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AI Guesses Diddy Trial Outcome Based On Jury’s Partial Verdict

The jury has reached verdicts on four out of the five charges facing Diddy. This is stressful. The panel of eight men and four women is expected to return to deliberations Wednesday morning to resolve the final charge of racketeering. When I saw this, I knew it was bad news for Diddy. But, we do not know for sure.

BREAKING: Diddy Jury Reaches Verdict On 4 Out Of 5 Counts, Can’t Decide On RICO Count

The racketeering count is widely considered the most complex of the charges. They have reached a consensus on the remaining counts. These counts include two sex-trafficking charges and two counts related to the transportation of individuals to engage in prostitution. Those verdicts remain under seal as deliberations continue. But, we are forming our thoughts on what we think may lurk ahead.

The 55-year-old Bad Boy Records founder has maintained his innocence. But, if convicted on the current charges, Combs could be spending the rest of his life behind bars. What do you think the result will be?

If found guilty, Combs would almost certainly appeal, but it would be seriously problematic. Anyway, I asked AI what the outcome looked like based on the most recent developments…

HERE IS EXACTLY WHAT AI SAID:

Prediction: Partial Guilty Verdict Likely

The jury has already reached a verdict on four out of five charges, including the two sex-trafficking charges and two charges related to transporting individuals for prostitution. However, they remain deadlocked on the racketeering charge, which is the most complex and sweeping of the accusations.

Several signs suggest a partial guilty verdict is likely:

  1. Consensus on 4 of 5 Charges:
    • This indicates that the jury has likely found some degree of guilt on at least part of the indictment, especially regarding sex trafficking and prostitution-related transportation, both of which carry serious penalties.
  2. Racketeering Charge Deadlock:
    • This charge involves proving a pattern of criminal enterprise, which is legally more complicated than proving individual acts. The jury’s struggle here is common in cases where the broader “enterprise” aspect is harder to nail down.
  3. Judge and Attorneys Want Deliberations to Continue:
    • Both prosecution and defense still want a verdict and believe progress is possible. The potential use of an Allen charge suggests the judge will push the jury to resolve the final count—this could eventually lead to a compromise verdict or mistrial on that one charge only.
  4. Timing and Human Behavior:
    • With the July 4th holiday looming, jurors are incentivized to reach a decision. Trials often see verdicts just before holidays or weekends.

Bottom Line:

  • Most Likely Scenario:
    Guilty verdicts on the sex-trafficking and prostitution-related charges, with a hung jury or mistrial on the racketeering charge.
  • Outcome for Combs:
    Even without a racketeering conviction, guilty findings on the other charges alone could result in decades in prison, especially given the federal nature of the case. An appeal is all but certain, but he would remain in custody.

Suge Knight Claims Tupac Shakur’s Ashes Were Smoked After Cremation

Suge Knight says Tupac Shakur didn’t want to be cremated but was anyway—and according to him, some of the late rapper’s closest friends honored him in a way that’s as unconventional as it is unforgettable: they rolled his ashes into a blunt and smoked them.

Speaking from prison in a new interview with PEOPLE, Knight described the chaotic aftermath of Shakur’s death and the pressure he says he faced from Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur, to handle the cremation immediately.

“She came up to me and said, ‘Get it done. Now,'” Knight recalled.

Knight said he initially pushed back, claiming Tupac had expressed clear wishes just weeks before his death.

“He didn’t want to be cremated,” Knight said. But Afeni wasn’t having it. “She started cussing me out,” he said. “She told me, ‘Get this s### done!'”

Knight said he followed through. “I paid someone a million dollars cash to take care of it.”

What happened next, according to Knight, was something straight out of Hip-Hop folklore.

“A bag with his ashes was passed around,” he said. “His homies rolled him up. They smoked him.”

Knight described the act as symbolic. “You gotta understand, that’s what made sense,” he said. “It was symbolic. It’s like… you keep part of him.”

Knight said he was there for the moment but didn’t join in. “I was so happy to say I was on probation — I couldn’t smoke,” he claimed. “I told his mother, ‘Moms, I’d love to, but if I hit that, I’ll get in trouble.'” He added, “I was probably the only one who didn’t hit him.”

Suge Knights Speaks Out On Tupac Shakur’s Death In 1996 Interview

Tupac was shot on September 7, 1996, while riding in the passenger seat of a BMW driven by Knight after a Mike Tyson fight in Las Vegas.

A gunman in a white Cadillac opened fire, hitting Shakur four times. Knight was grazed by bullet fragments but survived. Tupac died six days later, on September 13, at age 25.

50 Cent Mocks Ja Rule Over Sold-Out London Show After Low Sales Jab 

50 Cent wasted no time rubbing salt in an old wound after Ja Rule opened up about his travel ban from the United Kingdom—just days before 50 is set to perform a sold-out show in London.

Earlier this week, Ja Rule clowned 50 Cent on social media reacting to a post claiming was offering a 2-for-1 deal for his London show “Due to EXTREMELY low demand.”

On Wednesday morning (July 2), the G-Unit founder fired back. He shared a clip from a recent podcast where Ja Rule explained why he’s barred from entering the U.K. He then followed it with a savage caption aimed squarely at his longtime rival.

“How do you win a fight, if you’re fighting someone who is too stupid to know they lost?” 50 wrote alongside a report confirming his July 4 concert at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium had sold out. “Just keep hitting them till they stop moving.”

Instagram/50 Cent

In the podcast clip, Ja Rule detailed the circumstances that led to his ban from Britain.

“I’m banned from the U.K. for sure,” he said. “We got into a big brawl, a big fight in the U.K., and people got hurt. So that’s a very good reason.”

