Kevin Gates is back in divorce court for the second time in three months and this time it’s his longtime partner and confirmed wife Dreka Gates, who is pulling the plug on their nearly decade-long marriage.
Dreka hit the courthouse in L.A. on Wednesday (July 30) and filed to end things with Kevin, according to court docs obtained by TMZ. She listed July 10 as the day they called it quits and cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason she’s done.
They tied the knot back in October 2015, so this split lands just a few months shy of what would’ve been their 10th anniversary. The two share two kids — 12-year-old Islah and 11-year-old Khaza.
Dreka wants joint custody and also checked the box for spousal support. But she also wants the court to block Kevin from receiving any support from her.
No word yet on whether there’s a prenup in play, which could make things messy if this goes sideways. Kevin’s team isn’t talking. His rep told TMZ he’s “unfortunately” choosing to stay quiet right now.
Here’s where it gets outlandish — this is Kevin’s second divorce in less than three months. He was also reportedly briefly married to Brittnay Renner earlier this year and they called it quits after just 52 days.
They reportedly got hitched on April 6 and were legally split by May 28. Renner opened up about the quickie marriage during an interview and said she has no regrets.
Kevin’s thing with Renner supposedly ended in May of 2025, but if Dreka’s saying they split in July, that means Kevin might’ve been legally tied to both women at the same time.
GloRilla was arrested in Forsyth County, Georgia, on felony drug charges after calling police to report a home invasion, prompting a state lawmaker to demand the case be dropped and push for new legislation.
Democratic Rep. Eric Bell is urging prosecutors to dismiss the charges against the Memphis rapper. Bell says her arrest after reporting a burglary sends the wrong message to crime victims.
“She deserves support, not punishment for trying to protect herself and her home. We cannot send the message that doing the right thing puts you at greater risk,” Bell told Fox5 Atlanta.
Authorities responded to a break-in at GloRilla’s Georgia home around 1:30 A.M. on July 20. According to the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, someone inside the house fired a weapon at three intruders who fled the scene.
No injuries were reported and the suspects remain unidentified.
While investigating the burglary, deputies claimed they smelled marijuana and obtained a search warrant. They later said they found cannabis “in plain view” inside the master bedroom closet.
Bell is using the incident to promote House Bill 464, which he introduced to shield crime victims from arrest over unrelated minor offenses when seeking help from law enforcement.
“HB 464 is not about going easy on crime. It is about being smart about justice,” Bell said. “No one, regardless of fame, background or zip code, should fear being criminalized for doing the right thing.”
The proposed bill would give legal immunity to individuals who report certain crimes and are later found to have minor infractions, such as outstanding warrants or drug possession.
CRAZY‼️ My House got Home Invaded Saturday While I was in Indianapolis performing for the WNBA all star game & instead of Focusing on finding the Suspects , they focus on some cannabis
1. So no I wasn’t busted 2. My house got robbed 3. I wasn’t home
Bell argues this would encourage more victims to come forward without fear of arrest.
GloRilla has publicly criticized deputies for focusing on her instead of the suspects who broke into her home. On July 24, she posted online that police prioritized cannabis over catching the people who invaded her property.
Bell said her case is part of a larger pattern where Black victims are disproportionately criminalized when seeking help. “Unfortunately stories like hers are not rare,” he said.
Issa Rae is getting dragged into court after three Los Angeles creatives say her movie “One of Them Days” is lifted from their original screenplay.
Writers Joshua Isaacson, Shon Oku and Tyrone Perry claim they penned a script back in 2020 called One of Those Days and registered the copyright. Fast forward to 2025, and they say Rae’s team dropped a flick with a nearly identical title and a storyline that hits way too close to home.
The trio filed their lawsuit on July 30, naming Issa Rae’s company Color Creative, Sony Pictures, TriStar and screenwriter Syreeta Singleton. They’re accusing them of copyright infringement, idea theft, and conversion—basically saying Rae and crew jacked their story and ran with it like it was theirs.
According to court docs, the writers say they shared their screenplay with producer Danny Hamouie in late 2023, the first time anyone outside of the trio had ever seen the script.
They never heard back from Hamouie, who is not named in the lawsuit.
Next, they later handed it over to Roman Arabia and his partner Xavier Charles, who own a company called Green Eggs Go H.A.M. (GEG), in April 2024, hoping to secure some funding.
GEG passed on the project, but the twist? Charles used to work on Rae’s show Insecure. Weeks after that rejection, news broke that Issa Rae was gearing up to produce a film called One of Them Days.
