AllHipHop

homepage

Oprah Winfrey Shares Health Update After Gayle King Revealed She Was Hospitalized 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Oprah Winfrey has reassured fans that she’s recovering and feeling much better after Gayle King revealed the media maven was hospitalized with a stomach virus. 

On Tuesday (June 11), Winfrey missed her scheduled Oprah’s Book Club appearance on CBS Mornings. King told viewers Winfrey was unwell and gave a graphic description of her symptoms. However, the revelation sparked concern from fans and made headlines, leaving Winfrey’s phone blowing up.  

Later on Tuesday, King shared an update, posting a video call with her best friend to confirm she’s on the mend. “I was so dehydrated,” Winfrey said, explaining her trip to the emergency room. “I had dry mouth, and I couldn’t keep enough water down to get hydrated.” 

King said she still appeared a little “weakish,” and Winfrey agreed that she was not yet back to full strength. “But I’m on my way,” she added. 

Winfrey said five people in her household had also caught the bug and cautioned viewers to remember to wash their hands.  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gayle King (@gayleking)

While social media users speculated that the illness was a side effect of weight loss medication, this was denied. A spokesperson told CNN Winfrey’s illness has “no relation to weight loss medications.”  In late 2023, Oprah Winfrey revealed she had been taking anti-obesity medication.  

Explaining her absence on CBS Mornings, Gayle King revealed Oprah Winfrey was hospitalized.  

“She had some kind of stomach thing where — stomach flu where stuff was coming out of both ends. I won’t get too graphic,” King said.  “But needless to say, she ended up in the hospital. Dehydration, she had an IV, so it was a very serious thing.”  

Meek Mill Scoffs At Trolls Who Clowned Him For African Streaming Question

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: News

Meek Mill is challenging trolls on social media in connection to the blunder that resulted in his question regarding streaming patterns within the continent of Africa earlier this year.

On Monday (June 10), Meek exercised his Twitter (X) fingers by responding to a clip circulating on social media of gamma. CEO Larry Jackson’s recent interview with podcaster Joe Budden. In addition to discussing specifics about gamma., Jackson touched on several notable hot-button topics trending in the music industry during the interview, including streaming.

Along with claiming Drake is a bigger artist than acts from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s combined, the former global creative director for Apple Music broke down how different parts of the world consume music digitally.

“You need the technology to be able to distribute music to the some-odd 200 DSP’s around the world. And you think of it as just Apple and Spotify and what not, but, you’ve got like, AudioMack is like the biggest streaming service in Nigeria right now,” Jackson said in part. “Deezer is the biggest one in France, so on and so forth. You have all of these type of regional services that are popular at a regional level, and there’s about 200 of them.”

Several months earlier, prior to Jackson’s interview, Meek attempted to understand the streaming habits of listener’s in Africa but seemingly made the mistake of petitioning Twitter (X) users to help him figure it out.

“This why I asked how music is was consumed in Africa and other parts of the world! Twitter you get attacked for trying to learn information,” Meek wrote in a tweet featuring the clip from Jackson’s interview.

As if the clip wasn’t enough to prove Meek’s question was one of sound business acumen, co-founder of Audiomack Brian Zisook replied in the thread of the tweet to add relevant statistics to help qualify the “Going Bad” rapper’s quest to find “the money trail” in streaming trends in Africa.

“And those numbers are outdated. @Audiomack is on track to reach 10M (!) monthly users in Nigeria alone by the end of the summer. We’re the No. 1 music streaming app in eight African countries and within the top four in four others across the continent,” Zisook wrote.

In January, Meek Mill initially posted, “Do a lot of people play my music in South Africa? I remember having on big show [there a] few years back… how do y’all listen to our music in South Africa???? On what platform or in Nigeria?”

Almost immediately he was mocked by users in South Africa and across the continent and world at- large.

“Normally we use rocks but on a good day we use trees or we get one person to sing for the whole village,” one user wrote, while another user tweeted, “Lol you want to come yet you’re insulting us and looking down?? Anyways, we play your music on a tree… we charge it with oranges.”

Check out Meek’s tweets above.

Martin Shkreli Tells Company Suing Him Over Rare Wu-Tang Album To “E#########”

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: News

Martin Shkreli, the infamous “Pharma-Bro” convicted of security fraud in 2017, has responded to a recent lawsuit filed against him over Wu-Tang Clan’s Once Upon a Time in Shaolin. On Tuesday (June 11), the company suing him, PleasrDAO, tweeted about its intention to allow as many Wu-Tang fans as possible to finally hear the nearly-mythical album.

