Lil Durk was denied bond by a federal judge in Los Angeles on Monday (June 9) after prosecutors argued that the rapper posed both a flight risk and a threat to public safety due to the severity of his charges and past conduct.
The decision came down from U.S. District Judge Michael Fitzgerald, who ruled that no set of release conditions—including home confinement, GPS monitoring or private security—could prevent Lil Durk from fleeing or endangering others.
The 32-year-old Chicago native faces charges that carry a mandatory life sentence without parole, which the court said significantly increases the likelihood he would try to escape.
He’s accused of sending a team of hitmen to Los Angeles to kill Quando Rondo. The broad daylight shooting at a gas station resulted in the death of Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson.
“The Court further finds that the government has proven by clear and convincing evidence that no combination of conditions would reasonably assure the safety of any other person and the community,” Judge Fitzgerald stated in his ruling.
Prosecutors pointed to an attempted trip to Dubai shortly after a murder involving Durk’s associates, arguing the timing suggested an effort to flee.
While Durk’s legal team claimed the travel was for “business and spiritual reasons,” the judge wasn’t convinced.
“Defense counsel quibble with some of the Government’s conclusions, but the defense has made no showing that the specific trip to Dubai was pre-planned,” Judge Fitzgerald wrote. “There is no evidence that he intended to do so that day for any reason apart from the murder and resulting arrests of the codefendants.”
The court also rejected financial assurances offered by Durk’s supporters, including $150,000 from a backer, his mother’s home, and a $1 million pledge from Alamo Records/Sony.
Judge Fitzgerald dismissed these offers as insufficient, citing Durk’s considerable wealth and ability to generate income abroad.
“The proffered funds are only a fraction of Defendant’s net worth. Moreover, Defendant would still have his intellectual property with which to earn a handsome living abroad,” the judge noted.
Concerns about Durk’s influence over potential witnesses also contributed to the decision. Prosecutors submitted sealed affidavits and statements from informants and witnesses in a related Chicago case, alleging the rapper used his money and status to intimidate others.
Even while in custody, Durk reportedly misused phones at the detention center.
Though the court acknowledged the calls were for personal and business matters and didn’t involve new crimes, Judge Fitzgerald said the behavior showed how easily Durk could violate rules if released.
“The Court does not dispute the representation that the violations were for personal and business reasons, with no new criminal conduct discussed. Still, how easy it would be to plot from home, with even fewer restrictions applied,” he wrote.
Durk remains in federal custody as he awaits trial.
Did you ever walp past a slot machine and started nodding along to the music? Like, really into it? You’re not alone. Slot machine soundtracks have evolved from dull background loops to full-blown mini-anthems. And there’s a reason for that.
These sounds aren’t just there to fill silence. In today’s casino world, music is part of the strategy – built to keep you vibing, focused, and spinning just one more time. Whether you’re hitting the digital reels on your phone or posted up next to a buzzing machine in a local gaming lounge, that beat you’re hearing is working overtime.
From Elevator Dribble to Earworms
Back in the day, most slot machines sounded like they were borrowing a tape from your grandma’s dentist. Bland, tinny, almost apologetic. It was functional but forgettable – background noise meant to go unnoticed.
Now? Not so much.
Today’s slot games come with full-on sound design – genre-matching beats, layered effects, mood-building music arcs. It’s not just filler anymore. It’s part of the show. Think eerie synths for horror-themed games, epic orchestrals for fantasy slots, and yes, even slick hip-hop beats on machines inspired by urban themes or real-world artists.
Why Sound Matters More Than You Think
Sound in slots does a few things really well. First, it creates emotional cues. Designers want you to feel something when you spin: tension, joy, suspense, anticipation. Music helps create all of that – sometimes more effectively than the visuals.
Second, it sets the pace. Fast, upbeat tracks can encourage quick spins. Slower, moody tones might make you pause and consider bumping your bet. And when you hit a bonus round? Expect the music to hype up – louder, faster, layered with new effects. It’s like your own mini victory concert.
Third, and this one’s key, good music keeps you playing. Studies have shown that certain sound frequencies and rhythmic patterns actually influence attention and behavior. So yeah, there’s a bit of psychology baked into that “you just won!” jingle.
Hip-Hop On The Reels
Let’s be real – hip-hop belongs everywhere. Clubs, cars, courts, and now, even on the casino floor. Developers are finally starting to catch on. Over the last few years, we’ve seen a shift from bland bings and dings to actual basslines and 808s. Some online slots now feature soundtracks inspired by trap, boom bap, or club rap – complete with vocals, samples, and real structure.
It’s not just for the aesthetic either. For players used to scrolling Spotify or DJing their own playlists, that sonic identity makes the game feel modern, grounded, and frankly, more fun.
And while African casinos – including those in places like Tanzania – might still lean on more traditional machines for now, international platforms are already bringing hip-hop-inspired slots to mobile users across the continent. The influence is spreading, and it’s not slowing down.
So, What Makes a Great Slot Soundtrack?
