Katt Williams has confirmed he is making major moves behind the scenes in Hollywood, inspired by Tyler Perry.
The comic revealed on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” earlier this week that the entertainment mogul inspired him to convert an Alabama military base into a major film studio.
Williams told Fallon, “The reason why my life works in golf and off the golf course is because I follow instruction well. So if I see somebody do a good job, I just want to do a good job. I’m going to follow the example.”
He specifically credited Perry for transforming a former military installation into Tyler Perry Studios as the blueprint for his ambitious project.
“So Tyler Perry got a military base, made it into a movie studio, and started making movies,” Williams said.
Williams plans to establish his studio on a sprawling Alabama property, reportedly the former Fort McClellan site, spanning 90 acres with approximately three million square feet of indoor facilities.
This isn’t Williams’s first time openly praising Perry’s pioneering efforts. In a 2024 interview with GQ magazine, Williams acknowledged Perry’s influence.
“It’s just not fair to put all that pressure on Tyler Perry,” Katt Williams explained. “He can only do so much.”
Perry’s own studio, situated on the former Fort McPherson military base in Atlanta, Georgia, covers 330 acres and features 12 soundstages, a replica of the White House, a luxury hotel lobby set, and an entire residential neighborhood with functioning homes.
Perry purchased the property in 2015, converting a site with Civil War-era Confederate history into the largest African-American-owned film studio in the United States.
Perry’s innovative approach has also inspired other prominent entertainers, including 50 Cent, who established G-Unit Studios in Shreveport, Louisiana, after touring Perry’s Atlanta facility.
Yes, Nas and DJ Premier have been collaborating on a joint album! I have to say it is taking too long! Almost a year ago – April 19, 2024 to be exact – they released the song,”Define My Name.” This was in honor of the 30th anniversary of Nas’s debut album, Illmatic. Can you believe it has been 30 years!? At that time, they announced the album was coming and it would hit Planet Hip-Hop late 2024 release.
However, as of today, the album has not yet been released. There were no positive signs until NOW! The “internet” has stated that Nas released some clue that the opus is coming! Take a look!
We have been eagerly awaiting this project, but this shows quite a lot. They seem to be doing some work in the Bahamas. It also suggests that Ghostface Killah is in there as well. This is all pretty aggressive. I think we’ll see this album this year. I would venture to say the timing was not right last year anyway. The King’s Disease series and the Magic series, all produced with Hit-Boy, were incredible. This has to “top” that based on the history of the legend!
This is the first time we have gotten some real leads on the project! Shout out to Nas and Preem!
Quez 2RR landed himself in serious trouble after sneaking a stolen machine gun into a labor ward and now he’s about to pay dearly for his idiotic decision.
The rapper, whose legal name is Terrell Monquez Searcy, stashed a Glock Model 17 handgun beneath a couch cushion at Piedmont Walton Hospital in Monroe, Georgia, on August 17, 2023.
The weapon was illegally modified with a full-auto sear pin, turning it into a machine gun capable of firing rapidly from its loaded 30-round extended magazine.
Hospital security stumbled across the hidden gun and quickly notified law enforcement. Authorities traced the firearm to a theft report filed in Walton County, Georgia.
Federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives later confirmed the weapon operated as a fully automatic machine gun.
Investigators soon discovered Quez 2RR wasn’t shy about flaunting firearms. His social media accounts and music videos, which have garnered millions of views, prominently featured guns, including the illegally modified Glock.
In his music video “Traffic,” Quez 2RR openly rapped about installing a “switch” and brazenly displayed the weapon for viewers.
The rapper’s legal woes deepened after federal prosecutors indicted him in August 2024 on charges of possessing an illegal machine gun.
Court documents also revealed troubling messages between Quez 2RR and a Clayton County police officer.
The rapper had asked the officer to run warrant checks on his behalf. The officer, in turn, leaked confidential details about an ongoing homicide investigation directly to the rapper.
Federal agents executed a search warrant at Quez 2RR’s residence on February 11, 2025, uncovering additional firearms linked to serious crimes. Among them was a weapon connected to a drive-by shooting in DeKalb County that left four people injured.
Facing overwhelming evidence, Quez 2RR pleaded guilty to federal charges of illegal machine gun possession.
He now awaits sentencing scheduled for June 4, 2025. Under federal law, parole is not an option for this type of offense, meaning Searcy could face substantial prison time.
Suge Knight has been talking a lot from behind the walls. He was quiet for a few, but now he is talking full blast now that he’s not coming home early. One of his former Death Row artists is responding to the some of his recent comments.
Daz Dillinger is pulling no punches! And no screwdrivers either! The recent smackdown aimed at Suge Knight is truly one for the ages. In an explosive new video, the Dogg Pound rapper laid into the former bully boss with a vengeance. Suge recently said that Tupac Shakur did some dastardly things to Daz and he had to come back on his a$$!
Daz made it crystal clear: “You said that Tupac and I had an issue, that he spit in my face three times. I wish a MF would spit in my face!” According to Daz, Tupac never disrespected him, and Suge was lying while “jacking off” in prison. But there was even more. Daz said he got all his monies from Suge by using a very long screw driver that he was going to put it in Suge jailhouse style, but while he was out in the world. He claims his DPG rap partner Kurupt was there too. There’s MORE…
Daz alleged Suge squandered between $300,000 and $400,000 on Daz’s ex-girlfriend. He admitted that he got to her, but he got to the money. “She came back to the table with me and gave me some of the money,” Daz bragged. I think this is where “B!tches Ain’t Sh!t” may have come from. But there was even more!
