USHER’S surprising first concert may have triggered a series of events that helped him reach the level of superstardom that’s had him coasting for more than two decades now.
In a remarkable revelation, USHER took fans on a trip down memory lane, recounting his wild experience at his very first concert. To the surprise of many, his first-ever live music experience didn’t entail the smooth sounds of R&B but rather the hard-hitting, controversial lyrics of rapper Ice-T.
The concert, which took place in Chattanooga, Tennessee at the UTC Arena, wasn’t just any show, either. In fact, it occurred at the height of Ice-T’s infamous “Cop Killer” controversy. And believe it or not, USHER’s unlikely concert companion, his aunt, worked for the police department at that time.
“First concert that I went to was an Ice-T concert in Chattanooga, Tennessee at UTC Arena,” USHER reminisced. When asked his age, he responded, “Old enough to be invited by my aunt who was given these tickets as a gift. She worked for the police department and he had a song called ‘Cop Killer’ at the time. Kind of crazy how it all worked out.”
Usher says the first concert he went to was Ice-T.
Also, Usher reveals that before he was famous, Ice-T gave him a spark of inspiration when he visited the Boys and Girls Club in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to speak to him and the other kids.
But the story doesn’t end there. In fact, the concert itself becomes somewhat of an afterthought based on what USHER revealed happened after the night of hardcore Hip-Hop music. The “Let It Burn” singer went on to vividly recall a chance encounter with Ice-T at the Boys and Girls Club in Chattanooga following his experience at the concert. USHER declared that it was in this moment when the rapper made the surprise appearance that lit the spark that ignited Usher’s dreams of becoming an entertainer.
“I mean, even what’s crazier is that I happened to be at the Boys and Girls Club and he [Ice-T] dropped by and oddly enough, being able to see him talk to us in the gymnasium in Highland Park in Chattanooga, Tennessee, It gave me a spark,” USHER said.
“Like, ‘wait a minute, so you can be an entertainer and have a girl that looks like that,’ He had a beautiful wife. I was like, ‘man, that looks cool. I might want to do that’.”
It’s safe to say that the seeds planted from that moment truly blossomed into a fruitful reality for USHER and his legendary career. However, not all of the credit can be given to Ice-T. USHER did go on to reveal that his second concert, which he admits was much more his “speed” was New Edition!
Tinashe experienced the explosive highs and fleeting nature of viral fame unless she’s offering advice for other artists.
In April, her hit “Nasty” soared across social media, capturing the public’s attention with its provocative lyric, “match my freak.”
While the moment brought intense excitement and widespread recognition, Tinashe remains clear-eyed about the ephemeral nature of such phenomena.
During a candid discussion with music producer and Hip-Hop artist Kaytranada for Interview Magazine, the singer delved into the implications of her viral success.
“Going viral is fun. It’s everything that you expect it to be. It’s tons of excitement and eyeballs and attention,” she said.
However, she emphasized that brief internet stardom alone doesn’t build a lasting career.
“It starts really fast and it ends really fast. My biggest takeaway is that it’s just a moment in time,” she explained. “To create a lasting career and something that has a real legacy requires you to do the work around the viral moment.”
The 31-year-old artist expressed gratitude for having her seventh studio album, Quantum Baby, ready for release when “Nasty” became TikTok’s song of the summer.
“I’m lucky I had a whole album ready, because if you don’t have anything to supplement that moment, they come and go so quick,” she noted.
Elsewhere in the interview, Tinashe acknowledged the heightened expectations that followed the success of “Nasty.”
“Now, the bar is higher for everything else you put out from that point on, so the pressure does build,” she said.
Despite this, she strives to maintain her artistic integrity.
“But I’m really trying not to let that impact what song I would put out next or how I move, because I genuinely believe that’s where you f**k up.”
Reflecting on her career, Tinashe warned against getting too caught up in metrics and charts.
“Once you start taking a chart into consideration and try to play that game—at least for me in the past, that hasn’t served my artistry,” she stated.
Kendrick Lamar announced he’ll be headlining the 2025 Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show live from New Orleans on February 9. This marks the second time he’ll have the honor of taking the Halftime Show stage, following his 2022 appearance alongside Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent and Anderson .Paak.
The pgLang/Interscope Records artist made the reveal via Instagram on Sunday (September 8) with a video of him on the football field. The caption read simply: “Super Bowl LIX. New Orleans. February 2025. #AppleMusicHalftime.” A flurry of press releases followed and explained the show will be produced by Roc Nation and Jesse Collins Entertainment. Naturally, JAY-Z had a hand in Lamar’s selection.
“Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer,” JAY-Z said in a statement. “His deep love for Hip-Hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”
Lamar offered, “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.”
The announcement arrives in the wake of Kendrick Lamar’s highly publicized lyrical joust with Drake, which included the Pulitzer Prize-winning MC’s No. 1 single “Not Like Us.”
While their differences date back to the early 2010s, when Kendrick called out Drake and other rappers in his iconic verse on Big Sean’s track “Control,” the conflict escalated over the years, with both artists dropping subtle disses in their lyrics and interviews. Despite their occasional collaborations, there’s been an underlying competitive dynamic between them as two of rap’s most influential figures.
Their beef exploded in March, when Kendrick dissed Drake on Future & Metro Boomin’s single “Like That.” Drake fired back with “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle” before the situation went nuclear. In April, Lamar returned with “euphoria,” a six-minute verbal assault that dismantled everything about Drake.
“It’s always been about love and hate, now let me say I’m the biggest hater/I hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk, I hate the way that you dress/I hate the way that you sneak diss, if I catch flight, it’s gon’ be direct/We hate the b###### you f### ’cause they confuse themself with real women/And notice, I said “we,” it’s not just me, I’m what the culture feelin’.”
