means the government could avoid spending “massive amounts of money” on U.S. jails and private prison companies, which he said “charge us a fortune.”
Trump, a convicted criminal with 24 felonies under his belt, recognized he would need formal approval for the unprecedented strategy.
Donald Trump cited examples of violent crimes committed by repeat offenders, including assaults on elderly citizens. He claimed some violent offenders are walking free even after having “been arrested 30 times, 35 times, 41, 42 times.” Trump argued crime rates would decrease if America sent habitual offenders abroad to live “for a while.”
He stated, “Let them be brought out of our country and let them live there for a while. Let’s see how they like it.”
Jesus Christ. Donald Trump says he wants to be able to deport US citizens.
Trump claimed other countries are already engaging in similar practices of sending criminals to the U.S.
Large-scale exile of criminals from Britain to American colonies occurred until the American Revolution in 1775. The British soon began shipping offenders to Australia but outlawed the practice in the 1850s due to reform calls.
Trump distinguished his proposal to exile repeat offenders as separate from current efforts to deport undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
Cardi B announced she has a brand-new piercing in a highly unconventional place, sparking accusations she was lying.
On Monday evening (January 27), the NYC rapper hopped on social media to share the news of her new adornment, much to fans’ amazement.
“Soooo …….,” she tweeted. “got my butt crack pierced.”
Incredulous fans flooded the comment section, many skeptical that such a piercing could even exist and if it would be safe.
“That’s possible?” one wrote, while another shocked fan asked, “How is it even physically possible?!”
A third shared a gif featuring a befuddled Murda Mook, writing, “you WHAAAAT.”
Keen to silence the doubters, Cardi B returned with an image of the piercing, confirming it was exactly where she had claimed.
“Do I lie ?” she wrote alongside the image which shows two diamond studs and her extensive back tattoo.
Fans were still shocked even after Cardi B shared the photo of the piercing.
“What happens if you forget it about it for months ???” one person asked. Another chimed in with “You can’t be lacking that much attention to do something like this and post it. Just trifling.”
Cardi B has multiple piercings, including lip, neck and tattoo. She had her tongue pierced on Instagram live in October 2023 but quickly regretted it, showing off a gnarly wound after biting the ring.
Meanwhile, in 2023 Cardi got three body piercings in one night. However, a month later she revealed that her body rejected the chest piece. She shared a video showing the stud being pushed from her body.
In other Cardi B news, the “Bodak Yellow” hitmaker responded to pregnancy rumors after a recent video sparked speculation her fourth child was on the way.
Latto and Playboi Carti have joined forces on their long-awaited new single “Blick Sum” remix.
The Columbus, Ohio native teased the track earlier this week, building excitement among fans who had already heard a leaked version. The original appeared on Latto’s 2024 album Sugar Honey Iced Tea without Carti, but his verse surfaced online.
The track arrived Monday evening (January 27) alongside a sleek music video that sent Latto fans into a frenzy.
“Latto im speechless…,” one fan shared with a clip from the video featuring the rapper in a skimpy bikini and oversized fur coat.
“the mug. the hair. the outfit. the aura,” another fan wrote alongside a still from the visuals.
Meanwhile, others were shocked Playboi Carti cleared the Latto collab but hoped it could signal the release of his elusive album.
“What kind of information does latto have on carti that he cleared the verse and video,” one user asked. “Hopefully enough to get the album out as well,” replied another.
Carti has teased the eagerly-anticipated project all 2024, vowing to drop before the end of the year.
He previewed the project during his headlining set at Rolling Loud Miami in December. Clips of his performance included tracks produced by F1LTHY, Mike Dean and Metro Boomin.
Carti also debuted a new song featuring The Weeknd before closing out his set with another fresh track titled, “Drugs Got Me Numb.”
Fans became so frustrated by the wait that a petition to ban him from streaming platforms attracted over 8,000 signatures.
Cardi B is setting the record straight after fans flooded social media with pregnancy rumors sparked by her latest outfit choice.
The Grammy Award-winning rapper recently stepped out in a cute pleated skirt that had many speculating whether she might be expecting her fourth child amid her acrimonious divorce from estranged husband Offset.
The buzz began after a video surfaced online showing Cardi B in a “school girl” style-outfit she admitted to wearing during her last pregnancy to hide her growing baby bump.
“I’m so happy y’all know I’m [pregnant],” she tweeted last August. “Now I can stop wearing those deum school girl skirts lmaoooooo.”
Cardi B’s recent shopping trip to Benny The Jeweler ignited feverish speculation she was expecting.
“Here she go with these school girl skirts,” one fan noted. “You pregnant again.” Another added, “Not the pregnant skirt again.”
One fan even created a poll, asking followers to speculate on the rumors surrounding Cardi B’s potential pregnancy.
However, she wasted no time addressing the chatter and shut down the claims with a provocative response.
“Not yet,” she replied to a fan asking, “Is miss girl pregnant again.”
