Fani Willis pushed back hard Thursday (June 5) when pressed about the lack of murder convictions in the sprawling YSL trial, calling the prosecution a success and defending her use of Georgia’s RICO law.
The Fulton County District Attorney clashed with a reporter during a press conference after being asked whether the years-long case was worth the taxpayer expense, given that no one was convicted of murder.
“My message to taxpayers is: it was an amazing outcome,” Fani Willis said. “We had 19 convictions, and the community is safer.”
The YSL case, which began with a sweeping 56-count indictment in 2022, initially named 28 defendants including rapper Young Thug. Prosecutors alleged the collective operated as a criminal street gang responsible for violent crimes across Atlanta.
Over time, most of the defendants accepted plea deals. Seven cases were dropped, and only one defendant remains on trial.
Young Thug received time served and 15 years probation after pleading guilty to gang and drug charges. Gunna took an Alford plea and got time served plus 500 hours of community service.
The final murder charge was dismissed earlier this week after a plea agreement, meaning the case will end without a single murder conviction.
Critics, including defense attorneys, have questioned whether the prosecution’s heavy reliance on Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act was justified given the outcome. But Willis stood firm.
“I’m going to continue to rely on it—because it works, it’s effective, and it tells jurors the full story,” she said.
When 11Alive’s Chase Houle asked whether the lack of murder convictions meant the case fell short, Willis fired back, accusing defense lawyers of being disconnected from the communities most affected by gang violence.
“You keep going to defense attorneys who put their children in private schools and communities that are not our communities,” she said. “What you need to understand is that there were 19 convictions.”
Willis also pointed to recent coverage of a YSL-linked killing of a 21-year-old mother in front of her toddler, saying it showed why her office’s focus on gang prosecutions mattered.
“Stop glorifying violence and stop acting like some victims don’t matter,” she said. “Victims of all races and all socioeconomic statuses matter.”
When Houle repeated his question about the absence of murder convictions, Willis doubled down.
“We made sure that we got the resolutions we wanted,” she said. “And if people are unhappy with the sentencing, they should elect other judges.”
Willis, who was re-elected with 68% of the vote, said her constituents supported her approach and pointed to falling crime rates in Fulton County as proof of progress.
“Crime here is lower than in most places in the United States,” she said. “I think we’re like number three, and it’s because of the efforts I’ve led against gangs.”
Beats and ballots are colliding this Sunday as some of Hip-Hop’s most influential voices unite for the Ras for Governor DJ Marathon. The event is a five-hour livestream bonanza designed to energize voters and build support for Ras Baraka’s run for New Jersey governor.
Kicking off at 7 p.m. sharp on Sunday, June 8, the virtual marathon will stream live via @AllHipHop’s Instagram and the official AllHipHop.com website. The event was curated by Channel Live’s Hakim Green, Roc Nation engineer Young Guru and AllHipHop co-founder Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur. There will be music, movement and political momentum into one powerful night.
The lineup reads like a Hip-Hop hall of fame. DJ D-Nice, Chuck D, Eric B and Young Guru will be among the turntable generals spinning exclusive sets. Appearances include Marlon Wayans, Mysonne Linen, Vinnie Brown of Naughty by Nature, journalist Touré and a mix of cultural icons.
The mission is to mobilize the masses ahead of the June 10 primary and uplift a candidate many believe stands at the intersection of culture, community and real political change.
“When we talk about what we want—leaders that represent us properly, that come from where we come from, that have the same core values—he is the epitome of that,” activist and rapper Mysonne Linen said. “He stands on business, he’s fair, he’s honest, he’s culturally relevant, and he identifies with what’s going on in the streets.”
Vinnie Brown echoed the urgency: “We need politicians like Ras, who are on the front lines, who know how the system works and can interpret and articulate it back to our community in a way that we can understand.”
Baraka, currently serving as mayor of Newark, has earned widespread respect for blending progressive politics with communal authenticity. For many in Hip-Hop, his background as a poet, educator and son of revolutionary writer Amiri Baraka makes him more relatable and also qualified for higher office.
“Ras Baraka is not just a typical politician who seeks to hold power, but someone who seeks to empower others,” Creekmur said. “He doesn’t just tow the line—he holds the line.”
Hakim Green laid it plain: “As we see powers in high places openly oppressing the little guy, the people of New Jersey need an openly progressive governor with a history of fighting back.”
Baraka’s gubernatorial platform reflects his commitment to economic justice, healthcare access, and housing equity. His key initiatives include:
Housing for All: 200,000 new affordable homes created through modern zoning reforms and direct subsidies for first-time homeowners.
Transportation Upgrades: Transit-focused development and infrastructure improvements, with a promise of no new fees for working families.
Economic Empowerment: Raising the minimum wage, launching a state-backed public bank, and expanding grants and loan relief for New Jersey’s student population.
Healthcare as a Right: Expanding state insurance programs, capping hospital costs, and driving down medical expenses for everyday residents.
