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Uncle Luke Says He Paid $2.7M Child Support For Kids Who “Hate” Him

Uncle Luke used a Mother’s Day Instagram Live to vent about child support and family estrangement, claiming his children were alienated from him due to influence from their mothers.

On Sunday (May 11), the 2 Live Crew frontman claimed he’s paid millions in child support for his five children — and says that number doesn’t even include legal fees. 

“That’s $2.7 million in child support,” he declared. “Yes, that is what I paid. Now I got the numbers, ’cause I never added it up. And that’s not including paying the attorney’s fees, so it’s well over $3 million. Because you’ve got to pay the other side’s attorneys’ fees.”

Despite the financial commitment, Campbell said he feels alienated from his children, blaming their mothers for turning them against him. 

“They would not dare call me and say ‘Happy Father’s Day’ because the m############ turned them against me,” he said. Which is okay. God has a way of teaching people.”

He also questioned the resentment he feels from his kids, saying, “everybody mad at me,” before adding that he’s even suggested they drop his last name. 

“I tell all my kids, if you hate me that much, change your last name,” Luke added. “Nobody wants to do that.”

Campbell’s child support history has had legal consequences. In 2019, he was arrested for allegedly falling behind on payments totaling more than $10,000.

Still, Campbell’s influence in Miami remains undeniable. Earlier this month, the City of Miami officially renamed a stretch of Northwest 11th Avenue and Northwest 58th Street in Liberty City as “Luther Campbell Way.” 

A Miami native and Hip-Hop trailblazer, Campbell helped shape the genre’s Southern sound and famously fought legal battles over artistic expression. 

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Tory Lanez Stabbed In Prison Yard

Tory Lanez was stabbed Monday morning (May 12) in the yard at California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi during an altercation with another inmate, according to prison officials.

The 31-year-old rapper was taken by ambulance to a hospital in Bakersfield for treatment. His injuries were described as non-life-threatening.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and the identity of the other inmate involved hasn’t been released. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is investigating the incident.

Lanez is currently serving a 10-year sentence without the possibility of parole after being convicted in 2022 of three felony charges tied to the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion.

The charges included assault with a semi-automatic firearm, carrying a loaded unregistered firearm in a vehicle and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.

The shooting took place in July 2020 following a party at Kylie Jenner’s home in Los Angeles. Megan Thee Stallion, whose real name is Megan Pete, testified that Lanez shot her in the foot after an argument in a vehicle.

Tory Lanez has repeatedly claimed he was wrongfully convicted and has maintained his innocence since the trial He was sentenced in August 2023 and has been housed at the Tehachapi facility since then.

Tory Lanez’s condition was stable as of Monday afternoon.

Gold Streets, Cold Flows: Dubai’s Magnetic Pull on Hip-Hop Elites

In hip-hop, luxury has always been more than aesthetics. It’s a symbol of the grind, the glow-up, and the global reach. No city reflects that better right now than Dubai. Once just a name in a Rick Ross lyric, Dubai has evolved into the real-life backdrop for rap’s elite. Now, it is a place where cold flows meet gold streets, and where the flex is as real as the hustle. From hype yacht parties to music video locations that look like sci-fi movies, this city in the desert has become a second home to stars like Travis Scott, Wiz Khalifa, and Central Cee. But Dubai isn’t just a place to pull up, it’s a place to level up.

Yachts, Views and Verses

A yacht ride Dubai is different from anything else you have experienced so far. We’re not talking about a quick boat cruise, we’re talking full-blown floating studios with DJs, drone cameras, crystal-clear water, and billion-dollar skylines in the background.

For rappers who built careers on ambition, being on a yacht off Dubai Marina feels like arriving and documenting that moment is part of the message. It’s no surprise that more music videos and social content are being shot on the water here than ever before.

But even off-camera, this kind of experience is about energy. It’s about celebrating success, writing new bars on the fly, and catching a new kind of inspiration, the kind that only comes when you’re drifting past Ain Dubai in a 100-foot yacht.

From the Studio to the Streets: Supercar Culture

In a city where the parking lots look like car shows, it’s only right that hip-hop’s love for fast whips finds a new home.

Whether it’s a Rolls-Royce Cullinan with backward-opening doors or a neon-wrapped Lambo, rent a car UAE options put every fantasy ride at your fingertips. And artists aren’t just posing with them, they’re riding through the desert with the top down, blasting unreleased tracks on the way to rooftop parties.

It’s more than status. In Dubai, the car is the entrance, the energy, the way you let the city know who you are. And if you’re shooting content? Nothing hits like a Ferrari in front of the Burj Khalifa.

The Business Behind the Flex

Let’s talk facts: Dubai isn’t just for the drip. It’s a strategic power move.

No income tax. Massive brand partnership opportunities. High-level networking with tech execs, international investors, and fashion players. For artists thinking beyond streams, building brands, launching products, and touring globally, Dubai is where culture and commerce collide.

That’s why artists are setting up meetings between yacht sets, working on collabs between late-night studio sessions and desert photo shoots. It’s a work-hard, flex-harder city that rewards vision and hustle.