Cardi B welcomed her third child with Offset, a baby girl, last September. The former couple are also parents to six-year-old Kulture and 2-year-old Wave. They have not disclosed their youngest child’s name.
Pregnancy does not appear to be on the agenda for Cardi B in 2025, who believes this year will be her best yet.
Last month, Cardi revealed she’s working on a billion-dollar deal and her “secret businessese.” She has also vowed to finally release her long-awaited sophomore album, the follow-up to her 2018 debut, Invasion of Privacy.
“I got something very important to me that is coming out next year. I don’t want to say too much,” she teased. “This is something that I been wanting to do for a very long time. I just left a billion-dollar play.”
50 Cent is laughing off his legal troubles after being sued for an alleged assault.
Guadalupe De Los Santos, a photographer, claims he was at 50 Cent’s book signing at The Grove in Los Angeles on September 11, 2024, when the alleged assault occurred, per TMZ.
He accuses 50 Cent of directing a member of his team to strike him with a car door while he was on an electric scooter. De Los Santos claims he was filming the multi hyphenate rapper while stopped at a red light following the event.
He says his medical bills are mounting, and his injuries are forcing him to miss work, resulting in lost income, and he is suing 50 Cent for damages. Prominent attorney Gloria Allred is representing De Los Santos in the lawsuit.
50 Cent Mocks Attorney Over Assault Lawsuit
However, 50 Cent and his legal team have responded, dismissing the lawsuit as a shakedown.
Fif hopped on Instagram with an old photo of himself and Allred, taunting the lawyer, implying she was an ambulance chaser.
“The moment I realized I don’t like lawyers,” he captioned the photo. “Gloria you should know better, chase a different ambulance.”
50 Cent followed up with a second image and continued to mock the attorney.
“Gloria you’re not gonna get any money from me that way,” he added. “but if you call me I’ll take you to dinner. LOL .”
The “Many Men” hitmaker also shared a statement from his attorney addressing the lawsuit.
“[50 Cent] has neither been served with or seen a filed copy of a lawsuit filed by Ms. Allred’s firm,” the statement read. “However, if and when such a frivolous claim is filed and served, rest assured that Mr. Jackson’s legal team will swiftly move to dismiss the matter and seek the maximum costs, fees, sanctions and other remedies that are available under law.”
His attorney added, “[50 Cent] is not alleged to be the driver of the vehicle or even the individual who the Plaintiff paparazzi alleges opened the door as he charged a vehicle as it drove away from the bookstore.”
A 46-year-old Florida man was taken into custody Friday night with a bunch of cocaine after allegedly posting alarming threats targeting former President Donald Trump on social media platforms.
The arrest unfolded during an ordinary traffic stop in West Palm Beach — a community synonymous with sunshine and seaside calm but now at the center of a tense federal investigation.
One of his more disturbing Facebook posts reportedly read, “Lincoln, JFK, Reagan, Martin Luther King and Trump — unfortunately, one is still alive.”
Another amplified violent rhetoric, calling for “Bullets, please. Please Jesus! Save America.” Detectives linked Atkins to the threats on January 20 and swiftly launched surveillance.
Their efforts culminated in a traffic stop Friday at about 7:30 p.m., where Atkins was driving a white 2013 BMW near his home.
During the stop, officers reportedly found drugs in his possession — three bags of cocaine — which resulted in an additional charge for drug possession.
Atkins was arrested on a second-degree felony count of written or electronic threats to kill, harm, or conduct an act of terrorism.
Atkins, who admitted to making the posts but claimed they were made in jest, now faces rigorous scrutiny, with the U.S. Secret Service investigating whether he’ll face federal charges.
His Facebook activity also revealed a predisposition to political commentary, with references aligning him with Democratic leanings. Notably, Atkins had shared a photo of himself wearing a “Harris-Walz 2024” T-shirt in a post last year.
The arrest, which unfolded just miles from President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, has sparked a polarizing debate on social media.
While some users commended law enforcement for taking decisive action, others argued that Atkins’ comments, however distasteful, didn’t rise to the level of actionable threats.
“Where was the threat? He never stated “I” or an “I will” I’m sorry but weak case unfortunately,” one user noted, while another fumed”That idiot needs to be on constant watch cause he is crazy and no doubt a democrat!!!”
Sean “Diddy” Combs is leaning heavily on a recent legal decision involving the Alexander brothers—prominent Miami real estate figures accused of sex trafficking—to fend off several lawsuits, including a sexual assault claim filed by model Crystal McKinney.
The ruling, handed down by U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan, could provide a pivotal lifeline for the Hip-Hop mogul as he battles to dismiss allegations tied to events stretching back decades.
The Alexander brothers—Oren, Alon, and Tal—are embroiled in a firestorm of accusations alleging they drugged, assaulted, and trafficked women for over a decade.
Prosecutors claim the brothers relied on substances such as GHB, cocaine, and psychedelic mushrooms to incapacitate their victims.
As of late 2024, over 30 women have stepped forward with accusations against the trio, who are locked up in the same Brooklyn jail as Diddy.