Whether you’re on the block or behind a screen, Sunday night offers a clear signal—Hip-Hop is stepping up and showing out for Ras Baraka.
Primary Election Day in New Jersey is Tuesday (June 10). The DJ Marathon goes live Sunday (June 8) from 7 p.m. to midnight on Instagram (@AllHipHop) and AllHipHop.com.
Jadakiss just hit the half-century mark and rang in the milestone with Hip-Hop royalty. The Yonkers legend celebrated his 50th birthday with a gathering that included the one and only Big Daddy Kane. And his own son, Jaewon. You all know the son is nice on the mic, too.
A now-circulating video shows Jadakiss giving his son a real time Hip-Hop history lesson about Big Daddy Kane’s impact. In the clip, Jada can be heard praising the Brooklyn rap legend as “one of the greatest rappers of all time.” Facts only.
The celebration was filled with good vibes, but I’m mostly concerned with culture, not cake. Kane and ‘Kiss might be cooking. According to whispers, there’s talk—unconfirmed but not unbelievable—that Jadakiss and Big Daddy Kane could be working on some music together. For me, even more interesting is the possibility of his son jumping on the same track. Tres generaciones!
Nothing is official just yet, but the mere idea of a cross-generational collaboration between Kane, Kiss and Kiss Jr. is giving me life.
In the meantime, The LOX have announced a new group project on the way. And if you recall, when AllHipHop chopped it up with Jadakiss last year, he made it clear: “I got new music coming.” Looks like he wasn’t bluffing.
Hip-Hop has already seen some solid releases this year, but if this rumored collaboration actually sees the light of day, it could be the jolt of energy the game’s been waiting for. How long can we live off crime, martial spats, Diddy and Kanye West?
Jadakiss, Big Daddy Kane and Jaewon is lyrical legacy.
Jake Paul stepped into the political ring this week, weighing in on the escalating feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk by calling their online bickering immature and embarrassing for the country.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer posted on X that while he respects both men, their public spat is doing more harm than good.
“We unfortunately have these Alpha male egos and leaders who aren’t mature enough sometimes. They’re 50+ years old and diss-tweeting each other,” Jake Paul wrote. “They need to work together and not make America look bad.”
One of the problems with the Republican Party is on display today
(As a current Republican) We unfortunately have these Alpha male egos and leaders who aren’t mature enough sometimes. They’re 50+ years old and diss tweeting each other
The clash between President Trump, 78, and Musk, 53, has intensified in recent days, with both men trading barbs online.
The feud has also drawn commentary from President Trump loyalist Steve Bannon, who took aim at Musk in an interview with The New York Times.
“They should initiate a formal investigation of his immigration status because I am of the strong belief that he is an illegal alien, and he should be deported from the country immediately,” Bannon said.
Paul’s remarks come as tensions between the former president and the Tesla CEO continue to dominate headlines, raising questions about the future of conservative alliances ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Paul, a registered Republican, didn’t hold back in his criticism of the behavior despite previously endorsing Trump ahead of the 2024 election.
“Do the right thing, vote for Donald Trump,” Paul told his 20 million YouTube subscribers last fall. “Not because I said so, not because Beyoncé said so, but because it’s what’s right.”
Shad Reed goes back down the rabbit hole with seven more albums that changed Hip-Hop.
In part deux of my Seven Wonders of the Hip-Hop World, I name seven more albums—this time spanning from the mid-90s to the 2010s. (Longevity is one of the factors I considered. So, while more modern, anything newer still has to stand the test of time before being placed in any “all-time” conversation.)
As indicated in Part I of this write-up, there was a “winning” list of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, but it was very controversial. In a nutshell, it was 22 finalists voted down to seven.
That said, here are a few albums that didn’t make my picks for the modern seven but would still receive no objection to being placed there: The Infamous, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Capital Punishment, Trap Muzik, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, and Tha Carter III, to name a few.
Me Against the World – 2Pac (1995)
This album perfectly balances Tupac’s complex personality. His ability to present strength in vulnerability (“Dear Mama”), as well as his “just don’t give a f###” attitude (“F### the World”) is astonishing. Me Against the World is Pac’s most well-rounded collection of music. His follow-up, All Eyez On Me, was of course a gargantuan success. Still, I interpret that (despite all the controversy surrounding his move to Death Row Records) as more of a victory lap stemming from the credibility and connections he made with the public through this release. Right from the jump, the way the album starts with the intro and flows into “If I Die 2Nite” with “A coward dies a thousand deaths, a soldier dies but once”—damn!
Reasonable Doubt – Jay-Z (1996)
Despite taking 10 years to sell 1.5 million copies, Jay-Z’s debut, in the eyes of many, remains his magnum opus. While the hustling themes were nothing new, this album delved into the emotional toll such activity took on a person. That, coupled with the temptations of such a lifestyle (which also get addressed), makes for a captivating listening experience. “Can I Live,” with its Isaac Hayes sample, is a standout, as well as the DJ Premier-produced “D’Evils.”
