Sean “Diddy” Combs is attempting to have a lawsuit dismissed that accuses him of sexually assaulting a former model in 2003, arguing that the case is both outdated and legally insufficient, according to court filings.
The suit, brought by Crystal McKinney, claims that the prominent Hip-Hop mogul assaulted her following a New York Fashion Week event over two decades ago and ruined her marriage.
But Diddy’s legal team contends that the statute of limitations has long expired.
McKinney’s lawsuit, filed earlier this year, seeks to take advantage of a two-year revival provision introduced in 2022 under New York City’s Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law (VGM).
This provision allows some individuals whose claims were otherwise time-barred to file lawsuits for alleged misconduct.
McKinney argues the amendment gives her legal standing.
She alleges that Diddy invited her to his recording studio, Daddy’s House, where the attack allegedly took place. The disgraced mogul, through his attorneys, has denied the validity of these claims.
Erica A. Wolff, one of the attorneys representing Diddy, said the amendment under the VGM was “preempted” by New York State’s Adult Survivor’s Act (ASA), a law granting a similar revival window for sexual assault claims that closed in November 2023.
“State law takes precedence over city law. McKinney’s claims expired in 2010, and nothing within the ASA’s timeframe allows these expired claims to be brought to court now,” Wolff argued. Therefore, the defense team insists, McKinney’s complaint is “time-barred.”
The court will weigh the arguments in the coming weeks, with the possibility that McKinney’s case could be dismissed with prejudice, preventing further legal attempts on the same grounds.
NLE Choppa Presents: The Wash, continues to get buzz, but NLE Choppa isn’t stopping. He surprises fans with the new, cheeky video for his track “GO.” The video was co-directed by Choppa himself and has fun at a car wash, the same setting as the short film. “GO” serves up some wild vibes, with plenty of laughs along the way.
In The Wash, NLE Choppa stars as the determined owner of a struggling independent car wash, doing whatever it takes to keep his business afloat. He assembles an eye-catching team with a menu full of hilariously suggestive services like “Sloppy Toppy,” “Rim Job,” and “Badussy Special.” The story’s funny moments and clever dialogue drive it toward a surprise ending with a feel-good message about resilience and faith. An all-star cast of friends and collaborators joins in, including Lil Wayne, Lou Ratchet, Lil One, Lil Pistol, JP, Ray Vaughn, Relly B, Sukihana, TraRags, and Yaisel LM, making it an unforgettable ride from start to finish.
Kanye West is once again facing scrutiny after missing a scheduled deposition in a lawsuit filed by an ex-employee accusing the rapper and fashion mogul of discriminatory practices.
According to court filings, West was expected to provide a deposition last week in response to the lawsuit but was absent from the session.
Provo’s legal team had reportedly notified West about the deposition earlier in the month, but there has yet to be any rescheduling or communication from West’s side.
The court documents stress the urgency of the situation, stating, “It is crucial that Provo’s counsel obtain this deposition in a timely manner to ascertain all relevant, pertinent facts in this case to allow Provo to fully prosecute his claims and prepare for trial.”
Now, Provo’s attorneys are seeking an order to compel the Grammy-winning artist to appear for questioning and a hearing is scheduled for February 11 in Los Angeles to address the issue.
Additionally, Provo’s legal team has submitted a separate request for sanctions, demanding $1,760 in compensation for what they describe as time lost due to West’s failure to attend the deposition.
Provo initially filed the lawsuit in April, alleging that West “frequently screamed at and berated Black employees” within his companies, along with firing Provo for refusing to cut his dreadlocks—an act the former guard claims was discriminatory.
West’s legal team had previously attempted to dismiss the case, arguing that their client’s actions during Provo’s employment were “justified.”
“Kanye and members of his management team subjected Provo and other Black employees to less favorable treatment than their white counterparts,” Provo’s lawyer claimed. “Specifically, Kanye frequently screamed at and berated Black employees, while in contrast, he never so much as raised his tone of voice toward white staff.”
Recent reports indicate West currently lacks representation in the case, further complicating his legal defense.
The presidential election isn’t the only political race to produce polarizing results.
In a stunning turn of events, Ken Fletcher, a Michigan Democrat and former Delta Township supervisor, was re-elected Tuesday (November 5), despite having resigned from office just months ago amid serious criminal allegations. Fletcher, 58, is accused of engaging in explicit conversations with an undercover officer posing as a minor.
This has led to public outcry and intense debate over his controversial path back to office. Fletcher’s arrest in September was part of a sting operation orchestrated by Michigan State Police’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
The investigation alleged that Fletcher had begun messaging a supposed 15-year-old on the dating app Grindr, with plans to meet in person. According to The Independent, the messages were directed to an undercover officer, and Fletcher’s interactions led him to face charges of accosting a child for immoral purposes and using a computer to commit a crime.