Daz clowned Suge for having “little legs” and being “big up top.” And there is even more. He got to the real of all realities. “You had $600 million, now you’re broke as a joke,” he said.
Dillinger wrapped with a challenge that made me laugh! “When you get out of jail, I will be waiting for you ’cause I want that one-on-one.”
Daz, he will be about 70 years old when he gets out of the bing. Now sure how old you will be, but we can say 60’s in a good guess. Anyway, we can pass on that hand-to-hand combat!
It just hit me, the gangsters are doing more talking than anybody.
Nick Cannon revealed he’s “not done” expanding his family during a lively exchange on his podcast “We Playin’ Spades” on Monday, despite already fathering 12 children.
The moment unfolded when podcast guests former NFL players Ryan Clark and Channing Crowder casually disclosed they’d both undergone vasectomies after becoming dads.
Crowder humorously turned the spotlight toward Cannon, jokingly remarking, “It’s another man at this table that needs to think about that s**t.”
The Wild ‘n Out host responded with a playful sigh, “Feel like this is an intervention,” acknowledging that opting for a vasectomy might indeed be the “responsible thing to do.”
Yet Nick Cannon quickly clarified that he isn’t quite ready to take that step.
“I just – I’m not done,” Cannon firmly stated, adding that he felt slightly “judged” by the conversation’s direction.
Co-host Courtney Bee then pressed Cannon about whether he would consider having another child with one of the women who already share children with him.
Cannon replied uncertainly, “I don’t know,” before adding, “That’s the thing. I leave it to the Lord.”
Cannon, 44, has built a famously large family with six different women. He and his ex-wife, music superstar Mariah Carey, share 13-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe.
With Brittany Bell, Cannon has three children: sons Golden, 8, and Rise, 2, along with daughter Powerful Queen, 4. Additionally, Cannon and Abby De La Rosa have twin sons Zion and Zillion, both 3, and a daughter named Beautiful, 2.
He shares son Legendary Love, 2, with Bre Tiesi, and daughter Onyx, also 2, with LaNisha Cole. Cannon also fathered two children with Alyssa Scott.
Their son Zen tragically passed away at five months old in December 2021 after battling brain cancer. The pair also have a daughter, Halo, now 2.
The conversation about Cannon’s family planning quickly became a hot topic on social media, with many debating whether the entertainer might eventually reconsider his stance.
I’m not comparing them 🤦🏽♀️ I’m saying y’all worship a guy who has had 14 kids, but then talk s### about nick cannon. Your other support it or you don’t lol
He had children with all 3 of his wives. What is the big deal? Fvkg nick cannon has 11 kids with 9 women. What’s he doing? Blk guys routinely have 3-5 baby mommas. Why u singling out Elon?
Elon is super smart and I believe he is doing a great job for the American people. With that being said, I wish he would stop having so many kids. He ain’t no Nick Cannon.
Kenneth Petty’s legal woes are deepening as his alleged role as Nicki Minaj’s manager is now center stage in a heated courtroom drama.
With accusations swirling about unreported income, evasive answers under oath and what attorney Tyrone Blackburn calls a “willful non-compliance” with court-ordered discovery, the man known as Nicki Minaj’s husband is facing increasing scrutiny in the lawsuit filed by Jennifer Hough—his attempted rape victim from 1994.
Hough’s legal team demands Petty produce seven years of financial and employment records.
The request comes amid allegations that Petty has refused to hand over basic tax documents, bank statements, and employment agreements—even after admitting under oath that he has worked as Minaj’s manager.
“Mr. Petty’s deposition testimony was riddled with contradictions,” said Tyrone A. Blackburn, Hough’s attorney. “[Petty’s] claimed compensation was inconsistent with his known lifestyle, which includes extensive travel on Nicki Minaj’s worldwide tours.”
Court records show that Petty initially denied having any income.
But during a December 2024 deposition, he reversed course, saying he was employed by Minaj. He also allegedly failed to account for travel with her on world tours—including Pink Friday 2, Rolling Loud, and Coachella—from 2018 through 2024.
[Petty] repeatedly claimed in his deposition that he was uncertain of his income and employment details. However, public records confirm that He actively accompanied Nicki Minaj on multiple concert tours from 2018 to 2024, demonstrating continuous employment,” Blackburn said.
He also noted, “High-profile artists compensate their security teams generously, often paying six-figure annual salaries.”
The financials are crucial, especially since Hough is seeking punitive damages.
Petty’s problems are layered.
On top of being ordered to disclose his earnings as Minaj’s alleged manager, the motion also demands clarity on compensation for roles he’s reportedly taken on as her security guard and even nanny.
The motion points to industry norms where managers often earn 20% of an artist’s gross income, which could mean millions in potential earnings for Petty due to his wife’s amazing earning power.
Yet, Blackburn says Petty has not submitted a single tax return or employment record. The Court had already ruled these financials must be provided due to the nature of Hough’s claims.
Hough originally sued Petty and Minaj in 2021, alleging harassment and intimidation after she declined to recant her decades-old rape accusation.
Hearing loss is one of the most common sensory disorders, affecting people of all ages. Approximately 1 in 500 newborns are born with detectable hearing loss, while nearly 1 in 3 adults over the age of 65 experience hearing loss. But what causes hearing loss, and can it be inherited? Keep reading to learn more about the genetics behind hearing loss.
How Hearing Works
To understand hearing loss, it’s important to first understand how hearing works.
When sound waves enter the ear canal, they make the eardrum vibrate. The vibrations from the eardrum are passed along to the inner ear, causing fluid inside the cochlea to move. The cochlea contains thousands of tiny hair cells that sense these fluid movements and convert them into electrical signals that travel via the auditory nerve to the brain.
