Sean “Diddy” Combs’ attorneys are fighting back against one of his charges, arguing that the prosecution is racially biased and based on a law, originally known as the White-Slave Traffic Act, passed over a century ago.
“This case is unprecedented in many ways,” the motion obtained by AllHipHop states. “But perhaps most notably, and most disturbingly, no white person has ever been the target of a remotely similar prosecution.”
The incarcerated mogul’s attorneys filed a motion to dismiss Count Three of the Superseding Indictment in their motion filed Tuesday (February 18), highlighting what they claim is selective enforcement against Combs due to his race and status.
The indictment cites the Mann Act, initially known as the White-Slave Traffic Act of 1910, designed to prohibit the transportation of women or girls across state lines for prostitution, debauchery, or other immoral purposes.
However, Diddy’s legal team argued that the charges against Combs represented an unjust application of the law. Specifically, the filing notes that “there has never been a similar RICO prosecution” and that “no other person, and certainly no white person, has ever previously been prosecuted under the White-Slave Traffic Act for hiring male escorts from another State.”
Additionally, the rapper’s attorneys assert the Mann Act has “a long and troubling history as a statute with racist origins, used to target Black men and supposedly protect White women from them.”
Diddy’ Attorneys Accuse Prosecution Of Bias
The defense claims the prosecution is rooted in racial discrimination, stating, “Mr. Combs has been singled out because he is a powerful Black man, and he is being prosecuted for conduct that regularly goes unpunished.”
The motion further critiques the historical use of the Mann Act, asserting, “What was racist in its inception has often been racist in its operation.”
According to the filing, the case against Combs is built largely on allegations that he and two longtime girlfriends occasionally hired male escorts. The defense argues that “the government has concocted a criminal case based primarily on allegations that Mr. Combs and two of his longtime girlfriends sometimes brought a third party—a male escort—into their sexual relationship.”
Beyond the charges themselves, the defense argues that the prosecution has engaged in conduct intended to damage Combs’ reputation and bias potential jurors. “The government’s handling of this case demonstrates bias and animus. It has gone out of its way to humiliate Mr. Combs and to prejudice the jury pool with pretrial publicity that plays on racist tropes. It has leaked damaging (and oftentimes false) material to the press,” the motion claims.
Currently, Diddy remains in federal custody in Brooklyn on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
While Banks raised some interesting points, she was wrong when she talked about there being zero evidence Drake has a questionable preference for young women.
“If there were actual proof of that, Drake would be being investigated and if Kendrick had proof of that , as the father and black messiah he’s trying so desperately to portray himself as – he should’ve went to the police. It’s completely inappropriate to make a joke regarded any instances of sexual abuse against children because it’s not a f###### laughing matter
Well, the fact that all the rest of the so called gangsta n##### who have been f##### by the industry in every hole and tossed off a bridge would never have the financial resources, leverage or balls to sue UMG for fear of being killed, but have no problem killing one another.… https://t.co/WIq6a1huwm
Banks is 100 percent right about pedophilia being nothing to joke about, but when Kendrick Lamar rapped, “Certified Lover Boy/Certified pedophile” in “Not Like Us,” it was somewhat based on Drake’s track record—albeit a bit exaggerated. Lest anyone forget that Drake—now 38—regularly texted underage girls, including Billie Eilish, Bella Harris and Millie Bobby Brown.
At the time Drake was texting Brown, she was 14 and he was 33. During a 2018 interview with Access Hollywood, she gushed, “I love him. I met him in Australia and he’s honestly so fantastic and a great friend and a great role model. You know we text – we just texted each other the other day and he was like ‘I miss you so much’ and I was like ‘I miss you more.’ He’s coming to Atlanta, so I’m definitely gonna go and see him and I’m so excited.”
Not only did Brown dismiss any negativity surrounding their friendship, but Drake also addressed the controversy in the song “Another Late Night,” rapping, “Weirdos in my comments talkin’ ’bout some Millie Bobby, look. Bring them jokes up to the gang, we get to really flockin’.”
Eilish, meanwhile, was just 17 in 2019 when she began a texting relationship with Drake, then 34. Eilish defended their communication in an interview with Vogue, saying, “A grown man can’t be a fan of an artist? There are so many people that the internet should be more worried about. Like, you’re really going to say that Drake is creepy because he’s a fan of mine, and then you’re going to go vote for Trump? What the f### is that s###?”
As for Harris, who is the daughter of producer Jimmy Jam, she was 18 when she was hanging out with 31-year-old Drake. They were allegedly spotted having a private dinner together in Washington, D.C. in 2018, but she denied it. However, two weeks prior, she had shared a photo of herself backstage at Madison Square Garden, where Drake was performing and wrote, “No place I’d rather be,” adding fuel to the fire.
Whatever the case, it does seem like Drake “likes ’em young,” as Kendrick suggested. It’s also not hard to make a case that Drake is extremely misogynistic—all you have to do is listen to his lyrics. Maybe the fact he also had a child with a former p### star paints an even brighter picture of the kind of man he is.
In his defense, Drake directly tackled Kendrick’s accusations in “The Heart Part 6” and claimed K. Dot was fed false information by fake informants.
“The ones that you’re getting your stories from, they’re all clowns,” Drake rapped. “We plotted for a week and then we fed you the information/A daughter that’s 11 years old, I bet he takes it.”
He then angrily denied the allegations of underage sex, saying: “Drake is not a name that you gonn’ see on no sex offender list, easy does it/You mentioning A minor … B sharp and tell the fans: Who was it?/I never been with no-one underage … Just for clarity, I feel disgusted, I’m too respected.” If the allegations were true, he added, “I promise I’d have been arrested.”
What do you think? Is Banks right or did she conveniently forget about Drake’s history?
The murder trial for Duane “Keefe D” Davis, the only person ever charged in connection with the killing of Tupac Shakur, has been delayed by nearly a year.
On Tuesday (February 18), ABC News reported that the trial, originally set to begin in mid-March, has now been pushed to February 2026. The ruling of the postponement, which is days shy of a full calendar year, arrives after Davis’ defense team requested more time to interview witnesses they claim can prove his innocence.
