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50 Cent’s Alleged Sex Tape Leak Left Rick Ross’ Ex Suicidal 

Rick Ross’ ex-girlfriend, Lastonia “Stoni” Leviston, is opening up about experiencing trauma after 50 Cent allegedly leaked a sex tape of her with another man amid his bitter feud with the MMG honcho. 

Leviston, the mother of his eldest child, Toie Roberts, revealed the experience left her feeling suicidal. She addressed the distressing moment in her life during the debut episode of the Netflix series W.A.G.s to Riches, per People

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Reflecting on her first time meeting Rick Ross, Leviston stated, “I don’t even know how that fat boy wooed me off my feet, but he did. I went home with him the first night. I thought I was his Lil’ Kim and he was my Biggie.” 

The fashion entrepreneur continued, addressing the impact the sex tape scandal had on her relationship with Rozay.  

“Rick isn’t so happy about, the sex tape, you know?” she added before explaining how the recording came about. 

“So I was dating this guy a long long time ago after I ended my relationship with Rick Ross,” Leviston noted.  

She claimed her partner at the time was “into videotaping,” adding, “he didn’t even really ask. He would just pull [the camera] out.” 

Leviston reveals that her relationship ended on a sour note at the height of Rick Ross’ beef with 50 Cent. 

“Long story short, my ex, the guy that was in the sex tape, he’s bitter,” she said. “So he actually goes and sells the tape to 50 Cent. And then 50 Cent released it… it’s petty and it still haunts me to this day.” 

50 Cent Filed For Bankruptcy After Leviston Won Her Lawsuit

In 2010, Leviston filed a $15 million lawsuit against 50 Cent for the unauthorized release of the tape. Five years later, a jury ordered 50 Cent to pay Leviston $5 million in damages. Shortly after the verdict, the G-Unit founder filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  

Ross’ ex, Tia Kemp, recently alleged Leviston received $1.8 million of the $5 million settlement. 

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Reflecting on the situation, Leviston says she was “I was collateral damage” In Ross’s feud with 50 Cent.  

“In that second my whole life changed,” Leviston said, referencing the tape leaking. “I became suicidal.”

She added, “I didn’t want to live anymore. I felt like I was damaged goods. Like no man would ever love me again. I felt like I had let my kids down tremendously.”

The full episode of W.A.G.s to Riches is available on Netflix. 

How to Use Pollo ai to Generate Video from an Image for Free

Artificial intelligence has transformed the way people create videos, making it easier, faster, and more accessible than ever. If you’re interested in bringing your static images to life, Pollo ai is a standout tool to explore. This AI video generator offers a user-friendly interface and advanced capabilities to produce stunning videos from simple inputs like images and text. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to use Pollo ai to create engaging AI videos from images for free.

What Is Pollo ai

Pollo ai is an advanced AI video creator that simplifies the video-making process by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or a beginner, this tool allows you to transform static visuals into animated, high-quality videos. Unlike traditional video editing software, Pollo ai eliminates the need for extensive technical expertise, offering an intuitive solution for all users.

Key features of Pollo ai include:

  • Image to Video AI: Convert your static images into dynamic videos effortlessly.
  • Text to Video AI: Generate unique videos from written prompts.
  • Templates and Effects: Access a wide variety of templates like AI hug, AI squish, and more.
  • Consistent Character Videos: Maintain character continuity across different scenes.
  • Fast Video Generation: Create videos in just a few minutes.
  • High-Quality Outputs: Deliver professional-grade results.

Why Use an AI Video Generator Free of Cost?

Pollo ai offers a free plan, making it an excellent choice for those looking to experiment without incurring costs. Creating videos with Pollo ai’s free plan is particularly useful for:

  • Small businesses want to create promotional content.
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Guide to Creating Videos with Pollo ai (Step by Step)

Step 1: Sign Up

Before you start creating, visit Pollo ai’s official website and sign up for a free account. The registration process is straightforward, requiring only basic details like your name, email, and password.

Step 2: Access the Image to Video AI Tool

After logging in, navigate to the Image to Video AI feature. This tool allows you to animate static images by integrating them with your desired video style.

How to Find the Tool

  • Locate the dashboard of Pollo ai and click on “Image to Video”.
  • Alternatively, use the search bar to find it quickly.

Step 3: Upload Your Image

Click the upload button to select the image you want to animate. Pollo ai supports various image formats, including JPEG and PNG, ensuring compatibility with most files.

Best Practices for Image Selection

  • Choose high-resolution images for optimal video quality.
  • Ensure the image has a clear subject to focus on.

Step 4: Add a Text Prompt

Pollo ai uses text-to-video AI capabilities to enhance your animation. Describe your vision by entering a simple text prompt.

Examples of Effective Prompts

  • “Create a dreamy landscape animation with soft transitions.”
  • “Animate the character in a walking motion through a bustling city.”

Step 5: Choose a Video Style

Pollo ai offers various styles to match your creative needs, from cinematic effects to playful animations. Explore templates like:

  • AI Santa Transformation for festive themes.
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  • Realistic Cinematic for professional projects.

Matching Style to Purpose

  • Opt for cinematic styles for ads or product videos.
  • Use playful AI effect templates for social media content.

Step 6: Preview and Edit

Once the AI generates a draft video, preview it to ensure it meets your expectations. Pollo ai provides basic editing tools for:

  • Adjusting animations.
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Step 7: Download and Share

After finalizing your video, download it in your preferred resolution. Pollo ai supports high-definition formats suitable for professional use.

  • Upload directly to social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
  • Embed videos in presentations or websites.

Advanced Tips for Maximizing Pollo ai’s Potential

Choose the Right Model

Pollo ai offers a range of trending AI models including Vidu AI, Hailuo AI, Sora, Luma, etc., which can meet various needs for video production.