He continued, “I don’t have a good criminal record here either,” adding that the U.K. government had taken that into account. “So I’m not allowed in the U.K. at all. I probably won’t be able to go back to the U.K … ever. As of now, it’s never.”

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50 Cent Roasts Ja Rule Over Visa Denial

The U.K. Home Office denied Ja Rule’s visa application in February 2024, citing his criminal history, which includes convictions punishable by more than a year in prison. 

The decision forced him to cancel his “Sunrise Tour,” resulting in financial losses and scrapped dates.

At the time, Ja Rule’s supporters speculated that 50 Cent had something to do with the visa denial. 

Initially, 50 denied any involvement. But later, he leaned into the rumors, writing, “LMAO I got juice all over the place sucker!”

The two rappers have been locked in a public feud for over two decades, trading insults, memes and diss tracks since the early 2000s. Despite the years, neither seems ready to call it quits.

50 Cent Supposedly Hired Misa Hylton To Get Dirt On Diddy – & It Worked Immediatley

50 Cent allegedly enlisted Misa Hylton to extract personal details about Diddy during a tense music business standoff, according to new claims from his ex, Shaniqua Tompkins.

During a recent Instagram Live, Tompkins accused the Hip-Hop mogul of hiring Hylton—Diddy’s former partner and a respected stylist—not for fashion advice but to gather intel.

Tompkins said the alleged scheme began after 50 Cent attempted to sign rapper Mase, who was under Diddy’s Bad Boy label.

When Diddy reportedly demanded $2 million, 50 Cent allegedly pivoted to a more personal strategy.

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“So he decided, I’m going to hire his baby mother [Misa], bring her in to sleep with her to get information on Puffy. She came in the gate talking about Puffy, talking about how he was abusive,” Tompkins said.

Hylton has never directly accused Diddy of abuse, but she has made public statements that suggest she endured trauma.

After CNN released a 2016 surveillance video showing Diddy assaulting Cassie Ventura at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles, Hylton posted a statement of support for Cassie.

“I am heartbroken that Cassie must relive the horror of her abuse, and my heart goes out to her. I know exactly how she feels, and through my empathy, it has triggered my own trauma,” Misa said.

Tompkins, the mother of 50 Cent’s eldest son, Marquise, also accused the rapper of physical and emotional abuse during their relationship.

“He hit me while I was pregnant with Marquise. Belly was out to here,” she said. “I mean—he still is abusive. It’s not in the press, but he’s abusive. Emotionally, physically, he’s abusive.”

Kanye West Denied Entry Into Australia Following Controversial Song

Kanye West was barred from entering Australia after the release of his track “Heil Hitler,” a song that praises Adolf Hitler and promotes Nazi ideology, prompting officials to revoke his visa over concerns about hate speech.

Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke, confirmed the decision Wednesday (July 2), citing the rapper’s history of inflammatory remarks and the content of the song.

“He’s made a lot of offensive comments that my officials looked at again once he released [that] song,” Burke told the Australian Broadcasting Corp.

The track, which samples a 1935 Hitler speech, has been pulled from several streaming platforms and widely condemned for its antisemitic messaging.

Burke said the visa West applied for was not concert-related but still required a legal review.

“He’s got family here … It wasn’t a visa for the purpose of concerts. It was a lower-level [visa] and the officials still looked at the law and said if you’re going to have a song and promote that sort of Nazism, we don’t need that in Australia,” he said.

“We have enough problems in this country already without deliberately importing bigotry,” Burke added.

West has visited Australia multiple times in the past, mainly due to his wife, Bianca Censori, who was born and raised in Melbourne. Her immediate family, including her parents and sisters, still live there.

While Burke did not confirm whether the ban is permanent, he noted that visa applications are reviewed individually and that Australia maintains a firm stance against importing hate speech.

Upcoming Kanye West Concert Sparks Petition In Slovakia

The controversy around West has also reached Europe. A petition is gaining traction in Slovakia ahead of his scheduled headline performance at the Rubicon Festival in Bratislava on Saturday, July 20.

The petition, signed by thousands, describes West as “one of the world’s most prominent antisemites” and cites his sale of s#######-emblazoned merchandise and the release of “Heil Hitler” on the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat.

Organizers of the petition warn that West’s appearance could draw extremist groups and incite illegal behavior, including the display of Nazi symbols and the spread of hate-based ideology, which is outlawed in Slovakia.

Halle Bailey Smooches New Man On Yacht Getaway During Custody Drama

Halle Bailey was spotted kissing and cuddling a new man on a yacht in Italy as her custody battle with ex-boyfriend DDG continues to unfold in court.

Vacation photos and videos circulating online show Bailey and a man, social media sleuths have identified as Bridgeway, looking affectionate while swimming, snapping selfies, and lounging together on deck.

The two appeared relaxed and close as they soaked up the sun off the Italian coast.

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Bridgeway, a music producer credited on Kendrick Lamar’s tracks “Luther” and “Squabble Up,” also collaborated with Bailey’s sister, Chloé, on the song “Fallin 4 U.”

Though neither Bailey nor Bridgeway has publicly confirmed their relationship, the images have fueled widespread speculation.

Halle Bailey & DGG Battle For Custody Of Their Son Halo

The yacht getaway comes during a tense chapter in Bailey’s personal life. She currently holds temporary sole custody of her infant son, Halo, after being granted a restraining order against DDG in May. Court documents allege DDG physically assaulted Bailey on several occasions, including in front of their child.

While Bailey films a movie in Rome, a judge approved DDG’s request to visit Halo in Italy.

However, the court denied DDG’s attempt to have his mother supervise the visit, citing concerns that she “enabled” his alleged abuse and frequently posted about Bailey and Halo online.

Instead, the judge ordered a neutral, court-appointed supervisor to oversee the visit.

Additionally, the court barred DDG from sharing any images or mentions of Halo on social media during the trip.