The brain then interprets these signals as different sounds. For normal hearing, every part of this process must work correctly. Problems at any point along the way can result in hearing loss.
Types of Hearing Loss
The three main types of hearing loss include:
Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a problem transmitting sound waves anywhere along the route through the outer and middle ear. This could involve damaged or malformed outer or middle ear structures.
Sensorineural hearing loss arises from abnormalities of the inner ear, including the cochlea or auditory nerve. This is the most common form of permanent hearing loss.
Mixed hearing loss refers to a combination of conductive and sensorineural loss.
Each of these types of hearing loss can have different genetic and environmental underpinnings.
Genetics of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be caused by genetic factors, environmental factors, or a combination of both. However, genetics play a significant role. Researchers estimate that up to 60% of hearing loss has a genetic basis.
Hearing loss can be passed down through families. It may be present at birth or develop later in life. The inheritance patterns include:
Autosomal dominant – caused by a defect in a single gene from one parent. There is a 50% chance of passing on the abnormal gene to offspring.
Autosomal recessive – requires defective genes from both parents. 25% chance of inheriting the disorder if both parents are carriers. More common in childhood hearing loss.
X-linked – caused by mutations in genes on the X chromosome that primarily affects males.
Mitochondrial – caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA passed down from the mother.
There are over 150 genetic syndromes associated with hearing loss. Changes in a single gene or multiple genes can impact hearing. Some of the most common forms of inherited hearing loss include:
Usher syndrome – Most common cause of deaf-blindness, involves sensorineural hearing loss.
Pendred syndrome – Associated with inner ear malformations and thyroid dysfunction.
Waardenburg syndrome – Distinctive facial features and pigmentation changes.
Alport syndrome – Progressive sensorineural hearing loss associated with kidney disease.
In many cases, the specific genetic cause remains unknown. Research continues to uncover new gene mutations involved in hearing loss. Advances in genetic sequencing technology now allow for more comprehensive testing for hereditary contributions.
Environmental Causes
Not all hearing loss is inherited. Various environmental exposures can also lead to hearing damage, including:
Noise exposure – Loud noises from heavy machinery, concerts, earbuds, etc., can damage the hair cells in the cochlea.
Infections – Such as meningitis, measles, and some STIs.
Medications – Certain antibiotics, cancer drugs, and diuretics are ototoxic.
Trauma – Both head injuries and trauma to the ear canal/eardrum.
Aging – Loss of hair cells over time leads to age-related hearing loss.
Often, a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental exposures contributes to an individual’s hearing loss.
Diagnosing Hereditary Hearing Loss
Since genetics play such a key role, it’s important to consider hereditary causes when evaluating a child or adult with hearing loss. A thorough medical history looking at extended family members can help identify potential inherited forms.
Genetic testing is available to diagnose certain types of hereditary hearing loss. A sample of blood or saliva can be tested in a lab to look for known hearing loss mutations. Identifying the underlying genetic cause helps predict the course of hearing loss and guides treatment.
For childhood hearing loss, newborn screening programs using otoacoustic emissions and auditory brainstem response testing can detect problems very early. Early intervention is crucial for the best outcomes. For infants identified with hearing loss through newborn screening, treatment should begin before 6 months of age.
Treatment Options for Hereditary Hearing Loss
While some genetic mutations lead to profound hearing loss present from birth, other hereditary forms manifest later and may be progressive. Treatment options include:
Hearing aids: Can amplify sounds for mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss. Latest digital hearing aids such as those from leading brands like Phonak provide a personalized listening experience. You can view their range here: www.phonak.com/en-us
Cochlear implants: For severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. A surgically implanted device bypasses the damaged cochlea to directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
Assistive devices: Alerting devices, closed captioning, learning sign language. Helpful supplements, especially for those with progressive loss.
Gene therapy: Research into ways to replace defective genes or insert normal genes to rescue hearing is ongoing. Not yet clinically available.
With the right interventions and support, those with inherited hearing loss can thrive. Understanding the genetic underpinnings is key to determining prognosis and management.
Coping with Hereditary Hearing Loss
Receiving a diagnosis of hereditary hearing loss can be difficult to accept. Some helpful tips include:
Learn as much as you can about your specific form of hearing loss. Understanding the condition helps you manage it.
Connect with others affected by similar genetic hearing loss through support groups. You are not alone.
Partner with healthcare providers knowledgeable about current treatment options and assistive technologies for hearing loss.
Advocate for accommodations at school or work, such as assistive listening devices.
Address social and emotional challenges. Counseling helps both individuals with hearing loss and their families.
While hereditary hearing loss presents challenges, the latest innovations in hearing technology, combined with strong family support, allow those affected to thrive.
Elon Musk’s transgender daughter slammed the tech bro as a “pathetic man-child” in a revealing Teen Vogue cover story published Thursday (March 20).
Vivian Jenna Wilson openly criticized her billionaire father’s behavior and dismissed his wealth and influence.
Wilson, 20, is the daughter of Musk and his first wife, Justine Musk. She did not mince words when addressing her strained relationship with the Tesla CEO.
She has previously accused Musk of being “uncaring and narcissistic,” notably in a 2024 NBC News interview after Musk repeatedly misgendered her in a video.
Speaking frankly to Teen Vogue, Wilson made it clear that her father’s immense fortune and global influence hold no sway over her emotions.
“He’s a pathetic man-child,” Wilson told the magazine bluntly. “Why would I feel scared of him? Ohhh, he has so much power. Nah, nah, nah. I don’t give a f**k. People thrive off of fear. I’m not giving anyone that space in my mind. The only thing that gets to live free in my mind are drag queens.”