Combine Image and Text Inputs

For richer animations, combine images with detailed text prompts. This ensures the AI captures both visual and narrative elements.

Experiment with Templates and Effects

Pollo ai’s library includes numerous templates. Experiment to discover unique effects that align with your creative vision.

Utilize Consistent Character Videos

For storytelling, maintaining character consistency is crucial. Pollo ai’s consistent character feature ensures smooth transitions across scenes.

Common Questions About Pollo ai’s Image to Video Feature

How Unique Are the Videos Generated?

Pollo ai’s algorithms are designed to produce unique videos tailored to your inputs, ensuring originality.

Can Videos Be Used Commercially?

Yes, Pollo ai allows users to utilize generated videos for commercial purposes, provided they comply with its terms.

Do You Need Any Technical Skills?

No, Pollo ai’s interface is intuitive and beginner-friendly, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.

Final Thoughts

Using Pollo ai as an AI video creator empowers individuals to turn their static images into dynamic, engaging videos effortlessly. Its blend of simplicity, versatility, and quality makes it a valuable tool for anyone looking to explore the possibilities of AI-driven content creation. By following this guide, users can leverage Pollo ai’s image to video AI features to create impressive videos—all for free.

Trump Promises “Everything Will Be Revealed” About MLK, JFK & RFK Assassinations  

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order mandating the declassification and release of remaining files related to the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy. 

The order, signed Thursday (January 23), directs the Director of National Intelligence to present a plan within 15 days for the full release of all JFK assassination records. 

Additionally, officials must review and present a plan within 45 days for the complete release of records related to the RFK and MLK assassinations. 

Trump planned to release the assassination files during his first term but did not fully follow through. He claimed his CIA director, Mike Pompeo, felt “it was not a good time to release them.” 

However, this time, Trump stated that “everything will be revealed” regarding these assassinations.  

The order asserts that continued secrecy “is not consistent with the public interest.” 

Members of the King and Kennedy families have spoken in the wake of the orders.  

Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr., shared a statement on behalf of her family.  

“For us, the assassination of our father is a deeply personal family loss that we have endured over the last 56 years,” the statement reads in part. “We hope to be provided the opportunity to review the files as a family prior to its public release.”   

The King family confirmed they are refraining from giving interviews as they await additional information. 

Meanwhile, JFK’s grandson, Jack Schlossberg, hit back at President Trump’s executive order. 

“The truth is alot sadder than the myth — a tragedy that didn’t need to happen,” he wrote on X (Twitter). “Not part of an inevitable grand scheme. Declassification is using JFK as a political prop, when he’s not here to punch back. There’s nothing heroic about it.” 

Drake Versus UMG: Label Seeks Dismissal Of “Retaliatory” Lawsuit 

Universal Music Group (UMG), is pushing back against Drake’s Texas lawsuit asking the court to toss out his filing. 

The label filed a 144-page motion to dismiss Drake’s petition, denying the rapper’s allegations. The motion argues Drake’s petition lacks sufficient evidence to support his allegation that they artificially boosted Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” as “hearsay” and “not admissible as evidence.” 

UMG claims Drake’s legal actions are “retaliatory” and an “apparent effort to limit the distribution of this diss track.  

Additionally, the music label also argues that rather than addressing his issues with Kendrick Lamar, Drake “has resorted to strategic legal retaliation against UMG and others, in an apparent effort to pressure them to limit the distribution of ‘Not Like Us.’” 

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Furthermore, UMG is seeking to have Drake cover their legal fees. The label requested a hearing on their motion within 60 days. 

UMG also asked the court to “suspend all discovery related to this matter” until a ruling has been made. 

UMG argues that Drake’s petition should be dismissed because he “did not file [it] in a ‘proper court'” as required by state law. 

The company also claims that Drake has “already filed suit on his potential claims, obviating any need for pre-suit discovery.” 

A hearing on the motion is currently scheduled for January 28, 2025, in Bexar County, Texas. 

Drake is suing UMG, claiming the label approved and promoted a track that falsely portrays him as a pedophile, leading to violence at his Toronto home, including a shooting that injured a security guard.  

UMG denies the allegations, calling the lawsuit an attempt to suppress artistic expression. Meanwhile, Drake’s legal team accuses the label of prioritizing “corporate greed over the safety and well-being of its artists.”  

Bruno Mars Stirs Controversy With “Fat Juicy & Wet” Strip Club Anthem Featuring Sexyy Red 

Bruno Mars has divided his fans after collaborating with Sexyy Red on his new “strip club anthem,” titled “Fat Juicy & Wet.” 

The singer first teased the new track earlier this week with an intriguing Instagram post, celebrating his collaboration with Lady Gaga, “Die With A Smile” topping the Billboard Hot 100 for a third week. 

“THANK YOU ALL!” he wrote. “I’m headed to the studio right now to make a strip club anthem so I can celebrate and properly act up this weekend. Someone please help me get in touch with Sexyy Red!!” 

He then announced, “Found Her!” before dropping the song on Friday (January 24). 

“Fat Juicy & Wet” arrived with a music video featuring Bruno Mars collaborators Lady Gaga and Blackpink star ROSÉ, who make cameos, partying alongside Sexyy Red. 

However, the track sparked controversy among some Bruno Mars fans, who were taken aback by the explicit lyrics and the Sexyy Red feature. 

“Bruno losing his music integrity,” one critic stated. “The one yall think makes far superior “high quality” music had to call up the project princess.” 

Meanwhile, another fan noted, “Bruno Mars got a song with Kodak Black and Gucci Mane my brother.” 

A different fan recalled, “I remember prior to Silk Sonic, Bruno Mars said how difficult it is for him to keep topping himself. Which led me to believe that he has to keep reinventing his sound to stay relevant but at what cost?” 