The writers claim the movie, which hit theaters on January 17, 2025, copies their script’s entire flow—plot, characters, and all. They even brought in screenwriting expert John Brancato, who backed them up, saying the “underlying story structure” was way too similar.
The movie, directed by Lawrence Lamont and written by Singleton, starred Keke Palmer and SZA. It followed two friends trying to hustle up rent money.
The film pulled in over $51 million on a $14 million budget and was a box office win for Sony and TriStar. Now, the original writers want that bag. They’re asking for damages, attorneys’ fees and a jury trial to settle the dispute.
The lawsuit says the Issa Rae and others involved with the flick “misappropriated Plaintiffs’ original expression and passed it off as their own without authorization, credit, or compensation.”
Whether Rae’s crew copied or not, this case could end up costing somebody a lot more than rent money.
Cardi B scored a big legal W in LA this week after a judge tossed out a bunch of stuff that could’ve made her look bad in court.
She’s prepping for trial next month over claims she roughed up a security guard named Emani Ellis outside a Beverly Hills medical office back in 2018—while she was pregnant and trying to keep it quiet.
According to Rolling Stone, the judge gave her team the green light to split the trial into two parts and shut down any talk about her money unless she’s found liable first.
The court also blocked anything about her past—including fights, police run-ins, gang rumors, strip club history or anything the media’s said about her.
The judge also shut down testimony from a retired cop and a psychologist that Ellis’ team wanted to bring in.
Ellis filed the lawsuit in 2020, claiming Cardi B smacked her around, spat on her, dropped racial slurs and got her fired. She even said Cardi’s nails cut her face so bad she needed plastic surgery.
But Cardi’s lawyer, Peter Anderson, says there’s an eyewitness who saw Ellis go after Cardi instead. He also pointed out that Ellis told them she only takes aspirin now and then, yet she magically saw a new doctor last week who prescribed her antidepressants.
He called it “gamesmanship” and “preposterous.”
Cardi’s expected to show up and testify, but her schedule’s tight. She’s got three kids and a new album, Am I the Drama?, dropping September 19.
Her lawyers might ask for a delay if the trial doesn’t kick off on time.
Justin Timberlake closed out his two-year Forget Tomorrow Tour with a personal revelation and a message of resilience, telling fans Thursday (July 31) that he’s been quietly battling Lyme disease while performing across the globe.
“Among other things, I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease — which I don’t say so you feel bad for me –– but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes,” Timberlake wrote in a lengthy Instagram post reflecting on the tour’s end.
The Everything I Thought It Was singer said he initially kept the diagnosis private but chose to speak out now to help others understand the toll it has taken on him physically and mentally.
“If you’ve experienced this disease or know someone who has — then you’re aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically,” he wrote. “When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure. But, at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness.”
Despite the symptoms, Timberlake said he made a conscious decision to keep performing.
“I was faced with a personal decision. Stop touring? Or, keep going and figure it out. I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going.”
The 43-year-old artist said pushing through the illness helped him prove his “mental tenacity” and gave him “so many special moments” with his audience.
“I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself,” he wrote. “But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted.”
Timberlake also expressed a desire to support others living with Lyme disease, adding, “Sharing all of this with the hope that we can all find a way to be more connected. I’d like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease too.”
He ended the post by thanking his crew, band and concertgoers, calling them “the stuff of LEGEND.”
“There really is no way to put into words the feeling of being on a stage and getting to share the experience of live music with all of you,” he wrote. “It’s a vibration of frequency that is unmatched. Sacred to me. I honestly don’t know what my future is onstage but I’ll always cherish this run! And all of them before!”
Timberlake also gave a heartfelt shoutout to his wife, Jessica Biel, and their two sons, Silas and Phin.
“My heart is filled with gratitude! Love each other. Be good to each other. Don’t take it for granted. To Jess, Silas, and Phin… nothing is more powerful than your unconditional love. You are my heart and my home. I’m on my way.”
Timberlake’s message comes after some concertgoers criticized his recent performances, calling them low-energy. Despite that, the tour grossed $73.2 million across 41 shows as of late May, according to Billboard, placing him among the top 10 touring acts of the year.
The tour launched in April 2024, one month after the release of his latest album. Timberlake joins a list of celebrities, including Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne and Justin Bieber, who have also gone public with Lyme disease diagnoses.
Sean Kingston is done with his lawyer and his lawyer might be even more done with him.
Robert A. Rosenblatt, who was representing Kingston in his federal fraud case, is trying to distance himself from the singer after their attorney-client relationship crashed and burned.