Culture Crossroads: Hip-Hop Goes Global

Events like Sole DXB have become touchstones for international hip-hop. Mixing streetwear, sneaker culture, music, and art, it’s where East meets West and where connections go from Instagram to IRL fast.

But even outside of festivals, the vibe in Dubai is shifting. Artists from Africa, Europe, and the U.S. are linking up, recording together, and pushing the genre into new sounds and stories. The city has become a meeting point for global voices, and hip-hop is thriving in the mix.

Conclusion: Dubai Isn’t a Trend — It’s a Movement

This isn’t just about flashy cars and skyline shots (though there’s plenty of that too). Dubai has become hip-hop’s latest empire, not just for what it looks like, but for what it makes possible. It’s a reminder that the culture is constantly evolving and always looking forward. And right now, the future of hip-hop is riding yachts, cruising in Lambos, closing deals, and building dreams in the heart of the UAE. So, whether you’re sipping champagne on a yacht ride in Dubai, or ghost-riding through the dunes with your favorite track blasting from a rented car in the UAE luxury whip, just know: Dubai isn’t the background, it’s the main stage.

Diddy’s Defense Labels Him Deviant—Not A Criminal

Diddy faced explosive allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering in a packed federal courtroom Monday as his defense attorney pushed back hard against the government’s claims, arguing the Hip-Hop mogul’s relationships were messy but mutual.

Attorney Teny Geragos told jurors that the women accusing Diddy of abuse were not victims of a criminal enterprise but adults who made their own choices in emotionally charged, sometimes volatile relationships.

“Sean Combs had a bit of a different sex life,” Geragos said during opening statements. “The alleged victims were all getting something from him. They are adults. They too must take on responsibility for their lives, as he does for his. A free choice has pros and cons.”

Diddy is facing five federal charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering and transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution.

He has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody following his arrest in September 2024.

Prosecutors allege Diddy used his fame and fortune to manipulate and exploit women for over two decades, citing incidents dating back to the 1990s involving blackmail, violence and coercion.

They claim he led a criminal network through his businesses and employees to facilitate and conceal crimes, including forced labor, kidnapping and obstruction of justice.

But Geragos painted a different picture, focusing on Diddy’s long-term relationships with women like Cassie Ventura and the late Kim Porter, arguing that jealousy, infidelity and substance use—not criminal intent—fueled the drama.

“They remained in multi-year relationships with him. These women were in love with him. Infidelity and jealousy drove the violence. Alcohol and drugs drove things. But he is not a racketeer,” Geragos said. “This case is about his relationships with Cassie and Jane.”

Jurors are expected to see hotel surveillance footage from 2016 showing Diddy allegedly assaulting Cassie. Geragos acknowledged the video but insisted it doesn’t prove sex trafficking.

“The video is not evidence of sex trafficking,” she said. “Cassie walked out of the hotel room with two bags. Combs comes down wearing only a towel. He stomps her and drags her by her hoodie. He comes back around—to get a phone.”

Geragos emphasized that Cassie stayed with Diddy for two more years after the incident, even flying to Georgia in 2018 to support him after Porter’s death from pneumonia.

“She wanted to be Combs’ wife, the love of his life. She spent 11 years trying to get that,” Geragos said. “Cassie had a choice every single day to stay with him. That was her better choice. Until she broke up with him. She was not coerced.”

Geragos also addressed Diddy’s relationship with “Jane,” another accuser, saying she willingly participated in their sexual encounters and continued to see him even after their relationship soured.

“In 2020, with Jane, Combs was more upfront. He told her he was dating other women. She was still jealous,” Geragos said. “Jane did it for the cuddle. She wanted to make him happy. She was unable to resist him emotionally.”

Geragos told jurors they would hear about swinger parties and sexual preferences that may make them uncomfortable, but warned them not to confuse lifestyle with criminal behavior.

“You may not like that. But you are not here to judge him for his sexual preferences,” she said.

The trial, which began May 12, is expected to last up to two months and will feature testimony from multiple accusers and former employees.

Diddy Trial: Prosecutors Claim Escort Urinated In Cassie Ventura’s Mouth

Diddy allegedly forced an escort to urinate in Cassie Ventura’s mouth until she choked during one of his so-called “Freak-Off” sex parties, federal prosecutors told a New York jury Monday (May 12) as opening arguments began in the music mogul’s sex trafficking trial.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson laid out disturbing claims against the 55-year-old music executive, accusing him of running a criminal operation that used threats, drugs and violence to control and exploit women for decades.

“This was criminal. He coerced and even used violence,” Johnson told jurors. “We will show that the defendant used lies, drugs, threats and violence to force them to have sex with him in front of male escorts.”

The trial centers on five felony charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering and transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution.

Diddy has pleaded not guilty and remains in federal custody following his arrest last September.

Prosecutors say Diddy used his wealth and celebrity status to trap women in abusive relationships, often under the guise of romantic involvement.