Fletcher, who insists he was “just talking” to the decoy, officially stepped down from his position following his arrest. However, because his resignation occurred after state ballot deadlines, Fletcher’s name remained on the ballot, leading to his re-election despite two write-in candidates attempting to challenge him. CBS-affiliated WLNS News reports that Fletcher won the election by a landslide, receiving nearly 89% of the votes, while his closest competitor, Saturn Wlles, garnered just over 11 percent.
Eaton County Clerk Diana Bosworth explained to WLNS News that, per Michigan election law, Fletcher’s name could not be removed from the ballot.
“If elected and the candidate chooses not to accept the position, a vacancy will be declared and an appointment can occur,” Bosworth stated.
Under Michigan law, Fletcher has until January 1st to take the oath of office or formally vacate the role, giving him time to weigh his next steps. Mary Clark, Delta Township’s acting supervisor, confirmed Fletcher’s options, noting he could “get sworn in and resign, or obviously… get sworn in and stay.”
Fletcher’s attorney, Mike Nichols, suggested that Fletcher is contemplating whether returning to office is in the township’s best interest, and or his own, for that matter.
“The biggest question… is, is this the right thing for not just me but for the community… Am I still the best person for the job?” Nichols told The Independent.
Fletcher’s case is not isolated, as similar controversies have rocked local and national political offices in recent years. Across the country, several elected officials have faced accusations involving inappropriate contact with minors, challenging communities’ trust in leadership and prompting calls for stricter oversight.
Similarly, former Maryland Mayer Joel Bierman faces 30 charges related to child pornography and child sexual abuse material after the 46-year-old was charged six felony charges — including solicitation-related charges and 22 counts of possessing child sexual abuse images.
As Fletcher’s November 12 court date approaches, all eyes are on Delta Township, waiting to see whether he will ultimately reclaim his office or step aside in the face of these serious allegations.
Watch the video above for additional details on the incident.
R&B star Amerie gave fans an exclusive taste of her upcoming project last night, collaborating with renowned producer Troy Taylor.
They have a whopping 27 song ideas on the table and the two creative powerhouses have generated a lot of excitement.
There is not a lot more information at the moment, but the prevailing song is called “Undeniable.” The preview has left fans buzzing as Amerie’s smooth vocals and Taylor’s polished production suggest a sound both familiar and fresh.
“This is new music. The amazing Troy Taylor. We have 27 ideas, but today we cut the very first record. We’re just getting started.”
“Her voice has not changed – its mint condition classic. That’s what I’m trying to tell ya’ll,” Taylor said to the public watching.
And those people were a smorgasbord of celebrity professing their live for “Undeniable.” Fat Joe and DJ Premier both expressed their pleasure in the union.
Then, they played “Undeniable” back for people to hear.
Amerie has consistently showcased her genre-blending style, leaving an indelible mark on R&B since her breakout hits like “1 Thing” and “Why Don’t We Fall in Love“
Known for her ability to create music that seamlessly balances vibrant energy with emotional depth, she’s paired perfectly with Taylor. He’s a celebrated veteran producer heralded for his work with artists like Trey Songz, Boyz II Men, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, the Isley Brothers and many others.
The Amerie-Taylor collaboration is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated R&B projects on the horizon. There’s no work on when the album could drop.
Tony Todd, best known for his unforgettable performances in Candyman and Star Trek, has passed away at the age of 69 in his Marina del Rey, California, residence, his representative confirmed.
Though his cause of death remains undisclosed, the news leaves a void in both the horror and sci-fi genres where Todd made an indelible mark.
His career began gaining traction with his role as Sgt. Warren in the 1986 Vietnam War film Platoon.
However, it was his portrayal of Kurn, brother to Starfleet officer Worf, in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine that further solidified his place in fans’ hearts.
Yet, worldwide fame came shortly after, in 1992, when he played the titular character in Candyman, commanding the screen as Daniel Robitaille, the vengefull son of an African-American slave spirit wrongfully murdered in the 19th century.
At six foot five, Todd’s imposing physical presence and deep voice amplified the horror of the role, leaving audiences terrified over the course of the film and its three sequels.
Todd played a diverse array of characters throughout his prolific career. In television, he held a recurring role in Boston Public and had notable guest appearances in shows like Law & Order, The X-Files, 24, and Homicide: Life on the Street, showcasing a versatility that spanned various genres and formats.
While forging his legacy in horror, the actor never seemed to slow down; at the time of his passing, Todd had multiple TV and film projects either completed or in post-production.
Survived by his two children, Alex and Ariana, his impact on entertainment is poised to resonate long after his final moments on screen.
The whole situation with Young Thug is going to be intense. Thugger is back out, and everyone’s watching his relationship with Gunna closely. We have already reported on how Thugger shut down the rumors of their friendship, but what about the other side? Gunna has not said anything, but his ride-or-die brother has. He wants Thug to make sure they both do not like each other.