One civil lawsuit against the brothers, brought by Angelica Parker and dismissed by Judge Kaplan last week, hinged on the New York City Gender-Motivated Violence Act (VGM).
Kaplan ruled that the VGM’s revival window was preempted by broader state laws, including the Adult Survivors Act (ASA), which had its own stricter statute of limitations.
While Kaplan’s decision did not address the validity of Parker’s allegations, it deemed her claim time-barred—a legal technicality Diddy’s lawyers are now looking to take advantage of.
Diddy’s legal team wasted no time referencing the Alexander case in their bid to dismiss McKinney’s lawsuit.
Filed in May 2024, McKinney’s suit alleges that in 2003, Diddy drugged and sexually assaulted her at his New York City studio when she was a 22-year-old model.
McKinney has alleged that the assault derailed her modeling career and caused lasting emotional trauma, including severe depression and a suicide attempt.
“McKinney is a woman of faith and when she saw news coverage of the lawsuits from Ms. Cassie Ventura, Ms. Dickerson-Neal, and others, she knew she had a moral obligation to speak up,” her lawyer, Michelle A. Caiola explained. “[McKinney] prayed to God before bringing this lawsuit, as she feared further violence and/or retaliation from Combs, but ultimately decided that she needed to speak her truth.”
However, in a letter filed on Monday (January 27), Diddy’s attorney Erica A. Wolff highlighted Kaplan’s ruling, arguing that McKinney’s claim under the VGM is also time-barred.
“The Parker decision further supports granting [Diddy’s] pending Motion to Dismiss in the instant case,” Wolff stated.
While Kaplan’s ruling in the Alexander case was rooted in procedural issues rather than the substance of the allegations, Diddy’s team is banking on the decision to bolster their arguments.
Kaplan determined that the VGM’s revival window conflicted with state-level statutes, such as the ASA, which included a one-year window for survivors to file claims between November 2022 and November 2023.
McKinney, like Parker, filed her suit outside of this window.
Diddy’s legal team is holding their breath that Kaplan’s decision becomes a cornerstone of their defense, potentially clearing him of McKinney’s allegations and over two dozen similar lawsuits.
Dipset veteran Juelz Santana has spoken out about the ongoing rift between his longtime collaborators Cam’ron and Jim Jones.
During a recent interview with The Art of Dialogue, Juelz shared his perspective on the feud, desperately urging fans not to stoke the flames while shedding light on why he’s staying out of the situation. He also shared his candid thoughts on the role of podcast culture and critic’s hot takes in escalating rap beefs.
“People got their favorites even in the groups,” Juelz said, acknowledging the natural division among fans. “It’s always been like that. So now when the group clashes, people want to take sides. That’s the b#######. If y’all really want to see [Dipset] move as a unit, don’t be taking sides. Even if you like Cam more than Jim or Jim more than Cam, this is Dipset.”
Juelz Santana says he can't resolve the issues between Cam'ron and Jim Jones.
"this sh*t is Dipset… I always been like the little brother… Jim and Cam are very competitive, they've always been…"
Despite the tension, Juelz made it clear he won’t be adding fuel to the fire. “When you see them going at it, you know, the egging on and sh*t like that, I’m definitely not going to be the one to egg it on,” he said.” “I don’t know if I could be the one to resolve it either, but I’m definitely not going to make it worse.”
The “Clockwork” rapper further pointed to podcast culture as a contributing factor to the current state of affairs, seemingly alluding to the start of the recent friction between Cam and Jim. “Everybody don’t want people saying their names in interviews, but now people got these platforms where they’re asking these questions,” he said. “It’s like a thin line.” He added, “Jim’s name was mentioned, so it opens the door for him to say something back. That’s what happens with these podcasts.”
For those just catching up, the tension between Jones and Cam erupted over Capo’s remarks during a recent interview in response to Cam’s previous interview with 50 Cent. Cam’ron responded on his “It Is What It Is” podcast, blasting Jones, claiming he was “fanned out” by Cam and Ma$e’s early success and “begged” to be around them once Children of the Corn began taking off. Jim has since previewed a pair of diss tracks aimed at Cam’ron, which appear to be set for his upcoming album.
As he continued, Juelz offered a balanced view on how both parties have handled the situation. “Jim chose to carry it the way he did, and Cam chose to carry it the way he did,” he said. “Now you have what you have. I’ve always been like the little brother. All I can say is Jim and Cam are very competitive. They’ve always been competitive, and it got to the point where they had to be competitive against each other.”
Watch the interview clip in full in the post above.
Rakim has announced a new financial technology and AI-powered platform called Notes, which merges music, money and knowledge together.
The goal, according to a press release, is “to address the unique challenges faced by independent urban music artists and creators, redefining access to capital to fund their creative projects, while providing financial literacy and entrepreneurial and music business education to build sustainable careers.”
Notes hopes that by empowering creatives with financial independence, they’ll retain control over their careers in an industry “often marked by exploitation.”
