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Hip Hop Artists That Got Famous on TikTok

By: Staff WriterCategory: Uncategorized

Unquestionably, TikTok has altered the music business, changing the way songs go viral, how musicians are found, and how fan bases are grown. Particularly for hip-hop musicians, the platform has evolved into a vital launchpad providing a direct channel to millions of fans, often avoiding established gatekeepers. The short-form video style and strong ‘For You Page’ algorithm help to create a climate whereby a single song fragment may become a worldwide phenomenon, therefore driving artists from obscurity to mainstream awareness. Artists are always looking for efficient ways to increase their presence in this increasingly competitive digital space where every view and like counts. Some could even investigate technologies to buy tiktok initial visibility.

The TikTok Effect on Music Discovery

Breaking into the music business before TikTok traditionally required large financial support, record label ties, and plenty of radio activity. Tiktok democratized this approach. An unfamiliar song could become a viral success overnight with a catchy lyric, unusual rhythm, or interesting dancing challenge. Hip-hop, a genre that depends on originality, powerful beats, and relevant lyrics, is especially vulnerable for this “TikTok effect”. The stage lets musicians to:

  • Bypass Traditional Gatekeepers: Artists no longer rely just on A&R executives or radio programmers to have their music noticed.
  • Directly Engage Fans: Tiktok lets musicians develop a community around their music by means of a direct path to possible fans.
  • Test New content: Artists can preview unreleased songs to see public response before a full release.
  • Create Viral Moments: The challenge-based culture of the platform motivates users to produce content employing particular sounds, therefore generating natural marketing.

Key Factors for Hip Hop Virality on TikTok

A hip-hop music or artist reaching viral success on TikTok depends on several components:

  • Catchy Hooks: Short, catchy lyrical phrases or melodic lines fit for short video forms that are readily repeated.
  • Danceability: Track that motivates simple, learned dance motions or creative tasks.
  • Relatable Content: Lyrics or topics that speak to daily events, feelings, or humour will be relatable.
  • Unique Production: Outstanding in a congested feed, distinctive beats or sound effects.

Artists who show a real personality and engage personally with their audience usually find more success.

Notable Hip Hop Artists Who Rose to Fame on TikTok

Thanks to TikTok, their careers have exploded. Here are some notable examples:

  • Lil Nas X:  Although “Old Town Road” first became popular on other platforms, Tiktok helped it to become a worldwide sensation. The song’s genre-bending quality and accompanying “Yeehaw Challenge” made it unavoidable, proving TikTok’s ability to transform music to hitherto unheard-of glory.
  • Doja Cat:  Many of Doja Cat’s hits, including “Say So” and “Boss B####,” became extremely well-known on Tiktok by viral dancing competitions. On the platform, her fun demeanour and flexible musical approach made her a regular favourite.
  • DaBaby: Often used in numerous comical skits and dance videos, tracks including “ROCKSTAR” with Roddy Ricch became omnipresent on Tiktok. His mainstream appeal and streaming totals were much improved by this exposure.
  • Cardi B: Although she is already a star, Tiktok has regularly highlighted her presence. Her straightforward approach and appealing ad-libs usually go viral and help her to remain relevant on the platform and have her music trending.
  • Roddy Ricch: Beyond his performance on “ROCKSTAR,” Roddy Ricch’s “The Box” became a huge Tiktok success mostly because to its unique “EHH-ERR” sound effect, which was extensively applied in memes and challenges.
  • Coi Leray: Two of Coi Leray’s songs, “No More Parties” and “Blick Blick!” were hugely popular on Tiktok, which resulted in notable chart performance and a fast-expanding fan base. The audience of the platform finds great resonance in her original style and captivating demeanour.
  • Jack Harlow:  On Tiktok, songs like “Whats Poppin” and “First Class” became extremely popular as users produced varied content around their smooth beats and enticing lyrics. His reputation as a major hip-hop musician was firmly established in large part on this exposure.

The Symbiotic Relationship: TikTok and the Music Industry

Beyond just individual musicians, TikTok has drastically changed the way the music business approaches artist development and promotion. Record companies now aggressively search TikTok for new talent, and viral events on the platform are typically the main indicator of possible hits. From the start, new music marketing initiatives often include TikTok challenges and influencer partnerships. Artists, labels, and the platform itself are therefore always changing to maximize the possibility for viral success in this symbiotic relationship.

For older music seeking fresh life, the platform has also grown to be very vital. Songs from years past can unexpectedly reemerge and trend on Tiktok, sparking fresh interest and a spike in streaming data. This phenomena emphasizes Tiktok’s ability as a discovery engine for a complete catalogue of music as well as for fresh artists.

Challenges and Evolution 

Even if Tiktok is clearly powerful, depending just on it for popularity comes with difficulties. Trends’ fleeting character forces artists to be always creative in order to be relevant. The vast abundance of content makes constant standing out challenging. Moreover, the distinction between real organic virality and contrived trends can occasionally blurring and sparks debates on authenticity and the long-term viability of fame fueled by Tiktok.

The platform itself is changing as well; fresh features and algorithm tweaks are continuously released. Artists and their teams have to stay nimble, adjusting their content and marketing plans to fit the evolving Tiktok terrain. The focus on short-form video keeps, but the kinds of content that appeal, the sounds that trend, and the viral problems are always changing and call for ongoing innovation and adaptability from those who try to use their power.