Check out what he said:
Sadly, the fans are the ones that are hurting. They were hoping and praying for good music from these two. But clearly, this ain’t going to happen.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know Gunna got out early, sidestepping the possibility of incarceration. Technically, he didn’t snitch, but technically, he kind of did. Things looked bleak for Thug at that point, and it put the two at odds—at least, that’s what it seemed like. Meanwhile, Young Thug’s protégé and former “partner-in-rhyme” went on to make big waves in music. Personally, I didn’t think his new music was great, but the younger crowd loved it, and I can’t be mad at that. The reality is, Gunna’s fame only grew while Thug was locked up.
Now that Thug is back on the scene, it might seem possible for the two to reunite musically. But in a now-deleted tweet, Thug shared his honest opinion on the situation, and it doesn’t look promising. It seems he and Gunna may no longer be on friendly terms. However, the fact that he deleted it makes me think he might have reconsidered. From a business angle, getting too emotional doesn’t make much sense. It’s smarter to focus on what’s good for business—team up, make music, and get paid.
What do you think? Principles should always matter, but wise decision-making counts too. Either way, I know Thug is about to make some major moves. Who he makes those moves with, though—that’s anyone’s guess right now.
A$AP Rocky may have plans to deliver his anticipated album Don’t Be Dumb following news of the hallmark visual single from the project generating a Grammy nomination for him.
Following his recent appearance in New York City for the release of his latest collection with Puma, Rocky provided fans with a shred of hope concerning his highly anticipated new album. The most of what the Harlem native said was in audible due to the background noise of paparazzi and a crowd of swarming fans, A$AP Rocky responded “ASAP” when a fan shouted at him asking when he plan to drop Don’t Be Dumb.
While it’s obvious that he didn’t provide a specific date, it would be hard to imagine a world where fans don’t get the album before the end of the year, considering it was originally planned to be released in October.
Adding fuel to the fire, A$AP Rocky earned his first Grammy award nomination in eight years, after the album’s single “Tailor Swif” was nominated in the category for Best Music Video in which he’ll compete against Taylor Swift. Overall, with his latest nomination, A$AP Rocky becomes a 3x-nominee. His other nomination arrived 10 years ago by way of Best Rap Song for his “F###in’ Problems” collaboration featuring 2 Chainz, Drake and Kendrick Lamar.
In addition to “Tailor Swif,” Rocky has also shared singles from the album, including “Ruby Rosary” with J. Cole and the solo single “Highjack.” Additionally, it appears as though A$AP Rocky may have multiple hits stored away in the vault that could potentially be ready for the album. During a recent red carpet interview, Rihanna revealed she’s been working on her own solo project with her Rocky and, as a result, they can’t decide who will get to use what for their LP’s.
“I already got stuff that I feel like I could make hits out of,” RiRi revealed during an Entertainment Tonight interview. “Me and Rocky are really trying to figure out who’s gonna use what because it’s so good.”
Grammy-nominated rapper Young Thug has publicly distanced himself from his former collaborator Gunna, alleging the artist betrayed their friendship by cooperating with authorities.
Young Thug took to social media to announce the split in a post that was quickly deleted but widely circulated.
“Stop acting like we’re friends on the internet. I don’t know you,” he wrote, signaling a stark shift from their previous closeness and collaborative success under their shared label, YSL Records.
The rift between the two rappers began after both were implicated in legal troubles related to YSL.
Young Thug, Gunna and more than two dozen YSL members were also indicted for racketeering.
Prosecutors claimed Young Thug’s YSL Records served as the front for a dangerous street gang.
Gunna was released from Fulton County Jail in December 2022 after making an Alford plea to one count of conspiracy to violate the RICO Act.
While Thugger’s legal team sought to maintain a business relationship with Gunna due to their contractual obligations, recent developments suggest the professional ties are also at risk.
The artists are signed to Thug’s YSL imprint and have frequently collaborated, building a reputation as a creative duo.
Young Thug’s lawyers had even petitioned the court to allow the two to maintain limited contact for business purposes, as Gunna’s popularity continues to grow despite the controversy.
However, tension reportedly flared last week after Young Thug posted vague messages on Twitter, hinting at betrayal and calling out those who “betrayed” his trust.
Though Gunna has mentioned in interviews that he and Thug were on good terms, he has remained silent in the face of the accusations.
Nobody forced him to get in that car he knew very well what he was getting himself into he chose to get in that car knowing the consequences that might happen thats on him Thug aint ruin no life Gunna almost ruined his own life thats on him https://t.co/18o0dIq3qV
Tupac Shakur and Madonna once shared a secret two-year romance, but they never would have hooked up if the rapper wasn’t on a date with another woman the night the music icons met.
Actor Rosie Perez recently spilled the tea about the former couple during a recent appearance on the “Drew Barrymore Show.”
