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Snitching Allegations & Confessions: Big U Situation Gets Messier & Messier

This is getting uglier than Shabba Ranks and Wanda from “In Living Color” having a baby.

Bricc Baby and Luce Cannon just lit a match under an already explosive case. Before I continue, let us establish who we’re talking ’bout.

Bricc Baby is a well-known rapper on the Los Angeles rap scene. He was born in 1988, one of the best years in Hip-Hop history. He uses social media extensively and also does a lot interviews—simply put, he does a lot of talking.

We’ll get back to that. Luce Cannon is basically the same thing, but let me skip all the formalities. 

Both Luce Cannon and Bricc Baby were arrested as part of a federal RICO indictment targeting the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips and presumed leader, Big U.

They are currently cellmates in a Los Angeles detention facility. This is crazy because of their prior beefs and the charges they face.

See where this is going?

There are loud whispers of snitching, accusations of extortion and one of the craziest RICO indictments the West Coast has seen in a while. The digital streets are burning and Big U is right in the center of it.

Bricc Baby’s name is getting tossed around in the ugliest of ways. Snitching is the accusation. People are pointing fingers, suggesting that somebody has had something to say to the feds.

Luce Cannon has denied being involved in the RICO, but he did something damaging to Big U’s case. He told the world about the day PnB Rock was killed.

“It was me and Big U sitting there when it happened… I wish I could have just told him like, ‘Bro just give up the jewelry and we get it back to you later,'” Luce said, adding that he knew the folks who “melt the ice.” Oh man.

What are the chances that ol’ U is going to be there at the same time that a defiant rapper is killed?

It doesn’t end there. The feds allege that the Rollin’ 60s aren’t just a gang. They charge they are an extortion network. They claim they pressure artists and others into buying back their own stolen goods. You should already know about the one murder case involving a young rapper named Ray Shaun Williams.

Bro was signed to Big U but was later found dead in Las Vegas. His body was dumped. The indictment paperwork says Big U tried to pay folks off to keep quiet.

READ ALSO: Big U Enters Not Guilty Plea In Massive Federal Case Tied To Crips

You already know where this is headed.

You guessed it. Nipsey Hussle’s death is slowly getting caught up in this. The streets say the tension between Big U and Nipsey was deeper than rap.

They say, “There’s rumors that Big U put the battery in people’s back” and that certain 60s felt Nip getting too big for the program. Did U create the environment that led to Nipsey’s death?

There is more.

Even Quando Rondo’s name popped up. His cousin reportedly got clipped over something 60s-related. A week later, Quando disassociated from the set. That man did something we never heard of—left the set.

Now, it makes some sense to me.

Big U has pleaded not guilty. and Big U has officially been charged with racketeering, one murder, and a stack of extortion-related offenses. And apparently, there’s a woman—a Grammy-winning one—somewhere in this case that the feds might be leaning on for a flip. Who could that be?

Stay tuned. The streets are watching, but the paperwork doesn’t lie. Or does it?

Mahershala Ali Faced His Biggest Acting Challenge Yet In “Jurassic World Rebirth”

Mahershala Ali took on Jurassic World Rebirth not just for the dinosaurs or the spectacle but to challenge himself in a space far bigger than the indie dramas that made him a two-time Oscar winner.

“Doing something this big is very new to me,” Ali told Vanity Fair. “It’s a little bit of a test for me personally: Can I exist in a space this large, in something that is so much bigger than you and maybe your own specific talents? It’s just hard to pull it off. I think the bigger things are, the harder that can be.”

Ali plays Duncan Kincaid, a black-ops logistics specialist who works alongside Scarlett Johansson’s covert operative Zora and Jonathan Bailey’s paleontologist Henry.

Together, they infiltrate an island that once housed the original Jurassic Park research facility.

The Moonlight and Green Book star, known for his emotionally layered performances, said the role’s physical demands were a new kind of test.

“I was really going into it hoping to bring something special and buoyant to that character, to really bring an energy and heart to him,” he said.

“These big, blockbuster films, they’re not filmed in a way that’s necessarily going to set you up to feel that all the time because it’s so hard shooting these action sequences and running from a tennis ball and things of that nature.”

While Jurassic World Rebirth marks his first time leading a tentpole of this scale, Ali is no stranger to big-budget fare.

He’s appeared in Predators, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and 2, and Alita: Battle Angel. He’s also been attached to Marvel’s long-delayed Blade reboot since 2019.

Still, Ali said he looked to past blockbusters for inspiration.

“But there were people in Jaws and in Jurassic Park, in Star Wars and these huge tentpole films that resonated with authenticity and a certain truth and purpose that made those films worth watching again and again.”

Jurassic World Rebirth is the seventh film in the franchise and opens in theaters on July 2. 

Travis Scott Wants Beats From Adrien Brody

Travis Scott discovered Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody makes beats and wants to collaborate with him after a surprise run-in at a fashion show.