Unquestionably, TikTok has changed the path of many hip-hop musicians by offering an unparalleled forum for virality, direct fan interaction, and discovery. From well-known singers discovering fresh paths for connection to up-and-coming artists shattering with a single viral sound, the platform’s influence on the genre is great and continuous. Tiktok’s influence in hip-hop is still strong as the digital music scene develops, since it shows the value of short-form content and algorithmic discovery. Artists and their teams are constantly searching for an edge in this very competitive climate where every instant counts; while organic virality is the ultimate goal, some may consider additional tools like Blastup to improve their initial reach and visibility.

Judge Mathis Says Real Street Guys Never Feared Diddy

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Judge Greg Mathis didn’t hold back when addressing Diddy and the mogul’s alleged street credibility, saying the Hip-Hop executive’s tough-guy image never held weight with real gangsters.

“Street guys don’t fear him because they know he’s never been in the street. He was a kid, went to Catholic school, and then he was bullied. He tried to join up with some little gang in New York, I think Harlem, that weren’t even engaging in crime,” Judge Mathis said.

Diddy is currently facing a wide-ranging federal investigation that includes accusations of racketeering, sex trafficking, and kidnapping.

Prosecutors allege he led a criminal network that enabled years of sexual, physical and emotional abuse. The charges also include arson, drug offenses, bribery and obstruction of justice.

Mathis, a former Detroit street hustler turned television judge, said Diddy’s reputation in the music industry was built more on fear and association than actual street credibility.

Diddy’s father, Melvin Earl Combs, was a known figure in Harlem’s drug scene and had ties to the infamous kingpin Frank Lucas. In 1972, Melvin was shot and killed in his car on Central Park West. He was 33.

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“His father, who was killed, was a big gangster in New York. And from my understanding, his mother, you know, she wasn’t nothing to play with. And she was associated with his friends from the past. Like, I’m associated with my friend gangsters from the past,” Judge Mathis explained.

Though rumors swirled that he was an informant, no one was ever charged with the murder. Diddy was just a toddler at the time.

“There was a sense of fear in New York that the folks that were close to his, there was one in particular who was close to his dad, and everybody feared. Everybody feared in the nation. And so some say that that’s why he felt such the liberty of being a tough guy,” Judge Mathis said.

Diddy’s former partner Cassie Ventura accused him of rape, physical abuse and sexual slavery during their 10-year relationship. Another woman, Mia, said Diddy raped her, threw ice on her head, and chased her out of his home while she was menstruating.

Other disturbing claims include firebombing Kid Cudi’s car, breaking into his home, and locking his dog in a bathroom. Witnesses also described being forced into humiliating sex acts known as “freak-offs.”

Mathis, who turned his life around after serving time as a teen and later became one of television’s most respected legal voices, has long used his platform to speak on justice and redemption.

His syndicated show Judge Mathis ran for over two decades and earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Judge Mathis is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the BOMESI Summit this weekend (June 6-9).

Jamie Foxx Rips Into Diddy During Netflix Comedy Set

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Jamie Foxx didn’t hold back when he took the stage at Netflix’s All-Star Comedy Night, tearing into Diddy with a sharp-edged routine that tackled the Hip-Hop mogul’s ongoing sex trafficking case and the disturbing allegations tied to it.

During the set, Foxx, 57, addressed the criminal accusations facing Diddy, 55, who has pleaded not guilty to charges including sex trafficking and racketeering.

The Oscar-winning actor and comedian didn’t mince words. “That Diddy s### is crazy, huh? I don’t know if he’s going to jail, but he’s a nasty m###########,” Foxx said.

Jamie Foxx continued by expressing disappointment in Diddy, suggesting the allegations have tainted his legacy in the Black community. “(For) white people, it’s cool, but Black people are like, that was our hero. All that g###### baby oil, boy. Then, the urine.”

The comedian then compared Diddy’s alleged behavior to a scene from the 1999 film Life, starring Martin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy.

“When I watch the trial, all I think of is (the movie) Life. Martin Lawrence talking to Eddie Murphy, ‘Why you so nasty, Ray? ‘Cause I’m a nasty m###########.’ Why you so nasty, Diddy? ‘Cause I’m a nasty m###########. Take that, take that, take that.’ That makes you listen to that differently. What are we taking, because I don’t want any of that.”

Jamie Foxx capped off the bit by reflecting on how the disgraced mogul’s image has shifted. “For the Black people in here, you know how that hurts us, because Diddy was (known for) It’s All About the Benjamins, that was our whole culture. Now it’s all about the baby oil.”

The two entertainers have a history of tension, which resurfaced after Foxx was hospitalized in 2023 following a stroke.

Conspiracy theories circulated online suggesting Diddy was involved in the incident, but Foxx dismissed those claims in an interview last month, clarifying that there was no truth to them.

Diddy, who was arrested in September 2024, is currently facing multiple federal charges. He has denied all allegations and entered a plea of not guilty.

Netflix’s All-Star Comedy Night was held last week in Los Angeles.