A few days later, Lamar dropped the surprise track “6:16 in LA” via Instagram. The single art included a photo of a Maybach glove laying on a table, as if to say “the gloves are off.” The song title was a play on Drake’s history of naming his songs things like “5AM in Toronto” or “8AM in Charlotte.” The biggest takeaway was the notion Kendrick was being fed inside information from Drake’s OVO camp.
“Are you finally ready to play have-you-ever? Let’s see,” he rapped. “Have you ever thought that OVO is workin’ for me?/Fake bully, I hate bullies, you must be a terrible person/Everyone inside your team is whispering that you deserve it.”
Hours later, Drake uploaded a video for “Family Matters,” in which he admitted Kendrick crossed the line when he brought up his son, Adonis. So in retaliation, Drake inserted Kendrick’s partner, Whitney, into the mix.
“Always rappin’ like you ’bout to get the slaves freed,” he rapped. “You just actin’ like an activist, it’s make-believe/Don’t even go back to your hood and plant no money trees/Say you hate the girls I f###, but what you really mean?/I been with Black and white and everything that’s in between/You the Black messiah wifin’ up a mixed queen/And hit vanilla cream to help out with your self-esteem.”
In an unprecedented and clearly calculated move, Lamar dropped “meet the grahams,” taking aim at Drake’s entire family, including Adonis, his father Dennis Graham and mother Sandra Graham. At one point, he said Drake should “die.”
“Sandra, sit down, what I’m about to say is heavy, now listen,” he said. “Mm-mm, your son’s a sick man with sick thoughts, I think n####s like him should die/Him and Weinstein should get f##### up in a cell for the rest they life/He hates Black women, hypersexualizes ’em with kinks of a nympho fetish/Grew facial hair because he understood bein’ a beard just fit him better/He got sex offenders on ho-VO that he keep on a monthly allowance/A child should never be compromised and he keepin’ his child around them/And we gotta raise our daughters knowin’ there’s predators like him lurkin’.”
Kendrick Lamar wasn’t done yet and popped up again with “Not Like Us” the following day. Produced by Mustard, the track begins with Kendrick whispering “I see dead people.” The accompanying video includes a Google Earth image of Drake’s Toronto mansion.
A bit more conservative than the “euphoria,” “6:16 in LA” and “Meet The Grahams,” the song ran about four minutes and found Kendrick rehashing some of his previous points. He doubled down on the rumor Drake is a pedophile.
While many considered “Not Like Us” the final nail in the coffin, Drake returned with “The Heart Part 6,” a reference to Kendrick’s long-running “The Heart” series. In this one, Drake accused Kendrick of “spiraling.” He then went on to question where he’s getting the alleged “proof” he has a secret daughter. He then claimed the information Kendrick was being fed was actually all a ruse.
“We plotted for a week and then we fed you the information,” Drake rapped. “A daughter that’s 11 years old, I bet he takes it/We thought about giving a fake name or a destination/But you so thirsty, you not concerned with investigation.”
Drake has been relatively quiet since then, with the exception of dropping the 100 GIGS tracks on DSPs.
Lil Troy faced not one but two terrifying health scares in a single weekend. As the 57-year-old rapper was recovering in the hospital from a massive heart attack, his mother suffered a stroke while he was on the phone with her.
The ordeal forced Lil Troy to confront his mortality and made him realize how urgently Black families need to take health concerns seriously.
It all began with Troy receiving a wake-up call about his dietary habits and high blood pressure, which led to an emergency hospitalization following a heart attack.
“I ate all this fried chicken, up all night drinking—that’s what I did,” Lil Troy told Fox 26 News. “I was a rapper, so I was up all night drinking and everything else, not taking care of my body.”
The 57-year-old artist had been experiencing shortness of breath and swollen feet, symptoms that spurred a visit to the doctor. It was then he discovered he had suffered a heart attack days earlier.
“I thought I was Superman,” he confessed. “I wasn’t taking my medicine, thinking I could keep going without eating right.”
Doctors found a 97 percent blockage in one of his arteries and performed surgery to insert a stent. Lil Troy’s ordeal didn’t end there. While recovering in the hospital, he was on the phone with his mother when she suddenly had a stroke.
“I was in the hospital that Saturday and I called my mom on the phone, just talking to her in general, and she had a stroke while I was on the phone with her,” Troy recounted. “I had to call the ambulance and everything. They brought her to the same hospital I was at on the same floor.”
Faced with the possibility of losing both his life and his mother’s in the span of a week, Troy was deeply affected: “I almost lost me myself and my mom at the same time.”
Reflecting on the crisis, Troy realized the severity of his lifestyle choices.
“You got to change your whole lifestyle. My whole lifestyle changed. I don’t smoke cigars no more, I don’t drink no more,” he revealed.
His story serves as a cautionary tale, particularly for Black men who often avoid seeking medical attention. Now an advocate for heart and stroke awareness, Lil Troy hopes his story will inspire others in the Black community to take their health seriously.
“As Black men, we don’t like going to the doctor. We think we can do it on our own,” he said. “We have to start listening to our bodies and go to the doctor. I don’t mind taking my 12 pills a day now if it means I’ll live another 30 or 40 years,” he noted.
With his renewed lease on life, Lil Troy aims to use his platform to emphasize the importance of regular health check-ups and self-care: “God wasn’t done with me. I have more to do and more to share, especially with my people.”
In a night filled with culture, creativity and celebration, Tres Generaciones Tequila and Billboard joined forces to honor the biggest names in the music industry at the 2024 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players event in New York City on September 5.
Held at the Edition Hotel’s Garden West and Paradise Club in Times Square, the event brought together not just music’s finest, but industry executives, visionaries and creatives from all corners of the culture. It also recognized the heavy hitters behind the scenes and on the mic.