Perez explained that the late rapper, who was tragically killed in 1996, met the superstar singer at the Soul Train Music Awards in 1993. However, the story begins with Perez getting stood up by a man who bailed on her because he feared his girlfriend would find out about their date.
Perez said her “good friend” Tupac Shakur called her just after she got off the phone with her date. He immediately offered to take his place, saying, “You know what, I’m gonna go with you. We’re gonna walk up in there, we’re gonna act like we’re on a date, and he’s going to die.”
Once the pair arrived at the awards ceremony, Perez said her “dear friend” Madonna wasted no time getting the low down on her date.
“She came up to me and was like, ‘Yo, what’s up?” Perez recalled. “Y’all are together?’”
Once Perez explained that Shakur were just friends, Madonna responded, “Hook me up.” Perez obliged, and the rest was history.
Tupac Shakur Broke Up With Madonna In A Letter From Jail
Tupac Shakur broke up with Madonna while he was in jail facing a sexual assault charge in 1995. He wrote a letter to the singer indicating racial differences played a role in their split.
“For you to be seen with a black man wouldn’t in any way jeopardize your career,” he wrote in part. “If anything it would make you seem that much more open and exciting. But for me at least in my previous perception, I felt due to my ‘image’ I would be letting down half of the people who made me what I thought I was.”
Judge Paige Reese Whitaker, who is white, apologized for using the n-word during the YSL RICO trial on Friday (November 8). The judge read the phrase “n##### is lacking” aloud while discussing evidence as the trial continues with Young Thug.
“Before we broke for lunch, we were hashing through a bunch of Instagram conversations,” she said. “And I was reading one out loud and basically saying it as my eyes were going over it for the first time ever and just reading whatever was on the paper. And I read out the word n-i-g-g-a-s, which I hope that that was not offense to anyone. It was certainly not meant to be offensive to anyone. I do not use that word. And it was merely—I should have been looking first before I said it, whatever I said out loud, to edit if there were any offensive words. So, I wanna apologize on the record for that.”
Young Thug’s co-defendants Yak Gotti and Shannon Stillwell remain on trial. Young Thug, Quamarvious Nichols, Rodalius Ryan and Marquavius Huey accepted plea deals in October.
Judge apologizes for accidentally saying the n word when reading text message evidence
Shannon (one of the defendants) is heard saying "Your Honor, there was no offense" pic.twitter.com/4MAut1m6hb
Judge Whitaker sentenced Young Thug to 40 years with five years in prison but commuted it to time served. He was released from jail after spending more than two years behind bars. He must serve 15 years on probation.
Young Thug received strict probation terms. He must stay away from Atlanta for 10 years barring a few exceptions (including weddings, funerals and court-ordered community service). He cannot associate with any of the defendants in his RICO case except for his brother Unfoonk and fellow rapper Gunna. If Young Thug violates his probation, he could serve 20 years in prison.
Prosecutors said they will wrap up their case against Yak Gotti and Stillwell before Thanksgiving, ending the longest trial in Georgia history.
Sean “Diddy” Combs is asking a federal judge in New York to force the government to reveal the identities of individuals allegedly involved in his racketeering case.
Combs’ legal team claims the vague accusations make it impossible for him to mount an adequate defense.
The charges against Combs point to his involvement in a sprawling racketeering conspiracy stretching back 16 years.
The indictment accuses him of crimes such as kidnapping, forced labor, and sex trafficking. However, his attorneys assert that the charges lack vital details, including the names of the supposed victims.
“Mr. Combs is charged with various offenses arising out of allegations that he coerced some individuals into sexual conduct, but he does not know their identities,” the defense memorandum reads.
The filing goes on to argue that the allegations originate from “dozens of financially-motivated individuals” with allegedly false claims of sexual assault.
Some of these people, according to the defense, Combs has never even personally met.
Central to Combs’ argument is the complaint that the indictment spans from 2008 to 2024 but doesn’t clarify which specific individuals were allegedly coerced during that time.
His legal team believes this lack of precision complicates their ability to sift through the significant amount of evidence the court provided in discovery.
“The productions are so voluminous that, in the absence of further information, it is unclear which portions are even relevant to the charges,” Diddy’s lawyers argued. “Discovery review under the circumstances is an endless and impossible task.”
One of Diddy’s primary attorneys, Alexandra A.E. Shapiro, highlighted a crucial hurdle in preparing a defense without more transparent information.
“Mr. Combs deserves fair notice of the fundamental nature of the charges so he may defend himself,” Shapiro stated, adding that “he cannot reasonably prepare a defense without knowing the identities of the alleged victims.”
While federal prosecutors maintain that they have complied with providing discovery and other necessary information, Diddy’s legal team views the situation much differently.