Life After Death – The Notorious B.I.G. (1997)
In Unbelievable: The Life, Death, and Afterlife of the Notorious B.I.G., author Cheo Hodari Coker perfectly compares Biggie’s debut and this second album to the first two Terminator films. Both are equally significant, but the latter is grander in scale and scope. And at a time when Hip-Hop was mourning (2Pac died in September ’96, and Biggie died just two weeks before this album’s release in March ’97), Life After Death served as an olive branch for the rap community too, featuring collaborations with a wide range of artists such as Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Too Short, and D.M.C., among others.
Aquemini – Outkast (1998)
This is the best—right in the center of a perfect four-album run by Big Boi and André 3000. AllHipHop.com co-founder Grouchy Greg Watkins summed the album up perfectly in a 2013 article: “Aquemini is a Hip-Hop classic that pushes the limits of what we normally consider Hip-Hop, yet is decidedly true to its roots.” When Three Stacks famously stated, “The South got something to say. That’s all I got to say,” they let the music do the talking. And it all led up to this just a few short years later: a flawless musical statement that remains unrivaled and continues to inspire fans and artists alike.
The Marshall Mathers LP – Eminem (2000)
This album transcended Hip-Hop and became a fixture in mainstream culture. Fortunately, it also lived up to the hype. The masterful bait-and-switch of “The Real Slim Shady” dominating radio and MTV got millions to purchase the album—and in return, listeners got a commercial song and seventeen more tracks filled with personal and uncensored insight into Eminem’s emotions, struggles, and the pressures of newfound fame. He also reconciled with issues in his personal life. The album is funny, brutal, entertaining, and honest all at once.
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy – Kanye West (2010)
After damaging his reputation by interrupting Taylor Swift at the MTV VMAs (which pales compared to Ye’s more recent controversies), Mr. West retreated to Hawaii to begin work on his fifth album. The result was an unexpected masterpiece that exceeded all expectations. Building on stadium sounds first explored with Graduation’s “Stronger,” he upped the ante with songs like “Power.” The epic “All of the Lights” reportedly took two years to create. He even responded to being mocked on South Park by threatening to choke the show’s writers with a fish stick on “Gorgeous.” And the guests? They all got time to shine—Nicki Minaj’s “Monster” verse, Jay-Z’s bar on “So Appalled,” and even Chris Rock’s ad-libs on “Blame Game” add to an already astonishing blockbuster. Sadly, MBDTF didn’t even receive a nomination for Album of the Year at the 54th Annual Grammys.
To Pimp a Butterfly – Kendrick Lamar (2015)
To Pimp a Butterfly solidified Kendrick Lamar as the voice of his generation. Influenced by a trip to Africa, infused with vast musical input, and filled with socially conscious lyrics—no stone was left unturned. Highlights include “Alright,” which became a protest anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement, and “King Kunta,” where Kendrick addresses ghostwriting with lines like: “I swore I wouldn’t tell / But most of y’all sharing bars like you got the bottom bunk in a two-man cell.” Then there’s the closer, “Mortal Man”—one of the most powerful conclusions to any LP. Clocking in at just over 12 minutes and closing with a faux interview with 2Pac, it brings the album full circle. Despite subverting traditional song structures, it remains one of the most respected tracks in Kendrick’s already outstanding catalog.
BigXthaPlug took center stage Tuesday (June 5) in Nashville as he accepted Billboard’s 2025 Country Innovator of the Year award at the Country Power Players event.
Hosted at Luke Combs’ Category 10 venue, the event marked a major moment in his genre-bending rise from Dallas Hip-Hop to country crossover.
Presented by Grammy-nominated country artist and frequent collaborator Shaboozey, the award recognized BigXthaPlug’s growing influence in country music, just as he teased his upcoming project, I Hope You’re Happy, a country-inspired release due later this year.
The announcement came in front of a packed room of industry leaders and tastemakers.
The celebration didn’t stop there. BigX capped the night with a packed afterparty at Losers Bar & Grill, dubbed the “Losers Back Porch Kick Back,” where Sam Hunt, Ella Langley, Chris Comstock, and others joined in to toast the milestone.
The event also served as an unofficial kickoff to CMA Fest weekend.
The award follows a string of high-profile performances by BigX, including Coachella, Stagecoach, and Jimmy Kimmel Live, where he has continued to blend the grit of Southern Hip-Hop with the storytelling of country music.
He’s also been spotlighted on the covers of GQ Hype and Billboard’s Genre Now issue.
Beyond music, BigX has used his platform to support the Autism Society of America, honoring his son during Autism Acceptance Month.