The government’s case focuses heavily on two women: singer Cassie Ventura and a woman identified only as Jane.

According to Johnson, Ventura was just 19 when she began dating Diddy. Though she had a hit song, Johnson said Diddy “made her turn down many opportunities” and ultimately controlled her music career.

“There was never another album,” Johnson said.

The prosecution described a pattern of escalating abuse. Johnson said Diddy once “stomped on Cassie’s face in an SUV” and forced her to stay in a hotel for a week to hide her injuries.

He allegedly beat her for taking too long in the bathroom and dragged her by the hair back into hotel rooms where sex parties were held.

“He set up freak-offs as often as once a week,” Johnson said. “The defendant made an escort urinate in her mouth.” Ventura, the prosecutor said, was left choking.

Johnson told the jury that Diddy’s staff played a key role in arranging these events, booking flights, cars and hotel rooms and preparing spaces with lighting, lubricant and drugs.

“Staff came in with cash to pay the escorts, and drugs,” Johnson said The parties, referred to as “Freak-Offs,” “Wild King Nights” or “Hotel Nights,” were allegedly orchestrated by Diddy down to the smallest detail.

“He made them take MDMA or Molly, and Ecstasy,” Johnson said. “It made them sick but also sexually aroused. He directed every step—he expected the women to appear to enjoy themselves.”

Another alleged victim, Jane, was a single mother who began seeing Combs in 2020. Johnson said she initially believed she was entering a real relationship, but was quickly pulled into the same cycle of abuse.

“He took her to a hotel where an escort was on the way. He directed her step by step,” Johnson said.

Jane reportedly asked that escorts use condoms, but Combs refused. She tried to avoid using drugs but eventually gave in.

“The first time, she broke down and took Ecstasy to finish. Another time, she vomited, but he said, Go do it again,” Johnson told the court.

Diddy allegedly used recordings of these encounters to blackmail the women.

“He told her he could destroy her career by releasing video,” Johnson said of Ventura. “Her safety depended on keeping him happy.”

Diddy faces a minimum of 15 years to life in prison if convicted on all counts.

That Mexican OT Laughs Off Brutal Bull Attack At Texas Rodeo

That Mexican OT took a hit and kept it moving after getting rammed twice by a bull during a wild rodeo stunt at Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, just days after dropping his new single “Baby Mad at Me” with Lil Wayne.

The 26-year-old Hip-Hop sensation was part of a promotional appearance tied to the track’s release when he entered the arena and got more than he bargained for on Sunday (May 11). 

Video from the event shows him getting struck in the torso, thrown to the dirt, and then hit again as a bullfighter tried to step in.

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Another clip shows That Mexican OT pulling off a gutsy move with the bull and a bullfighter before things went sideways. 

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The footage quickly spread online, with social media users cracking jokes at the rapper’s expense. 

One person wrote, “First rapper to fight a bull, call Soulja boy,” while another added, “OT is f###### tank he wasn’t a bit fazed by that bull.” A third chimed in with a Texas-themed punchline: “B#### I’m from Texas, where we get hit by Bulls in Solar Plexus.”

That Mexican OT Shows Off His Bull Fight Battle Scars

Despite the rough encounter, That Mexican OT seemed unfazed. He posted a photo of a massive bruise on Instagram Stories with the caption, “Felt good.” 

Instagram/That Mexican OT

He even leaned into the chaos by tweaking his single’s artwork to read “Bull Mad at Me.”

The original track, “Baby Mad at Me,” dropped last week and features a guest verse and guitar solo from Lil Wayne. 

Meanwhile, back in March, the rapper received a hometown honor in Bay City, Texas with the declaration of “That Mexican OT Day.”

Mayor Robert K. Nelson officially signed the proclamation, applauding That Mexican OT for his “exceptional talent,” rising prominence in the music industry, and his role in “putting Bay City on the map.”

Met Gala’s Theme Was Tailoring Black Style—So Why Did The Red Carpet Look So Basic?

When I first heard the 2025 Met Gala theme—“Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”—paired with the dress code “Tailored for You,” I was genuinely excited.

It felt like the perfect moment to honor the legacy, artistry and cultural weight of Black style. I expected bold, personal interpretations: custom cuts, rich fabrics and nods to historical silhouettes all infused with cultural meaning.

But as the looks rolled out, that excitement quickly faded. Too many attendees played it safe or missed the theme entirely, offering up generic red carpet glam instead of engaging with such a rich and specific concept.

The theme celebrated the legacy of Black dandyism and the way Black individuals have historically used tailored fashion as self-expression, resistance, and cultural identity. Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s Slaves to Fashion, the accompanying exhibition traced Black style from the 18th century to today, spotlighting its global impact on fashion history.

That said, some of my favorite looks came from those who fully embraced the theme in creative and unexpected ways.