They assert that the current level of detail leaves them ill-equipped to counter the “wild and ever-expanding allegations appearing in the press” from government representatives and civil attorneys.
Diddy’s team dismissed concerns that revealing victims’ names could pose dangers, pointing out that several alleged victims and their attorneys have come forward publicly despite any supposed risk.
T.I. has explained why he will never tolerate any Outkast slander or negative rhetoric about his fellow Atlanta rappers, such as Young Thug, 21 Savage, and more, when it comes to discussing the top rappers from the Southern Hip-Hop mecca.
During a live and on-campus episode of First Take on ESPN, T.I. joined former NFL players Cam Newton and Shannon Sharpe, along with sports analysts Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim, to discuss a recent list ranking the top rappers from Atlanta.
The list ranked André 3000, Future, T.I., Gucci Mane, and Jeezy as Atlanta’s finest — seeding the “Whateva You Like” lyricist at the No. 3 spot. While T.I. expressed gratitude for his inclusion, the conversation sparked an engaging debate about each artist’s contribution to Atlanta’s music culture.
Newton responded with curiosity about the full list, acknowledging the diversity in influence across each artist.
“Guys like T.I., guys like Gucci [Gucci Mane], guys like Jeezy, they curated a sound that we see the Future’s talking about,” Newton said. “You see what I’m saying? That wordplay, that word flow.”
According to Newton, each artist’s unique impact on Atlanta’s sound remains undeniable, but he argued Future has carved out “a league of his own.”
Shannon Sharpe interjected and emphasized T.I.’s central role in pioneering trap music, especially as it has shaped Atlanta’s reputation in Hip-Hop.
“If you think about trap music, you can’t get no farther than the T without having T.I. in it,” Sharpe said. In Sharpe’s view, T.I. is foundational to the trap sound, and his contribution to the genre’s growth places him as one of Atlanta’s most significant figures.
Adding his voice to the discussion, Stephen A. Smith piggybacked off of Sharpe’s remarks by revealing he was perplexed by T.I.’s third-place ranking.
“I don’t understand how he couldn’t be number one,” Smith declared, expressing how T.I.’s influence had resonated not only within Atlanta but across the national Hip-Hop scene.
However, when T.I. finally addressed the list, he offered a balanced perspective, showing humility and deep respect for Atlanta’s Hip-Hop history by shouting out multiple generations of artists before even mentioning his own luminary career. He started off by literally staining Outkast, who he believes are the city of Atlanta’s paramount figures in rap.
“Nobody steps on Outkast’s toes when we talking, you know, any kind of Atlanta legacy,” T.I. said. “You go straight to Outkast first.”
He went on to praise newer talents like Young Thug, 21 Savage, and Lil Baby, recognizing their contributions to the current generation.
“I’m just happy to be on the list and among people who have been the greatest and who are to be the greatest in this thing,” he said.
The conversation underscored Atlanta’s multi-generational influence on Hip-Hop, highlighting how artists like T.I., Outkast, and Future each left indelible marks in distinct eras. T.I.’s career is marked by multiple Billboard chart-topping albums, including Paper Trail and King, and he boasts three Grammy Awards along with several multi-Platinum singles. Comparatively, Outkast, as a duo, has set remarkable standards in Hip-Hop, with Speakerboxxx/The Love Below and Stankonia achieving RIAA Diamond and multi-Platinum certifications. They’ve earned six Grammy Awards, solidifying their impact not only within Atlanta but across the entire music industry.
Nowadays, it’s wild. People seem like experts—but only on social media. In the real world, they don’t always know what they’re talking about. Now, I’m not saying this directly applies to Dame Dash, but it could. A few weeks ago, the former Roc-A-Fella Records mogul took to social media and asked, “Why aren’t people suing Jaguar Wright if what she’s saying isn’t true?” Well, I’m hearing there might be more complexities here than it seems.
According to a source of mine, there are people trying to serve Jaguar Wright, but they can’t locate her or even find an address. This has sparked a rumor that she may be homeless. Obviously, I’m not saying that this notable figure is now homeless, but I can share what’s circulating. It seems likely that Jaguar is benefitting from talking about others on monetized social media platforms. At the same time, she may be moving around frequently, possibly avoiding a settled life. Could that be the case?
The situation with Piers Morgan seems like a defining moment. We haven’t seen as much of her after that. Morgan has moved his entire operation to YouTube. I’m not sure if that’s a legal maneuver or a fall from grace. It could easily be a bit of both, given he’s a high-profile figure who used to be part of a major network. Why would he suddenly take his mainstream talents to YouTube? It seems odd.
Still, I suspect he’s facing legal challenges, with some saying JAY-Z and Beyoncé might have helped out. I think his apology may have bought him some time, but in the long run, he’ll need to make changes.
Sean “Diddy” Combs is again pressing a judge to grant him a release from pretrial detention, asserting that recently surfaced evidence undermines the prosecution’s case and his ongoing confinement obstructs his ability to adequately prepare for trial.
