Waka Flocka sparked concern after sharing an image of his apparently battered and bruised face on social media, claiming he was jumped by a group of 10 assailants.
On Wednesday (January 1), Waka took to social media with a graphic photo showing off his injuries. A pair of black eyes and multiple bloody abrasions on his face indicated a nasty beating.
He recounted the incident in the caption, claiming he was attacked and complaining that no one intervened.
“Can’t believe nobody helped me fight ten nixxas off,” Waka shared. “But I’m still standing ten toes marks.”
He followed up on his Instagram Stories with a black and white video showing the same injuries.
Nonetheless, Waka Flocka got little sympathy from fans in the comment section.
“Maybe you should have used those ten toes and ran,” one fan shared. “Aren’t you too old for this fighting crap, JS.”
Another also highlighted his age, adding, “You too old to be posting this. Too old to not have people around you to help you. (You might be the problem if you are who you are and not one person helped you lol)Too old to be in a position like this. Bad for the brand. Self reflection 2025.”
Others still referenced his support for Donald Trump, taunting the rapper with remarks like, “Tell the MAGAs to help you next time.”
However, it appears Waka Flocka pranked his fans about getting jumped, and the apparent injuries were likely stage makeup.
Just two hours after complaining about being jumped, Waka posted a video on his Instagram Stories showing off his unblemished face.
“Crazy y’all n##### believe that s###,” he said, laughing.
At least 10 people have been injured in a shooting outside the Amazura nightclub in Queens, New York on Wednesday night (January 1).
According to an NYPD press conference, officers received multiple reports of a shooting at around 11:18 p.m. on New Year’s Day.
Approximately 90 people were attending a private event in the upstairs area of the club, while around 15 others were outside waiting in line to enter as the event had reached full capacity.
Authorities report four males approached the venue on foot. At least three of them opened fire in the direction of the group waiting to get inside the venue. The gunmen fired over 30 times, striking multiple victims.
The suspects then fled on foot westbound on 91st St towards 143rd Pl, where they entered a light-colored sedan with out-of-state plates.
Ten victims—six women and four men—all thought to be between 16 and 20 years old, were identified and transported to the hospital. Officers report all of the victims are expected to recover with non-life-threatening injuries.
The NYPD confirmed the incident was not a terrorist attack. However, officers said it is too early to determine if the shooting was “gang-related,” amid rumors the party was to celebrate the birthday of a gang member slain last October.
The shooting in Queens, New York, comes in the wake of the terror attack in New Orleans hours earlier on New Year’s Day.
Local and state police were on high alert, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York City Police Department stating there were no credible threats to the state or the city.
Ice Cube may have inspired comedian Mike Epps to branch out following their collaboration for the West Coast veteran’s latest album.
Last November, a video of Cube and Epps in the studio with producer Zaytoven made its rounds on social media. At the time, it appeared as though Epps was simply fooling around with the “No Vaseline” hitmaker and freestyling over Zaytoven’s patent trap production.
However, that same month Ice Cube released his latest album Man Down, which is home to the track “No Cap,” a collaboration with Epps and Zaytoven. In an Instagram post Epps shared on Wednesday (January 1), he reacted to Cube’s recent interview with Sway Calloway by thanking the multi-platinum MC for giving him the opportunity to appear on the project.
“S/o to @icecube for putting me on his new album MAN DOWN iam rappin like a mf and I write my own raps on the track,” Epps wrote. “s/o to my guy @djfunkyatl and creating the beat with @zaytovenbeatz #alltheironsinthefire slid the picks !!!! COMEDY ALBUM COMING SOON.”
The new collaboration between Ice Cube and Epps marks the beginning of yet another triumphant chapter in their decades long friendship. Last March, Epps recalled how Cube helped him navigate a tough time in his life when he battled his addiction and mental health while filming their favorite movie All About The Benjamins.
“I’ve been on drugs, I’ve been through hell,” Epps told Barnes and Jackson. “I did most of the movies on cocaine. All About the Benjamins, I was—man, I used to sit in Ice Cube’s trailer in the morning and be crying tears. He like, ‘Mike, wipe your face, man. You a king, n####. Stop doing this s### to yourself.’ I’m sitting there wiping myself ‘cause I was really, really, really—I had survivor’s remorse.”
The legal battle between rap legend JAY-Z and Jane Doe has tumbled into 2025 as Jane Doe’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, unleashed a sharp critique of JAY-Z’s motion to dismiss her sexual assault lawsuit.
The high-profile case, stemming from allegations of a 2000 assault, has seen JAY-Z’s defense team mount a multi-faceted argument for dismissal. But Buzbee is firing back with equal ferocity, trying to dismantle the foundation of the rapper’s claims.
