Kanye West lashed out on social media after his song “Heil Hitler” was scrubbed from every major streaming platform on May 8, just hours after its release, accusing the industry of censorship and racial bias.
The track, which includes antisemitic lyrics and references to Adolf Hitler, was removed from Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud and other digital services shortly after it went live.
Kanye West took to X to express his outrage.
“‘Heil Hitler by Ye has been banned by all digital streaming platforms while ‘Rednecks’ by Randy Newman remains streamable. They’re literally keeping the n##### down,'” he posted.
Ye’s comparison to Jewish singer/songwriter Randy Newman’s 1974 song “Rednecks” added fuel to the fire.
Newman’s track, which opens his album Good Old Boys, is billed as a satirical critique of racism in America and includes the chorus “keeping the ni##ers down,” with the full lyrics, including the racial epithet, printed out on Spotify.
Ye’s song, intended as a single from Ye’s upcoming album CUCK, features the phrase “Heil Hitler” repeated in the chorus and includes the line, “I became Nazi yet-h I’m villain.”
The outro reportedly samples a speech by Adolf Hitler. The music video, posted directly to Ye’s X account, includes visual elements that echo his previous antisemitic statements.
Critics and supporters clashed online, with some defending Ye’s right to free speech and others condemning the song’s content as hateful and dangerous.
This incident follows a string of controversies involving Ye’s antisemitic remarks and merchandise, which have led to widespread condemnation and bans from several platforms.
Sean “Diddy” Combs saw his radio play nosedive and streaming numbers tumble as his sex trafficking trial kicked off in New York City, signaling a steep fall from grace for the Hip-Hop mogul once synonymous with chart-topping hits and platinum plaques.
According to Luminate data reviewed by Billboard, Diddy’s radio spins have cratered 86% year-over-year, with just 1,671 plays in the first 16 weeks of 2025 compared to 11,870 during the same stretch in 2024.
The sharp drop aligns with the lead up to his criminal trial, where prosecutors allege he ran a sprawling enterprise fueled by abuse, coercion and sexual exploitation.
While his streaming catalog hasn’t vanished, it’s taken a hit too, down nearly 45%, from 52.7 million on-demand streams in early 2024 to 29 million so far this year.
The decline in radio airplay alone could slash his publishing royalties by 6% to 9%, translating to a potential loss of around $34,300 in radio-related income.
Historically, Diddy reportedly pulled in roughly $2.4 million annually from master recordings and another $600,000 from publishing royalties between 2021 and 2023.
But the current backlash is reshaping how his music is consumed—and where.
Notably, DJs have all but stopped spinning his tracks on commercial radio, even as his longtime collaborator Notorious B.I.G. racked up more than 63,000 spins in the same period. The contrast is glaring.
The backlash follows Diddy’s September 2024 arrest on federal charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
The indictment paints a disturbing picture of a man who allegedly used his business empire to facilitate “sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice.”
Prosecutors say Diddy hosted events known as “Freak Offs,” where women were allegedly manipulated into “extended sex acts with male commercial sex workers,” sometimes under the influence of drugs to keep them “obedient and compliant.”
A superseding indictment filed in April 2025 added two more charges and expanded the timeline of alleged crimes from 2021 to 2024.
Combs now faces five criminal counts: one for racketeering conspiracy, two for sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and two for transporting individuals for prostitution.
Combs has pleaded not guilty and maintains the relationships were consensual, calling the accusers “former long-term girlfriends.”
Four women, identified as Victim-1 through Victim-4, are expected to testify.
Combs has been held without bail since his arrest and declined a plea deal before the trial began.
Pastor Jamal Bryant, leader of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, is making headlines after publicly urging Clark Atlanta University to posthumously award Tupac Shakur an honorary degree. The proposed honor is based on the claim that the late rap icon once attended the school. However, multiple biographers and Hip-Hop historians have called the statement flat-out false.
During a recent appearance on The GAUD Show podcast, Bryant declared that Shakur went to Clark Atlanta University for a semester before joining Digital Underground and launching his music career.
“I grew up with Tupac in Baltimore,” he said. “A lot of y’all out in California lying, acting like he’s from L.A. He’s from West Baltimore. He went to the Baltimore School for the Arts. What a lot of people don’t know is he went to Clark Atlanta University for a semester. I didn’t know that—I know it! He came down with us. I went to Morehouse, he went to Clark. We were at homecoming together. Digital Underground came to perform, he volunteered to be a roadie, dropped out of Clark, and that’s how he got to L.A. That’s the real story. You heard it here first!'”
The problem? According to author and journalist Jeff Pearlman, this is completely wrong.
Pearlman has spent nearly three years researching Shakur for his forthcoming book Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur. He says none of Bryant’s accounts hold up. “Literally none of that is true,” Pearlman said. “Tupac never attended Clark. He didn’t even graduate high school.”
AllHipHop contacted Pearlman to get his take on the matter.
“I can tell you, factually, he went to Atlanta to do the New Afrikan Panthers work, but he mainly spent a ton of time with a bunch of students at the Art Institute of Atlanta,” he said. “A handful of aspiring rappers lived in apartment H10 on the Lennox Woods Apartment Complex. They started a group called H10. One of the members was Steve Gibson, who would later be half Tag Team and damn the world with “Whoomp (There It Is)”. Tupac actually developed a good amount of style from those hangout sessions But he was never enrolled in college. Literally never graduated high school, so it’d have been impossible.”
