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Philly Rapper YBC Dul Shot Dead—Latest Details In Ongoing Investigation

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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Philadelphia police are investigating the fatal shooting of rising Philadelphia rapper YBC Dul.

YBC Dul, born Abdul Vicks, was affiliated with the West Philadelphia collective Young Bag Chasers, often referred to as YBC.

The shooting took place in broad daylight, around 3:34 p.m. on Friday, in the Olney section of the city.

Authorities responded to reports of gunfire near the 5500 block of North 6th Street, where YBC Dul was discovered suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Police say YBC Dul was shot several times in the chest and hand, leading to severe injuries.

He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, but despite efforts to save his life, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

A white Hyundai SUV was spotted at the scene and is being held by investigators as part of the ongoing probe into the shooting.

Sources familiar with the investigation have confirmed his identity, but no arrests have been made, and police are still trying to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly encounter.

YBC Dul went viral after allegedly digging up the grave of a rival. Numerous beefs with local rivals escalated into a larger war between YBC and a coalition of five to six other gangs, leading to numerous deaths.

The DA of Philadelphia has even recognized the situation, with authorities attempting to indict individuals involved and curb the violence.

In 2021, a member of the YBC gang was involved in a deadly ambush on a group of teenagers, which resulted in the deaths of two young boys, including 16-year-old Kalin Johnson, and the injury of a third.

Following the attack, gang members cruelly taunted Johnson’s mother by bragging about the murder in rap songs, adding to her grief.

The shooter was sentenced to a maximum sentence of 42–85 years

Pooh Shiesty Hinted At Cardi B Crush Years Before Shooting His Shot

By: Devon Jefferson Updated Category: Rumors
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Believe it or not, Pooh Shiesty has been on Cardi B’s bumper for years now.

The “Back In Blood” rapper, who’s currently incarcerated, appeared to shoot his shot with the spicy New Yorker during her recent Instagram Live stream. Fans quickly snapped screenshots of Shiesty’s frisky comment and subsequently flooded social media platforms with the flicks, causing them to trend.

”I’m 5 minutes away baby open the door,” Shiesty wrote in the bold comment.

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This definitely not the first time that Shiesty has had Cardi’s name on the tip of his tongue. In fact, on several occasions prior to his April 2022 incarceration, he made it clear that he was a huge fan of the “WAP” rapper.

During an interview with Spotify’s “Rap Caviar,” he named both Lil Wayne and Cardi B as his dream collaborations. That same year during an interview with Nani’s Cigar Talk, Shiesty once again called Cardi out to collab, emphasizing his desire to connect with her in New York. While it appears as though Cardi herself has yet to respond to Shiesty, many fans are speculating her estranged husband Offset reacted in a tweet he shared shortly after the incident occurred.

At this point, the only thing truly stopping Shiesty from finally getting his chance with Cardi is his five-year prison sentence. Earlier this month, Cardi B confirmed she was divorcing Offset after revealing she was pregnant with their third child.

In a lengthy Instagram post, Cardi B signaled both the “ending” and “new beginning” of chapters in her life, leading fans to assume the worst for she and the “Ric Flair Drip” rap artist. Their marriage was plagued with cheating rumors, but the tipping point reportedly came after the Migos rapper was spotted with a rumored ex.

Check out the post above.

Geto Boys’ Scarface Back In ICU Three Years After Kidney Transplant

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: News
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Brad Jordan—better known as Scarface of the Geto Boys—posted a cryptic photo to his Instagram account over the weekend, showing him back in the hospital.

In the picture, a nurse wearing purple latex gloves appears to be placing a bandage over a sizable scar. He’s wearing an oxygen tube and has sensors all over his body. Judging by the cut, it’s possible whatever medical crisis he’s experiencing is heart related, but the Houston legend didn’t divulge any details. All he wrote in the caption was, “Ouch…grateful” along with some prayer emojis.

The post blew up with comments from his rap peers. “Brad, we got more work to do bro bro. Ain’t no time to be out of time,” DJ Quik wrote, while E-40 added, “Praying for a speedy recovery family. I love you.”

Other comments came from Ja Rule, Chance The Rapper, MC Eiht, Mannie Fresh, DJ Premier, Krayzie Bone, Lord Finesse and De La Soul’s Posdnuos, among many others.

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Scarface had a severe battle with COVID-19 in March 2020 and experienced a range of severe symptoms, including pneumonia in both lungs, kidney failure and a loss of taste and smell. His condition was so critical that he had to undergo dialysis several times a week for months due to the kidney damage caused by the virus.

Scarface later revealed in interviews that his battle with COVID-19 was life-threatening and that he was grateful to have survived. He emphasized the seriousness of the virus and urged others to take it seriously as well. His experience highlighted the devastating impact COVID-19 could have, even on someone who was previously healthy.

Less than a year later, Scarface underwent a kidney transplant in 2021 after his son, Chris Jordan, heroically stepped forward as a donor.

AllHipHop sends our well wishes to Scarface for a speedy recovery.

Joe Budden Roasts Yung Miami For Laughing At LL COOL J’s Gold Plaque Surprise

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: News
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Joe Budden was a trending Twitter (X) topic on Saturday (August 24) after a clip of The Joe Budden Podcast went viral.