As Rakim tells AllHipHop, “Independent urban music artists and creators often struggle to gain financial stability despite their market impact. With Notes, we’re building a community- and lifestyle-driven platform that combines cultural connection, technology and empowerment to give them the tools they need to thrive.”
Additionally, Notes will provide membership-focused access, connections to loan and credit providers for access to capital, AI-powered financial literacy and entrepreneurial education content. It will also include an “Ask RA” feature, an AI voice assistant and agent in Rakim’s iconic voice.
Notes operates at the crossroads of fintech, urban music, culture and the creator economy. Co-founded by Rakim and his longtime collaborator Divine, the platform leverages decades of experience in urban music, entrepreneurship and technology to support and empower the next generation of urban music creators.
Divine explains, “Partnering with Rakim to create a platform like Notes provides a unique opportunity to empower and uplift artists and creators in the urban community, who have long been underserved and exploited.”
The platform is gearing up to expand its services, with plans to introduce business banking and debit cards, peer-to-peer payment solutions, cryptocurrency integration and other innovative features designed to foster deeper engagement and deliver lasting value to its users.
Independent urban music artists and creators can join the waitlist to be notified when Notes is available for early access here.
More than forty years ago, in 1984, Nike signed one of the most successful celebrity branding deals in history. After signing with Michael Jordan and launching one of the most profitable lines of basketball clothing, the Jordan brand generated almost 13% of Nike’s total annual revenue.
Since then, we have not yet seen any celebrity branding collaboration to reach such an incredible performance. Actually, in present times, what we often come across are influencer deals and marketing campaigns that seem to be the go-to for most international brands that search to promote their clothes.
The Michael Jordan’s Iconic Deal Was Also An Influencer Collab?
The best way to address this matter is by looking at the impact Michael Jordan had on Nike’s reputation, comparing it to today’s influencer deals, and establishing which recipe is better. Looking at that partnership, we can only think that even if the term “influencer” was not a thing at that time, the metrics are similar. This will help us clarify if celebrity branding is another form of influencer deal.
By definition, an influencer is a person who is capable of inspiring other people and guiding them into performing certain actions. In today’s capitalism, thousands and thousands of companies take advantage of the current social media status and promote their products through influencers of all types.
In 1984, was Michael Jordan capable of inspiring, influencing, or guiding people’s actions? Of course, he was. And not only that. Even at that time, Michael had a massive international impact, which is why the timing was perfect for Nike to start this partnership. Even in present times, when Michael Jordan is no longer playing, the brand is flourishing.
So not even that collab could be viewed as an influencer partnership, but it is one of the most successful business moves that had a celebrity involved in it in history.
Other Successful Celebrity Brand Product Lines
LeBron James with Nike: LeBron managed to obtain a good deal with Nike as well. In 2003, Nike launched a special line of basketball shoes called “LeBron.”
Cristiano Ronaldo with Nike: Another successful product line Nike managed to launch was in partnership with Cristiano, and now, the CR7 line releases not only footwear but also lifestyle apparel.
Kanye West with Adidas: You definitely know how notorious the “Yeezy” brand is. Adidas joined the club and signed a special partnership with Kanye that led to the creation of one of the most revolutionary streetwear and sneaker lines.
How Do Brands Partner With Celebrities Today?
We will definitely see more celebrity product lines in the future, but it is definitely not the most used method for brands to promote their products. The rise of influencer culture was in some ways inevitable, especially since it coincided with thedecline of traditional advertising techniques.
The last 25 years were full of so many collaborations, partnerships, and marketing campaigns we would need weeks to count. For example, take a look at Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty product line that launched in 2017. This is her personal brand and the main promotional channel used to showcase and sell the products was social media.
In its first 40 days after launch, Fenty Beauty generated more than $100 million in sales, showing everybody in the industry how things should be done. Moreover, a celebrity will no longer need a big company to partner with in order to build billion-dollar brands. Celebrities can now engage with their fanbases online.
Celebrities Joined The Digital World
Did you think it just ends there? Celebrities can use their immense audiences to promote any kind of product. When the digital world took over, celebrities were no longer the faces of certain brands or had to play a role in commercials. They are influencers, and when smart marketing comes into play, the outcome is huge.
Let’s take a look at some examples where celebrities were part of the most creative marketing campaigns, promoting services and products you would never think of.
Cristiano Ronaldo with Poker Stars – In 2015, Cristiano signed with Poker Stars and became one of their most influential brand ambassadors. Even if other international celebrities like Nicki Minaj, Mike Tyson, or Paris Hilton decided to endorse casino-related products, this niche is still controversial, and many influencers and known personas avoid this type of collaboration.
Considering how influential a football player like Cristiano Ronaldo is, imagine the impact and CTR ano deposit free spins campaign would have under such circumstances.
Travis Scott and Fortnite – Get ready for this one because, in the digital marketing world, this collab is called “multi-vertical.” Travis partnered with Epic Games in an attempt to promote one of the largest in-game experiences ever. 27 million players attended and played Fortnite during the event, which lasted only five days.