Buzbee’s response, filed on behalf of his client, portrays JAY-Z’s legal strategy as misguided, premature and inconsistent with the law’s intent. He argues that the law is on his client’s side, and he’s not afraid to pick apart every element of the business tycoon’s defense.
One of JAY-Z’s key defenses is that the New York City Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act (GMV Law) doesn’t apply retroactively, as the alleged assault occurred in September 2000—three months before the law was enacted.
However, Buzbee argues that this interpretation undermines the very purpose of the statute, which he claims was a federal civil remedy for gender-motivated violence. He cited the legislative history of the GMVA, which he says was designed to give victims a pathway to justice—even for incidents that occurred before the law’s enactment.
Buzbee dismissed JAY-Z’s reliance on lower-court rulings as unconvincing, pointing out that neither the Second Circuit nor the New York Court of Appeals has definitively ruled on the retroactivity of the GMVA.
JAY-Z’s team also contends that the GMVA claims are time-barred under the Child Victims Act (CVA), which preempts overlapping statutes. Not so, argues Buzbee.
He pointed to prior court decisions where similar preemption arguments were rejected.
“Local anti-discrimination laws are generally not preempted by state law in New York,” Buzbee asserted, adding that JAY-Z’s reliance on this argument is legally flawed.
JAY-Z’s final line of defense is geographic. His team claims the alleged assault took place outside New York City, making it ineligible under the GMVA.
Buzbee, however, called this argument both premature and procedurally improper and urged the court to deny the motion on these grounds, emphasizing that discovery hasn’t yet begun.
“The GMVA was designed to help survivors, not to give alleged perpetrators a loophole,” Buzbee seethed.
A Tesla Cybertruck exploded in flames outside the Trump Hotel Las Vegas on Wednesday (January 1), killing one person and injuring at least seven others. Videos taken by witnesses inside and outside the hotel showed the vehicle exploding and flames pouring out of it outside of the hotel.
The incident occurred just hours after a man drove a truck into crowds of New Year’s Day revelers in New Orleans, killing at least 10.
“Obviously a Cybertruck, the Trump hotel — there’s lots of questions that we have to answer,” Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill said at a press conference.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DEQKKu3uMcF/?hl=en
Tesla CEO Elon Musk and an adviser to President-elect Donald Trump claims the blast was unrelated to the Cybertruck itself.
“We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself,” Musk said in a post on Twitter (X). “All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion.”
A person was found dead inside the 2024 model-year Cybertruck and seven people sustained minor injuries from the explosion, McMahill said. News reports said the fire was being investigated as a possible terrorist act. The FBI is also investigating.
“We’ve got a lot of questions,” special agent in charge Jeremy Schwartz said. “We’re deploying resources. We will continue to do that until we get to the end of this and figure out exactly what happened and why.”
Offset and Cardi B’s relationship drama is spilling over into 2025 and now Quavo has been dragged into the mix.
Precisely four minutes before the proverbial ball dropped ringing in the new year, the former Migos rapper unleashed a scathing tweet targeting his estranged wife. In the short yet piercing message, Offset appeared to accuse Cardi B of sending him a picture of herself being intimate with another man. Along with the aforementioned accusation, the Father Of Four rapper alleged that mystery man wasn’t the only individual who Cardi had recently been with.
”Sent me a pic of a N#### attacking you from the back [crying laughing emoji] your friend been smacked too,” Offset wrote in the tweet.
Offset didn’t stop there and continued to go off in a series of tweets.
“Dees folks getting f#cked idgaf,” he wrote in a remark before adding in another, “F#ck the OPps idc. I’m back to me offset f### ya.”
Further complicating matters, a video began circulating on social media of Cardi B and Offset’s ex-Migo counterpart Quavo taking shots together at what appeared to be a New Year’s Eve event at a nightclub. While it appeared as though the pair were simply sharing a toast together and nothing more, the internet immediately ran with the opposite narrative.
A media outlet on Twitter (X) shared a video of the interaction between the pair in a tweet, writing, “Ex stripper Cardi B on her revenge tour to get back at her husband by hanging wit offset cousin ‘Quavo’.”
Though it’s unclear if Offset’s tweets were at all directed at Quavo, it’s worth noting that the pair of rappers appeared to be on a path to reconciliation throughout 2024. Though Quavo previously described Cardi and Offset’s drama as a “soap opera” in September 2023, he seemingly patched things up with Set last March. Offset actually opened up about the state of their relationship during an appearance on Gillie Da Kid and Wallo’s Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast.
“I don’t feel like I owe it to people to show how much me and bro love each other,” he explained. “We went through something. We don’t have to show you smiles on faces … so stop doing that.”