The Hip-Hop mogul has been in federal custody since September 2024, facing significant charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
In a new filing, Diddy’s defense team submitted an enhanced bail package, unveiling fresh revelations weakening the foundation of the charges.
The defense immediately pointed to what they describe as problematic elements within the government’s case, including allegations of obstruction and witness tampering, which they argue are baseless.
“The new evidence confirms that the government’s obstruction and witness tampering allegations at the initial bail hearings lacked a factual basis,” the filing continues, making a strong case for Diddy’s release.
The legal team argues that the latest evidence challenges the government’s narrative.
Diddy promises to comply with stringent measures, including a $50 million bond, home confinement with electronic tracking, and round-the-clock security, as part of this new proposal.
“Mr. Combs proposes an updated bail package that is far more robust than the previous proposal,” the memorandum reads, emphasizing that these conditions will secure his cooperation with the court’s demands while keeping others safe.
Other restrictions he has offered up include no access to the internet or telephones, except for calls arranged by security and strict drug testing.
They argue that his detention severely challenges his ability to manage the overwhelming evidence provided in discovery properly.
The case files span more than 90 terabytes—a mountain of information they claim Diddy can’t sift through, given the restrictions on his access to necessary technology.
“There is no way Mr. Combs can review all this discovery during visits by his attorneys,” the memorandum states. “He needs a laptop so that he can work on his case as often as possible on his own time.”
Diddy’s legal representation detailed how repeated lockdowns at the facility exacerbate the issue, recounting a recent instance where law enforcement efforts triggered a shutdown, complicating his ability to organize critical defense documents.
These conditions, the team argues, violate his constitutional right to an adequate defense.
“Keeping Mr. Combs detained under the extraordinary circumstances here would leave him unconstitutionally handicapped in consulting counsel, searching for evidence and witnesses, and preparing his defense,” they argued in the court filing.
The defense also leaned into the imprisoned mogul’s track record of community involvement, emphasizing his philanthropic legacy that includes founding the Capital Preparatory Harlem Charter School and fundraising initiatives like those for COVID-19 relief efforts.
“Mr. Combs has never run from a problem,” the filing assures. “He has had more than his share of adversity, as he does now, and he has responded to every such challenge with integrity.”
3rd Bass is celebrating the 35th anniversary of their debut, The Cactus Album, which arrived via Def Jam Recordings/Columbia Records in November 1989. After years of not speaking, MC Serch and Pete Nice have seemingly mended fences to reunite for not just a show but an entire tour.
MC Serch shared the news on Instagram, writing, “Swipe right for the surprise of the night…@djcassidy has created a show to truly be proud of. We were glad when we were asked to perform.
“As we plan to tour North America next year, it was good to get on stage with Pete and do what felt the most natural for us to do. Which is perform our music for those fans who love our music. Everything has its time, and as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the release of the Cactus Al/Bum, this is ours.”
The long-awaited reunion took place on November 8 at DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic event at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Several of MC Serch and Pete Nice’s peers hopped in the comment section of Serch’s post to express their excitement, including longtime Bone Thugs-n-Harmony manager Steve Lobel, Exile, Grandmaster Flash & the Furious 5’s Scorpio, Loud Records’ Steve Rifkind and DJ EFN.
“I have to credit my brother Van Silk for this reunion with Serch,” Pete Nice said in a statement to AllHipHop. “For the past 15 years his two pet projects have been to get The Furious 5 and 3rd Bass reunited, he finally did it. Thanks to DJ Cassidy for making it possible for us to perform tonight along with our brothers Melle Mel and Scorpio, the men who literally created emceeing and the blueprint for Hip-Hop, it is a great honor.
“I will have to work around my schedule as the curator at The Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx, but I look forward to the opportunity for our fans to see me, Serch and DJ Daddy Rich on stage performing together in the future.”
Following The Cactus Album, 3rd Bass dropped what would become their second and final album, Derelicts of Dialect, in 1991. The album was anti-pop and focused on the growing mainstream presence of rap. It targeted trends that the group believed threatened the culture’s integrity and featured several tracks critical of Vanilla Ice.
3rd Bass, which also included DJ Richie Rich (now DJ Daddy Rich), broke up due to “personal and creative differences” and growing disdain from living on the road for two years. Their final track was the theme song for the 1992 Cuba Gooding Jr. movie Gladiator.
Former NFL star Le’Veon Bell has responded in an unconventional way after a transgender woman attempted to expose him for soliciting her amid his staunch support of Donald Trump’s anti-trans health rhetoric.
On Thursday (November 7), a Twitter user whose handle is @lexishexx set out on an initiative to put men on blast for reaching out to her via direct messages, despite spewing transphobic remarks to their following. The user indicated that they were moved to call out the individuals, who are both everyday average Joe’s and celebrities, over their collective support for Trump.