The drama’s been bubbling for months, but now Rosenblatt is officially begging the judge to let him walk away from the case, claiming things between him and Kingston are so bad they’re basically on opposite teams.
This all hit the fan after Kingston fired off a blunt email back in May telling Rosenblatt to zip it.
“I am writing to formally request that you cease speaking to the media or any other third parties regarding my case, as the information being shared is incorrect and potentially damaging. I also want to remind you of the importance of maintaining attorney client privilege…Furthermore, do not speak on my behalf to the prosecutor, judge or anyone else from this point forward,” Kingston said.
Rosenblatt first tried to ditch the case back in May 2025, but the court blocked him. Now he’s back with receipts saying the relationship is toast. Kingston doesn’t trust him and has accused him of leaking information to a local journalist.
Rosenblatt swears he didn’t, but the damage was done.
“It is apparent from [Kingston’s] emails and texts that he does not want the undersigned to ‘talk judges or prosecutors’ on his behalf,” Rosenblatt wrote. “He did not oppose the withdrawal of counsel in the state case. Further, it is clear that irreconcilable differences have terminated the attorney-client relationship to the extent that it has become adversarial.”
Rosenblatt says Kingston’s got another lawyer, Zeljka Bozanic, who will handle things from here, including sentencing. The feds don’t care if Rosenblatt dips either, so he’s asking the court again to let him off the hook.
Kingston has already been convicted on multiple fraud charges along with his mom, Janice Turner. The feds say they ran a million-dollar scam using fake wire receipts to score luxury cars, jewelry and even a massive LED TV.
Ksoo and his cousin, ATK Scotty, were both convicted of first-degree murder in the 2020 killing of rival rapper Charles “Lil Buck” McCormick Jr., a violent culmination of a long-running Hip-Hop and gang rivalry in Florida.
Jurors returned guilty verdicts after hearing weeks of testimony tying the two to the deadly ambush outside a Jacksonville shopping plaza.
Prosecutors said Lil Buck, a member of the rival group KTA, was targeted after releasing a diss track mocking the 2019 death of Willie Addison, Ksoo’s half-brother.
The state argued Ksoo jumped out of a car and chased Lil Buck down, shooting him multiple times.
The prosecution’s case leaned heavily on surveillance video, cellphone data, social media posts and lyrics, as well as testimony from Ksoo’s own father and a former associate turned cooperating witness.
Dominique “Butta” Barner, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for his cooperation, told jurors he was part of the plan and identified Ksoo as the shooter.
“He got out and started shooting. I seen it,” Barner testified, adding that the killing was retaliation for Addison’s death.
Ksoo’s father, Abdul Robinson Sr., also testified against his son. He identified the rapper in dashcam footage showing a hooded figure opening fire.
Both Ksoo and ATK Scotty were tried simultaneously but before separate juries. Ksoo’s brother, Abdul Robinson Jr., faces related charges in a separate trial.
Prosecutors said the murder was part of a broader feud between two Jacksonville groups — Ace’s Top Killers (ATK), which includes Ksoo and rapper Yungeen Ace, and Kill Them All (KTA), which included Lil Buck and the late rapper Julio Foolio, who was shot and killed in June 2024.
Yungeen Ace offered up support to the now convicted killers just as their trial started.
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is dragging film producer/entrepreneur Ryan Kavanaugh back to court in Los Angeles over what he says is a blatant breach of a settlement agreement tied to their dispute over the film Skill House.
According to a motion filed by Jackson and his company NYC Vibe LLC, the rapper-turned-mogul claims Kavanaugh, along with Skill House Movie LLC and GenTV LLC, agreed to a nine-point settlement earlier this year but later tried to change the terms. The motion asks the court to enforce the original agreement, which 50 Cent’s legal team says was accepted in writing and should be binding.
“Here it [the proposed settlement agreement] is,” 50 Cent’s counsel wrote. “Kindly say yes or no. Mr. Jackson will unfortunately and adamantly not accept any further negotiation.” Kavanaugh’s team responded the same day with an unequivocal “yes,” according to the filing.
The dispute centers on a series of email exchanges that 50 Cent’s attorneys argue formed a complete and enforceable contract. “Thats fine. Thank you for getting this done,” 50’s lawyer replied after the agreement was accepted.
But things unraveled quickly. Despite agreeing to finalize the deal “immediately,” Kavanaugh’s side allegedly delayed for weeks, then returned with redlined versions of the agreement that altered key terms. Plaintiffs say those last-minute changes amounted to a “material breach” and forced them to seek a preliminary injunction in June ahead of the film’s release.
