Tory Lanez is at the center of a growing movement calling for his release from prison.
A Change.org petition started by the Caldwell Institute is demanding a pardon from California Governor Gavin Newsom has surged past 250,000 signatures in just two days, fueled by Drake and other celebrity endorsements, amidst new claims of exonerating evidence.
Attorneys from Unite the People, a nonprofit legal group representing Lanez, said during a press conference Tuesday (May 14) that they have fresh testimony that could clear him in the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion.
The group alleges the trial was marred by prosecutorial misconduct and politically driven sentencing.
A statement from Bradley James, a former security guard for Megan’s ex-friend Kelsey Harris. James claimed Harris confessed to firing the gun that injured Megan.
He said Lanez only intervened by swatting the weapon, which led to two unintended shots.
Tory Lanez’s legal team also pointed to earlier testimony from eyewitness Sean Kelly, who described a similar version of events.
The petition, now the top trending campaign on Change.org globally, argues Lanez was convicted with insufficient evidence and calls for his 10-year sentence to be reduced or overturned.
“Among the newly presented claims, Lanez’s legal team cites a sworn affidavit from a bodyguard stating that Harris allegedly admitted to firing the gun into the air before Lanez intervened,” the petition reads. “Additionally, an independent eyewitness—a neighbor with no connection to any party—testified that he saw two women fighting and that the shots came from the passenger side of the vehicle, where Harris was seated. Yet again, only Tory’s DNA was tested against the magazine.”
The renewed attention comes just days after Lanez was stabbed 14 times in prison. He is currently recovering from the attack, according to his representatives.
Despite the growing support, Megan’s attorney has maintained that “Lanez was convicted by a jury and the case is closed.”
Safaree Samuels drew intense backlash this week after posting a crude comment about Cassie in the wake of her harrowing four-day testimony in the federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial of Diddy.
The “Love & Hip Hop” reality star and rapper weighed in on social media with remarks many called tone-deaf and disrespectful, given the disturbing nature of Cassie’s allegations.
“If I was Cassie husband I wouldn’t care bout nothing she saying either because it was all b4 me.. I would just know I need to turn my freak up a million knotches,” Safaree Samuels wrote on X.
If I was Cassie husband I wouldn’t care bout nothing she saying either because it was all b4 me.. I would just know I need to turn my freak up a million knotches 😂😂😂
The comment prompted swift condemnation from users who accused him of trivializing trauma.
“Having a daughter and making this comment is truly vile,” one user fumed while another wrote: “u haven’t said something smart in over a decade.”
Cassie, born Casandra Ventura, testified that Combs forced her into drug-fueled group sex sessions with male escorts, coerced her into degrading acts, and used explicit videos to control her.
An escort urinated in her mouth on Combs’ orders while he watched, she told the court. Ventura also described being pushed into a pool of baby oil for his sexual gratification and said she was made to fake enthusiasm during unwanted encounters.
Samuels continued with another post: “If I was Cassie I’d take that money leave America and live a peaceful life on an island where nobody would know me! 10 mill can last a lifetime if you live normal!”
Critics called the comment dismissive of the trauma Cassie endured, especially after she testified about being drugged, developing an opioid addiction, and fearing for her safety.
She also said Combs threatened to release sex tapes to blackmail her.
The 55-year-old Hip-Hop mogul has pleaded not guilty to multiple federal charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering and transporting individuals for prostitution.
The trial, which began earlier this week, has already drawn national attention due to the graphic and disturbing nature of the testimony.
Samuels, best known for his appearances on Love & Hip Hop and his past relationship with Nicki Minaj, added one more comment that fueled the outrage: “This diddy trial made me realize I’m not a freak.. I’m an angel … Damnn.”
The trial continues this week in federal court, with more witnesses expected to testify, including Cassie’s mother and former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard.
Joey Bada$$ Files “TDEast” Copyright as Tensions with TDE’s Ray Vaughn and Daylyt Escalate
THe Brooklyn-bred MC has apparently filed a copyright application for the name “TDEast!” This is an odd but calculated move that appears to troll Top Dawg Entertainment. He’s been going back-and-forth with TDE’s own Ray Vaughn and battle lord Daylyt. This is getting interesting.