“Our master plan is to release the music to the public in a way that honors the Wu-Tang Clan and gets them paid while circumventing the streaming oligopoly,” the company wrote. “Every action we are taking is in service of that mission.”

The company believes Shkreli made a copy of the one-of-a-kind album and is suing him for the alleged breach. Shkreli quickly fired back, “e#########, they got paid, multiple times.”

According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, PleasrDAO—the current owner of Once Upon a Time in Shaolin—accuses Shkreli of violating a forfeiture order and diminishing the project’s value.

“The album was supposed to constitute the sole existing copy of the record, music, data and files and packaging,” PleasrDAO’s lawyers wrote. “It now appears, however, that Shkreli improperly retained copies of the data and files at the time of the forfeiture and has released and/or intends to release them to the public.

“Such actions would cause PleasrDAO to incur significant monetary and irreparable harm, and give rise to numerous claims for relief under the forfeiture order and common law.”

PleasrDAO cited several examples of Shkreli, who bought the album in 2015, admitting to copying the album on social media. Following his 2017 conviction, he was sentenced to seven years in prison and ordered to forfeit $7.4 million in 2018. The Wu-Tang album was used to to partially satisfy the forfeiture money judgment.

Fans willing to fly to Australia have a chance to hear the album. The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart acquired the album on loan from PleasrDAO for exhibition “Namedropping,” which aims to “explore status, celebrity and notoriety.”

MONA will hold free, ticketed listening sessions from June 15-24, where members of the public can hear a “curated” 30-minute mix of the album, played from a personalized Wu-Tang PlayStation 1 inside MONA’s recording studio, Frying Pan.

Part of Once Upon a Time in Shaolin was also available to hear in New York City on June 8—now it’s heading Down Under.

President Joe Biden Defends Son Hunter Following Guilty Verdict

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

President Joe Biden released a statement in support of his son Hunter, who was found guilty of three felony gun charges on Tuesday (June 11). The president accepted the verdict, reiterating his unwillingness to get involved in the case.

“As I said last week, I am the president, but I am also a dad,” the president said. “Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today. So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery.”

He added, “As I also said last week, I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal. Jill and I will always be there for Hunter and the rest of our family with our love and support. Nothing will ever change that.”

Hunter Biden was convicted of two counts of making false statements to purchase a firearm and one count of illegally obtaining a firearm while using drugs. Defense attorney Abbe Lowell admitted his client used crack before and after buying a gun.

The defense claimed Hunter Biden didn’t use crack or consider himself an addict at the time of the sale. Jurors were unconvinced, finding him guilty after roughly three hours of deliberations.

“I am more grateful today for the love and support I experienced this last week from Melissa, my family, my friends, and my community than I am disappointed by the outcome,” Hunter Biden said. “Recovery is possible by the grace of God, and I am blessed to experience that gift one day at a time.”

President Joe Biden previously declared he would not pardon his son. Two of Hunter Biden’s charges carry maximum sentences of 10 years in prison. The third has a maximum of five years behind bars.

Gucci Mane’s Wife Defends Him After Fans Blame Rapper For Enchanting’s Death

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Texas rapper Enchanting, who signed with Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records in 2020, passed away on Tuesday (June 11). Friends and family members disclosed her death on social media.

“They Pulled The Plug Bro This S### So F##### Up I Just Knew You was Finna Pull Threw,” LilCJ Kasino wrote on Instagram. “@luvenchanting You gone Forever Be Stop6 Princess & Kasino First Lady. They Don’t Know All Hours You Spent At The Kasino Studio Sleeping There Making Music Putting This S### Together And You Went Way Further Than Us I Always Told You How Proud I Was Of You.

“You Brought @laflare1017 To The H66D & I was The First Person You Called Ill Never Forget You Kept It Solid Threw Yo Whole Career It Was None I Couldn’t call You for, You F##### The Gang Up With This On.”

Gucci Mane and Monaleo were among the notable rappers mourning Enchanting’s death.

“So sad to have to say R.I.P to such a great young lady a true star we gone all miss you Chant @luvenchanting,” Gucci wrote on Instagram.

Monaleo wrote on Twitter (X), “I’ll see you later sister. save me a spot baby! i love u 4L and after.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gucci Mane (@laflare1017)

Conspiracy theories about Gucci Mane’s label started to spread online as fans learned of Enchanting’s passing. Fans suggested 1017 was a harbinger of doom, pointing to Big Scarr’s death and other artists’ legal troubles as evidence.