The Houston-born rapper opened up in his new Complex cover story about unexpected celebrity encounters, including one with The Pianist star, who apparently has a hidden talent for producing music.

“Did you watch The Brutalist? That movie is hard as f**k,” Travis Scott said, praising Brody’s latest film before sharing how their conversation took an unexpected turn.

“I ran into him at a fashion show recently, and I’ve always been a fan of his,” Scott said. “I sat next to him and I’m like, ‘I don’t even know if this dude knows who I am.’ And the first thing he tells me is, ‘Yo, bro.'”

That’s when Brody dropped the surprise.

“You know, I make beats and s**t,” he told Travis Scott, who was immediately intrigued. “I’m like, ‘You got to send me some beats!’ So we chopped it up. Man, that’s crazy.”

Brody’s interest in music production isn’t new. In a 2023 interview with the Los Angeles Times, he explained how his role in the 1994 film Angels in the Outfield led him into beat-making.

“That movie got me making beats because I hung out with some kids in The Bay in Oakland who were producing and rapping,” Brody said. “And I grew up in New York, in kind of like the birth of hip-hop, but I didn’t know that I could actually go make tracks. And I started producing tracks with these guys and learned how to do it and went back to LA.”

Lil Nas X Explains How Fame Brought Spiritual Clarity

Lil Nas X said his rise to stardom and the chaos that followed led him to reconnect with spirituality and reevaluate his priorities.

The 26-year-old Hip-Hop artist told Paper magazine that fame didn’t pull him away from deeper meaning—it brought him closer.

“It usually works the opposite way around for other people, but it made me feel closer to everything around me and the synchronicities of life,” he said.

Known for his 2019 breakout hit “Old Town Road,” Lil Nas X admitted he once dismissed spiritual ideas as nonsense.

“There were all these things that I thought were ‘magical hoo ha’ for my entire life as a very sceptical young man growing up, but then I was like, Okay, this makes sense. I get this,” he said.

As his career evolved, so did his mindset. The “Industry Baby” rapper said he’s shifted his focus inward after years of trying to fix everything around him.

“In addition to that, after finding that spiritual side, I’ve kind of made a 180 in terms of thinking I need to heal the world all the time and towards coming back to myself,” he said.

That self-awareness has helped him recognize when he needs to step back.

“You have to have that balance, like, Okay, I need to focus on me right now,” he said. “I need to do my s**t. I’m obviously unwell, even though I don’t want to admit it. And the only way I can go back out there is if I can work with myself first. Now I’m tiptoeing back to the world again.”


Lizzo Lost Will To Live After Being Accused By Former Dancers

Lizzo suffered a panic attack and spiraled into depression after returning to Los Angeles in October 2023.

Her bout with mental health came months after being hit with a lawsuit from three former backup dancers accusing her of harassment and discrimination.

The Hip-Hop artist, known for her chart-topping anthem “About Damn Time,” said the emotional toll of the allegations didn’t fully register until she landed back in the U.S. after a vacation in Japan.

“When I was in Japan, I was doing the best I can, but there was a huge scandal (and) I was dealing with a lot. When I touched down in Los Angeles, it didn’t hit me how deeply affected I was because I had been trying to be happy for everyone else (on holiday),” Lizzo said during an appearance on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast.

The lawsuit, filed in August 2023, accused the 36-year-old of sexual, racial and religious harassment, weight-shaming, disability discrimination and fostering a toxic work environment.

Lizzo has denied all claims and sought to have the case dismissed. But the emotional impact was immediate once she returned home.

“I got in LA and had my first panic attack ever. I was in the car coming home from the airport,” she said.

She described the moment as physically overwhelming.

“I had this thought, I was like, ‘Everybody hates me. Everybody hates me for something that isn’t true, but at the end of the day, because of the position I’m in, everybody hates me, and there’s nothing you can do about it,'” she recalled. “I got into the house, I could barely walk, and I collapsed by my bed and was like, ‘Oh s**t.’ I couldn’t breathe… from then on, I have been in a state of depression because I didn’t know how to fix it.”

Lizzo admitted her usual coping strategies failed her. The weight of public scrutiny combined with the legal battle left her feeling hopeless. At her lowest, she said she lost the will to live.

But a brief encounter with supporters during a rare public outing helped her begin to recover. She said the interaction was “life-saving” and inspired the title of her upcoming album, Love in Real Life.

A judge later dismissed the weight-shaming and disability discrimination claims in the lawsuit but allowed the other allegations to proceed.

Jermaine Dupri Explains Deep Connection With Scooter Braun That Led To New Deal

Scooter Braun returned to his roots and reignited a decades-old bond by partnering HYBE America with Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def Recordings in a move that blends nostalgia with a modern music rollout.

The agreement gives So So Def full access to HYBE America’s distribution and marketing muscle, setting the stage for a new chapter that includes legacy re-releases and fresh signings like R&B duo DVSN.