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Alton Mason and Teyana Taylor were standouts. Alton wore custom BOSS inspired by JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure—one of my favorite animes—channeling Giorno Giovanna’s signature style with an Afro-futuristic twist and a silver eye patch that paid homage to Slick Rick. Shaboozey also nailed it in custom Robert Wun, with turquoise grills, a beaded outfit, a slanted hat, and a cropped jacket that brought a fresh, expressive energy to the carpet.

Among the women, Teyana Taylor, Jodie Turner-Smith, Nicki Minaj and Janelle Monáe completely stole the show.

  • Teyana exuded “pimp royalty” in crimson Marc Jacobs, topped with a bold red hat.
  • Jodie served up a chocolate-toned, equestrian-inspired Burberry look that gave luxury Willy Wonka.
  • Nicki stunned in a custom Thom Browne deconstructed pinstripe suit-dress with an asymmetrical cocoon jacket—easily one of her best Met Gala moments.
  • And Janelle finally hit the sweet spot between quirky and couture with her blocky, architectural ensemble by Thom Browne x Paul Tazewell. It was daring, thoughtful, and totally her.

Unfortunately, not everyone brought the same level of imagination.

Zendaya—usually a Met Gala icon—showed up in custom white Louis Vuitton by Pharrell. It wasn’t a bad look, but it felt surprisingly safe from someone known for ethereal, show-stopping moments. This time, she seemed to be coasting rather than commanding the carpet.

Megan Thee Stallion’s Michael Kors ensemble, a white faux fox opera coat and high-slit dress, gave off senior prom vibes. Her hair was the best part, but overall, the look didn’t land for me.

Some attendees completely missed the theme:

  • Sydney Sweeney’s custom Miu Miu failed to connect in any meaningful way.
  • Sabrina Carpenter’s brown Louis Vuitton bodysuit looked like a recycled outfit from her Short N’ Sweet tour.
  • Joe Burrow arrived in a basic navy suit and Elvis-style curls that felt wildly off-theme—more Halloween costume than haute couture.

Given how deeply Black culture and fashion were at the heart of this year’s theme, it was disappointing to see so many non-Black attendees avoid taking risks. Whether due to fear of critique or a lack of cultural understanding, the result was a red carpet that too often fell flat. For a night meant to celebrate Black style in all its tailored brilliance, the missed opportunities were loud—and so was the silence from those who didn’t even try.

Despite the lack of creativity from many attendees, I genuinely appreciated the theme itself.

“Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” offered a rich, nuanced lens through which to explore fashion, culture, and history. And for those who leaned into it, the results were both memorable and meaningful.

While not everyone rose to the occasion, the theme sparked important conversations and celebrated a legacy that deserved the spotlight. I hope future Met Galas continue to embrace concepts this bold and rooted in cultural significance.

Dual Diagnosis Releases Lyric Video for “Thrice As Hard”

Dual Diagnosis, the underground horror-core hip-hop force led by frontman MAD Mike, has unveiled a powerful new lyric video for “Thrice As Hard,” offering fans an early glimpse into their upcoming album Root of All Evil, dropping June 13, 2025. Known for their genre-blending mix of horror-core rap and rock-infused beats, Dual Diagnosis brings unfiltered emotion and raw energy to every release, and this latest track is no exception.

The official lyric video is out now — watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izLr1nPvdWQ. It sets the tone for the project’s dark yet redemptive energy, pairing stylized visuals with MAD Mike’s intense delivery and soul-baring lyrics.

“‘Thrice As Hard’ is about the brutal process of unlearning toxic patterns and doing the inner work it takes to heal,” says MAD Mike. “It’s not a clean or easy path. You have to fight for it, sometimes three times as hard as anyone else.”

The single itself will officially land on streaming platforms on May 23, following the early release of the lyric video.

Root of All Evil is Dual Diagnosis’s most personal and collaborative album to date. Every track features a guest artist, with appearances from underground heavyweights like Merkules, Termanology, Mr. Hyde, NEMS, Lex The Hex Master, and The R.O.C. Production is helmed by C-Lance and The Arcitype, with mixing and mastering by Albert Charlemagne at The Brooklyn Dragon’s Lair.

An exciting run of singles and another visualizer are coming very soon, leading up to the full album launch in June.

More than just a horror-core release, “Thrice As Hard” is a cathartic anthem for those doing the hard, often hidden work of healing. It’s a fierce introduction to a project that aims to break cycles, and sound barriers.

Dual Diagnosis is represented by MN2S.

Diddy’s Family Put On United Front On Day One Of Trial

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ family packed into a Manhattan courthouse Monday morning (May 12) as jury selection and opening arguments kicked off in his federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial, drawing a crush of media and onlookers that wrapped around the block.

The Hip-Hop mogul’s mother, Janice Combs, led the tight-knit group. Daughters Chance, D’Lila Star, and Jessie James linked arms with brother  Christian as they made their way into court behind Quincy Brown and Justin. 

The family’s presence marked a show of unity as the 54-year-old faces five felony charges that could land him behind bars for life.

Diddy’s legal team arrived early in the courthouse but declined to say whether he would testify. 

The trial is expected to stretch over eight weeks, with prosecutors laying out more than two decades of allegations.