The motion, which will be heard on Thursday (August 28) in Los Angeles Superior Court, argues that courts routinely uphold settlement agreements even if a formal contract hasn’t been signed, so long as both parties agreed to the essential terms.
“The law is clear that settlement agreements are favored and enforceable where, as here, the parties have agreed to all material terms and objectively manifested their intent to be bound,” the motion states.
50 Cent’s team says they stopped pursuing other legal actions based on the belief the deal was done. But when Kavanaugh’s camp allegedly tried to walk back the terms, they had no choice but to return to court.
The hearing is scheduled for Thursday (August 28) at 10 a.m. PT before Judge Hernán D. Vera at the First Street Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles.
Hulk Hogan died from a heart attack at his Clearwater home on July 24, and newly released documents confirm the 71-year-old wrestling legend had been quietly battling cancer.
The official cause of death was listed as acute myocardial infarction, according to medical records obtained by multiple outlets.
The documents also revealed that Hogan had a history of atrial fibrillation and chronic lymphocytic leukemia—an illness that affects white blood cells. He had never publicly disclosed the cancer diagnosis.
Clearwater police said Hogan went into cardiac arrest at his residence and was treated by Clearwater Fire & Rescue after a medical emergency call came in.
He was then transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The WWE Hall of Famer will be cremated, as noted in the official report.
Hogan is survived by his wife, Sky Daily, whom he married in September 2023, along with his children, Brooke and Nick and two grandchildren, Oliver and Molly.
Hulk Hogan’s death has people talking—but not everyone’s saying RIP. A lot of people never forgot the leaked tape where he dropped the N-word like it was nothing.
The tape ruined his image, the WWE dropped him, he was booted from and reinstated to the Wrestling Hall of Fame, and he became a divisive, MAGA-loving, Trump supporter.
Now that he’s gone, people are split. Some are showing love, saying he made their childhood. Others believe the man died a racist.
Hulk Hogan was a deplorable man. Racist and anti-LGBTQ+. Condolences to his family, but also one less horrible person on our planet.
all these people who are still calling Hulk Hogan Racist are people who once watched him on TV this about the human we are all entitled to our opinion's I'm not defending racism I'm defending our rights as citizens Hulkamania Lives forever @LexisKingWWE@Bayley____wwe9@RealDDP
Brooke Hogan is making headlines again, but this time it’s not for reality TV or a failed pop single. It’s for some mess. Her family and dad’s funerals and fortune. See? The daughter of pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan is reportedly steering clear of her father’s funeral and his money. This is the same daughter that Hulk Hogan died a disgrace. He was booed his last outing and that was just the tip of the iceberg. He was a pop culture icon that ruined his own legacy with racist rants and a cringeworthy apology.
Rumor has it that Brooke isn’t just sitting out the funeral, she also not taking any part of the reported $25 million estate. That is a different type of standing on business. People are theorizing. Is this Brooke’s way of distancing herself from the Hulkster’s racist past? Did those N-bombs bother her that much?
Insiders suggest this may have less to do with race and more to do with unresolved family drama. The word is Brooke wasn’t even speaking to either of her parents before her dad’s death. Her public statement after his passing was heavy but also hinted at a complicated relationship. Plus, word is that Hulk’s divorce and second marriage created a major rift with Brooke.
DL Hughley speaks on one of Hulk Hogan’s daughters skipping his funeral and refusing any share of his $25 million estate after he disrespected her and made derogatory comments about her dating a Black man. pic.twitter.com/1fKWdmqjtr
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) July 29, 2025
There is more. Brooke is married to a former NHL player and apparently living a comfortable life. So maybe she doesn’t need the money. I know I always need more. Maybe she doesn’t want the circus. Maybe she just doesn’t want to fight the new wife and the family over a will. Or maybe…she feels guilt over how things ended with the Hulkster.
The comments section can be hard on people. Some are calling her out her name. And some say she’s not a true. Is she really siding with Black folks by walking away from her father’s legacy? That’s unclear.
Hulk Hogan’s legacy won’t be repaired by a casket or Brooke’s feelings. And Brooke Hogan isn’t rushing to rewrite history—or claim her piece of it.
Young Thug didn’t need a contract or a studio to make a decision Wednesday (May 15) when rising Florida rapper Kamikazzz spit a freestyle that left him visibly impressed and seemingly ready to welcome her into the YSL family.
In a video posted by Kamikazzz, the Atlanta rap star listens closely as she delivers a rapid-fire verse directly to him. The moment builds until someone off-camera asks if he’s going to sign her. Without hesitation, Thug nods.