But beyond business, the deal is personal — a full-circle moment for Braun, who got his first break under Dupri’s wing as a teenage club promoter and marketing intern.

“Everything I learned about the music business started with Jermaine,” Braun said. “He gave me my first shot when I was just a kid with a dream. I was blessed to witness genius up close — and now, years later, it’s an honor to return to where it all began and stand beside him as a partner.”

Dupri, who launched So So Def in 1993 and helped shape the sound of Hip-Hop and R&B in the ’90s and early 2000s, called the partnership more than just a strategic move.

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 “This isn’t just a business move — this is family,” Dupri said. “Watching Scooter build what he has built has made me incredibly proud. He learned the game inside So So Def, and now he’s in a position to open doors the way I once opened them for him. That’s what legacy is about.”

So So Def’s catalog includes some of the most influential artists of the last 30 years — from Usher and Mariah Carey to Bow Wow, Da Brat and Jagged Edge.

More recently, the label helped launch Grammy-winning singer Muni Long. Braun, now CEO of HYBE America, has built a reputation as one of the most powerful executives in the industry, managing global acts and shaping pop culture.

But even with his rise, he’s never lost sight of where it started.

“Jermaine Dupri isn’t just a legend — he’s one of the greatest producers and executives of all time,” Braun said. “He changed the sound of a generation. This deal is about giving him the modern tools and reach his legacy deserves and making sure the next generation hears what the last one already knows: Jermaine Dupri is a giant.”

New music from the partnership is expected to begin rolling out in the coming months.

Kash Doll Dragged For Picking Her Nose With $20 Bill

Kash Doll used a $20 Bill to pick and wipe her nose courtside at a Pistons game and the Internet isn’t having it. Her inexplicable action has ignited a wave of online backlash over hygiene and wealth flaunting.

The Detroit rapper was caught on video dabbing her nose with the cash during the NBA matchup, where she was seated in prime front-row seats.

Her b##### picking prompted swift reactions across Instagram and X, with many viewers calling the move “corny” and “gross.”

While some defended the behavior as harmless or humorous, others pointed out the health risks of using paper money as a tissue.

Studies have shown that cash can carry many bacteria and viruses, including E. coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus.

Microbes can survive on bills for days, and because money changes hands so often, it’s considered one of the dirtiest everyday items.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has long warned about the spread of germs through frequently touched surfaces and paper currency is rarely cleaned.

That’s one reason digital wallets and contactless payments have surged in popularity — they reduce physical contact and the risk of contamination.

Some users questioned why Kash Doll would use legal tender as a tissue, especially in a public setting. Others saw it as a tone-deaf gesture during a time when many are struggling financially.

The video, which continues to rack up views, has drawn mostly negative reactions online.

https://twitter.com//_BabyRyan/_/status/1911433027378389033

Bernie Sanders Hits Coachella Stage Revs Up Anti-Trump Crowd

Bernie Sanders stunned a crowd of thousands at Coachella Saturday night with an unannounced appearance that interrupted a weekend dominated by Hip-Hop heavyweights and high-energy sets.

Just before indie artist Clairo took the stage, the 82-year-old senator from Vermont walked out to roaring applause.

His appearance caught festivalgoers off guard in the middle of a lineup that included Missy Elliott, GloRilla, Yeat, Three 6 Mafia, Machine Gun Kelly, Wiz Khalifa and Travis Scott.

Introduced by Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida, Sanders used his brief time on stage to deliver a pointed message about activism, inequality and the role of young people in shaping the country’s future.

“The future of what happens to America is dependent on your generation. Now you can turn away and you can ignore what goes on, but if you do that, you do it at your own peril. We need you to stand up and fight for justice. Fight for economic justice, social justice and racial justice,” Bernie Sanders said, drawing cheers.

The crowd erupted when Sanders mentioned former President Donald Trump, prompting loud boos.

Earlier that day, Sanders spoke with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at a rally in downtown Los Angeles as part of his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, which focuses on corporate greed, climate change and economic reform.

Travis Scott Headlines Coachella—And Fan Feedback Isn’t Great

Travis Scott headlined the Coachella Valley Arts & Music Festival on Saturday night (April 12)—and apparently, people weren’t impressed.

Scores of people took to Twitter to express their opinions on the performance, which ranged from it was “so bad” and “this sucks” to calling it a “low key mess.” Scott was also 20 minutes late, upsetting those who’d gathered at the stage and were eager to see him take the mic.

Scott proceeded to deliver an hour-long performance alongside a 60-piece brass ensemble that opened the show. He also debuted two new songs alongside hits like “FE!N,” “SICKO MODE” and “Goosebumps.” Still, some people couldn’t get over the fact he was given the opportunity in the first place.

In 2021, several people lost their lives at Scott’s Astroworld Festival. The tragedy took place on November 5, 2021, during Scott’s performance at NRG Park in Houston, Texas. The crowd surged toward the stage, creating a deadly crush that resulted in 10 fatalities and hundreds of injuries.