Others pointed to rumors the “Just The Way You Are” hitmaker was working to pay off gambling debts

“Just remembered when that one Las Vegas casino put out that story that Bruno Mars had a $50 million gambling debt and a c*ke problem,” one user noted. “All this makes more sense with that context.” 

Last March, MGM Resorts denied claims of Bruno Mars racking up a $50 million gambling debt.  

“We’re proud of our relationship with Bruno Mars,” MGM stated. “Bruno’s partnership is longstanding and rooted in mutual respect. Any speculation otherwise is completely false; he has no debt with MGM.” 

Check out some other reactions to Brun Mars and Sexyy Red’s “Fat Juicy & Wet” below. 

Kanye West Reclaims Billionaire Status, Announces Astonishing Net Worth 

Kanye West lost multiple lucrative partnerships and faced widespread backlash following the fallout from his antisemitism controversy, but the controversial rapper claims his net worth has rebounded, making him richer than ever and securing his re-entry to the billionaire’s club. 

After months of being a polarizing figure, Kanye has restructured his business ventures, focusing on rebuilding his Yeezy brand through direct-to-consumer sales and limited-edition drops, gradually repairing his financial empire.  

According to West and Eton Venture Services, it’s working, and his net worth now stands at $2.77 billion.  

The Yeezy founder took to Instagram Thursday night with a post announcing he’s worth billions. The company notes West’s “valuation is based on his music portfolio and his sole ownership of the yeezy mark.” 

Back in October, Forbes announced Kanye West lost his billionaire status after adidas dropped him following a slew of antisemitic comments and anti-Black remarks.  

Forbes estimated Kanye West’s net worth at $400 million after losing his $1.5 billion adidas deal, valuing his wealth based on real estate, cash, music catalogs and a stake in Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand. Kanye, however, disputed this, claiming he was worth $3 billion and valuing his Adidas partnership at $4.3 billion. 

Last week, West declared himself the G.O.A.T. after earning over $2 million in 24 hours from his Yeezy website. 

The surge followed the release of the $20 Yeezy SLPR. Sharing the success on Instagram, Ye boasted, “$2,339,096 in 24 hours.” 

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The new shoe release arrives days after adidas wiped all traces of the controversial artist and his merch from their sites. 

Meanwhile, West is busy working on his BULLY album and his daughter North’s debut LP.

DDG & Rubi Rose Nearly Got Into Physical Altercation According To Streamer

DDG and Rubi Rose were apparently on the brink of a physical altercation but thanks to streamer Zias, a potential domestic scandal was adverted.

The popular streamer shared the jaw-dropping story about stepping in to defuse a heated moment between rapper DDG and his ex-girlfriend Rubi Rose in a recent tea-spilling livestream.

According to Zias, the drama reportedly began after Rubi Rose discovered something incriminating in DDG’s trash.

“I guess DDG had, he had, uh, flew some, you know, flew a little, yeah, or whatever, some little sh*t out,” Zias began, hinting at DDG’s alleged cheating allegations. “And put the thing in the trash. So she digged through his trash and found it.”

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Zias described the tense moment that transpired as Rubi Rose confronted DDG.

“She come downstairs, mad, bro,” he recalled. “Bro, me and B Lou chillin’. We just cooling. DDG not really paying attention. He playing the game.”

However, the mood quickly escalated when Rose allegedly did the unthinkable and demanded attention after snatching DDG’s chain.

“She grabbed this n*gga big ass chain, bro,” he said. “Yank! And threw that b*tch across the living room.”

The altercation left DDG visibly shaken as Zias remarked.

“I looked at DDG’s eyes, bro,” he said. “That n#### pupils was dilated. He saw nothing but red. When I say, bro, instantly hot.”

While Zias admitted that DDG’s reaction was like nothing he had ever seen from him before, he said that in that moment he couldn’t put anything past him considering the dark turn the situation could take.

“He stand up, ain’t no telling what he was gonna do,” he said. “I know DDG. That’s not him. That’s not his body. He would never dare, right? But that look in his eyes, though. You never seen that look. It was a strong consideration.

“She snatched it, bro, like his head yanked. You could hurt him. You could’ve hurt him. And broke the chain, broke it, bro.”

While it’s unclear when exactly this incident could’ve occurred, it’s clear Rubi Rose used it for inspiration. In December 2023 she tweeted “N##### who cheat on their girl deserve to die… I don’t make the rules.”

Shortly after, she released the single “Deserve To Die,” which featured the gory one-liner. While many fans believed the tweet had something to do with the cheating scandal, Rose accused DDG after he was reportedly bickering with his then-girlfriend Halle Bailey. The incident Zias described seems like a much more plausible source of inspiration.

What’s Behind Explosive Reaction To Oprah’s Weight Loss Confession?

Oprah Winfrey’s revelations about her weight loss journey and a controversial theory on thin people have ignited heated discussions online.

The media icon, known for her deep dive into self-improvement and wellness, faced backlash after speaking out on her experience with a prescription weight loss drug while speaking with Dr. Ania Jastreboff on The Oprah Podcast.

“One of the things that I realized the very first time I took a GLP-1 was that all these years I thought that thin people – those people – just had more willpower,” Winfrey explained on the podcast. “They ate better foods. They were able to stick to it longer. They never had a potato chip. And then I realized that, ‘Oh, they’re not even thinking about it. They’re only eating when they’re hungry and they’re stopping when they’re full.'”

While Winfrey’s honesty struck a chord with some, a short clip from the conversation posted to Instagram caused a flurry of sharp criticism.

Detractors flooded the comments, with many asserting that her remarks unfairly oversimplified the reality for many skinny people, who actively work to maintain their weight.

“Plenty of thin people have to work just as hard to stay thin as others do to lose weight,” one comment read, summing up much of the sentiment online.