Kamikazzz, clearly overwhelmed, captioned the video with raw emotion: “THANK YOU SO MUCH I LOVE YOU SO MUCH THANK GOD FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY IF ONLY YALL KNEW BOYYY EVERYONE COUNTED ME OUT SAID I WAS OVA WIT BUT GOD ALWAYS HAVE THE LAST WORD I LITERALLY MANIFEST THIS SHT #YSL BTCHHHH !!!!”
The co-sign from Thug could be a major break for the Florida newcomer. Though no official paperwork has been announced, the video has already sparked buzz online about her potential future with YSL Records.
Meanwhile, Metro Boomin revealed that Young Thug will appear on his upcoming mixtape A Futuristic Summa, dropping Friday (August 1).
The producer teased the collaboration with a teaser on Instagram.
“U know it’s no way possible I’m dropping without my real brudda @thuggerthugger1,” he wrote. “We taking it back to ICFN days.”
50 Cent wasted no time mocking Benzino over his latest freestyle, using social media to drag the former Source editor and reignite their years-long beef.
The G-Unit founder posted a clip of Benzino’s new trap-style freestyle on Twitter (X) and didn’t hold back. “Yo this is the worst s**t I heard this year, TF wrong with him he 60 years old bro. Nah this ain’t it!” he wrote alongside the video.
The jab is the latest in a series of public shots 50 Cent has taken at Benzino, a feud that has stretched across decades and platforms. While it’s unclear if 50 Cent believed the freestyle contained subliminal disses aimed at him, he rarely misses a chance to escalate their rivalry.
Their animosity dates back to the early 2000s, when Benzino was co-owner of The Source magazine and used the publication to criticize Eminem, 50 Cent’s longtime collaborator. That sparked a bitter back-and-forth, with diss tracks, interviews and social media posts fueling the fire. Over the years, the feud has morphed into a mix of personal insults, snitching accusations and even boxing threats.
Benzino recently challenged 50 Cent to a fight, saying, “We can get in the ring, and I’ll beat your ass Curtis. Yeah. Me and you could get in the ring for that money. 3 rounds, I’ll whoop you. You big and sloppy and too stiff. And I don’t believe all that golden glove s###. Alright, we gon’ put that to the side. Mayweather, holler at me. Believe me. I’ll be his Huckleberry.”
He didn’t stop there. In the same video, Benzino added, “I don’t give a fk about no Internet. I’m solid. 50 Cent, you’re a psy. My nephew, you’re a psy. If there’s any real, real issues, I’m not hard to find. But that’s a fact. What I just said was fact. And the paperwork’s out there. So I don’t want to hear about no snitching st. I don’t want to hear it.”
Despite Benzino’s repeated challenges, 50 Cent has mostly responded with ridicule, often brushing off the threats with memes and sarcastic posts. The two have never come to physical blows, but their verbal war shows no signs of cooling off.
The freestyle that triggered the latest round of insults was posted online earlier this week.
Taz Bentii Sets the Stage for Breakout Year with “Eleven Eleven” Album Release and Major Collaborations
Ottawa, Canada — Rising hip hop artist Taz Bentii is poised to make waves on the national stage with the upcoming release of his debut project, Eleven Eleven, dropping July 25, 2025. At just 20 years old, the Ottawa-based rapper has emerged as one of the city’s most promising new talents, known for his rapid evolution, magnetic energy, and lyrical precision.Taz’s new video for “Cheap Date” is already gaining traction among fans and critics alike, showcasing his versatility and storytelling finesse.
Since launching his music career just three years ago, Taz has achieved milestones many artists spend a decade chasing. His sound has resonated beyond Ottawa, leading him to record in Atlanta, New York, and Miami, and to perform on his first tour through Texas. His drive has earned him studio time with DJ Holiday, the Atlanta-based DJ known for collaborations with Gucci Mane and Meek Mill, setting the stage for Eleven Eleven to be his most polished and compelling work yet.
Earlier this year, Taz made headlines after collaborating with TV Gucci, a member of Drake’s OVO collective, further solidifying his standing as a Canadian artist on the rise. Media coverage continues to build around him, including a recent feature on CTV Ottawa.
To kick off the release, Taz will take the stage alongside fellow Ottawa talent Xav Trudeau at The 27 Club Ottawa on July 18. Following that, fans can catch him on July 20 in Toronto as part of the Riff Raff Green Apple Tour at Rivoli.