Players were able to use in-game currency (Vbucks) to buy the Travis Scott avatar, but the event was huge and the artist sold a lot of merch using his own online shop. Not to mention the viewership this event had on streaming platforms like YouTube or Twitch.
Where Are We Now?
In present times, we can expect literally anything. The future still has to give us the augmented reality experiences we are all waiting for. So, from partnerships that concluded in successful clothing lines to in-game digital events that players attended from different corners of the world at the same time, what do you think is the next big thing?
Megan The Stallion has proven how magnetic her allure is after Cash Cobain completely ignored her slight against rappers like himself, and went straight to thirsting after her over her latest viral video.
The Houston-bred rapper broke the internet, per usual, over the weekend in a pair of heavily trafficked videos which showcase her self-proclaimed stallion-mirroring physique. Of the first videos circulating on social media, Megan is being interviewed by AJ for MysteryFashionist and their notable fit check videos. While snatched up in a Marine Serre bodysuit, accented by vintage Chanel, Megan dropped a bombshell when asked about a common misconception people have about her.
“People be thinking I’m about…,” Megan began in her response to the question. “Now, I love my tall queens. We are stallions. We are long legs, thick queens. But I feel like guys always be like editing my pictures, so I look bigger than everybody else.”
She added, “Like they be trying to make it seem like, b*tch, I’m really…Now, I’m tough, but like, b####, g######, I ain’t like that damn tall.”
Megan added to her previous statements, arguing that she’s not actually the problem, in fact, it’s her male counterparts who are are the source of the height challenges. “No, because these men are small,” she said. “Like a lot of your favorite rappers are tiny. So when they be by me, it be like…And I be like, yeah.”
Considering Megan is listed as 5′ feet 10′ inches, she pretty much just threw shade on all rapper’s who aren’t at least 6′ feet. No matter the case, rising Bronx-bred rapper Cash Cobain still couldn’t help but appreciate Thee Stallion in her natural habitat. “This woman look so good lol she’s painnn,” Cash wrote in a tweet quoting Megan’s fit check video. Whether or not Cash Cobain has a chance with her is to be determined, however, if he’s desperate to make some headway in forging a connection with Megan, he may want to focus on making his next collab happen. In a separate tweet he shared on January 26, Cash Cobain petitioned for Megan’s fellow H-Town native Travis Scott to appear on his unreleased Brazilian funk collab. “Travis scott on this is crazy,” he wrote in the tweet.
Kai Cenat has shared his surprising outlook on the role he played in Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s electrifying rap battle last year.
On Monday (January 27), the 24-year-old streamer appeared in an interview with Billboard and opened up about what it was like to be caught in the middle of the heated rap battle, which spawned scathing diss records such as Drake’s “Family Matters” and Kendrick Lamar’s worldwide hit “Not Like Us.”
In a brief clip circulating from the interview, Cenat shared exclusive insights into how the beef played out from his perspective as both an insider and a fan.
“Personally, doing a Kendrick and Drake beef… we’re streamers, so it’s like we’re the audience as well,” Cenat said. “All of this was so fun to me.”
Cenat continued, ““There was a night where Kendrick dropped and then the next day Drake dropped and then Kendrick dropped right after—that night was crazy. It was absolutely insane. Honestly, it was fun. I’m not gonna lie.”
Kai Cenat also addressed the infamous moment when Drake instructed him to “stay on stream” so that he could react to the song he was releasing in response to Kendrick Lamar.
“While I was on stream, Drake just texted me, ‘Stay on stream,’” he said. “I didn’t know what to expect. Man, that was a good battle. That was a good fight. I loved it.”
The aforementioned instance in question has become a hot button topic in the ongoing news cycle surrounding Drake’s lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” due to the fact that streamers such as Kai Cenat were named in the lawsuit. More specifically, the legal filing accuses UMG of employing streamers such as Kai Cenat to react and “boost” the streams of “Not Like Us” in a covert operation to devalue Drake’s discography.
In the process of remarking on his experience as a gatekeeper during the exchange, he ended up revealing surprising details about his personal connections to the rappers and who he believes emerged victorious.
“I’m cool with Drake, so people would expect me to be on Drake’s side,” he acknowledged. “But I’ve already said it. Kendrick got that. I’m not gonna lie. Kendrick won that battle.”
NLE Choppa is once again speaking out after being accused of pandering to the gay community.
On Sunday (January 26), the “S### Me Out” hitmaker addressed his critics in a string of posts on his personal Twitter account. In the first message he shared with his 2.5 million followers, NLE Choppa offered his direct response to a user’s claims that he’s “gay baiting” due to a revealing photo circulating of him wearing designer underwear.
“Never been gay baiting,” NLE Choppa wrote flat out in the tweet. “It’s me showing freedom. Anything now a days is called gay or it’s baiting. In reality I’m comfortable enough, and have the upmost confidence in how good God designed me head to toe. Call me what you want but a straight man comfortable in my skin, I AM.”
The Memphis native doubled down in a follow-up post, during which he re-iterated how his sense of self love motivates his creative expression and freedom to experiment with his look.