During the latest episode, Budden laid into Yung Miami for making fun of him for getting a gold plaque for a song he did in 2003. Last week, LL COOL J surprised Budden with the honor, prompting him to say, “I almost shed a little thug tear.”

Upon seeing a video of the momentous occasion, the former City Girls rapper wrote, “I was 9, now I’m 30″ alongside several laughing emojis. Budden momentarily considered firing back right then and there but instead replied, “It would be too easy.” He later added, “Maybe tmw lol…”

Budden was evidently bothered enough by her reaction to follow up but took a rather diplomatic approach to addressing his grievances.

“I’m the last to know that there are a few of you out there laughing at that gesture,” he began. “I wanna be clear. Everybody can laugh. If you sit up here and you dish it, you have to be able to take it. I stand in that. I have said a bunch of s### about a bunch of people. My actions are not exonerated at all here. I am clear on why people fire at me, and I’m willing to stand in it.

“To the people who know me a tad bit better, there’s absolutely nothing you can say to make me think that LL COOL J bringing me my ‘Pump It Up’ gold plaque to my quadruple platinum podcast is an ‘L.’”

He continued, “Now we all can laugh, and if there’s anybody that I hope would be laughing it would be Yung Miami with all she’s had to endure in the past year or so. I wanna be clear. I like Yung Miami. I do. I think she’s a pretty good content creator. What do up here when things end as a ritual is to play ‘Another One Bites the Dust.’ It’s me. I’m a dick. I think it’s funny. I just think it’s a cool little segment when s### goes awry.”

Budden went on to pontificate about the benefits of laughter but insisted it was also a “privilege.” He suggested with everything going on with Diddy that Yung Miami, who was once romantically involved with the Bad Boy mogul, should be the last person having a chuckle at his expense.

“While I’m happy Caresha is able to laugh because she’s had a stressful year, I am a little surprised that she has found enough time to laugh at anything,” he added, before going for the jugular. “I want to keep this professional and on the music. If Complex were to do a list of where all the female rapper rank, Caresha, you would be last on the list. Every female out there is wiping you down right now.

“Caresha was the very last person I expected to do this. Caresha, not only may you be dropped from you label right now, but you are not allowed to put music out. I hear ‘Pump It Up’ more than I hear you.”

He also pointed out her label, Quality Control/Motown Records, isn’t “seeing any growth” with her solo career.

Yung Miami explained why she took a shot, recalling when Budden predicted the demise of her REVOLT podcast, Caresha, Please.

“Another one bites the dust remember???” she said. “You was just celebrating when you THOUGHT I took an L. I can laugh YOU was just laughing at me so LETS LAUGH!”

Check out the clip above.

A$AP Rocky Admits Animated Kids Show “Cocomelon” Is Driving Him “Nuts”

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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A$AP Rocky revealed that he’s been feeling overwhelmed by children’s TV shows while raising his sons, RZA and 12-month-old Riot Rose with partner Rihanna.

Despite his light-hearted complaints, he emphasized his joy in their family life.

“The animated series Cocomelon and others like it are really driving me nuts!” A$AP Rocky said with a laugh. “Don’t tell my girl I said that. I’m totally joking—I don’t care. She’s tired of it too, probably.”

Rocky and Rihanna confirmed their relationship in 2021, and in the interview, Rocky praised Rihanna’s parenting skills, calling her a “great mother.”

A$AP Rocky reflected on how they managed to find time for each other despite their hectic schedules.

“It’s crazy how we find balance with our chaotic schedules,” the 35-year-old said. “The relationship is going great. I don’t think there’s a more perfect person because when the schedules are hectic, she’s very understanding of that. And when the schedule’s freed up, that’s when you get to spend the most time together. It’s all understanding and compatibility.”

Amid these personal revelations, A$AP Rocky is also focused on his career, promoting his forthcoming fourth album, Don’t Be Dumb.

Initially scheduled for an August 30 release, the project has been delayed until fall.

Addressing fans on platform X, he explained, “LEAKS & SAMPLE CLEARANCES ARE DISRUPTING THE ALBUM. ITS BEEN 6 YEARS & I WANNA MAKE THE BEST ALBUM EVER. IM SORRY FOR THE WAIT.”

As the rapper navigates the challenges of parenting, partnership, and professional aspirations, he remains centered on maintaining harmony at home while striving for artistic excellence.

Ray J Calls On Safaree After Erica Mena Uses “N-Word” In Scathing Livestream

By: Devon Jefferson Updated Category: News
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Ray J is putting Erica Mena on blast after a fiery livestream in which the reality star/model hurled insults at the singer, his ex-wife, Princess Love, sister Brandy and even his television network, Tronnix.

The conflict allegedly came to a head after Ray J interviewed a contestant from Mena’s Zeus Network dating show following the woman’s elimination from the show. The “One Wish” singer took to Instagram to respond to Mena’s latest outburst, sending shockwaves through social media. In his post, Ray J expressed disbelief and disappointment in Mena, seemingly chastising her for being a repeat offender.