Offset explained there’s no animosity between he and Quavo, and they celebrate each other’s successes.
“We aint on no sucker s### with each other. We both came in this s### together and we both knew that, we understood that, and we lost our brother,” he continued. “I still go through s###; I know bro go through s###. N##### love each other though at the end of the day. We men, we real brothers, and we cool with it, so be cool with it.
Coi Leray has revealed that she and Trippie Redd are preparing to embark on a new journey together following their recent romance rekindling.
In an Instagram post she shared on Wednesday (January 1), the “Clingy” rapper debuted a protruding baby bump in a carousel roundup of images with Trippie. In the caption of the post Coi Leray rang in the new year by confirming they are expecting their first child together.
“I’m a rock star mommy,” Coi Leray wrote in part before adding, “We ready for 2025.”
In a follow-up story post, Leray revealed she had just crossed the four-month pregnancy mark at the time of the announcement.
The announcement of their first-born child together follows the couple confirming they started dating again last year in August after spending several years apart following their break up in 2019. Though their relationship has a storied history, a number of Coi Leray and Trippie’s peers flocked to the comments section to share their love and support for the couple. Among the artists to chime in with their regards in the comments section of the post was Shenseea — who appeared to hint that this wasn’t a spontaneous decision for Coi.
“Congrats! You finally got what you wanted you’re gonna loveee the journey sis,” Shenseea wrote.
Along with her “Flava” collaborator Shenseea, rising Atlanta rapper Anycia also sent Coi a congratulatory message expressing her excitement for her journey of motherhood.
“i’m so happy ab this,” Anycia wrote in one comment before following up in another, “mama coi is ab to hit different.”
H.E.R. added, “OMGGGGG. CONGRATS,” to which BIA and Yung Miami also echeoed, “Congratulations,” along with a barrage of emojis.
Kehlani also wedged her way in, writing, “CUUUUTEEEEEEEEEEE,” in an affectionate comment.
Coi previously described her bond with Trippie as her “first real relationship” in a 2020 interview. However, she claims things began to get to heavy, leading the pair to call it quits.
“We had such a great bond,” she said. “We was so lit. But it was just—the timing wasn’t right … He loves hard. He’s a lover. So, s### just got to the point where we need to just chill.”
Trippie released a song titled “Leray” after they split in 2019, which appeared on his album A Love Letter to You 4. On the emotionally charged record, Trippie remarked on the dynamic of their relationship in a similar fashion.
“It was love at first sight and misery after two months/Always feeling f#cked up either by love or no love,” Trippie raps in one bar before adding in another “When you got with me, you were a genius/Now without me, you have to live life as an idiot.”
Marvin Gaye III, the oldest son of music icon Marvin Gaye, faces serious accusations of assault and death threats, as detailed in a lawsuit filed by a woman identified only as Jane Doe.
According to legal documents, the lawsuit stems from an alleged altercation in January 2023 at Gaye’s Los Angeles home, where the plaintiff had reportedly gone to mediate an argument between Gaye and his now-estranged wife, Wendy.
Jane Doe claims her efforts to soothe tensions escalated into a dangerous encounter.
The court filing alleges Gaye physically attacked her, issued verbal threats of violence, and retrieved a firearm, which he allegedly pointed at her and Wendy.
The woman further accuses Gaye of engaging in a campaign of intimidation after the incident, including allegedly tampering with her vehicle by cutting its brake lines and enlisting associates to surveil her residence.
In the court documents, the plaintiff describes enduring profound emotional trauma as a result of these alleged actions.
She cites anxiety, depression, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, and significant weight loss. She is seeking financial compensation in an amount to be determined by the court.
In a statement to Us Weekly, Gaye categorically denied the allegations. “No way did that happen. It’s all bulls**t. I wouldn’t do that. These are false claims,” he said.
Damon Dash, co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, continues to face mounting legal issues. According to documents obtained by AllHipHop, the plaintiffs suing the mogul—director Josh Webber and Muddy Water Pictures LLC—have submitted a request to Judge Robert Lehrburger in the Southern District of New York.
The letter pertains to the enforcement of two outstanding judgments totaling $823,284.71 against Dash. The Plaintiffs seek an order requiring Dash to produce corporate ownership documents related to his businesses—Lebanon Improvements LLC, Ocean East Improvements LLC, 1996 Songs LLC, and Blackroc LLC—and deliver them to the United States Marshal. Additionally, they request a court order for the sale of Dash’s personal jewelry, identified in Exhibit A, at a public auction to satisfy the judgments.