Winfrey, who has publicly battled yo-yo dieting struggles for decades, confirmed in December 2023 that she had started using a weight loss drug.

At the time, she embraced the breakthrough as a positive shift in how society approaches weight management.

“The fact that there’s a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthier, in my lifetime, feels like relief, like redemption, like a gift and not something to hide behind and once again be ridiculed for,” she said.

 

P-Funk’s George Clinton Among Songwriters Hall Of Fame Inductees—Finally

George Clinton and The Doobie Brothers are set to take their places among music’s elite as they lead the 2025 class of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The announcement, revealed Wednesday by the organization, cements the contributions of Clinton’s funk anthems and The Doobie Brothers’ harmonious rock into the pantheon of songwriting legends.

Clinton, best known for Parliament-Funkadelic classics like “Atomic Dog” and “Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker),” and The Doobie Brothers join an illustrious list of inductees celebrated for their lasting influence in music.

The 2025 class also includes a diverse set of songwriting heavyweights: Nashville hitmaker and producer Ashley Gorley, the Beach Boys’ co-founder Mike Love, Tony Macaulay of “Build Me Up Buttercup” fame and genre-spanning producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins.

In a statement, Nile Rodgers, chairman of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, spoke to the heart of the celebration.

“The foundation of the music industry exists because songwriters compose great songs. Without them, there is no recorded music, no concert business, no fans, or merchandising; it all starts with the song and the songwriter,” Rodgers said. “We are therefore very proud that we are continually recognizing some of the culturally most important writers of all time and that this year’s slate represents not just iconic songs, but also diversity and unity across genres and ethnicity. These songwriters have enriched the lives of billions of listeners the world over.”

The induction is a crowning moment for those whose lyrics and melodies shaped cultural milestones.

Clinton, often called the godfather of funk, revolutionized popular music with grooves that blended soul, psychedelic rock and futuristic themes.

Similarly, The Doobie Brothers delivered enduring hits like “Listen to the Music” and “What a Fool Believes,” crafting songs that bridged genres and generations.

Eligibility for Songwriters Hall of Fame induction requires a songwriter to have a catalog of notable songs with at least 20 years since the first major commercial release.

This year’s performing songwriter nominees included powerhouse names like Janet Jackson, Alanis Morissette, Bryan Adams and Dr. Dre, each of whom fell short of induction this time around.

The induction ceremony is slated for June 12 in New York City, where Clinton, The Doobie Brothers and their fellow inductees will join the ranks of music legends.

A$AP Rocky Trial: Jury Set After Three-Day Selection Process—No Black Jurors Included

The jury for A$AP Rocky’s impending assault trial was set after the three-day selection process concluded on Thursday (January 23). According to a tweet from court reporter Meghann Cuniff, who was at the hearing, it includes a firearms expert.

“We’ve got a jury in A$AP Rocky’s assault with a firearm trial, and it includes the woman who is a firearms instructor,” she tweeted. She also noted four e alternate jurors were selected, one of whom is an entertainment lawyer.

But the firearms expert is concerning for the defense, Cuniff noted. “Woman says her father was a criminal defense attorney, her uncle was a judge and four cousins are lawyers, including a DA. Also, she’s a firearms instructor. Something tells me the defense is not going to want a firearms instructor on the jury to hear their prop gun defense.”

She added, “Prosecutors already got rid of a man who said he distrusts police because his father used to beat his mother when he was growing up in Nebraska and the police never did anything about it. Defense got rid of a man whose cousin is an LAPD officer on the witness list, though prosecutors said he won’t be called. Man and his father were victims of violent crime.”

Cuniff also revealed a fan of Rihanna, Rocky’s partner and mother of his children, was on the hot seat.

“DA John Lewin is questioning a woman who is an elementary school assistant principal,” she wrote. “She knows Rihanna’s music. ‘I don’t know if it’s going to happen, but what if Rihanna comes in here and you see her in the audience?’  He asks if it would be hard for her, and she said no. Lewin asks why she hesitated. ‘I was imagining that situation in my head. Then I answered,’ she says.'”

Curiously, not a single juror selected was Black, something Rev. Al Sharpton took serious issue with earlier this week.

“It has been brought to my attention, by the National Action Network Los Angeles office, that out of one hundred and six (106) people called to potentially sit as jurors in A$AP Rocky’s trial in Los Angeles, there are only 4 black people,” Sharpton said in a tweet. “When we have four (4) black people in the city of Los Angeles, out of one hundred and six (106) — and exactly zero (0) within the first thirty (30) possible candidates for the jury — something appears to be very wrong with the system.”

In total, 12 jurors were selected. They are white, Asian and Hispanic. The four alternate jurors who were selected are all women but none of them Black.

A$AP Rocky’s trial begins on Friday (January 24). He’s been charged with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm in the 2021 shooting of A$AP Relli. He pleaded not guilty. Rocky was offered a plea deal that would have seen him serve 180 days in jail and three years probation, but he “respectfully” declined. He faces up to 24 years in prison if convicted.

Trump’s DOJ Orders Freeze On Civil Rights Cases & Biden Police Reforms 

President Donald Trump’s new administration has ordered a halt on civil rights litigation, instructing a freeze on all new cases or investigations. Additionally, the Justice Department leadership indicated a potential review of Biden administration police reform policies. 

A memo was sent by the chief of staff to the attorney general Wednesday (January 22). 

The letter outlined the changes, instructing leaders in the department’s Civil Rights Division to ensure attorneys do not file “any new complaints, motions to intervene, agreed-upon remands, amicus briefs, or statements of interest,” according to multiple reports

A second memo ordered attorneys to inform leadership about settlements or consent decrees finalized by the Biden administration in the last 90 days.  