While most rap battles stay in the booth, Joey’s decision to plant a legal flag with “TDEast” has taken the battle in a new direction. For those that remember, the name evokes Death Row East, the infamous Suge Knight expansion plan to set up shop on the East Coast during the height of the ‘90s East Coast vs. West Coast tensions. But that was not this. Joey used the term in a recent diss but few expected him to double down. To my knowledge, TDE was not setting up an East Coast operation. They already have Doechii.
By the way, an old interview, DMC talked to us about Death Row East.
Is this clever trolling or does he plan to do something bigger?
Ray Vaughn hasn’t backed down. He’s fully engaged and seems more than ready to spar with Joey bar for bar. Daylyt has taken a more cryptic approach. He has taken to posting shots from IG. Without a caption, he posted a picture of Capital Steez. Heads remember Steez committed suicide on December 23, 2012 at the age of 19. He jumped from the roof of the Cinematic Music Group. Is this crossing a line? Maybe not yet. This can turn into something far more personal.
It’s worth noting that Kendrick Lamar, the former crown jewel of TDE, has stayed silent. He’s touring with SZA and may not even know this is happening. But with Joey trying to bait the West Coast camp with paperwork and punchlines, the temperature is rising. I doubt Dot gets into any of this.
I’m a bit concerned beef and battle lines are getting too blurred. TDE’s founder Top Dawg is a respected figure, who generally stays out of rap skirmishes. That’s a bear we shouldn’t poke. All the rappers feel this will stay on “wax.”
We have arrived at the time where bark meets bite.
Tiffany Haddish revealed she’s still dating several people at once and even cut one off for letting her nap through a horror flick during a recent appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers.
The Girls Trip actress and comedian didn’t hold back when discussing her current love life, saying, “I’m still dating multiple people, but new multiple people. But one or two from the old roster transferred over to the new roster.”
She added, “There’s a couple holdovers. I’m running a team here.”
Haddish, who was married to William Stewart from 2008 to 2013 and later dated Common from 2020 to 2021, said she’s now managing her dating life like a coach with a deep bench.
But not every player makes the cut. She recalled dropping one man from her lineup after he let her sleep through the horror movie Sinners.
“I was like, ‘What happened?! What’s going on?!’ I was like, ‘Why didn’t you wake me up?!'” she said. “He was like, ‘You were so peaceful and you were snoring; I didn’t wanna disturb you.’ And I was like, ‘Oh, okay.’ I had to cut him off the roster.”
Haddish also laid out her dating preferences, especially when it comes to movie nights.
“I do love going to the movies, but I can only do movies, like, in the daytime. And it gotta be an exciting movie,” she said. “If we’re watching a 9 o’clock show, just know that I’ll probably be asleep by like 9:45. And I snore, and that’s a problem, especially if I sleep sitting up. Like, my mouth opens.”
Lizzo revealed her long-standing connection with Myke Wright and how their decade-long friendship evolved into romance during an appearance on the Therapuss with Jake Shane podcast.
The Grammy-winning singer, born Melissa Jefferson, opened up about their history, saying they first met while working on MTV’s Wonderland nearly ten years ago.
“We both worked on this one TV show, (Wonderland), for MTV. I was the music girl, he was the comedy guy,” she said. “I was just like, ‘He’s my best friend.’ I didn’t have any guy friends like that – well, I did because you know I’m in the music industry. But I was like, ‘Wow, I can really talk to him.'”
Lizzo described their connection as a “friends-to-lovers trope” and said the bond they built over the years laid the foundation for their romantic relationship, which began around 2022.
“I do love that we were friends first, so that means we can talk about anything,” she said.
Podcast host Jake Shane responded, “He’s your best friend,” to which Lizzo replied, “Literally.”
The Juice artist previously told The Howard Stern Show in December 2022 that she sees a future with Wright. “There’s nobody else I’m going to be with for the rest of my life,” she said.
Lizzo is preparing to release her fifth studio album, Love in Real Life, later this year.
Diddy’s sex trafficking trial got underway on Monday (May 12) with his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura taking the witness stand.
After Ventura’s testimony ended on Friday (May 16), prosecutors entered hundreds of text messages between Ventura and Diddy into public evidence, many of which painted a drastically different picture than what Ventura described during the trial.