Federal prosecutors accuse Diddy, born Sean Combs, of running a criminal enterprise that used his entertainment empire to lure women—and at times men—into drug-fueled sexual encounters dubbed “Freak Offs.” 

The charges include racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by coercion and two counts related to transporting individuals for prostitution.

Diddy has pleaded not guilty and remains in federal custody after multiple bail requests were denied. 

His defense team argues the encounters were consensual and that the accusers are motivated by money and revenge. 

They plan to challenge the credibility of witnesses, including at least three women and several former employees expected to testify.

Outside the courthouse, the scene was chaotic. 

Some spectators had camped out since Sunday afternoon, hoping to glimpse the high-profile proceedings. 

Reporters, photographers and court sketch artists jostled for position as the trial began.

Opening statements are scheduled to begin following the completion of jury selection on Monday.

Rapper LGP QUA Killed In Philly On Mother’s Day —Meek Mill Leads Tributes

Rapper LGP QUA was gunned down on Mother’s Day in Philadelphia’s Juniata Park neighborhood, a fatal shooting that ended the life of the 30-year-old known for sharing a positive community-driven message in his viral freestyles.

QUA, born Qidere Johnson, was shot in the chest just before 4:40 p.m. local time on Sunday (May 11) along the 1400 block of East Luzerne Street, according to ABC 6 Action News

He was rushed to a nearby hospital but didn’t survive.

A spokesperson confirmed his death as tributes poured in across social media, with fellow artists and supporters mourning the loss of a voice many considered vital to the city’s rap scene.

Known as “the Voice of the Youth,” QUA built a following with his viral rhymes addressing social injustice and inner-city struggles. He earned respect for using his platform to speak on real issues.

Rappers Pay Tribute To LGP QUA

Fellow Philly rapper Meek Mill reacted to the news on Instagram Stories, posting a clip of one of QUA’s freestyles with a call to action.

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Meek Mill wrote, “Killing ambitious young bulls like this on Mother’s Day is a Philly type of thing smfh. s### will make you different !!!!!!! Prayers to you family & let’s collect some of them guns s### sad out there!!”

Other rap figures also shared their grief on LGP QUA’s Instagram page. Swizz Beatz wrote, “S### wack man rest up King.” 

DJ Kid Capri added, “I am so hurt behind this, Wow, I can’t believe it, on Mother’s Day too, imagine what his mother is going through…so bad!” 

Rapper Dee-1 echoed the sentiment, saying, “This is so heartbreaking. I’m praying for Philly and praying for this young brother’s family. We gotta do better.”

Police have yet to announce any arrests or suspects in the case.

LGP QUA’s final Instagram posts have since become a digital memorial, with hundreds commenting and sharing clips of his freestyles in remembrance.

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Boosie Badazz Unveils First Baby Photos After Losing Federal Appeal

Boosie Badazz introduced his newborn daughter to the world just hours after revealing he lost his federal gun charges appeal, saying, “I need something to smile about.”

On Sunday, the Louisiana rapper posted the first public photos of his daughter, Sevyn Emerald Hatch, on Instagram (May 11).

He called himself a “#prouddaddy” and tagged the post with “#SEVYNEMERALDHATCH” and “#daddysgirl.”

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Boosie and his fiancée Rajel Nelson welcomed baby Sevyn on April 23. She is the couple’s first child together and Boosie’s ninth overall. His children come from seven different mothers.

Before sharing the baby photos, Boosie broke the news that his legal fight over a 2023 federal gun case had taken a turn for the worse. 

“I lost my battle in court,” he said in an emotional video. “They won their appeal, you know my case had got dropped. They won their appeal. So now I’m going to be fighting these people again.”

Despite the legal setback, Boosie said he was staying positive. 

“I got my faith up,” he added. “I’m finna post my baby. I need something to smile about.”

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Police arrested Boosie in June 2023 in San Diego after spotting a firearm tucked into his waistband during an Instagram Live session while filming a music video. Authorities charged him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and transporting guns across state lines.

He pleaded not guilty and was released on a $100,000 bond. In July 2024, a federal judge tossed the charges after ruling the law used against him was unconstitutional when applied to non-violent offenders. But prosecutors quickly refiled, hitting him with two new counts: being a felon in possession of a firearm in interstate commerce and knowingly possessing a firearm while dealing with substance abuse issues.

If convicted, Boosie could face up to 10 years in prison. 

While dealing with the legal fallout, Boosie was honored on May 10 with two honorary doctorate degrees in music from Kingdom Heritage University in Saint Petersburg, Florida, for his contributions to Hip-Hop and songwriting.

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50 Cent Shuts Down Gang Ties Amid Bang Em Smurf’s U.K. Asylum Plea

50 Cent slammed any suggestion of gang affiliation Sunday after a British tabloid linked him to former G-Unit member Bang Em Smurf, who is now seeking asylum in the United Kingdom.

The Hip-Hop and entertainment mogul posted a screenshot from The Sun on Instagram, showing Smurf—real name Daniel Calliste—who reportedly landed in the U.K. earlier this year, claiming he needed “safety from gangs” in his native Trinidad.