He has also filed his own custody petition. He accused Bailey of being emotionally unstable and claiming she uses threats of self-harm to manipulate him.

Halle Bailey has denied those claims in court, stating her mental health is “fully under control.”

Bailey’s legal team argued that DDG has not consistently taken part in parenting since Halo’s birth. The court acknowledged her work obligations in Italy and granted her permission to travel with her son.

Post Malone Ends Relationship With Girlfriend Amid Ongoing Custody Dispute

Post Malone has parted ways with his girlfriend, Christy Lee, as he continues to navigate a coast-to-coast custody battle over his young daughter.

The 29-year-old chart-topper and Lee, a stylist, quietly ended their relationship about a month ago, according to TMZ.

The pair had been romantically linked since January, shortly after Malone’s split from his former fiancée, Hee Sung “Jamie” Park, in November.

Their romance first made headlines when they were seen dining together in Rome at the start of the year. By March, footage of the couple surfaced on TikTok, showing them spending time together in public.

While his relationship with Lee has ended, Malone—born Austin Richard Post—is still locked in a legal dispute with Park over custody of their three-year-old daughter.

The child, whose name has not been publicly revealed, is referred to in court documents as DDP. Malone confirmed her birth in June 2022 but has kept most details about her private.

The custody case has become a jurisdictional tug-of-war.

Post Malone filed in Utah, while Park filed in Los Angeles. Sources told TMZ that Malone may have chosen Utah because the state typically requires lower child support payments than California.

However, his attorney, high-profile divorce lawyer Laura Wasser, argued that the child has strong ties to Utah, including her nanny, pediatrician, and various extracurricular activities, such as music and swimming classes.

Post Malone is also preparing to hit the road for his upcoming BIG ASS World Tour, which will take him across the UK and Europe later this year.

The custody filings were submitted earlier this year, and the legal proceedings remain ongoing.

The Rock Has Bars: Tech N9ne Reveals Creative Process Behind 2021’s “Face Off”

Tech N9ne recently sat down with AllHipHop, where he revealed that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson didn’t just step into the rap game with “Face Off.” The mega star came with his pen and intention.

While fans and critics have long speculated whether The Rock had help crafting his verse on the viral 2021 single, Tech N9ne confirmed that the wrestling icon turned Hollywood heavyweight didn’t rely on a ghostwriter.

“He knew exactly what he wanted to say,” Tech told AllHipHop. “I just helped him structure it.”

The track, which features Tech N9ne, Joey Cool, King Iso and The Rock, made headlines not just for its high-octane energy but for also showcasing a surprisingly competent verse from the action star.

“It’s about drive, it’s about power/We stay hungry, we devour,” The Rock spit. They instantly became a gym anthem to the tune of 88 million YouTube views on the video.

Tech recited, recalling their writing session. “He said ‘face-to-face, now it’s escalating’—I was like, that n###a’s dope, man. He’s so talented. He knows what the f##k he wants to do. I ain’t lying.”

Tech made it clear that he helped shape the flow and delivery, but the ideas and bars largely came from The Rock.

“I wouldn’t have said ‘hours and hours’ or some of the stuff he said,” Tech admitted. “But it was dope how he said it. It worked. It made sense.”

Jigsaw chimed in to clarify the writing dynamic: “So he co-wrote it.”

Tech confirmed: “Yes. Oh, yes.”

It’s a revelation that upends the typical assumptions about celebrity rap cameos—especially from someone not traditionally known for music. The Rock’s verse was not ghostwritten in the conventional sense but rather refined collaboratively.

Fans and fitness junkies alike have used the verse as motivation, and even Jigsaw gave props: “Shout out to Rock. He keeps me in the gym. He keeps me working. I know he’s apex, but I’m staying inspired thanks to him.”

With Tech N9ne’s co-sign, The Rock gets a lot of respect in the culture of Hip-Hop.

Tech N9ne’s new album, 5816 Forest, is another notch in his belt. The lyrical origin story that traces his formative years from ages 12 to 17 at his home at 5816 Forest Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri. The opus is in chronological order. The project explores his early experiences with family, religion, street life and his eventual transformation into Tech N9ne.

Check our full interview.

Tech N9ne’s Origin Story: Blood, Beats, and Becoming a Legend

JAY-Z Not Done With Tony Buzbee Despite Legal Setback In Extortion Case—Reveals Next Move

JAY-Z is pushing forward with legal action in California after a judge dismissed his defamation and extortion lawsuit against Tony Buzbee, acknowledging that withheld evidence could have changed the outcome.

The woman, known as Jane Doe, alleged in 2024 that she was assaulted by JAY-Z and Diddy in 2000, when she was 13.

JAY-Z’s legal team filed a lawsuit, arguing that Buzbee attempted to extort him by threatening to go public with false allegations unless he paid a settlement.

On Monday (June 30), Judge Mark H. Epstein ruled that Buzbee’s conduct didn’t meet the legal threshold for extortion under California law.

The decision came after the court excluded key declarations from two investigators who interviewed the woman at the center of the case, referred to as Jane Doe.

Following the ruling, JAY-Z’s attorney, Alex Spiro, issued a sharp response.

“We are surprised and disappointed by this ruling, which turns on the misapplication of California law on the admissibility of the investigators’ statements,” Spiro said. “Notably, the Judge expressly states that his decision would have ‘change[d] dramatically’ if he had admitted the statements into evidence as they would have shown ‘not only that Carter had nothing to do with any sexual assault on Doe, but that Buzbee knew it…’ and thus ‘the court would come out the other way on this motion.'”

Spiro added, “What does it say about our justice system if someone can knowingly bring about completely false claims of the most heinous nature imaginable against an innocent individual and get away with it on a technicality? We plan to appeal this case immediately.”