“It looks like there are quite a few things that are left to be done to get this case prepared so that Mr. Davis can have effective assistance of counsel,” Judge Carli Kierny said during a brief hearing.
“Given that, it appears as though I really don’t have much of a choice but to grant it,” the judge said.
Prosecutors didn’t oppose the defense’s motion to delay the trial. Davis, who has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, remains jailed since his September 2023 arrest.
Chile, Keefe D Has Confessed! Says He Was Hired By P Diddy For $1 Million To Kill Tupac In A Police Interrogation
Tupac Shakur was shot multiple times while riding in the passenger seat of Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight’s BMW on September 7, 1996. The attack, allegedly orchestrated by Davis, was reportedly in retaliation for a casino brawl involving 2Pac, Knight, and Davis’ nephew, Orlando Anderson. Anderson, who was suspected of being the shooter, was killed in a shooting incident in 1998.
Prosecutors argue that Davis played a key role in arranging the shooting, identifying him as the “shot caller.” However, Davis’ legal team is challenging this narrative, presenting a new argument to support his innocence. Defense attorney Carl Arnold claims Davis was not in Las Vegas at the time of the shooting and that new witnesses will support this claim.
In a motion filed last Friday (February 14), Arnold asserted that his private investigator has uncovered crucial evidence contradicting the official version of events.
“With every new piece of evidence, it becomes increasingly clear that critical facts have yet to be fully examined,” Arnold stated. “We are actively conducting further investigations, speaking with key witnesses, and ensuring that Mr. Davis receives the fair trial to which he is constitutionally entitled.”
The defense’s filing also presents the assertion that Reggie Wright Jr., former head of security for Death Row Records, and his team were responsible for 2Pac’s death.
“Our private investigator is interviewing witnesses that will be able to testify to these issues at the time of trial,” Arnold wrote in the filing.
Wright, who has previously testified before a grand jury in Davis’ case, strongly denied the allegations.
“Good luck finding someone saying that, that’s credible,” Wright told ABC News. “It’s heartbreaking they keep dragging in my name. I didn’t have anything to do with that. One of the worst days of my life was when I heard that that happened.”
Despite these new defense claims, prosecutors have yet to comment on their substance. Arguments regarding the matter are set for a February 25 hearing.
Davis’ legal history remains complex. In addition to his upcoming murder trial, he is scheduled to stand trial in early April in connection to a jailhouse fight that occurred in December 2024. He faces charges of battery by a prisoner and challenges to fight, having pleaded not guilty.
Tupac Murder Suspect Keefe D’s Alleged Jail House Brawl Photos Leak Online
Duane "Keefe D" Davis got into a physical fight with a fellow inmate at Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas ,according to multiple reports. Keefe D and his opponent engaged in "mutual combat by… pic.twitter.com/3e6dNYbjsH
A$AP Rocky walked out of a Los Angeles courtroom with a new lease on life Tuesday (February 18) after a jury cleared him of all charges in his high-profile assault trial. Rocky, looking noticeably relieved, addressed the court and thanked everyone for “saving” his life.
The verdict came after just one day of deliberations, ending a legal battle that could have put the rapper behind bars for more than two decades.
The jury, composed of seven women and five men, found Rocky not guilty on two felony counts of assault with a firearm related to an alleged 2021 shooting involving his former friend Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli.
Throughout the trial, prosecutors argued that Rocky fired a gun during a heated confrontation, while his defense insisted the weapon in question was merely a prop used for a music video.
Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, declined a plea deal that would have included 180 days in jail, opting instead to take his chances in court. The trial lasted roughly three weeks and featured moments of drama, unexpected testimony and some humor as both sides tried to sway the jury.
During closing arguments, the prosecution insisted the case was simple, telling jurors that if they determined it wasn’t a prop gun, their decision should take “five minutes.”
“This case was really an easy case, not a complicated case, a very simple case…this is a five-minute verdict,” District Attorney Paul Bradley Przelomiec told the jury during closing arguments—and they obviously disagreed.
One glaring omission in the trial was the fact that neither the prosecution nor defense produced an actual gun as evidence, leaving the jury to weigh conflicting testimony without a physical weapon to inspect.
Rocky’s partner, Rihanna, attended much of the trial, and for the closing arguments, she brought their two young sons. She was also on deck when the verdicts were read.
The courtroom dynamic prompted a warning from prosecutors, who warned jurors not to let sympathy for the singer and her children influence their decision.
With his legal troubles behind him, Rocky will presumably turn his focus to his upcoming headlining set at Rolling Loud on March 15 in Inglewood, California.
On the heels of Suge Knight’s son issuing a challenge to Ray J to set up an organized fight, the former Death Row Records CEO has come forward with a new set of claims against the singer-turned-reality-tv-mogul.
In a recent interview with The Art of Dialogue, Knight made shocking allegations regarding Ray J and Snoop Dogg, implicating them in the deaths of Whitney Houston and 2Pac. Knight made the bombshell claims while addressing past rumors linking him to Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes’ death.
“When it comes to the part where you talk about Left Eye had a problem and she died because of me, that’s a lie,” Suge Knight stated firmly.
Suge Knight says Ray J was involved in Whitney Houston’s death and reveals he has recorded phone calls from Ray J telling him that Snoop Dogg told him he was involved in 2Pac’s murder.
Knight soon began hurling accusations against others, singling out Ray J for his alleged connection to Whitney Houston’s tragic passing. According to Knight, Houston had expressed deep distress before her death, though she never directly mentioned Ray J.
“She just used the term that Brandy’s little brother bringing me drugs and doing drugs with me,” he claimed. “Brandy’s little brother trying to kiss me and do drugs with me. Next thing you know, she’s dead.”
The most explosive claim of the interview came when Knight turned his attention to Snoop Dogg, asserting that the legendary rapper admitted to funding the murder of Tupac Shakur.
“You brag about all these phone calls recorded,” he said. “You brag about how Snoop tell you and told you he’s a part of the people who put bread to kill Pac.
Knight continued, “That’s why I say don’t mention 2Pac’s name in none of your interviews, because you f### with the m########### Snoop who said he had something to do with it.”
Knight made it clear that in his view, the deaths of both music icons—2Pac and Whitney Houston—were no accidents.