Let’s break it down. A standout slot machine soundtrack usually has:
Strong thematic alignment: Music that fits the game’s vibe – not generic loops recycled across ten other titles.
Dynamic progression: Changes in tempo or intensity during wins, losses, or bonus rounds.
Integration with sound effects: Button clicks, win jingles, and spin sounds should blend with the backing track, not fight it.
Emotional hooks: The tune needs to be memorable without being annoying (a tricky balance).
Honestly, if you walked away from a session still humming the tune an hour later, that composer did their job.
The Final Spin
Slot machine music is having a glow-up. It’s no longer just background noise – it’s part of the experience, engineered to enhance every spin, every bonus, every big win. Whether it’s a beat that slaps or a melody that sticks in your head all afternoon, the soundtrack is doing heavy lifting behind the scenes.
So next time you step into a casino or load up a slot game on your phone, take a second to really listen. You might be surprised how much the sound moves the game.
And yeah – if the beat hits just right, maybe let it ride one more time. You’re already vibing.
The Game called for unity and resistance on Monday (June 9) as he stood with protesters in Los Angeles rallying against ICE raids and the arrest of labor leader David Huerta, urging Black and Latino communities to stand together.
“Ever since I could remember… it’s been black & brown in this city,” he wrote on Instagram, alongside black-and-white photos from the protests. “From the early days of my childhood til now, we’ve been side by side through it all. All of us. All the time. Not always seeing eye to eye but we’ve shared Los Angeles for a very long time.”
The Game continued, “I stand with y’all like I know you’d stand with us. ‘We might fight against each other… but I promise you this.. we’ll burn this b!%?! Down get us p##### !!!!!’ To live & die in L.A.”
Vic Mensa also weighed in, warning that the same systems targeting immigrants could easily be turned against Black Americans.
“The same oppressor that exploits the African abuses the Latino,” he said. “And please believe if they could figure out how to deport n#####…they been trying since the Emancipation Proclamation.”
Mensa connected the dots between ICE detention centers, U.S. prison labor and international human rights abuses.
“Don’t be fooled into believing this struggle is not ours,” he added.
He captioned his video message, “Why should black people care about ICE? Solidarity is strength,” adding “Common enemy common goal.”
Doechii used her moment at the 2025 BET Awards to call out Donald Trump and denounce the ICE crackdown and military presence in Los Angeles. She condemned Trump while accepting her award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist on Monday (June 9).
Meanwhile, Kehlani showed support for Doechii’s speech, reposting it to her Instagram Stories with the message: “EXACTLY DOECHII EXACTLY.”
Tyler, The Creator kept it blunt in his own post earlier this week, writing simply: “F### ICE.”
The protests erupted across Los Angeles following a wave of ICE raids and Huerta’s arrest, drawing widespread criticism from activists, artists and community leaders alike.
Diddy was described as playing the role of Michael Jordan during orchestrated sexual encounters involving a male escort and his ex-girlfriend, who testified under the pseudonym “Jane” on Tuesday (June 10) in federal court as part of his ongoing racketeering and sex trafficking case.
The woman, who dated Diddy from 2021 to 2024, told jurors that the Hip-Hop mogul created a nickname for their trio—“trifecta”—with each person assigned a basketball legend.
She said Diddy was “Jordan,” she was “Kobe Bryant,” and the male escort was “Shaquille O’Neal.”
The testimony came during Day 20 of the federal trial, where Diddy faces allegations of operating a sex trafficking ring and using financial and emotional manipulation to control women.
Jane described a pattern of coercion masked as intimacy, saying she felt compelled to participate in sexual acts with other men to maintain her relationship with him. She said the emotional aftermath of those nights often included cuddling, foot rubs and what she called “lovemaking.”
Under cross-examination by defense attorney Teny Geragos, Jane admitted she stayed in the relationship willingly for years but said she was emotionally dependent. She also confirmed she is currently in therapy.
Jane said Diddy initially picked out her outfits for these encounters and had a preference for baby oil. She acknowledged that he had invested $20,000 in her fashion line and provided her with approximately $150,000 throughout their relationship.
When asked about Diddy’s drug use, Jane said she didn’t recognize it as addiction at first. Later, she noticed a pattern and wanted to help him return to his “natural form.”
Geragos attempted to portray the relationship as consensual and affectionate, suggesting Jane had told prosecutors she enjoyed “just about every minute” of their hotel nights.
Jane pushed back, saying she often had to endure sexual acts before Diddy would dismiss the other men.
She also said that over time, she came to view his behavior through a different lens, using the term “cuck” to describe his sexual preferences.
Call it a modern form of accountability or a digital witch hunt, cancel culture is one of the most polarizing phenomena of our time. It’s the collective call-out, often fueled by social media, where public figures face backlash for actions or problematic language. Some see it as a necessary way to confront injustice; others see it as a harsh system that leaves no room for growth or forgiveness.