Tupac Amaru Shakur was born in New York and moved to Baltimore as a teen, where he attended Roland Park Middle School, Dunbar High, and later the Baltimore School for the Arts. He relocated to Marin City, California, before his senior year and went to Tamalpais High School before dropping out. He met Digital Underground in the Bay Area, not Atlanta, as Pastor Jamal Bryant stated.
“He performed at their homecoming once. That show, by all accounts, was a disaster,” Pearlman said in an online post. “He was drunk, high, disoriented, didn’t perform his known songs, and about 70 percent of the crowd walked out. That same night, he shot two off-duty police officers in Atlanta.”
Pastor Bryant also claimed that his grandmother taught DMX how to read during the late rapper’s difficult childhood. This assertion remains unverified and has not been publicly confirmed by DMX’s family or official biographers. Our inquiries with DMX’s biographer or estate were not immediately returned.
Pearlman’s book comes out in October and said Bryant’s claims symbolize his difficulties writing the book on Tupac Shakur.
“This is one of the most frustrating parts about researching Tupac: people just invent stories. It’s been 30 years. Maybe their memories are foggy, or maybe they want attention. I don’t know what Jamal Bryant was thinking,” Pearlman said.
“People want to feel connected to greatness,” said one historian who preferred to remain anonymous, “but rewriting history does more harm than good, especially for an artist like Tupac, whose real story is powerful enough without the embellishment.”
Clark Atlanta University hasn’t responded publicly to Bryant’s call for an honorary degree.
(UPDATE) Lil Durk was reportedly denied bail again on Thursday (May 8) and will remain in custody until his trial, which is scheduled to begin on October 14. The decision comes after his legal team argued for his release, citing the prosecution’s use of song lyrics and fan-made posts as evidence.
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Lil Durk is facing deeper legal peril after a federal grand jury in Los Angeles added a new charge of stalking resulting in death to his already serious murder case, which could send the rapper to prison for life.
The updated indictment, returned on Thursday (May 1), accuses the Chicago native of playing a central role in the August 2022 killing of Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, a relative of rival rapper Quando Rondo.
His legal team had previously challenged the inclusion of his lyrics as evidence, and their removal may signal a shift in the prosecution’s strategy. Still, the government insists Lil Durk should remain in custody, arguing that he poses a threat to public safety and could flee before trial.
Prosecutors cited earlier court proceedings to support their claim that he remains a danger to witnesses and the broader community.
In response to the new charge, Lil Durk’s attorneys requested more time to prepare their reply to the court. They said they were notified of the updated indictment one day before his court date on his motion to request another attempt to make bond until his trial.
The defense asked for an extension until Tuesday (May 6) to address the new legal and factual issues raised by the stalking charge.
A$AP Rocky wants to swap his dad bod for a tux and a license to kill as he eyes the role of the first Black James Bond.
The Harlem-born rapper and style icon floated the idea during a new interview with Variety.
“I think I need to be the new Black James Bond,” he mused. “Like, why not?”
However, the soon-to-be father of three has just one obstacle to overcome first.
“If we hit the gym, I’m a be aight,” he added. “Right now I’m in dad mode; you’re gonna have to give me a couple months.”
Rocky, who shares two children with Rihanna, isn’t just dreaming about espionage roles—he’s already diving into action.
In Spike Lee’s upcoming thriller Highest 2 Lowest, Rocky stars alongside Denzel Washington as Yung Felon, the son of Washington’s character.
The film, a modern spin on Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low, hits theaters August 22, 2025, and streams on Apple TV+ starting September 5.
Reflecting on his performance, Rocky said, “I was on my Black Tom Cruise s###.”
He’s not limiting himself to just one genre either. “I’m down for whatever,” he said, signaling a broader interest in film.
Though best known for his music, Rocky’s acting résumé includes cameos in Zoolander 2 and Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, as well as appearances in documentaries like A Man Named Scott and Amazon Music Live.
A$AP Rocky Says “I Was Born For This”
His latest role marks a major step forward. “Nah, I was born for this,” he said of acting opposite Washington.
“I’m not gonna waste nobody’s time,” Rocky insisted. “This is what I do – this is the same approach you would take to making an album or to directing or designing anything: You’ve got to give it your all.”
Director Spike Lee had high praise for Rocky’s performance. “A$AP, man, he fire. I mean, there’s some scenes with him and D where he’s not backing up. He’s like, ‘I’m here too!’ Very, very happy with the way the film turned out and looking forward to sharing it with the world.”
The women allege Smokey Robinson isolated them and coerced them into sexual acts against their will. The civil complaint, filed Tuesday, includes claims of sexual assault, sexual battery, false imprisonment and gender-based violence.
Robinson’s attorney, Christopher Frost, issued a sharp rebuttal, calling the lawsuit “vile” and insisting the allegations are fabricated.
Frost said the case is “simply an ugly method of trying to extract money from an 85-year-old American icon — $50 million, to be exact.” Frost also accused the plaintiffs’ legal team of attempting to manipulate public opinion.
“They have made vile, false allegations against Mr. and Mrs. Robinson in an attempt to enlist the public as an unwitting participant in the media circus they are trying to create,” he said.
He urged the public to withhold judgment until more information is revealed.
“We will be addressing the numerous aspects of the complaint that defy credulity as well as issues relating to purported timelines, inconsistencies and relationships between the plaintiffs and others,” Frost added.