“Snoop was involved in killing Hip-Hop’s best all-time artist,” he alleged. “You was involved in killing the best female vocalist that ever did it, Whitney Houston.”
Knight ended his tirade by calling out Ray J’s motivations for staying in the limelight.
“To get your ratings to go up for Love & Hip Hop or whatever the f### that is, talk about that,” he said, suggesting that Ray J was capitalizing on controversy for relevancy. “That alone speaks volumes.”
Watch the bombshell interview clip in the post above.
Kay Flock could spend the rest of his life behind bars if federal prosecutors get their way, arguing that the Bronx drill rapper’s lyrics serve as a confession to murder and gang activity.
Government attorneys submitted court filings aiming to introduce Kay Flock’s music videos and lyrics as evidence in his upcoming trial.
The 21-year-old rapper, whose real name is Kevin Perez, faces federal RICO charges, including racketeering conspiracy and murder in aid of racketeering, after prosecutors linked him to the Bronx-based Sev Side/DOA gang.
Authorities allege he played a central role in a December 2021 shooting that left Hwascar “OY Wasca” Hernandez dead, and they insist his drill rap lyrics aren’t just art but boast of real-life crimes.
“The limited number of rap videos the Government seeks to admit directly relate to the charged racketeering enterprise and to specific crimes or predicate acts charged in the Indictment—indeed, in those videos, Perez describes his involvement in specific acts of violence,” explained Acting United States Attorney, Matthew Podolsky.
Kay Flock’s defense team argues that using rap lyrics as criminal evidence is a dangerous precedent—one they say unfairly targets Hip-Hop artists, particularly Black and Latino rappers.
His lawyers insist that drill music, with its gritty storytelling, often blurs the line between reality and artistic exaggeration.
His songs, they say, are no different than violent films or crime novels, never meant to be taken as autobiographical.
Prosecutors, however, claim that in the drill rap world, rappers enhance their street credibility by recounting actual acts of violence, sparking a cycle of retaliation.
“Committing a shooting makes a subsequent rap song about that very shooting more ‘authentic,’ and thereby raises the status of the rapper,” Podolsky added. “The boasting feeds a cycle of back-and-forth violence.”
Authorities say music videos posted on YouTube and social media show Kay Flock flashing gang hand signs, taunting rivals, and describing shootings tied to his alleged gang’s operations.
One video in particular, “Who Really Bugging,” is cited as evidence, with lyrics prosecutors claim directly reference a shooting carried out alongside fellow gang members.
Kay Flock was first arrested in December 2021 on a first-degree murder charge connected to the fatal shooting of Hernandez. His lawyer maintains the incident was an act of self-defense.
Azealia Banks has pegged down both Kendrick Lamar and JAY-Z while uplifting Drake in her latest lengthy Twitter rant.
The controversial New York-bred rapper has once again stirred the pot with her unfiltered opinions, this time weighing in on Drake’s legal battle against Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.”
Responding to a fan’s criticism of Drake taking legal action, Banks not only defended the Toronto rapper but also went as far as crowning him the greatest rapper of all time—surpassing even JAY-Z. As if the hot take wasn’t eyebrow raising enough, the logic behind Banks’ argument surely is, as she starts off the rant by claiming that Drake is indeed much tougher than the “street” rappers he’s beefing with.
“Well, the fact that all the rest of the so-called gangsta n##### who have been f##### by the industry in every hole and tossed off a bridge would never have the financial resources, leverage, or balls to sue UMG for fear of being killed, but have no problem killing one another, ultimately makes Drake the best rapper of all time,” Banks wrote.
Well, the fact that all the rest of the so called gangsta n##### who have been f##### by the industry in every hole and tossed off a bridge would never have the financial resources, leverage or balls to sue UMG for fear of being killed, but have no problem killing one another.… https://t.co/WIq6a1huwm
Banks emphasized that not even JAY-Z, who has become a legal juggernaut and is in the midst of suing attorney Tony Buzbee over the recently dismissed Jane Doe sexual assault lawsuit, has ever made such a grand legal move.
“Not even JAY-Z is bold enough to sue UMG/SONY and I’m sure he’s definitely been f##### with,” she wrote.
She even alleged that JAY-Z isn’t powerful enough to make his own voice heard, so he empowers Beyoncé and Super Bowl halftime performer Kendrick Lamar to do so on his behalf.
“JAY-Z isn’t bold enough to tell them crackers at the NFL how he really feels, so he sends Beyoncé in Black Panther outfits and Kendrick with his typical angry Black struggle epithets out to do it for him,” she wrote.
According to Banks, JAY-Z craves white acceptance, while Drake, being of both Jewish and Black descent, doesn’t seek validation from the industry elite.
“On this day, February 18, 2025, I hereby declare Sir Aubrey ‘Drake’ Graham the best rapper of all time,” she wrote. “He’s fighting the real enemy, not sabotaging other artists and trying to destroy another Black person during Black History Month.”
Banks also went after Kendrick Lamar, claiming that his involvement in the beef was orchestrated by higher industry forces.
“Kendrick got used as a pawn, made the biggest night of an artist’s career about another n####, and will forever have his global notoriety perpetually dwindle down to ‘the rapper who beefed with Drake’,” she wrote.
She argued that Lamar’s career is being diminished by the ongoing feud, especially in the digital landscape.
“100 years from now, with the amount of ‘Drake’ attached to SEO search query ‘Kendrick,’ Kendrick and all the people involved have forever tarnished his digital presence,” she wrote.
Banks also took issue with Kendrick’s allegations against Drake in “Not Like Us,” particularly any insinuations regarding inappropriate behavior.
“If there were actual proof of that, Drake would be investigated,” she wrote. “If Kendrick had proof, as the father and Black messiah he’s trying so desperately to portray himself as, he should’ve gone to the police. It’s completely inappropriate to make a joke regarding any instances of sexual abuse against children because it’s not a f###### laughing matter.”
She went on to question Kendrick Lamar’s independence, stating that despite the image of creative freedom, he still operates under major label control.
“pgLang isn’t a real thing,” she wrote. “If Kendrick were REALLY tough, he’d have released ‘Not Like Us’ through pgLang. He released it via Interscope because he KNEW pgLang doesn’t have the bread.”