Lil Durk Gets Good News In Regards To Death Penalty

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Lil Durk will not face the death penalty in his federal murder-for-hire case, according to a decision announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

On Tuesday (June 2), the Department of Justice confirmed it would not pursue capital punishment against Durk or any of his five co-defendants despite their eligibility under federal law.

The decision means that if convicted, the men could still face life in prison or other severe penalties, but not execution.

The 31-year-old Chicago rapper is accused of financing and directing a murder-for-hire plot that allegedly targeted Quando Rondo, a Georgia rapper.

Prosecutors say the plan instead led to the fatal shooting of Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, on August 19, 2022.

According to court filings, Lil Durk allegedly placed a bounty on Quando Rondo and used members of his rap crew, Only the Family (OTF), to carry out the attack.

Federal prosecutors believe the hit was retaliation for the 2020 killing of OTF affiliate King Von, who died in a shootout outside an Atlanta nightclub.

Durk faces four federal charges: conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, use of interstate facilities in a murder-for-hire resulting in death, discharging a firearm in a violent crime resulting in death, and stalking resulting in death.

The indictment also names five other men: Kavon London Grant of Atlanta, Deandre Dontrell Wilson and Asa Houston of Chicago, Keith Jones of Gary, Indiana, and David Brian Lindsey of Addison.

Each faces identical charges tied to the same alleged murder-for-hire scheme. Durk was arrested in South Florida, where authorities say he was attempting to flee the country.

He has pleaded not guilty.

Gunplay Blames Ex-Wife For AK-47 Arrest During New Interview

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Gunplay is once again in the headlines after resurfacing with a new interview where he deflected blame for his 2023 arrest involving an AK-47 and his infant daughter.

The Miami rapper, who spent nearly two years on house arrest, is now speaking publicly with fewer restrictions—and pointing fingers.

The former Triple C’s member and Love & Hip-Hop: Miami alum was arrested in August 2023 after allegedly threatening his ex-wife, Vonshae Taylor-Morales, with an assault rifle while she held their six-month-old baby.

“She like just flipped the switch like out of nowhere,” he said in a recent interview with 99Jamz. “I did my research and the things that she fell under were NPD. That’s narcissistic personality disorder. They live in their own bubble, their own reality…a protective shell around them. They put a protective shell around them. So they live in a delusion.”

The altercation reportedly started over a video game. According to police reports, Taylor-Morales asked him to lower the volume on his Xbox because the baby was asleep.

Gunplay, allegedly drunk, responded by throwing glass cups and liquor bottles before escalating to violence.

Authorities said he pressed the rifle against her chest and threatened to shoot her while she held their child. He also allegedly tried to take the baby by grabbing the infant’s neck and head. Taylor-Morales escaped and called her parents, who then alerted police.

Gunplay was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment and child abuse.

He also lost custody of his daughter and is now only allowed supervised virtual visits. He was also arrested again for violating a restraining order—his eighth violation—by getting too close to Taylor-Morales.

Now, the rapper is casting doubt on his estranged wife’s mental health, suggesting she’s to blame for the entire ordeal. Gunplay also described the night of his arrest.

“Who does that bro? I was just at Fleming Steakhouse the night of and like a couple hours later, I woke up and I was like in a cell with two baloney sandwiches in a jumper.”

Escaped New Orleans Inmate Begs Meek Mill, Lil Wayne & President Trump For Help

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Antoine Massey, one of two inmates still missing after a jailbreak from Orleans Parish Prison, posted a video on Instagram asking Meek Mill, Lil Wayne, YoungBoy and even Donald Trump to help prove his innocence.

The escape occurred Friday (May 16) when ten inmates broke out of the New Orleans jail by forcing open faulty cell doors, removing a toilet to create an exit, and climbing over a wall.

In the video, Massey, 33, who faces charges for domestic abuse and auto theft, claimed he didn’t escape but was “let out.”

“I’m not going to lie, I was causing problems. The person I was, I’m not that person. I have a 3-year-old son. I have an 18-year-old daughter that graduated. People don’t understand that,” Massey said.

The breach went undetected for nearly seven hours, according to NBC News.

Eight of the ten escapees have since been caught. Only Massey and Derrick Groves, 28, who was convicted of second-degree murder, remain at large. Authorities have arrested at least 13 people accused of helping the inmates flee, including jail employees and outside accomplices.

Massey’s plea to Meek Mill comes as no surprise. The rapper co-founded the REFORM Alliance in 2019 with Jay-Z, Michael Rubin and others.

The organization works to change probation and parole laws in the United States. It was born out of Meek’s own legal battles, including his 2017 imprisonment for a parole violation.

Since its launch, REFORM has helped pass 16 bills in 10 states and assisted more than 650,000 people in exiting the justice system.

Massey believes Meek Mill should help him next.

“I’m asking for help from the world, from Meek Mill, Lil Wayne and YoungBoy. Donald Trump. I couldn’t even get a lawyer. I couldn’t even afford a lawyer to prove my innocence. I didn’t break out, I was let out,” Massey said in the video.

As of Monday (June 2), Massey and Groves remain unaccounted for.

Ryan Coogler Said No To “Sinners” Sequel—Here’s Why

By: Mike WinslowCategory: AHHplus

Ryan Coogler has no plans to revisit Sinners, his supernatural thriller that turned heads at the box office and featured Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as vampire twins.