The administration may reconsider recent consent decrees, including those in Louisville and Minneapolis.  

These consent decrees, which address reform, followed investigations uncovering police civil rights violations. 

Earlier this month, the Minneapolis City Council approved an agreement to revamp the city’s police training and use-of-force policies following the 2020 murder of George Floyd.  

Last month, the Justice Department announced a similar agreement with Louisville to reform its police force after an investigation triggered by the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor in 2020. 

The Biden administration finalized these agreements within the last 90 days. The decrees still require judicial approval. 

The duration of the civil rights litigation freeze is uncertain but signals a troubling shift in civil rights priorities under Donald Trump’s administration. 

Meanwhile civil right leaders gathered in Washington Wednesday to oppose Trump’s executive orders rolling back DEI programs.

50 Cent Could Perform At NBA All-Star Game If This Denver Nuggets Star Player Steps Up

50 Cent could land himself on the bill of performers to appear at the upcoming NBA All-Star Game thanks to the league’s most notable Serbian superstar.

Of the nearly 600 hoopers currently active in the NBA, the Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic is apparently the biggest 50 Cent fan of them all. And just like the millions among Fifty’s core fan base, the MVP award-winning center is apparently obsessed with the Get Rich or Die Tryin’ deep cut “Many Men (Wish Death).”

In an Instagram post the G-Unit Films and TV mogul shared on Wednesday (January 22), he hyped up the idea of touching the stage with the NBA champion at the All-Star Game after multiple commentators including Shaq gave Jokic a hard time about his favoritism over the record during a recent post game interview.

“Look if he says he gonna perform, we gonna perform I’ll back him up we will have the spot jumping. LOL,” 50 Cent wrote in the caption of the post featuring the hilarious clip.

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The nexus of this situation stems from a recent viral podcast clip during which Jokic’s veteran teammate, DeAndre Jordan, described his fellow big man’s appreciation for the cut using a hilarious locker room anecdote. “Peyton Watson is our locker room DJ, so anytime Nikola requests a song, if it’s not like Serbian folk music, it is ‘Many Men’ by 50 Cent,” Jordan said. “He knows the words from start to finish… That’s his song, man, he loves it.”

In a separate interview Jordan appeared in last year with Paul George, he reiterated Jokic’s love for the song and also revealed his Serbian counterpart, Boban Marjanovic, also forged deep connections with teammates through Hip-Hop and rap music. ”He’s [Boban Marjanovic] just personable bro,” Jordan started off. “He’d be doing sh*t like this, ‘hey DJ, walk it like I talk it,’ and I’m like what the f*ck, where do you know that song from? ‘Bro the Migos they are very easy to learn.”

During the TNT pregame show on Thursday (January 23), the 10 starters for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game will be announced. The complete weekend runs from February 14 through February 16 and features an all new format with grand cash prize attached.

Federal Prosecutors Say Rapper’s Song “IRS” Was $650M Fraud Confession

Rapper Jamari “Mr. Chaketah” Lewis thought he was dropping heat with his track “I’m Really Sophisticated (IRS),” but prosecutors say his lyrics are more confession than creativity.

The aspiring artist, now facing federal fraud charges, allegedly used his music to flaunt a scheme that sought to scam the U.S. government out of over $650 million in pandemic relief funds.

The indictment, unsealed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, paints Lewis as a key player in a massive COVID-19 relief fraud ring.

The group, led by Keith Williams, allegedly filed over 8,000 fraudulent tax returns through their operation, Credit Reset, cashing in on $44 million in federal payouts.

These funds meant to help small businesses and struggling families during the pandemic instead funded lavish lifestyles — designer clothing, luxury cars, and even Lewis’s budding rap career.

But Lewis didn’t just live large; he documented it. His track “IRS” featured brazen lyrics like, “That government bread I ran that s### up like how am I gon’ lose?”

The song’s album cover even included the IRS logo, a move that now seems both audacious and self-incriminating.

Prosecutors claim his music video, dripping in designer brands, was a not-so-subtle celebration of the fraudulent funds.

Authorities say Lewis wasn’t alone in his hubris. Investigators seized millions in luxury items from co-conspirators, including high-end vehicles like a Tesla Model Y and a Polaris Slingshot.

Williams, the alleged ringleader, reportedly boasted during a recorded call, comparing the scam to “taking candy from a baby.”

The scam targeted programs like the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), designed to keep small businesses afloat during the pandemic.

Instead, many fake filings came from businesses that either didn’t exist or had no actual operations. Prosecutors are calling this the largest ERC scheme ever charged in the U.S.

“As alleged, the defendants shamefully took advantage of a global health emergency to line their pockets with millions of dollars that were intended for struggling families and small businesses just trying to stay afloat and lavished themselves with luxury goods while shamefully boasting about their criminal activity,” stated United States Attorney Durham.

Lewis and six others now face charges ranging from wire fraud to conspiracy, with the potential for decades behind bars.

Their luxurious lifestyles could be traded for a far less glamorous existence in prison if convicted.

The Journey of Hip-hop and Its Enduring Popularity

It should come as no surprise that when people talk about hip-hop, they’re rarely just referring to the music genre. Over the years, it has become increasingly clear that hip-hop is a global movement—one that has transcended languages and reached every corner of the world.

Beyond the rapid-fire rhymes, iconic feuds and infectious beats, hip-hop embodies a way of life—a culture that celebrates, challenges, and confronts the world around it. What started as a creative outlet for marginalised communities has broken barriers, blending its roots with local traditions to evolve into a worldwide phenomenon.

Hip hop, like every musical genre, boasts a vibrant history shaped by its rich and varied origins, thanks to the tireless creativity of countless artists over the decades. Its influence runs so deep in our lives that we often overlook its presence. Whether you’re chilling at a bar with your homies, groovin’ at the club, enjoying a memorable film, or spinning free slot games at one of the online casinos featured on the NoDepositRewards.org recommended list, there’s a good chance a fresh hip-hop rhythm is setting the tone in the background.