In today’s social media-driven society, no industry can escape this intense scrutiny, including hip hop. More than just a musical style, hip hop has embedded itself deeply into everyday life. Its influence can be seen in everything from fashion and language to political activism and digital culture — even extending into leisure activities like online gambling. Today, it’s not unusual to see hip hop aesthetics and beats energizing casinos offering free spins bonuses and codes to activate them, where players find themselves immersed in a world soundtracked by the culture’s rhythm and spirit. As hip hop continues to spread into every corner of entertainment and lifestyle, it becomes clear: no amount of cancel culture can mute its impact.
This resilience has allowed numerous artists to do the unthinkable: claw their way back into the public’s favor after being canceled. Rather than letting past criticism silence them, these artists have taken time to reflect and then pushed forward with renewed strength.
Doja Cat
Doja Cat’s career has seen major highs and lows, but that hasn’t stopped her from making a comeback. After skyrocketing to fame in 2020 with “Say So,” she faced serious backlash when old videos surfaced showing her in controversial chatrooms. Accusations of racism and offensive behavior led to the hashtag #DojaCatIsOverParty trending, a slowdown in her social media growth, and a drop in Spotify listeners from 41.5 million to 34 million.
Despite the backlash, her music continued to perform well, “Say So” remained near the top of the Billboard Hot 100, and radio play stayed strong. Doja kept mostly silent, avoided dramatic apologies, and continued releasing new music.
Years later, she sparked controversy again by rejecting her earlier pop image, calling her albums Hot Pink and Planet Her “cash grabs.” She even lashed out at some fans, losing half a million followers. Once again, many claimed she was “canceled.” However, none of this stopped her success. After a widely praised performance at last year’s Coachella, Doja Cat contributed to the highly anticipated F1 movie soundtrack, further cementing her comeback.
Chris Brown
Chris Brown remains one of music’s most controversial figures, yet despite being “cancelled” after his 2009 assault on Rihanna, he’s continued to thrive in his career. After the incident, he lost endorsements, was banned from radio stations, and faced intense industry backlash. Many assumed his career was finished. Still, he released Graffiti months later, landing in the Billboard Top 20. By 2012, he won a Grammy for F.A.M.E., marking a return to mainstream success.
Brown’s legal troubles didn’t stop there, the singer has faced countless charges including probation violations, assault allegations, and time in rehab. He was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder and PTSD. These issues damaged his reputation, but not his commercial appeal. Though he’s been mostly shut out of major award show performances since 2009, Brown continues to release hits and collaborate with big-name artists.
While such incidents might end most careers, Brown’s fanbase remains loyal. His “bad boy” persona seems to fuel, rather than hinder, his popularity.
Travis Scott
Travis Scott enjoyed a steady rise to fame built on chart-topping hits, high-profile brand deals and a strong fanbase. However, that all came crashing down in November 2021. His Astroworld Festival in Houston ended in tragedy when a crowd surge claimed the lives of 10 people. The fallout was immediate: widespread public outrage, lawsuits, dropped brand partnerships, and calls for him to be “cancelled.”
Scott was heavily criticized for how he handled the situation, particularly for continuing to perform as the chaos unfolded and later attending an after-party. He claimed he was unaware of the severity of what was happening in the crowd and maintained that he didn’t know about the deaths until after the show.
The incident severely damaged his image. Sponsorships, like his major Dior collaboration, were paused. The launch of his long-awaited album Utopia was delayed, and public sentiment toward him turned sharply negative.
Despite the backlash, Scott didn’t disappear. Instead, he gradually returned to the spotlight. In June 2023, a Texas grand jury declined to indict him or others involved in the festival on criminal charges, a legal turning point that helped shift public perception. That same year, he resumed performances and began promoting Utopia, though that hit a snag when a planned concert at the Pyramids of Giza was canceled due to political and cultural controversy.
Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj is widely regarded as one of the most commercially successful female rappers of all time but wearing that crown hasn’t come without controversy. Over the years, the Anaconda hitmaker has found herself in hot water more than once, including high-profile feuds with fellow rappers like Iggy Azalea, Lil Kim, and Megan Thee Stallion.
Her public disputes haven’t been limited to the music world. Minaj has also clashed with celebrities outside the industry and drew criticism for agreeing to perform in Saudi Arabia, a country known for its human rights violations, particularly against women and the LGBTQ+ community. After learning more about these issues, Minaj canceled her appearance, signaling a willingness to listen and respond to public outcry.
More seriously, she has faced backlash related to her husband, who is a registered sex offender. Her decision to collaborate with Tekashi 6ix9ine, a rapper with a criminal record, further fueled criticism.
Despite these controversies, Minaj has consistently demonstrated her staying power, maintaining commercial success and cultural influence in the face of ongoing scrutiny.
Final Thoughts
While cancel culture may aim to hold people accountable, it rarely sticks in the hip-hop world, and likely never will. Why? Because hip-hop was born out of a need to give marginalized communities a voice. It has always been a raw, unfiltered genre, one where scandal, feuds, and controversy often add layers to the music rather than diminish it.