Wilson continued, mocking the idea that Musk’s wealth should intimidate her.
“Why should I be scared of this man? Because he’s rich?” Wilson said. “Oh, no, I’m trembling. Ooh, shivering in my boots here. I don’t give a f**k how much money anyone has. I don’t. I really don’t. He owns Twitter. Okay. Congratulations.”
“The Nazi salute s**t was insane,” she stated. “Honey, we’re going to call a fig a fig, and we’re going to call a Nazi salute what it was. That s**t was definitely a Nazi salute.”
She further criticized the audience at the event, suggesting they shared responsibility for the incident.
“That crowd should be denounced,” Wilson added, emphasizing her disapproval.
Wilson, who first gained media attention in 2022 when she legally changed her name and publicly distanced herself from Elon Musk, expressed frustration at constantly being linked to her father.
“But other than that, I don’t give a f**k about him. I really don’t,” she said. “It’s annoying that people associate me with him. I just don’t have any room to care anymore.”
Stormzy will soon add another prestigious honor to his growing collection as Cambridge University announced the British rapper will receive an honorary Doctorate in Law for his extensive philanthropic contributions and significant influence in education, music, sports and literature.
The university shared the news on Instagram Wednesday (March 19), highlighting Stormzy as “among eight distinguished individuals” nominated for honorary degrees.
The honor specifically recognizes his charitable initiatives and his positive impact across multiple fields.
The acclaimed artist launched the Stormzy Scholarship at Cambridge in 2018, initially providing financial support for two Black British students annually, covering tuition and living expenses.
The scholarship expanded significantly three years later when HSBC UK stepped in, committing to fund an additional 10 students each year.
To date, 55 students have benefited from the program, and the largest graduating class of Stormzy Scholars is expected in 2025.
Dubbed the “Stormzy Effect,” the scholarship has notably influenced a surge in applications from Black students across Britain, a demographic historically underrepresented at Cambridge.
In 2022 alone, the university admitted 141 Black students, marking a striking 131% increase since the scholarship’s inception in 2018.
The first two recipients of the Stormzy Scholarship graduated in 2021, each earning impressive upper-second-class honors.
Beyond academia, Stormzy has made substantial moves in the sports world.
He collaborated with Adidas to establish #Merky FC, an initiative to boost diversity in soccer by creating career opportunities for young Black individuals off the field.
In 2024, Stormzy and Adidas launched a new state-of-the-art multi-purpose facility, Merky FC HQ, in the rapper’s hometown.
Stormzy’s sports ventures also include ownership stakes in AFC Croydon, a non-league soccer club he acquired alongside soccer star Wilfried Zaha.
This upcoming Cambridge honor isn’t his first academic accolade. In June 2022, the University of Exeter awarded him an honorary degree, recognizing his “outstanding achievement in the field of higher education, philanthropy and widening participation.”
Alongside Stormzy, renowned political activist, philosopher and author Professor Angela Davis will also receive an honorary Doctorate in Letters from Cambridge.
The honorary degree ceremony at Cambridge University is scheduled for later this year.
Sauce Walka, the flamboyant Houston rapper and self-proclaimed “drip god,” was reportedly shot Saturday night in what Memphis police now call a targeted attack that left his artist Sayso P.
The gunfire erupted in the heart of downtown Memphis, just a block away from tourist hotspot Beale Street,
Authorities say the victims were standing outside when a white vehicle approached and opened fire before speeding away from the scene.
Sayso P, an emerging rapper affiliated with Walka’s Sauce Factory label, died at the scene from his injuries. Sauce Walka survived and is in stable condition.
Memphis Police Department officials confirmed the shooting was not random.
“So we’re convinced that vehicle has fled the downtown area. Certainly want everybody to be on the lookout for this white vehicle. We put out a citywide broadcast on that vehicle,” MPD Assistant Chief Don Crowe told WREG. “Currently, we have detectives from the homicide unit. We have detectives from the CSI unit on the scene conducting the investigation. Hopefully, we’ll be able to develop suspect information real quickly.”
Footage from the aftermath circulated on social media.
So far, no arrests have been made, and a motive beyond the targeted nature of the attack has not been publicly disclosed.
Just hours before the shooting, Sayso P and Sauce Walka dropped their location and were on Instagram, flashing stacks of cash while posting images hanging out at Reservations Bar.
G$ Lil Ronnie and his 5-year-old daughter R’Mani were remembered at a packed funeral service at Great Commission Baptist Church in Fort Worth after their tragic deaths in a shooting at Slappy’s Car Wash in Forest Hill, Texas.
The March 3, 2025, shooting took the lives of both father and daughter, leaving the community stunned and grieving.
On Friday (March 21), hundreds gathered to honor the memory of the popular Hip-Hop artist, whose real name was Ronnie Sibley and his young daughter in a ceremony described as a heartfelt celebration of their lives.
Large portraits of Lil Ronnie and R’Mani stood prominently inside the church, capturing their smiles and personalities.
Their caskets, wrapped in images of the pair, drew emotional reactions from mourners, who included not only family and friends but also community residents and even strangers moved by the tragedy.
The service blended uplifting music, touching speeches and even moments of laughter, reflecting the joyful spirits of Ronnie and his daughter.
Among those who spoke was Fort Worth police officer Brian Gator, a close friend of the rapper. Gator shared emotional memories of Lil Ronnie, known affectionately as “Chucky,” highlighting his charisma and success despite difficult circumstances.