“Why call me the N word! @ericamena – after the racist Monkey comment you made about Black people, you just felt like you could take it to the next level and call me a N###a huh??” Ray J wrote in the caption of the post.

He then highlighted the seriousness of Mena’s words and the fact she apparently hasn’t learned her lesson from a previous altercation he wasn’t involved with.

“SMH …….. OK ….” he continued. “When you make mistakes and take a L – you suppose to Learn from them, This is not cool.”

Despite the previous scandal, it seems Mena hasn’t learned her lesson, a point Ray J didn’t hesitate to address as he appealed directly to Mena’s ex, Safaree Samuels.

“Safaree is my friend, I don’t get into it with my peoples BM,” Ray J wrote, signaling his intent to stay out of the couple’s ongoing drama while still calling out Mena’s behavior. Safaree, who shares two children with the reality star, has also been the target of her social media tirades recently, as well. He added a bit of promotion at the end, urging fans to “subscribe to @tronixnetwork.”

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Erica Mena has found herself at the center of a racial controversy more than once within the past year, with her earlier offensive comments led to her removal from Love and Hip Hop Atlanta, where she was a mainstay until the incident.

Mena’s latest use of the racial slur comes on the heels of the aforementioned controversy that occurred last year, where she faced backlash for a racist “Monkey” comment aimed at Black woman she came to blows with during a reunion special of the reality TV series Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta.

Mena’s recent actions only add to her growing list of public missteps, leaving fans and critics wondering if she will face further consequences.

Check out the post with the receipts below.

EXCLUSIVE: Showboys Defeat Profile Records In $1M “Drag Rap” War—How They Won Explained

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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The Showboys won a crucial legal battle over royalties against Profile Records and Protoons after a protracted fight dating back to the mid-1980s.

The dispute began in 1985 after Hip-Hop duo The Showboys, consisting of Orville “Bugs Can Can” Hall and Phil “Triggerman” Price, signed an exclusive recording and publishing agreement with Profile Records and Protoons.

This arrangement enabled the group to release hits like “Cold Frontin’,” “Drag Rap,” “That’s What I Want For Christmas,” and “The Ten Laws of Rap” between 1985 and 1987.

In particular, “Drag Rap” has remained popular since its release.

The song has been sampled in at least 175 different by various artists, including Three 6 Mafia, Lil Jon, Lil Wayne, T.I., Chris Brown, Gucci Mane, Megan Thee Stallion, Young Thug and Drake, who sampled the song in his smash hit “In My Feelings.”

Although the agreement ended in 1988, Protoons retained the rights to these compositions and received royalties.

In 2015, Protoons ceased royalty payments to the duo, alleging a breach of contract due to supposed copyright infringement in “Drag Rap.”

Protoons contended that The Showboys had used a nine-note segment from the “Dragnet” TV show theme without proper authorization.

The Showboys, with legal representation, rebutted Protoons’ accusations, arguing that Protoons failed to provide concrete proof of infringement, noting no third party had ever filed a complaint against “Drag Rap.”

A court review siding with The Showboys found Protoons’ claims unsubstantiated.

The legal team for The Showboys effectively dismantled Protoons’ assertions, emphasizing the uninterrupted profitability Protoons had enjoyed from the group’s music over the years.

The recent court decision granted summary judgment in favor of The Showboys on their breach-of-contract claim.

This ruling acknowledged that Hall and Price had met their contractual obligations while Protoons defaulted on royalty payments.

Additionally, the court dismissed Protoons’ counterclaims, which included accusations of violating the duty of good faith and fair dealing.

Drake Quietly Drops Three More New Songs From His Burner Account

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: News
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Drake has returned with another trifecta of singles: “Circadian Rhythm,” “SOD” and “No Face” featuring Playboi Carti.

The tracks arrived quietly on Friday (August 23) from the OVO Sound co-founder’s finsta account, which seems to be his preferred method of delivery these days.

Earlier this month, Drake shared a 100GB data dump boasting three new songs with contributions from Young Thug and Latto. They were later made available on digital streaming providers under the title “100 GIGS.”

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Drake is coming off of his highly publicized beef with Kendrick Lamar.

The conflict flared up in March, when Kendrick took a shot at Drake on Future and Metro Boomin’s track “Like That,” dismissing Drake’s role in the “big three” of contemporary rap. Drake responded in April with two diss tracks, “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle,” in which he insulted Kendrick’s short stature and took personal jabs at his fiancée and mother of his children, Whitney Alford.

Kendrick didn’t hold back either, responding with a series of diss tracks, including “euphoria,” “6:16 in LA,” and “Meet the Grahams.” Each track included deeply personal attacks, with Kendrick questioning Drake’s integrity, his role as a father and even suggesting he was hiding a second child. The beef grew increasingly vicious, with both Kendrick and Drake making dark accusations.

Kendrick’s Not Like Us,” which arrived last, became a chart-topping hit, further solidifying his dominance in the feud. Despite the heavy blows from both sides, the battle has not yet seen a definitive end, with tensions still simmering​. Drake, meanwhile, has been laying relatively low.