It also raises the question of whether we can, or should, separate the artist from the art. You can “cancel” Chris Brown, but that doesn’t stop people from streaming his music. As long as these artists continue to deliver hits, true cancellation remains nearly impossible. It would almost have to be the artist’s decision themselves to walk away as die-hard fans would never leave them.
Blueface’s father, Johnathan Porter Sr., faced online backlash after posting a video of an empty garage at the rapper’s Los Angeles home, claiming he moved Chrisean Rock’s belongings to a storage unit following weeks of no contact.
“I’m so sorry this is happening, but we’ve tried contacting the individual for the past 60 days, no response, no feedback regarding your personal belongings,” Porter Sr. said in the video. “So we had no choice but to respectfully pack it up and remove it to a storage facility. We will be mailing you the storage facility information to your last known address. You have no reason to enter the property that you no longer reside at. Please respect the property.”
In the caption, he added, “Blueface has officially moved on y’all. Until next time free Blueface. My son will be home soon.”
The clip quickly drew criticism across social media. Many accused Porter Sr. of seeking attention.
“Atp you just clout chasing because what was the point of showing this again. Chrisean moved on too,” one user wrote.
Another chimed in, “Just make sure your son respect her personal space as well.”
Others defended Rock, pointing out she had already distanced herself from the situation. “All Chrisean just got off probation and is living her best life. She didn’t want them clothes and she told y’all that.”
The incident dates back to April 2025, when Porter Sr. first went viral for packing up Rock’s clothes, shoes and personal photos at Blueface‘s request from behind bars.
“Blueface made that call, said, hey, it’s time to go. He ain’t playing this time,” he said at the time.
Meanwhile, Karlissa Saffold, Blueface’s mother, hinted at his upcoming release with an Instagram post promoting a “Blueface Coming Home Celebrity Bash” scheduled for November 3.
“The count down is official,” she announced. “Special Shout out to all the celebrities and fans who been keeping the prayers, love, and support, for the return of @bluefasebabyy !!!” she wrote.
Treach has backed Ras Baraka’s gubernatorial run with a powerful personal endorsement, calling the Newark mayor a leader “cut from a different cloth” during a live appearance promoting Baraka’s campaign.
“I done been through a lot of politicians and I don’t trust ’em,” Treach said. “So when it comes to somebody where I gotta stand for and say this is that dude and this is who you need to support and go vote for—it’s only for me. I keep my word is bond.”
Treach has long been a voice of the streets. Their connection runs deep, going back to when Baraka was still a school principal.
“He was calling me in when the kids was acting up… before being mayor, he was on the ground, in the streets, bringing the people together,” Treach explained.
The Hip-Hop vet emphasized that Baraka has always had an open-door policy, never turning away conversations from community members, no matter their background.
“He ain’t never say, ‘I ain’t got the time,’” Treach said. “He check that Rolodex and say, ‘Come in today at this time,’ and it’s been open arms since day one.”
Treach pointed to initiatives like Hakim Green’s 24 Hours of Peace, a yearly anti-violence festival in New York inspired by Newark’s own anti-violence work, as proof of Baraka’s impact.
“He was out there with that bullhorn screaming for peace way before he ever stepped in City Hall,” Treach said.
With the New Jersey primary being Tuesday (June 10), Treach urged voters to show up and show out for Baraka.
“Your vote really does count,” he declared. “The same way he be out there repping for people—even getting cuffs on for people—we got to be there and vote so he can have the power to do even more.”
The rapper also encouraged donations to support Baraka’s campaign, saying financial contributions could help amplify his message against well-funded opposition. “Usually the ones with the most money win. But we gotta make sure the people win this time,” he told Green and Creekmur.
Treach ended his comments with a heartfelt reminder that this election isn’t just about politics, it’s about the people.
“This is about the future of the youth, the community, the people. It ain’t just Black people—it’s for all.”
Diddy allegedly kicked down multiple doors and physically attacked a former girlfriend during a violent confrontation over a family trip to Utah.
According to testimony Monday (June 9) in his ongoing federal trial,
“Jane” told jurors on Day 19 of the rap mogul’s sex trafficking and racketeering case that a romantic evening turned into a brutal altercation after she questioned Combs about a young woman he had allegedly traveled with.
She described setting the mood with candles and red lighting at their home before the argument began.
After drinking champagne and tequila, she confronted Combs about the woman’s age and accused him of being attracted to someone she believed was under 21.
The conversation escalated quickly. Jane said she shoved Combs’ head into a marble surface and began throwing candles and glass objects.
When she tried to escape to the master bedroom, she said Combs kicked the door down and then broke through the bathroom door as well.
“He kicked his way into my closet,” she testified, adding that she attempted to flee but was tackled, choked and dragged back inside.
She said she ran six blocks away and hid for two hours before returning.
Once back at the house, Jane noted Combs kicked in the guest bedroom door and began punching her in the head while accusing her of trying to keep him from his children.
She claimed he kicked her while she was curled up on the floor, then grabbed her by the hair and arms and forced her back inside.