Cardi B kept the rumor mill spinning after being spotted in Harlem with NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs, marking another public appearance fueling speculation about their relationship.
A fan recording a casual moment with Diggs in Harlem accidentally caught Cardi in the background of the video, partially hidden but unmistakable.
Both were dressed down, seemingly trying to fly under the radar during the low-profile outing.
The Harlem sighting follows a string of public moments between the rapper and the Buffalo Bills star, including an appearance at the 2025 Met Gala and its after-party on May 5.
The pair were first linked on Valentine’s Day 2025, when they were seen together in Miami and later at a New York City nightclub.
Cardi B & Stefon Diggs Head To Hotel Together After Met Gata
Though neither has confirmed they’re dating, Cardi didn’t exactly deny it during a X (Twitter) Spaces chat last month.
“It’s been a couple of weeks and I haven’t addressed nothing,” she said. “Because it’s like… You know when you got a gorgeous [man] loving you from head to toe? It’s like, I don’t really give a f### what anybody says when you got a real fine [man] that love you from head to toe.”
Cardi B calls her new man “gorgeous” in latest spaces post. 👀
“It’s been a couple of weeks and I haven’t addressed nothing because it’s like knowing you got a gorgeous n***a f**kin’ you and lovin’ you from head to toe, it’s like I don’t really give a f**k what anybody say. When… pic.twitter.com/YrkCxLmids
Adding more fuel to the rumors, a video of Cardi giving Diggs a lap dance at a club earlier in April went viral, sending social media into a frenzy.
Offset, Cardi’s ex-husband, responded to the buzz with a surprisingly supportive Instagram comment: “I’m happy for her!!” after someone joked about him being jealous.
There were also whispers that Stefon Diggs cheated on Cardi B and impregnated an Instagram model.
Cardi later posted a clip to her Instagram Story featuring MC Debra saying, “You can’t give nobody your heart.”
Diggs, for his part, has admitted he’s not single but hasn’t named Cardi directly.
Lil Durk is making a high-stakes push to convince a federal judge he’s not a threat to the public, offering round-the-clock private security and a multimillion-dollar bond package in hopes of securing release from jail before his upcoming trial on murder-for-hire charges.
The rapper has been behind bars since October 2024, accused of orchestrating the 2022 ambush that killed Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, cousin of rapper Quando Rondo, in Los Angeles.
Prosecutors allege the hit was retaliation for the 2020 murder of King Von, Durk’s close friend, and that he used his collective OTF (Only the Family) to carry out the plan.
On Thursday (May 8), Lil Durk is set to appear in court for a bond reconsideration hearing after a judge initially denied his release in December of 2024, citing public safety concerns and alleged ties to violence.
His legal team will present a revamped proposal eliminating any reason to keep him locked up. At the center of the new bond request is a detailed security plan from Arsec Group, a licensed private firm that would monitor Lil Durk 24 hours a day.
The company would enforce court-ordered restrictions like curfews or home confinement, control who enters his residence, and install surveillance systems to track his movements in real time.
The firm would report directly to the court, not Durk and immediately notify authorities of any violations. The defense argues this level of oversight, combined with a $2 million bond package, proves Durk poses no danger if released.
The offer includes $900,000 in real estate, $1 million in cash from Alamo Records, $150,000 from a business associate, electronic monitoring and full court supervision.
Lil Durk’s attorneys say the government’s case has weakened significantly since his initial detention.
On May 1, prosecutors filed a Second Superseding Indictment that dropped two major claims: that Durk’s lyrics glorified the murder of Lul Pab and that he ordered a bounty to be paid for the killing.
The defense says those allegations were “false or misleading” and should never have been presented to the grand jury.
The revised indictment added a stalking charge, but Durk’s team argues it’s not new and doesn’t justify continued detention.
They also claim the remaining evidence is “ambiguous and insubstantial,” relying on a single text message and statements from an informant whose credibility has not been tested.
Still, Lil Durk is facing serious charges: conspiracy to use interstate facilities for murder-for-hire, discharging a firearm resulting in death and stalking resulting in death, according to a Justice Department press release.
If convicted, Durk could face life in prison or the death penalty. A judge has not yet ruled on the bond request.
Kendrick Lamar topped the 2025 BET Awards nominations list with 10 nods across major categories, including Album of the Year and Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, solidifying his dominant run this awards season.
The Compton lyricist’s latest project, GNX, earned him a spot in the coveted Album of the Year category, while his chart-topping track “Not Like Us” landed nominations for both Video of the Year and Viewer’s Choice.
Kendrick Lamar also scored three nods in Best Collaboration for “Luther” with SZA, “Like That” with Future and Metro Boomin, and “30 For 30” with SZA.
He shares a nomination for Video Director of the Year with longtime creative partner Dave Free.
This latest recognition follows a standout showing at the 2025 Grammys, where Lamar took home five trophies, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Not Like Us.”
He also leads the 2025 American Music Awards with 10 nominations.
Trailing Kendrick Lamar are Doechii, Drake, Future and GloRilla with six nominations each. Metro Boomin follows with five, while SZA and The Weeknd each picked up four.
The 25th annual BET Awards will take place June 9 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. Kevin Hart is set to host the ceremony, which honors achievements in music, film, television and sports.
Lamar’s GNX will compete for Album of the Year against Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, GloRilla’s Glorious, and Future and Metro Boomin’s We Don’t Trust You, among others.