The True Origins of Hip Hop

While the Bronx is often hailed as the birthplace of hip hop, the genre’s roots run deep in African traditions, where rhythm, storytelling, and dance are integral to daily life. One could argue that Griots, West Africa’s traditional storytellers, were the original rappers—using music and poetry to share the stories of their communities, a practice that mirrors hip hop’s signature style.

The transatlantic slave trade carried these rich cultural traditions to the United States, where enslaved Africans preserved and transformed them over generations, blending them with other musical influences. This cultural fusion eventually laid the groundwork for hip-hop, which began to take shape in the South Bronx. Here, it became both a creative outlet and a haven for marginalized communities struggling with economic hardship and systemic oppression.

Political Tool

Over the years, hip-hop has consistently functioned as a powerful political tool, with artists using the genre to expose injustices and shed light on the struggles of their communities under systemic oppression. Its strength lies in its unique ability to connect deeply with individuals while simultaneously addressing broader societal issues.

Chuck D, the leader of Public Enemy, famously described hip hop as the “Black CNN,” underscoring its role in delivering raw, unfiltered truths about the hardships faced by marginalized communities. This idea is powerfully embodied in tracks like Public Enemy’s Fight The Power, Childish Gambino’s This Is America, and Kendrick Lamar’s Alright. These songs channel socio-economic and political grievances into anthems for change, providing a voice for those often silenced.

Beyond its role in exposing social injustices such as racism, poverty, and inequality, hip-hop also serves as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment. The genre has unlocked opportunities for countless artists and creative minds, demonstrating its ability to not only confront oppression but also uplift and transform lives.

Crossing Borders

Thanks to the trailblazers of the 1980s who propelled the genre into the global mainstream with their innovative beats and impactful lyrics, hip-hop now stands as one of the most influential musical genres in the world. Speaking a universal language, it resonates with people in every corner of the globe, seamlessly adapting to local cultures and blending with native sounds and styles to create entirely new movements.

In Africa, for example, hip-hop has fused with native languages and traditional rhythms, evolving into a powerful platform for social and political expression. Artists from Senegal, South Africa, and Nigeria have used the genre to spotlight issues like corruption, social inequality, and cultural identity.

In Brazil’s favelas, the raw energy of grime has become a voice for the underrepresented, while in Puerto Rico, the meteoric rise of Latin trap stars like Bad Bunny shows how hip-hop transcends linguistic and cultural barriers. From Tokyo to Johannesburg and London to Mumbai, hip-hop has become deeply embedded in the cultural DNA of the world.

Everlasting Impact 

Hip hop’s enduring impact lies in its remarkable ability to adapt, evolve, and remain relevant. From Kendrick Lamar’s thought-provoking lyricism that challenges social norms to Drake’s genre-blurring innovation, and Burna Boy’s seamless fusion of Afrobeat and hip hop, the genre continually pushes boundaries. At its core, hip-hop retains its power to amplify marginalized voices, staying firmly connected to its roots as it drives forward as a catalyst for social change.

Even amid its massive commercial success, hip-hop has never strayed far from its essence—a platform for storytelling, resistance, and raw self-expression. Its African heritage, rooted in rhythm, oral tradition, and communal storytelling, continues to resonate in the beats, flows, and rhymes of today’s artists. This connection to its origins underscores that hip-hop is far more than a genre of music; it is a global cultural force.

Benzino’s Advice About Cheating “Respectfully” Backfires Amid Trippie Redd Infidelity Allegations

Benzino’s recent remarks about his daughter Coi Leray’s boyfriend, Trippie Redd, and infidelity are recirculating and causing a controversy on social media.

Following her pregnancy announcement earlier this month, the “No More Parties” rapper shared an Instagram Story post featuring a message she wrote leading fans to believe Trippie cheated on her.

“Nothing worse than being cheated on,” Coi wrote alongside a broken heart emoji. “I wouldn’t wish this pain on my worst enemy. God bless.”

The scandal has already drawn widespread scrutiny online as both ordinary users, and celebrities have chimed in with their two cents on the matter.

“Damn Trippie done fumbled more times than Tony Dorsey bro,” former NFL star Le’Veon Bell wrote in a tweet.

In the midst of Coi Leray fans’ collective outrage, a recent clip of her father Benzino’s interview with the We In Miami Podcast has begun recirculating due to the candid advice the former media mogul offered Trippie in light of their pregnancy announcement.

In particular, the remarks Benzino made discussing the challenges of dating a rapper and navigating the temptations of fame have soured and are causing a stir.

“I mean, like Trippie Redd been in the game a minute,” Benzino said. “He got crazy fans, too. Man, they be going crazy. So you already know the groupie lines down the corner after every show.”

Benzino offered a strikingly honest perspective of his own to Trippie Redd on how to navigate the temptations of lust and adultery.

“He, him as a man, is gonna have to come to terms with that with just him and God,” he said. “I don’t want to be a hypocrite because I know what I was doing, but she’s my daughter. If you love her and you love the child and you plan on being with her, then… nowadays with social media, it’s gonna be hard to do any type of cheating. But if you do it, just… just… just, you know, be respectful at it.”

Fans erupted with disapproval to Benzino’s resurfaces rhetoric in droves, accusing him of being both a negligent and absentee father.

“It’s so crazy how he speaks about her in interviews as if they have a relationship,” one user wrote in the thread of the post featuring the podcast clip, while another user added, “Be ‘respectful’ at cheating on my daughter!? What kind of stupid commentary is that coming from a FATHER!? Absolutely diabolical take here smh.”