Victims ranged in age from 14 to 27, with the cause of death for all 10 determined to be compression asphyxia. Despite visible signs of distress in the crowd and the event being declared a mass casualty incident at 9:38 p.m., Scott continued to perform until 10:15 p.m. The festival had been capped at 50,000 attendees due to safety concerns, but logistical issues such as inadequate crowd control measures and poor planning exacerbated the chaos.

Court documents later revealed that organizers had miscalculated the venue’s capacity and failed to account for un-ticketed individuals entering the premises.

The tragedy initially had profound consequences for Scott’s career and the music festival industry as a whole. Scott faced widespread criticism for his handling of the situation and his history of encouraging high-energy crowd behavior at concerts.

He became embroiled in numerous lawsuits, some of which were settled while others remain active. The incident also led to calls for stricter safety protocols at live events, with increased scrutiny on organizers like Live Nation and ScoreMore Holdings LLC, who were implicated in the failures that led to the disaster. While Scott expressed remorse and described his fans as “family,” the tragedy remains a defining moment in his career and opened Scott up to online scrutiny.

As one person wrote, “Travis Scott is responsible for the death of people at one of his own shows and he gets to headline Coachella? If he had been a woman he would never see a stage again.”

Check out some of the reactions to Scott’s Coachella appearance below.

 

Jeezy Hit With Countersuit From Ex-Manager Over Alleged Unpaid Debts

Jeezy is now facing a legal counterpunch in Atlanta after accusing his former manager of financial misconduct and being met with a scathing response that claims he was rescued from financial ruin.

Solomon Fornie, the rapper’s ex-manager, has fired back with a countersuit that paints a very different picture—one in which he says he saved Jeezy’s career and personal finances when the Hip-Hop star was “broke and facing lawsuits,” according to court documents obtained by The Jasmine Brand.

“I put my finances, my credit, and my reputation on the line to rebuild Jenkins’ career from the ground up,” Fornie stated in the filing. “He went from foreclosure to Forbes, and now he wants to pretend I was never there.”

Fornie alleges he paid off Jeezy’s homes, covered payroll for his businesses, and even borrowed $400,000 to keep operations running—money he says has never been repaid. 

He also claims he worked without commission for five years, surviving on a modest stipend tied to a deal with Avion Tequila.

Jeezy Accuses Managers Of Financial Deception

The countersuit comes after Jeezy filed a lawsuit in February, accusing Fornie and business associate Eddie Bridgeman of financial mismanagement and obstructing access to critical financial records. Jeezy claims the two made unauthorized deals and used his money for personal benefit.

Jeezy and Fornie co-founded Agency 99 in 2015 to manage the rapper’s earnings and expand his brand. Bridgeman’s SaiSai Group was later brought in to handle financial oversight. 

Jeezy now says he discovered Bridgeman was not a licensed CPA, raising concerns about the legitimacy of their economic practices.

The rapper also alleges that Fornie and Bridgeman blocked his access to Agency 99’s financial records, preventing him from fulfilling legal requirements under Georgia law to either reinstate or dissolve the company.

Fornie, however, says he was instrumental in negotiating major deals for Jeezy, including a New York Times bestselling book, partnerships with Avion Tequila and Naud Cognac, a FOX Soul talk show, and a $15 million publishing agreement with HarbourView.

The legal battle is ongoing, with Jeezy seeking damages and full access to the financial records tied to Agency 99.

Bounty Killer Blasts “Unscrupulous Persons” Trying To Scam Fans With Fake Performances

Bounty Killer dismissed circulating rumors about an upcoming U.S. performance after misleading claims surfaced online.

Reps for the reggaeton legend clarified that he has not been booked for any stateside shows despite recently regaining his visa after a 15-year ban.

The Grammy-winning icon.is pushing back against unauthorized reports suggesting he’s scheduled to perform in the United States.

His team issued a statement slamming the claims as baseless.

“It however appears that unscrupulous persons are putting out misleading information on social media about his first performance stateside. These claims are false and unauthorized,” a representative said.

The artist, who recently regained his U.S. travel privileges in March 2025, emphasized that while discussions are ongoing, no official concert dates have been confirmed.

“Bounty is obviously eager to perform for his thousands of diehard fans, but again, no date has been confirmed as yet,” the rep added.

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The clarification comes after years of visa complications that kept the dancehall heavyweight from performing in the U.S.

His travel ban began in 2010, reportedly tied to his alleged connection with Christopher “Dudus” Coke, a Jamaican figure who was wanted for drug and weapons trafficking.

Though the exact reasons for the revocation were never publicly detailed, Bounty Killer has previously suggested it may have stemmed from minor past offenses or his public image.

The visa loss dealt a significant blow to his career and personal life, with the artist describing the 15-year absence from the U.S. as a painful chapter.

With the visa reinstated, Bounty Killer is working closely with his manager, Paul “Bankey” Giscombe and a booking agent to plan his long-awaited return to the American stage.