In the Best Male Hip-Hop Artist category, Kendrick Lamar is up against Drake, Future, Tyler, The Creator and Lil Wayne.
Meanwhile, the Best Collaboration category features a mix of heavy hitters, including Tyler, The Creator’s “Sticky” featuring GloRilla, Sexyy Red and Lil Wayne, and The Weeknd’s “Timeless” with Playboi Carti.
The Viewer’s Choice Award includes three Lamar-related entries: “Not Like Us,” “Luther “with SZA and “Like That” with Future and Metro Boomin.
The complete list of nominees spans music and film, with standout mentions in acting categories for Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Zendaya and Viola Davis.
Jamaican dancehall sensation I-Octane sat down with AllHipHop’s Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur at WonWorld Studios for a conversation that went far beyond music. Known for his conscious vibes, I-Octane opened up about his journey from extreme poverty to global recognition. And some how he manages to stay grounded in spirituality and purpose. He explains the inspiration behind his new album God and I, how he protects his energy and why true wealth starts in the mind—not the bank.
More like a TedTalk than interview, Octane delves into personal philosophies on evolution, detachment from stress and realigning life like a well-organized room. He also reflects on the importance of staying rooted in Jamaica, even while touring the world. Octane delivers a masterclass in purpose, faith and resilience. On top of it all, he confesses he’s never owned a pair of Timberlands. Nevertheless, I-Octane proves he’s as real as they come. This is more than an interview, it’s an elevation.
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur: What’s up, my brother?
I-Octane: Yes, King! Give thanks. It’s a pleasure to be here. Definitely a different energy, a different vibe and I’m feeling it already.
AllHipHop: You walked in with positivity radiating from you. How do you maintain that, especially with all the negativity in the world?
I-Octane: Life is energy, and I’m very guarded with the positive energy I give out. I don’t let negative reactions sway me. I believe negativity is actually essential. It balances positivity. But I don’t live in the world the way others do. I live in my mind. That’s how I keep my energy strong.
AllHipHop: That’s powerful. Let’s talk about your new project, God and I. What inspired the title?
I-Octane: The title comes from recognizing that we are more than flesh and bone, we’re spirit and energy. Many people forget that. They exist disconnected from the source. But just like your phone needs charging, we need that source energy—God. I don’t hope, I don’t just believe. I know. This album is my reminder of that connection.
AllHipHop: Do you ever lose that connection? And how do you get it back?
I-Octane: Yes, sometimes I fall into the human side of myself and disconnect. When that happens, I do a spiritual cleanse. I check who’s around me—who’s using my 24 hours but not returning any of theirs. I remove those people and focus on my priorities. You gotta rearrange your life like a house. Put things where they belong so you’re not sleeping on the balcony while your kitchen’s in the living room, so to speak.
AllHipHop: That ties into your new single, “Opportunist.” What’s the message behind that?
I-Octane: If you can’t be used, you’re useless—but a lot of people are used by the wrong people. Everyone has value, but they need to be placed in the right part of your life. When your life is arranged properly, you experience less stress. And stress is a killer. I live stress-free by design.
AllHipHop: Are you still living in Jamaica?
I-Octane: Yeah, I still live and do most of my business in Jamaica. It’s a third-world country with a first-world experience, and it’s important to invest in where you come from. I can’t live anywhere else.
AllHipHop: How was growing up for you? And how did you find your purpose?
I-Octane: It was rough. Not poor—below poor. Crime, violence, most of my friends are either in prison or dead. Music was my escape and my calling. I used music to hide my flaws before I even knew it would be my career. Public school created insecurities, especially when you don’t have what your peers have. But music gave me strength. It pulled me out of that life and helped me appreciate life more, both when I had nothing and now, having abundance.
AllHipHop: What shifted your mindset from chasing material success to focusing on inner wealth?
I-Octane: Experience. I thought I needed five cars and ten houses. But when I got them, I realized I could only drive one, sleep in one bed. I became a slave to success. But those things are liabilities if they’re not making you money. I learned the hard way. Now I focus on health and a sound mind—that’s real wealth.
AllHipHop: Who inspired you growing up?
I-Octane: Not one person. I always loved literature and philosophy. I read a quote that said, “The greatest thing on Earth isn’t life—it’s knowing.” That stuck with me. I admired artists not just for their fame but for their skill. I study performers. How they project their voice, how they move, how they connect with people. I even learn from younger artists.
AllHipHop: With global music constantly evolving—Afrobeats, world music, dancehall, etc.—has that changed your approach?
I-Octane: Of course. If you don’t evolve, you stagnate. Just like iPhones go from version 1 to 16, you’ve got to grow too. I still keep the core of dancehall and reggae, but I incorporate other sounds, ideas, and energy into my music. It’s about expanding while staying rooted.
AllHipHop: What do you want people to get from God and I?
I-Octane: This album is like a Bible. It reminds people of their purpose, of their value. It embeds God into your life, reminds you that status doesn’t define identity. Everyone needs a reminder to reconnect to reality and their own divinity.
AllHipHop: Will you be touring with this album?
I-Octane: Yeah man. I tour globally already, but this album is special. People are already saying they love it. It’s a divine blessing, and I feel like I need to spread the gospel through this music.
AllHipHop: Do you have a favorite place outside of Jamaica?
I-Octane: Before reaching this level of consciousness, it was Jamaica. But now, I remove all expectations and just enjoy each place for what it is. Every culture has something vibrant to teach you.