In March, Carter’s attorneys submitted sworn statements from two investigators who met with Doe in Alabama.

According to those declarations, Doe admitted that JAY-Z never assaulted her and claimed Buzbee pressured her to make false accusations.

She also said Buzbee’s firm promised her financial compensation and that Buzbee later urged her to drop the case, allegedly saying “he had threatened to kill her.”

Doe also told investigators that she first met Buzbee in person on December 9, 2024, in Houston. That meeting occurred five weeks after Buzbee sent a demand letter to Jay-Z on November 5, 2024, without Doe’s knowledge or consent.

Buzbee has denied any wrongdoing and dismissed the case as baseless. He is expected to seek attorneys’ fees following the dismissal.

JAY-Z’s legal team confirmed plans to appeal the ruling as of Tuesday (July 1).

BREAKING: Diddy Jury Reaches Verdict On 4 Out Of 5 Counts, Can’t Decide On RICO Count

Diddy sat still in a Manhattan federal courtroom Tuesday (July 1) afternoon as jurors announced they had reached decisions on four of five criminal charges but remained at odds over the most serious allegation — racketeering conspiracy.

At 4:05 p.m. ET, U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian read a note from the jury stating they had reached unanimous verdicts on Counts 2 through 5 but were split on Count 1.

That charge accuses the Bad Boy Records mogul of running a criminal organization that trafficked women, laundered money and used violence to maintain control — the centerpiece of the federal government’s case.

The judge declined to reveal the jury’s decisions on the four resolved counts, which include two charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and two counts of transporting women across state lines for prostitution.

Instead, he instructed the panel to continue deliberating on the racketeering charge, hoping to reach a unanimous verdict.

The jury will return Wednesday morning (July 2) to resume discussions. If they remain deadlocked on Count 1, the court could accept the partial verdicts and declare a mistrial on the unresolved charge.

The deliberations have stretched into a second day and have already produced five notes to the judge. One note raised concerns about a juror’s ability to follow legal instructions.

Another note asked for clarification on drug distribution, specifically whether handing over controlled substances at someone’s request constitutes distribution. That inquiry came as jurors reviewed testimony involving alleged drug use and transactions during private encounters described in court.

Jurors also requested transcripts of testimony from Cassie Ventura and Daniel Phillip. Ventura, a former girlfriend of Diddy, testified about a 2016 incident at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles and described events that occurred during a trip to the Cannes Film Festival.

She also detailed so-called “freak offs” involving Phillip, a sex worker allegedly hired by Diddy. Phillip’s testimony included descriptions of encounters at the Essex Hotel. Jurors asked for specific portions of his statements related to those events.

Diddy, who has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty, faces five federal charges. If convicted on all counts, he could face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.

Deliberations will resume Wednesday morning as jurors attempt to reach a consensus on the racketeering conspiracy charge.

How Hip Hop Culture is Shaping Digital Entertainment Trends

Music is changing at a rapid pace. Every year there is a hot new artist or trend. Hip hop’s success in the mainstream means that it is no stranger to these shifts. The genre’s success also means that it is incredibly influential on the music world as a whole. 

Rap music has been at the forefront of the musical industry for over two decades. That is most evident in the online sphere. Digital technology and entertainment are taking over the world. Hip hop plays a big role in how the trends shaping the digital landscape are developing. Of course, the reverse is just as true.

Art and technology are mingling more than ever. The digital era of music is upon us. It is largely shaped by the influence of rap and hip hop. In this article, we would like to explore that influence and talk about some of the ways in which the genre has shaped the trends that we see in digital entertainment today.

Hip Hop and Digital Marketing

Music and marketing have always had an incredible relationship. Think of how many Coca Cola or car commercials use the iconic punk rock anthem “Blitzkrieg Bop” by the Ramones. Online businesses have learned a lot from their predecessors. They understand that music has the power to move people. But, it also has the power to make them excited for a new product. Is it a coincidence then, that hip hop is one of the most prominent genres that online businesses use to sell their products?

One camp would argue that it is. Hip hop is currently “in.” It is the most popular music style, with artists featuring in most of the top charting hits. Can we then blame an online casino for featuring some hot new rap songs as background music for their popular slot games? Is it shocking that online entrepreneurs are doing their best to secure sponsorship deals with famous rappers who shaped the current industry and are products of it? 

There is also the other camp that argues hip hop is unique among music genres. The style and lyrical content that hip hop is known for suit the modern audience well. People who are most likely to use digital entertainment and shop online are younger folks. Those who have a rebellious outlook on life. The self-made attitude of hip hop, combined with a DIY ethos is perfectly suited to attract Millennials or members of Gen Z. 

Hip Hop and Streaming

Digital entertainment is inseparable from streaming. Netflix has truly brought about a revolution in entertainment consumption. Though most people associate streaming with film and television, the music industry is no stranger to this new phenomenon. Apple Music and Spotify are two of the biggest streaming markets today. Both of these platforms are hugely influenced by hip hop and rap culture. 

Spotify is most people’s go-to music streaming service. A quick look at the most popular artists on the platform reveals just how much of an influence hip hop truly has had in building up the platform. Drake was the top most-streamed artist on Spotify in the 2010s. Hits like “Hotline Bling” and “Miss Me” still get heavy rotation on the platform, even a decade after their release. 

Eminem’s success is also huge for the website. The top-selling rapper of all time also happens to be one of the top three most-streamed Spotify stars. Eminem’s singles get a lot of playtime. However, he is also pretty successful in terms of album numbers. Many of his most recent albums are some of the most streamed in the platform’s history.