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For now, Drake appears content releasing music this way instead of the more traditional rollouts he typically does. Those paying close attention may recognize “SOD” as “Supersoak,” a track that streamer Kai Cenat premiered last month that featured a verse from Lil Yachty.

Yachty tried to clear a sample from Mr. HotSpot that was included on the track but was told he could only use it if they did a clean version due to his religious beliefs. Clearly, it didn’t work out. Yachty has been entirely removed from the track. Fans noticed Lil Yachty unfollowed Drake on Instagram a few weeks back, pointing to an internal conflict.

Nonetheless, the three new songs are available now. Just press play.

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Ashanti And Nelly Reveal Meaning Behind Son’s Name

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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Ashanti has shared the meaning behind her newborn son’s name, Kareem Kenkaide.

Born on July 18, the arrival of Kareem brought emotional and spiritual joy to Ashanti and her husband, Nelly.

The couple rekindled their relationship earlier this year and chose the name to celebrate familial ties and cultural heritage.

“Kenkaide is my dad’s name, and obviously my dad has only girls,” Ashanti told Entertainment Tonight, explaining the personal significance.

She added that Kareem, which means “generous, kind, and dignified” in Arabic, was selected with deep thought, a final decision made by Nelly with great pride.

The 43-year-old singer shared that Kareem came earlier than expected, prompting Nelly to rush for the birth.

“Having all of us in the delivery room and seeing his face for the first time, I cried. It was just so emotional and spiritual at the same time,” she recalled.

Since welcoming her first child, Ashanti admitted her life has fundamentally shifted, with her son becoming her top priority.

“My son definitely dictates everything now. He is the priority overall, and I don’t care what it will take, what I have to do; I’m just going to give everything and my all to my son,” Ashanti said, adding, “this little boy has my entire soul wrapped around his finger.”

The couple tied the knot in December last year, marking a new chapter after initially dating in the early 2000s and reuniting this year.

Kareem is Ashanti’s first child, while Nelly, known for his prominent career in Hip-Hop, has four other children: son Cornell Hayes III and daughter Chanelle from a previous relationship, as well as two children he adopted from his late stepsister, Jaqueline Donahue, in 2005.

Karrahbooo Calls Cap On Lil Yachty’s Writing Claims: “Stop Bullying Me” 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Karrahbooo has broken her silence after Lil Yachty blasted her in a heated Instagram rant, claiming he had written all of the former Concrete Boys artist’s songs. 

Despite previously hinting at an amicable split, Yachty lost it after a fan alleged Karrahbooo accused the group of bullying her and said they kicked her out. 

Yachty also accused her of verbally abusing people and claimed she’s $900,000 in debt to him in a lengthy tirade. After putting her on blast, he leaked a supposed reference track for her viral On the Radar freestyle.  

On Friday night (August 23) Karrrahbooo responded to Lil Yachty. While she didn’t deny he wrote for her, she insisted she penned some herself. She posted a screenshot of her Top. 3 most popular songs with the On the Radar freestyle in third position after “Running Late” racking up over seven million plays and “WHERE YO DADDY?” just over three million. 

“put it on yo kid i ain’t write these songs miles,” Karrahbooo wrote, addressing Lil Yachty by her born name. “stop da cap and leave me out ur internet shenanigans [crying laughing emoji]. Referencing the viral rumor, she added, “stop bullying me big dawg [crying laughing emoji].” 

Karrrahbooo denied the fan’s claims and told him to “man up” and stop believing rumors. “i never said nothing,” she insisted. “u letting random fans get in yo head.” 

Lil Yachty Claims Karrahbooo Is $900,000 In Debt To Concrete Boys

During his tirade, Yachty took credit for writing “every verse you’ve done,” and claimed Karrahbooo left the label “$900,000 “in the hole.” 

“I changed your muthafuckin life!” he said. “And you are here lying, talking about some ‘We bully you’. That s### got me f##### up, bro.” 

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The rant was a far cry from his previous remarks concerning the split.   

“We have split ways with Karrah as far as this Concrete s###,“ he said last month. “I have nothing bad to say, nothing negative to say about Karrah. I wish her the best in her career.” 

Juvenile Believes His Solo Album Sales Are Better Than JAY-Z & Nas

By: Devon Jefferson Updated Category: Rumors
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Juvenile is raising eyebrows with his latest career hot take comparing his album sales to those of East Coast rap legends such as JAY-Z and Nas.

In a recent interview, the legendary New Orleans rapper made the bold claim during a spirited debate about whether or not Southern music gets it’s just due. Juvenile didn’t hold back, challenging the notion that lyrical prowess alone defines success in the rap game. In the act of his defiance of the status quo, the Cash Money Records icon stated that his classic album 400 Degreez has outsold any solo record released by rap giants JAY-Z or Nas while on the topic of hitmaking and impact.

“A hit is a hit,” Juvenile declared. “You don’t have to be the best rapper. Some of the best rappers… can’t make a hit. That s##t don’t mean nothing. The best rapper in the world don’t mean nothing if you ain’t got no f###ing hits.”

Juvenile doubled down on his assertion, directing listeners to “check the numbers” when it comes to album sales.