Banks closed her rant by suggesting that Kendrick’s legacy is being swallowed by Drake’s cultural dominance.
“They are only hurting Kendrick, erasing the decades of work he’s put in, and making him Plankton in Drake’s SpongeBob SquarePants,” she wrote before signing off, “Keep it up, guys.”
Banks latest rant follows her spicy exchange with Top Dawg Entertainment President Terrence “Punch” Henderson over Kendrick’s Lamar’s Super Bowl performance.
Comedian Godfrey has revealed how an encounter with the late James Avery led him to his theory about the decease actor’s sexual preference.
The outspoken comic has set the internet ablaze with his recent claims about Avery, who’s obviously best known for his fatherly role as “Uncle Phil” on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. During a candid discussion, Godfrey alleged that Avery was “gay as hell” and recalled a moment that made him realize it.
“I had to do audience coordinating for the Gospel Awards when I first started comedy in Chicago,” Godfrey explained. “Behind the scenes, James Avery was there. Mike Tyson, Farrakhan, everybody was there.”
WAIT, WHAT?! Comedian Godfrey Says He Realized Uncle Phil (James Avery) Was Gay After Noticing His Hand Gestures! pic.twitter.com/dAFJSP6p5e
Godfrey went on to describe the atmosphere backstage, claiming that many of the gospel performers were “getting very gay” and that Avery stood out in particular.
“I saw him, he was flamboyant,” he said. “I was like, ‘this Uncle Phil? Uncle Phil is Aunt Phil?’”
The comedian continued by describing Avery’s mannerisms with his hands.
“He was like, ‘Girl,’” he said, adding that he was shocked to see the actor’s more feminine side. “He was such a great actor. You would never know.”
Avery’s alleged sexuality was not the only revelation in Godfrey’s discussion. He also claimed that other notable actors and musicians from past generations, including Family Matters star Reginald VelJohnson, were secretly part of the LGBTQ+ community.
While Godfrey being one of the more notable public figures to speculate about Avery’s sexuality, he isn’t the only individual who has taken to the rumor in recent years. Last year, a number of users on Twitter defended Avery against allegations that he was secretly a closeted man, dispelling the rumors as completely fabricated.
“Did they just say James Avery is gay and went with it??? Looooooooool this man played a gay role as a guest on greys anatomy now you put it on him?? This is crazy,” a user wrote in a tweet last April.
They must have seen pics from the scene or something and ran with it 💀😭
James Avery, beloved for his role as the strict but loving father figure on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, passed away on December 31, 2013, due to complications from open-heart surgery. He was 68 years old. Watch the clip from the interview in the post above.
Doechii is setting the record straight following accusations about her performance at the 2025 Grammy Awards, with some viewers insisting she lip-synced her way through her show-stopping set.
The TDE artist took to TikTok on Sunday (February 17) to respond to rumors she wasn’t rapping live.
She shared a video reaction to a fan who commented: “Some parts of the live song you can see that she’s not saying anything and the song is still playing with her pre-record voice.”
Doechii did not hold back, yelling at the camera, visibly frustrated as she explained her performance.
“I can’t possibly get on here and say calmly or nicely,” she began. “Y’all are stupid as hell—so SLOW!”
Doechii elaborated on her intense performance, highlighting the intricate choreography that saw her incorporating literal gymnastics and costume changes into her high-energy Grammys set.
“That is my DJ’s voice picking up on the lines that I can’t say because I’m doing a SOMERSAULT!” she added. “That entire performance was LIVE! I was sick as a dog with bronchitis and the FLU, performing my ass off in a straddle on top of human men.”
She continued, “ You can hear my beads slapping the mic in the beginning. Worked my ass off to build the stamina for that, for y’all to play in my face. I don’t lip synch. Don’t ever f###### play with me like that. EVER!”
Doechii was widely praised for her performance of “Catfish” and “Denial Is a River” at the ceremony, where she snagged the Best Rap Album award for her mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal.
In her acceptance speech, Doechii delivered an inspiring message to young Black women watching.
She became only the third woman ever to win the award, after Lauryn Hill and Cardi B. Doechii was also nominated for Best New Artist and Best Rap Performance.
50 Cent fired back at Joe Budden after the dogmatic rapper-turned-podcast host insisted the Get Rich or Die Tryin’ artist needs psychiatric help.
Shortly after catching wind of Budden’s comment, 50 Cent headed to Instagram with a warning. At the same time, he dragged Budden for getting arrested last December completely nude.
“Stay out my mix Joe talking about I need therapy,” 50 Cent reacted to a screenshot of Budden discussing the matter on The Joe Budden Podcast. “B_itch you need to stop walking around naked. The f### is you doing in the hallway with ya balls out PUNK!”
The episode that set 50 Cent off includes Budden and co-host Queez Flip discussing the Power exec’s callous reaction to Irv Gotti’s death.
When Flip points out 50 Cent believes Gotti was tied to the same men who tried to kill him, Budden asserts, there’s “no record of Irv Gotti trying to kill 50 Cent.” He then addressed the Hip-Hop community as a whole.
“Y’all always mix it up, because ‘Hip-Hop’ is the new meaning for ‘I need therapy,’” Budden said. “Kanye West needs therapy. 50 Cent needs therapy. I don’t care if you agree with the rationale. And 50’s 50, he gon’ stand in it.”
Gotti died on February 5, just days after suffering another stroke. 50 Cent, who’s trolled Gotti for years, reacted with an Instagram of himself smoking hookah with an “R.I.P.” placard next to him. He wrote in the caption, “I’m smoking on dat Gotti pack. Nah God bless him LOL.”
50 Cent and Irv Gotti had a long-standing feud that dates back to the early 2000s, rooted in their affiliations with rival crews. Gotti, the co-founder of Murder Inc. Records, was closely associated with Ja Rule, while 50 Cent was an emerging rapper with a strong street reputation.
The tension between 50 Cent and Ja Rule escalated into a full-blown beef, with 50 releasing multiple diss tracks aimed at Murder Inc. and Gotti. 50 Cent accused Murder Inc. of blackballing him from the industry, while Gotti and his label dismissed 50 as nothing more than an instigator. The rivalry intensified when 50 Cent released Get Rich or Die Tryin’, which skyrocketed him to fame and further diminished Murder Inc.’s influence.