He also expressed gratitude to those who stood by him during the ordeal.

Bounty Killer said he is “forever grateful” to his family, friends and global supporters “who have consistently supported him throughout this musical journey.”

As of March 2025, no U.S. concert dates have been confirmed.

Jonathan Majors Talks Building “New Universe” With Meagan Good

Jonathan Majors has shifted the focus from Hollywood chaos to control over his life.

In a candid conversation, the thespian offered a glimpse into what success means to him now as he movies into a new phase of his life, professionally and personally.

“Success looks like waking up in the morning rested kissing my wife, going to the gym,” Majors said. “Working my brain working my body coming home hanging out with my wife, out with my dogs and then make some art. Make some art that’s really going to touch people.”

Minus Hollywood validation, sought by so many, Majors has become something more grounded. His creative purpose and divine guidance have taken over he said.

“I feel like if God didn’t want me to do it he’d take the desire from me… just take the taste away. And all he’s done is enhance it.” Majors shared. “So I know something’s coming. I mean we got two things on deck so yeah I can’t wait to get back out there and give you guys something else.”

Majors told AHH about his two new projects. Merciless, a sci-fi thriller directed by Martin Villeneuve, delves into spiritual darkness, and True Threat, an action-packed revenge thriller helmed by Gerard McMurray. In AllHipHop‘s exclusive interview, Majors revealed he has started training for True Threat.

The man once known as Kang in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) might be stepping into a new franchise entirely, one built hand-in-hand with actress Meagan Good. The real-life couple are hinting at creative collaborations that extend far beyond date nights.

When asked about their professional chemistry, Majors didn’t hesitate.

“I’ve started the universe,” he said. “We do have a… yeah. Yeah. I’d do anything with her. I’m doing the best movie with her [in] life and we work well together. We work really well together. I’ve helped her with some stuff. She’s helped me with some stuff. I was like “Oh this is good. Oh yeah of course. It’s good.” You’re in love and each other and you believe in each other so yeah that’s definitely going to happen. I can call it. Yeah that’s going to happen.”

Jonathan Majors Talks Magazine Dreams, Kang The Conqueror, Marvel, His Comeback & Redemption

After a year defined by public scrutiny, Majors appears to be reclaiming his narrative one moment at a time.

Majors captivated audiences with his powerful performance in Magazine Dreams, the critically acclaimed film that earned him a Special Jury Award at Sundance 2023. The film explores the relentless pursuit of bodybuilding perfection and its dark psychological consequences. It has moved from theaters to streaming.

Magazine Dreams is now available for purchase on various outlets.

Killer Mike Celebrated In Georgia Capitol With Senate Recognition For His Impact On Atlanta

Killer Mike received a formal salute from the Georgia Senate for his impact on music and his work in community empowerment and activism.

The Grammy-winning rapper and entrepreneur, whose real name is Michael Render, was honored during a ceremony at the Georgia State Capitol on Thursday (April 10), where Senate Resolution 458 was officially adopted.

Introduced by Sen. Kenya Wicks, the resolution recognized Killer Mike’s influence not just in Hip-Hop but also in business, education and civic engagement.

“Killer Mike has profoundly impacted Atlanta not only through music but also through philanthropy and community service,” said Sen. Wicks. “His legacy in business, public service and the music industry is a prime example of the talent Atlanta has to offer.

“His work will leave a lasting impact on communities across our city and state. His passion for education, the arts and the city of Atlanta reflects the best of Georgia, and I was proud to recognize him on Atlanta Day.”

The resolution praised Killer Mike’s efforts to uplift underserved neighborhoods, including his co-founding of Greenwood Bank, a digital financial institution focused on building wealth in Black and Latinx communities.

He has also been a vocal advocate for social justice reform, mental health awareness, especially among Black men and economic equity.

Killer Mike’s music career spans decades, with four Grammy Awards to his name—three of which came in 2024 for his solo album Michael.

He’s also known as one-half of the duo Run The Jewels, whose four albums have earned critical acclaim and a loyal following.

His collaborations include work with Outkast, Jay-Z and Black Thought.

Senate Resolution 458 was passed during the state’s annual Atlanta Day celebration, with dignitaries, lawmakers and community leaders in attendance.

Jermaine Dupri Explains How Wu-Tang Clan Inspired One Of Mariah Carey’s All-Time Hits

Jermaine Dupri has revealed that he helped craft one of Mariah Carey’s biggest hits of her career during their first-ever meeting, adding that Wu-Tang Clan played a pivotal role in bringing the banger to life.

The Atlanta super producer revealed the mind blowing anecdote during his appearance on the 150th episode of the R&B Money Podcast hosted by Tank and J Valentine. Dupri started off detailing the juicy revelation about how his work with Carey almost didn’t happen because he couldn’t believe what she was asking for.