One message from Ventura to Diddy in 2009 reads, “I can’t wait to stare at some b######## d###,” while another says, “I can’t wait to have my legs curled back behind my head to feel some d### tease my p###y raw.”
Another says, “I’m always ready to freak-off, it can be whenever,” suggesting she was complicit in the drug-fueled sex parties. In another, which Diddy’s defense attorney Anna Estevao read aloud, Ventura told Diddy, “I feel protected, you are sweet.”
Cassie Ventura’s testimony lasted for multiple days in which she recounted some of the most traumatic experiences she alleges occurred during their 10-year relationship. Her accusations against Diddy include assault, coercion and other forms of abuse, much of which she previously detailed in her 2023 lawsuit.
During the proceedings, Ventura read aloud several text messages exchanged with Diddy. They span 162 pages of court documents, ranging from affectionate and lighthearted exchanges to explicit descriptions of sexual encounters and arguments.
Ventura released a statement through her attorney following the end of her testimony.
“This week has been extremely challenging, but also remarkably empowering and healing for me. I hope that my testimony has given strength and a voice to other survivors, and can help others who have suffered to speak up and also heal from the abuse and fear.
“For me, the more I heal, the more I can remember. And the more I can remember, the more I will never forget. I want to thank my family and my advocates for their unwavering support, and I’m grateful for all the kindness and encouragement that I have received.” Cassie concluded by requesting privacy as she prepares to welcome her third child with her husband, Alex Fine.”
Wack 100 connected Tory Lanez getting stabbed in prison to fresh claims that Kelsey Harris was the one who shot Megan Thee Stallion, suggesting the attack on Lanez was no random act but a targeted hit tied to the new allegations.
The music executive shared his thoughts in an Instagram video posted earlier this week.
“I told all y’all, close to a year ago,” Wack said. “Tory didn’t shoot that girl.”
He pointed to the timing of new claims from Harris’ former bodyguard, who reportedly claimed Harris fired the gun—not Lanez.
Wack 100 Questions Timing Of Tory Lanez Prison Attack
Wack 100 suggested the stabbing came just one day after that evidence was submitted.
“Then the day after, they go submit the new evidence of the security guard saying he witnessed who pulled the trigger, Tory get hit 14 times,” he said.
Lanez was attacked early Monday morning (May 12) at California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi.
According to prison officials, the 31-year-old was stabbed 14 times in the back, torso, head and face. Both of his lungs collapsed from the wounds.
The alleged assailant, 41-year-old Santino Casio—also known as Sabino Casio—is a convicted murderer with a violent prison record. He’s now in restricted housing while the incident is under investigation.
Wack 100 implied the attack was orchestrated. “Somebody sent that at him,” he said. He also dismissed rumors that Lanez was stabbed over a personal dispute involving another inmate’s wife. Instead, he painted a picture of Lanez as a peaceful figure behind bars.
“He ain’t side with no Crips, with no Bloods,” Wack said. “He went in there being Tory Lanez, tending to his business. Found a way to help the people on the yard that could never get no help. Nah man, Y’all got to pay this some attention.”
He claimed to speak with Lanez often and said the artist has been focused on helping others and staying out of trouble, especially with an appeal still pending.
Lanez’s team shared a message via Instagram following the attack: “Despite enduring pain, he is speaking normally, feeling positive, and extremely grateful to God for his recovery.”
Aubrey O’Day addressed speculation surrounding her involvement in Diddy’s ongoing criminal trial in New York by confirming she will not be taking the witness stand, despite being contacted by federal authorities.
“I’m not here to testify for the Diddy trial that I know of,” O’Day said. “I was contacted by Homeland Security and I did have a meeting with Homeland Security.”
Her comments followed a wave of online speculation after she posted a video from New York earlier in the week.
In the Instagram clip, she teased her location with the caption, “Hey New York!!! Where y’all think I should head first?” alongside a scale emoji, often linked to justice.
O’Day later explained the post, saying, “I posted on my Instagram that I was here in New York because I want to make it clear to everyone that I am not here testifying.”
O’Day’s remarks came just hours after her former bandmate Dawn Richard testified in court Friday (May 17), alleging she saw Combs physically attack his then-girlfriend Cassie in 2009.