“I really don’t care and that’s what I think the problem,” he said in part. “I just feel like narratives get painted because I don’t care so much,” he said in part. “But I just wanna clear it up now for a small bit. Bruh, do not say I’m a gay baiter because I’m comfortable enough to show off the perfection that God has orchestrated over my physical, my mental, my spiritual, and even my emotions.”
NLE Choppa continued, laying out his argument that he’s not gay baiting because he’s showing off something that is attractive to his female fansbase that just so happens to also be alluring to his listeners who may be apart of the LGBTQ+ community.
“I am not a gay baiter because I posted a selfie in the mirror showing off how beautiful I am,” he said. “I am not a gay baiter if I post a picture showing off how much God has blessed me from below to waist with something that got women going crazy.”
This obviously isn’t the first time NLE Choppa has defended himself against the narrative that he is attempting to prop himself up and energize his bottom line by engaging in revealing public displays. Last September, he faced hefty criticism after teasing his latest single with the announcement, “I’m coming out.”
Listen to Choppa’s full five-minute-plus address on the matter via the video in the post below.
Will Smith caused a stir online over his recent cryptic Matrix teaser, but he’s clearing up the mystery with the help of Big Sean.
Earlier this month, Smith sparked a frenzy with his post, with many fans believing he would finally feature in the franchise after rejecting the role of Neo back in 1997 and choosing to star in Wild Wild West instead of The Matrix.
However, Will Smith is clearing up the rumors, teasing an upcoming single with Big Sean called “Beautiful Scars,” seemingly inspired by The Matrix.
Will Smith & Big Sean Play Neo & Morpheus
After sharing the cover art, the rapper and actor teased a trailer inspired by the movie series by the Wachowskis.
Smith and Big Sean reimagine one of the film’s most iconic moments, where Morpheus presents Neo with the choice between the blue and the red pill.
Big Sean takes on the role of Morpheus, originally portrayed by Laurence Fishburne in the first three films of the hit series, while Will Smith plays Keanu Reeves’ character Neo.
“Look, you’ve made some awesome career choices your whole life,” Sean tells Smith, before alluding to him rejecting the Matrix role and then joking about the Oscars controversy. “There’s only one you truly regret. Well… maybe two. But we’re not gonna focus on that one.”
Smith replies, “That’s messed up,” but Big Sean has already moved on.
“So, I’m gonna give you a choice,” he adds. “Blue pill, everything remains the same, and you get to move on with your life. Red pill, you get to go back and star in that movie that got away. The choice is yours.”
Smith goes back and forth weighing out the options before grabbing both pills and knocking them back.
Former Danity Kane star D. Woods said she fears potential retaliation from Sean “Diddy” Combs after participating in a new documentary, The Fall of Diddy, which delves into the music mogul’s alleged history of abuse, coercion, and control.
The documentary, set to air on January 27, 2025, on Investigation Discovery and stream on Max, examines disturbing claims against the Hip-Hop icon, including allegations of sexual misconduct, emotional manipulation, and toxic workplace conditions.
For D. Woods, revisiting those years has been both cathartic and terrifying.
“I would say that this moment now is a time where I feel like my experience, my truth will really be heard and actually considered and believed,” D. Woods said during an interview about her time under Combs’ Bad Boy Records and working with Danity Kane from 2005 to 2008.
D. Woods reflected on the power imbalance she experienced while under his watch, describing a verbally abusive environment that left her fearful and disillusioned.
“From the outside, he was this mogul. He was this guy who, you know, could make your dreams come true. But somebody, constantly treating you like a piece of meat, only seeing, only valuing you for your sex appeal… in some of the environments, you know, it was… scary to be by yourself.”
The documentary sheds light on allegations that have followed Combs for years.
Federal prosecutors claim his abusive behavior stretches back to 2008, with accusations ranging from coercing women into sexual activities to creating environments riddled with intimidation and substance use.
Several former Danity Kane members, including Dawn Richard and Aubrey O’Day, have also made damning assertions about their time with Combs.
In September 2024, Richard filed a lawsuit accusing Combs of sexual assault, physical violence, forced labor, and withholding $3.5 million in earnings.
The lawsuit also alleged that Richard witnessed Combs physically abuse his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, and reportedly saw him and others engage in disturbing behavior, including the use of illegal drugs and involvement with minors.
O’Day, meanwhile, has painted an unsettling picture of Combs’ alleged attempts to control and humiliate her.
She claimed he once sent her away from a studio session because her toenails weren’t properly polished and manipulated her appearance in music videos.
O’Day has said Diddy “groomed” the members, alleging she was ultimately fired from Danity Kane for refusing to fulfill demands beyond music.
Leaning into these accounts, D. Woods struggles with the emotional toll of coming forward.
“Even doing this, it’s like maybe I shouldn’t say I should stop talking, shut up, but it’s like, you know, well, not talking hasn’t changed anything either.”
While she acknowledges the weight of her revelations, she remains determined to ensure her truth is known.