The pieces of jewelry include: one gold necklace, one gold “Dame” necklace, one gold “Dusko” necklace, one gold watch, three gold rings for the hand, two Roc-A-Fella necklaces, one set of diamond earrings and one set of gold earrings. He’s been seen wearing the various pieces of jewelry on social media.
The letter further cites New York legal provisions that allow for enforcement of money judgments against a debtor’s personal property, including corporate shares and transferable assets.
Dash’s ownership interests in businesses and high-value jewelry, as evidenced by social media posts and prior court decisions, are subject to execution and public sale.
The Plaintiffs argue that such sales are legally supported, referencing Dash’s promotion of Roc-A-Fella shares and associated jewelry. They request the court’s assistance in facilitating the execution and sale of these assets to fulfill the outstanding judgment debts.
Last October, the public auction was set for the following month. Proceeds from the auction were supposed to be allocated to numerous creditors, including $193,000 earmarked for child support and over $1.7 million for unpaid state taxes. Additional payments were to be reserved for Webber.
Photographer Monique Bunn had a $12,000 claim and further payments are to be directed to cover Dash’s outstanding state tax liabilities, which exceed $7 million overall. The auction follows ongoing tensions with fellow Roc-A-Fella co-founder JAY-Z. The former friends have been embroiled in a separate dispute over control of Hov’s 1996 album, Reasonable Doubt, Roc-A-Fella’s most valuable asset.
Sir Jinx has once again entered the legal ring, this time leveling a lawsuit at some of the music industry’s biggest players.
The veteran music producer filed a suit against Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group, and Atlantic Recording Corp., alleging they owe him over $60,000 in uncollected royalties from his work on Yo-Yo’s debut album Make Way for the Motherlode.
The core of Sir Jinx’s complaint centers on unpaid compensation for beats he contributed to the 1991 album, which helped establish Yo-Yo as a leading voice in West Coast Hip-Hop.
According to court documents, Sir Jinx claims he notified the parties in September 2019 about the missing $62,090, only to see his grievances ignored.
Adding insult to injury, Sir Jinx says he paid income taxes on the money he expected to receive but never did. The lawsuit accuses the defendants of breach of contract, failing to act in good faith and unjust enrichment.
In addition to financial damages, Sir Jinx, now 54, is seeking an accounting of records to uncover where the royalties went.
With an illustrious career that spans decades, Sir Jinx is best known for his collaborations with Hip-Hop royalty.
A cousin of Dr. Dre, he first emerged as a member of the group C.I.A alongside Ice Cube in the 1980s.
He produced fan-favorite tracks on Ice Cube’s AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted and Death Certificate, and his work on Kool G Rap’s Live and Let Die showcased his range as a producer.
Rihanna marked the start of 2025 with a triumphant celebration in New York City, proudly declaring her accomplishment of staying sober throughout 2024.
The 36-year-old singer and entrepreneur shared the milestone in a video posted on Instagram Tuesday night (December 31), where she and friends were seen in a Manhattan hotel room counting down to the New Year as the iconic Times Square ball descended.
“Y’all, I didn’t drink all year! I didn’t drink all year,” Rihanna said excitedly to the camera. The post’s caption read, “New Year, New Me.”
The Grammy-winning artist, who last released an album in 2016, spent New Year’s Eve alongside her partner, A$AP Rocky, and their two young sons—RZA, 2, and Riot, 1.
The comments section of her video was flooded with speculation about her long-awaited ninth studio album, which fans have nicknamed R9.
One user exclaimed, “New album too huh,” while another joked, “I thought it was the countdown for the album drop.”
Despite years of teasing, Rihanna has not provided concrete details about new music, leaving fans eager for more.
Since the release of her critically acclaimed album, Anti, Rihanna has largely shifted her focus to her business ventures, including her widely profitable Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty brands.
While her absence from the music scene has been significant, moments like her Super Bowl halftime performance in early 2023 and her magnetic presence on social media have helped her remain a cultural icon.
Uncle Murda started the year with his fiery annual tradition, releasing the highly anticipated “Rap Up 2024.”
Like others in the past, this year’s version is a no-holds-barred lyrical roast dissecting Hip-Hop’s wildest moments, including the infamous Drake and Kendrick Lamar lyrical feud, Lil Durk getting arrested, Cardi B and Offset’s drama, Remy and Papoose beef, Diddy’s controversial lawsuits and Joe Budden’s now-infamous accidental nudity incident.
The “Rap Up 2024” weaved together sharp critiques of 2024’s Hip-Hop landscape, but Murda took aim at Diddy and his mounting legal troubles for the first two minutes of the song.
Uncle Murda referenced the infamous Diddy tape, Meek and Diddy’s matching outfits, the infamous “freak-offs” and the latest accusations against JAY-Z and Diddy.