“He had a smile, character, very charismatic. You know, he was one of a kind. And there’s not too many, you know, come from where we come from that make it out. Chucky was one of those that succeeded, for sure,” Officer Gator said.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the deadly incident continues.
Authorities have arrested two suspects, 24-year-old Adonis Robinson and 21-year-old Jakobe Russell. Robinson was apprehended on March 6, 2025, in Livingston, Texas, while Russell surrendered to U.S. Marshals the following week, accompanied by his attorney.
Both men face capital murder charges, carrying the possibility of life imprisonment or the death penalty under Texas law.
Investigators have yet to disclose a motive for the killings.
Majors recently appeared on Sherri Shepard’s talk show in promotion of his new film Magazine Dreams. In addition to promoting the movie, Majors discussed the personal growth and self-reflection he has undergone since being convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment in 2023 following a case filed against him by Jabbari.
While he was unable to discuss the details of the case, Majors opened up about the emotional toll and the journey he has been on since the verdict.
“Chaos came,” Majors admitted when asked how he felt during that tumultuous period.
Majors then likened the experience to being in a war, referencing biblical teachings on trials and tribulations.
“The Bible talks about trials and tribulations you know, but It’s very different to find yourself in it and you look at the Bible differently,” he said. “And uh it’s been a journey, you know.”
He recounted moments of deep struggle, acknowledging that there were days he barely moved from the couch, reflecting on how drastically his life had changed. Despite the hardships, Majors described the past two years as a time of healing and accountability.
“It’s been two years of growth, healing, accountability about who I was, where I was, what I was doing, where my mind was at, where my spirit was at,” he said.
He also shared a recent conversation with his partner, Meagan Good, where he acknowledged a shift in himself.
“I feel different,” he said. “I just feel different. And I love the man I am now.”
When asked about a recently leaked audio recording from 2023 that allegedly captured a discussion between him and Jabbari regarding an aggressive incident, Majors remained steadfast in his faith.
“God has a plan,” he said. “And sometimes you just throw your hands up. I’ve let go of control and just say, ‘Hey, whatever it is, it is.'”
Majors also spoke about his decision to open up about childhood abuse in his recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He attributed his ability to address his past trauma to personal growth.
“I’m an athlete, I’m an actor, and both of those things come with instructors, teachers, and mentors,” he said. “But the self, I left that aside. Now, in this moment, I realized if I trained so hard for my career, I had to do the same for my self-wellness.”
He credited therapy and his pastor, Darius Daniels, for helping him on this path.
“I brought in the Avengers of therapists,” he said. “Therapy and my pastor have been instrumental.”
Through reflection, therapy, and faith, Majors expressed gratitude for the man he has become, saying, “I’ve grown, I’ve healed, and I’m still moving forward.”
Watch an extended portion of the interview in the YouTube video above.
2 Chainz exposed an employee who allegedly swiped “everything” from one of his businesses in a surprising video revelation shared online.
On Wednesday (March 19), the Grammy-nominated rapper and entrepreneur took to social media to detail the incident at one of his establishments.
Although he didn’t specify which business was targeted, 2 Chainz clarified that the theft was no minor incident. Among the items reportedly stolen were televisions, furniture, including sofas, and various other unspecified goods.
The Atlanta rapper summed up the incident in his video, stating, “She stole everything.”
Despite the severity of the theft, 2 Chainz indicated he would not pursue legal action against the employee responsible.
In a caption accompanying the video, 2 Chainz expressed his frustration with a philosophical twist, writing, “No good deed goes unpunished. im not even mad, I know it’s hard out here … it’s the principle.”
2 Chainz has built a diverse business empire beyond his music career. His portfolio includes multiple restaurants such as EscoBar Restaurant & Tapas and Esco Seafood, a Smoothie King franchise, a nail salon and even a California-based cannabis dispensary.
He did not name the specific business, but 2 Chainz tagged the video location as his “Pamper Nail Studio.”
Fellow rappers, including Killer Mike, Kid Capri and Dee1, shared supportive messages in the comment section of his post.
“Yo this is the 2nd time I seen you done wrong playboy,” Kid Capri wrote. “The first was, nobody showed up to your your food drive, people are just foul brah.”
Killer Mike added, “U real “Player” and Gentleman. U gonna stay blessed cuz u blessing others. Salutes to u and then crew that stay Tru to U.”
Kendrick Lamar has often been seen as Hip-Hop’s moral guide, almost like a “prophet,” dealing with the pressures of fame, faith and what people expect from him.
But as everyone picks apart his lyrics and actions, the real question is: Is Kendrick really the voice of what’s right, or is he just another person trying to figure out life’s tough choices like the rest of us?
Expecting any artist—or anyone, really—to be completely perfect is an impossible standard. Kendrick’s music shows that morality isn’t something set in stone but something that changes based on what he’s been through and learned, even from his mistakes. Maybe the most real thing about Kendrick is that he’s not pretending to be perfect; he’s honest about still figuring things out, just like everyone else.
Throughout Kendrick’s discography, he has never shied away from speaking on the moral battles he faces, in addition to the other topics he discusses. On his third studio album, To Pimp a Butterfly, he goes through an introspective journey that touches on his struggles with fame, temptation and the responsibility to be a voice for the Black community on tracks like “u,” where he beats himself up for not doing enough for the Black community, and “These Walls,” which explores how cycles of revenge and lust can distort personal and collective morality.
“The Blacker the Berry” is perhaps the most direct confrontation of his moral paradox, where he fiercely denounces racial injustice while acknowledging his own contradictions—hence the meaning behind the album title: how something beautiful (the butterfly) can be manipulated, exploited or “pimped” by the forces around it.