She testified that she went to the shower to calm down, where Combs allegedly slapped her, causing her to fall. She said she sat naked on the shower floor, exhausted, while Combs told her to “put some ice on it” and get dressed.
Jane said he picked out lingerie and heels for her to wear, then used her phone to play pornography on the television via screen mirroring.
The testimony follows a second mistrial request filed Saturday (June 7) by Combs’ legal team, who accused prosecutors of misconduct. The defense denies all allegations and has argued that the government is overreaching.
Combs faces five federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion. Prosecutors allege he used his business empire to exploit women through manipulation and financial control.
Jane’s testimony resumed Monday after she broke down on the stand last week.
The trial continues Tuesday (June 10) in federal court.
Wale confronted Twitch star Kai Cenat backstage at the 2025 BET Awards on Monday (June 9) after the popular streamer failed to recognize the Grammy-nominated rapper during a livestreamed run-in that quickly went viral.
The awkward moment unfolded live on Cenat’s IRL stream as he walked through the venue and crossed paths with Wale, only to blank on who he was.
“Wale. Oh, my god, that was somebody crazy,” Cenat said after the encounter, clearly caught off guard. “Hey, the whole chat knows him. Wale, what he do?”
Later in the night, Wale approached Cenat while he was mid-conversation with Snoop Dogg and addressed the incident directly.
However, Wale likely had not realized his words were livestreamed to Cenat’s viewers.
“That s### making me look crazy right now,” Wale told him. “Just letting you know. That’s making me look crazy, the exchange that we had in the hallway?”
Cenat, looking surprised, responded with a quick, “Oh! My bad.”
Wale then added, “I mean, they’re running with it; we’ll talk later.”
Wale confronts Kai Cenat at the BET Awards, saying he made him look crazy for not recognizing him earlier! 👀pic.twitter.com/I7IX7E8anV
— Kai Mafia Updates🗽💫 (@Kaimafiaupdates) June 10, 2025
Fans React To Wale Confronting Kai Cenat
Social media lit up after the clip circulated, with many weighing in on the awkwardness of the moment and Wale’s reaction.
One user wrote, “He just made it 10x worse lol.” Another
chimed in, “grown ass man worried about what the internet think bout him.”
A third commented, “bro nobody was even talking about it, now he brought the attention to it again because his ego got hurt.”
The incident was part of Cenat’s livestream coverage of the BET Awards, where he also interacted with stars like Kendrick Lamar.
The streamer’s presence at the show marked a notable moment for digital creators, as he and fellow content creator Druski were brought onstage by host Kevin Hart to present an award.
“Appreciate you, n####,” Cenat said to Hart onstage.
Hart, never one to miss a comedic beat, responded with a lesson in showbiz etiquette.
“I tried to bring y’all out here and give y’all an opportunity to get to the next stage, the next level,” he teased. “To do that, you need to understand professionalism. This is an award show, right? So what I want to do, I’m going to put y’all on. This is my job of passing the baton!”
Stevie Wonderhad the BET Awards audience cracking up on Monday (June 9) as he poked fun at his own blindness while presenting Jamie Foxx with the Ultimate Icon Award in Los Angeles.
The music legend began his tribute with a heartfelt memory and a quick jab at both himself and Foxx’s Oscar-winning portrayal of Ray Charles.
“He hit me up because of his win – Academy Award – for Ray. And I said, ‘You know Jamie, just because you played a blind man, that don’t mean that we’re besties, okay?'”
The crowd roared as Wonder added, “I spent tireless hours watching and editing the footage for this tribute tonight.”
“Jamie. Jamie! Look at me,” Wonder teased. “Listen, you know, I remember seeing you the first time at a club playing the piano and singing. But I knew from the moment I heard you sing that you had so much more. I admire and celebrate your talent.”
Wonder, 74, closed his speech with genuine praise, saying, “I’m very happy to be here tonight to see you honored as you very well deserve.”
Foxx, never one to miss a comedic moment, responded with a playful impersonation of Wonder after accepting the award, keeping the mood light and the audience entertained.
Meanwhile, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre both shared hilarious stories about Wonder’s self-deprecating humor during a livestream of Drink Champs at ComplexCon in Las Vegas last November.
“On everything I love, Stevie Wonder does FaceTime,” Snoop said recalling a video chat. “He was like, ‘I’ve been looking for you!'”
Dr. Dre chimed in with his own tale: “Stevie Wonder rings me at around 5 AM, asking me to send him a text. I was like, ‘What the…?’ I hung up, still baffled by what he had just requested.”
Kendrick Lamar dominated the 2025 BET Awards on Monday (June 9) at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, walking away with the night’s biggest haul and edging out Drake in several major categories.
Lamar, who led the field with 10 nominations, collected five trophies, including Album of the Year for GNX, Best Male Hip-Hop Artist—his record-setting eighth win in that category—and Video of the Year for his chart-topping Drake diss track, “Not Like Us.”
He also picked up Best Collaboration for “luther” featuring SZA and Video Director of the Year alongside longtime creative partner Dave Free.