The film, which became the only original title to crack the top 10 highest-grossing movies of 2025, won over audiences with its genre-bending style and fresh storyline.

But despite the commercial momentum, Coogler made it clear he’s not interested in turning it into a franchise.

Speaking to Ebony, the Black Panther director said he “never” intended to make a sequel.

“I’ve been in a space of making franchise films for a bit, so I wanted to get away from that,” Ryan Coogler said. “I was looking forward to working on a film that felt original and personal to me and had an appetite for delivering something to audiences that was original and unique.”

He added, “I wanted the movie to feel like a full meal: your appetizers, starters, entrees and desserts, I wanted all of it there. I wanted it to be a holistic and finished thing. That was how I was asked all about it. That was always my intention.”

Coogler’s career took off with 2013’s Fruitvale Station, which also starred Jordan.

He later stepped into franchise territory with Creed, a continuation of the Rocky saga, and Marvel’s Black Panther and Wakanda Forever, both of which became cultural landmarks and box-office juggernauts.

His upcoming slate includes Wrong Answer, another collaboration with Jordan, and the Disney+ series Eyes of Wakanda, a spinoff of the Black Panther universe.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Coogler is also expected to return for a third installment of the Black Panther film.

Sinners continues to hold strong in theaters as of Tuesday (May 14), with no sequel in sight.

Lizzo Celebrates Her Body & Black Trans Women At Hollywood Pride Concert

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Lizzo used her headlining slot at the West Hollywood Pride festival to spotlight Black trans women and challenge systems of oppression with a heartfelt speech and stripped-down performance.

Taking the main stage on Sunday (June 1), Lizzo paused her set to deliver a message of solidarity and gratitude.

“This is dedicated to you and, more importantly, the black trans women who, without their fight, we would not be able to celebrate today,” she said, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. “And we still in some s**t, right? But hopefully, one day we will see a place where we no longer have to fight to exist. This is for you.”

The Grammy-winning artist followed the speech with a pared-down rendition of “Over the Rainbow,” accompanied only by piano, giving the 1939 classic a raw emotional edge.

Known for using her platform to advocate for marginalized communities, the “Still Bad” singer didn’t hold back.

“In honor of that fight, we have to continue to take a stand against that very same system that threatens our rights to bodily autonomy and liberation. We ain’t free until we’re all free,” she said.

The Detroit native also made headlines earlier this year after revealing she had reached a personal health milestone.

She appeared on stage in underwear, embracing her body after shedding 16 percent of her body fat. However, Lizzo has remained tight-lipped about the exact number.

“If I say the number, I don’t think people could do the math,” she told The Jason Lee Show last week. “I’ve just seen a lot of TikToks where it’s like, ‘Lizzo talks about her 500-pound weight loss!’ Why are y’all putting numbers on me? It kind of annoys me.”

Her appearance at the Pride festival comes amid ongoing conversations about trans rights and bodily autonomy across the United States.

According to reports, Black trans women continue to face disproportionate levels of violence and discrimination, making Lizzo’s public support particularly resonant.

50 Cent Weaponizes Diddy’s Own Words To Block Chance Of Trump Pardon

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

50 Cent wasted no time making good on his promise to derail any potential pardon for Diddy by Donald Trump, posting a four-year-old video Sunday (June 2) that shows the embattled mogul calling for Trump to be “banished.”

The clip, pulled from Diddy’s own Revolt News network, features the Hip-Hop executive warning of a potential “race war” if Trump were reelected.

“If Trump gets elected. I really do believe in my heart there’ll be a race war,” Diddy said. “That’s why this message is not just to Black people, you know what I’m saying? This message is to everybody. This man is really trying to turn us against each other and put us in a situation. America messed up. White men like Trump need to be banished.”

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50 Cent posted the video on Instagram with a clear message: he’s not letting Diddy off the hook.

The move comes days after Trump said he would consider a pardon for Diddy if he believed the music mogul had been mistreated.

Trump, speaking Friday (May 30), told reporters he hadn’t received a formal request but said he would weigh it if one came.

“Nobody’s asked and I know they’re thinking about it. He used to really like me a lot, but I think when I ran for politics, that relationship busted up from what I read,” President Trump said. “I’d read some nasty statements he made in the paper all of a sudden. [But] you become a much different person when you run for politics and you do what’s right.”

Diddy is currently facing five felony charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. The case is being prosecuted in New York federal court.

50 Cent, who has a long and public history of beef with Diddy, made it clear he’s not about to let his rival slide into a pardon. In a previous post, 50 warned Trump directly, writing, “He’s gonna ask you for a pardon, don’t do it. He said things about you.”

The feud between the two Hip-Hop powerhouses has spanned years, but this latest move adds a political layer.

Trump, who has previously granted pardons to rappers like Lil Wayne and Kodak Black, has not ruled out extending clemency to Diddy. However, 50 Cent seems determined to ensure that doesn’t happen for the disgraced Bad Boy founder.

Diddy Accused Of Terrifying Surveillance Tactics In Court

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Diddy allegedly seized phones and planted tracking devices on his assistant and then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura to monitor their movements, according to testimony delivered Monday (June 2) in a New York courtroom during the fourth week of the Hip-Hop mogul’s federal sex trafficking case.