Clocking in at 17 blistering minutes, the track hit streaming platforms as listeners were nursing their New Year’s champagne hangovers.
Once again, Uncle Murda proved that no headline was safe from his razor-sharp commentary.
Joe Budden, who was trending on December 31 for being caught on his neighbor’s Ring camera in the buff, couldn’t escape Murda’s crosshairs.
In true comedian-meets-storyteller fashion, Uncle Murda immortalized the awkward mishap hours after the news broke on AllHipHop.
“That’s crazy all the s### he be talking/He was on some kinda drugs he wasn’t sleepwalking,” Murda rapped, at the end, sliding in his signature humor and biting observations just in time for his January 1 release schedule.
He referenced “lame” Rick Ross and his widely meme’d knockout in Canada and gave a side-eye to the headline-grabbing antics of rising rapper Sexyy Red.
With 11 annual recaps under his belt, Uncle Murda’s “Rap Up 2024” offered yet another comedic deep dive into the chaos of the previous year.
Uncle Murda gonna have to do a month long series with all the s### that came out
Lmfaooooo Uncle Murda hit Joe with the acapella off the top at the end 😭😭😭😭
— M!CHAEL x PayinDuesSince92 (@itsflipjackson) January 1, 2025
The year don't really start till uncle murda rap everything that happened the year before over a beat. That man really part of the holidays like Mariah Carey
Producer Diplo is buzzing on social media right now following a memorable and unconventional moment of live television on Tuesday (December 31). The surreal encounter unfolded during his virtual appearance on CNN’s New Year’s Eve special.
Diplo appeared uncharacteristically candid and vibrant, his words meandering into unexpected tangents about creativity, existentialism and the interconnectedness of music and the universe.
“I’m so curious, what’s the most conventional place that you’ve done LSD?” co-host Andy Cohen asked, to which Diplo replied, “Right now.”
He continued, “Yeah, I did some on the helicopter, on the way here.” Cohen, in disbelief, asked, “Oh my God, hold on. Hold on. Please tell me. You’re tripping right now?” to which Diplo replied, “It’s like a light trip.”
Diplo further explained he was simply “microdosing” but also could have “macrodosed” during the day.
Diplo just revealed he is currently tripping on LSD…
While discussing his latest projects, including a groundbreaking album blending electronic and world music, Diplo continued to offer philosophical insights that left viewers and the anchor equally perplexed and amused. His vivid descriptions of soundscapes and colors suggested he was experiencing the heightened sensory awareness commonly associated with psychedelic substances.
The interview quickly became a viral sensation, sparking debates about the ethics and implications of broadcasting such a moment live. Critics questioned the professionalism of appearing on a major news platform under the influence, while fans celebrated it as a bold expression of artistry and authenticity.
After it was over, co-host Anderson Cooper said, “I wish I was Diplo. I got to say. I just think he has a fun, cool lifestyle. Can you imagine his lifestyle? ‘I’m Diplo. I do things.’” Cooper also told Cohen that he was “absolutely going to start” following Diplo on Instagram.
Diplo, later reflecting on the incident, humorously acknowledged his altered state, stating that it was a spur-of-the-moment decision inspired by his desire to “push boundaries in every aspect of life.”
It can be difficult to find the time to listen to new albums. The result is that you end up listening to the same familiar classics again and again until you become tired of them – it also sometimes becoming harder to push yourself out of this comfort zone to try new music at all. Still, a much more varied approach can lead to a wider array of favorites, so it becomes all about finding the right time. If you do that, you might also be able to enhance certain activities with the addition of new sounds and rhythms.
Cleaning the Home
Why not double something fun with something you see more as a chore? Cleaning your whole home is always going to feel like a lot of effort, no matter how big or small that home is. That can mean that it gets put on the back burner again and again, but doubling it with music can help you to see it as something to look forward to. Putting on a wholly new album can put less pressure on the album to be the sole focus of your attention, while also making the act of cleaning easier and more enjoyable – allowing you the benefits of a clean home in no time at all.
Playing Games
So much effort goes into the sound design of games that the thought of listening to music over these can feel strange – almost as if you’re removing a central aspect of the experience. Still, it might be that the game you’re playing is one that you’re entirely familiar with – or it could be that it’s a short-form game that is all about the mechanics rather than any aspect of immersion, as is often the case with online blackjack games, which you can learn more about here. If you’re on the go and squeezing in a game on your phone, some music might feel like the perfect complement.