(NEW YORK) May 16, 2025. Music executive and personal manager Chelsea Donini ended a three-year ordeal against Detroit rapper Phillip Peaks p/k/a Peezy on May 9 when a Manhattan jury in the U.S. District court unanimously ruled in her favor. They found the EMPIRE recording artist Peezy had improperly repudiated their personal management agreement by failing to pay
management commissions and had defamed her in his song “Nipsey Blue” as a part of his salacious campaign to destroy her professional reputation.
The jury awarded the full amount Donini sought for Peezy’s breach of contract as well as additional damages on the defamation claim, finding that Peezy acted with malice in an effort to destroy Donini’s reputation. The jury awarded Donini over $1.4M dollars total.
Ms. Donini’s attorney, Robert Meloni of Meloni & McCaffrey stated, “This victory was well deserved by Chelsea. It was particularly gratifying since it fully vindicated her name and reputation after being maliciously targeted by Peezy’s false statements.”
Donini started her career in digital marketing at Island Def Jam Music Group, moving up the ranks at RCA Records, Def Jam Recordings and EMPIRE, where she began her work with Peezy. Today, Donini runs her own management and marketing company La Rubia Promotions where she leads strategy and execution of campaigns for A list artists.
(Donini V Peaks Case No. 1:22-cv-09706-RA).
All content herein is provided for news and informational purposes only. The views and claims expressed in legal filings or courtroom proceedings are those of the parties involved and do not necessarily reflect the views of AllHipHop. This article is based on publicly available court records and statements.
Elon Musk ignited a bizarre political firestorm by accusing President Trump of being replaced by a body double, escalating a public feud over a controversial government spending bill that has fractured their once-tight alliance.
The Tesla CEO took to X, formerly Twitter, to slam the bill as a “disgusting abomination” and questioned whether the man defending it was even President Trump at all.
“Where is the man who wrote these words?” Musk posted, retweeting a thread of Trump’s past praise for electric vehicles and fiscal restraint. “Was he replaced by a body double?”
President Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, brushed off the accusation but didn’t hold back. “I’m very disappointed in Elon,” he said, defending the bill as “the biggest spending cut in U.S. history.”
He also claimed that Musk turned against him only after learning that the legislation would slash electric vehicle tax credits. Trump himself has circulated similar claims.
The post added, “Democrats don’t know the difference.” President Trump offered no comment on the post and no evidence to support the claim.
Still, it echoed a broader narrative pushed by some of his supporters, who argue Biden is a puppet controlled by handlers. Despite the absurdity, the rhetoric reflects a deeper mistrust in political institutions and a willingness by high-profile figures to traffic in fringe ideas.
The Musk-Trump fallout is just the latest example of how conspiracy theories have become political weapons.
Khadiyah Lewis passed away at 44, leaving behind a legacy that spanned from reality TV to real estate, according to her family.
The former Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta cast member’s death was confirmed by her brother, Elijah Inegbedion, in a heartfelt Facebook post.
“Been at a loss for words for some days now. And to think that I’ll ever have the words to describe the person you’ve been and the legacy that you left behind would be erroneous,” he wrote. “Long live my sister Khadiyah Lewis.”
He continued, “You left behind a legacy most individuals can only dream of. Thank you for loving me the way you did and always having my back no matter what. God blessed me when he made me your baby brother, and for that, I am eternally thankful. You are forever on my mind and in my heart. I love you!”
Lewis, who joined Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta in Season 3 and returned in a recurring role in Season 4, was known for her on-screen relationship with Yung Joc, the rapper behind the 2006 hit “It’s Goin’ Down.”
Their romance and business dealings became a storyline on the VH1 series. Joc later married fellow cast member Kendra Robinson in 2021.
Off camera, Lewis built a career as a businesswoman. On her social media accounts, she described herself as an “entrepreneur, speaker, consultant, accountant and brand ambassador.”
She ran multiple ventures, including a real estate investment company, and worked as a tax consultant. Her obituary confirmed she died on Thursday (June 5). No cause of death has been made public.
Diddy cracked a joke about his courtroom appearance during a break in his federal sex trafficking trial in Manhattan, telling sketch artist Jane Rosenberg she made him look like a “koala bear.”
The disgraced mogul is concerned about his looks even as he faces charges that could put him behind bars for life.
Diddy’s offhand remark came Wednesday (June 4) in the middle of a high-stakes trial, where he’s accused of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
Despite the gravity of the charges, Diddy appeared more focused on his courtroom image than the legal peril he faces.
According to Reuters, Rosenberg said Diddy approached her and said, “You made me look like a koala bear.” She replied, “You should be so lucky.”
The exchange happened just before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian reprimanded Diddy for nodding toward the jury during cross-examination.
The judge warned him not to influence the panel and threatened to eject him from the courtroom if it happened again.
Diddy faces five criminal counts, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, which could lead to a life sentence if convicted.
The case stems from a broader investigation into Diddy’s alleged conduct over several years.
Prosecutors have presented testimony from Cassie Ventura’s associate Bryana Bongolan, his former assistant “Mia,” hotel employees, sex workers and others, painting a picture of a pattern of abuse and coercion.