Ahead of the main event, the premium tequila brand hosted an intimate dinner to celebrate the success and dedication of the artists, who’ve helped shaped the culture.
Among those honored was Brooklyn’s own Joey Bada$$. Known for his lyrical excellence, Joey’s influence extends far beyond music. He recently launched the first-ever Impact Summit at Columbia University, a key part of his mentorship program, which empowers young Black and Brown men. His work in the community made him a natural fit for the honor.
Following the dinner, the industry’s top R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players and artists, including Victoria Monét, Playboi Carti, Megan Thee Stallion and Teezo Touchdown, gathered to celebrate. With signature cocktails like the Tres 73’ and Trespresso Martini flowing, the vibe was electric. Joining the festivities were music stars like Offset, Serayah, BkThaRula, Black Coffee, Duckworth, Skilla Baby and Lil Mosey.
This collaboration between Tres Generaciones Tequila and Billboard is a year-long partnership focused on creating unique music-centered experiences. The partnership kicked off earlier this year with a high-profile dinner in Los Angeles to celebrate Billboard’s Power 100 event. Since then, the two brands have continued to spotlight the innovators and creators who push boundaries and drive culture forward.
Megan Thee Stallion, Playboi Carti, and rising star Teezo Touchdown were also celebrated at the nighttime ceremony. Megan and Carti both locked down R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year for their massive runs in 2024, while Teezo Touchdown grabbed the Rookie of the Year title. On top of that, Monét had the honor of presenting her manager, Rachelle Jean-Louis, with the Executive of the Year award, making her only the second woman to receive the prestigious accolade after Beyoncé in 2019.
The night was a perfect fusion of culture, music and celebration, proving once again why the R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players event remains one of the most anticipated nights in the game.
Photos By Getty Images for Tres Generacion (Cassidy Sparrow)
Joey Bada$$ and Serayah attend Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players x Tres Generaciones Impact Award Dinner on September 05, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Cassidy Sparrow/Getty Images for Tres Generaciones Tequila)
Joey Bada$$ and Toosii attend Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players x Tres Generaciones Impact Award Dinner
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur attends the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players x Tres Generaciones Impact Award Dinner
Joey Bada$$ and Rocsi Diaz
PanamaDaPrince and NLE Choppa
David Banner and Joey Bada$$
Maleni Cruz attends Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players x Tres Generaciones Impact Award Dinner
Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion and Victoria Monét
Offset
Michelle Odedina, Victoria White-Mason, Joey Bada$$ and Kelechi Aharanwa attend Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players x Tres Generaciones Impact Award Dinner
An artificial intelligence (AI) music scandal in North Carolina was recently foiled and now, a musician faces fraud charges over his multi-million dollar royalty scheme.
In a sensational case that’s rocking the music industry, Michael Smith stands accused of masterminding a high-tech fraud scheme that netted him over $10 million in royalties. The shocking revelation? Smith allegedly used AI and thousands of bots to artificially inflate the streaming numbers of AI-generated songs, reaping massive profits in the process.
Smith, 52, has been charged with three counts of wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. Federal prosecutors have called this the first criminal case of its kind, marking a dark chapter for the music industry.
“Through his brazen fraud scheme, Smith stole millions in royalties that should have been paid to musicians, songwriters, and other rights holders whose songs were legitimately streamed,” U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said, detailing the severity of the accusations.
According to an unsealed indictment, Smith reportedly operated as many as 10,000 automated bot accounts to stream AI-generated music across multiple platforms like Spotify and YouTube. The result? Billions of fraudulent streams that flew under the radar of detection systems.
The indictment reveals that Smith had partnered with an unnamed AI music company starting in 2018, receiving thousands of tracks monthly from the company’s CEO. In exchange for a cut of the streaming revenue, Smith provided metadata such as artists’ names and song titles, which made the scam even more difficult to trace. In a damning 2019 email revealed in the indictment, the AI company’s executive wrote to Smith: “Keep in mind what we’re doing musically here… this is not ‘music,’ it’s ‘instant music.'”
By 2023, Smith was boasting of his “success,” claiming that his AI-driven operation had garnered more than four billion streams and $12 million in royalties since 2019.
The FBI’s acting assistant director Christie M. Curtis commented, “The FBI remains dedicated to plucking out those who manipulate advanced technology to receive illicit profits and infringe on the genuine artistic talent of others.”
If convicted, Smith could face decades behind bars. The case shines a harsh spotlight on the dangers of AI-generated music and the murky ethics surrounding its use. Just this year, artists including Billie Eilish and Elvis Costello signed a letter calling for the end of what they described as the “predatory” use of AI in the music industry.
Watch the video above for more details on the lucrative scheme.
Tank is pushing back on a rumor being peddled that he’s advocating for men to experience same-sex relations free of judgment. He alleged it stemmed from a fake post.
An Instagram post began trending earlier this week after a content creator voiced his opinion on what appeared to be a headline regarding Tank’s alleged support of men exploring consensual interactions with each other. During the reaction video, the creator appeared to criticize the R&B singer’s purported open-mindedness by referencing his hit song “Maybe I Deserve.”
The man also appeared to rehash Tank’s history of performing at LGBTQ+ events in the past while also alluding to what he believes is a coordinated operation to destroy masculine Black men via homosexual agendas being spread throughout America. In a brief but direct comment, Tank not only condemned the post but also took the content creator to task for spreading misinformation.
“You n###as fall for anything…lol,” Tank wrote in the caption. “A fake post with a fake caption they got you running your mouth like a marathon! BUT since ur on the topic why do gay men concern you? They absolutely don’t concern me because that ain’t none of my business. Tryna to go viral? I hope it works out for u.”