Gucci Mane’s R.I.P. post was flooded with comments suggesting he was somehow responsible for Enchanting’s death. His wife Keyshia Ka’Oir defended him against the social media backlash.

“Leave my husband alone!” she wrote. “He signs these artist to help them & give them a better life! I wish it wasn’t like this ! Chant we love you baby girl ! RIH.”

Enchanting’s real name was Channing Larry. She was 26.

Hunter Biden Found Guilty On Federal Gun Charges Similar To Kodak Black

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: News

The son of President Joe Biden, Hunter Biden, now faces more than two decades in prison following his guilty conviction on three federal gun charges in a case which bares similarities to Kodak Black’s 2019 case.

On Tuesday (June 11), Biden was convicted on all felony charges related to the purchase of a revolver in 2018, a report from The Associated Press confirmed. Prosecutors argued Biden broke several laws when he lied on a mandatory gun purchase form regarding his use of illicit drugs. As a result, jurors found Biden guilty of lying to a federally licensed gun dealer, making the false claim he was not a drug user on the application and illegally possessing the gun for 11 days.

Biden, who’s to be sentenced by Judge Maryellen Noreika, faces up to 25 years in prison as a result of his conviction. However, it is widely expected that he won’t receive anywhere near the maximum sentencing due to his status as a first-time offender.

The judge didn’t set a sentencing date and has reportedly been “unclear” whether she would give him time behind bars. The verdict was announced shortly before President Biden was scheduled to speak at a conference hosted by the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund in Washington.

After the guilty verdict was announced, President Biden said he would accept the outcome of the case and “will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal,” in a written statement.

In 2021, Kodak Black received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump for federal gun charges stemming from the 2019 incident. The rapper, whose legal name is Bill K. Kapri, was arrested for falsifying information on federal forms to purchase firearms.

Specifically, he was charged with making a false statement on a federal document, as he denied having any pending criminal cases despite facing charges for other offenses at the time. This led to his arrest and subsequent sentencing to 46 months in federal prison.

During the investigation, authorities discovered that one of the guns purchased by Kodak was later found at a crime scene in Pompano Beach, Florida, adding to the severity of the charges against him. Despite his criminal history, Kodak Black’s pardon was supported by various public figures and advocacy groups who highlighted his charitable contributions and efforts to improve himself while incarcerated.

Biden still has a lengthy legal road ahead as he also faces charges of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes. The trial for the case is scheduled to begin in September in California.

Martin Shkreli Hit With Lawsuit For Allegedly Copying Rare $2M Wu-Tang Clan Album

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

A company has sued convicted felon Martin Shkreli for copying Wu-Tang Clan’s Once Upon a Time in Shaolin album, which he was forced to forfeit due to his legal woes. According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, PleasrDAO—the current owner of Wu-Tang’s rare album—accused the infamous “Pharma Bro” of violating a forfeiture order and diminishing the project’s value.

“The album was supposed to constitute the sole existing copy of the record, music, data and files and packaging,” PleasrDAO’s lawyers wrote. “It now appears, however, that Shkreli improperly retained copies of the data and files at the time of the forfeiture and has released and/or intends to release them to the public.

“Such actions would cause PleasrDAO to incur significant monetary and irreparable harm, and give rise to numerous claims for relief under the forfeiture order and common law.”

PleasrDAO cited several examples of Shkreli bragging about copying the album on social media. Shkreli bought the album in 2015, two years before he was found guilty of securities fraud charges. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and ordered to forfeit $7.4 million in 2018. Shkreli gave up the Wu-Tang album to partially satisfy the forfeiture money judgment.

Shkreli was released from prison in 2022. The disgraced hedge fund manager claimed he kept MP3s of the Wu-Tang album and only “sold the plastic.”

“By his own admission, Shkreli retained copies of the album’s data and
files, played the album publicly on his ‘live stream’ and has sent it to at least 50 people,” PleasrDAO’s attorneys wrote. “His comments demonstrate that he is also willing to disseminate copies of the album’s data and files publicly, and that as many as ‘> 5,000 individuals’ may have already heard the album as a result of his actions.

“These actions occurred after he was ordered to forfeit his interests in the album. Shkreli therefore violated the Forfeiture Order’s provisions requiring Shkreli to forfeit his interests in the album and prohibiting him from taking any action that would reduce the album’s value.”