Looking ahead, Taz Bentii is set to join music executive Quincy “Big Heff” Taylor’s Streets Most Wanted Tour in September, hitting 10 cities across North America to help promote Eleven Eleven and continue expanding his reach.
Additional upcoming performances include:
HellBender Festival with Murda Beatz & Merkules – August 8–9, Niagara Falls
Yowfest – August 29, Ottawa
With momentum building and major collaborations underway, Taz Bentii continues to prove that Ottawa isn’t just a pit stop on the map—it’s the launchpad for a new generation of Canadian hip hop.
Last Shows: Taz Bentii & Xav at 27 Club in Ottawa CA Riff Raff Green Apple Tour in Toronto July 20th at Rivoli Upcoming Show: HellBender with Murda Beatz & Merkules August 8th & 9th in Niagara Falls CA Yowfest in Ottawa CA on August 29th
Producer ProHoeZak Drops Music Video for “What About Me” Featuring Too $hort & Ying Yang Twins Ahead of Artificial Ignorance
East Palo Alto producer and artist ProHoeZak unveils the first glimpse of his forthcoming album Artificial Ignorance with the release of “What About Me.” The song is a hard-hitting single accompanied by a visually striking video. Featuring iconic West Coast rapper Too $hort and crunk pioneers the Ying Yang Twins, the track is a blunt examination of imbalance in modern relationships.
Pro is known for his deep roots in Bay Area funk and longtime collaborations with legends like Parliament-Funkadelic, Digital Underground and Snoop Dogg. He brings decades of industry experience to this release. But with Artificial Ignorance, he pivots toward the future. The video for “What About Me” was created using AI animation technology. However, this was a stylistic choice. It echoes the project’s title and its commentary on digital-age disconnection and emotional detachment.
Using “The Sounds of West Coast Funk” expansion kit for the Akai MPC Key 37, ProHoeZak blends G-funk basslines with Southern bounce. The combination of Too $hort’s seasoned slickness and the Ying Yang Twins’ high-energy delivery reinforces the track’s central warning. Kindness without boundaries can easily be manipulated.
“What About Me” sets the tone for Artificial Ignorance, a project exploring the absurdities of modern relationships, culture, and tech-fueled interaction. The single is now available on all major platforms, with the full album release expected soon.
British rapper Renai Belle was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday (July 9) for the brutal, premeditated killing of charity worker Josh McKay after McKay refused to fund one of his rap videos, a London court found.
The 30-year-old rapper, who goes by Topz, stabbed McKay in the neck inside a Leyton barbershop on July 6, 2024, while McKay’s young son watched in horror.
The attack spilled into the street, where passersby tried to help, but the 33-year-old father of two died at the scene.
The Old Bailey heard that Belle’s motive stemmed from jealousy and rage after McKay declined to bankroll a music video. Belle had previously threatened McKay in a rap video, which prosecutors played during the trial.
“This was a savage and pre-planned attack, committed in broad daylight and with scant regard for passers-by,” said Detective Inspector Chris Griffith, who led the investigation. “What took place left the local community reeling, and two young children without their father.”
Victim’s Mother Speaks Out Following Sentencing
Before the stabbing, Belle drove with his ex-girlfriend, Tenika Parker, to pick up a knife and a balaclava from another man, Daniel Cooper. After the killing, Belle returned to Parker’s home to shower and try to destroy evidence.
Despite his efforts, police found blood traces and the shoes he wore during the attack inside Parker’s car. He was arrested two days later after a citywide manhunt.
Parker was convicted of perverting the course of justice and possessing a knife. She was sentenced to two years and three months. Cooper, who supplied the weapon, had already been sentenced for possessing a blade.
McKay worked with young people leaving foster care, helping them transition into jobs and housing. His mother, Bash Kehinde, said the sentencing brought no comfort.
“Today’s sentencing changes nothing for me and my family,” she said. “I will never see my beautiful son and his two children will now face life without their hero.”
Belle must serve at least 28 years before he is eligible for parole.
Boosie Badazz unloaded on social media Wednesday (July 31) over Gilbert Arenas’ federal indictment tied to a high-stakes poker ring, calling the charges “b#######” and accusing the justice system of racial bias.
The Baton Rouge rapper didn’t hold back, defending the former NBA All-Star and slamming what he sees as a double standard in how Black public figures are treated when it comes to private gambling.
“THIS BEEN GOING ON SINCE THE EARLY 1900s,” Boosie wrote on X. “THIS IS ANOTHER TACTIC TO TAKE ‘US’ DOWN. N IM NOT RACIST BUT THEY NOT GO LOCK UP A WHITE ATHLETE / ENTERTAINER UP FOR PLAYIN POKER AT HIS DAM HOUSE WITH HIS MILLIONAIRE FRIENDS.”