“Outing all DL [down low] men including celebrities that ever hit me up and post about Trump idgaf,” Lex wrote in their initial tweet.
Outing all DL men including celebrities that ever hit me up and post about Trump idgaf
The first user Lex targeted was none other than the former Pittsburgh Steelers running back, who expressed a gender fluidity repressive remark while replying to an individual user appealing to other users to vote compassionately and considerate their daughters before casting their ballot for Trump.
In particular, the user asked voters to make decisions as if their “mother” or “daughter” were watching based on the issues of reproductive health that the Trump administration have revealed their controversial stance on.
Bell responded to the user, “I don’t want my daughter to have to compete or share a locker room with men.”
Lex used the tweet as a springboard to outing Bell as one of the users who are transphobic on their timelines, yet also allegedly fetishize her in private. In doing so, she shared a screenshot of a DM from him, and as a result, Bell became the sole perpetrator to be wrapped up in the campaign that has since gone viral.
“Spewing this rhetoric when…& yes this was on my nsfw page he knew I was a doll lol,” Lex wrote.
The tweet quickly racked up nearly three million views, causing Lex to announce she was pausing the initiative, due to its virality. However, that didn’t stop the scandal from leaking over to several other platforms, including Instagram where multiple media outlets covered the tea. In response to a post The Neighborhood Talk shared, Bell responded in the comments section claiming Lex had pulled a fast one on him.
“Tried to trick me .. but STILL, I don’t want men in bathrooms with my daughter,” Bell wrote.
However, in a response to a user trolling him over the incident, Bell appeared to lean into the allegations by promoting his personal OnlyFans account.
Several Hip-Hop and R&B artists have reacted to the release of massive nominations list for the 2025 Grammy Awards.
The concentration of both legacy and up-and-coming artists who have made their mark within the past year and are now represented in the nominations illustrates how impactful both of the genres have been within the music industry as of late, across the board. Legends such as Run-DMC and André 3000 will compete alongside fledging superstars such as J. Cole, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Doechii and more.
In celebration of the rich and diverse field of Grammy nominees, AllHipHop takes a moment to acknowledge the wave of artist feedback flowing in across multiple social media platforms.
André 3000
André 3000 is one of several artists nominated in multiple categories, including the coveted Album of tge Year. In a statement he released to Variety, the Atlanta rap veteran spoke about how “surprised” he was that his experimental flute album, New Blue Sun, was recognized with such a major nomination.
“I felt that we tried to campaign to see if we could get into the alternative jazz or ambient category,” André 3000 told Variety. “So this morning, when the album of the year category popped up, I was really, really surprised because I didn’t think that that many people even knew about it. So I’m just happy that the votes came in that way and that people were paying attention, more than anything.”
Run-DMC
The iconic Hip-Hop group Run-DMC reacted to receiving their first Grammy Nomination in 40 years after their television documentary series Kings From Queen: The Run-DMC was nominated in the category for the Best Music Film.
GloRilla expressed her gratitude to her fans, in addition to herself, after learning she was nominated in three categories, including Best Rap Song.
“S/O to God my team & y’all not to be cocky but shiiidddd S/O to MEEEE!!” GloRilla wrote in part. “3x Grammy nominated artist thank yall so much [fire emojis].”
S/O to God my team & y’all 🥳🥳not to be cocky but shiiidddd S/O to MEEEE!! 3x Grammy nominated artist thank yall so much 🔥🔥🔥🔥
After earning three nominations of his own, as well, Chris Brown took a moment to celebrate, and highlight the success of his recent 11:11 album via a post on Instagram.
“3 of them thangz,” Chris Brown wrote in the caption stamped with heart and prayer hands emojis.
After learning of the news that her Please Don’t Cry album was nominated for two Grammy’s, including in the category for The Best Melodic Rap Performance for her “3:AM” collaboration with Eryakah Badu, Rapsody gushed about how proud she was of the project in a touching IG post.
“Thank you to the voting members of the @recordingacademy!” Rapsody wrote in the caption. “Grateful to be acknowledged for the art I made with my friends! Some of the illest creatives to create! Thank you so much @symbolycone @erykahbadu @hitboy @jemarcusbridges @lonestarrmuzik @corbettmusic ! We made magic and timeless art. I’m so proud of Please Don’t Cry !.”
Though his nomination came by way of his contribution as an artist and producer on J. Cole’s Might Delete Later album, which was nominated in the Best Rap Album category, West Coast rapper Daylyt celebrated as if it were his own solo nod.
And rightfully so, per his hilarious Instagram video, in which he noted that he used to dismiss major awards such as the Grammys because he had never been recognized through this point in his career as a top “underground” rapper.
“First Grammy non rapper and producer at th same time Ayo @#naw is uppp,” Daylyt wrote in the caption.