Over the years, 50 Cent and Gotti continued to exchange insults, both in interviews and on social media. In 2018, Gotti claimed that Murder Inc. had helped block 50 Cent’s rise before he signed with Eminem and Dr. Dre, while 50 regularly mocked Irv’s legal troubles and financial struggles.
In 2022, their feud reignited when 50 called out Gotti over comments he made about Ashanti in a documentary, labeling him as bitter and obsessed. Despite decades of animosity, their beef was one of the most infamous rivalries in Hip-Hop history.
Kanye West claims he managed to rake in $40 million despite his Shopify banning his Yeezy site following his latest offensive Twitter rant.
The e-commerce giant shut down the site amid a slew of complaints over one design in particular, a $20 white T-shirt bearing a black s#######.
However, according to West, Shopify pulling the plug on his sales did little to affect his bottom line as he made tens of millions on the site before it was taken down.
West unapologetically boasted about his hate-filled rants, claiming he still made $40 million despite spewing antisemitic, homophobic, and misogynistic hate speech to his 32 million followers on X (Twitter).
“I SAID ALL THESE POLITICALLY INCORRECT THINGS AND NOBODY WAS ABLE TO STOP ME EXTORT ME THREATEN ME TO CHANGE ANYTHING,” he wrote on Monday night in a since-deleted post. “AND I MADE 40 MILLION THE NEXT DAY BETWEEN MY DIFFERENT BUSINESS.”
Kanye West then slammed Shopify, claiming shutting down his site was a win for him.
“THIS WAS A MAJOR VICTORY BECAUSE I HATE SHOPIFY AND I ALWAYS HAVE,” he added. “I NEW THEY WOULD DO SOME P#### S### LIKE THIS.”
Meanwhile, Shopify President Harley Finkelstein addressed terminating Kanye West’s site during a recent interview.
“This merchant did not engage in authentic commerce practices,” he told CNBC News. “They Violated our terms. We removed them.”
Addressing ye selling the shirt, Finkelstein admitted it was “disappointing.”
He noted, “I’m a proud Jewish entrepreneur,” adding, “So, obviously I’m devastated by that.”
Kanye promoted his site with a self-filmed 30-second commercial during Super Bowl LVIX.
The iPhone-recorded ad sparked widespread backlash, prompting Shopify to shut down the store completely, halting sales of the offensive shirt.
Ray J‘s recent comments about Suge Knight provoked the ire of the former music executive’s son, Suge J Knight, who is now challenging him to a fight.
On Monday evening (February 17), Suge J Knight shared a video on Instagram challenging Ray J to a fight. According to Knight, he’s been getting messages from people about the “One Wish” hitmaker’s recent remarks about his father.
“Ray J, real quick bro how about we set up this fade?” he began. “Let’s do the Suge J versus Ray J fight.”
He continued, “Let’s get straight to it because you wanna talk about my family. You want to spread out lies, let’s run that, Suge J versus Ray J.”
Furthermore, Knight believes Ray J is no match for him, pointing to their different upbringings.
“You been homeschooled all your whole life,” he added. “I graduated from Crenshaw, I don’t think you ready for this. But you know what? I’mma call you out on that. It’s a real West Coast fade. I’mma really whoop that ass.”
He also alluded to Ray J’s alleged altercations with Diddy’s sons, declaring, “I ain’t the Combs, my n####. I’m a Knight, trust me.”
Ray J previously claimed Suge Knight saw him as a younger version of himself and was a longtime family friend. He also discussed Death Row and Knight’s relationship with Tupac Shakur.
Ray J is yet to respond to Suge J Knight but he’s not usually one to shy away from online drama.
According to Ray J, his wild remarks about Diddy found him in the crosshairs of the Combs siblings on more than one occasion.
Meanwhile, Suge Knight addressed Ray J directly in a recent jail call, threatening legal action.
“Now I’m gone sue your lil punk ass,” he said. “I’m gonna get every dime you get.”
Papoose and Claressa Shields’ romance is still going strong as the couple enjoyed a romantic getaway to Hawaii.
The TuneCore executive whisked the undisputed heavyweight champion to the island over Valentine’s Day weekend for the inaugural Wynn Records Hawaii Fest 2025.
It wasn’t all business, however, as Papoose and Shields enjoyed some couple’s time together at the beach.
In a sweet video shared on Shields’ YouTube, the boxer serenades her man with the classic tune “Just the Two of Us” and writes his name in the sand.
Meanwhile, at the festival, Shields joined in from the audience, rapping along to Papoose while he rocked the crowd.
Papoose shared a carousel of clips from the two-day event, which also featured YG, Ky-Mani and Mystic Marley in honor of late reggae legend Bob Marley’s 80th birthday on February 6.
One clip featured a Wynn Records video displayed on the festival’s big screen, showcasing highlights of Claressa Shields in the ring.
“Over the weekend we held our 1st annual Hawaii Fest 2025. The show was phenomenal. So many Stars pulled up!!” Papoose noted in the caption. “’WYNN RECORDS’ This year we make HISTORY!!!”
Their relationship became public in December 2024 when Papoose’s estranged wife, Remy Ma, leaked text messages between them, sparking an explosive back and forth.
Claressa Shields Talks Papoose
Claressa Shields opened up about her love for Papoose after he proudly walked her to the ring for her historic title fight in Flint, Michigan, earlier this month.
“I love having his support,” Shields said. “His support is very different from what I’ve had in the past. The way he speaks to me is just different.”
After their recent public outings, Shields explained her initial hesitation to make their relationship public.
“It’s not that I wanted to keep him all to myself,” she added. “I don’t mind people knowing we’re together, but I wanted to enjoy us without the eyes of other people judging.
Few artists embody Hip-Hop’s resilience quite like Xzibit. Since his emergence on Loud Records in the late ’90s, the West Coast veteran has weathered seismic shifts in the music industry. He’s also quietly navigated the digital revolution and stared the culture’s persistent ageism dead in the face. Rather than retreat, X has consistently doubled down on his artistry, emerging stronger with each evolution.