Richard had previously made the same accusation in a lawsuit filed last year, in which she also accused Combs of sexual abuse, claims his legal team denied at the time.
The 55-year-old Hip-Hop mogul is currently facing federal charges including sex trafficking, racketeering and transporting individuals for prostitution.
NLE Choppa and his mother just had a moment, but it’s not as dramatic as the headline. This is destiny. The Memphis rapper’s mother, Angela Potts aka Momma Choppa, has long served as his manager and guardian angel in this treacherous industry. She’s a good person. But it seems she has gracefully exited stage left from the manager role, on her own terms. Before I continue, I went back to get the post and embed it on the site…but it is GONE. My screen shot game is DUMB so I have it but will not repost it out of respect. But walk with me to understand what she said exactly.
No drama. No smoke. She did not say “I quit” and she did not say NLE’s name. “I’ve done my part, and now it’s his time,” is the energy she was giving.
If you’ve ever watched a rocket launch, you will see how I felt about this. The boosters do their job, pushing the ship into orbit, and then they fall away once the job is done. Momma Choppa, it seems, was one of those boosters. This feels like an act of love. Let’s keep it a buck: managing an emerging Hip-Hop star, spiritual influencer, actor, and teenaged tornado is a lot. Running behind a rapper all day? She probably needs a nap and a vacation. HA!
Recently, NLE Choppa has been leveling up and not just musically. Holistically! He’s acting. He’s healing. He’s growing. We salute it all! That said, her IG bio still says the following: “Artist Manager of Nle Choppa, Accountant, Business Consulting, Notary, Real Estate Investor. Team Choppa.”
She probably felt a way for a second and changed her mind. We’ll definitely keep our eyes peeled for any changes!
Jim Jones challenged Styles P to a Verzuz battle after The Lox MC claimed Capo could never take him on.
Styles P went off after a host on the “No Funny S###” podcast suggested that Jim Jones could take him in a Verzuz clash, dismissing the idea outright.
“Me and Jim ain’t in the same league,” he began. “Me and Jim don’t do the same things. I am a bar master. I am a lyrical technician.”
He continued, making it crystal clear that, in his eyes, the comparison doesn’t even make sense.
While he acknowledged that “Hip-Hop is about you connecting with music that connects with you,” he didn’t mince words in his rebuttal: “I know you’re f###### wrong.”
The Yonkers rapper emphasized that his focus has always been on depth and substance in his raps.
“I’m not here to make catchy hooks,” he added. “I don’t knock that. I’m trying to say some s### that’s gone make your soul move. That’s what I’m into.”
Styles explained that his bars are built to last, not just trend. “So when I say a verse, if it resonates with you it’s going to be some s### you may catch 10 years later down the line.”
Despite the strong words, Styles clarified there’s no personal beef.
“I have the utmost respect for Jim, for how he built his career,” he said. “I love Jim. That’s like my bro, but I think to compare us is an unfair comparison. I ain’t never answer it and not to disrespect Jim, but that’s disrespectful to me and my catalog.”
Jim Jones fired back on Instagram, calling out Styles P for a Verzuz battle.
“Now go listen to th song we did on lobby boy Album we recorded it at the same time in th studio together,” he began. “Since we talkin bars let’s juts do a versus ep something for th people to listen to n judge.”
Jones added, “I’m not scared of no competition on any level im here to level th playin field. If we talkin bars let’s go.”
Alex Fine and Cassie Ventura are trending again. This time, it’s all about courtroom chaos and their marriage allegedly cracking under pressure. This Diddy saga might be impacting their home, if the rumors are correct.
Earlier this week, Fine reportedly stormed out of the courtroom. And witnesses claim he looked visibly shaken and furious. Like people in the court said he’s seething mad. One insider said he bolted out like he couldn’t take it anymore just Thursday (May 15). Another source said he was “looking at Diddy too hard” and was removed from the court. Let that sink in.
Cassie Ventura settled with Diddy last year for a reported $20 millionover deeply disturbing allegations of abuse, control and sexual trauma spanning nearly a decade. The court documents were graphic, disgusting and painful. But now that the public is seeing and hearing the gritty details unfold, it’s hitting differently. Especially if you’re the man now married to that survivor. I would love a look into his mind for 30 seconds.