Other users remarked on how the bar for Benzino shouldn’t have been set that high in the first place, writing, “Bro has songs called ‘Who needs love’ and ‘F### love’ what you expect?”

Elon Musk Trolls Inauguration “Salute” Outrage With Blatant “Nazi” Jokes

Elon Musk has responded to the backlash he’s facing over an alleged reference to Adolf Hitler by trolling the growing public outrage over the incident.

On Thursday (January 23), the world’s richest man sought to take back ownership of the narrative surrounding his heavily scrutinized podium speech at Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

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To be specific, Musk referenced Adolf Hitler and other Nazi leaders while cracking jokes over allegations that he performed a Sieg Heils Nazi salute. “Don’t say Hess to Nazi accusations!” Musk wrote in the tweet. “Some people will Goebbels anything down! Stop Gőring your enemies! His pronouns would’ve been He/Himmler! Bet you did nazi that coming [crying laughing emoji].”

Musk’s “jokes” were especially calculated, and rooted in hatred, given the deep Nazi ideology the tweet represents based on the names he embedded within the remark. According to a report from The Hill, Musk mentions Hitler’s deputy party leader Rudolf Hess, Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels, Gestapo creator Hermann Gőring and Heinrich Himmler. The latter was in charge of facilitating racial extermination genocide efforts during the Holocaust.

But it doesn’t stop there, prior to the coded puns he shared on January 23, Musk wrote in a separate tweet on January 22, “The radical leftists are really upset that they had to take time out of their busy day praising Hamas to call me a Nazi.” In his defense, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyhu, who has been accused of war crimes in the conflict with Hamas in Palestine, responded with a message claiming Musk being “falsely smeared.”

However, a number of users on the app have since pushed back, claiming that organizations such as anti-hate org ADL, is offering Musk preferential treatment over his blatant antisemitism.

“ADL made 21 savage apologize,” a user wrote in a lengthy tweet. “Made Lebron apologize. Made. Michael Jackson apologize. Made Kanye apologize. Made kyrie apologize. Made Desean Jackson apologize. Made Whoopi Goldberg apologize. They Went after Candace Owens. Said she was anti Semite of the year etc.” The user’s tweet continues, “But when Elon Musk does a Nazi salute in public twice in front of the world the ADL says ‘we need to give him the benefit of the doubt’??? Why no benefit of the doubt for the Blacks???”

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View the post above to see the thread of tweets sparked by the incident.

Kendrick Lamar & SZA Hype Up Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show

Kendrick Lamar and SZA star in a new trailer for the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show.

The 30-second clip finds the Compton-bred MC pacing on the field while chatting on the phone. His former Top Dawg Entertainment labelmate sneaks up behind him and dumps what looks like a bucket of Gatorade over his head. It abruptly ends there.

 

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show performance cements his status as one of the most influential artists of his generation. Fans are speculating on which of his chart-topping hits—including “HUMBLE.,” “Alright” or “DNA”—he might perform. The performance is expected to showcase the artistry and social consciousness that have made him a cultural icon, potentially weaving in themes of empowerment and unity that align with his music’s ethos.

It will be particularly interesting to see if he performs his now-infamous Drake diss track, “Not Like Us,” which dominated the charts last summer and appeared to put the cap on the two rappers’ ongoing beef. Rumor has it that the National Football League (NFL) asked Lamar to not perform that specific song, considering he calls Drake a “pedophile.”

Plus, Drake is trying to sue Universal Music Group over the track itself. After withdrawing his original legal petition against Spotify and UMG on January 14, Drake’s legal counsel filed a lawsuit against UMG claiming they mounted a campaign to devalue his name and music by boosting ”Not Like Us.”

In a response an official with UMG shared with Variety, the label denies Drake’s claims have any validity and suggests he’s using the lawsuit to stop Lamar from doing to Drake what he’s done to other artists throughout his career.

Super Bowl LIX takes place at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9.

Capitol Rioter Brands Trump “Dangerous Narcissist” After Rejecting Pardon 

Donald Trump faced sharp criticism from a former supporter and January 6 rioter, who rejected his pardon for the Capitol riots and expressed regret over her involvement in the “MAGA cult.” 

Pamela Hemphill spent 60 days behind bars for her role in the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Nonetheless, Hemphill claimed the pardon is a “slap in the face to the rule of law, the Capitol police officers and to our nation.” 

During an interview with Sky News Wednesday (January 22), Hemphill admitted the Capitol attack “was an insurrection” and accepting Trump’s pardon would only serve to help “them rewrite history.” 

At the time, Hemphill believed Trump’s “big lie that the election was stolen.”  However, she later discovered it was “nothing but propaganda and lies.” 

“But when you’re in the MAGA cult, they gaslight you so much and tell you not to listen to anybody but Trump,” she explained. “And you go along with them and don’t do your own research.” 

Branding the President “a dangerous narcissist,” Hemphill described the mass reprieve as “a free ticket to be violent even more.” 

Donald Trump Defends Pardons Amid Public Backlash

On his first day back in office, Donald Trump issued sweeping pardons and commutations for nearly all of the 1,500+ individuals charged in the January 6 Capitol riot. 

Leaders of the far-right Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers militia were among those who were pardoned or had their sentences commuted.  

The pardons apply to both convicted rioters and those still awaiting trial. Some rioters who received pardons committed violent acts, including assaulting police officers.

The move has proved unpopular, with a Reuters poll showing nearly 60% of Americans oppose pardoning all Capitol rioters. Police, families and some Republicans criticized the pardons. 

EXCLUSIVE: JAY-Z’s Effort To Crush Jane Doe’s Claims Challenged By “Detective” Backed Investigation

Tony Buzbee has clapped back at JAY-Z’s legal maneuvers to discredit him, labeling the mogul’s attempts to impose sanctions and dismiss Jane Doe’s lawsuit as “an unprecedented attempt to silence a victim.”