Hip Hop and the Underground

Hip hop and rap are popular. There is no denying that fact. However, popularity is not a measure of greatness. Many of the most-respected rappers are not the most popular. Popularity certainly does not detract from greatness. Kendrick Lamar is both successful and respected and even won a Pulitzer Prize for his work. But, there is an entire sub-culture of underground hip hop that is deeply influential on culture, and music in general.

Cloud rap is an excellent example. The genre is named after the streaming platform SoundCloud, where most of these artists originated. Characterized by a hazy and dreamlike sound, Cloud rap is known for its underground, web-based origins. Though it may have started in the underground, Cloud rap had an incredible influence on the mainstream. Jaden Smith openly spoke about his love of the sound, and has incorporated the style in his own music. Post Malone is another supporter of the style. The internet influencer-turned-rapper is among the most popular hip hop musicians today, and his passion for the genre greatly contributed to its success.

Nerdcore is another notorious example of a hip hop genre that began as an underground staple. The name is silly, yet oddly fitting. Nerdcore rap is a fast-paced and upbeat genre. However, its most well-known characteristic is the lyrical content. Nerdcore’s main lyrical concerns lie in anime, comic books, film, and other “nerdy” aspects of popular culture. Though one would not call him a nerdcore artist, it is hard to deny MF Doom’s influence on the genre. Particularly notable is the album “MF…FOOD.” Additionally, Chris Rivers’ album “Delorean,” while not a nerdcore album, does reference some pretty iconic “nerdy” films, like Back to the Future.

A Reciprocal Relationship

As much as hip hop has influenced digital entertainment, the online landscape has been just as kind back. It is hard to say if hip hop would have gotten the success and status that it does today if it weren’t for early 2000s music forums. Back then people could talk unrestrained about their favorite styles of music. Many of the participants in these forums discussed their favorite rap and hip hop albums, both successful and underground. 

The aforementioned MF Doom greatly benefitted from his involvement with online communities. Many popular hip hop artists today took inspiration from his hands-on approach to social media. Indeed, even old-school heroes like Snoop Dogg are known to chat fans and make appearances on popular internet-based shows. 

Dave Chappelle Roasts DJ Khaled Over Palestine Silence

During a recent performance, comedian Dave Chappelle took aim at Palestinian-American artist DJ Khaled for his silence on the ongoing war in Gaza. The moment, at a sold-out Etihad Arena as part of Abu Dhabi Comedy Season, was sparked when an audience member shouted out Khaled’s name.

Chappelle responded with biting humor.

“DJ Khaled, let me tell you something,” he began. “For a Palestinian, this man is awfully quiet right now. And as a Palestinian, how could you be that quiet right now? And why are you so fat? People are starving. He’s the only fat Palestinian on Earth right now.”

Chappelle’s remarks touched on a criticism that has been circulating for months. In February 2024, DJ Khaled’s cousin, Fadie Musallet, publicly expressed disappointment over the producer’s silence. Many human rights groups have called the destruction of Palestine a humanitarian crisis and genocide in Gaza.

“There’s no reason, there’s no excuse when you’re actually a Palestinian,” Musallet said during an interview. “For me, my mother lives there. We’re from the same village, same families. So, there’s no excuse… I do a lot of work with refugee camps, raise money for Gaza and the West Bank. I put my heart into this.”

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Chappelle has been outspoken about the suffering of Palestinians since the Israel-Gaza war reignited in 2023. During a 2023 performance in Abu Dhabi, he called Israel’s actions “genocide,” receiving cheers from the crowd.

Chappelle used a January 2024 appearance on Saturday Night Live to urge the president, before the re-election, to show empathy toward Palestinians.

In his most recent UAE appearance, Chappelle didn’t directly address the conflict. He also stated he has to be more cautious than in the past, include his criticism of Trump.

“Now that I’m a big powerful voice in America, I’ve learned that I have to be careful,” he said. “I can get in some kind of trouble and they’ll try to extort me and put words in my mouth. So if that ever happens, we need a phrase—something I’d never say—so that if I say it, you know not to listen to anything I say after that. You ready? The phrase is: I stand with Israel.

Diddy Deliberations Day 2: Jurors Question Drug Dealing, Cassie Ventura & Freak-Offs

A jury continues to contemplate the fate of Diddy during the second day of deliberations on Tuesday (July 1) in his federal racketeering and sex trafficking case.

Today, jurors zeroed in on drug distribution and disturbing sexual misconduct claims involving Cassie Ventura and a sex worker.

The 12-person panel sent five notes to the judge, including one asking for clarification on whether handing someone drugs at their request constitutes distribution.

That question came after jurors reviewed testimony involving alleged drug use and exchanges tied to Diddy’s inner circle.

Jurors also requested transcripts from Ventura and Daniel Phillip, a sex worker who testified about being hired for so-called “freak offs” — group sex encounters allegedly arranged by Diddy and Ventura.

One note specifically asked for Ventura’s account of a 2016 incident at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles, her time with Diddy at the Cannes Film Festival, and her descriptions of the “freak offs” involving Phillip.

Phillip’s testimony about a separate “freak off” at the Essex Hotel was also flagged for review, signaling the jury’s interest in verifying details of the alleged sex trafficking scheme.

Diddy, who has pleaded not guilty, faces five federal charges: racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution.

If convicted, the Hip-Hop mogul could face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.

On Monday, the jury deliberated for about five hours. Early in the session, they raised concerns about one juror’s ability to follow legal instructions. The judge responded by reminding the panel of their duty to adhere to the law as instructed.

Later that day, the jury submitted another note seeking legal guidance on the definition of drug distribution, asking whether someone who gives a controlled substance to another person upon request is legally considered a distributor.

The jury’s pointed questions suggest they are dissecting key elements of the prosecution’s case, particularly the alleged use of drugs to facilitate sex trafficking and the credibility of witness accounts.