The trial resumed Friday (June 6) with further witness testimony.
Jane Doe testified that Diddy forced her into freak-offs that lasted for over three days, gave her drugs, and forced her to have unprotected sex with escorts.
Jay-Z watched his $1 million wager teeter on the edge Thursday night (June 5) after Tyrese Haliburton drained a 21-foot jumper with 0.3 seconds left to lift the Indiana Pacers over the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-110 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
The Hip-Hop icon and business mogul had placed the seven-figure bet on the Thunder to win the series in five games through Fanatics Sportsbook, the platform he co-founded alongside Michael Rubin.
With +230 odds, a Thunder win in five would net him a $3.3 million payday.
But Haliburton’s clutch shot didn’t just steal Game 1—it put Jay-Z’s high-stakes gamble on thin ice.
Oklahoma City had led by as much as 15 points in the fourth quarter, holding a 94-79 advantage with under 10 minutes to play.
Then Indiana stormed back, closing the game on a 12-2 run in the final 2:38. Haliburton’s dagger gave the Pacers their first and only lead of the night—and the win.
The Pacers’ comeback marked their fifth victory this postseason after trailing by 15 or more, setting an NBA playoff record for most such wins in a single postseason, according to CBS News.
Jay-Z’s bet had aligned with public sentiment, as the Thunder entered the Finals as -700 favorites to win the series and were favored by 10 points in Game 1.
The wager, confirmed publicly by Fanatics Sportsbook, was placed ahead of Thursday’s (June 4) tip-off in Oklahoma City.
The Brooklyn-born entrepreneur’s investment in Fanatics Sportsbook is part of a broader expansion into sports betting, fashion, spirits and tech.
He is currently trying to open a Caesars Palace casino in Times Square
Game 2 is set for Sunday night (June 8) in Oklahoma City.
Logic was a recent guest on MSNBC’s The Beat with Ari Melber, where he participated in a rapid fire round of questioning.
Melber, who clearly did his homework, asked him straight up what he had in common with longtime nemesis Joe Budden. Budden, of course, once said Logic was the “worst rapper” to ever pick up a mic. Looking straight at the camera, Logic said simply, “We’re both Black men.”
Melber shared a clip of the segment to his Instagram account and, as one can imagine, the comments were messy. One person said, “Logic is black, where?,” while another offered, “the whole Logic is Black thing is so weird to me.” Another netizen called him “White Hennessy.”
Others questioned why Melber would post that specific clip. As one person inquired, “Now Ari who made you post this ? I watched this when it aired and he clearly said that to get reaction cause it was cringy when he said it …even if his daddy black …he could have said they was both ‘rappers’ because why is that even the first thing he thought he had uncommon.”
Logic, born Sir Robert Bryson Hall II, was born to a Black father and white mother. He grew up in a difficult environment in Maryland, experiencing poverty, family addiction and racism—even from his own mother, who used racial slurs against him and his siblings. Among his seven biracial siblings, Logic has said he appears the most white, which has played a central role in the controversy surrounding his identity.
His light skin and white appearance have led many to question his authenticity as a Black artist within Hip-Hop. Some critics argue that because he “looks white,” he hasn’t faced the same societal challenges as visibly Black people, and therefore cannot fully claim a Black identity or speak on Black issues.
Logic frequently references his biracial identity and the struggles it brings in his music, especially on albums like Everybody. While some appreciate his openness, others have criticized him for bringing it up too often, perceiving it as repetitive or as a means to gain attention or sympathy. Jokes and memes about Logic “always mentioning he’s biracial” have become common.
Logic has spoken publicly about the complexities of using the N-word as someone who’s biracial but appears white. He’s discussed the backlash and confusion this causes, both within the Black community and among wider audiences, further highlighting the challenges of navigating his identity in public.
He himself has acknowledged the pain of having his identity questioned and the difficulty of expressing his experiences when the world insists, “No, you’re not [Black]”.
Logic has been candid about the emotional toll of these controversies. He claims he’s never the first to bring up race in interviews but is constantly forced to explain or defend his identity. He raps about being called both the N-word and “cracker,” and about feeling caught between two worlds—never fully accepted by either.
“It’s scary to say, ‘This is who I am,’ and the world goes, ‘No, you’re not,'” he once said. “You know, ‘You haven’t experienced that, you didn’t grow up like this.'”
Word on the street is that videos cost people quite a lot of money.
We already know Diddy has money. He handed Cassie a cool $20 million to settle a massive civil lawsuit in less than 24 hours. He allegedly dropped over $100,000 just to keep a video of him assaulting Ventura from ever seeing daylight. So yeah, he’s got the bag.
But I’m hearing there’s a different kind of debt floating around. It’s not the flashy kind you throw at lawyers and lawsuits. This one is older, quieter and still very real. I normally wouldn’t say much, but the whispers are getting louder. The rumors are circling and it’s time to let them breathe.