Boosie compared Arenas’ alleged poker setup to a casual dice game among friends, saying the whole thing was being blown out of proportion. “Set a poker game at his spot n won off the hands played,” he posted, arguing that entertainers and athletes have long hosted similar gatherings without legal trouble.
He also dismissed reports about the custom poker table bearing Arenas’ name, calling it “HOUSE DECORATIONS” and noting that many wealthy homeowners personalize their game rooms.
“ANOTHER TACTIC TO TAKE THE BLACK MAN DOWN. THE TRUTH HURTS,” Boosie added.
Gilbert Arenas Released On $50,000 Bond
Arenas, once known on the court as “Agent Zero,” was arrested and charged with three felonies: conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, operating an illegal gambling business and making false statements to federal agents.
Federal prosecutors allege that from September 2021 through July 2022, Arenas’ Encino mansion was used to host underground poker nights, complete with armed security, private chefs, valets and women hired to serve drinks, give massages and keep players company. The indictment claims Arenas collected a rake from each game and coordinated with others to run the operation.
One of his co-defendants, Yevgeni Gershman, is described as a suspected Israeli organized crime figure who allegedly managed the games and recruited the women, who were required to pay a cut of their tips back to the operation.
The poker setup included a custom table labeled “ARENAS POKER CLUB” featuring a silhouette of Arenas and his jersey number zero.
Arenas pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Tuesday (July 30) and was released on a $50,000 bond. If convicted, he could face multiple years behind bars.
After his release, Arenas posted a video on Instagram denying involvement and hinting he would fully cooperate with authorities.
“This aint got shyt to do with me ‘just rented the house’ Wasnt apart of the Festivities,” he said. “#SnitchingGilComingSOON.”
Benzino also revived his long-running beef with 50 Cent by firing back after the rapper mocked his new freestyle “YN-Z.” On Wednesday (July 30), 50 posted a clip of the track on Instagram.
“The worst s### I heard this year,” he wrote. “TF wrong with him he 60 years old bro. Nah this ain’t it!”
Benzino didn’t waste time firing back. In an Instagram video, he challenged 50 Cent to a three-round celebrity boxing match and mocked his appearance, saying, “You got the body of a 65-year-old retired NFL lineman.” He also went after 50’s hairline and fashion sense.
But the most personal blow came when Benzino dragged 50’s ex, Daphne Joy, into the mix, referencing her alleged involvement in the ongoing legal drama surrounding Diddy.
“What you should be doing, is explaining to little Bruce Leroy [Sire] why Sleaze, Diddy, and a bunch of n##### were slutting her out,” he said. “I think he’s gonna have to owe him an explanation when he get older.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs is pushing for a clean slate or a courtroom do-over after being convicted on two federal counts tied to transporting women for paid sex across state lines, according to new motions filed by his legal team in New York.
The embattled Hip-Hop mogul’s attorneys are asking the court to either toss out the guilty verdicts or grant a new trial, arguing the evidence presented during the eight-week trial failed to support the charges.
The case stems from violations of the Mann Act, a century-old law prohibiting the interstate transport of individuals for prostitution.
While Diddy was cleared of the more severe allegations — including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, which could have landed him a life sentence — the jury found him guilty on two lesser counts involving what prosecutors described as organizing travel for so-called “freak offs” with escorts and his longtime partner.
His defense team insists the government’s case was built on weak evidence and sensationalism.
They claim prosecutors “painted him as a monster” and that the jury’s decision to acquit on the most serious charges proves the case lacked substance.
“Sean Combs sits in jail based on evidence that he paid adult male escorts and entertainers who engaged in consensual sexual activities with his former girlfriends, which he videotaped and later watched with the girlfriends. That is not prostitution, and if it is, his conviction is unconstitutional,” the filing says.
They also argue that Diddy neither arranged for escorts to travel nor engaged in prostitution himself, noting he did not have sex with the women involved.
The legal team says the Mann Act was misapplied and that the charges unfairly targeted his private lifestyle.
If the court refuses to overturn the verdict, Diddy’s lawyers are requesting a new trial, citing insufficient evidence to support the jury’s decision on the two counts.
Diddy Seeks Bond With $50 Million Package
In a separate filing earlier this week, his attorneys renewed their push for pre-sentencing release on a $50 million bond.
They proposed a strict bail package that would keep Diddy at his Miami residence, require him to surrender his passport and limit his travel to the Southern Districts of Florida and New York for legal matters.