AllHipHop: You’ve never owned Timberlands?
I-Octane: Never worn a pair in my life! I’ve bought them for friends but never for myself.
AllHipHop: We’ll fix that. Final words for the people?
I-Octane: Know that you are great. You’re here for a reason. Your purpose doesn’t require you to be rich or famous. People who judge you are guilty of the same things. Nobody’s perfect. There’s no ceiling to life. Just growth. Keep evolving.
Jasmine Crockett flipped the script during a House hearing on transgender athletes to call out what she described as Republicans’ obsession with scapegoating trans people for problems caused by Donald Trump’s presidency.
The Texas Democrat rolled out a tongue-in-cheek game called “Trump or Trans” during a session of the Delivering on Government Efficiency subcommittee, aiming to redirect attention from what she called the GOP’s “anti-trans agenda” to what she sees as real government dysfunction.
“This hearing is not about enhancing the efficiency of government,” Crockett said. “It serves as yet another diversion by Republicans from their harmful and disastrous policies that make it increasingly challenging for Americans to manage their finances.”
Crockett then turned to Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, and ran through a list of national issues, asking who was responsible: Trump or trans people.
She asked Fatima Goss Graves, CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, to identify whether Trump or trans people were responsible for issues such as “cutting medical research,” “increasing the cost of everything,” “engaging in a foolish tariff war,” and “kidnapping Americans and sending them abroad.”
Goss Graves responded with “Trump” to every question.
To drive her point home, Crockett held up a large poster of Trump on a golf course.
“In fact, President Trump is on pace to spend more than a billion dollars of taxpayer dollars just on golfing,” Crockett added. “Yet the Republicans have been silent.”
She accused her GOP colleagues of ignoring real waste in favor of culture war distractions, saying they’d rather “spend taxpayer dollars on the president’s golfing trips” than “providing health care to their constituents.”
Jasmine Crockett Blasts Donald Trump & His “Minions”
We’re supposed to be in this DOGE Subcommittee to talk about waste, fraud, and abuse within the federal government, right?
Soooo why are we in here talking about trans people? Last time I checked, trans people aren’t the ones ruining our country — it’s TRUMP and his little… pic.twitter.com/yhtaDk3GMt
— Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (@RepJasmine) May 7, 2025
The hearing came amid a broader political backdrop. Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has issued sweeping executive orders rolling back protections for transgender people.
His directives eliminated Biden-era rules that allowed transgender military service, banned discrimination based on gender identity in housing and education, and removed gender identity from federal documents like passports.
Trump’s orders also mandated housing transgender people in prisons based on sex assigned at birth, restricted gender-affirming care in federal custody, and called for sex-segregated spaces that exclude transgender individuals.
He signed a ban on transgender girls and women in women’s sports, threatening to pull federal funding from schools that don’t comply, and urged international sports bodies to bar transgender athletes from events like the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
In a symbolic move, Trump declared November 5 as “Christian Visibility Day,” a direct counter to Transgender Day of Visibility.
Human rights organizations have condemned the administration’s actions, warning they increase the risk of violence and discrimination against transgender, nonbinary and intersex people.
Jasmine Crockett’s remarks and her “Trump or Trans” game were part of her broader push to shift the conversation away from identity politics and toward what she called “actual instances of waste, abuse and mismanagement.”
Instead of talking about the REAL issues—like the fact that millions of children are at risk of losing Medicaid—we had a hearing about fencing today… yes, the sport.
Republicans are wasting valuable time and taxpayer dollars on distractions instead of solutions. And here’s… pic.twitter.com/w8dVZI9lYh
— Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (@RepJasmine) May 8, 2025
Kodak Black broke down on Instagram Live from what appeared to be emotional distress amid ongoing legal battles with his ex-girlfriend Maranda Johnson.
“I never experienced love before,” he said through tears Wednesday night (May 7). “I never did.”
The 26-year-old rapper then climbed into bed, crying audibly and mumbling between sniffles.
The video quickly made the rounds online, with some viewers expressing concern for his mental health while others speculated he was trolling.
The livestream comes amid a turbulent stretch for Black, who has a documented history of drug addiction and erratic behavior.
In early 2024, he admitted to taking up to 100 Percocet pills a day, calling it one of the darkest periods of his life. He has since completed multiple stints in rehab.
But his personal struggles extend beyond substance use.
Kodak Black Accused Of Abusing Child’s Mother
Black is currently locked in a bitter legal battle with Johnson, the mother of his two children.
She has accused him of verbal and physical abuse and claims he has failed to provide sufficient financial support.
Kodak Black’s attorney, Bradford Cohen, rejected the accusations, calling them “pure fiction from a very selfish young lady.”
He also said Black has financially supported his kids and branded the suit a “disgusting money grab.”
The feud escalated after Johnson allegedly caused more than $150,000 in damage to Black’s property, including vehicles and a home where their children were present. Photos of the damage were shared on social media, reportedly by Johnson herself.
“She is already being sued for the admitted damage to the vehicles and home,” Cohen stated. “She will now be sued for defamation. I really wanted to stay on the sidelines on this because it’s family law. But now I will have to show why you don’t threaten my clients.”
In a separate filing, Johnson claimed Kodak Black and his mother took their son without notifying her, leaving her unaware of his whereabouts for nearly three weeks. She has since filed an emergency custody motion and is requesting an increase in child support.