I’m being purposely vague. Diddler allegedly owes some people money. Some of those people have given up trying to collect because too much time has passed and they never saw a dime. But others? They haven’t forgotten. Word is, some folks are waiting for any sign of financial movement like any leftover scraps after the flood of lawsuits. If there is, they will pounce with their own legal action, according to my sources. The sexual misconduct cases are stacking up, but none of these involve “freak-offs.”
Now here’s the part that got my ears wide open: a certain Hip-Hop collective is claiming that Diddy owes them money. They were street-heavy in their prime but have since cleaned up, grown up and, allegedly, are ready to take the legal route. That said, I wouldn’t be shocked if they chose a different path either. Given all the stories swirling around Diddy, they might be wise to stay lawful.
But it’s wild when you really think about it. Could this have been a flex? Like, Diddy gets some services—maybe creative work, label help, even some kind of consulting—and just decides not to pay? That’s a deranged power move? In some cases, we’re talking a few thousand dollars, maybe tens of thousands. Nothing crazy for someone of his caliber. But when you stiff someone for that kind of money, it’s not about the dollars—it’s about the disrespect. The people owed really needed and were owed the money.
As for the label-related debt? That sounds like real money, but I don’t know the exact figures. It’s all rumor and speculation, but it definitely raises eyebrows.
Diddy’s got more legal smoke coming, and this fire isn’t dying out anytime soon. His ongoing trial is expected to stretch on for at least another month, maybe longer. In the meantime, those old debts may finally come knocking.
Diddy was accused of having a fixation with male ejaculate and orchestrating drug-fueled group sex encounters during explosive testimony Friday (June 6)..
A woman identified only as “Jane” took the stand on Day 18 of the proceedings, describing multiple hotel encounters where she said Diddy pressured her to engage in sex acts with other men while he watched or later joined in.
She testified that Diddy insisted the men not use condoms, saying he didn’t want to “see a rubber” and preferred to “play around with it.”
The testimony painted a disturbing picture of control, coercion and humiliation.
Jane said she was often under the influence of drugs during these encounters and feared Diddy’s.reaction if she refused. “He’d get agitated,” she told the court when asked why she didn’t say no.
The alleged incidents took place in luxury hotels across Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Las Vegas and Beverly Hills. Jane said Diddy paid for the travel, rooms and participants, and that she felt emotionally and financially trapped.
When asked how these encounters ended, Jane testified the men would “finish on me,” followed by Diddy having sex with her.
She said she never cleaned up the ejaculate because Diddy liked to play with it.
Prosecutors pressed Jane on whether she ever tried to negotiate condom use.
She said she did, including one instance that was recorded, but Diddy guilt-tripped her out of it. “It was not something he wanted to see,” she said.
Jane also described the emotional toll of the relationship, saying she felt like she had to “get free” from Diddy’s control.
Diddy, a longtime Hip-Hop mogul and entrepreneur, is facing federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and coercion.
Prosecutors allege he used his wealth and status to manipulate women into sexual situations, often involving drugs and third parties.
Timbaland is getting flamed online after introducing his new AI-powered music venture and its first virtual artist.
On Thursday (June 5), the Grammy-winning producer unveiled Stage Zero, his latest entertainment company, and its debut act: TaTa, a pink-haired digital performer he described as “a living, learning, autonomous music artist built with AI.”
“She’s the first artist of a new generation,” Timbaland said in a statement. “A-Pop is the next cultural evolution, and TaTa is its first icon.”
But while he pitched it as the future, many online saw it as a misstep. His Instagram comments were flooded with criticism, with some accusing him of using livestreams with lesser-known artists to train the AI behind TaTa.
“I’m not just producing tracks anymore,” Timbaland added. “I’m producing systems, stories, and stars from scratch. [TaTa] is not an avatar. She is not a character.”
Young Guru Calls On Timbaland To Reconsider AI Push
But not everyone is on board. Young Guru, a respected producer and longtime engineer for Jay-Z, voiced his disapproval directly under Timbaland’s post.
“I’m going to say it again,” he wrote. “I swear I love you bro but this ain’t it. Do you not realize what is going on in the world. Your voice is powerful and way too important to do anything like this. I have students who worship you. They are going to say ‘if Tim can do it, then it is ok for me to do it.’ These are the times, right here, that history is defined. Human expression can never be reduced to this!!! This is way bigger than music!!! I say this in all love.”
Stockz, an emerging rapper from Houston, also chimed in, questioning why Timbaland didn’t give the opportunity to a real artist he’s previously collaborated with.
“Why not sign one of the artist you’ve been on live stream with? This could’ve been a dream come true to somebody,” Stockz wrote.
Adding to the controversy, Suno—the AI platform used to build TaTa’s music—is currently facing legal action from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for alleged copyright violations.
Skilla Baby was shot in a targeted drive-by in Redford Township and a suspect has now been arrested after police traced a vehicle linked to the ambush.