While his asylum request is under review, Smurf is reportedly staying in a government-funded hotel, a detail that’s stirred controversy amid the U.K.’s tightening immigration policies.

50 Cent wasted no time separating himself from the situation, claiming he hadn’t spoken to Bang Em Surf in 23 years.

“I hate that my name is attached to this,” he wrote on Sunday (May 11), adding “I in no way have any association or connection to gangs. I AM NOT GANG GANG!”

He capped off the post with a jab, “And to you tuff guys HAPPY MOTHERS DAY.”

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Smurf, who was deported to Trinidad from the United States after serving time for his role in a shootout, has recently popped up on U.K. podcasts and even posed with British aristocrats at the Houses of Parliament.

Instagram/Bang Em Smurf

Once a G-Unit affiliate, Smurf’s relationship with 50 Cent soured decades ago, leading to a long-standing public feud.

Their falling out has been well-documented, but this latest headline dragged 50’s name back into the mix—something he clearly wasn’t thrilled about.

Lil Wayne’s Relationship Drama Explodes On Mother’s Day—Ex Makes Abuse Claims

Lil Wayne’s longtime partner, Denise Bidot, says the Young Money rapper forced her and her daughter out of their shared home on Mother’s Day while she was still healing from surgery. She also claims he physically assaulted her during their relationship.

Bidot, a plus-size model who recently made her debut in the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, took to social media Sunday (May 11) to detail what she described as a painful and humiliating breakup.

“Wayne literally kicked me and my daughter out on Mother’s Day today,” she said. “And I am just recovering from surgery. I am 5 weeks out from a full mommy makeover. I can’t even lift boxes. But this man has his assistants and people coming to help kick us out today.”

Bidot also claimed that the Grammy Award-winning artist had ended their relationship via text message on the same day, adding, “He broke up with me on Mother’s Day through text.”

The couple, who began dating publicly in June 2020 after Lil Wayne’s split from model La’Tecia Thomas, had kept their relationship mostly private.

Though rumors of a breakup surfaced in early 2021, speculation of a possible engagement followed after Lil Wayne tweeted about “the beginning of our forever.” He later clarified they were not married.

Bidot said she was preparing to travel to New York this week for press events related to Sports Illustrated when the incident occurred.

“I leave to New York this week for all the Sports Illustrated press,” she said. In the same video, she accused the rapper of more than emotional mistreatment.

“Like these men really be taking advantage,” she said. “And it’s not just the emotional abuse. Like this man has actually laid a hand on me, and I took it. You know what’s crazy is they always say like we’re so stupid for love. And I thought it was like a mistake. But like I know other women he’s put his hands on.”

Bidot didn’t specify dates or further details about the alleged physical abuse but asked viewers for legal advice.

“Like if y’all got lawyer recommendations, please send them,” she said.

Lil Wayne has not publicly responded to the accusations.

Doechii Planning “Hard Conversations” For Next Album – Here’s What She Said

Doechii pushed back against being boxed in as the “intellectual” choice in Hip-Hop and hinted at bold themes in her next album during a recent Cosmopolitan interview.

The Grammy-winning rapper addressed how she’s often categorized in contrast to other women in the genre.

“I wouldn’t agree with that perspective,” she said. “I’ve seen people describe me as ‘the female that,’ ‘she’s intellectual,’ ‘she’s hard,’ and ‘she’s scarin’ hos.'”

Known for tackling mental health, sobriety and emotional vulnerability in her lyrics, the “Anxiety” artist said she believes people are still trying to make sense of her identity as a performer.

“I think what’s happening is people are trying to understand who I am as an artist, but they’re doing it in comparison to other artists, which I don’t think is necessary to interpret art at all,” she told the magazine.

Doechii said she’s not interested in being defined by comparisons or surface-level labels. Instead, she plans to use her next project to spark deeper dialogue.

“On my next project, I plan on having conversations,” she said. “They might be hard for some people to have, but I think I want to bring up a dialogue about topics that might be hard for people to hear.”

She kept things vague when asked to elaborate on what those topics might be.

“I don’t want to give them away. But we’re going to have a conversation on the album,” she said.

Spike Lee Claims Donald Trump-Era Hollywood Would Reject “Malcolm X”

Spike Lee didn’t hold back when asked whether his 1992 film Malcolm X could be produced in today’s political and economic climate, pointing straight at the influence of Trump-era Hollywood gatekeepers.

“I don’t like to get into what-ifs, but a lot of these people [who own movie studios] were at the [Trump] inauguration,” Lee told The Hollywood Reporter. “I’m not naming names, but it is not an exaggeration to say that [Malcolm X] cannot be made today with where we are in this world.”

The Oscar-winning director, known for tackling race, injustice and power in America, said the current environment is too hostile for a film like Malcolm X to find support.

He suggested that the political leanings of studio executives have shifted since the early ’90s, making it harder for bold, socially conscious films to get greenlit.