Reports say Fine had been sending angry, even threatening messages in the past, and has stared down Diddy with an intensity of somebody who wants to beat some a##. Some see it as loyalty and protective energy, but this is the past. There’s nothing to protect now. Others say this could be misdirected rage. There is already divorce chatter. Not so fast…
One person commented in my DM, “Ain’t no way he’s leaving her after that $20 million bag.” Funny? Not sure. I think it is time to read the room. Rumors say, the emotional weight of this trial is shaking their foundation. By the way, Cassie Ventura is eight months pregnant. There are kids, a new baby on the way and a marriage under very public stress.
Alex Fine had to have known much of this history before. But it’s different when the whole world knows, too. Any normal person would feel judged, embarrassed or maybe just angry. Online chickens and bozos have turned their criticism on Cassie Ventura, and it reeks of misogyny and blame-shifting. We were not there, but she lived it.
So, where do things stand? We don’t know yet. I have seen some positive stories, but they are as speculative as this one. Hoping the best for Cassie Ventura, her unborn baby and family.
Cassie Ventura’s husband, Alex Fine, issued a statement after his wife took the stand over four days during Diddy’s racketeering and sex trafficking trial.
During her testimony, Ventura revealed debauchery that shocked everyone, including those closely following the case. The singer told prosecutors she had been beaten, kicked, stomped, urinated on and raped.
Upon cross-examination, Ventura admitted that she loved Diddy, participated in consensual sex and willingly procured and took drugs.
Her husband, Alex Fine, released a statement, commending her for her resilience after listening to four days of graphic and painful testimony.
“I did not save Cassie, as some have said. To say that is an insult to the years of painful work my wife has done to save herself. Cassie saved Cassie. She alone broke free from abuse, coercion, violence and threats,” he wrote.
Fine then addressed Diddy directly.
“So, to him and all of those who helped him along the way, please know this: You did not. You did not break her spirit nor her smile that lights up every room. You did not break the soul of a mother who gives the best hugs and plays the silliest games with our little girls. You did not break the woman who has made me a better man.”
Cassie and Fine married in 2019 and share two daughters, with a third child due within the next few weeks.
“This week has been extremely challenging, but also remarkably empowering and healing for me. I hope that my testimony has given strength and a voice to other survivors, and can help others who have suffered to speak up and also heal from abuse and fear,” Cassie said.
Cassie, 38, who is eight months pregnant, added, “I am glad to put this chapter of my life to rest as I turn to focus on the conclusion of my pregnancy, I ask for privacy for me and for my growing family.”
Diddy, who has denied all allegations, is currently facing charges including racketeering, sex trafficking and transporting individuals for prostitution.
Snoop Dogg’s new album is making noise, but he gave Suge Knight a perfect chance to make headlines.
Snoop, who now owns Death Row Records, took direct lyrical shots at the label’s infamous co-founder. The verbal jabs had Snoop stating that he “owns everything that Suge ever had.” BURN. This is the takeover JAY-Z rapped about.
But Suge Knight, a big jailbird, didn’t stay silent.
Bro is currently serving a 28-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter. He’s not even eligible for release until he’s 69. That is not a good look. Suge had the time, tech and nerve to fire back. He released a jailhouse statement aimed squarely at Snoop with a few jokes in there.
Snoop Dogg is beyond out and about and living his best life. Whether it’s courtside at Lakers games or hanging at industry parties, he appears to be moving freely. If there’s security, it’s subtle. Suge is reportedly in protective custody in prison, and didn’t deny Snoop’s claims. Given his notoriety, that’s the way it is for Suge.
Suge Knight jokes at Snoop’s freedom, but he’s in a cell. Once the feared shot-caller, he’s now making diss statements from a tablet. This beef is beyond well-done.
Interestingly, AllHipHop once conducted an interview with Suge Knight. It spiraled quickly. Knighty demanded the video be taken down, because he was actively working to get out of prison. But now that he’s clearly not getting out anytime soon, I’m letting the footage breathe.
Diddy is trying to shut down Dawn Richard’s $3.5 million civil lawsuit just as she prepares to return to the stand in his federal racketeering and sex trafficking trial.