“She [Mariah Carey] came in the studio and she was like, ‘I want to make a record like this’,” Dupri recaled. “She said, ‘I want to sing over this’, and it was ‘C.R.E.A.M’, Wu-Tang Clan.”

At first, he thought she was joking, but Carey quickly assured him she was more than serious about her request by following up with another.

“I’m like, what? Who are you? I’m like, you want to sing over this?” he said. “She’s like, yeah. Then she played another record. I’m going to sing over this one.”

Still stunned, Dupri questioned the whole moment and even considered how it could end up negatively impacting his career if everything ewnt haywire.

“I’m looking around like, what the f### is going on?” he recalled questioning himself rhetorically. “Like, this Mariah Carey. You want me to make this for you? I’m not doing that because I’m not going to be the person. I’m not doing that. They’re not going to do that with me.”

But Carey wasn’t backing down, so that’s when Dupri says he decided to trust her instinct.

“She’s like, listen, this is what I want to do,” he said. “So I started following her lead.”

Dupri continued, adding, “She was like, you know, ‘I need something like ‘Just Kickin’ It’, but I want it to be pretty—but I wanted to have that ghetto s### on it that y’all got in ‘Just Kickin’ It.’”

Dupri started playing around with sounds and with her vision now steering the ship, Carey got even more specific, and their collaborative effort resulted in one of her biggest chart-topping 90s hits.

“Then you start playing,” he said. “He started playing that and she’s like, ‘Yes, change the key. Change the key to where she wanted it. Then I put the 808s on there and ‘Always Be My Baby’ comes to life.”

And just like that, a classic was born—and so was one of the most fruitful partnerships in pop-R&B history.

“That’s the beginning of me and Mariah’s relationship,” he concluded.

Released in 1996, Always Be My Baby soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was later certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA. So in a sense, Carey’s fans can thank the Wu-Tang Clan for their inspiration!

Watch the trailer of the full episode of the podcast in the post below.

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SZA Shares What She Did Backstage To Keep From Panicking During Super Bowl

SZA admitted she felt “relieved” when her stage time during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans was trimmed.

The singer said it meant fewer chances to mess up in front of millions.

The Grammy-winning singer joined Lamar at Caesars Superdome in February, performing “Luther” and “All of the Stars” in the final stretch of the high-profile set.

However, according to SZA, the original plan called for a longer appearance and a different song.

“My performance was initially longer with a different song and I was actually relieved (when it changed as it meant) that I had less opportunity to harm myself on camera or in public,” she said on The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller and Adam Scott. “I just couldn’t believe that I was a part of it.”

While she didn’t name the scrapped track, the pair’s catalog includes “Gloria,” “Babylon,” “Doves in the Wind,” and “30 for 30.”

SZA also opened up about her anxiety leading up to the performance, calling the Super Bowl stage the biggest of her life.

“I was really shook only because it is the biggest stage I’ll ever do in my career. I don’t really know where I can go from there. I was just like, I don’t know if I’m gonna survive,” she said. “I did a lot of meditation and a lot of breathwork, which I normally don’t do, but I’ve learned recently, it’s kind of saving my life. It’s the only thing that keeps me calm.”

Next up for the duo is The Grand National Tour, which kicks off April 19 in Minneapolis.

“Sinners:” Michael B. Jordan & Ryan Coogler Deliver Stylish History, Horror & Drama

Our resident film reviewer Chris “C-Boogie” Brown reviews the latest from dynamic duo Micheal B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler. 

Sinners is the newest film from writer/director Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station, Creed, Black Panther). The film stars a talented ensemble cast headlined by Michael B. Jordan (Creed Trilogy, Just Mercy), who juggles dual roles.

Set in Mississippi during the Jim Crow era, Sinners tells the story of twin brothers “Smoke” and “Stack,” who return to their small-town roots after an extended stay in Chicago. As the brothers pursue a new business opportunity, past relationships resurface, old wounds are reopened, and an evil force emerges—one that neither the twins nor the townsfolk are prepared for. Terror ensues!

Sinners is another strong offering from Ryan Coogler that left me very impressed! Though it has been largely advertised as a supernatural horror movie, this is actually a film of two halves. The first half of Coogler’s stirring story focuses on relationships, featuring strong character-building, symbolism, and folklore rooted in Southern culture, customs, and traditions. Utilizing motifs of religion, freedom, and childhood trauma, Coogler tackles themes not typically found in genre films of this kind. These soulful and dramatic elements are presented against the musical backdrop of Mississippi Delta Blues, which almost acts as its own character in the movie.

That being said, the film’s second half delves far deeper into the supernatural genre, transforming Sinners into a riveting and entertaining survival-horror film. Fans of vampire and horror films will not be disappointed, as Ryan Coogler takes inspiration from favorites like From Dusk Till Dawn, 30 Days of Night, and even John Carpenter’s The Thing (you’ll know the scene!). From uniquely terrifying antagonists, tension, thrills, jump scares, to brutal vampire-centric action, Sinnersdefinitely hits its horror mark. Visually, both the dramatic and horror elements of Sinners look incredible, thanks to the gorgeous cinematography by Autumn Durald Arkapaw.