Getting in the Zone
Not everyone will have this option, but if you find that listening to music while you work is a staple of your routine, the same old songs might start to feel especially tired. You don’t want to associate your favorite music with work, but at the same time, it can be a great way of getting in the zone and making the time fly. Listening to new music here is often successful for the same reason that it is when you’re cleaning your home, but since your mood changes every day, finding the right genre can sometimes provide a bit of difficulty.
Taking a Stroll
Going for a walk can be a great time to disconnect from anything digital, and to let your ears soak in the sounds of nature. After all, you don’t need to be stimulated all the time, and it’s important that you’re aware of the kind of benefits that a walk without music can have. That being said, not every walk will take you through such scenic locales, and that means that you might sometimes just be trudging through noisy urban areas. In that case, putting on some music can help to improve your setting.
Ten lives were cut short and more than 30 were injured when a pickup truck deliberately plowed into a jubilant New Year’s crowd on Bourbon Street in New Orleans early Wednesday (January 1), in what authorities are calling an “intentional act” of terror.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell described the deadly rampage as an attack meant to inflict “carnage and damage.”
The attack began just after 3 a.m., as the French Quarter, still alive with revelers welcoming 2024, turned into a scene of terror.
Witnesses described the vehicle barreling through barricades set up to protect pedestrians. Gunfire erupted soon after, leaving two officers injured before the suspect was fatally shot by law enforcement.
“This man, this perpetrator, he was hellbent on creating the carnage and damage that he did,” Mayor Cantrell said at a press conference. “We apologize to everyone in our community for this tragic event.”
The suspect has not yet been publicly identified.
Though officials initially hesitated to classify the attack as terrorism, the FBI is now leading efforts to determine the suspect’s motives. Improvised explosive devices were reportedly found at the scene.
“We are working with our partners to investigate this as an act of terrorism,” read a statement from the FBI.
FBI agents urged residents and visitors to avoid Bourbon Street, specifically from Canal Street to St. Ann. Those on the scene described an exciting evening turned nightmarish in mere seconds.
“All I seen was a truck slamming into everyone on the left side of Bourbon’s sidewalk,” said Kevin Garcia, 22, recounting how “a body came flying” toward him.
The tragedy has reignited concerns over security in New Orleans’ French Quarter, an area widely regarded as a prime destination for visitors year-round.
Earlier renovations included barriers to protect pedestrian thoroughfares from vehicle attacks, but the suspect reportedly evaded them.
Investigators continue combing through multiple scenes, including the suspect’s residence, to uncover more about what led to the deadly act.
Excerpt: A New Year’s celebration in New Orleans transformed into devastation as a vehicle attack on Bourbon Street claimed ten lives and left dozens injured.
It’s been a long time coming for Doechii—what must have felt like an eternity for the 26-year old. But when she finally broke through, it was as if she were a version of the Kool-Aid Man, bursting onto the scene with unapologetic force. The Tampa, Florida-born singer/rapper emerged victorious in 2024, proving to be more than just an artist—she became the ultimate disruptive force.
No disrespect to anyone else, but Doechii was a breath of fresh air in a room we didn’t even realize had grown stale. A true student of the game, she honored her inspirations while refusing to be confined by them. She brought a fresh perspective without ever feeling like she was wearing a mask or being performative. Doechii’s authenticity was her superpower.
Her debut, Alligator Bites Never Heal, was marketed as a mixtape, but it was an album with all the trimmings. It did what her cult classics such as Coven Music Session Vol. 1 and Oh the Places You’ll Go didn’t—place her firmly on the commercial stage. The moment was monumental for diehard fans like us, who’d been quietly rooting for her for years. Back then, it was hard to predict whether she’d fully emerge into the mainstream. While she shared some qualities with other artists who blend singing and rapping, she also carried an abrasiveness that appealed to hardcore Hip-Hop purists.
At the same time, Doechii’s music captured the feelings and experiences of a young Black woman with unmatched relatability. She did so without alienating all audiences or pandering to anyone. Instead, she invited everyone into her world, and they joined her joyously, celebrating what could very well be the rise of a future great.
In a Kendrick Lamar-driven world, many—including this author—wondered if Kendrick might be the last G.O.A.T. But Doechii gives us hope for the future of Hip-Hop. She’s got a big vibrant personality and commitment to authenticity. She challenges norms, discussing topics like mental health, empowerment and individuality. But it never feels forced. She embodies excellence, traditional values, creativity and the boldness to expand the universe that is Hip-Hop.
Lastly, congratulations are in order, because that “mixtape” has Doechii up for three big 2025 Grammy nominations: Best New Artist, Best Rap Performance and, of course, Best Rap Album.