They argue that “exceptional circumstances” — including alleged threats to his safety at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center — justify his release, and point out that others convicted under similar charges have been granted bail while awaiting sentencing.
So far, the court has denied his bond requests, citing past domestic violence incidents and concerns he may pose a threat to others.
Ashwin Gane isn’t just releasing music. He’s engineering worlds. The Detroit-born, Indian-American phenom is stepping into the spotlight with Twilight Tales, an orchestral trap odyssey set to drop August 1, signaling his arrival as one of the boldest new voices in the genre.
With more than 6.5 million streams, 5 million video views, and a growing fanbase that’s packing out venues, Ashwin’s doing it all without a major label, industry co-sign or compromise.
“This isn’t just an EP,” Gane tells AllHipHop. “Every track is a chapter. Every lyric is a strategy. It’s a blueprint for survival in a cold world.”
He’s got 808s fused with haunting pianos, ghostlike choirs and auteur-level visuals – Christopher Nolan vibes. Twilight Tales isn’t just an EP. It’s a full-blown cinematic anthology in 10 parts. Each track builds on the previous track.
“I made this for those who lead quietly and win loudly,” he said.
Leading the charge is “Leeches,” a gut-punch of a single that dissects betrayal with bone-chilling precision. The music video, which racked up over 160,000 views in 10 days, looks more like a short film than your average trap visual. “Energy” has over a million views on YouTube. The EP includes the Billboard-charting “Regret It”, unreleased heaters like “Drowning” and “All Away,” and two cinematic remixes that push the boundaries of production and emotion.
If the music wasn’t enough, Ashwin is taking Twilight Tales to the people. He’s currently hitting Texas and Oklahoma on Phora’s Yours Truly: Texas Takeover Tour with dates in El Paso, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, OKC, and Dallas. And on August 16-17, he returns home for Ashwin Gane Presents Dream Cruise, an immersive live experience in Detroit.
And his reach is only growing. This fall, Gane will bring his cinematic trap saga to the NFL and NBA with scheduled halftime performances at the Chargers’ SoFi Stadium and the Clippers’ Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
Ashwin co-created Twilight Tales with Grammy-winning writer Poo Bear and R&B disruptor Justin Love.
He calls it “Mythic Trap,” a new genre altogether. With roots in Detroit and cultural bloodlines that stretch to South Asia, Ashwin Gane is positioning himself not just as a cultural architect.
Ashwin Gane is offering listeners a full cinematic experience, one chapter at a time.
Tyler, The Creator capped off a whirlwind week with a No. 1 album and a Platinum plaque as he wrapped the North American leg of his Chromakopia World Tour in Newark on Monday (July 28).
The Grammy winner took to Instagram on Wednesday morning (July 30) to post a carousel of snapshots from the road and reflect on a string of career highs.
In a caption that doubled as a thank-you note and a victory lap, he wrote, “77 SHOWS, B#### IM WHOOPED. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME TO ONE OF THE SHOWS. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL TIME.”
Tyler revealed, “I GOT SURPRISED WITH PLAQUES FOR CHROMAKOPIA LAST WEEK AT THE SAME TIME I RELEASED DONT TAP THE GLASS. THIS WEEK, ON THE LAST NIGHT FOR THE U.S RUN, GLASS WENT NUMBER 1. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO LENDED AN EAR TO EITHER PROJECT.”
Tyler also gave props to collaborators Paris Texas and Lil Yachty, along with his behind-the-scenes crew.
“IM TIRED AS HELL,” he closed, alongside a photo snapped straight from the stage.
Tyler, the Creator’s latest album, Don’t Tap the Glass, dropped without warning on Monday (July 21) and still managed to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 197,000 equivalent units sold in just four days, according to Luminate. The off-cycle release didn’t slow momentum, and Tyler acknowledged the moment in an Instagram Story earlier this week.
“Thank you to everyone who chose to give this a listen,” he wrote. “Announcing it just two days prior and reaching number one in such a brief period means a lot. Thank you. Spread the word!”
Meanwhile, Chromakopia, his eighth studio album, officially went Platinum in mid-July, marking over 1 million units sold in the U.S.
The project, which dropped on October 28, 2024, opened at No. 1 with nearly 300,000 album-equivalent units and has become his fastest album to reach Platinum status.
The Chromakopia World Tour kicked off on February 4 and spans 64 dates across North America, Europe, Oceania and Asia. While the U.S. leg is now complete, Tyler will continue performing at festivals before heading to Australia in mid-August.
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