Spike Lee On Freedom Of Speech Under Trump

When asked if he’s concerned about his freedom of speech as Donald Trump continues to target critics, Lee responded with a mix of defiance and historical perspective.

“Have you seen what De Niro said about him?” Lee said. “I’m a child of the ’70s, and I think the history of this country is artists. The Vietnam War, the songs, the movies. Black, white, brown people stood up against a war that was wrong. Jackson State. Kent State. The Democratic Convention, Chicago, and those cops going crazy cracking heads. And they were saying, ‘The whole world is watching.’ But it is a shock. We haven’t seen this exactly. I mean before, I mean not even Nixon did the stuff this guy is doing.”

Lee, a tenured professor at NYU, also shared how the political climate is affecting students, especially international ones.

“Before spring break, the [school] administration sent an email, ‘Don’t go away for spring break.’ It’s scary,” he said. “I mean, if you are an international student, clean record, and you see what’s happening in the world. This is the year of living dangerously.”

Rick Ross Baby Mama Denies Freakoff With Rapper DDG On Boat

Rick Ross’ child’s mother, Tia Kemp, spent her Mother’s Day weekend shutting down rumors that she was involved in a sexual encounter with rapper DDG.

She went viral after a video showed the pair aboard a boat, where she captured her moaning during the outing, which was streamed via DDG’s Twitch.

The video, which circulated widely on TikTok and other platforms, showed Kemp leaning over the side of a Contender boat — a high-speed fishing vessel known for its open deck and center console — while making audible noises that some viewers interpreted as sexual.

But Kemp, who shares a son with Ross, made it clear she wasn’t getting intimate with anyone — she was throwing up.

“I don’t know who the f### done clip-farmed me off of DDG Twitch, got me moaning. B####, I was throwing up. It ain’t even no bathroom on that m############ boat,” Kemp said in a profanity-laced video response. “B####, we was on a g###### contender with a center console, hoe.”

Clip farming refers to taking short, often misleading snippets from longer videos, usually livestreams and reposting them out of context to drive views and engagement.

Tia Kemp said the boat trip included her son, DDG, the boat captain, security, and a film crew.

“If you think I was on a boat f###### a young n####, you’re out your m############ mind, goofball b######,” she said. “B####, you heard me throwing up. That’s where the f### I was over, hanging over the boat.”

She added that someone even complimented her appearance while she was vomiting.

“If it sound like I was f######, b####, they even told me I was pretty throwing up. So, b####, I might have sound like I was f######, but b####, I was hurling.”

Tia Kemp and DDG were caught on video riding a speedboat in Miami, getting soaked by waves and further fueling speculation online.

Despite the online uproar, Kemp stressed that the outing was innocent and involved multiple people, not a private getaway.

Check out the full 3 hour stream below:

Excerpt:

Denzel Washington’s “Othello” Breaks Records & Gets Zero Tony Nominations

Denzel Washington is at the center of Broadway buzz and Tony Award controversy after his performance in Othello was ignored by voters despite the production smashing box office records.

The revival of Shakespeare’s Othello, featuring Jake Gyllenhaal, raked in a staggering $2.8 million in a single week — the highest weekly gross ever for a Broadway play.

But when Tony nominations were announced earlier this month, the show didn’t receive a single nod, leaving many scratching their heads.

During a press event earlier this week, Pauletta Washington, Denzel’s wife and an actress, didn’t hold back when asked about the snub.

“Now see, that’s not something you want to ask me,” she said with a laugh. “I can’t say that I was surprised that they didn’t.”

She went on to suggest that the lack of recognition wasn’t accidental.

“In my family, we’ve been through this a lot of times. A lot of times,” she said. “And I think I can speak honestly and truthfully and artistically that it was denied, you know, so you wonder why. But we don’t have to wonder why: It’s narrow-minded people that are in charge of making decisions and judgments.”

While the production drew praise for its performances and commercial success, it also faced criticism over its steep ticket prices, with some seats reportedly selling for as much as $900.

Pauletta acknowledged that the backlash over pricing may have played a role in the awards shutout.

“That’s the bottom line. And that’s a part of it. And you know that,” she said.

She also spoke about the high standards within their household, where Denzel and their four children — John David, Olivia, Katia and Malcolm — all work in the entertainment industry.

“In our family, we’re the toughest critics for each other because we are on display, so we know we have to be on the mark at all times. So the work is put in,” she said.

The Tony Awards will be held June 16 in New York City.

Boosie Fights Back Tears During Doctorate Ceremony

Boosie earned two honorary doctorate degrees in music during a ceremony at Kingdom Heritage University in Saint Petersburg, Florida, recognizing his influence in Hip-Hop and his contributions to music composition.

The rapper, whose legal name is Torrence Hatch Jr., was honored on May 10, 2025, with an honorary Ph.D. in Music Composition and a second honorary doctorate, both presented by the university for his impact on the music industry.

The event marked a rare academic acknowledgment for a figure known more for his raw lyrics and streetwise persona than scholarly accolades.