Detroit police on Wednesday (June 5) arrested the registered owner of a dark-colored SUV believed to be involved in the May 22 shooting of the 26-year-old rapper, whose real name is Trevon Gardner.
The arrest followed a search of the suspect’s Detroit home, where officers recovered a firearm.
The shooting happened around 7 p.m. near Eight Mile and Centralia in Redford Township. Investigators said more than 20 rounds were fired at Skilla Baby’s vehicle, causing him to crash into a building. He was struck three times—twice grazed in the head and once in the hand—but is expected to recover.
Authorities have not released the suspect’s name and have not confirmed whether the person arrested was the shooter or an accomplice.
Police believe the attack was intentional, though no motive has been publicly confirmed. The investigation remains active.
The arrest came nearly two weeks after the incident, which left the Detroit Hip-Hop community rattled. Community leaders have urged calm as law enforcement continues to gather evidence.
DDG reportedly secured a temporary restraining order against Halle Bailey on Wednesday (May 15) after alleging she poses a risk to their infant son and should be barred from taking him overseas, escalating an already volatile custody fight between the two entertainers.
In court documents, DDG — born Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr. — claimed Bailey “poses an immediate threat to my safety and emotional well-being and more importantly, to the stability and safety of our son.”
He also accused her of coercive behavior and physical abuse and cited what he described as a pattern of “repeated, documented threats of self-harm.”
One incident detailed in his filing involved Bailey allegedly taking his firearm and leaving their home while threatening to harm herself.
He described her as “emotionally unwell, incoherent, and potentially suicidal.”
Although the court granted DDG’s request for a temporary restraining order, it denied his motion for sole custody and blocked his attempt to prevent Bailey from traveling internationally with their son until a future hearing can be held.
Halle Bailey Accuses DDG Of Abuse
Bailey, who previously filed for her own restraining order and sole custody, has accused DDG of physical and verbal abuse. In her filing, she claimed he once slammed her face into a steering wheel while their child was present.
In response to DDG’s claims, Halle Bailey told the court that her mental health is stable and that he is “exaggerating and embellishing incidents from 2022 and 2023,” during a time she described as being “emotionally devastated” by his actions, Billboard reports.
“If Darryl was genuinely worried about my parenting, he would have acted sooner,” Bailey stated in court documents. She called his legal move “nothing but a cold act of retribution intended to embarrass, humiliate, and inflict additional emotional pain on me.”
Bailey also pointed out that DDG only raised concerns about her parenting on the same day a hearing was scheduled for her domestic abuse allegations against him.
In a statement to XXL, DDG’s legal team pushed back on reports suggesting his request had been denied. “We are aware of inaccurate media reports suggesting that Mr. Granberry was denied a restraining order against Ms. Halle Bailey. This is categorically false. The Court granted Mr. Granberry a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) based on the serious allegations set forth in his application.”
Kanye West jumped into the middle of the escalating war of words between Donald Trump and Elon Musk on Thursday (June 6) with a dramatic plea for peace.
The controversial rapper added his voice to the online chatter, pleading with Trump and Musk to settle their differences.
“Broooos please noooooo,” he tweeted, followed by a hugging emoji. “We love you both so much.”
West’s emotional appeal came as Trump and Musk’s once-friendly relationship unraveled into a full-blown public feud, with both men lobbing personal attacks and political threats over social media.
The spat has already rattled markets, with Tesla stock plunging more than 14% in a single day, wiping out roughly $150 billion in value.
West, who has long aligned himself with Trump—famously donning a red “Make America Great Again” hat and visiting the White House in 2018—tried to play peacemaker as the two billionaires clashed over federal contracts, spending bills and past associations.
Trump kicked off the latest round of jabs by threatening to pull government subsidies from Musk’s companies, saying, “The simplest method to conserve funds in our budget, saving billions, is to eliminate Elon’s governmental subsidies and contracts.”
He added, “Look, Elon and I had a wonderful relationship. I’m not sure if that will remain.”
Musk fired back on X, accusing Trump of being named in the Epstein files calling Trump.
He called Trump “ungrateful” and claimed, “Without me, Trump would have lost the election.”
Elon Musk Believes Donald Trump Should be Impeached
Musk also backed a post calling for Trump’s impeachment, replying simply, “Yes.”
The tech mogul didn’t stop there. He blasted Trump’s latest spending bill as a “repugnant monstrosity” and added, “Shame on those who supported it: you know you were wrong.”
Trump responded by accusing Musk of losing it after being shown the door at the White House. “I rescinded his EV mandate that compelled everyone to purchase electric vehicles that nobody else wanted…and he simply went CRAZY,” Trump posted.
Musk briefly threatened to shut down SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft in retaliation but later walked it back.
The feud has spilled across their respective platforms—Trump’s Truth Social and Musk’s X—turning into a digital slugfest that’s drawn widespread attention and memes, including jokes about who gets “custody of Kanye” in the breakup.