Now, after more than a decade since his last solo release, something has reignited in the “Paparazzi” rapper. That creative spark has manifested in a series of compelling new tracks throughout 2024, setting the stage for his highly anticipated album “King Maker” in 2025. When he recently stepped into WonWorld Studios, accompanied by his lady and his DJ, the air of confidence around him was palpable.
But don’t mistake his contentment for complacency. Xzibit carries himself with the gravitas of a Hip-Hop statesman while maintaining the hunger of an artist in his prime. His recent collaboration with MMA legend Conor McGregor has infused him with renewed vigor, demonstrating his continued ability to cross-pollinate Hip-Hop culture with unexpected partnerships.
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur and DJ Thoro sit down with X to reflect on his journey and, more importantly, explore what lies ahead for one of Hip-Hop’s most enduring voices. Watch the video for the full interview with all the details of Dr. Dre, his very first song, coming up as a lyricist in the West and more.
Part 1: The Comeback & Greenback Records
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur: Mr. X to the Z, Xzibit. What’s good, man?
Xzibit: I’m good, man. Long time knowing you guys, long time coming on AllHipHop. We family.
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur:Definitely. First off, I gotta congratulate you. 2024 was a big year for Hip-Hop, and you made a major impact with just a few songs—no album, just bars.
Xzibit: Yeah, man. When we decided to roll out the project, I felt like I needed to reintroduce myself—especially to people who may not even know I make music. That’s why “Play This at My Funeral” was the first drop. It’s also the intro to my new album, Kingmaker. The track is straight bars, no hooks, and I wanted that to set the tone.
DJ Thoro: You really want that played at your funeral?
Xzibit: (Laughs) Maybe. Depends on when that happens.
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur:The visuals were fire, too. That video was cinematic. Now, you’ve got a new label situation with Greenback Records. What’s the story there?
Xzibit: Yeah, man. Greenback Records is a new venture founded by Conor McGregor. He’s got his hands in everything, but he really loves music. My manager, Bobby Dee, brought this opportunity to me, and at first, I was skeptical. But after sitting with Conor’s team and seeing the vision, I was all in.
The dope part? There’s no industry politics. No expectations or pressure to fit a mold. I get to pave the way, do things my way, and nobody’s stepping on my creativity.
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur:Were you a fan of McGregor as a fighter before this?
Xzibit: I mean, everybody knows Conor McGregor, but I wasn’t necessarily following him like that. What impressed me was his hands-on approach—this isn’t just a vanity project for him. He’s really involved. I met him in Marbella, Spain, at a bare-knuckle boxing event. He’s fully behind this.
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur:It’s an interesting mix—Xzibit and Conor McGregor. Does this help you reach a more mainstream audience?
Xzibit: I mean, yeah, but I’m not chasing that. Conor’s world and mine are both about fighting—him in the ring, me in life and music. Love him or hate him, he’s still Conor McGregor. Same with me—I’m still going to be me. I get to use his megaphone while keeping my authenticity intact. That’s the beauty of it.
Part 2: The State of Hip-Hop & The New Album
DJ Thoro:It’s been over a decade since your last project—2012, right? What took so long?
Xzibit: Yeah, man. I’ve been working in film and TV—I was on Empire for three years. Plus, I was building businesses in Cali. But when it comes to music, I gotta be inspired. I don’t just drop records to stay visible.
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur: That’s real. A lot of artists get swallowed by the digital era.
Xzibit: Yeah, and I see a lot of people chasing success instead of creative elevation. The diversity in Hip-Hop used to be broader. You had Ice Cube and Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul and Tha Alkaholiks—different lanes. Now, everybody’s trying to ride the same wave.
DJ Thoro:Exactly. Back then, you had choices.
Xzibit: Right. But now, people think they gotta fit a certain mold to make it. That’s why I named the album Kingmaker. It’s not about me being the king—it’s about passing on the knowledge that got me here. These are the lessons that took me from a rough start to a global brand.
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur:That’s dope. And you still drop knowledge without sounding preachy. You had a line that said: “Y’all need to read some books!” That hit.
Xzibit: (Laughs) The problem is, Hip-Hop has ageism. No other genre does this. The Rolling Stones are still touring, but in Hip-Hop, if you’re over 25, you’re an “old head.” That’s ridiculous. Nobody owns Hip-Hop. As long as I have something to say, I’m going to say it.
DJ Thoro:That’s facts.
Xzibit: And look, I know the game is different. Some artists got bigger antics than their music. But I’m not here to play the industry game. I’ve built my own lane, and I don’t need to ask permission to be here.
Part 3: Legacy, West Coast Roots & Personal Growth
DJ Thoro:You came up under Loud Records—legendary roster. How did you even get signed to them?
Xzibit: The Alcoholics put me on. I was never a mixtape rapper—I just got on one of their singles, and then King T put me on his album. After that, Steve Rifkind at Loud signed me. First song I ever recorded? “Paparazzi.” That was my very first studio session.
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur: That’s crazy. That song set the tone for you.
Xzibit: Yeah. Back then, the West Coast was all about G-Funk and gangsta rap. We were the odd ones—Souls of Mischief, The Pharcyde, us. So, we coined our own term: West Coast Lyricists.
DJ Thoro: You eventually got down with Dre and Aftermath. How did that change your career?
Xzibit:“B#### Please” with Snoop was my first time working with Dre. My work ethic got me invited back, and we built a real bond. At one point, Dre and Jimmy Iovine tried to sign me, but Steve Rifkind shut it down—said I was like a son to him. Would I have loved to be on Aftermath? Of course. But even though I wasn’t officially signed, Dre executive produced my albums. That alone made a huge impact.
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur: And you were part of the Up In Smoke Tour—one of the biggest Hip-Hop tours ever.
Xzibit: That tour was legendary. Performing at The Tunnel in New York, being on stage with Dre, Snoop, Em—those moments were surreal.
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur: You’ve been through ups and downs, and a lot of it played out publicly. How do you navigate that?
Xzibit: I was lucky to have my father in my life—he passed, but he gave me a solid foundation. So I move with integrity. People love reporting bad news, but they never amplify the correction when they’re wrong. I don’t let that define me.
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur: That’s real.