Deliberations are expected to continue this week, with no timeline yet for a verdict.

Bob Vylan Speaks Out After U.S. Visa Ban: “We Are Being Targeted For Speaking Up”

Bob Vylan lost their U.S. visas and a major tour after chants at Glastonbury Festival drew accusations of hate speech and sparked international backlash.

The British punk-rap duo, known for their politically charged performances, had their American travel privileges revoked following their June 29 set at Glastonbury, where they led the crowd in chants including “Free, free Palestine” and “Death, death to the IDF.”

The U.S. State Department called the remarks “a hateful tirade” and said the group would not be allowed to enter the country.

“The State Department has revoked the US visas for the members of the Bob Vylan band in light of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in death chants,” Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau posted on Monday (June 30). “Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.”

The fallout was swift. The BBC, which broadcast the performance, issued a statement saying, “The antisemitic sentiments expressed by Bob Vylan were utterly unacceptable and have no place on our airwaves.” Prime Minister Keir Starmer also condemned the act, calling it “appalling hate speech.” UK police have since opened a criminal probe into the performance for possible hate crime and public order violations.

The group, made up of members Bobby and Bobbie, was scheduled to kick off a U.S. tour in October 2025. That tour is now off the table. Their booking agency, United Talent Agency, also dropped them from its roster.

Bob Vylan: “WE ARE A DISTRACTION FROM THE STORY”

Despite the mounting criticism, Bob Vylan stood by their message. On Tuesday (July 1), they released a statement addressing the controversy head-on.

“NOT THE FIRST. NOT THE LAST,” the statement began. “TODAY, A GOOD MANY PEOPLE WOULD HAVE YOU BELIEVE A PUNK BAND IS THE NUMBER ONE THREAT TO WORLD PEACE. LAST WEEK IT WAS A PALESTINE PRESSURE GROUP, THE WEEK BEFORE THAT IT WAS ANOTHER BAND.”

They continued, “WE ARE NOT FOR THE DEATH OF JEWS, ARABS OR ANY OTHER RACE OR GROUP OF PEOPLE. WE ARE FOR THE DISMANTLING OF A VIOLENT MILITARY MACHINE. A MACHINE WHOSE OWN SOLDIERS WERE TOLD TO USE ‘UNNECESSARY LETHAL FORCE’ AGAINST INNOCENT CIVILIANS WAITING FOR AID. A MACHINE THAT HAS DESTROYED MUCH OF GAZA.”

The duo argued that the attention on them was a distraction from larger issues. “WE, LIKE THOSE IN THE SPOTLIGHT BEFORE US, ARE NOT THE STORY. WE ARE A DISTRACTION FROM THE STORY. AND WHATEVER SANCTIONS WE RECEIVE WILL BE A DISTRACTION.”

They closed the statement with a call to action: “WE ARE BEING TARGETED FOR SPEAKING UP. WE ARE NOT THE FIRST. WE WILL NOT BE THE LAST. AND IF YOU CARE FOR THE SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE AND FREEDOM OF SPEECH, WE URGE YOU TO SPEAK UP, TOO. FREE PALESTINE.”

Instagram/Bob Vylan

On Instagram, the group’s lead vocalist previously doubled down with a short message: “I said what I said.” Another post read, “Teaching our children to speak up for the change they want and need is the only way that we make this world a better place.”

Squid Game Season 3: Cast & Director Share BTS Details, Insights In Exclusive Interview

Squid Game took the world by storm in 2021, becoming Netflix’s most-watched series of all time with over 1.65 billion viewing hours in its first month. The Korean survival drama captivated audiences with its brutal social commentary, stunning visuals, and unforgettable characters. Now, after a global phenomenon and multiple Emmy wins, Squid Game returns with a highly anticipated third season.

AllHipHop caught up with actor Lee Byung-hun, best known for his role as a masked enforcer in the series, director Hwang Dong-hyuk and star Lee Jung-jae (Player 456, Gi-hun). From slipping back into the signature red wig to the psychological depth of characters like Gi-hun and the mysterious Front Man, the team dives deep into what’s next.

With season three promising higher stakes, fans are eager to see how the story expands. The cast reveals how fan’s energy helped shape the new season. Interviewer D-Nellz digs deep to offer rare insight into the minds behind one of the most captivating shows of the decade.

AllHipHop: It’s an honor to speak with you all today. Let’s keep things light and spoiler-free. First off, how did it feel to return to the world of Squid Game and begin filming again?

Lee Jung-jae (Actor): The first scene I filmed this season was with the red wig and I just couldn’t believe I was wearing it again. I remember laughing a lot in the makeup trailer. It felt surreal. Of course, this all began with Director Hwang’s vision, but I also think the energy and love from the fans played a huge part in bringing us back. I’m really grateful for that. So I put the wig on and gave it my all.

AllHipHop: As both actors and creators, Squid Game received a massive wave of global attention. Did that impact your creative mindset or add pressure coming into Season 2?

Hwang Dong-hyuk (Director): Absolutely, there was pressure. The show became a global phenomenon, and expectations were incredibly high. But instead of letting that stress me out, I made a conscious effort to turn it into confidence. When we made Season 1, I was filled with doubt—wondering if people would resonate with the story at all. But once I saw how much they embraced it, I realized they connected with the message I wanted to share. That gave me the confidence to tell Season 2 the way I truly wanted, believing that audiences would respond if I stayed authentic.

AllHipHop: Let’s talk about two of the show’s most complex characters, Gi-hun and the Front Man. Without spoiling anything, what should fans expect from their clash in Season 2?

Lee Byung-hun (The Front Man): Gi-hun and the Front Man actually followed very similar paths. Both were players in the game. Both witnessed betrayal, death, and were forced into situations where they had to take others’ lives. But what’s fascinating is that they ended up in completely opposite places. Gi-hun still believes in humanity and holds onto hope, while the Front Man has turned into a pessimist.