“We are here to honor you. Your pain has not been wasted. Your platform has a purpose. Your legacy is just beginning. We know your name as Lil Boosie. Heaven will now know you as Dr. Hatch,” said Bishop Dr. Michael Bates Sr. during the ceremony.

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Visibly emotional, Boosie addressed the crowd with a brief but heartfelt message.

“I just want to say thank you. I really appreciate it. I aint never been gave anything like this. So I really appreciate it,” he said, holding back tears.

Kingdom Heritage University, a faith-based institution, emphasized his journey and transformation as part of the reasoning behind the honor.

The celebration was widely shared across social media platforms, with fans and supporters congratulating the rapper-turned-doctor.

Donald Trump Set To Accept Flying Palace Worth $400M From Qatar Royal Family

President Donald Trump is preparing to accept a $400 million Boeing 747-8 from the Qatari royal family during a visit to Doha next week, marking what may be the most expensive gift ever given to a sitting U.S. president.

The aircraft—described by insiders as a “flying palace”—will serve as a temporary Air Force One during Trump’s second term before being transferred to his presidential library foundation in early 2029.

The jet, which Trump personally toured at West Palm Beach International Airport in February 2025, is being retrofitted by defense contractor L3Harris to meet presidential security standards, including encrypted communications and classified tech.

The Department of Justice reviewed the arrangement and determined it does not violate existing laws on foreign gifts, bribery, or emoluments clauses of the U.S. Constitution.  

Still, the deal has stirred debate over the ethics of accepting such a high-value item from a foreign government.

The aircraft is a significant upgrade from Trump’s current personal plane, a Boeing 757 dubbed “Trump Force One,” and comes amid his ongoing criticism of delays and ballooning costs in the official Air Force One replacement program.

The Qatari jet offers a faster, more luxurious alternative, but it lacks some of the advanced defense capabilities of the U.S. government’s fleet.

After Trump leaves office, the jet is expected to be used for private travel and potentially displayed as part of the library’s exhibits.

Drake Says Mom Guided 30 Young Men, As Rappers Celebrate Mother’s Day

Drake led a chorus of Hip-Hop stars who took to social media on May 11 to honor the women who shaped their lives, using Mother’s Day to reflect on love, sacrifice and the strength of motherhood.

The Toronto rapper praised his mother Sandra Graham in a heartfelt message, crediting her with guiding not only him but a tight-knit group of young men since the early days of his career.

“It’s solely because of your relentless dedication that we are all here in this current day life setting,” Drake wrote. “You kept 30 or so young men on the right path since 2007 and encouraged us to take care of each other which prompted us to form a new family that allowed us to become providers and bring joy and peace of mind back to the homes we all started at.”

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DrakeHe closed the tribute with, “Happy Mother’s Day from all the guys…to the kindest and most nurturing woman on earth. Forever Sandra’s Rose.”

Game, never one to hold back his emotions, penned three separate tributes to the mothers of his children.

His first message was for his longtime co-parent Aleska Jordan, whom he thanked for over two decades of unwavering support and motherhood.

“I’ve been celebrating you for 22 Mother’s Day & I don’t think I’ve ever fell short of giving you the love & appreciation you deserve,” he wrote.

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He recalled their early days as first-time parents, saying, “You were scared, I was lost & your mom wanted to kill us both the day we told her you were pregnant but look at us now.”

In another post, Game saluted Tiffney Cambridge, the mother of two of his children, calling her a “Ride Or Die” and praising her for teaching him how to be a better father.

“You are the mother that taught me how to be a better parent,” he wrote. “On the days I fall short, you pick up the slack for me & keep the ship floating & to be perfectly honest.. that ship still sails.”

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His final message went to Shaniece Hairston, the mother of his youngest child. He thanked her for embracing motherhood with grace and strength.

“Being a first time mom has its moments but you have triumphed in all areas & made motherhood your new purpose in life,” he wrote. “I am in debt for the blessing you’ve been as his mother in this short time.”

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Snoop Dogg kept it short and classic, posting, “Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers.”

Ludacris offered a more philosophical take, writing, “A Mother has to think TWICE every second of every DAY: once for herself and once for her Children. Being a Mother is the HIGHEST, HOLIEST service to MANKIND! And Your Daily service NEVER goes unnoticed.”

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T.I. honored his wife Tameka “Tiny” Harris and other maternal figures in his life.

“Happy Mother’s Day to My Beautiful \@majorgirl, and the other phenomenal mothers in my life…we’re thankful for all that you do…for us & the world. We love you to no end,” T.I. said.

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Swizz Beatz shared a message of gratitude for the women who help raise his family. “

‘The Mother is Strong. The mother is a Hero. The Mother gives Life. The Mother gives Love. Thank you to all the strong Mothers around me that help raise our amazing village,” Swizz said along with a picture of himself, his mother and his wife, Alicia Keys.

Mother’s Day gave Hip-Hop’s biggest names a moment to pause and pay tribute to the women who raised them, supported them, and continue to shape their lives.

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