Even before To Pimp a Butterfly, Kendrick poses this moral dilemma in good kid, m.A.A.d city, an album that provides a look into a young Kendrick caught at a crossroads between the streets and salvation, survival and righteousness, where gang culture, peer pressure and violence threaten to pull him into the very cycles he hopes to escape.
So, where did the shift in the narrative about Kendrick occur? I would say it was with the release of Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. People were upset with Kendrick’s use of the f-slur, as well as the inclusion of Kodak Black on the album—someone known to have numerous allegations of abuse.
Although I don’t agree with the use of the slur or the inclusion of Kodak Black, I believe their presence adds another layer to the moral complexities of Kendrick Lamar as a human being who grapples with contradictions, accountability and the reality that human growth is not linear and is often filled with imperfections.
The album itself breaks down the “morally right” Kendrick and instead presents us with a Kendrick who is flawed—battling internal biases, toxic behaviors and the generational cycles of trauma he has both suffered and perpetuated.
The big rap beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake last year got a lot of attention, with many people viewing Kendrick as the morally righteous one, calling out Drake over serious allegations involving underaged women.
Now, with Drake suing Universal Music Group over the beef, it’s reigniting the conversation around Kendrick Lamar’s moral compass, especially considering how he himself was criticized not too long ago.
The moral spotlight continues to shine on Kendrick as people question his choices, like his feature on Playboi Carti’s MUSIC, despite Carti also having troubling allegations. These contradictions show how tricky the idea of morality is in the music world, reminding us that no artist is perfect or free from critique. Even someone like Kendrick—seen by many as a voice of reason—is still just a human dealing with the same tough moral issues as anyone else.
Through it all, Kendrick Lamar shows us that being human is complicated, and our sense of right and wrong isn’t always clear-cut. He’s not the perfect role model some people make him out to be, nor is he a completely lost cause as others would claim.
Instead, Kendrick reflects the struggles we all face—dealing with contradictions, flaws, and the ongoing evolution of who we are. His music and life serve as a reminder that growing as a person is messy and imperfect.
By accepting his own flaws and moral confusion, Kendrick encourages us to do the same, showing that, like everyone else, he’s still learning and figuring things out. I think it’s important that we show him grace—just like we’d want grace shown to ourselves.
The culture of hip-hop has had incredibly wide-reaching impacts, with a range of influences on several industries. This pattern can be seen around the globe, from films and entertainment to fashion and clothing to online gambling.
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From exclusive partnerships to cryptic lyrical references to high-stakes poker games, hip-hop has undoubtedly shaped gambling and vice versa. In this article, we’ll explore the close and enduring but underexplored relationship between hip-hop and the world of gambling.
(image: Allhiphop.com)
Historical Connection Between Hip-Hop and Gambling
Hip-hop has changed the world in many ways. Although not immediately clear to all, there’s a good reason for the close relationship that hip-hop and gambling share. Much of hip-hop is concerned with lifestyles, and many hip-hop artists embrace gambling as a part of their lifestyle. Their lyrics are frequently laced with references to Vegas, high-stakes, and gambling culture.
Back in the 1970s, when hip-hop enjoyed its first flourishing and formative years, the gambling-hip-hop bond was formed. Hip-hop is often cited as having been born on the tough New York streets, where risk-taking and the pursuit of wealth were a matter of survival.
In the decades that followed, rappers began to discuss their high-stakes lifestyles, rollercoaster approach to wealth, and efforts to get rich. As a result, the relationship only became more pronounced. Here are just a few of the artists who have referenced gambling in their lyrics over the years:
Jay-Z
The Notorious B.I.G.
Nas
50 Cent
Lil Wayne
Rick Ross
Drake
Such references tend to include casinos, luxury, dice, risk-taking, Las Vegas, and other elements of casino culture. By embracing gambling in this public way, hip-hop artists like those above helped shape how games and platforms operate.
Branding and Marketing: Hip-Hop’s Role in Shaping Online Casinos
The relationship between hip-hop and gambling is a two-way street. Rappers have helped to promote the gambling industry, and the gambling industry has returned the favor, often in the form of paid celebrity endorsements.
By lending their names and images to gambling companies, more effective marketing materials can be created, and casinos can reach newer, more urban markets. This collaboration has had significant benefits for gambling operators.
The Rise of Hip-Hop Influencers in Online Gambling
Influencers are a key part of modern marketing strategies, and the gambling industry was quick to recognize this. Many rap and hip-hop artists have their own social media accounts, live streams, and video channels. Through these, they can engage directly with millions of fans while promoting certain brands.
The hip-hop lifestyle is attractive to many people, especially younger fans, and some of these may even see gambling as a shortcut to attaining the necessary wealth. It should be noted that gambling is not a means to make money; it is a form of entertainment with the potential to award real money prizes.
By leveraging their online influence, hip-hop stars are able to generate large amounts of money, as well as business for their casino brand partners.
Hip-Hop-Inspired Games and Gambling Features
Another way that this collaborative relationship benefits the gambling industry is through slot games that are inspired by hip-hop. These may be directly linked to a hip-hop artist, or they might be an off-brand alternative, incorporating iconography such as graffiti, urban environments, and rap soundtracks. Either way, they speak to fans of this monumentally popular music genre.
Here are a few examples of slot games with a hip-hop theme:
Slot Game
Developer
Description
Details
Top Dawgs
Relax Gaming
This title uses anthropomorphic dog rappers in a hip-hop world to produce an engaging and innovative slot game.
96.1% RTP High volatility 25,014x max win
Pimped
Play’n GO
Packed full of hip-hop symbolism, including dollar bills, gold rings, and familiar rapper characters, Pimped boasts a bassy, on-theme soundtrack and some great gameplay.