Here are some lyrics:
“Wrist watch, drip drop, labels want the TikToks, now I’m makin’ TikTok music, what the f###?/ I need cleanse, need a detox, but we ain’t got time to stop, the charts need us”
– “DENIAL IS A RIVER”
“Whoopsie, made a oopsie/One-hundred thousand dollar “oops” made me loopy/I ain’t a killer but don’t push me/Don’t wanna have to turn a n#### guts into soup beans”
– “DENIAL IS A RIVER”
“Freaky little, sneaky little, creepy little wack b####/Creepin’ on me, speakin’ on me, sleepin’ on me, mattress/Now I got some bands to burn and bars to bend ’em backwards/It’s time to wake ’em up ’cause they been sleepin’ on the tracklist/Body so attractive/Y’all be giving catfish/Log ’em off the web and every gangster’s giving actress / Gangster’s giving actress and all these fake activists/Leave me baffled, bewildered, relax a bit.”
– “CATFISH”
“But bougie mean she freaky, c##########, Dalai Lama / Doechii cooler than a fan, but she get hotter than a sauna / Take a trip out of Japan and I tsunami her v##### / Wine and dine her, Benihana, I’m the new hip-hop Madonna / I’m the new hip-hop Madonna, I’m the trap Grace Jones / I don’t know what type of m###########’ crack they on / I’m like Carrie Bradshaw with a back brace on / I been carrying you b###### now for way too long / I’m a Black b####, purple c### / Stack chips, smoke a blunt / All beef gets smoked”
– “NISSAN ALTIMA”
“Get Top on the phone / Tell him it’s a wrap n#### / Get Top on the phone / Tell him it’s all rap, n#### / Say it’s real, and it’s rap / And it boom, and it bap / And it bounce, and it clap / And it’s house, and it’s trap / It’s everything / I’m everything!”
Whitney Houston‘s former bodyguard was tempted to risk it all after a tender moment with the singer.
David Roberts, the inspiration behind the 1992 movie The Bodyguard, worked for the late singing icon between 1988 and 1995, protecting her during the most high-profile period of her life.
Roberts is opening up about his time with Houston in a new memoir, Protecting Whitney.
During a recent interview with Daily Mail, Roberts revealed he grew close to the singer. On one occasion, the ex-bodyguard considered crossing the line and had been tempted to “give up everything,” after Whitney Houston laid her head on his shoulder.
Despite the temptation, Roberts maintained his professionalism.
“As a close protection officer, I was absolutely focused on keeping her safe,” Roberts explained. “If you cross that line, you lose your objectivity and that makes it dangerous for the person you’re protecting.”
He added, “That was why Frank Farmer [Kevin Costner’s character in the film] and Rachel Marron [Houston] couldn’t be together – he crossed the line and that was the end of him in the capacity of what he was employed to do.”
Elsewhere during the interview, Roberts revealed he cherishes a note from his time as Whitney Houston’s bodyguard.
“It was a Post-it note and she pushed it under the door of my room at the Regency Hotel in Hong Kong in 1988. I still have it,” he shared. “It’s rather faded with time but still precious to me.”
The message read, “I will love you always.” According to Roberts, Houston penned the note several years before recording her classic song “I Will Always Love You.”
Pretty Ricky’s Pleasure P is speaking out against the music industry, blaming it for his fellow group member Slick Em’s addiction to heroin.
After his recently calling out Lil Wayne over song-writing credit, Pleasure P took to Instagram Live with an update about the group.
He labeled the industry “so f##### up,” suggesting it’s a game of “smoke and mirrors” before turning to Slick Em’s alleged substance abuse issues.
“They got one of my brothers on heroin,” Pleasure P stated. “And I don’t even want to talk his business. But I miss him.”
However, he instantly went on to name them, adding “I wish I could talk to Slick Em.”
While Slick Em hasn’t publicly commented on Pleasure P’s allegations, his fans flocked to his most recent Instagram post.
“Pleasure telling people you on the herion,” wrote one fan.
Others expressed their concern and offered well-wishes.
“I’m here bc Pleasure out here telling all your business,” said a worried supporter. “Either way I hope you shake whatever & bounce back. Living legend you are.”
Another questioned his appearance, saying Slim Em “[looks] healthy to me,” before asking, “do heroin make u slim.”
Pleasure P’s Slick Em revelation follows his claim that he co-wrote Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop” with Static Major. According to the singer, he’s never profited from the song and is entitled to his just dues.
Meanwhile, the 40-year-old is gearing up to head out on tour. He’s set to join Bow Wow, Trey Songz, and Omarion on the upcoming Millennium Tour 2005, which kicks off in March.
42 Dugg might want to reconsider his alliance with Yo Gotti and opt for a mentor such as 50 Cent if he wants to get a taste of the gambling success his rap counterpart Skilla Baby is currently experiencing.