PleasrDAO bought Once Upon a Time in Shaolin for $4.75 million. The company sued Shkreli for misappropriation of confidential information, tortious interference with prospective economic advantage and unjust enrichment, among other claims. PleasrDAO sought damages and an order to seize Shkreli’s copies of the Wu-Tang album.

Robb Bank$ Responds To Fan Criticism Following Barefoot Performance In Los Angeles

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: Rumors

Robb Bank$ may want to consider investing in a solid pedicure based on the attention his feet have been getting as of late, and that’s truly no Diddy!

In case you missed it, the South Florida-bred rapper recently visited The City of Angles as a part of his I Think I Might Be Happy Tour, which kicked off in Atlanta last month and runs through July with the finale show in Vienna. Judging by clips from the show, it appeared to be the typical highly anticipated underground show, categorized by packed-out crowds in legacy venues.

But it appears as though the show itself isn’t the main takeaway from the performance that fans got. Well, at least that’s not what social media users doubling as fans who lived vicariously through the snapshots attendees shared, gained from the post-show coverage.

And it’s all thanks to a series of flicks a user shared from Bank$ set, mainly due to a single shot of the Tha City rapper’s feet. Or dare we say “bruh’s feets.”

“This man so angelic bro,” the user who shared the photographs wrote in the tweet, to which Bank$ responded, “The foot pic is crazy work.”

With his feet turning out to be low-hanging fruit on social media, it appears his followers couldn’t help but give Bank$ a hard time about the way he was kicking it, literally, at his L.A. show.

“Lmfao n#### kicked his shoes off like Aretha Franklin u wild [crying laughing emojis],” one user wrote in a reply in the thread before another user pointed out, “At least your don’t got koala claws for toenails [crying laughing emoji] it’s rare to see men with okay looking feet.”

At one point, a user with a background as an amateur detective pointed out what appeared to be some sort of henna tattoo on Bank$ foot, however, he quickly shut that down.

“Lol it ain no damn henna, it’s a Celtic/Pictish warrior tribal tattoo,” Bank$ wrote in the tweet.

Finally, in response to yet another user’s criticism of his apparent philosophy of freeing the feet, Bank$ revealed the real reason why he leaves his shoes behind whenever he touches the stage.

“I be jumpin twin I need the traction! And it’s tradition,” he wrote in his response.

Though the reply seemed run-of-the mill, there’s actually a much deeper meaning, and in a sense, a means of paying homage by what Bank$ said. His former collaborator, deceased rapper XXXTENTACION, was known for performing shirtless and going barefoot on stage while engaging in harrowing stage dives. There’s even a whole tumblr page dedicated as a photo archive of his barefoot moments on stage. In a sense, it seems as though Bank$ is honoring his fallen friend and peer in one of the ways that brings him closest to X. No matter the case, at least he can still have fun with his fans, with or without shoes on.

Check out the hilarious tweets above.

Rihanna Says No To Retirement But Starts From Scratch On “R9” Album

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Rihanna denied retirement rumors at her Fenty Hair launch in Los Angeles on Monday (June 10). The diamond-selling superstar told Entertainment Tonight she wasn’t trying to send a message to fans by wearing a shirt with the phrase “I’m retired” on it.

“People got triggered with that retired word,” she said. “They were like, ‘We’re never getting an album now.’ No one read the other line, it was something about, ‘This is as dressed up as I get.'”

Paparazzi snapped shots of Rihanna wearing the shirt in New York on June 6. Fans zeroed in on the “I’m retired” part while overlooking the rest of the shirt’s slogan: “This is as dressed up as I get.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hollywood Pipeline (@thehollywoodpipeline)

Rihanna’s fans have become increasingly frustrated with the wait for her ninth studio album. The singer admitted she went back to square one for the project, which will be her first since 2016’s Anti.

“I think that music, for me, is a new discovery,” she told ET. “I’m rediscovering things. I have been working on the album for so long that I kinda put all that stuff aside and now I’m prepared to go back in the studio. I’m gonna start — give me a second!”

She added, “I’m starting over. But I don’t want to neglect the songs that I have, so I actually want to go back and listen to stuff with new ears, with my new perspective and then see what applies and what I’m still in love with.”

Motherhood has been Rihanna’s priority in recent years. She welcomed two children with her partner A$AP Rocky and envisioned more kids in their future.

“I hope so,” she said when asked about expanding her family. “I do. I’m not pregnant, if that’s what you’re asking … “I would definitely have more kids.”

Rihanna gave birth to her first child in 2022. Her second son was born in 2023.