94.51% RTP High volatility 10,000x max win
HipHopPop
Yggdrasil
Based on a rap battle narrative, HipHopPop invites the player to navigate a world of graffiti and beats.
As well as embracing gambling, hip-hop artists are generally quick to take up new technologies, and this is likely to result in further evolution of the online gambling sphere. Technologies such as NFTs, blockchain assets and cryptocurrency are all adjacent to both hip-hop and gambling.
Many high-profile public figures have even launched their own NFTs and branded digital content. This trend opens up yet more opportunities for collaboration between hip-hop artists and online casinos.
Conclusion
Hip-hop has always referenced gambling. However, recent years have seen many gambling operators reciprocating this, forging partnerships with hip-hop influencers to draw in new customers who want a taste of the luxury and risk referred to in many hip-hop tracks.
What began as a series of financially beneficial mutual relationships has evolved into a cultural movement. Gambling and hip-hop are now inextricably linked, and these relationships show no sign of weakening. In fact, if anything, we can expect to see more rappers and artists getting on board with casino brands and producing more promotional content. The evolution of these fruitful partnerships is ongoing and good news for all involved.
Sean “Diddy” Combs is drawing a line in his upcoming RICO trial and is adamant – no masked accusers.
With less than two months before his federal sex trafficking trial kicks off, Diddy is challenging the government’s plan to let some witnesses testify under pseudonyms.
Prosecutors informed the judge that Diddy’s legal team is firmly opposed to the request, setting up an early legal clash over how — and by whom — the story of Combs’ alleged criminal enterprise will be told.
In a March 21 letter to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, prosecutors said they will formally ask the court on April 1 to allow certain alleged victims to withhold their full names during testimony.
But they also made it clear: Diddy’s defense team is already pushing back.
“The defense objects to the use of pseudonyms for these particular witnesses,” wrote Assistant U.S. Attorney Maurene Comey.
The issue isn’t just legal — it’s logistical.
If the judge approves pseudonyms, the government will be forced to redact large amounts of material, including trial exhibits, and restructure how they prep witnesses and screen jurors. That’s why prosecutors are pressing for a fast ruling: so they’re not scrambling in the weeks before trial.
“The use of pseudonyms implicates multiple logistical concerns, including, among other things, the redaction of a substantial volume of exhibits, preparation of witness testimony, and proposed voir dire,” the government told the court.
If granted, prosecutors also want a separate conference to hammer out the mechanics before jury selection begins.
The request to shield identities is typical in federal sex trafficking cases — especially those involving allegations of coercion, violence, or long-term psychological abuse. But Combs’ lawyers argue that if someone is testifying against him, they must show their face and name.
The disagreement is just the latest legal maneuver in what’s shaping up to be one of the most-watched celebrity trials in recent memory.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to a sweeping federal indictment charging him with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution.
Prosecutors allege he ran a multi-layered criminal operation that used his music empire, liquor brands, clubs, and personal enablers to lure, exploit, and silence women across the country over decades.
Beyoncé’s father, Mathew Knowles, is speaking out against Kanye West after the rapper’s controversial remarks about Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s children, warning that West’s actions will have consequences.
Knowles didn’t mince words when he talked to TMZ about West’s recent social media tirade, where he disparaged Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s 7-year-old twins, Rumi and Sir Carter.
West sparked outrage by using slurs questioning the twins’ cognitive abilities in multiple posts on X (Twitter).
“People pay a price for being stupid, especially in the music industry,” Mathew Knowles told the outlet Friday (March 21).
While Knowles expressed frustration with West’s behavior, he also acknowledged the rapper’s well-documented mental health struggles. He added, “I’m hopeful Kanye gets the type of help he needs, in terms of mental health.”
The Knowles family has responded with restraint, opting for subtlety rather than direct confrontation.
Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, took to social media on Wednesday (March 19) to address the situation indirectly.
She posted a short video featuring a joke referencing West’s recent online outbursts.
“What happens when a snowman throws a tantrum?” Tina Knowles said in the video. “He has a meltdown.”
However, she also took a more serious tone in the caption.
“It’s hard to remain positive and classy in the face of ignorance and evil,” she wrote. “But I know that no weapon formed against me or my family shall prosper. This battle is not mine, but the Lords, I know that God has got this.”
Mathew and Tina Knowles’ post followed Kanye West’s controversial tweets. In addition to questioning the twins’ mental capabilities, West alleged that Beyoncé conceived Rumi and Sir through in vitro fertilization (IVF).
He further ignited controversy by stating, “Having r****** children is a choice.”
West initially deleted the offensive posts following intense backlash but reposted them, expressing regret for removing them. He also accused Jay-Z of pressuring him to delete the original remarks.
Willie McGinest turned to street-certified power broker Eugene “Big U” Henley for help after a bottle-smashing beatdown inside a Los Angeles hot spot and the FBI caught the conspiracy on a wiretap.
According to a sprawling 107-page federal criminal complaint unsealed this week, McGinest sought Big U’s influence to get out of trouble after a brutal December 2022 attack at Delilah in West Hollywood.
McGinest, a three-time Super Bowl champion turned NFL Network commentator, surrendered to authorities on December 19, 2022, and posted $30,000 bail.
He was hit with two serious counts: assault with a deadly weapon and assault by means of force likely to cause great bodily injury—each carrying up to four years behind bars.
As the legal firestorm raged, Big U apparently went into damage-control mode on behalf of McGinest.