Kanye West, who once referred to himself, Trump and Musk as “immortals” in a since-deleted April 2025 post, has now found himself awkwardly in the middle of their political divorce.
50 Cent rushed to Instagram Thursday (June 5) after speculation swirled that his ex, Daphne Joy, may be the anonymous “Jane Doe” who testified against Sean “Diddy” Combs in his ongoing federal criminal trial.
The rapper-turned-mogul posted a photo holding his son with Joy, captioned simply: “WTF!”
The timing of the post—just hours after Jane took the stand—sent social media into overdrive. Many interpreted it as a reaction to the possibility that Joy was the woman describing disturbing allegations against Diddy.
On Thursday (June 5), the woman identified in court only as “Jane” became the third alleged victim to testify against Sean “Diddy” Combs. She told jurors she began dating Combs in 2021.
Jane Doe Claims Diddy Had Tense Relationship With Her Ex
Jane also testified that before dating Combs, she had been involved with a man who had a tense history with him.
That detail led many online to assume she was referring to 50 Cent, who has had a long-standing feud with Diddy.
Jane described being flown to Miami regularly, receiving gifts and cash, and being asked to wear lingerie. She said Combs gave her $10,000 during a trip to Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas.
But the relationship, she said, took a dark turn during what Combs called their first “freak-off” or “hotel night.”
Jane testified that Combs arranged for her to have sex with a male escort while he watched and masturbated. She said she initially felt “excited” but later realized the experience “opened a Pandora’s box.”
According to Jane, that night “set the tone” for the rest of their relationship, which she said became dominated by drug-fueled group sex sessions that Combs orchestrated and sometimes filmed.
She said she felt compelled to participate because of her financial dependence on him. Prosecutors allege Combs used “lies, drugs, threats, and violence to force and coerce” Jane and others into sex acts.
50 Cent’s Ex Named In Lil Rod’s Lawsuit Against Diddy
The speculation around Joy’s identity comes after her name surfaced in producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones’ lawsuit against Diddy, which accused her of being involved in sex work. At the time, 50 Cent mocked her online.
In response, Joy accused 50 Cent of “raping me and physically abusing me.” He denied the claims and filed a defamation suit, which he later dropped after Joy deleted her post.
50 Cent also moved to gain full custody of their son following the allegations.
Earlier this week, 50 Cent referred to Joy as “pee pee mouth” in an Instagram post reacting to Cam’ron mentioning her on a podcast.
“Well here come the b#######, don’t kiss my boy Pee Pee Mouth,” he wrote.
Lil Wayne delivered his long-awaited Tha Carter VI on Friday (June 6), unleashing a 19-track album packed with unexpected collaborations.
The project marks Wayne’s first solo release since 2020’s Funeral and continues the legacy of his Carter series, which has consistently topped the Billboard 200.
One of the album’s standout tracks, “Maria,” features Bocelli singing “Ave Maria” alongside Wyclef Jean.
According to Wyclef, he flew to Italy to personally ask Bocelli for permission to sample him. After learning about Wayne’s childhood trauma and surviving a self-inflicted gunshot at age 12, Bocelli chose to record the part himself. Wyclef told Rolling Stone, “It’s one of them records that I feel is going to stop time.”
Wayne’s sons Kameron Carter and Lil Novi make an appearance on “Rari” and “Mula Komin In,” respectively.
Despite swirling rumors, Drake and Nicki Minaj are nowhere to be found on the tracklist, leaving many listeners disappointed.
The only single released ahead of the album, “The Days” featuring Bono, premiered during NBA Finals coverage, keeping the rollout relatively quiet.
👤LIL WAYNE👤 👤BONO👤
💿THE DAYS💿
▫️THE CARTER VI SINGLE PREMIERED FOR THE NBA FINALS ▫️
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) June 5, 2025
Lil Wayne Reveals Approach To “That Carter VI”
Wayne explained his creative process in a Rolling Stone interview, saying, “If there’s one thing about this album that’s different, it’s me approaching it like, ‘Man, what would I sound like on something with such and such?’ ”
The album’s eclectic mix includes “Sharks” with Big Sean and Jelly Roll, “Cotton Candy” with 2 Chainz, and “Alone In The Studio With My Gun” featuring MGK and Kodak Black.
Longtime collaborator Mannie Fresh also returns, along with appearances by BigXThaPlug, Jay Jones, Lil Novi and more.
Wyclef summed up the energy in the studio: “Leaving Wyclef Jean and Lil Wayne in a studio for 24 hours is a dangerous thing. You don’t know what’s going to pop out.”
While some listeners praised the album’s range and Wayne’s evolving sound, others weren’t as impressed, calling the project “mid” and longing for the classic Carter feel.
Meanwhile, Tha Carter VI Tour will kick off Friday (June 6) at Madison Square Garden. The trek continues in July and hits 34 cities across North America.