This isn’t the first time Tank has diverged his opinion on a topic similar to the. During his appearance on the Drink Champs podcast in 2022, Tank spoke to co-hosts DJ EFN and N.O.R.E. about his experience performing at pride events and remarked on his position that he should not be the one to judge folks based on their lifestyle or sexual preferences.
“I have no judgment for you in your lifestyle,” he said. “I only have love for you as a human being. You also are the reason why I am able to feed my family. So I love you for that. And I’m going to entertain the same way. I would entertain on any stage where there’s a bunch of girls in the front row, a bunch of guys in the front row. I’m securing my s##t. I’m secure. I don’t feel like I’m going to walk into a gay room and all of a sudden become gay. And so when the backlash comes and people are saying, ‘Oh, he must be gay,’ I can laugh at that.”
Cardi B is rumored to have given birth to her third child, a girl, with Migos rapper Offset. An inside source tells AllHipHop, “She didn’t publicly announce [the pregnancy] until she was six or seven months” and that labor was induced. The source added the baby’s official birthday is Saturday (September 7).
The Invasion of Privacy rapper announced her third pregnancy on August 1 not long after her rep told Page Six she’s divorcing Offset.
“With every ending comes a new beginning!” she wrote on Instagram. “I am so grateful to have shared this season with you, you have brought me more love, more life and most of all renewed my power! Reminded me that I can have it all! You’ve reminded me that I never have to choose between life, love, and my passion!”
She continued, “I love you so much and can not wait for you to witness what you helped me accomplish, what you pushed me to do! It’s so much easier taking life’s twists, turns and test laying down, but you, your brother and your sister have shown me why it’s worth it to push through!”
Pregnancy rumors started swirling around Cardi B in recent months. She confirmed the speculation once she reached a breaking point in her relationship with Offset, who Cardi married in 2017. They already share two other children, Wave and Kulture.
Cardi B first filed for divorce from Offset in 2020, citing irreconcilable differences, though the situation was complicated and surrounded by rumors of infidelity on Offset’s part. Their relationship had been publicly tumultuous, with several instances where Offset was accused of cheating, leading to public apologies and temporary separations. Cardi had previously expressed frustration with the ongoing issues in their marriage, stating that she wanted to prioritize her peace and well-being.
Just weeks after filing for divorce, Cardi and Offset reconciled. She later admitted that while they had their ups and downs, they were working on their marriage and that they simply had a passionate, sometimes volatile relationship. Despite the divorce filing, the couple stayed together and continued to focus on raising their children and managing their careers.
But it seems Cardi B is serious this time and that no reconciliation is on the table, however they do seem to be handling co-parenting well. Earlier this month, Cardi B and Offset put on a united front for Wave’s birthday party. Cardi was photographed dancing with her son in her arms while Offset partied in the background. He also took some time to dance with his son as he celebrated his third birthday.
Dame Dash suffered a serious faux pas on Thursday (September 5), when his teeth fell out mid-sentence during an Instagram Live stream. He just happened to be calling out 50 Cent at the time, and the television mogul wasted no time clowning the Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder.
Now, Dame Dash has come forward with an explanation for his dental mishap. In a video posted to his Instagram account, Dash insisted they weren’t dentures but were grillz instead.
“First of all, s### is not dentures; these are my grills,” he said, pointing to the diamond grill covering his top row of teeth. He then revealed he’s had dental implants for more than 20 years and is in need of the required oral surgery to get them replaced. Dame admitted he’s overdue for the procedure and demonstrated on camera how easily his implants come out by removing them along with his diamond grill. Despite being the butt of jokes, Dash is taking it all in stride.
“You know, I thought it was hilarious,” he said. “I didn’t try to edit it. I think it’s good for jokes and s###.”
Dame Dash addresses the people roasting him online about his teeth falling out and pulls out his grill and teeth to reveal he has teeth implants. pic.twitter.com/ErID93pqFo
Dame Dash was challenging 50 Cent to a “mogul battle” not long after he made comments about Dame Dash being broke.
He made a reference to 50 Cent remembering how he once told him a million dollars isn’t a lot of money. “Hell no it ain’t no money,” he began. “N#### I owe $8 million in taxes right now to one state. A million ain’t going to help me. I can’t even have no money until I make at least 16 million.”
Dame went on to say that he wouldn’t have acknowledged him if he didn’t consider him a “worthy” opponent, but he wants to test 50 Cent to see if he’s “the real deal.” Almost immediately after uttering the sentence, he started to choke and his teeth fell out of his mouth. “Oh God,” he said while fixing his grill and handing the camera to someone else.
50 Cent laughed at Dame Dash’s expense just hours after the clip went viral, writing, “Wow ya man teeth fell out his mouth LOL. what a week, all roads lead to Shreveport let’s work. LMAO.” He then used Dash’s embarrassing moment for a social media montage. The video also featured Desiigner and Hurricane Chris, both of whom have dissed 50 Cent in recent weeks.
Police continue their search for the individual or individuals responsible for the fatal shooting of rising Hip-Hop artist Young Slo-Be.
The rapper, born Disean Victor, was found critically wounded on August 5, 2022, at an apartment complex on Trevino Avenue in Manteca, California.
Responding to a call at approximately 8:17 a.m. regarding a possible shooting, Manteca officers discovered Young Slo-Be, 29, with multiple gunshot wounds.
“The Manteca Police Department’s detectives have been tirelessly investigating the homicide of Mr. Victor. We located a black Mercedes in the City of Tracy, which is suspected to be connected to the incident. We are urging community members to help identify the people in this vehicle, believed to have traveled to Manteca from out of town,” a spokesperson for the Manteca Police Department stated.
So far, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is still very active.
Law enforcement is working to piece together the sequence of events that led to shooting.
Young Slo-Be, from Stockton, California, captured attention with his authentic portrayals of street life.
His song “I Love You” achieved viral fame on TikTok and established him as a promising talent in the Hip-Hop scene.