Representing Jane Doe, who has accused JAY-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs of sexually assaulting her when she was just 13 years old, Buzbee is pushing back hard against the rapper’s legal team’s claims of misconduct and frivolity.

The Houston-based attorney says that the rap mogul’s legal team has crossed the line from defense into intimidation, accusing them of trying to derail the case by discrediting the plaintiff and her counsel.

“Carter’s celebrity status does not entitle him to special treatment by the courts,” Buzbee stated in the filing, emphasizing the thoroughness of his investigation into the allegations.

The lawsuit alleges that in 2000, Jane Doe was drugged and assaulted at an after-party following the MTV Video Music Awards.

JAY-Z’s lawyers argue the case is riddled with inconsistencies, pointing to NBC’s coverage of the case, which raised questions about details in Jane Doe’s account, including the location of the alleged assault and other contextual specifics.

However, Buzbee asserts that these discrepancies are the result of trauma-induced memory lapses, a common phenomenon in survivors of sexual violence​.

Buzbee also hit back at allegations that his firm was sloppy and irresponsible in vetting Jane Doe’s allegations.

According to the filing, multiple attorneys, including a retired police detective, conducted rigorous interviews and research to corroborate her claims before filing the lawsuit.

Buzbee pointed to the groundwork his team conducted to verify Jane Doe’s allegations, including exhaustive research into the events surrounding the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards and JAY-Z’s whereabouts that evening.

Buzbee says his evidence supposedly contradicts JAY-Z’s claims, asserting that while photos show JAY-Z at a Manhattan after-party that did not match Jane Doe’s description of the after-party she allegedly attended, they do not account for the rest of his activities throughout the night.

The NBC report that JAY-Z’s lawyers rely on acknowledges that “its purported findings ‘do not necessarily mean the allegations are false.'”

Buzbee maintains that his client’s account of being taken to a private residence matches details of the alleged assault, further supported by connections between JAY-Z and co-defendant Sean Combs, including their history of attending exclusive gatherings in the area.

“We won’t speculate on whether there was an after-after party,” Buzbee stated, “but her detailed description of the venue is consistent and specific to what happened that night.”​

Buzbee has maintained that his investigation meets all legal standards and far exceeds the bar for ethical representation​.

Buzbee also alleged a campaign of harassment against his law firm, claiming that individuals tied to JAY-Z’s camp had contacted his employees and clients, urging them to file baseless complaints against him.

This alleged harassment, Buzbee argued, is part of a broader strategy to intimidate and undermine him as counsel for Jane Doe​.

In response to JAY-Z’s bid to sanction him for supposed procedural violations, Buzbee minced no words, calling the move “factually and legally meritless” and accusing JAY-Z’s legal team of using the motion as a scare tactic to evade discovery.

“This is nothing more than an improper attempt to intimidate plaintiff and her counsel,” Buzbee’s filing reads​.

EXCLUSIVE: Diddy Rips Into Dawn Richard For Filing “Headline-Grabbing” Lawsuit

It’s been a busy week for Sean “Diddy” Combs in the courtroom.

Just days after filing a $50 million defamation suit, the music mogul is back on the offensive, this time calling former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard’s lawsuit “ludicrous” in a push for dismissal.

Richard has accused Diddy of sex trafficking, forced labor, and a host of other offenses, but his legal team says her claims don’t hold water.

The lawsuit alleges 21 causes of action against Diddy and more than two dozen defendants and attempts to paint the Bad Boy founder as the center of a sprawling conspiracy.

Richard says she was held hostage in his Maybach during a terrifying confrontation. According to Richard, she was trapped in the luxury car as Diddy berated and intimidated her.

The standoff reportedly ended when her father arrived on the scene and intervened, allowing her to finally exit the car.

Richard’s lawsuit also accuses Diddy of emotional manipulation, financial exploitation, and fostering a hostile work environment.

She alleges her likeness and creative contributions were used without permission, adding to what she says was years of mistreatment under the guise of advancing her career.

Diddy’s have attorneys ripped into the accusations, labeling them legally baseless and time-barred.

“Even if the outrageous facts alleged were true (they are not), they do not support Richard’s claims,” the filing states.

Diddy’s legal team argued that Richard’s claims, many of which date back to 2004–2011, fail to meet the requirements for allegations of trafficking and forced labor.

They pointed out that the complaint does not detail any acts of coercion, force, or commercial sex, calling it a sensationalized attempt to revive old grievances.

“At most, [Richard’s] complains that she was underpaid and subjected to difficult work conditions, which do not constitute forced labor,” the filing added.

One of the focal points of Diddy’s defense is the statute of limitations.

His team emphasized that most of Richard’s claims are well past the legal window for filing, noting that Richard had signed multiple releases—most recently in 2021—that waived her rights to pursue these allegations.

“Even if [Richard] had stated any viable claims, every single one of her claims (except a single (invalid) allegation of Copyright infringement in 2023) cannot be pursued as a matter of law because in October 2021, Richard released all of her claims against [Diddy] that existed as of that date (and, in June 2007, had already released all claims other than those for royalties),” Diddy’s lawyer Erica A. Wolff said.

Richard’s lawsuit also invokes the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Act, but Diddy’s lawyers argue that her claims under this law are equally weak.

They criticized her examples of alleged misconduct, including an incident involving unwanted touching during a wardrobe fitting, as insufficient to meet legal standards.

“These claims are not only factually baseless but fail as a matter of law,” they asserted.

Diddy’s legal strategy also highlights what they describe as the vague and overly broad nature of Richard’s complaint.

They argue it lacks specific details necessary to substantiate claims of fraud, breach of contract, or intentional infliction of emotional distress and want the lawsuit thrown out of court.