In a motion filed ahead of Richard’s testimony, which began Friday (May 16) and is expected to continue Monday (May 19), Diddy and his legal team asked a New York judge to toss her lawsuit entirely.
His attorneys argue that Richard’s claims—ranging from sexual assault to forced labor—are legally stale and lack the necessary detail to move forward.
“Dawn Richard seeks to transform narratives of alleged injuries against others into a headline-grabbing sex trafficking conspiracy as to her,” Diddy’s attorney Erica A. Wolff wrote in the filing. “But [Richard] does not claim she engaged in sex with anyone, much less that she was trafficked or compelled to do so.”
Diddy’s lawyers contend that most of Richard’s allegations are barred by New York’s statute of limitations and that she’s attempting to revive old claims under laws that don’t apply to her situation.
They also say she signed contracts, preventing her from suing over some of the issues she raised.
“However challenging her career path may have been, there is no legal basis to hold every music industry player whose path she crossed liable to her for it,” Wolff added. “The allegations in the FAC fail to allege any timely and cognizable injuries as to Richard.”
Richard, a former member of Danity Kane, filed the lawsuit in September 2024, accusing Diddy of nearly a decade of sexual and physical abuse.
She claims he groped her, slapped her, and held business meetings in his underwear. Richard also alleges he deprived her of food and sleep during recording sessions, leading to health issues including anemia and joint pain.
The suit also accuses Diddy of withholding payments, with Richard seeking $3.5 million in unpaid wages and royalties.
The lawsuit further alleges that Combs hosted parties where intoxicated underage girls were sexually exploited and that Richard saw him and others using illegal drugs and engaging in sexual acts with minors.
Diddy’s legal team denies all allegations and accuses Richard of using the lawsuit to promote her music and media appearances.
The first week of the Diddy trial wrapped up on Friday (May 16) and it was, simply put, a lot.
According to Inner City Press journalist Matthew Russell Lee, testimony included allegations from special agent Yasin Binda, one of the special agents who arrested the Bad Boy Records mogul in September 2024.
Binda testified police found drugs, baby oil and various lubricants in Diddy’s hotel room at the time of his arrest. Specifically, authorities reportedly discovered bags of Astroglide lubricant and baby oil in a closet, along with additional lubricant bottles on a nightstand and in the bathroom.
Police also allegedly recovered a bottle of Klonopin labeled with the name “Frank Black” in a luxury bag, as well as ketamine and MDMA in the nightstand. Jurors were shown photos of the hotel room and these items and, at one point, they reportedly passed around a bag of pink drugs for inspection. The revelations follow previous reports linking Diddy to drug and lubricant use amid the ongoing scandal.
The steady stream of courtroom updates has also led to the spread of misinformation about the trial. For example, Lee publicly refuted a fabricated post claiming Cassie Ventura told Nicki Minaj about Diddy’s alleged abuse that Minaj dismissed. Lee clarified that this was not how Minaj’s name came up in the proceedings and confirmed the post was false.
Regarding witness testimony, Danity Kane singer Dawn Richard stated she witnessed Diddy allegedly abusing Cassie Ventura on multiple occasions. She described one particularly violent incident from 2009, after which Diddy allegedly threatened her to remain silent.
The case continues to raise numerous questions, with uncertainty around future witnesses and what additional evidence may be introduced. As of now, the trial remains in a state of anticipation, with observers waiting to see if special agent Binda will return to the stand.
British jazz/Hip-Hop outfit Us3 landed a Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hit in the early ’90s with the release of “Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia),” the lead single from Us3’s debut, Hand on the Torch (1993). The song, which included a rich sample of Herbie Hancock’s 1964 single “Cantaloupe Island,” was ultimately certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Us3’s sophomore album, 52nd & Broadway, arrived in 1997, and was the last one to chart. Almost as quickly as Us3 ascended into pop culture consciousness, they seemed to disappear. Now, for the first time in more than a decade, Us3 has returned with a new single and video called “What Have We Done?” It marks a taste of the upcoming album, Soundtrack, which is scheduled to arrive on August 22.