Rich Homie Quan died of a suspected drug overdose earlier this week. On Friday (September 6), a rumor that Peewee Longway was in the hospital after taking the same drug that supposedly killed Quan started making the rounds.
The rumor appeared to stem from an Instagram post from Global Dallas TV that read, “Breaking @peeweelongway is currently in the hospital fighting for his life. He was allegedly on the same drug as Rich Homie Quan.”
Not long after, the Atlanta rapper hopped on his Instagram Stories with a message: “I’m great and very prayed up and [too] healthy to be in the hospital.”
Fans of Peewee Longway laid into the platform for “spreading fake news.” As one person wrote, “I ain’t gone even say nun. Now u gotta post what we really got going on. We need some good press from ya now. Post the s### we got going on instead of fake news next time.”
Peewee Longway, born Quincy Lamont Williams, is closely associated with Gucci Mane and his 1017 Records label, which helped him rise to prominence. He’s also a member of the MPA (Money, Pounds, Ammunition) collective, which includes other Atlanta rappers like Young Thug and Hoodrich Pablo Juan.
Mixtapes such as The Blue M&M series and Mr. Blue Benjamin, put him on the map and displayed his humor, vivid storytelling and street themes. While he hasn’t reached the mainstream success of some of his peers, he’s respected in the underground rap scene and continues to release music.
Peewee Longway has been active on Instagram as of Saturday (September 7), posting a photo of his drink with the caption “cheers,” indicating he’s just fine. On the same day he was supposedly in the hospital, he posted a video of himself promoting an upcoming show at the Soul Kitchen on October 5 in Mobile, Alabama.
Charlamagne Tha God’s legal team is pushing back against a renewed attempt by Jessica Nicole Reid to refile her lawsuit alleging sexual assault from more than two decades ago.
Last month, Judge Ona T. Wang dismissed Reid’s case because many of her claims, including those related to the alleged sexual assault, were considered too old under the law, meaning they were filed after the statute of limitations had passed.
However, the judge recognized that some of Reid’s claims, particularly those about defamation (or harmful statements made by Charlamagne), might still be valid if they were more specific and fell within the allowable time frame.
While the judge dismissed the case, Reid could potentially refile if she could clearly show that Charlamagne made harmful statements about her within the past year, as required by defamation law.
Reid, who claimed that Charlamagne (real name Lenard Larry McKelvey) assaulted her in 2001 when she was just 15 years old, is seeking to amend her original complaint to include new medical diagnoses and facts.
Charlamagne’s attorneys, however, have accused Reid of harassment through the legal system, asserting that her claims are both time-barred and legally insufficient. The legal dispute has become increasingly complex since Reid first filed her lawsuit in December 2022.
At the core of the defense’s argument is that Reid’s claims are untimely under both New York and South Carolina law.
The defense also contends that New York’s Adult Survivors Act (ASA), which allows adult victims of sexual abuse to file claims after the statute of limitations has expired, doesn’t apply to Reid, as she was a minor at the time of the alleged incident.
Backstory on the Case
In 2001, Reid alleged that Charlamagne Tha God sexually assaulted her during a party in South Carolina.
Even though his DNA wasn’t found on a rape kit, Charlamagne ultimately pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, allowing him to avoid a trial for the more serious accusations. He was sentenced to three years of probation.
Since then, Charlamagne has built a successful career in media, becoming a prominent voice on the popular radio show The Breakfast Club. Reid has continuously maintained that she was sexually assaulted by Charlamagne and has struggled with the emotional and physical consequences ever since.
After years of alleged trauma, Reid filed a civil lawsuit in 2022, seeking damages not only for the assault but also for public statements Charlamagne made about the incident in subsequent years.
In 2023, Reid’s attorneys sought to amend the complaint after she was diagnosed with chronic pelvic girdle pain, which she says is directly attributable to the 2001 assault.
Her legal team argued that this new diagnosis is sufficient grounds to refile her lawsuit, requesting that the Court allow them to present these new details in the amended complaint.
In new court filings, Reid’s legal team said, “For over two decades, Plaintiff Reid has tried to live with the horror of what happened to her at the ripe age of 15. This Court has the power to grant Plaintiff Reid some justice under the current terms of the statutes, leaving any unintended consequences for the legislature to sort out.”
The Role of the “SELFTALK” Video
One of the focal points of the amended lawsuit is a video published on YouTube by a channel called *SELFTALK*.
Reid’s legal team claims this recording contains defamatory statements made by Charlamagne Tha God, which they argue caused further emotional distress.
However, Charlamagne’s attorneys argue that the statements made in the *SELFTALK* video are not defamatory and do not reference Reid by name.
They further claim that Charlamagne had no involvement in creating or publishing the *SELFTALK* video, meaning that he cannot be held responsible for any alleged defamation under a theory of republication.
“Plaintiff did not and cannot allege that Charlamagne had any involvement in the *SELFTALK* video,” Charlamagne’s legal team stated.
They further pointed out that “Charlamagne did not identify, mention, or reference the Plaintiff during the audio recording.”
The defense also emphasized that, since the audio was recorded before December 2021, it is outside the statute of limitations for defamation claims under New York law.
Legal Arguments Over the Amended Complaint
Charlamagne’s legal team has filed multiple motions arguing that Reid’s case should be dismissed outright. They point to legal precedent, stating that the statute of limitations has expired for Reid’s claims, and assert that no exceptions—such as the Adult Survivors Act or Child Victims Act—apply in this case.
They also argue that her new claims of chronic physical pain do not extend the time limits on filing such a case. In response to Reid’s argument that a recent medical diagnosis justifies her amendments, Charlamagne’s legal team countered that New York law does not allow for a “discovery rule” in assault cases.