Plies is boycotting Target after the retailer announced it is rolling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives amid recent executive orders from Donald Trump.
The Florida native took to Instagram on Sunday (January 26), blasting the company in a video.
“Target has officially got on the muthafuckin crazy train,” Plies declared before stating his gripe with the company.
He quoted a report confirming “Target is reducing its efforts and programs that focus on promoting diversity, fairness and inclusion within the company,” before questioning the statement and announcing he would boycott the store.
“How would anybody want to get rid of them muthafuckin core values?” he asked. “Just how you said in this muthafuckin statement that y’all is evolving, guess what? I’m muthafuckin evolving too.”
Although he praised the company for its shopping experience, Plies vowed Target will not get a “dime out of me” after rolling back DEI initiatives.
Plies also referenced their slogan, “Expect more and pay less,” saying he would do just that.
“I muthafuckin expected more outta y’all, Target,” he explained. “So I’ma follow y’all muthafuckin slogan, and I’m a muthafuckin pay y’all less. No muthafuckin attention, no muthafuckin mind.”
Plies said he would take his custom to Costco but would also ditch them if they joined the “crazy train,” with Target.
Target announced it is discontinuing its three-year DEI goals and Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) initiatives following President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders.
In a memo, Target’s chief community impact and equity officer, Kiera Fernandez, described these changes as the “next chapter” in the company’s strategy, stating they are adapting to “the evolving external landscape,” per CNBC.
Target’s decision aligns with similar actions taken by other major companies like Walmart, Meta, and McDonald’s in scaling back DEI initiatives.
Plies will be pleased to know that, unlike Target, Costo has strongly defended its (DEI) programs.
Costco’s board unanimously recommended shareholders reject an anti-DEI proposal, stating, “our commitment to an enterprise rooted in respect and inclusion is appropriate and necessary.”
Russell Simmons is under mounting legal scrutiny as multiple plaintiffs allege he’s failed to uphold settlements totaling millions of dollars.
According to court filings, Simmons, who helped shape the Hip-Hop industry at its onset, owes $3.13 million to Alexia Jones and Toni Sallie combined, in addition to interest from broken promises and missed deadlines.
Records show that in 2023, Simmons entered a settlement with Jones for $300,000, paying $100,000 upfront but defaulted on a critical $200,000 installment due in April 2024.
A new deal later promised $190,000, plus 20 percent annualized interest, by January 2025.
However, Jones states she has received just $10,000 of the adjusted amount, creating a financial shortfall she’s now fighting to secure through legal means.
Sallie’s claims involve an even steeper financial fallout. Simmons agreed to pay Sallie $3 million in structured installments starting in February 2024.
Yet, when the first $150,000 payment was due, she reportedly received just $30,000, leaving an unpaid balance of $123,000.
Since then, sporadic payments totaling $60,000 have trickled in, but the cumulative debt owed to Sallie still stands at $2.94 million, excluding 20 percent annual interest.
Sallie’s attorney condemned the alleged breaches as “flagrant” and argued the accumulating interest could escalate the stakes even further.
Court documents submitted in New York outline more than $9.1 million in alleged unpaid agreements, which continue to balloon with accrued interest.
Beyond Jones and Sallie, Simmons reportedly owes an additional $3,045,000 to three other women—Sil Lai Abrams, Sherri Abernathy and Wendy Carolina Franco.
Settlements of $1,265,000 each with Abrams and Abernathy and $515,000 with Franco were due by October 2024, but court records show none of these payments were received.
The women have since filed confessions of judgment in the New York County Supreme Court to expedite collection.
Notably, in all cases, Simmons hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing.
High-profile accusations range from harassment to assault to rape, with incidents dating back to the late 1980s. While Simmons denies all claims of non-consensual encounters, the allegations prompted him to step away from several of his business ventures in 2017.
As Simmons faces the heat of his deepening financial obligations, his life abroad in Bali—where no extradition treaty exists with the United States—has stirred public curiosity.
Despite his foreign residency, the music mogul has said he frequently travels back to the U.S., even as pressure from creditors and accusers continues to mount.
Meta title: 7 Aussie Hip Hop Tracks That Australians Love
Meta Description: Don’t know your Australian hip hop? You’re about to get schooled, with seven tracks from across the years that are certified gold – by Aussies themselves.
Aussie Hip Hop is like nothing else – and while there isn’t as big a scene as say, the US or the UK, there are some certified bangers that every Australian is likely to know. If you haven’t discovered the different complexities of Australian hip-hop, well we are here to give you a little introduction – with 7 of the greatest hip-hop tracks of all time.
This music genre’s lyrics reflect the country’s unique culture, struggles, and triumphs, these songs have become iconic. From anthems of identity to beats that get any crowd moving, Aussie hip-hop has carved its place in the music industry and everyday life.
Chances are, you’ve heard some of these legendary tracks in unexpected places—pumping through your car radio, echoing through supermarket aisles, or even adding rhythm to moments of luck while playing win-real-money casino games from casinos listed on AussieCodes.com. These songs have gained immense popularity due to their authenticity and relatability, resonating with audiences across generations. As artists continue to push boundaries, the legacy of Australian hip-hop is alive and thriving, proving that these beats and bars are here to stay.