Metro Boomin To Launch “The Metroverse” Comic Book Series

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Metro Boomin is jumping into the comic book world. The diamond-certified music producer will launch The Metroverse series on June 14 with the debut issue titled “The Rise.”

Several artists and writers worked with Metro Boomin for The Metroverse. Vasilis Lolos (art), Ryan Cady (dialogue), Fred Stresing (coloring), Micah Meyers (lettering) and Vincent Kings (design & back-up story) joined the team.

In addition, Zero Zero founder Joshua Frankel serves as the editor for the series. Frankel, along with his partner Patrick Stephens, worked closely with Metro Boomin to develop the universe depicted in The Metroverse.

“It’s a dream come true, to have my own comic book The Metroverse on shelves,” said Metro Boomin. “Josh and Patrick helped bring my superhero vision to life on these pages with the talented Vasilis Lolos making it pop with incredible visuals. I can’t wait to share what we’ve created with my fans.” 

Metro Boomin Leaned Into Comic Book Themes With His Studio Albums

Issue #1 of The Metroverse features the comic book’s hero, Metro Boomin, facing off against the villainous media mogul known as The Suit. Joshua Frankel stated, “The Metroverse, a brainchild of Metro’s, has been exhilarating to work on from beginning to end.”

He continued, “With Zero Zero’s mission to transcend boundaries, we really honed in on the most authentic storyline and visuals in each issue that complemented Metro’s raw superhero vision. I know his fans are going to go wild for this series!”

Metro Boomin embraced a comic book theme for his studio albums Not All Heroes Wear Capes and Heroes & Villains. Both LPs peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The St. Louis native also curated the Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse soundtrack.

Additionally, Metro Boomin added two more Number Ones to his catalog in 2024. We Don’t Trust You and We Still Don’t Trust You debuted in the Billboard 200’s top spot. Metro linked with longtime musical collaborator Future for those projects.

Sexyy Red & Fans Clash: WWE Moves Turn Real In Airport Brawl

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Footage has emerged showing a fiery altercation involving rapper Sexyy Red, who appears to be bringing her burgeoning WWE persona into real life.

The incident occurred on Monday (June 10) at Newark Airport in New Jersey and has rapidly circulated online. The clash allegedly started when fans attempted to snap unauthorized photos of the viral rapper.

What began as a typical fan encounter escalated swiftly into chaos. In the video, Sexyy Red is spotted engaging physically with a fan, backed up by her security team.

Sexyy Red’s WWE training seemed to kick in as she fiercely defended herself in a manner more befitting the ring than the terminal.

In a scene reminiscent of her recent WWE debut, Sexyy Red grabs a pole and tries to swing it at someone. The confrontation spiraled out of control, knocking her to the ground.

After the airport skirmish, Sexyy Red took to social media to address the caper, assuring a fan she would replace a phone damaged during the scuffle. She also mentioned wanting to put the incident behind her, though she didn’t discuss her rumored arrest.

Sexyy Red made her WWE debut on the May 28 episode of NXT, where Ava Raine, The Rock’s daughter, introduced her.

Victoria Monét Trends Thanks To Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson-Inspired “Alright” Video

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Victoria Monét became a breakout music star in 2023. The R&B singer/songwriter won three Grammys at the 66th annual ceremony, including the coveted Best New Artist award.

In addition, Victoria Monét took home Best R&B Album and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical for Jaguar II. Monét continued her debut studio LP era with a music video for the Jaguar II track “Alright.”

The visuals for “Alright” drew inspiration from the late King of Pop Michael Jackson and his famous sister Janet Jackson. Monét’s homage to the Jackson siblings led to her name trending on X on Tuesday (June 11).

Victoria Monét’s “Alright” featured similar costumes and dance moves from Michael Jackson’s iconic “Smooth Criminal.” The Sacramento-raised vocalist’s black-and-white fedora and zoot suit outfit also pays tribute to Janet Jackson’s “Alright.”

Legendary music video director Dave Meyers was behind the camera for Victoria Monét’s “Alright” MV. Previously, Meyes directed Janet Jackson videos such as “All for You,” “I Want You,” and “No Sleeep” featuring J. Cole.

“There is no me as an artist without Janet Jackson, so it feels like you and your music have held my hand the whole time. Like a spirit guide, challenging shaping guiding and solidifying my musical DNA. You are my idol, my legend and a huge part of my future legacy as a strong root of it all,” Monét stated in 2023.

Jaguar II dropped on August 25, 2023, via RCA Records. Victoria Monét recruited Lucky Daye and Buju Banton as guest features. Her “On My Mama” single became a Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned platinum certification from the RIAA.