When they confront each other this season, you’ll see that the Front Man still has a faint spark of humanity inside him. As I played him, I really tried to convey that internal struggle. It’s not spelled out directly in the script, but if you look closely, I think viewers will sense that even the Front Man might secretly hope Gi-hun is right.

AllHipHop: Thank you so much for your time. We can’t wait to see how fans react to this new season.

Cast & Team: Thank you!

Check out Squid Game Season 3 on Netflix

Chrisean Rock Faces Off With Tia Kemp In Heated Livestream Clash

Chrisean Rock and Tia Kemp went head-to-head in a profanity-laced livestream early Tuesday (July 1), reigniting a long-running feud that’s been simmering for months over parenting, personal jabs and social media shade.

Kemp, the mother of Rick Ross’ eldest son and co-host of a podcast with Karlissa Saffold—who is Blueface’s mom—jumped on TikTok Live around 1 a.m. after receiving multiple calls from Rock. The call didn’t go over well.

“Hoe, you gone’ respect me and Karlissa, b####!” Kemp shouted into the camera. “Go take care of your muthafuckin baby, hoe.”

Rock, who was on the other end of the line, replied, “You don’t know me.”

Kemp fired back, adding, “Since you done threatened me, pull up!” 

Kemp then warned Rock not to come to Miami, saying, “I’m gone flatline your p#### ass.” Rock ended the call, but Kemp kept going, continuing to curse her out on the livestream.

Chrisean Rock & Tia Kemp Go Back & Forth

The late-night blowup is just the latest chapter in a feud that’s dragged on since 2024. Kemp has repeatedly criticized Rock’s parenting, especially when it comes to her young son’s health and development.

“She need to get this baby some help,” Kemp said in a previous video. “She need to get herself some help.” 

Kemp said, “It’s making me mad that this baby can’t run, get down, and walk, and I’m looking at him right here. It’s clear that something is wrong with him. So why she ain’t taking this baby to get some help.”

On Sunday (June 30), Kemp escalated things by threatening to call Child Protective Services, accusing Rock of smoking and drinking around her child.

Rock clapped back, accusing Kemp of chasing relevance and being hypocritical.

“You already did this before. Auntie! And you nobody’s f###### aunt. We don’t know you,” she said. “”Stop passing judgment. Stop speaking on me, for real.”

Rock also referenced Kemp’s own family issues, saying, “You’re sitting here talking about my kid when yours got stabbed for running the streets like a gangster?”

Drake’s Legal Team Accuses UMG Of Hiding Artist Exploitation As Defamation Case Heats Up

Drake is arguing Universal Music Group (UMG) is trying to dodge public accountability for what they call a pattern of mistreatment toward artists following a hearing on the label’s motion to dismiss the rapper’s defamation lawsuit.

Drake’s attorneys allege UMG has long avoided scrutiny by keeping its alleged misconduct behind closed doors, but a trial would drag those actions into the light.

“UMG is desperate to see this case not move forward because the company can’t hide its misconduct in a courtroom the way it does in the boardroom,” a spokesperson for Drake told AllHipHop. “Soon, in addition to facing concerned regulators and investors, the leadership of music’s most powerful label will have to answer for the damage it has caused to every artist that has been silenced, exploited, endangered or discarded.”

UMG Push For Judge To Toss Drake’s Lawsuit

Drake’s legal team urged a judge to let his defamation lawsuit proceed at the hearing on Monday (June 30).

The case stems from Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” which includes the lyric “certified pedophile” — a line Drake claims caused serious reputational harm and was amplified by UMG.

UMG’s lawyers defended the track as part of Hip-Hop’s tradition of over-the-top lyrical sparring. “Trash-talking in the extreme,” they argued, “is not, and should not be treated as, statements of fact.”

UMG also pushed back by pointing out that Drake has used similarly aggressive language in his own music and willingly engaged in a rap battle with Lamar. Neither artist appeared in court.

Judge Jeannette Vargas did not issue a ruling but raised questions about how the average listener interprets lyrics in the genre. “Who is the ordinary listener?” she asked. “Is it someone who’s going to catch all those references? There’s so much specialized and nuanced to these lyrics.”

Drake’s legal team also accused UMG of manipulating streaming data for “Not Like Us” by using bots to inflate numbers, a move they say hurts all artists by reducing per-stream payouts.

Donald Trump Considers Deporting Elon Musk Over Explosive Subsidy Feud

Donald Trump took a swipe at Elon Musk on Tuesday (July 1), suggesting he might consider booting the tech mogul from the United States over their escalating feud and a heated battle over government subsidies.

When asked by reporters whether he’d actually deport Musk, Trump didn’t rule it out.

“We’ll have to take a look,” he said before adding a bizarre jab: “We might have to put DOGE on Elon. You know what DOGE is? The monster that might have to go back and eat Elon. Wouldn’t that be terrible? He gets a lot of subsidies.”

Musk didn’t hold back either. Responding to a clip of Trump’s remarks, he tweeted, “So tempting to escalate this. So, so tempting. But I will refrain for now.”

The tension between the two billionaires has been building for weeks, with Trump firing off a warning on Truth Social Monday night (June 30).

“Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa,” Trump wrote. “No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE.”

Trump also called for Musk’s former department, the Government Performance and Accountability Office—nicknamed DOGE—to investigate the subsidies Musk’s companies receive. “Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this?” Trump wrote. “BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!”

Elon Musk Threatens To Launch New Political Party If Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” Passes

The latest spat comes after Musk publicly slammed Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” a tax and spending proposal that Musk labeled a “disgusting abomination.”

Musk has threatened to fund primary challengers against any Republican who supports the legislation.

“Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing government spending and then immediately voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their head in shame!” Musk wrote. “And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth.”

He also floated launching a new political party if the bill becomes law. “If this outrageous spending bill is enacted,” he wrote, “the America Party will be established the very next day.”

Despite having poured more than $275 million into supporting Trump and other GOP candidates, Musk is now threatening to shift his financial firepower to defeat Republicans backing the bill.

He’s also thrown his support behind lawmakers like Rep. Thomas Massie, who opposed it.

Trump, meanwhile, hinted that Musk’s real issue is the bill’s removal of electric vehicle and solar subsidies. Musk has denied that’s his main concern, but Trump isn’t buying it.

The back-and-forth between the two billionaires shows no signs of cooling. For now, Musk remains in the U.S.—and still tweeting.

Beyoncé Fans Fire Back After Country Artist Tries To Gatekeep “Cowboy Carter”

Beyoncé fans are coming for Gavin Adcock, who fired up controversy during a recent concert when he took aim at the 35-time Grammy winner and her chart-topping album Cowboy Carter at a recent show.

“There’s only three people in front of me on the Apple Music country charts,” Adcock told the crowd. “And one of ’em is Beyoncé. You can tell her we’re coming for her f#####’ ass.”

He followed up with, “That s### ain’t country music, and it ain’t never been country music, and it ain’t never gonna be country music.”

After the uproar, Adcock tried to explain his stance on Instagram, saying he grew up listening to Beyoncé and even praised her Super Bowl performance. “When I was a little kid, my mama was blasting some Beyoncé in the car. I’ve heard a ton of Beyoncé songs, and I actually remember her Super Bowl Halftime Show being pretty kick-ass back in the day,” he wrote. “But I really don’t believe her album should be labeled as country music. It doesn’t sound country, it doesn’t feel country, and I just don’t think that people that have dedicated their whole lives to this genre and this lifestyle should have to compete or watch that album just stay at the top just because she’s Beyoncé.”

He ended his caption with a blunt summary: “It just isn’t country.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gavin Adcock (@gavinadcockmusic)

Beyhive Drag Gavin Adcock Over Beyoncé Rant

The Georgia-born country artist’s remarks quickly ignited a wave of backlash online, with social media users accusing him of gatekeeping and some claiming his remarks were rooted in racism.

One Instagram user wrote, “If it wasn’t for mentioning Beyoncé none of us would even know you. That was a local bar you were at? She’s at ARENAS (sold out) singing COUNTRY.”

Another added, “It takes 5 minutes of research to find out who created country music. Just because you gentrify it, doesn’t make it yours nor the authority figure of who can create music under said genre.”

A third person pointed out the racial double standard in genre-crossing, saying, “Black folks didn’t say things like this about Sam Smith, Adele, Pink, Eminem, Paul Wall, Bubba Sparks, Post Malone and all the ones before them when they hit the R&B and rap charts. Why all the hate?”

Despite Adcock’s criticism, Cowboy Carter continues to dominate the country charts and streaming platforms.

Still, Beyoncé received no nominations at the 2024 Country Music Association Awards, reigniting debates about racial bias and exclusion in the genre.

However Cowboy Carter won best County Album and Album of the Year at the 2025 Grammy Awards

This isn’t the first time Beyoncé has faced resistance from the country music world. Her 2016 CMA performance of “Daddy Lessons” was met with similar pushback, and the song was later denied entry into Grammy country categories.

Addressing that history directly, Beyoncé said, “[Cowboy Carter] was born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed…and it was very clear that I wasn’t.”

She added, “But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of Country music and studied our rich musical archive.”

Drake Vs. UMG: Label Claims “Trash-Talking” Central To Rap Battles

Drake’s defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” returned to court Monday (June 30) for a hearing on the label’s motion to dismiss.

The federal hearing in New York focused on whether Lamar’s “certified pedophile” line crossed a legal line, NBC News reports.

Drake’s legal team argued UMG amplified the song’s reach, damaging his reputation by promoting defamatory content to a massive audience.

UMG pushed back, insisting the diss track falls squarely within the long-standing Hip-Hop tradition of exaggerated lyrical jabs.

“What you hear in these rap battles is trash-talking in the extreme, and it is not, and should not be treated as, statements of fact,” UMG’s attorney told the court.

Judge Jeannette Vargas didn’t issue a ruling but pressed both sides on how the average listener might interpret the lyrics.

“Who is the ordinary listener? Is it someone who’s going to catch all those references?” she asked, adding, “There’s so much specialized and nuanced to these lyrics.”

Neither Kendrick Lamar nor Drake appeared in court.

Drake’s lawsuit alleges that UMG’s promotion of “Not Like Us” caused reputational harm, while UMG counters that Drake willingly participated in the lyrical feud.

Additionally, the label claims Drake has used similarly aggressive language in his own music.

The case also veers into the murky world of digital streaming.

Drake’s Attorneys Argue UMG Artificially Boosting Streams Costs Artists

Attorney Moe Gangat, known for his Instagram account @lawyerforworkers, attended the hearing and said Drake’s legal team accused UMG of using bots and other artificial methods to inflate streaming numbers.

According to Gangat, Drake’s lawyers argued this manipulation reduces per-stream payouts for artists because algorithms detect fake traffic.

Judge Vargas asked whether this issue would affect all artists signed to labels using such tactics. Drake’s team agreed it would.

Gangat suggested this could open the door for more artists to challenge the industry over revenue lost to artificial streaming inflation.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Moe Gangat (@lawyerforworkers)

The judge has not yet ruled on whether the lyrics in question could be seen as defamatory by a typical listener.

Meanwhile, the discovery phase continues, granting Drake’s legal team access to UMG’s internal records, including Kendrick Lamar’s contract.