1. The Nosebleed Section – Hilltop Hoods
After coming in hot at the turn of the century, these lads have been going strong for over two whole decades. The Hilltop Hoods are about as close to hip-hop royalty as it gets in Australia. The Nosebleed Section is that song when, whenever any Australian is in a bar overseas and it comes on, they’ll start mouthing the lyrics and nodding their head. The song itself is an impossible-to-escape earworm and party starter, and that’s what makes the Nosebleed Section so well-deserving of the number one spot.
2. The Message – OneFour
Love them or hate them, OneFour has certainly made an impact on the Australian music scene, especially in the West Sydney drill sector. The boys from OneFour are attributed to starting the drill sound over in Australia, spurred on by the UK drill scene, but putting their spin on it. The Message packs a powerful punch (as do their fists, allegedly), and you can even watch the 2023 Netflix series about their come-up and dust-ups with rival gangs and the law.
3. 1955 – Hilltop Hoods with Montaigne & Tom Thum
A cheeky throwback to the 50s, featuring Montaigne & Tom Thum? Yep, The Hilltop Hoods did it again with this catchy tune. It’s a little bit of pop, a lot of rap, and a whole lot of throwback in this 2018 song: a summery fun bop. While ‘harder’ hip hop fans might find this one a little hard to swallow, just take it for what it is – a great singalong.
4. My Scene – Seth Sentry
Seth Sentry’s presence in the Melbourne music scene was a big deal in the early 2000s, with the man all over town gigging, hosting, and MCing. Seth won Aria Gold in 2012 and 2013 with Float Away and Dear Science, and also has a track with Bliss n Eso, 360, Pez, and Drapht – but it’s My Scene that still gets played around the country today. While Seth hasn’t put out new music since 2021, we hope to hear from him soon.
5. Papercuts – Illy with Vera Blue
A staple of the Aussie airwaves, Frankston’s own Illy burned the house down with the 2016 song with Vera Blue titled Papercuts. At the time, both of their stars were at their peak, and the song landed Illy a staggering six Aria nominations including for Best Male Artist. While he went on to win Best Australian Live Act with the Two Degrees Tour the following year, you can bet that a lot of that love came from the success of the still-beautiful Papercuts.
6. Jimmy Recard – Drapht
“It’s J.R., Jimmy Recard! Raise your glass for the king of the bar!” Ah yes, Jimmy Recard, the curious track from Drapht that still slaps today. As the song goes, he’s annoyed that his parents gave him a name like “Plain old boring old Paul” and picks the name Jimmy Recard to plot out his new fantasy life – as the king of the castle, and yes, the king of the barstool.
7. Chase That Feeling – Hilltop Hoods
Don’t come for us to add another Hilltop Hoods track to this list! Hey, we could’ve just sat here and rattled off 10 of the Hoods track – but that wouldn’t be fair now, would it? Chase That Feeling is interesting in its composition because it fluctuates from a bit darker to coming into the light. The song touches on addiction – the title is Chase That Feeling after all, but champions happiness above all else, without needing substances. It’s a powerful listen, and many in the music industry will know well the struggles of addiction.
Dame Dash is setting the record straight on Cam’ron’s claims that Jim Jones once tried to have him jumped at his own art gallery while his girlfriend watched.
During his recent blistering tirade, Cam alleged Jones tapped some goons to jump Dame and claimed the alleged altercation was even caught on camera. Cam admitted Dame held his own, refusing to back down despite being outnumbered, and was unharmed.
The Roc-A-Fella co-founder addressed the claims in an interview on his YouTube channel, The American Nu Network.
Dame Dash Brands Jim Jones’ Actions “So Un-Harlem”
Dame Dash began by stating he was staying out of the feud because he considers Cam’ron and Jim Jones his “little brothers,” and they’ve all known each other since childhood. However, he did confirm the altercation story.
“That was true,” Dash said. “I’ve never been in a situation where someone that I consider family actually tried to have somebody physically put their hands on me. It blew my mind…the level of disrespect. It was so un-Harlem that it was embarrassing. That one of the ones that I raised would actually try to have me hurt. And for what?”
Dame questioned what Jones sought to accomplish by having him humiliated.
“Because that’s all that would’ve been if somebody would’ve came on my block or rather, to my art gallery, and put their hands on me in front of my girl,” he explained. “But again, what broke my heart was I felt like I raised everybody better than that. And it looked like a black eye to whatever I was teaching. It was just embarrassing. And family business should be within family.”
Meanwhile, after teasing multiple tracks responding to Cam’ron, Jim Jones joined forces with Kanye West in Japan over the weekend. Capo appeared to take a shot at Cam alongside an image of himself with Ye and Justin Laboy.
“I’m high on integrity,” he wrote in the caption. “I only respect those tht keep their word and are accountable for all there actions.”