In a call recorded on December 23, 2022, Big U instructed a relative of the victim, identified as J.S., to “go to the lineup. Tell him to pick the wrong person.”
In another wiretapped call on January 2, 2023, Big U was heard laying out a strategy to a group of associates.
“The young n#### going to say he stole his watch out the bathroom and [the former NFL player] came to get his watch back and it turned into something else. He’s going to apologize for stealing [the former NFL player] ‘s watch… Case dismissed,” Big U said.
By January 7, the FBI was tailing Big U as he met with the victim’s father, trying to get the family to flip and help make the case disappear. During an intercepted call, Big U explicitly told J.S. the victim needed to accept blame to shield McGinest from prosecution.
On January 9, Big U was recorded again, saying to an associate: “Get the criminal case off them.” He was adamant that the victim’s refusal to press charges couldn’t be traced back to him or his crew.
But despite the backdoor maneuvering, the charges stuck.
Though he later apologized publicly and took “full responsibility,” McGinest pleaded not guilty in August 2023. The victim eventually filed a civil lawsuit against McGinest, seeking money for the assault.
The NFL Network suspended and ultimately severed ties with McGinest in March 2023, signaling that the league wasn’t interested in any drama involving busted bottles and bottle-service beatdowns.
Meanwhile, Big U—long a controversial figure with deep ties to the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips and a reputation for running LA’s under-the-table power structure—has problems of his own.
On March 19, 2025, he turned himself into federal authorities to face a mountain of charges stemming from an ongoing RICO investigation.
Prosecutors allege Big U and his “Big U Enterprise” are responsible for everything from extortion, robbery and murder to bank fraud, human trafficking and manipulating city-funded nonprofit cash flows.
The feds say the operation was a front for intimidation and criminal enterprise masked as community service.
Erykah Badu delighted fans this week by revealing she’s finally returning to the studio after a 15-year hiatus, teaming up exclusively with acclaimed producer The Alchemist for her next album.
The Grammy-winning soul icon hasn’t dropped a full-length studio project since New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh, back in 2010, leaving her loyal listeners eagerly awaiting new material.
Although the album’s name and release date remain under wraps, Badu confirmed the collaboration with The Alchemist during a Billboard interview.
Badu explained her lengthy absence from recording by emphasizing her identity as a live entertainer first and foremost.
“I tour eight months out of the year for the past 25 years,” she explained. “That’s what I do. I am a performance artist”.
Known for her magnetic stage presence and spontaneous audience interactions, Badu elaborated on why she prefers performing live over studio sessions.
“It’s the immediate reaction between you and the audience and the immediate feeling,” Badu added. “The point where you become one living, breathing organism with people. That’s what I live for. It’s my therapy. And theirs, too. We’re in it together. And I like the idea that it happens only once.”
Erykah Badu On Current State of Hip-Hop
Badu also reflected on the current state of rap music, noting that the essence of Hip-Hop remains unchanged since she first encountered it.
“[The thing I like about rap right now] is the same thing I liked about rap when I first met it,” she said. “Rap is the people. Hip-hop is the people. It’s the folks. It’s the tribe. I have the luxury of experiencing having children who I watch grow up and love and encourage very much, and I cannot separate them when I see artists who are that age coming up. That’s how they feel. They are continuing the tradition.”
While details remain scarce, the announcement alone has already sparked excitement across social media.
Last month, Erykah Badu and The Alchemist dropped off a taste of what’s to come with A Valentine’s Day teaser.
Benzino exploded into a furious rant on the “Big Dookie Chain” podcast after the host suggested he “fumbled” his stewardship of The Source magazine.
The former Hip-Hop mogul went ballistic when the podcast host mentioned criticism of Benzino’s tenure at the publication.
In a heated exchange, Benzino lashed out, yelling, “You don’t sit here and talk about what the f### I fumbled. Get the f### out of here. What have you fumbled?”
The host attempted to calm the situation, claiming he had given Benzino “nothing but praise for having The Source,” but Benzino wasn’t buying it. Instead, he mocked the host and accused him of deliberately provoking controversy.
“Man, listen, bro. I seen it coming. You wanted to do this. You felt you didn’t do it last time. Because all these other crackers be like, ‘He f##### The Source up,'” Benzino snapped.
When the host tried to end the segment, Benzino fired back with a blunt insult, telling him, “E#########.”
Benzino goes off on the interviewer after he tells him he fumbled 'The Source Magazine.' pic.twitter.com/I3eWLO2CJ3
In another clip from the same podcast, Benzino continued venting his frustration.
“You was a fan of what the f### I done,” he stated. “I’m not a fan of what you’ve done. I tried to be, but you giving off a hater vibe.”
Benzino also took the opportunity to throw shade at his longtime nemesis, Eminem.
Benzino has long been criticized for allegedly using the magazine to promote his own music, notably giving his 1999 album Classic Limited Edition suspiciously high ratings.
Benzino’s involvement with The Source began quietly in 1996 when he became co-owner with founder Dave Mays.
Their partnership wasn’t revealed until after 2003, when Benzino’s influence over editorial decisions sparked backlash from rappers and industry insiders.
The magazine’s credibility suffered amid Benzino’s feud with Eminem and growing competition from rival publications.
Eventually, Benzino and Mays were ousted from The Source, leaving the once-dominant Hip-Hop magazine struggling to regain its former prestige.
Benzino Defends His Legacy
Despite the criticism, Benzino defended his legacy on the podcast, stating, “I don’t wanna hear that s###,” regarding the accusations of mismanagement.
“Everybody had something, and something might have happened,” he asserted. “I had 18 years and made millions of dollars and done s### all around the world with it. You can’t tell me s###.”