Black, never one to stay quiet, responded on Instagram Live. He accused Johnson of clout chasing and insisted he’s active in his children’s lives.
Their co-parenting relationship has been anything but smooth. Earlier this year, Johnson and another one of the rapper’s children’s mothers got into a physical altercation, prompting police involvement.
Furthermore, in June 2024, Johnson was arrested on charges of burglary with assault or battery and grand theft after allegedly attacking another of Kodak’ Black’s exes.
N.O.R.E. accused a Houston restaurant staffer of endangering his life and calling the police over a bottle of wine in what he described as a racist encounter.
On Wednesday (May 7), rapper and media personality N.O.R.E. took to Instagram to recount a disturbing incident he said unfolded while dining with friends in Houston.
According to the Drink Champs host, a restaurant employee called the police on him without warning, allegedly after he ordered an extra bottle of wine.
“I didn’t believe the Karen thing actually exists,” N.O.R.E. said in the video. “Until I was given ‘The Karen treatment.'”
He described the moment the employee approached his table.
“She came up to us, and we were quiet, we were cool, we were calm,” he explained. “And she called the police on us.”
N.O.R.E. was blindsided by the call, claiming they were already in the process of paying their bill.
“I had no idea why she called the cops,” he said, highlighting police brutality concerns.
In the caption of his video, N.O.R.E. didn’t hold back.
“This Woman tried to get me Killed for ordering an extra bottle of wine,” he began. “Whenever a white woman calls the police on a black man their intentions is to get a black man killed.!!!!!!!!!!”
He went on to say he felt “inhumane” and “violated as a human” by the experience.
N.O.R.E. Claims Karen Received Multiple Complaints Alleging Racism
After leaving the restaurant, N.O.R.E. said he looked into the staff member’s history and found what he described as a pattern of complaints alleging racism.
“After doing my investigation I noticed a lot of people are complaining about her!” he added. “She’s not just racist to black people she’s racist to Latino’s Russians Jews anybody who is not pure bred white.”
He also claimed that as he exited the restaurant, he witnessed the same employee turning away three Black men at the door. “Let’s BoyCott!!!!!!!!! Shame on You!!!!!!!!” he wrote.
Shedeur Sanders’ unexpected tumble to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft has triggered a $100 million lawsuit from a self-identified Colorado supporter who claims the league’s handling of the quarterback’s draft stock caused him emotional trauma.
Filed in a Georgia federal court by a man using the alias “John Doe,” the suit accuses the NFL of orchestrating a biased narrative that harmed Sanders’ reputation and, in turn, inflicted psychological damage on the plaintiff as a devoted consumer of the sport, according to Fox Sports.
The complaint alleges that media reports claiming Sanders “tanked interviews,” “wasn’t prepared,” and “was too cocky” amounted to “slanderous statements” that unfairly shaped public perception and contributed to his draft-day slide.
The plaintiff argues these portrayals were not only damaging but also racially motivated, citing alleged violations of the Civil Rights Act.
The lawsuit also claims the NFL breached the Sherman Antitrust Act, accusing teams of colluding to manipulate the draft process and depress Sanders’ value.
Lawsuit Alleges NFL Teams’ “Collusion”
“Collusion among NFL teams to influence the drafting process and the subsequent low selection of Shedeur Sanders,” the filing reads.
The plaintiff is demanding $100 million in punitive damages, a formal acknowledgment from the league for the emotional distress caused, a public apology to Sanders, and a retraction of the statements he deems defamatory.
He also calls for reforms to ensure future draft selections are based solely on merit.
According to the filing, Doe is a longtime Colorado football follower who attended games and closely tracked Sanders’ college career.
He claims the draft outcome led to “frustration, disappointment and psychological harm as a fan.”
The NFL has not commented publicly on the lawsuit.
Sanders, once projected as a top-three pick, was selected 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns. Despite the late-round selection, he quickly became a popular figure, with his No. 12 jersey topping rookie sales charts.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry defended the pick, saying, “We felt like it got to a point where he was probably mispriced relative to the draft.”
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III criticized the team’s quarterback situation, calling it “set up for dysfunction” due to Deshaun Watson’s hefty contract.
Tiny Harris is celebrating a major courtroom win while fighting to hold on to the hefty payout after a federal judge finalized a $71.5 million judgment in favor of her, T.I. and the OMG Girlz in their legal battle over the alleged misuse of the group’s image by toy giant MGA Entertainment.
The ruling, handed down by U.S. District Judge James V. Selna, includes $53.6 million in punitive damages and $17.9 million in actual damages, plus 3.972% interest.
The decision reverses the judge’s earlier hesitation about the size of the punitive award, stating, “Upon consideration of the evidence, the Court grants disgorgement of profits of $17,872,252 under common law misappropriation, and affirms the jury’s award of punitive damages of $53,616,759.”
Tiny Harris Prepared To Fight For OMG Girlz Intellectual Property
Harris, who co-founded the teen pop group in 2009 alongside husband T.I., took to Instagram Wednesday (May 7) to reflect on the moment and thank those involved in the case.
“It’s another small victory for @omggirlz & I… But it’s still a long way to go,” she wrote. “The way the other side plays ball but we are patient & squirt & ready to fight for our intellectual property.”