“N###as always talk about man, ‘Nas da da da, JAY-Z…’ Okay, who sold the most records?” he questioned rhetorically. “I think that’s what counts, right? Yeah. Let’s not go off the, let’s just do numbers. Know what I’m saying? Yeah. Let’s see who sold the most records on each solo album?”

Juvenile continued, “Numbers don’t lie, man.”

“Pick your best Nas album. Pick your best Jay-Z album, right? Yeah. And I’m going to take 400 and you tell me who sold the most on a solo album. I’m taking 400.”

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Juvenile’s 400 Degreez, released in 1998, was a monumental success, solidifying Cash Money Records as a dominant force in Hip-Hop. The album sold over four million units in the U.S., spawned hits like “Ha” and was certified 4x-platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America).

On the flip side, JAY-Z’s debut album Reasonable Doubt sold over 1.5 million units in the U.S. The album was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 2002. Nas’ debut album, Illmatic, sold over 2 million units total and was initially slow to gain commercial traction but has since been widely regarded as a classic.

However, HOV did best Juvenile with his album Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life, which sold more than five million units in the nationwide and was certified 5x-platinum by the RIAA.

Check out the interview clip above.

EXCLUSIVE: Diddy Sexual Assault Accuser Says She Fears For Her Life In Bid To Stay Anonymous

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: Exclusives
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A woman asked a New York judge to maintain her anonymity in a sexual assault lawsuit against Diddy’s Bad Boy Records and the label’s former president Harve Pierre. The alleged victim’s attorney opposed Diddy and Pierre’s legal efforts to force her to reveal her name on Friday (August 23).

“Defendants’ motion is nothing more than a scare tactic and ploy to deter litigation against an already crumbling empire that can no longer hide behind the smoke screens of its money, power and fame,” Jane Doe’s lawyer Jeffrey Anderson argued.

Jane Doe accused Pierre of sexually assaulting her multiple times between 2016 and 2017 in a 2023 lawsuit. She sued Diddy’s Bad Boy Records for negligence and enabling Pierre’s alleged crimes.

Multiple women sued Diddy and his associates for sexual assault, among other allegations, over the past year. Many of his accusers have disclosed their identities, but two lawsuits involving Pierre were filed by women who wished to remain anonymous. The aforementioned Jane Doe has only been identified as Pierre’s former assistant.

“Because of my former employer’s power and influence, I fear that I will be harassed and ridiculed if my identity was made public in connection with these claims,” she explained. “I am concerned for my physical safety and the safety of my family.”

Jane Doe hasn’t informed her family about the lawsuit or what Pierre allegedly did to her. She hopes the court will protect her identity.

“This is a source of shame and embarrassment for me,” she said. “Should my identity be made public, I risk negative repercussions to my employment due to the stigma associated with being a victim of sexual assault. I fear others will view me negatively and my reputation will be negatively impacted. My mental health will suffer if I was forced to disclose my identity publicly. I should not have to be subjected to further harm in my efforts to seek accountability for what was done to me.”

Diddy is the subject of a federal investigation over sex trafficking allegations. The embattled mogul’s lawyers maintain his innocence.

Tyrese Reveals He Was 2Pac’s Replacement In “Baby Boy” Movie

By: Devon Jefferson Updated Category: Rumors
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Tyrese Gibson has uncovered the remarkable story of how late director John Singleton poached him for a film role originally meant for 2Pac. During a candid and revealing interview on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast, Gibson shared an anecdote about his classic film Baby Boy that has since set the internet ablaze.

The R&B singer and actor recalled a powerful moment with the legendary director in which he compared Gibson to none other than the “California Love” rapper himself. Gibson explained how the situations went down by remarking on how his upbringing in the tough streets of Watts and genuine connection to the hood.

“I was born and raised at Martin Luther King Hospital,” Gibson started off. “I ain’t out here super Crippin’, Bloodin’. I ain’t sold no dope. Y’all other n###as out here painting a different picture. I’m a real hood n###a that could make a call and f##k your life up.”

It was this raw, unfiltered energy that he says caught Singleton’s attention and forged a connection. As Tyrese Gibson continued, he recounted the moment Singleton made the bold comparison likening him to the deceased West Coast rap legend he recalls everyone was imitating at the time.

“John Singleton was like, ‘You the only n###a that remind me of Pac,'” he said. “’Everybody out here want to be Pac. They getting tattoos trying to become Pac. They out here trying to rap and sound like Pac. They trying to be super thug like Pac, they getting Pac tattoos, they doing whatever.'”

Gibson revealed that this sentiment was also echoed by someone very close to 2Pac—his mother, Afeni Shakur. In the process, he explained how deeply connected he became to Afeni as time rolled on.

“Who else said it?” he questioned rhetorically. “Pac’s Mama, who became the godmother to my daughter at the time,” he added, underscoring the deep connection he shares with the late rapper’s legacy.

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Tyrese Gibson’s big break is widely considered his starring role in Singleton’s 2001 classic Baby Boy. His depiction of the main character “Jodie” drew both fan, and eventually critical acclaim, and in-turn, the film catapulted him to stardom.