In other words, the clock for the statute of limitations begins at the time of the injury, not when the injury is discovered. Reid’s legal team, however, continues to argue that she deserves the opportunity to amend her complaint and bring the case to trial.
They contend that the recently discovered injuries and Charlamagne’s continued public statements about the case are sufficient grounds for reopening the lawsuit.
“This Court should grant the motion to amend the Complaint and allow further development of the facts and law driving this case,” her lawyers stated in one filing.
In addition, Reid’s attorneys argue that Charlamagne has repeatedly made conflicting statements about the 2001 incident in various interviews, including during his time as a host at iHeartMedia.
They maintain that these statements are defamatory and have contributed to Reid’s ongoing emotional distress.
“The documents showed I did everything in my power to fully cooperate with authorities before this case was ultimately dismissed. But I cannot take responsibility for a crime that I did not commit. I am praying for healing for the victim, and I am committed to using my platform that God has blessed me with to do as much good as I possibly can for the rest of my life,” Charlamagne said during a statement on The Breakfast Club in July 2018.
What’s Next?
As the case progresses, the Judge’s decision on whether to allow Reid to amend her complaint will be pivotal. If the Court grants Reid’s motion, it could lead to a new phase of litigation involving a trial where the newly presented medical information and Charlamagne’s statements would be examined in greater detail.
On the other hand, if the court sides with Charlamagne’s legal team and dismisses the case, it could mark the end of a highly publicized legal saga that has spanned more than two decades.
Smino is wrestling with the grips of properly narrating his life’s story through his music, based on his recent response to an overzealous fan on Twitter (X).
The St. Louis native ignited excitement among fans in a tweet he shared in response to a fan wondering what’s taking Smi so long to release his next work. While he dished on his reflective thoughts on the journey since his last album, Luv4Rent, he also left hints at the arrival of new music, and alluded to having stocked up a deep vault of archive material.
“a lot happened since I dropped my lass one that changed my life completely so I made too much music to describe how I feel and I’m just now realizing that I gotta start the story from the beginning if ima be happy with the piece of me I offer you,” Smino wrote.
He capped it off with an intriguing note: “Hope dat helps & that album dun.”
While it would seem like we’ve been given a reason to believe there’s new music on the way, many of the fans who replied in the thread of the conversation appeared to be wholeheartedly content with the wait for Smino’s next LP.
“Im still listening to luv 4 rent, she can relax,” one user wrote.
“Just put 7 Polynesians onnat EP and we’ll call it even twin,” another user remarked, referencing Smi’s bouncy new single “Polynesian.”
“We’ll be ready whenever you are,” another user added.
Smino’s fans are now speculating on the direction of his upcoming project. After the success of Luv4Rent, which debuted in 2022, this next chapter could solidify his artistic evolution. Luv4Rent made a significant impact upon its release, with standout tracks like “90 Proof” featuring J. Cole garnering millions of streams. The album peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard 200 and has accumulated over 500 million streams globally across platforms. Several songs from the project have achieved RIAA certifications, underscoring Smino’s growing influence in the music industry.
With the new album seemingly complete, the anticipation for Smino’s next offering is palpable. Fans are eager to see how he translates his life-altering experiences into music and what new heights his sound will reach.
Check out Smino’s tweet above and also tap into the video for his recent single “Polynesian” below.
Chrisean Rock is finally free and she thanked Jesus after reuniting with her son Chrisean Jr. following her release from jail in Craig County, Oklahoma, where she spent months on drug-related charges.
“To be with you today set free a couple days from your birthday is a blessing,” she wrote to her child via Instagram, expressing relief and gratitude.
The aspiring rapper was initially incarcerated in California in June and extradited to Oklahoma in August. She faced charges of possessing controlled, dangerous substances with intent to distribute and failing to affix a tax stamp on the drugs.
The allegations trace back to February 2022, when Rock was a passenger in a vehicle pulled over by Craig County State Troopers.
Inside, authorities found roughly one pound of cannabis, which Rock reportedly claimed. If convicted, Rock could face up to eight years in prison. Each felony charge carries a potential four-year sentence.
Her legal trouble placed her in Craig County Jail, and her next court date is scheduled for September 27.
Her on again-off again partner, Blueface, is serving a four-year prison sentence at North Kern State Prison in California. Despite the turmoil in her life, Chrisean Rock is trying to stay focused on their son, Chrisean Jesus Porter.
Rock’s Instagram message reflected on missing her son’s first birthday and finding solace in faith.
“Happy 1 years old September 3. Chrisean JesusPorter, I love you,” she wrote alongside a quote from Pslam 127:3. “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
She described her spiritual journey, declaring, “Through this fall it soften my heart to truly find peace in the word of God n to really focus on the ordained plan of my life through Obedience Purity is key n this journey to go Glory to Glory.”
Chrisean Rock concluded her post by thanking those who supported and prayed for her: “I love everyone that kept me in there [sic] prayers and encouraged me to Go forth.”
Rich Homie Quan’s father has shared a gut wrenching update following the passing of his son.
Corey Lamar took to his Instagram Story on Friday (September 6), to voice petition for the prayers of Quan’s legions of fans as he and his family are still reeling from the news of the “Walk Thru” rapper’s untimely death. In the short message Lamar shared, he described the “unbearable pain” he feels while asking for understanding from a higher power.
“Lord please please please help me to understand this,” Lamar wrote on Instagram. “To lose my son, my 1st born, my best friend. Lord please let this be a dream…Y’all pray for me and my family. I feel like I’m crushed into a million pieces.”
Reports of Rich Homie Quan’s death first began circulating on September 5, drawing reactions from artists such as Boosie Badazz, Jacquees, Lloyd Banks, Playboi Carti and countless others.