Tiny added, “Again we thank the judge for being as fair as he possibly could & juror especially for taking two & a half wks out of their lives to listen to all of the evidence & was able to see the truth. That OMG was just some young teenagers that worked so hard to build their brand. We are so grateful…”
The lawsuit accused MGA of “cultural appropriation and outright theft” for allegedly copying the OMG Girlz’ style and branding for its LOL Surprise! OMG Dolls without permission or payment.
The dolls have since been pulled from shelves, but MGA is appealing the decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which means the payout is currently paused.
Drake is being accused of trying to muzzle Hip-Hop’s long-standing tradition of lyrical combat in an attempt to undermine the First Amendment with his lawsuit against Kendrick Lamar.
The rapper faces renewed legal resistance from Universal Music Group over his lawsuit targeting Lamar’s chart-topping diss track “Not Like Us.”
The legal battle stems from a heated two-month lyrical exchange in 2024 between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, which saw the two rap heavyweights trade nine diss tracks.
Drake’s lawsuit initially centered on the lyric in “Not Like Us” that he claims defamed him by calling him a “certified pedophile.”
But after UMG filed a motion to dismiss, Drake filed an amended complaint and shifted his focus to Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance, even though the lyric in question was omitted from the show.
UMG is now asking a judge to toss the case entirely, calling the claims baseless and constitutionally dangerous.
“Assessed in context, as it must be, ‘Not Like Us’ conveys nonactionable opinion and rhetorical hyperbole,” UMG attorney Rollin A. Ransom explained. “Indeed, diss tracks are a popular and celebrated art form centered around outrageous insults and they would be chilled if Drake’s suit were permitted to proceed.”
Ransom didn’t hold back from pointing out what he saw as hypocrisy in Drake’s position.
“Drake, who had no concerns using UMG’s platform to publish slurs about Lamar during their rap feud, now claims ‘Not Like Us’ is defamatory. These allegations—directly aimed at chilling legitimate artistic expression safeguarded by the First Amendment—are meritless,” he said.
UMG argues that any defamation claims fall flat because the statements in the song are not factual assertions but rather exaggerated opinions typical of rap battles.
UMG says this undermines Drake’s credibility in claiming to be a victim of defamation. The label’s filing frames the lawsuit as less about legal harm and more about Drake’s bruised ego.
The label said the rapper is trying to “salve his wounds” after losing a public rap feud and is now targeting the commercial success of “Not Like Us,” which became the best-selling rap song of 2024
UMG is asking the court to dismiss Drake’s amended complaint with prejudice, which would prevent him from refiling the case.
Drake’s legal fight over Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” drew fire from UMG, which accused him of trying to silence diss tracks and stifle free speech.
Kehlani has found support from fellow artist Vic Mensa, who penned an Instagram post on Wednesday (May 7) applauding her stance on the ongoing Gaza War.
The singer included her pro-Palestinian views in her new video, “Next 2 U,” sparking backlash. Consequently, some of her concerts, including a planned Central Park show during Pride Month, have been canceled due to security concerns raised by New York City officials.
Vic Mensa, however, sees her willingness to speak out about important issues as nothing but brave.
“Few artists, and even fewer at your level of success, have chosen to center humanity and courage as boldly and uncompromisingly as you have, let alone at the peak of their popularity,” he wrote. “although newer to religion, i have a deep seated belief that god, or the universe, or however you categorize the all-powerful presence of the divine, is taking note – of every selfless action, of every sacrifice, of every time we jeapordize our security to do what’s right.
“I toe the line with you. sometimes I think ‘my baby can’t eat beliefs’ and I hold my tongue. and something inside me dies slowly. It eats me from within.”
Vic Mensa, a Chicago native, has been vocal about his political views in the past. In 2016, he spoke to CNN shortly after Donald Trump was elected to office for the first time. He condemned the Electoral College, saying it underscores that the American government is “not a government of the people.”
“The people spoke and elected Hillary Clinton, but this isn’t a real democracy,” Mensa said at the time. “…. We’re still operating as a nation off of rules and laws that were enacted as a slave-owning state.”
Mensa’s caption suggested he’s suffered for his strong opinions—just as Kehlani has.
“I lost a lot,” he continued. “I’ll be honest. but, perhaps out of necessity, I have to choose to believe that when the smoke clears, I’ll look at my past with pride; I wasn’t perfect, but I forged myself out of fire. I took the hard road. I’ve been awe inspired by the way you’ve stood up. especially at a time when I fell back. and I asked myself, ‘although I need to feed my son, what kind of man do i want to inspire him to be?'”
He continued, “The highest form of sadaqah, or charity, is that which is given in health, & with much loved wealth; when we give, not what we don’t need, but what we need most, the reverberation is supreme.”
Mensa concluded his sentiments by assuring Kehlani her fans will never abandon her, writing, “I have often thought about your choices over the last 18 months. wished I was more brave. and more self sufficient. the truth is, your people love you. not because of an opportunity provided to you by a booker here, or a city there, but because they cherish the depth of your soul. none of this can change that. as long as you have them you can never lose. the powers that be may be great, but I do believe we can all agree – there is a greater power.”
Kehlani, who shared Mensa’s post to her Instagram Stories, also has support from Macklemore. Hours after Mensa posted his thoughts, the “Hinds Hall” rapper wrote an Instagram statement that mentions Kehlani.
He said in part, “In a desperate attempt, they aim to villainize and silence musicians by cancelling shows, pulling them from festival lineups and warning others—this is what happens when you speak up. I’m riding with Kehlani and anyone else that has a backbone.”