While her mother Jada Pinkett Smith also reacted to the news, Willow and her father Will Smith’s reactions to her two Grammy nominations, including one for Best Arrangement, Instrument and Vocals for her song “Big Feelings” are especially poignant.
In the heartfelt post Will share, he congratulted his “bean” for persevering through her “struggling” and “rebuilding” in order to manigest her dreams — in turn, remarking on his pride in his role as her father.
“CONGRATS, MA BEAN!,” Will wrote in the post caption. “2 GRAMMY NOMINATIONS… WHOA! I’ve watched you Suffer: Crying, Falling, Struggling, Rising, Training, Learning, Changing, Quitting, Growing, Collapsing, Rebuilding… And Now… Manifesting Your Wildest Dreams! I am honored to be your Daddy..”
Willow reposted Will’s shoutout on her story, writing, “LOVE YOU DADDY,” in addition to remarking on the moment she created with her Empathogen project on her own terms.
Though he’s not necessarily nominated in a Hip-Hop or R&B specific category, we would be remiss to not acknowledge the colossal coming-out party Country music innovator Shaboozey is having amid earning six nominations in his first-ever Grammy Awards experience. Of the multiple nominations he’s received, including in the Song of The Year category for his anthem “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”, the recognition he received after being named as one of the nominees for Artist Of The Year held a truly special meaning for Shaboozey. Along with sharing the video of his reaction to being nominated in the category, Shaboozey shared a lengthy message about how “grateful” he was to have the opportunity to reap the rewards of his dedication and hard work.
“Today I woke up to 6 Grammy nominations!!!,” he wrote in part. “This moment is something I’ve dreamt about ever since I started recording music. Even with that said, nothing could’ve prepared me for the moment when I finally heard my name called today!”
Hey everybody! Drake is making a big effort to repair his relationship with the city of Atlanta. As I previously reported, he’s been rumored to be working actively to mend things with Future. Whether or not that’s fully materialized, there’s a new development.
Young Thug is out—well, sort of. He’s essentially on a form of house arrest that could last for decades. Any slip-ups, and he’ll go straight back to jail. For now, though, he’s out, and he seems relieved and happy about his newfound “freedom.” We’re happy for him too because we all need some good news this year. Plus, the state’s case against him was really weak.
Rumor has it that Drake went straight to see Thug as soon as he was free. Allegedly, within two hours of Young Thug’s plea deal, the Canadian Don paid him a visit. Word is that Drake even gave him $1 million to help him get back on his feet. Can you believe this? This move is bound to earn him some loyalty points in Atlanta, which is exactly what he needs. While Houston is one of his favorite cities, Atlanta is Atlanta. Drake needs a solid standing in Atlanta if he wants to work his way back into the culture there.
By the way, someone mentioned that a correctional officer robbed Young Thug of a watch. Whether or not that’s true is anyone’s guess, but I heard that the officer wore the watch in question in court while testifying against Young Thug. If that’s true, that’s wild!
Barbara Bregoli, the mother of Bhad Bhabie, confirmed her daughter’s cancer diagnosis on Friday (November 8). Bregoli spoke out after gossip blogger Perez Hilton claimed Bhad Bhabie might be faking it for attention.
“How dare you – you little vile p############ – say my daughter would lie about something like that,” Bregoli told Hilton on Instagram. “You’re a dad … How many children did you have through a surrogate? I’m not even sure. You need to focus on them and not mine. Go find another way to make some money instead of talking s### about other people. Is this the only way you can make money, talking s### about people? How dare you!
“And I pray to God one of your children never gets cancer. I’ve had it twice. How dare you say my daughter’s faking this, you vile piece of no good s###. God don’t like ugly. You need to remember that.”
Bhad Bhabie revealed she was being treated for cancer in an Instagram Stories post. She disclosed her health issues in response to fans questioning her weight loss on social media.
“I’m sorry my cancer medicine made me [lose] weight,” she wrote. “I’m slowly gaining it back. So stop running [with] the worst narratives.”
Earlier this year, Bhad Bhabie gave birth to her first child. She accused her baby’s father Le Vaughn of domestic abuse over the summer.
“I love that man more than I love myself and it’s honestly really sad,” she wrote. “But unfortunately this is real life. I know the easy way out is to leave and that’s better said than done. This doesn’t happen this extreme often, but LV definitely has a problem. He’s going to get the help he needs. Right now there’s no room for mistakes. And he knows that. Who ever says they are there for me will [be] supportive of me no matter what I choose to do. Y’all know I give a mf hell but there’s no excuse for that at all what so ever. My point in sharing this wasn’t to attack him, it was for him to see what he does is wrong and too take accountability and make a REAL CHANGE.”
Bhad Bhabie reconciled with Le Vaughn despite his alleged abuse. She also reconnected with her estranged father Ira Peskowitz.