50 Cent Deletes Instagram Post Downplaying Michael Rainey Jr. Getting Sexually Assaulted

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

50 Cent upset many of his social media followers after sharing a dismissive response to Power Book II: Ghost actor Michael Rainey Jr. being groped during a livestream broadcast.

A clip of streamer TyTy James’s sister unwantedly touching Michael Rainey Jr. went viral on Monday (June 10). James apologized for the incident after initially saying he tried to ignore the situation.

Rainey Jr. also posted a statement about the ordeal. In addition, Power executive producer 50 Cent decided to use the trending video to seemingly make light of men being sexually assaulted.

“Wait sexual assault [worried face emoji] from a male perspective, this was an aggressive advance. LOL, HE’s fine no charges are being pressed [man-shrugging emoji],” 50 wrote in an Instagram caption.

The feedback to 50’s comments about Michael Rainey Jr. was overwhelmingly negative. Eventually, the G-Unit Films and Television founder deleted that Instagram post after receiving widespread backlash.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AllHipHop (@allhiphopcom)

50 Cent Still Faces Negative Comments After Taking Down IG Post

Social media users continued to chastise 50 Cent on Instagram. One person commented, “You knew to delete that s###.” Someone else asked, “50, now why would you say what you said about that man being touched like that?”

Another Instagram commenter referenced 50 Cent’s estranged 27-year-old son, Marquise Jackson. The individual said, “Now I know why your son dislikes you. Nothing says Father about you.”

While 50 Cent downplayed Michael Rainey Jr. being touched without his consent, the 23-year-old Power franchise regular gave more serious remarks. He suggested if a man acted in the same sexual manner toward a woman then the consequences would likely be severe.

“I am still in shock and don’t fully know how to process what happened last night. This is an unfortunate situation that I do not condone in any way. I can’t take it lightly because I know I would be in serious trouble if the roles were reversed,” Michael Rainey Jr. wrote on his Instagram Story on Monday.

The New York-raised entertainer continued, “The fact is sexual assault is never okay, regardless of gender or status. We’re all human, and we should respect each other. Most importantly, we should always respect ourselves.”

Funkmaster Flex Slams Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby”—And Rapper’s Fans

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

“Million Dollar Baby” by Tommy Richman has become one of the biggest hits of 2024, but Hot 97’s Funkmaster Flex doesn’t appear to be among the legions of people around the world listening to it.

Audio of Funkmaster Flex slamming “Million Dollar Baby” made its way to social media. In the clip, the 56-year-old New Yorker also blasted Richman’s fans.

“If you’re someone that likes this song, you are a clown,” Funkmaster Flex said on the radio. “I don’t know what the rest of his songs sound like. I don’t even know who Tommy Richman is. Sounds like a shoe store.

“Now we’re gonna document this hot garbage. We’re gonna play it now, I know you want to hear it. I wonder if this is big in the club. See this part is deceiving like it might be a good song.”

Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart. The track amassed more than 372 million Spotify streams.

Funkmaster Flex has been a staple on the New York City airwaves since the 1990s. He also appeared on the classic Hip-Hop television show Yo! MTV Raps and the critically acclaimed Hip-Hop video game Def Jam Vendetta.

JAY-Z’s Roc Nation Faces Backlash For Supporting School Voucher Program In PA

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Roc Nation, the company founded by JAY-Z, announced a new educational campaign in Philadelphia. The company committed to securing $300 million in scholarships for low-income students to attend private schools in the area.

“We have enjoyed such a special connection with Philadelphians, so we’ve made it our mission to invest in the long-term success of the city’s changemakers,” Roc Nation Managing Director of Philanthropy Dania Diaz said. 

Diaz continued, “Impact starts with the students and with awareness. We want to empower the youth and families with the knowledge to pursue their scholastic dreams, make their voices heard and become the leaders of tomorrow.”

Additionally, Roc Nation will support the passage of the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success legislation (Senate Bill 757). The PASS program will reportedly provide varying scholarship amounts through government funding.

Critics insist PASS diverts needed public school funds to private schools. Politicians and journalists claimed the Roc Nation-backed program is a Republican plan to damage the public school system.

The 1619 Project Writer Nikole Hannah-Jones Denounces JAY-Z & Roc Nation

Pulitzer Prize winner Nikole Hannah-Jones informed her followers to “read the fine print” of the PASS legislation. The 1619 Project writer subtly condemned billionaire mogul JAY-Z by calling out “rich, out-of-touch folks” entering the education world.