Kehlani was expected to perform at Cornell University on May 7, but it was canceled. She said in response, “I am being asked and called to clarify and make a statement yet again for the millionth time that I am not antisemitic nor anti-Jew. I am anti-genocide, I am anti the actions of the Israeli government, I am anti an extermination of an entire people, I’m anti the bombing of innocent children, men, women – that’s what I’m anti.”
SZA admitted she owes Beyoncé a chunk of her publishing rights after borrowing lyrics from the pop icon’s 2006 ballad “Listen.”
SZA used some of the lyrics for her 2022 track “SOS”, but says the superstar has never asked for a dime.
The Grammy-winning singer dropped the confession in the comments of an Instagram reel posted by influencer Zuhaila Jama, who joked about Beyoncé’s long list of songwriting credits.
SZA said, “I literally owe her half my publishing off interpolation alone on ‘SOS’ and she never pressed me lmao. A generous QUEEN 😭.”
The interpolation in question appears at the end of “SOS,” where SZA sings, “And I cried and cried / Said what’s on my mind,” a slight lyrical shift from Beyoncé’s original lines in “Listen”: “And I’ve tried and tried / To say what’s on my mind.”
Despite the borrowed bars, SZA said Beyoncé hasn’t come calling for compensation.
The 36-year-old artist has long admired the former Destiny’s Child frontwoman and once admitted she was too nervous to epproach her.
“I can’t speak unless she wants to speak, in my brain, because I don’t want to bother her,” SZA told E! News in 2023. “She looked so peaceful and beautiful. I just admire her. She’s a masterclass on poise, grace, artistry, beauty and kindness.”
“SOS,” released in December 2022, marked SZA’s first studio album in five years and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
A$AP Rocky opened up about the emotional weight of his recent legal battle and how it stalled his creativity during a revealing interview published by Variety.
The rapper was acquitted in February by a Los Angeles jury on two felony charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The case stemmed from allegations that he fired a gun at former associate A$AP Relli during a 2021 confrontation.
Now 36, A$AP Rocky said the trial cast a long shadow over his music.
“I’m writing about these past four or five years that I had this over me, and it’s been kind of handicapping me,” he told the outlet.
He also reflected on how the experience changed his outlook on trust and accountability.
“I can’t necessarily blame it on my last situation. But what I did learn is you’ve gotta accept that everybody’s not good people; you’re not gonna run into a solid person every time. Not everybody’s gonna handle situations like you,” he said. “Once you accept that you’re not responsible for nobody’s actions but yours… That’s where I’m at — like, ‘Yo, focus on your own actions.’ Because I ain’t perfect. I’m human too, and we all f**k up.”
Away from the courtroom, A$AP Rocky has been focused on family and film. He and Rihanna, who began dating in 2020, are parents to two sons — RZA, 2, and Riot, 21 months.
During Monday’s 2025 Met Gala, Rihanna revealed she is pregnant with their third child.
Rocky is also stepping into the film world with a role in the upcoming Spike Lee-directed movie Highest 2 Lowest, starring alongside Denzel Washington.
The film is set to premiere this month at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
Tyre Nichols became the focus of national outrage and renewed scrutiny of police conduct after a jury cleared three former Memphis officers of all state charges tied to his deadly beating during a traffic stop in January 2023.
After more than eight hours of deliberation, on Wednesday (May 7), the panel found Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith not guilty of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.
The decision came at the end of a seven-day trial, marking the second courtroom battle for the trio in connection to Nichols’ death.
“Today’s verdict in the trial of the officers involved in Tyre Nichols’ death is devastating. But we must never let the brutality that ended his life overshadow the beauty of how he lived,” the family’s attorney, Ben Crump, said.
Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, died three days after he was violently beaten by officers from the Memphis Police Department’s now-disbanded Scorpion Unit.
Body camera and surveillance footage showed officers punching, kicking and striking Nichols with a baton as he cried out for his mother. The video triggered widespread protests and calls for sweeping police reform.
All five officers involved were fired and charged at both the state and federal levels. Two of them, Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills Jr., pleaded guilty and testified for the prosecution during the state trial.
In a separate federal case last year, Haley, Bean and Smith were convicted of witness tampering. Haley was also found guilty of violating Nichols’ civil rights by causing bodily injury.
However, all three were acquitted of federal charges directly related to Nichols’ death. Sentencing for those convictions is still pending.
Nichols’ family left the court without speaking to the media after hearing the verdict.
Today’s verdict in the trial of the officers involved in Tyre Nichols’ death is devastating. But we must never let the brutality that ended his life overshadow the beauty of how he lived. Tyre was a father, a son, a skateboarder who loved sunsets and photography. He wanted to… pic.twitter.com/AiqxGe88CE
“Tyre was a father, a son, a skateboarder who loved sunsets and photography. He wanted to live and experience the best out of life. His death has forever changed us — but his legacy will live on. We’ll make sure of it,” Ben Crump added.
Within minutes, social media lit up with reactions ranging from disbelief to fury, reigniting debates over police accountability and justice.
“Along with many of you, I watched the video of Tyre Nichols getting beaten to death by cops, executed in the street, calling for his mother in his final moments,” one user fumed. “Those cops were just ACQUITTED.
Our justice system is a JOKE.”
I'm confused. Maybe somebody can help me understand.
Tyre Nichols was beaten so viciously he was calling out to his mother. The officers mocked him, using his bloody body as a prop in pics they sent to other people.