The Album of the Year win ties Lamar with Beyoncé for the most wins in that category since its inception in 2017. During his acceptance speech, Lamar kept it grounded and grateful.
“BET always make sure they represent the culture right and always put me in the midst of the cycle of what we represent, and that’s real true down-to-earth music that people can feel,” he said.
He also gave thanks to God and his pgLang team before offering a nod to SZA.
“SZA in the crowd,” he added. “We are on tour right now; please come to the show.”
Host Kevin Hart surprised Lamar with his other trophies after he had collected his win. “You’ve been winning all year,” Hart joked. “So I figured I’d just get in front of it.”
He also teased, “That’s your problem,” as Lamar struggled to hold his bevy of awards.
The ceremony marked the 25th anniversary of the BET Awards. The night featured performances from Lil Wayne, GloRilla, Playboi Carti, Leon Thomas and more.
Kendrick Lamar’s five wins made him BET’s most-awarded artist of the night.
Doechii used her moment in the spotlight at the 2025 BET Awards in Los Angeles on Monday (June 9) to condemn Donald Trump’s military crackdown on anti-ICE protests happening just outside the venue.
Accepting the award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, Doechii paused her speech to address the escalating situation in the city.
“I do want to address what’s happening right now outside of the building,” she said, turning the celebratory moment into a pointed critique of the government’s response to civil unrest.
“There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order,” she added, directly calling out Trump’s decision to deploy military forces to suppress demonstrations. “Trump is using military forces to stop a protest, and I want y’all to consider what kind of government it appears to be when every time we exercise our democratic right to protest, the military is deployed against us.”
She then asked the audience, “What kind of government is that?”
The Tampa-born rapper extended her message to those impacted by immigration raids and systemic violence.
“People are being swept up and torn from their families,” she added. “I feel it’s my responsibility as an artist to use this moment to speak up for all oppressed people. For Black people, for Latino people, for trans people, for the people in Gaza.”
Doecii Calls For Resistance Against Hate
She ended her speech with a call for collective resistance and hope.
“We all deserve to live in hope and not in fear,” Doechii declared. “I hope we stand together, my brothers and sisters, against hate and we protest against it. Thank you, BET.”
Her remarks came as federal forces continued to flood Los Angeles in response to protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
Trump has ordered 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines into the city, citing the need to protect federal buildings and personnel.
The move bypassed California Governor Gavin Newsom’s authority, invoking a rarely used federal statute to seize control of the state’s National Guard.
Newsom has condemned the deployment as “reckless,” “pointless,” and “deliberately provocative,” accusing Trump of manufacturing a crisis for political leverage.
Meanwhile, legal challenges are underway, with the state arguing the federalization of the Guard violates constitutional boundaries.
The protests have been met with tear gas, rubber bullets and flashbangs. Trump has labeled the unrest “rebellion” and “insurrection,” while critics argue the administration is escalating tensions rather than resolving them.
Doechii’s speech has since gone viral, with many praising her for using her platform to confront political power and amplify the voices of marginalized communities.
Swizz Beatz stood firm behind Timbaland on Sunday (June 8) during a charged livestream discussion about AI in music, defending his longtime collaborator’s controversial leap into artificial pop despite a wave of criticism from the Hip-Hop community.
“I’m happy that Tim is into AIt,” Swizz said during the livestream, which also featured Young Guru, Jay-Z’s engineer, and media personality 19Keys. “Because all the white people in it. Why we can’t get in it? I don’t care how. It’s not how you start; it’s how you finish. So this is Tim’s entry point into AI. Whether we like it or not, it’s an entry point.”
Timbaland recently introduced an AI-generated artist named TaTa through his company Stage Zero, aiming to launch a new genre dubbed “A-pop.” The announcement drew immediate backlash from artists and industry insiders who accused him of selling out human creativity in favor of machine-made music.
Swizz acknowledged the criticism but urged people to look at the bigger picture, saying Timbaland now has the chance to “change the furniture” in the industry.
Still, he admitted the rollout lacked clarity. “I don’t expect people to understand what we doing,” he added. “The only thing I would critique is that we could have communicated this a little better to the people. Because that’s a hell of an announcement.”
Young Guru wasn’t as forgiving. He warned that AI-generated music could displace real singers, writers and producers, comparing the situation to the collapse of factory jobs in Detroit due to automation.
“We feeding the beast!” he said, cautioning that training AI with human-made music could gut the creative economy.
Timbaland Responds To AI-Artist Backlash
Timbaland initially brushed off the backlash with a tongue-in-cheek AI video telling critics to “cry me a river,” but later softened his tone on Instagram.
“I know I’m trolling, but let’s have a real conversation,” he wrote. I love my independent artists. This doesn’t mean I’m not working with real artists anymore. And nah, I don’t train ai off y’all music. This just means more creativity for creators.”
Teyana Taylor gave Aaron Pierre a birthday shoutout that read more like a love letter than a friendly post.