Creatively, the film’s textured story contains refined choices unique to Coogler’s directorial sensibilities. Throughout its runtime, there are well-crafted set pieces, including elaborate song and dance numbers, orchestrated horror sequences, and exciting action scenes. One musical dance number, in particular, is the most cinematic, stylish, and artistic scene I’ve seen on film this year! Additionally, Sinners boasts excellent technical and production values, from its visual effects, sound design, and set designs to its beautiful costume work by two-time Oscar winner Ruth Carter. Sonically, it’s rounded out wonderfully by Ludwig Göransson’s incredible musical score (Creed, Black Panther, Tenet, Oppenheimer).

The film features an excellent ensemble cast, including veteran actor Delroy Lindo (“Delta Slim”), Wunmi Mosaku (“Annie”), Miles Canton (“Sammie”), Hailee Steinfeld (“Mary”), Li Jun Li (“Grace Chow”), Omar Benson Miller (“Cornbread”), Jack O’Connell (“Remmick”), and more. Portraying both lead characters, Michael B. Jordan skillfully shifts between the rhythms, demeanors, and mannerisms of “Smoke,” who is more grounded and observant, and “Stack,” who is charismatic and hot-headed. Every performer truly brings their “A” game, with special recognition going out to actor Miles Canton, who knocks it out of the park in his acting debut!

As far as criticism, my only critique is that the pacing of the film’s first half felt noticeably slower compared to the blistering pace of its action-heavy second half. While I personally enjoyed the meticulous character building and exploration of relationships, I can see how the film’s measured tempo might feel slightly disjointed and become an issue for some viewers.

Nevertheless, I had an awesome time with Sinners and consider this film my favorite of the year so far! As a director with only four previous directing credits to his name (Fruitvale Station, Creed, Black Panther, and Wakanda Forever), Sinnersdefinitely cements Coogler as one of the best modern directors working today. Additionally, when it comes to director-actor chemistry between Coogler and Jordan, this talented pair is now five-for-five in my book. I can’t wait to see what they cook up next!

Overall, Sinners is permeated with Coogler’s stylish direction, nuanced storytelling, vivid visual imagery, memorable characters, interwoven themes, and layered social commentary, making it a cinematic standout. Lastly, be sure to stick around until the very end, as the movie contains two post-credit scenes. Sinners will be playing in theaters everywhere starting on April 18th and comes highly recommended—enjoy!

4.5 out of 5

Top5 Jumps Headfirst Into Kanye West & The Game’s Beef

Top5, a longtime Drake affiliate, is making his feelings known in the brewing beef between The Game and Kanye West.

On Friday (April 11), the Canadian rapper shared a screenshot of a few of West’s confrontational tweets and wrote across them, “@ye don’t make me call @theoneandonlyhonzo he’s still in Japan” and followed up with, “I can’t wait til see you. U fool.”

For the uninitiated, Top5 is actually at the center of the tension between West and Game. West recently accused Top5 of threatening him and apparently saw a positive comment from the Game under a photo of Top5 and Drake. The post prompted West to call out Game and Game to fire back.

“N#### you asked me did I know Top5, I said yea..” The Game tweeted. “You said he was threatening you & I asked you if you wanted me to reach out to him.. you again said ‘YEA.’ So I hit Top5 & tell him to let it go.. out of respect for me, he agreed.. I texted you to tell you it was done & you changed ya number n####!!!”

Up until this week, Kanye West and Game were working on The Documentary 3 together, with West serving as executive producer. Following their social media outbursts, it appears that collaboration is no longer happening.

“Why Game who I gave two Maybachs to is showing love to Top5 who calls threatening to kill me,” West wrote. “Welp I guess I’m not gonna be executive producing that album anymore.”

Game, who didn’t hold back, replied, “F#CK you & yo maybachs little [ninja]………I’ll be back in LA in a week, come get em yo self !!!! I ain’t never asked yo weird a%% for nothing & when you gave me the cars, I said you ain’t have to & I was good but you insisted. Then you hit me with the “you ain’t never gotta worry bout nothing ever in your life, I owe you for being the only solid [ninja] outta everybody. Got my number but won’t call like a man & address a situation you asked me to fix.”

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SIGNS: Georgia High School Footballer Charged After Dropping Diss Track Against Teammate

Cortez Lyles, a defensive back for the Heritage High School football team in Conyers, Georgia, was involved in a scuffle on the field earlier this year, which escalated into a larger conflict.

According to Fox5 Atlanta, the 18-year-old recorded a diss track following the altercation and shared it on Instagram. His parents had advised him not to retaliate physically against the teammate he alleges attacked him. Instead, Lyles used music to express his frustration. Nachez Lyles, Cortez’s father, insists his son is the victim in the situation.