The woman, testifying under the pseudonym “Mia,” previously worked for Diddy for eight years and returned to the stand after testifying last Thursday and Friday.

She claimed the 55-year-old music executive routinely took her phone and Cassie’s and once gave her a flip phone strictly for recording content at his direction.

“He stole Cassie’s phone many times,” Mia told the court. “He stole my phone many times.” She also alleged Diddy “put tracking devices on [Cassie’s] car,” adding that she felt “terrified” by his behavior.

Diddy, who has pleaded not guilty, is facing charges including sex trafficking, racketeering and transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution. The trial, which has drawn national attention, continues in federal court.

Diddy’s attorney, Brian Steel, pressed Mia on why she continued to text the mogul holiday greetings between 2018 and 2023 despite ending her employment in 2017. She replied, “I was still psychologically under his grip.”

Mia also testified that she was instructed to use the flip phone to film content for Diddy until he hired a full-time video crew. But she said she “would not have been allowed to film” any of the alleged violent incidents involving him.

Ventura, who dated Diddy from 2007 to 2018, previously filed a civil lawsuit against him in 2023, which was settled within 24 hours. Her claims included physical abuse and coercion during their relationship.

The trial is expected to continue throughout the week.

Suge Knight Says Diddy Should Name Names To Clean Up Music Industry

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Suge Knight wants Diddy to come clean—and not just for himself.

Speaking from a California prison, the former Death Row Records boss told ABC News that Diddy should reveal the full extent of who was involved in the alleged sex parties and misconduct now under federal scrutiny.

“I think it’d be a great thing to let Puffy tell his truth. Tell the real truth, and bring everybody accountable,” Knight said during a phone interview.

Diddy is currently facing federal charges in New York City, including sex trafficking, racketeering and coercion.

The trial, which began Monday (May 12), has already featured testimony from key witnesses like former assistant Cassie Ventura, Capricorn Clark and an assistant using the pseudonym “Mia,” who described a pattern of abuse and manipulation.

Suge Knight, who is serving a 28-year sentence for a 2015 hit-and-run, said the problem goes far beyond one man.

“Puffy didn’t just pop in the industry and say ‘hey, I want to have sex with everybody,'” Suge Knight said. “I mean, we don’t have enough time to name all the names.”

Knight’s remarks come as the Hip-Hop world reckons with a growing list of allegations tied to power, exploitation and silence. The incarcerated mogul believes Diddy’s trial could be a turning point—if the truth is fully told.

“It’s a long list of people in the industry that’s unhappy because of the things they were being put through. And that’s the sad part about it,” Knight added.

Knight, once Diddy’s rival during the East Coast–West Coast feud of the 1990s, now says the focus should be on transparency and accountability.

Diddy has denied all allegations and has not been criminally charged in connection with some of the civil lawsuits filed against him.

However, the federal case continues to unfold in court.

Vic Mensa Reveals He Wanted To Die At Age 5 In Heartbreaking Interview

By: London JennnCategory: News

Vic Mensa revealed in a raw and emotional interview that he first wrestled with suicidal thoughts at just five years old after discovering a childhood notebook filled with self-hate and despair.

Speaking with Jason Lee on Hollywood Unlocked, the Chicago rapper opened up about the early roots of his mental health struggles when asked why he was “so edgy and reactive” during his rise in the Hip-Hop scene.

Mensa said a recent discovery of a first-grade notebook helped him understand the depth of his pain.

“Being five years old and being depressed,” he replied. “I found this notebook from when I was in first grade, and it was full of regular childhood messages, like ‘no girls allowed’ on the cover. And then I get halfway in, and it’s like, ‘I hate myself.’ ‘I hate myself.’ ‘I want to kill myself.’ And this is five, six years old.”

The 31-year-old artist said the discovery gave him clarity about his lifelong battle with depression.

“That gave me so much grace for myself and so much perspective because it was like, okay, that seed of, like, malcontent, self-loathing, existed from a very young age.”

Mensa, who has long been open about his mental health, also reflected on the emotional toll of being a Black man in America and how fame can magnify that pressure.

“You just walk around in anger all the time, and with time, though, I realized that I can’t heal myself or heal the world if I’m living in anger all the time. Not that there aren’t things to be angry about, but maybe it’s not my burden to bear, to be like upset with the world, mad at the world. If I can’t appreciate all the blessings that I have in this life, then you know, what’s the f###### point of even living.”

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Outside of music, Vic Mensa continues his acting work on Showtime’s The Chi, where he plays Jamal.

New episodes air Fridays on Paramount+ and Sundays at 9 p.m. EST on Showtime.

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Diddy’s Assistant Recalls Nightmare Scenario & Mogul Saving Her From R. Kelly

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Diddy took center stage again Monday (June 2) in his federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial as defense attorney Brian Steel pressed his former assistant, testifying under the alias “Mia.”

A weird exchange took place when Steel questioned her about a 2019 message in which she described a dream where the Hip-Hop mogul saved her from convicted sex offender R. Kelly.

Steel questioned how Mia could reconcile that dream with her allegations of sexual assault against Diddy, asking why she would describe him as a savior if she believed he had raped her.