“All of the money is coming from taxpayers, ie. the government. Roc Nation is not funding this, it is just launching an educational campaign that maybe it is being paid to do. I’m researching. But certainly, it’s involvement is to convince poor Black parents to leave the public schools,” Nikole Hannah-Jones wrote on X.

She also posted, “It is a lie that these programs do not take from public-school funding. Fewer kids in the classroom means fewer dollars to the school. This is a windfall to the city’s private schools at the expense of the public ones that most kids attend.”

Plus, Pennsylvania Rep. Summer Lee tweeted, “This ain’t it. The answer to the inequity plaguing our PA public schools is not a celebrity campaign for a GOP proposal to take public dollars to send a few “lucky” kids to private schools. The answer is to make sure our public schools are actually properly funded.”

Stephen A. Smith Responds To Backlash Over Will Smith Comments: “I Got To Stand Down” 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Stephen A. Smith has had a change of heart. The veteran sportscaster faced backlash after he claimed Will Smith owes the Black community an explanation for slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.  

He clarified his remarks on his self-titled show, claiming the incident was “devastating” for Rock and “for the Black community.” Smith also believes the slap affected Will Smith and Antoine Fuqua’s Oscar chances for Emancipation the following year.  

Smith said he made his remarks in light of Black people with Hollywood aspirations. He claimed he feared white people stereotyping Black actors because of Will Smith’s actions.  

“It was a blemish on all of us,” he said. “Because I know how much white America reveres Will Smith and the thinking along the lines in my mind was, hell if he did that, what would the rest of us do. There are certain things that happen in the lives of an individual where those incidences are used as a license to castigate the rest of us.” 

Stephen A. Smith Walks Back His Will Smith Remarks

However, Smith said a conversation with a mutual friend changed his mind. He received a call from Charlie Mack, Will Smith’s decades-long friend and former security guard, who urged him to give the actor “grace.” 

Mack pointed out that this is how Will Smith earns his living and feeds his family and questioned why someone with such a blemish-free past isn’t allowed to make mistakes.  

Smith said Mack also encouraged him to consider the effect on Martin Lawrence and the teams of people who work on Will Smith’s movies. 

“Throughout Will Smith’s life, not just his career, there has been exponentially far more good than bad, and I certainly did not mean to gloss over that,” he said.  

He also was flooded with calls and messages from others who disagreed with his take and refused to cancel Will Smith. A video of Black fans swarming the 55-year-old at a Bad Boys: Ride or Die screening proved to Stephen A. Smith that Will Smith was still beloved.  

“So I got to stand down,” Stephen A. Smith conceded.  Check out his comments below, around the 50-minute mark.

Blueface’s Parents In Heated Row Over Babysitting As Chrisean Rock Hauled To Jail 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Blueface’s mother and father got into a heated argument over who would take their grandson after Chrisean Rock was dramatically arrested at a Los Angeles County court. 

All parties had shown up to court for a hearing, with the reality TV star bringing her baby Chrisean Rock Jr. After arresting Rock on a felony fugitive warrant, authorities reportedly temporarily took charge of the little boy. 

However, Blueface’s parents, Karlissa Saffold and Johnathan Michael Porter Sr., were captured fighting over who would look after the child, with neither wanting to assume responsibility.  

Saffold urged Porter Sr. to take the child, but he insisted he was not a babysitter. Although he supported Rock while living at Blueface’s home, Porter Sr. said he was following Rock’s orders that her friend Marsh look after his grandson.  

The pair began throwing insults as they continued to argue over the baby. “Your mama ugly, b####,” Saffold said as Porter. Sr accused her of putting on a show for the cameras. 

Later, Safford confirmed March is taking care of Chrisean Rock Jr.

Meanwhile, Blueface’s manager, Wack 100, claimed he repeatedly warned Chrisean Rock not to go to the hearing with outstanding warrants. However, according to Wack, Rock assumed he was only trying to discourage her from attending.  

“I TOLD HER 10 TIMES,” he wrote on Instagram. “SHE SAID WACK U JUST DONT WANT ME AT COURT ! NAW I DONT WANT U GOJNG TO JAIL…. SMH HARD HEWD MAKES A SOFT A$$.” 

Instagram/House Of Blues

Chrisean Rock had a warrant out for her for arrest in Oklahoma. She also faces an additional charge of assault with a deadly weapon. 