Xzibit: And look, one thing I’ve learned? We give too much attention to the people who don’t love us, instead of the ones who do. A thousand people could show love, and we’ll focus on the one hater. I don’t do that. I appreciate the ones who ride with me.
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur: That’s wisdom right there.
Xzibit: Facts. At the end of the day, Hip-Hop saved my life. That’s why I’m here. That’s why Kingmaker is coming. I owed my fans this album.
Lil Tjay is causing a stir online after footage surfaced of him spitting at a Madison Square Garden security guard before being escorted out of the building.
The Bronx rapper was attending a boxing event at the iconic venue when the altercation occurred. From footage shared online, it appears the trouble began when Lil Tjay accidentally knocked a light off a guard rail while posing for a photo.
A security guard gently pushes Lil Tjay away from the rail, appearing to guide him to another area. Meanwhile, his entourage pleads with the employee, insisting it was an accident.
However, the situation quickly escalates. In a second video, Tjay can be seen getting into a brief altercation with the guard, seemingly telling him, “I will f### you up.”
As a friend steps in to defuse the situation, Lil Tjay leans forward and spits at the guard, even attempting to strike him before another security officer intervenes, wrapping him in a bear hug and escorting him away.
Shocked fans reacted to footage of the incident after clips of Lil Tjay spitting on the Security guard surfaced online.
“lil tjay spitting on that man was uncalled for & very dirty of him,” one fan shared. “He literally be playing like he’s so tough & gangsta like that’s a cool thing.”
Another added, “Security just trying to do his job actually saved him from cracking his skull. And this n#### PR team is ASS! Ain’t been no good good PR just a whole bunch of corn ball s###.”
In other Lil Tjay news, the rapper recently made headlines for threatening to “smack” Offset over an alleged gambling debt.
He also went viral after calling out Twitch streamers Adin Ross and Kai Cenat, labeling Ross as “racist” and criticizing both for what he described as exploitative behavior during Kodak Black’s erratic appearance on Cenat’s stream.
Scott Storch is facing intense backlash after hitting the golf course with Donald Trump, just weeks after his ex was ripped to shreds online for hurling racial slurs at parking attendants.
The multi-platinum producer recently joined Trump and former boxer Evander Holyfield for a spot of golf. He took to Instagram on Tuesday (February 18) with some footage of his visit.
In addition to posing with Trump and Holyfield, Storch seemingly serenaded his host on the piano, playing the intro to one of his best-known tracks “Still D.R.E.”
Storch also shared a video of a bizarre mock interview in which he impersonated Donald Trump.
“We’re gonna make America sexy again,” he declared. “As f###!” He gushed over Trump in the caption, writing, “Amazing lunch and golf day with @realdonaldtrump and @evanderholyfield #make america sexy again!!!!”
However, anticipating the likely impending backlash, he disabled the comments on his post. Nonetheless, disgusted followers flocked to his older posts to bash Storch for ” letting us know where you stand” and for deactivating his comment section on the post.
“If you gotta disable comments you know doing sum wrong lol,” one person shared while another added, “Yeah you definitely condone racism.”
A third wrote, “Scott Storch — you’ve profited off of Black culture & you stand with the president that wants to give police immunity to continue the execution of Black & Brown men in the streets. Culture vulture F’sho.”
Others mentioned his ex-girlfriend Florence Mirsky, the mother of his son, highlighting her recent racist rant.
Scott Storch’s Ex References Donald Trump In Racist Rant
Mirsky was caught on video using racial slurs at a valet stand last month. She spewed hateful comments at parking attendants she believed were Hispanic. She also told them, “Trump is doing good things. You guys rape and kill people.”
Mirsky issued a groveling apology after facing intense backlash over the viral video. Scott Storch reportedly expressed disgust over her racist comments.
Drake has leaked an unreleased track that failed to get clearance on his “Plot Twist” finsta (fake Instagram account), leaving fans scrambling to identify the mystery female rapper featured on the song.
The OVO Sound co-founder just dropped off a new collaboration album with PARTYNEXTDOOR $ome $exy $ongs 4 U. The project features 21 tracks but it appears there was at least one more song that didn’t make the album due to copyright issues.
However, Drake wasn’t willing to let the track collect dust in the vault, so he dropped it on his “Plot Twist” account—a page he uses as a content dump of sorts.
Late on Monday (February 17), Drake shared a two-minute-long snippet of a track that samples Mint Condition’s 1991 classic song “Breakin’ My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)” and sees him rekindle his love for the sound of New Orleans bounce.
“no $$$AMPLE CLEARANCE for my goat,” the caption read.
Meanwhile, fans in the comments were left puzzled by the mystery female rapper on the track, with one asking, “Who is this even? I don’t recognize her voice at all.”
However, rising New Orleans rapper OnlyHeaven has stepped forward, claiming to be the mystery artist on Drake’s track. She reposted the track on her Instagram Stories, writing, “Yeah he’s saving the best for next for sure.”
OnlyHeaven also teased the possibility the song might be released, adding, “Drakes Deluxe Album??”
While it’s unclear if the track will ever see an official release, OnlyHeaven’s claim has only added to the excitement surrounding the leak. Fans are now speculating whether Drake might include the song on a deluxe version of his recent project or if it will remain an underground gem. Either way, the buzz proves that even his unreleased material can still set the internet ablaze.
Another plane crash has occurred in North America, leaving an aircraft overturned and dozens of passengers injured.
According to NBC News, at least 15 people were injured Monday (February 17) after a Delta plane overturned upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The crash left the aircraft flipped upside-down on the runway, prompting an emergency evacuation.
Footage from the scene captured the surreal moment as emergency workers rushed to assist passengers and secure the crash site. One passenger, John Nelson, recorded a video as he exited the plane.
“We just landed,” John Nelson said. “Our plane crashed. It’s upside-down.”
Describing the chaos around him, he reassured viewers that “most people appear to be OK” and that passengers were in the process of evacuating.
All passengers and crew members were accounted for, according to the airport. Peel Regional Paramedic Services confirmed that 12 people sustained minor injuries and were transported by ground for medical attention. Two others, a man in his 60s and a woman in her 40s, were in critical condition and airlifted to trauma centers in Toronto. A child was also taken to The Hospital for Sick Children for evaluation.