“What do you expect him to do? Come back to school and fight?” Shandela McKnight, Cortez’s mother, asked. “We don’t teach our kids that.” She added that her son came home from school with a noticeable bruise on his forehead after the incident.

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The diss track, however, contained aggressive lyrics, including threats like “beat his ass” and “get a body bag,” which led to legal trouble for Cortez. Shortly after the song’s release, the family of the teammate filed a complaint and Cortez was arrested in February on charges of making terroristic threats.

Cortez’s parents argue that the lyrics were not meant to be taken literally. Nachez Lyles compared the situation to rap feuds between artists like Kendrick Lamar and Drake, emphasizing that diss tracks are a common element of Hip-Hop culture and are typically not intended as real threats. “To interpret his words literally is egregious,” he said.

Despite their defense, Cortez now faces misdemeanor charges over the song. His parents hope to resolve the matter by engaging with the other family involved.

EXCLUSIVE: Prosecutors, Diddy Lawyers Feud Over Jury Questions

Diddy’s legal team and federal prosecutors are once again at odds—this time over how jurors should be screened in the Hip-Hop mogul’s blockbuster sex trafficking and racketeering trial.

According to a joint filing submitted to Judge Arun Subramanian on April 11, both sides were ordered to hammer out a proposed jury questionnaire—but instead ended up in a full-blown deadlock over what questions should be asked.

And while Diddy’s lawyers didn’t object to most of the government’s wording, they argue the entire document misses one glaring issue: media bias.

“The government’s proposal does not explore at all the prejudices and biases that are central to an effective inquiry to seating a fair jury,” his lawyers complained. “The defense believes it is important that we allow potential jurors to write candidly about the unprecedented and negative media attention that they may have been exposed to, related to Mr. Combs.”

Diddy—who is facing serious federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transporting women for prostitution—has become a household name for all the wrong reasons.

Prosecutors say his trial will include explicit videos of assaults, evidence of drug-fueled sex parties, and testimony from former associates who claim they were part of a cross-country trafficking ring.

His attorneys say that’s precisely why jurors should be screened before walking into a courtroom—not while being stared down by a room full of strangers.

As part of their proposed changes, Diddy’s team wants to vet potential jurors on a number of topics—including their personal experiences with domestic violence, substance abuse, and sexual content, as well as their comfort level viewing graphic videos.

“Many individuals are uncomfortable speaking about these issues in front of others and would be more candid writing about them in a questionnaire,” the filing noted.

To bolster their argument, they pointed to the 2018 trial of NXIVM cult leader Keith Raniere, where a judge allowed nearly identical questions to screen for bias due to the case’s “sensitive and private” nature.

Despite their differences, both sides did agree on a proposed daily trial schedule. But the real fireworks will come if Judge Subramanian sides with prosecutors—potentially leaving Diddy to pick a jury in a courtroom already buzzing with media attention and public opinion.

Sada Baby Explains Wild Mugshot, Denies He “Plays” With His Nose After Drug Bust

Sada Baby addressed his viral mugshot and recent arrest in Detroit.

He revealed the drug police found wasn’t cocaine but Percocets and called the entire situation a legal mix-up.

“What I got caught with was not none of that, because if I had a zip of dope on me, I’d still be in jail,” he said during an appearance on the Pac-Man Jones Show. “It was some percs, you feel me.”

He also explained what led to the now-infamous booking photo.

The mugshot, which quickly made the rounds on social media, showed Sada Baby with a blank stare and raised eyebrows — a look he says was deliberate.

“I made the face ’cause I wanted to go viral. It went viral,” he said. “She asked me like, ‘You sure you want to, you know, you sure you want to look like that on your picture?’ I’m like ‘take the picture. Take the picture right now.'”

According to Sada Baby, the arrest happened after police stopped him for minor traffic violations, including tinted windows and not fully stopping while exiting a private driveway.

He said officers then discovered a substance they mistook for cocaine.

“I didn’t come to a complete stop coming out of private driveway,” he said. “I got pulled over for a warrant for driving without a license while I was driving with a license.”

He said the warrant was tied to a case he had already addressed in court.

“It’s a case that I already beat, you feel me. I just went to court for it on the 28th,” he said.

Sada Baby also pushed back against rumors that he was caught with harder drugs.

“I ain’t never played with my nose in my life,” he said. “I ain’t never had no cocaine on me. Never had no heroin on me. No none of that.”

He believes his fame and lifestyle have made him a target.

“Anybody who got a brain can pay attention to me getting targeted for me living where I live at, for me doing what I’m doing,” he said. “A lot of street officers are too lazy to just type my name into Google and see what I actually am—to think that I would be selling dope to live in a house as big as I live in, as far as I live outside of the city.”

The legal issue was ultimately reduced to a fine.

“My lawyer is a great lawyer and he got it dropped down to a $200 fine,” he said. “I paid zero dollars to get out of jail.”