Mia responded that the trauma was psychological, prompting Steel to challenge her repeated references to mental health. The judge briefly called for a sidebar after prosecutors objected to the line of questioning.

R. Kelly, the disgraced R&B singer, was sentenced in 2022 to 30 years in federal prison after being convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges, according to CNN.

His conviction became a landmark moment in the #MeToo era, particularly within the music industry.

Mia’s testimony resumed after a weekend break, during which she previously accused Diddy of violent and sexual abuse. She said she witnessed him physically assault Cassie Ventura, including an incident where he allegedly cracked her head open.

Mia also claimed Diddy once hurled a computer at her while Swizz Beatz stood nearby and did nothing. She said he dumped an ice bucket on her head and sexually assaulted her on two separate occasions.

Steel continued to challenge her credibility by introducing text messages she sent to Diddy, including one where she wished him a happy birthday on the anniversary of the alleged rape.

He also brought up a $10 million lawsuit Mia filed against Diddy, which she said was settled for $200,000 through mediation.

Steel questioned why Mia never told Cassie that Diddy had allegedly raped her, even though she believed Cassie was in love with him. He also asked why she never advised Cassie to leave the relationship.

Mia admitted she didn’t share those details with Cassie and had not disclosed the alleged abuse to anyone before 2024 except for her therapist.

Steel suggested Mia joined what he called the “MeToo money grab,” a comment that drew an immediate objection from prosecutors.

He also asked if she had discussed her testimony with Cassie, which Mia denied, stating their conversations never touched on matters she shared with federal investigators.

The trial, now in its fourth week, continues in New York. Diddy has denied all allegations.

Harvey Weinstein Denies Explosive Claims From Diddy Accuser

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Harvey Weinstein has been hit with a new sexual assault lawsuit in New York City by Crystal McKinney, the same woman who recently accused Sean “Diddy” Combs of assaulting her during a 2003 fashion event.

McKinney, a former model, filed a civil complaint against Weinstein on Tuesday (May 28), alleging he assaulted her and a friend inside a hotel room in Manhattan in 2003.

According to court documents, the encounter was arranged by a modeling executive who told McKinney she had a chance to “make it big” by meeting the then-powerful film producer.

The lawsuit, filed initially anonymously in February, claims the executive set up the meeting under the guise of a business opportunity.

McKinney said she was told, “Don’t f**k him until he puts you in a movie.” She described being “bothered” by the remark but admitted she was intrigued by the chance to work with “the biggest producer in Hollywood.”

Weinstein’s legal team dismissed the allegations outright.

“Harvey Weinstein categorically denies the outlandish and fantastical claims made against him by Crystal McKinney in her complaint,” his attorney said in a statement to Fox News. “Made late in time and suspiciously on the heels of her complaint against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Mr. Weinstein is ready to refute and defend against the salacious claims, that are believed to have been made with an opportunistic motive.”

McKinney previously filed a lawsuit against Combs in May, accusing the Hip-Hop mogul of sexually assaulting her during a Men’s Fashion Week event in 2003.

That case remains active.

Weinstein, 72, is currently serving a 23-year sentence in New York after being convicted of rape and sexual assault in 2020.

He also faces additional legal battles in California. Weinstein was sentenced to another 16 years in Los Angeles in 2023 for separate charges.

Pusha T Drops Kanye West Bombshell: “He Knows I Don’t Think He’s A Man”

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Pusha T and No Malice have reunited as Clipse for their first album in 15 years, Let God Sort ‘Em Out.

In a new interview with GQ, the two brothers talk in depth about impending project, why they left Def Jam Recordings and their current standing with Kanye West. Pusha T and West once had a flourishing collaborative relationship. In fact, Pusha T was named president of West’s label, G.O.O.D Music, in 2015 and West produced several of Pusha T’s albums, including 2016’s Daytona.

But in the years since, West has gone on what appears to be a self-sabotaging mission, declaring himself a Nazi and pushing antisemitic rhetoric. Pusha T distanced himself from West and understandably so.

He explained, “We made some great s###, bro. We did. But…let me tell you something. He’s a genius. And his intuition is even more genius level, right? But that’s why me and him don’t get along, because he sees through my fakeness with him. He knows I don’t think he’s a man. He knows it. And that’s why we can’t build with each other no more. That’s why me and him don’t click, because he knows what I really, really think of him. He’s showed me the weakest sides of him, and he knows how I think of weak people.”

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Pusha T was impressed by how West handled their financials. In 2020, Push publicly divulged how frustrated he was with major label deals, specifically the splits on his Def Jam contract. As a result, West agreed to give his 50 percent ownership stake in the masters of his own G.O.O.D. Music roster back to the artists themselves.

“The greatest thing he did and why I am OK with where me and him are right now—and I’m cool with staying that way—is because at the end of the day, my truth is my truth, but I still respect what he did in the business,” he added. “And he speaks ill about the music we’ve made and giving me certain records, but the one thing he did give me was all the profits back from the Def Jam deal.”

However, Pusha T also explained why he parted ways with Def Jam—and recently, too. The album was expected to come out last year, but they ran into a snag. When they presented the music to Def Jam (owned by Universal Music Group), the label loved it—except for Kendrick Lamar’s guest verse on the song “Chains & Whips,” the final version of the song that producer Pharrell Williams initially teased at his Louis Vuitton runway show.