And now there is speculation about their relationship, following months of public appearances together. The singer and actress posted a pair of cozy photos to Instagram on Saturday (June 8) to celebrate the Mufasa star’s 31st birthday.
“Cheers to Thirty-WON & many more wins around the sun. Happy birthday Woody,” she wrote, adding two photos that left little room for interpretation.
In the first image, Taylor is seen blowing a kiss toward the camera while Pierre leans in close, smiling. The second photo shows the Rebel Ridge actor standing between her legs on what appears to be a set, gazing directly into her eyes.
Pierre responded in the comments with a short but telling message: “Now and always. Thank you Tey.”
The post drew attention from several of Taylor’s celebrity peers, including Taraji P. Henson, Gabrielle Union and Andra Day, who left supportive comments.
Romance rumors between the two began swirling in February after they were spotted sitting together at the American Black Film Festival Honors. A month later, Taylor appeared to confirm the relationship when she posted black-and-white photos of the pair at the 2025 Oscars, captioned, “Oscar night in black & white, no grey area.”
Taylor, a mother of two and known for her work in music, film and fashion, has not officially confirmed the relationship, but her recent posts have done little to quiet the speculation.
Pierre, who voices the young Mufasa in Disney’s upcoming Mufasa: The Lion King, has also kept details of his personal life under wraps.
Doja Cat will lead a historic moment in global sports and music when she joins J Balvin and Tems as the headliners for the first halftime show in FIFA Club World Cup history, set for Saturday, July 13, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The performance marks the debut of a Super Bowl-style musical showcase at the FIFA Club World Cup Final, a collaboration between FIFA and Global Citizen, with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin overseeing the creative direction.
The event will stream live and free on DAZN. Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin expressed his pride in representing Latin culture on such a massive stage.
“From Medellín to MetLife – I’m honored to headline the first-ever halftime show of the FIFA Club World Cup final,” he said. “It’s a historic moment, for me, for Latin culture and for every kid who dreams big.”
Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems echoed the sentiment, highlighting the event’s global unity and charitable mission.
“We’re going to bring the world together for a beautiful moment,” she said. “To celebrate football, feel the unity that music brings, and improve the lives of millions of children through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. I can’t wait – see you at the Club World Cup final.”
The halftime show is part of a broader initiative by Global Citizen to raise $100 million to combat extreme poverty and expand educational and sports opportunities for children worldwide.
According to Reuters, the fund will support access to learning and football programs in underserved communities.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be the tournament’s most expansive edition yet, running from June 14 to July 13 across 11 U.S. cities.
It will feature 32 of the top club teams from around the globe, making it a major lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Mexico and Canada.
Snoop Dogg is trading verses for vending as he plans to launch a burger truck at Celtic Park in Glasgow, blending his love for Hip-Hop and Scottish soccer into a sizzling side hustle.
The Hip-Hop icon and longtime Celtic supporter told The Sunday Mail he’s eyeing a food venture at the stadium, and he’s already looped in celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay for advice.
“I would love to bring a pop-up burger to a sports stadium to show fans that food at stadiums can be good,” Snoop Dogg said.
Snoop Dogg, who has previously expressed interest in investing in the Scottish Premiership club, said he was inspired by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s ownership of Wrexham FC. Now, he’s ready to put his own flavor on the pitch—literally.
“It’s got to be Celtic Park, man,” he said. “The secret to a good burger is the love in the preparation. The ground beef has got to be mixed with some secret spices, then add a good quality cheese and some maple-cured bacon.”
Snoop Dogg also made it clear where his loyalties lie. When asked if he’d consider setting up shop at Rangers’ stadium too, he didn’t mince words.
“Am I going to bring my burgers to Rangers as well? Nah, I think we will give that a miss.”
The rapper added that he plans to serve the burgers himself to ensure they’re done right. “The Celtic fans are gonna love it, and to make sure they are just right, Snoop is going to be serving them himself.”
Snoop’s burger truck plans come as he continues to expand his business ventures beyond music, including cannabis, wine and breakfast cereals.
The burger truck would mark his first foray into the Scottish food scene. No official launch date has been announced, but the rapper’s enthusiasm suggests the grill could be fired up soon.
Lin-Manuel Miranda brought Broadway nostalgia and star power to Radio City Music Hall on Sunday (June 8) as he reunited with the original Hamilton cast for an exceptional 10th-anniversary performance during the Tony Awards.
The five-minute tribute opened with Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr. performing “Non-Stop” before transitioning into a medley of fan-favorite numbers like “My Shot,” “The Schuyler Sisters,” “You’ll Be Back,” “The Room Where It Happens” and “History Has Its Eyes on You.”
The performance earned a standing ovation from the audience packed with theater royalty and industry insiders.
“In this business, you keep moving so much that you don’t often take the time to recognize how special something is while you’re in it. It was really special. Obviously, the response was special, but that group of people is pretty singular. I’ve never been in a room like it,” Diggs said.
Goldsberry echoed the sentiment, saying, “I walked in there, and every single person that came into the room, just tears of joy bubbled up from my soul. We group hugged a million times. We just love each other so much.”