In case you missed it, 50 Cent kicked off the first shows of his Las Vegas residency at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on December 27. In addition to making headlines due to the exclusive show attracting celebrity guests such as former child actress Amanda Bynes and Boy Meets World actress Danielle Fishel, 50 Cent’s superstar rapper connections also created a buzz and made waves due to their cameos in and around Las Vegas.
T-Pain and Jeremih were among the guest performers in the mix while his Power series star Gianni Poalo was also one of the celebrity attendees present.
In addition to connecting with his protégé DaBaby at his concert on December 30, 50 Cent also appeared to have invited out his latest mentee, Skilla Baby, to partake in the festivities. Lo and behold, the burgeoning Detroit rap upstart nearly stole the show even though he was spending time at another hotspot casino in Sin City.
To make a long story short, Skilla Baby turned a $7,000 bet on the Detroit Lions’ Monday Night Football game against the San Francisco 49ers into a six figure payday, which 50 Cent subsequently celebrated in an Instagram post.
“@_skillababy Fvcked The M casino up, 300,000 [money bag emoji] real quick. @bransoncognac @lecheminduroi,” 50 Cent wrote in the caption of the post.
The craziest part about Skilla Baby’s bet is the fact that 50 Cent was seemingly giving him good luck energy without even knowing it, days beforehand.
In the comment section of a post AllHipHop shared featuring a portion of a new interview with the “Icky Vicky” rapper, 50 Cent wrote, “Skilla [Baby] up next can’t stop the wave.” While it may seem somewhat arbitrary, and unrelated to his win, 50 Cent’s high praises of Skilla Baby must’ve afforded him some sort of good vibes, considering the parlay bet he hit on appeared to have more than three legs attached to it. In essence, 42 Dugg would likely benefit from a 50 Cent co-sign right about now based on the generational sports gambling binge he’s been on as of late.
2 Chainz is headed into the new year not only on his entrepreneurial tip but also digging deep into his artist bag.
On Tuesday (December 31), the Atlanta rapper shared a post on Instagram video reflecting on a highly successful year for both his music career and flourishing business ventures. 2 Chainz, also known as Toni, highlighted his gratitude for a booming 2024 and hinted at exciting plans for the year ahead.
“Yo, yo, yo, you know what I’m saying, quick little 2024 recap,” 2 Chainz began. “Very thankful for the year. Business is definitely booming.”
As 2 Chainz went on to celebrate, he zeroed in on some of the highs for several of his holdings from his business empire, including his popular Atlanta nightlife hotspot Candyland.
“Hands down, best vibe in the city [Candyland],” he said in part.
He also gave a shoutout to the NBA’s G-League squad for the Atlanta Hawks, the College Park Sky House, which he’s been a part of the ownership group for since he acquired a minority stake in 2019. Additionally, killing two birds with one stone, he also celebrated the pride he has in his Smoothie King franchise located in the State Farm Arena where both the teams play games during the season.
” Can’t forget about the College Park Sky Hawks,” he said. “We won that game yesterday. Can’t forget about the Smoothie King. Anytime you in State Farm Arena, you at a concert, you at a game, you at an event, that Smoothie King, that’s Toni’s.”
The rapper-turned-entrepreneur didn’t stop there, shining a spotlight on his vegan pizza brand Pizza Fedora, which he declared as “the best vegan pizza in America.” He also reflected on repurposing the iconic Zesto’s locations in Atlanta, further expanding his influence in the city.
“So business really booming,” he said.
Looking ahead, 2 Chainz circled back to his true bread and butter by announcing the plans he has to balance his entrepreneurial success with a renewed focus on music.
“Now it’s 2025, I’m about to put the music with the madness, you feel me?” he teased.
He continued, declaring that humility would take a back seat while addressed doubters directly.
“We’re going to just ball the humble stuff up for a minute and throw it out the window because some of you negroes done bumped your f#cking head thinking you can f#ck with this campaign.”
In the caption of the post, 2 Chainz further previewed what he has up his sleeve, writing, “3 new projects in 2025 2 of which are 90% done.”
2 Chainz’ fans are likely delighted to hear of his plans to release new music, considering his last solo album released arrived in 2022 in the form of his Dope Don’t Sell Itself effort.
The LP, which included collaborations with Lil Baby, Roddy Ricch, and Moneybagg Yo, is the only other project 2 Chainz has released outside of his 2023 Welcome 2 Collegrove collaborative album with Lil Wayne—and that arrived well over a year ago now at this point. While his entrepreneurial ventures have kept him busy, fans can now look forward to a return to music as he gears up for new projects in 2025.