But after a summer of beef between Drake and Lamar—two of UMG’s biggest artists—and Drake’s ongoing lawsuit against UMG, Def Jam didn’t like the idea of two of Drake’s biggest enemies putting out a song together, which Pusha called “stupid.” Pusha T, of course, outed Drake for having a “secret” son during their highly publicized beef in 2018 with “The Story of Adidon.”

“They wanted me to ask Kendrick to censor his verse, which of course I was never doing,” he said. “And then they wanted me to take the record off. And so, after a month of not doing it, Steve Gawley, the lawyer over there was like, ‘We’ll just drop the Clipse.’ But that can’t work because I’m still there [solo]. But [if] you let us all go… ”

Def Jam eventually agreed to release the Clipse and drop Pusha as a solo artist, allowing them to search for a new label. They wound up at Roc Nation.

“It felt good to even see how other labels were buying for the project,” he added. “I think that that synergy, just in a rap sense, is going to speak volumes.”

Let God Sort ‘Em Out arrives on July 11. Find the first single, “Ace Trumpets,” below.

Bow Wow Ends Romance With Jade Pinkett Just One Month After Going Public

By: London JennnCategory: News

Bow Wow dropped a not-so-subtle bombshell during a wild Las Vegas weekend, announcing he’s back on the market just weeks after going public with Jade Pinkett, the niece of actress Jada Pinkett Smith.

On Sunday (June 1), the rapper and actor posted a photo on Instagram with a woman’s arm draped around him in a room full of people.

“i barley post!” he wrote in the caption. “BUT THIS VEGIS TRIP IM ON BS! LADIES IM BACK OUTISDE.”

Instagram/Bow Wow

While Jade Pinkett didn’t directly respond, she shared a series of cryptic posts hinting at a breakup. One message suggested she was walking away from someone unworthy, adding that she wouldn’t seek revenge and was choosing peace instead.

The split comes just a month after Bow Wow confirmed the relationship during his April 30 appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast. 

At the time, he said they had discussed their future seriously.

Meanwhile, Bow Wow also took a moment to clap back at body shamers who recently called him “fat.”

“If I have a role to do, I’m going to get fat. Like it’s a reason,” he said. “if I got to get fat, there’s a reason why I got to get fat. Don’t call me fat and don’t know the facts.”

He added that he’s now back in shape, saying, “Y’all n##### played with me too long y’all don’t understand how this s### feel.”

Later that night, he said he and the women in his crew were heading to a Kendrick Lamar concert.

“We going to go to Kendrick s###,” he added. “That’s where the women want to go, so I’m going to take them.”

Keyshia Cole Issues Apology As Ashanti & Nelly New Baby Rumor Spreads

By: London JennnCategory: Rumors

Keyshia Cole sparked a social media frenzy after casually mentioning during a live interview that Ashanti is expecting another child with Nelly, only to later issue a public apology for the slip.

While chatting on The Breakfast Club, Cole praised Ashanti and let this line fly: “Shout out to Ashanti, ’cause I mean, she’s amazing; she got a baby, she’s pregnant again.”

The offhand remark instantly lit up timelines, with many assuming the couple was preparing to welcome baby number two.

But there was one problem—Ashanti hadn’t said anything about being pregnant.

Once Cole realized she may have jumped the gun, she quickly tried to clean it up.

“My apologies… I shouldn’t have said that” she wrote on Instagram, attempting to cool the chatter. “I thought she announced it. If that isn’t true i apologize.”

Ashanti and Nelly, who quietly tied the knot in December 2023, welcomed their first child, Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, in July 2024. T

Though neither has confirmed a second pregnancy, both have hinted at wanting a bigger family.

Ashanti previously said, “We’re going to add some more; definitely a girl to balance it out. I’m outnumbered in the house right now. So, a girl would be great.”

Meanwhile, Cole has her own major moment on the horizon. She’s gearing up to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her debut album, The Way It Is, with a global tour kicking off in 2025.

The trek will hit major cities, including Baltimore, Chicago, Toronto, Detroit, Brooklyn, Atlanta, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Paris, Amsterdam, London, Manchester and Birmingham.

Lil’ Kim is set to join as a special guest on select U.S. dates and throughout the European leg.

50 Cent Intervenes As Donald Trump Considers Diddy Pardon

By: London JennnCategory: News

50 Cent wasted no time weighing in after Donald Trump floated the idea of potentially pardoning Sean “Diddy” Combs, making it clear he plans to intervene and shut it down.

“He said some really bad things about Trump, it’s not OK. I’m gonna reach out so he knows how I feel about this guy,” 50 Cent wrote on Instagram over the weekend, responding to Trump’s comment that he would “certainly look at the facts” if asked about granting clemency to Diddy.

The G-Unit founder, never one to hold back, added another jab at Combs while playing to Trump’s ego.

“Donald doesn’t take well to disrespect, and doesn’t forget who chooses to go against him,” he wrote alongside another post. “He would consider pardoning anyone who was being mistreated, not Puffy Daddy.”