The movie was a box office success, grossing over $29 million worldwide. Though it didn’t win major awards, Baby Boy has remained a cult favorite, solidifying both Singleton’s and Gibson’s places in the annals of Black cinema. The film’s enduring legacy only adds to the illustrious filmography of Singleton, who also created Boyz N The Hood in addition to several other classic movies. Not to mention the 2Pac comparison adds a significant layer to Tyrese Gibson’s already storied career.

Check out the interview clip below.

Judge Mathis Divorce Sends Social Media Into Frenzy

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Judge Greg Mathis’ wife Linda filed for divorce on Thursday (August 22). Linda has been married to the star of the popular reality courtroom show Judge Mathis for 39 years.

According to court documents obtained by E! News, the couple separated on July 17. Linda cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their divorce.

Judge Mathis married his wife in 1985. The two have four adult children. The family starred in the E! reality TV series Mathis Family Matters in 2022.

“It was really my family that was the foundation of my success,” Judge Mathis said in one episode. “After coming out of the streets in Detroit, Linda allowed me to work 15 hours a day, five [to] six days a week. So, it’s that support that allowed me to pursue the success that you see.”

Linda added, “Our love and support runs deep. That’s how the Mathis family rolls.”

Judge Mathis’ divorce elicited hilarious reactions on social media. Some fans started fantasizing about the newly single judge. Others expressed their disbelief over a nearly 40-year marriage ending. Multiple people suggested the two needed to stick together regardless of the issues in their relationship.

Check out some of the commentary below.

RFK Jr. Announcement Shakes Up Election After Rappers Endorsed Him For President

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspended his presidential campaign. RFK Jr. endorsed former President Donald Trump in a speech on Friday (August 23).

“In my heart, I no longer believe that I have a realistic path to electoral victory in the face of this relentless systematic censorship and media control,” Kennedy said. “So, I cannot in good conscience ask my staff and volunteers to keep working their long hours or ask my donors to keep giving when I cannot honestly tell them that I have a real path to the White House.”

Beanie Sigel, Geto Boys member Willie D and Hot Boy Turk supported Kennedy during his campaign. RFK Jr. was the most prominent third-party candidate in the 2024 presidential race.

RFK Jr. bowed out of the presidential race to avoid being a “spoiler” in the election. The anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist claimed he could’ve won the election if outside forces weren’t working against him.

“In an honest system, I believe I would’ve won the election,” he said.

RFK Jr. railed against the Democratic party in his exit speech. Five of Kennedy’s siblings condemned his endorsement of Trump.

“We want an America filled with hope and bound together by a shared vision of a brighter future, a future defined by individual freedom, economic promise and national pride,” the Kennedys said in a joint statement. “We believe in Harris and [Tim] Walz. Our brother Bobby’s decision to endorse Trump today is a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear. It is a sad ending to a sad story.”

RFK Jr. sought to remove himself from ballots in about 10 battleground states. Some secretaries of state have said it’s too late to remove his name. He urged voters in battleground states not to vote for him if his name remained on the ballot.

6 Top Tips for Enjoying Live Gigs with a Hearing Impairment

By: Staff Writer Updated Category: Sponsored Posts
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Attending live music shows and concerts can be a thrilling experience, allowing you to see your favorite performers up close and feel the energy of the crowd. However, for those with hearing loss, concerts can also pose some challenges. With proper planning, you can fully enjoy live shows despite your hearing difficulties. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of live gigs with a hearing impairment.

  1. Research the Venue Accessibility

One of the first things to do when preparing to attend a concert is to research the accessibility features of the venue. Many modern arenas and music halls now offer assistive listening devices and seating options to accommodate hard-of-hearing guests.

Call the venue ahead of time to inquire about hearing loop systems, which transmit sound directly to hearing aids equipped with telecoils. Ask if they provide receivers with headphones or if you need to bring your own. Some venues may also have captioning displays.

Check the venue’s website and read reviews to see if other patrons mention the availability of these services. You want to confirm what type of systems are offered so you can prepare accordingly.

The venue may also have designated seating areas with good sightlines to the stage and reduced background noise. Ask about priority wheelchair-accessible seating even if you don’t use a chair, as these spots often have the best views. Booking early helps secure them.

  1. Invest in a Quality Hearing Aid

Wearing advanced hearing aids makes a significant difference in your ability to understand speech and music. Investing in a high-quality pair from leading brands such as the ones at phonak.com/en-us/hearing-devices/hearing-aids ensures you have the amplification and noise reduction features needed for dynamic concert environments.

Key features like directional microphones, Bluetooth connectivity, and telecoil compatibility optimize hearing aids for concerts. Directional microphones focus on sounds coming from the stage and minimize surrounding crowd noise. Bluetooth allows hearing aids to receive audio signals directly from the assistive listening system. Telecoils pick up magnetic signals from hearing loops.

Professional audiologists can help you select suitable models and program the hearing aids specifically for concerts. Be sure to get your hearing aids checked and adjusted regularly for optimal performance. Keeping them clean and well-maintained also improves audio quality.

  1. Protect Your Ears During Loud Shows

Concerts, especially rock and pop shows, can reach dangerously high noise levels. Make hearing protection part of your concert preparation to avoid damaging your residual hearing.