In the ensuing hours, an immense outpouring of support has overflown from the Hip-Hop community as artists from multiple generations have paid tribute to the late Atlanta rapper. In a touching post she shared on her personal Instagram account, Lil Kim remarked in the “special” friendship she shared with Quan, who she said she could always count on.
“This is the part of life that I’ll never get used to, I’m so heartbroken,” she wrote. “No one ever understood the dope ass friendship u and I had,” Lil Kim wrote in the caption of her post. “u always pulled up for me no matter what. I’ve learned in life love those who love you. Rest in Heaven my angel @richhomiequan.”
Atlanta rap juggernaut 2 Chainz also paid his respects to Quan on social media, remarking in the fact that they had just spoke regarding a collaboration before his passing.
“Dam lil brother ,we just spoke about shooting a video,” 2 Chainz wrote. “Special prayer for you and your family , and pray for any and everybody that’s dealing with something. my condolences bru.”
Read the full post from Rich Homie Quan’s father above in addition to the other artist tributes.
Erica Banks is being attacked by fans of Rich Homie Quan in the wake of his death.
In a post the Texas rapper shared on Instagram Thursday (September 5), Banks appeaered to reveal she and the “Lifestyle” rapper had been involved in a secret relationship before his passing. In addition to clips of the pair enjoying each other’s company, Banks penned a passionate caption to Quan essentially thanking him for the brief time that he managed to share together.
“All you wanted was to find happiness again always saw it in your face and heard it in your voice,” Banks wrote. “But you had so much left to do. The album, the tour, your BIRTHDAY! I’m just glad we were able to enjoy such peaceful and memorable moments while you were here man. Such a sweetheart! Rest in Paradise Quan.”
Almost immediately fans reacted to the post condemning Banks for sharing the intimate moments she shared with Quan on the day of his passing. Additionally, around the time Banks shared her post, media outlets began sharing the frantic 911 call Quan made after discovering he had no heartbeat. A report from TMZ revealed Quan’s girlfriend Amber Williams made the call to authorities after she returned home from taking her son to school, and noticed Quan was still lying on the couch, except she couldn’t tell if was breathing.
Akbar V offers some words of advice to Erica Banks after she revealed her relationship with Rich Homie Quan in the wake of news of his untimely passing:
Along with receiving backlash from fans, reality TV star Akbar V appeared to offer Banks somewhat of a finger-wagging in a tweet in response to her post going viral.
“I understand you might be hurt but baby girl delete those pics and videos out of respect for his family man…,” she wrote. “You was a secret and not saying what y’all shared was fake but certain stuff should remain a secret cause here comes all The unwanted hate towards you that you didn’t even know existed……think before you do stuff lil one.”
It appears as though Banks either took Akbar V’s advice or succumbed to fan harassment because she has since deleted the post.
You can still check out the post featuring one of the videos and the heartfelt caption Banks wrote in honor of Quan below.
50 Cent pulled up to a photoshoot with a staggering $3.5 million in cash, inspired by an iconic image of Muhammad Ali.
The G-Unit mogul posed atop a huge pile of cash for a recent Hollywood Reporter cover story, mirroring the late sporting legend’s iconic 1964 Sports Illustrated cover.
While Muhammad Ali used $1 million in cash, 50 Cent packed two cases with $3.5 million for his homage, perhaps adjusting for inflation or simply because of his competitive nature.
Stephen Colbert quizzed 50 Cent about the shoot during a recent appearance on “The Late Show,” asking why he didn’t use Photoshop and questioned how heavy the suitcases were.
50 Cent revealed that the bags are heavier than you might expect and not at all like you see in movie heists. “That’s not real,” he said. “It’s about 77 pounds.”
The subject of wealth came up during another recent interview, with 50 Cent reflecting on Dame Dash once telling him that $1 million was not a lot of money. He also said that Dame is broke now.
The former Roc-A-Fella mogul then challenged Fiddy to a network battle.
However, he went viral after his grill fell out while talking about 50 Cent on Instagram Live.
50 Cent swooped on the opportunity to troll Dame and a couple of others who recently had something to say about him with a video montage promoting his new book.
Emerging from the dynamic DMV area, MTG, also known as “Moe The Goat,” is set to make a groundbreaking debut in the music industry with his highly anticipated single, “ON GOD.” Born and raised in Northern Virginia, MTG’s passion for music was cultivated from a young age, influenced by his family and the greats like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Kanye West. This passion evolved into a deep love for Hip-Hop/Rap and contemporary R&B, leading to his debut in August 2024.
MTG’s journey into music began with a strong foundation in personal growth and professional success. Before launching his music career, he graduated with honors from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) with a degree in IT Business and worked as a senior IT consultant for the federal government. His commitment to his craft is a testament to his resilience and dedication, qualities honed through overcoming personal tragedies and significant challenges.
“My goal with ‘ON GOD’ is to offer a powerful, emotional experience that resonates with listeners and showcases the raw, authentic energy I bring to the table,” says MTG. “I’m committed to making music that inspires and motivates, and my ultimate ambition is to become a leading figure in the Hip-Hop industry while contributing to the global W1 N FOREVER movement.”
The loss of his father and a close friend has profoundly impacted MTG, fueling his determination to transform pain into purpose through his music. His dedication to his family, community, and the DMV area is reflected in his dynamic and electrifying sound.
In addition to his debut single, MTG will release “BLOOD DAWGS” in September 2024. He also made waves at Malik’s 10th Annual Grammys After-Party in February 2024, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
MTG’s future collaborations are highly anticipated, with dreams of working with top artists like Ye, Drake, Future, Jay-Z, The Weeknd, Gunna, Lil Baby, and Lil Wayne. Despite his rapid rise, MTG remains grounded and focused on his mission to make a lasting impact in the music industry.
For fans eager to join MTG on his journey, his music and updates can be followed on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter @1mtg_x, with additional content available on his YouTube channel, W1N FOREVER, and at his official website, W1NFOREVER.com.