50 Cent To Ensure Trump “Aware” Of His Feelings About Diddy

50 Cent later clarified his stance. “I didn’t say I would Nuke anything, I simply said I will make sure Trump is aware.”

During a recent interview, Trump said no formal request had been made. However, he noted “some people have been very close to asking.” He added, “If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t like me, it wouldn’t have any impact.”

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Combs is currently facing serious legal trouble in New York federal court. He’s been indicted on five felony charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transporting individuals for prostitution.

Prosecutors allege he used his music and fashion empire to build a criminal network that trafficked women, held drug-fueled sex parties known as “freak offs,” and intimidated employees and witnesses.

Combs has pleaded not guilty and denies all allegations. His legal team argues the encounters were consensual and that he’s being unfairly targeted.

The feud between 50 Cent and Diddy dates back nearly two decades. 50 has consistently mocked Diddy’s legal woes, especially after federal raids and lawsuits hit the mogul in 2024.

Kanye West Reveals Restless Nights Over Shocking Remarks About JAY-Z & Beyoncé’s Kids

By: London JennnCategory: News

Kanye West says he’s been losing sleep over his feud with JAY-Z, revealing in a now-deleted post over the weekend that his dreams have been consumed by guilt.

“All my dreams have been about apologizing to Jay Z,” he wrote before quietly scrubbing the message from his timeline.

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The post marked a sharp turn from Kanye West, who just months earlier unleashed a string of offensive and deeply personal attacks aimed at Beyoncé and JAY-Z’s children.

In March, West posted a shocking tweet targeting the couple’s twins, Rumi and Sir Carter, using ableist slurs.

“Has anyone ever seen Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s younger kids? They’re r*tarded,” he wrote. He added, “This is why artificial insemination is such a blessing. Having r*tarded children is a choice.”

After deleting the post, West reposted it with a blunt explanation: “NOT BECAUSE IM A GOOD PERSON.” He followed that with another offensive jab: “I TOOK IT DOWN LIKE DOWN SYNDROME GET IT.”

The situation escalated further when West tweeted, “F### JAY Z AND HIS WHOLE FAMILY ESPECIALLY HIS SHOOTERS.”

The backlash was immediate. Mathew Knowles, Beyoncé’s father, slammed the remarks as “stupid” and said he hoped West would seek help. Tina Knowles, Beyoncé’s mother, didn’t name West directly but posted about choosing light over “ignorance and evil.”

In April, West offered a vague apology, tweeting, “I’m sorry Jay Z,” and added, “I be feeling bad about my tweet but I still feel I gave my life to this industry and thought so many people were my family but when I needed family on some real s### none of these rap n##### had my back.”

West’s deleted post from this past weekend suggests the weight of his words hasn’t left him. Whether JAY-Z responds or not, the damage still lingers.

DDG Defends Brother DuB After Dream Con Fight Turned Ugly

By: London JennnCategory: News

DDG found himself defending his brother and his reputation after a scuffle at Dream Con 2025 escalated into viral chaos and legal threats.

The rapper and content creator addressed the incident after footage surfaced showing his brother DuB slamming an attendee to the ground during the Texas convention.

The altercation erupted when a man identified as Lil Jay repeatedly called DDG “Doo Doo Garbage” as the group walked by.

“I heard about DDG before, I heard the name, I heard the term ‘Doo Doo Garbage.’ I’m thinking it’d be funny, just a little joke,” Lil Jay said. “So I call him ‘Doo Doo Garbage’ from around the way. His homeboys stop, come back, his brother. DuB tries to press me about what I said. ‘What you say?’ ‘Doo Doo Garbage.’ Pushed the s### out of me.”

Video from the scene shows DuB aggressively confronting the heckler before tackling him to the ground.

Security quickly intervened, but not before the situation had spiraled out of control. Lil Jay later claimed he was banned from the event, lost his glasses and chain, and now plans to pursue legal action.

“I gotta take legal action against him, his brother, somebody out here. That’s unacceptable, for real. They done broke my chain. I’m banned from the event, glasses gone. […] I thought it was all jokes,” he said.

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While DDG didn’t physically engage in the fight, he was caught on camera saying “Check him” to someone off-screen.

He later tried to walk that back, claiming he meant for his brother to “check and see if he was okay” or needed help.

DDG Claims Brother DuB Feared For His Life

In a Twitter Spaces chat, DDG defended DuB’s actions, saying his brother was “in fear for his life” and accused the man of following them around Dream Con, trying to “embarrass us and bully us.”

He added, “So he lost Sonic rings,” and dismissed the backlash, saying people always blame him because he’s “lit.”

He also claimed the confrontation was part of a “skit,” though Lil Jay clearly didn’t get the memo.

DDG had already warned people ahead of the event not to test him with the nickname.

“Nobody comes up to me and says ‘Doo Doo Garbage,’” he said in a clip before Dream Con. “If a fan came up to me on some ‘Doo Doo Garbage’ s###, I’m going to hold that n#### up so g###### bad. N##### know better.”

After the incident, he doubled down on social media, tweeting that the last person to call him the name “lost some mario coins” and mocking critics as “poor.”

The Dream Con drama comes as DDG is also facing a restraining order from his ex-girlfriend and mother of his child, Halle Bailey, who has accused him of abuse.