The Federal Aviation Administration stated that Delta Air Lines Flight 4819, operated by Endeavor Air, crashed while landing in Toronto around 2:45 p.m. lcoal time. The CRJ-900 aircraft had departed from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport with 76 passengers and four crew members onboard.
Severe weather conditions may have played a role in the accident. Winds at the time were between 20 and 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph. While earlier lake effect snow had been reported, visibility was clear at the time of landing. The temperature was 18 degrees, with a windchill of -2 as passengers were evacuated.
Praise God for the safety of these Delta airlines passengers from Minneapolis to Toronto. Reports of eight injuries, one critical, and the rest unharmed. The plane landed in 70mph winds and appears to have flipped completely upside down, ripping off at least one of the wings. pic.twitter.com/Sj3Qcg7SjA
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has launched an investigation into the crash, with assistance from the National Transportation Safety Board in the U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that FAA investigators are en route to Toronto and coordinating with Canadian officials.
Operations at Toronto Pearson were temporarily halted due to the emergency, causing delays and cancellations. Delta Air Lines stated there were no reported fatalities and assured that they are fully cooperating with authorities to determine the cause of the crash.
The crash highlights an increasing trend in accidents in the airline industry, which have caused heightened scrutiny on air traffic control safety measures amid both the crash in Philadelphia earlier this month and the deadly Black Hawk helicopter crash in Washington D.C. last month.
See the video of the wreckage as recorded by the passenger in the post above.
The latest ruling means Fly Havana’s fight for recognition—and royalties—will continue, keeping the pressure on Fat Joe, French Montana, and their co-defendants.
A judge dismissed several state law claims but kept Fly Havana’s copyright case alive, signaling that the court sees enough merit in his claims to warrant further examination.
Fly Havana alleges that in late 2015, he and producer Shandel “Infared” Green laid the foundation for “All The Way Up” during a four-to-five-hour studio session in Miami.
However, when the final version dropped in March 2016, Fly Havana’s name was nowhere to be found on the credits—or the royalties. He confronted Fat Joe, who allegedly acknowledged Elliott’s work and promised to compensate him.
Fly Havana signed a “piece of paper” but later argued that it was not a full rights transfer—and neither party has been able to locate a signed copy of the document.
Fat Joe and co-defendants Remy Ma, Warner Chappell Music, Universal Music Group, Roc Nation and others maintain that Fly Havana has no legal claim over the song.
They argue that he does not qualify as a co-author under copyright law even if his allegations are true.
Initially filed in 2019, the lawsuit hit a turning point when the Second Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a 2022 ruling that dismissed Fly Havana’s claims due to the missing contract.
That decision revived his case, allowing him to pursue co-authorship and ownership rights under the Copyright Act.
This latest ruling from Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald represents another win for Fly Havana. While the court dismissed his state law claims for fraud, unjust enrichment, negligence, and conversion, the copyright claims remain intact.
The ruling suggests Fly Havana has presented enough evidence to at least argue that he contributed significantly to the song’s creation.
If Fly Havana proves co-authorship, he could be entitled to a share of the song’s royalties, which have stacked up over the years. “All The Way Up” was a massive hit, going triple platinum, earning Grammy nominations, and attracting remixes from artists like Jay-Z and David Guetta.
For now, the case moves into discovery, where both sides will be forced to dig up contracts, communications, and any other evidence that could prove—or disprove—Elliott’s claims.
The missing IHOP contract and the payment will be the primary focus of upcoming hearings, said Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald in her ruling.
Drake has once again made it known that he’s not pleased with his former NBA pal DeMar DeRozan.
On Monday (February 17), a video of Drake performing at his Anita Max Win Tour in Australia went viral after a fan captured him tossing a DeRozan jersey to the ground from the stage.
The moment occurred when a fan apparently threw the former Raptors player’s jersey on stage while the Toronto rapper was in the middle of performing he and 21 Savage’s Her Loss album cut “Rich Flex.”
In the clip circulating on social media, Drake can be seen un-wrinkling the balled up jersey and taking a peak at the back of it for a split second before crumbling it back up and throwing it beneath his feet.
The decisive move quickly sent shockwaves through social as users began rehashing the fallout between Drake and DeRozan following the Compton native’s appearance in the music video for Kendrick Lamar‘s Grammy award winning diss track “Not Like Us.”
In a response embedded within the extensive thread of replies on the tweet featuring the video, a user wrote, “Dissing basketball players instead of the rapper that called him a p### in front of millions of people.”
Another user added, “CONTEXT: DeMar DeRozan then appeared on stage during Lamar’s Juneteenth concert at the Inglewood Forum and later made a cameo appearance in the “Not Like Us” music video. Can’t blame Drake I’d do the same.”
As if Drake’s public humiliation ritual involving DeRozan‘s jersey wasn’t enough of an ante-upping antic a part of his game of get back post-Kendrick Lamar beef, yet another one of Drizzy’s targeted frenemies is also indirectly feeling his wrath.
Following the release of he and PARTYNEXTDOOR’s collaborative album $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, which sees Drake mercilessly diss his friend-turned-foe Joe Budden on the album track “Gimme A Hug,” he reportedly paid for all of the meals at a steakhouse in Texas. The petty detail of it all lies in the rumor that the entrepreneur believed to be the owner of the establishment is apparently the spouse of the rapper-turned-podcaster’s ex.
Additionally, Drake’s strategy of name-dropping Budden’s podcast cohost, Melyssa Ford, on the aforementioned track also appears to be wreaking havoc. In addition to adding the track with the inflammatory lyrics about Budden to her Instagram profile, Ford’s reaction to hearing Drake’s lyrics about her seemingly lack any sort of sympathy for the awkward position they put the “Pump It Up” rapper in.
Check out the clip of Budden and Ford reacting to Drake’s “Gimme Me A Hug” in the post below.
Joe Budden warned Melyssa Ford not to fall for Drake's trap after he complimented her & dissed him on 'Gimme a Hug' Now Melyssa Ford is 100% team Drake after quoting him multiple times, changing her bio, & releasing this video for Drake. 👀 pic.twitter.com/lZlljwvBTb