Groff, who played King George III, poked fun at his brief role in the tribute.
“It’s like the easiest thing ever – and then I’m just watching in total awe. It was such a reminder of the genius of that show and the genius of that original cast. It’s such an incredible group,” Groff told Variety.
Hamilton premiered on Broadway in August 2015 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The show expanded to London’s West End in 2017 and continues to run in both cities.
A Standout From His Debut EP Ollywood BLVD, Now Streaming Everywhere
Los Angeles, CA – June 12, 2025 — Artist and actor Olly Sholotanis set to release the official visual for “I Go Dey Vex”on June 12, offering a new layer of intimacy and depth to one of the most emotionally resonant tracks from his debut EP, Ollywood BLVD. The EP, released earlier this spring, has introduced Olly’s distinct musical voice — a cinematic blend of Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, and R&B.
“I Go Dey Vex was actually the first track I wrote off my new EP [Ollywood BLVD] and I finished producing it while shooting the second season of Bel-Air,” Olly explains. “It’s this really intimate song about coming to terms with the fact that even though I can feel on top of the world, my work still isn’t done. I’ve achieved so much and I still have so much I’m yet to do.”
-Olly Sholotan
Watch Here:
With warm Afro-fusion rhythms, Hip-Hop-influenced drums, and soulful R&B vocals, “I Go Dey Vex” is a quiet anthem about ambition, purpose, and emotional transparency. The forthcoming
video captures that feeling — the tension between gratitude and restlessness, success and striving.
Following the success of Bel-Air and the critical reception of Ollywood BLVD, Olly is proving himself as a multidimensional artist with something meaningful to say — and the creative tools to say it well.
About Olly Sholotan
Olly Sholotan is a Nigerian-American artist, producer and actor. Blending elements of Afrobeats with Pop, R&B, and Hip-Hop, Olly is really in a genre of his own; releasing under his record label Lamintin Records. His work as a writer and producer also makes him one of the most exciting up and coming musical artists to watch.
He co-wrote and produced Virtual Reality for Lamintin artist rey which went viral on Tik Tok and has climbed to almost 2 million streams across all platforms.
As an actor, Olly can be seen playing Carlton Banks in Peacock’s new hit show “Bel-Air” as well as various movies and other projects on TV.
Influences: Don Toliver, The Weeknd, Khalid, Burna Boy, Davido, Labrinth, Pharrell Williams, MIKE DEAN & More.
Brittany Renner confirmed her split from Kevin Gates during a radio interview in Los Angeles, just 52 days after their marriage, telling listeners that she “gave 100 percent” and that “all is well.”
The 33-year-old influencer and Basketball Wives personality revealed the breakup during a sit-down with Bootleg Kev.
The couple tied the knot on April 6 and officially ended their marriage on May 28, according to Renner.
No specific reason was offered for the short-lived union, but Brittany Renner made it clear she had no regrets. “I gave 100 percent,” she said during the broadcast. “All is well.”
“What I also will add is that I followed my heart, and that’s more than what most people can say in this world. And I have no shame in that… as you can see, I’m out here on this blacktop by myself,” Renner said.
The relationship had drawn attention due to Brittany Renner’s recent conversion to Islam and Gates’ high-profile status in the Hip-Hop world.
Their whirlwind romance went viral after they got married, when Kevin Gates started taunting Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James. During the one-sided feud, Kevin Gates and Renner were caught sitting courtside and being ignored by LeBron.
Renner didn’t elaborate on the cause of the divorce but appeared composed and at peace with the decision during the interview.
A YouTuber known as Finny Da Legend was gunned down alongside a companion late Sunday (June 8) near the Bellagio fountains on the Las Vegas Strip in a deadly confrontation that played out live on YouTube.
Authorities say the violence stemmed from a digital feud between content creators. The victims were killed on the scene after an altercation with the alleged shooter, identified by witnesses and online chatter as fellow YouTuber SinCity‑MannyWise.
On the night of June 8, 2025, a fatal shooting occurred near the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas, captured live on a YouTube livestream by YouTuber Finny Da Legend. The incident took place shortly before 11:00 p.m. PT in the 3600 block of South Las Vegas Boulevard, outside the… pic.twitter.com/nnu6yqtlm7
The incident, which unfolded in real-time during a livestream, captured the escalating tension before the broadcast was cut off by police.
Viewers reported hearing at least seven gunshots just steps from one of the most heavily trafficked tourist spots in Las Vegas. According to NBC News, officers arrived quickly but were unable to save the victims.
Authorities described the shooting as an “isolated incident” between the YouTubers and not a random act of violence. Investigators believe the suspect and victims had a prior dispute that originated online and spilled into real life.
No arrests have been made as of Monday (June 9), but police stated they have identified the suspect and are actively searching for him.
“At this point, every effort is being made by members of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to locate, apprehend and arrest the suspect who is responsible for this crime,” police said in a statement.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers or the LVMPD Homicide Section.