Hip-hop and games have had a relationship that spans several decades. These industries draw inspiration from each other in a unique way. Several rappers draw inspiration for their lyrics, sound, and music videos from games from video games to other traditional titles. The interesting part is that these industries also seem to pull the same crowd.
Many people who enjoy playing games also enjoy rap music. Moreover, some of the rappers themselves are also avid gamers, from Kanye West to Snoop Dogg. So, it is no wonder that these industries influence each other.
How Hip-Hop Music Influences Jackpot Slots
Let’s start with jackpot slots. These games have been heavily influenced by hip-hop in various ways. One way is by adopting hip-hop themes to create engaging experiences for players. Slot machines often have symbols and graphics that were inspired by hip-hop music. Players will often find pictures of rappers like 2Pac and Rick Ross.
Another way hip-hop influences the game of jackpot slots is through the soundtrack. Slot games need pulsing beats and energetic rhymes as the backdrop to offer gamers excitement. Hip-hop music offers just this. Research papers have shown that the sound of a slot machine influences players’ preferences. Slot machines, especially hip-hop-themed ones often have rap songs playing in the background. The music often determines the vibe of the game and how enjoyable it will be.
Video Game Aesthetics in Hip-Hop Music Videos
Hip-hop artists have recognized how appealing video game aesthetics can be. So, of course, many of them are incorporating gaming aesthetics into their music videos. As video game graphics grow, this trend grows alongside, resulting in all sorts of visuals across generations of artists.
Let’s take Travis Scott’s “Astronomical” for example. The song was first performed at a virtual event hosted by the Fortnite game. The music video is just a recording of him performing the song at the event. It is a unique mix of an interactive game and what you expect from a music concert. Fans joined as avatars to witness a larger-than-life Scott performing amid surreal, shifting landscapes. This event showcased Scott’s music and demonstrated the potential for new forms of digital entertainment merging gaming and music.
Other artists have created music videos mimicking popular video games’ look and feel. These videos feature pixelated graphics reminiscent of retro games or adopt third-person perspectives common in modern action games. By tapping into gaming nostalgia or current trends, these videos create instant connections with viewers who are also gamers.
Hip-Hop Artists as Video Game Characters
Aside from visual inspiration, many game developers have created games that have hip-hop artists as characters. These characters typically show the personality and style of the artists that inspire them. For example, the Def Jam series of fighting games featured stars like DMX, Ludacris, and Method Man. Players could choose the artists for over-the-top brawls with signature moves and themed arenas.
Recent games like “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II” have had Snoop Dogg and Nicki Minaj as characters. The developers gave these characters unique looks and voice lines. This integration allows fans to interact with these artists in new contexts as they battle alongside them.
The NBA 2K series also has artists on soundtracks and as playable characters. For example, J. Cole was on NBA 2K23’s “Dreamer Edition” cover and as a character in MyCAREER mode.
Hip-Hop Music as Video Games Soundtrack
Finally, hip-hop accounts for most of the songs used in games as soundtracks. The Grand Theft Auto series is a good example of this. The game “San Andreas,” is known for its playlist which mainly consists of rap songs. The radio stations in the game feature hip-hop songs from artists like 2Pac and Ice Cube. This attention to musical detail creates a more authentic and engaging game world.
We can see this trend in sports games too. The NBA 2K series is renowned for this. They have rappers like JAY-Z work as executive producers. They then curate playlists featuring other rappers for their soundtracks.
Even games that are not set in urban settings recognize how hip-hop can boost gameplay. Racing games like Need for Speed have long featured hip-hop tracks. They use driving beats to enhance the thrill of high-speed chases and competitions.
Final Thoughts
Hip-hop and video games continue to establish a relationship. Each industry keeps finding new ways to complement and inspire the other. From music videos resembling games to games sounding like hip-hop playlists, the line between these entertainment sectors keeps getting blurred.
This fusion has created exciting experiences for fans of both mediums. Gamers interact with their favorite artists in games, while music fans enjoy music videos inspired by game aesthetics. We expect more innovative collaborations between hip-hop artists and game developers in the future.
Police arrested a 16-year-old male for the fatal shooting of YBC Dul on Thursday (September 5). Authorities accused Aiden Waters of killing two people and trying to injure or kill eight others in a span of five days.
Waters was charged with murder for his alleged role in YBC’s Dul death. The teen was held without bail following his arraignment on Friday (September 6).
YBC Dul, whose real name was Abdul Vicks, was killed in a drive-by shooting on August 23. Police said two shooters opened fire at him and a passenger around 3:30 p.m. in North Philadelphia. YBC Dul was shot multiple times in the chest and hand.
The passenger rushed the 25-year-old rapper to the hospital. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, he died around 4 p.m. at the Einstein Medical Center.
Waters allegedly killed another teen and injured three people in two shootings days before YBC Dul’s death. Police said Waters shot a 14-year-old in the leg and a 43-year-old man in the abdomen around 9:50 p.m. on August 18. Both victims survived.
Hours later, Waters allegedly shot up a car with several teens inside it. A 16-year-old victim suffered a fatal shot to the head. Another 16-year-old was injured but survived. Four teens managed to avoid getting shot. Waters faced multiple charges – including murder, attempted murder, arson and aggravated assault – for the shootings.
YBC Dul was the leader of the Young Bag Chasers gang. He made many enemies in Philadelphia, earning the nickname “Mr. Disrespectful.”
A day before YBC Dul’s death, the late rapper was featured in a video published by YouTuber Brandon Buckingham. The video was titled “The Most Hated Rapper in Philadelphia: Life as Mr. Disrespectful.” YBC Dul boasted about his gang’s violence and took Buckingham on a tour of tormented areas in the city.