High-fidelity earplugs designed for music are a good option for reducing risky volumes while still allowing you to hear the tunes. Avoid foam and other cheap plugs that muffle the sound. Custom-molded plugs from an audiologist give a more natural sound than disposable filters.

Also, be mindful of taking breaks during lengthy shows to give your ears a rest. Move to quieter areas like the lobby for a while if the volume becomes uncomfortable. Limiting consecutive days of attending extremely loud concerts helps prevent cumulative hearing loss over time.

  1. Arrive Early to Test Assistive Devices

Make sure to arrive with ample time before the show starts so you can test any provided listening systems. Venues often distribute receivers for hearing loops and headphones at a help desk or accessibility booth. The earlier you get there, the more time you’ll have to ensure the devices are working properly.

Double-check that your hearing aid telecoil is activated so you can access the signal from a hearing loop. Try adjusting the volume and positioning of the headphones provided to find the clearest sound balance between music and vocals. Let an usher know right away if you have any technical problems, as it can take time to resolve issues.

Having this equipment sorted before the concert begins means you can focus on enjoying the show once it starts. You won’t miss the opening songs fiddling with unfamiliar devices. Getting settled ahead of the crowds also secures your prime accessible seat.

  1. Sit Near Speakers or Away from Them

Strategically selecting your seating location based on the type of concert and venue layout can significantly improve your listening experience.

For amplified concerts, sit nearer to the front-of-house speaker towers facing the crowd. Sound mixing engineers adjust these speakers to project the vocals and instruments out toward the audience. Sitting closer to them provides clearer, more balanced audio for those with hearing difficulties.

For quieter acoustic shows, it may be better to avoid the front rows. The instruments on stage often overpower the vocals from up close. In smaller venues, sit farther back where you can better hear the mix of frequencies. Moving around between songs helps you find the optimal spot.

Ask an usher for tips about the best hearing-friendly seating zones given the show and venue. Explain your needs when purchasing accessible tickets so box office staff can guide you.

  1. Use Smartphone Apps to Augment Listening

Specialized smartphone apps can enhance what you’re hearing during a live show. Apps like SoundPrint provide real-time sound level measurements. This lets you monitor if decibels exceed harmful levels and move further away or use ear protection when necessary.

Other apps act like portable assistive devices. Jacoti Listen brightens and isolates vocals and instruments to make them more audible in noisy environments. AmpLIFY magnifies and clarifies sound through headphones.

Apps that display live lyrics synchronized to the music can also aid understanding. Be sure to charge devices beforehand and bring wired headphones as Bluetooth can cut out. Enable captioning if available on the app or venue screens.

Attending shows with a friend who can relay lyrics and details you miss provides additional support. Make sure to take breaks from actively listening to minimize fatigue.

Hearing loss can pose challenges at live concerts, but with the right tools and preparation, you can have an equally fun and rewarding experience. Follow these tips to hear your favorite performers clearly and comfortably. From getting your hearing aids optimized to using handy smartphone apps, a few simple steps make concerts more accessible and enjoyable. With persistence and creativity in finding solutions, you can join in the excitement and energy of seeing great live music.

Coi Leray & Trippie Redd Confirm Rekindled Romance With Heavy Concert PDA

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Coi Leray is dating Trippie Redd again. Leray declared her love for Redd in an Instagram post on Friday (August 23).

“Thank You for turning up with me on my last show day in Ohio @trippieredd the world loves you and so do I,” she wrote.

The post included a clip of Redd performing at Leray’s concert in Columbus, Ohio on Thursday night (August 22). The two hugged and kissed on stage, confirming rumors of their renewed romance. Leray shared another video of the couple kissing on Instagram Stories.

Leray and Redd previously dated in 2019. Leray called it her “first real relationship” in a 2020 interview.

“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.”

Redd released a song titled “Leray” after they split in 2019. The track appeared on A Love Letter to You 4.

“It was love at first sight and misery after two months/Always feeling f##### up either by love or no love/’I thought you was married to the single life,’ she said/I wasn’t necessarily looking for happiness, just less pain/I should’ve said something/You said the only thing wrong with money is you ain’t have enough of it/You said you deserve better and now so do I/Anyways, the best part of us was me/When you got with me, you were a genius/Now without me, you have to live life as an idiot/I don’t write songs, I write life, I told you that/And you were only f###### with my feelings because you didn’t know your own/I do miss who I thought you were/And sometimes I’m miserable without you/So, it’s just like you’re still here,” he said in a spoken-word portion of the song.

Listen to “Leray” below.

Breonna Taylor Case: Judge Blames Boyfriend—Not Cops—For Her Death

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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A federal judge dismissed felony charges against two former Louisville police officers in the Breonna Taylor case. According to multiple reports, Joshua Jaynes and Kyle Meany were cleared of charges carrying potential life sentences for their roles in Taylor’s 2020 death.

Taylor, an unarmed Black woman, was shot and killed by cops in her apartment during a botched raid. Jaynes and Meany faced charges for the use of a dangerous weapon to deprive Taylor of her Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable search. Jaynes and Meany were not present at the scene of the shooting, but the two falsified information for a warrant to search Taylor’s home.