Nicki Minaj Fans Concerned Over Rapper’s Puzzling PSA Video Amid Divorce Rumors 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Nicki Minaj fans rallied around the rapper after she posted a video reassuring mothers they’re doing a great job. 

Late on Monday night (June 10), the NYC icon shared a video on her Instagram Stories. She appeared tired and spoke very slowly, maintaining a measured tone throughout the brief recording. Minaj spoke about the pains and joys that come with motherhood before sending a PSA to fellow moms.  

“And then one day, they’re yelling push, and you’re in pain,” she began. And then one day, he comes out a beautiful baby boy. To God be the glory. Congratulations to every momma out there. You’re doing a great job. In case no one’s told you that, you’re doing a great job.” 

Although she’s in the middle of a grueling tour schedule, her fatigued appearance and puzzling PSA concerned her devoted fanbase, The Barbz. The video also arrived hours after Nicki Minaj shared a cryptic post sparking rumors she split from her husband, Kenneth Petty.  

X/Nicki Minaj

Fans took to social media in droves, causing “WeLoveYouNicki” to trend.  

“Whatever you’re going through, the Barbz are here for you,” wrote one fan. “We’ve seen you through the good and bad times and we’ll keep holding you down, you’ll win again and again.” 

Another fan posted photos of Nicki Minaj and her son alongside prayers for her strength. “This woman is the strongest human I know,” they wrote. “She’s been the highest selling female rapper for 2 decades. She’s on a world tour with a sold out show every night, but most of all she’s a mother. God please give Nicki the strength to get through these hard times.” 

Check out some of the other reactions below. 

Tory Lanez Ditched By Wife Who Files For Divorce After Less Than 1 Year Of Marriage 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Tory Lanez is being divorced by his wife of less than a year, who is also seeking custody of their son.  

The incarcerated rapper’s brief marriage is coming to an end, according to TMZ. Chassagne filed to divorce Tory Lanez last week. The couple have been married for less than 12 months, per court documents obtained by the outlet.  

@dailymail

Tory Lanez’s baby mama in tears after the rapper was sentenced to a DECADE in prison from shooting Megan Thee Stallion #fyp #breaking #torylanez #megantheestallion #shooting #sentenced #trial #celebnews

♬ original sound – Daily Mail

Lanez and Chassagne tied the knot on June 25, 2023, three months before the singer and rapper began his 10-year sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion.  

Chassagne cited irreconcilable differences as her reason for the split. She also asked the court for legal and physical custody of their seven-year-old son Kai. The little boy accompanied his father on several court appearances last year.  

Lanez has been spending time with his son behind bars and reportedly spent two weekends in a row with him earlier this year. On each occasion, they spent four to five hours playing games on both Saturday and Sunday. 

Last August, Tory Lanez requested bail while appealing his conviction, hoping a judge would allow him to live with Chassagne and their son while his legal team appealed. However, in September, Judge David Herriford denied Lanez’s motion for bail. 

Lanez filed a new appeal in February, and the prosecution has until June 27 to reply. If his appeal fails, Lanez will remain behind bars until at least September 2029, when he becomes eligible for parole. 

Young Thug & His Lawyer To Serve Jail Time Together Following Contempt Order 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Young Thug’s attorney, Brian Steel, has been ordered to serve jail time after a Georgia judge held the lawyer in contempt following a drama-filled day in court. 

On Monday (June 10), Steel was arrested and taken into custody after refusing to disclose who informed him of a private meeting between the judge, the prosecution and key witness Kenneth “Lil Woody” Copeland.  

After returning to court, Judge Ural Glanville told Steel he would jail him if he did not name his source.  

“You will go into custody at five o’clock today or whenever we finish if you don’t tell me,” Glanville told Steele. Later in the hearing, following arguments from Steele’s attorneys, Glanville ordered Steele to 20 days in jail. He will serve his sentence on the weekends commencing Friday, June 14. 

Steele is appealing the decision. However, Glanville agreed to the lawyer’s request to serve the time with Young Thug (real name Jeffery Williams) in Fulton County jail if his appeal fails.  

“I’d ask that I could be with Mr. Williams, and we work on our case all weekend, for all those weekends. Otherwise, I can’t prepare, I speak with Mr Williams all the time,” Steele argued. 

“You have my support,” Glanville replied. “I will talk to our sheriff, and we may be able to make that work.” 

The attorney’s wife, Colette Resnik Steel, is appealing the contempt order. However, Glanville said her husband has no grounds to appeal or a bond hearing. Nonetheless, the judge also stated he would lift the order if Steele would reveal his source.