Judge Charles Simpson claimed the bad warrant was not the cause of Taylor’s death. The judge blamed Taylor’s boyfriend Kenneth Walker, who shot a cop in the leg. Walker grabbed a legally owned gun and fired a shot when officers broke into the apartment. Walker thought the police were intruders. Officers returned fire, killing Taylor.

“There is no direct link between the warrantless entry and Taylor’s death,” Judge Simpson ruled. “As a result, the issue becomes whether law deems [Walker’s] decision to shoot first to supersede the warrantless entry such that his conduct became the proximate, or legal, cause of Taylor’s death. The court concludes [Walker’s] decision to shoot first did just that.”

Judge Simpson said prosecutors failed to prove officers executing the no-knock warrant “used their firearms for the purpose of subjecting Taylor to the search.” The judge determined the “only active employment of a weapon alleged in the indictment is ‘use’ for self-defense, i.e. returning [Walker’s] fire.”

Jaynes is still charged with falsification of records in a federal investigation and conspiracy to falsify records and witness tampering. He faces up to 40 years in prison.

Meany remains on the hook for a false statement to federal investigators charge. The maximum sentence is five years in prison.

Hurricane Chris Walks Back 50 Cent Viral Rant: “Big Misunderstanding” 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Hurricane Chris has had a change of heart after criticizing 50 Cent over his recent Humor & Harmony Festival in Shreveport, LA. 

Chris went viral after calling out the G-Unit mogul for not booking local artists and shelling out $500,000 on law enforcement during the four-day event. He doubled down, calling 50 Cent a “culture vulture,” after Fiddy responded by trolling him. 

Nonetheless, Hurricane Chris now claims he meant no ill will and wants to have a sit down with 50 Cent.  

“It’s no hate. It’s all love, but I must voice my opinion because I been here, and I been in Shreveport,” Chris told KSLA News 12 in an interview published Thursday (August 22).  

“I definitely had no malice,” he continued. “It was just me wanting to see my community be respected. I had already seen him come into the community and disrespect the culture and names, and it came out because I was in one of those moods.” 

Louisiana-born artist Fredo Bang also hit back at the “A Bay Bay” rapper’s viral remarks. “Hurricane,” he said. “If he didn’t put no Louisiana artists, Louisiana legends, who the f### I am then?” 

Chris expressed frustration that too few hard working local artists were hired to perform. “[Shreveport does] have artists,” he continued. “A lot of artists, more artists than that I can’t even name that would rock stages like that. It’s not about me.” 

According to Hurricane Chris, the whole affair was just a “big misunderstanding,” and he’s “willing” to collaborate with 50 Cent in the future.  

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Lil Yachty Blasts Co-Host’s Ex For Threatening To Expose Him Amid Podcast Drama 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Lil Yachty fired back at his co-host Mitch’s ex-girlfriend after she threatened to expose him following his explosive Instagram rant. 

On Thursday night (August 22), after unleashing on former Concrete Boys artist Karrahbooo, Yachty directed his anger towards his A Safe Place podcast co-host, Mitch, before quitting the podcast and ending their friendship. 

Earlier in the day, a clip went viral of the rapper appearing to disrespect Mitch for lacking purpose before meeting Yachty.

After facing backlash, Lil Yachty asked his friend to clear up the clip, but Mitch refused. He also insisted Mitch had benefited from him to the tune of around $400,000. 

“I say ‘Mitch how the f### you didn’t go on the internet and tell these folks we playin, bro?’” he recalled. “F### you and the podcast. I don’t give a f### about the podcast.” 

However, Mitch’s ex-girlfriend, who also happens to be his cousin, soon chimed in. She blasted Yachty in a Twitter Spaces, warning she would reveal his secrets.  

The woman claimed Mitch sacrificed his own career to support Yachty and said her relationship with him suffered because he was always in meetings with the rapper. She also accused Lil Yachty of holding Mitch back, using him and blocking other opportunities.  

Furthermore, she claimed the podcast would be “nothing” without Mitch, adding that nobody tunes in for the rapper. Then she made a bold claim, insisting she was responsible for their success. 

“Let’s really get into the tea. People really watch that s### cuz of me,” she said, referring to the podcast going viral after Yachty called out Mitch for having a sexual relationship with his cousin. “You brought that s### up because you wanted to try to f###### clown and humiliate that n####,” she added. “And yeah that s### is about me.” 

Yachty fired back, claiming Mitch would lie to her “just to get away from you,” and the endless meetings didn’t exist.  

“Stop playing with me ho,” he yelled, becoming irate. “You was really a b#### that he just used to use to sleep at your f##### house ho.” 

He added, “If you got some dirt bring it to the muthafuckin light ho. So we can really tell everything how it is.” 

After all the drama, Mitch finally provided the clarification Yachty had requested and said their conversation was “taken out of context.” 

While Lil Yachty said the podcast was over, Mitch apparently missed the memo. “The next podcast will be epic,” he wrote. “ion even think we need a guest this time lol.. see ya around (insert think piece below).” 

X/Mitch