As the title of the song suggests, frontman/producer Geoff Wilkinson is baffled by the state of the world, pointing out nature has “often been the victim” of both industrialization and post-industrialization.The track was strongly inspired by the Philip Glass-scored documentary Koyaanisqatsi, an 86 minute-long film featuring no narration—just nature and human’s technological innovation and its consequent threat posed to it.
“When I moved to London in my early 20’s, the first movie I went to see was Koyaanisqatsi,” Wilkinson tells AllHipHop. “I watched it one afternoon in a cinema in the centre of London and came out in the middle of rush hour. It was as if I was in the movie. I wanted the video for ‘What Have We Done?’ to reflect my feelings after watching the movie.”
Much like the film, “What Have We Done?” is devoid of lyrics. Using hi-hat patterns borrowed from Atlanta Trap music, the orchestral instrumentation is intended to spark a feeling of uncertainty and lack of balance sprinkled with glimpses of hope. The arrangements are provided by longtime Us3 collaborator and keyboardist Mike Gorman.
It’s been a long, arduous road for Wilkinson. In early 2014, he suffered a massive heart attack and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors needed to shock him multiple times and insert two stents and a defibrillator to keep him alive. Here, a man who didn’t smoke, eat red meat, do drugs and was in every low-risk category possible nearly dropped dead.
He later found out his father’s side had a history of bad tickers, so he chalked it up to genetics. He also noted the stress of releasing six albums independently in the previous 10 years without a label or manager “clearly didn’t help.” It was then he decided to give up music. But somewhere along the way, his spirit reawakened and he felt compelled to write music again. He had a studio built in his backyard and taught himself Logic.
“It’s great to be back after such a long time,” he says. “I’ve updated the sound to reflect a 21st century take on the fusion of jazz and Hip-Hop by mixing trap beats with an 18-piece horn section. It may sound different but the spirit is the same.”
“What Have We Done?” is currently available on all streaming platforms. Watch the video above and learn more about Wilkinson’s story below.
50 Cent wasted no time weighing in on Sean “Diddy” Combs and the explosive testimony from singer Cassie, calling out the embattled mogul after courtroom proceedings in the disgraced mogul’s sex trafficking case.
“After listening to today’s testimony, I think the diddler should have took the plea offer,” 50 Cent wrote on Instagram. “The s**t they are saying is beyond me, so what do ya think?”
The G-Unit founder’s post came after Cassie’s cross-examination, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battle.
Combs reportedly declined a plea deal that would have reduced his sentence ahead of jury selection.
This isn’t the first time 50 Cent has taken aim at his longtime rival. Just last week, he posted a digitally altered image of himself as a juror in the trial, joking, “Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs jury selection for trial is finally complete.”
He added, “I’m not sure if this is fair but don’t worry, be happy!”
Diddy’s trial continues next week. Dawn Richard and Cassie’s mother are due on the stand.
50 Cent has long wielded his sharp wit to lampoon Diddy.
In 2006, he released the diss track “The Bomb,” insinuating Diddy’s knowledge of The Notorious B.I.G.’s murder—a claim Diddy has consistently denied.
Their feud intensified over competing vodka brands, with 50 Cent deriding Diddy’s Ciroc as inferior to his own Effen Vodka, suggesting it led to headaches due to its grape base.
In a 2018 interview, 50 Cent recounted an uncomfortable encounter where Diddy offered to take him shopping, a gesture he found inappropriate.
More recently, amid Diddy’s legal troubles, 50 Cent mocked the discovery of over 1,000 bottles of baby oil in Diddy’s homes.
Most recently, he posted AI-generated images of Diddy in a baby oil-filled pool and another image of a fountain statue to mock the disgraced mogul.
The world got a strange and funky gift from two icons of completely different worlds in 1988—funk lord Rick James and Roxanne Shanté, the teenage battle rapper from Queensbridge. Their collaboration was “Loosey’s Rap.” It was unexpected rebellion. But behind that unlikely pairing was a story far more explosive and suggestive. First, there is the relatively unknown saga of a 16-year-old girl living with Rick James for six months. Then there is the “Soul Train” shut down by Don Cornelius, the legendary host of the show. And, then there are the quiet, daily negotiations young Black woman contend with in a predatory industry.
“I was only 16 years old when I lived with Rick James,” Shanté told DJ Thoro and me in a exclusive interview for AllHipHop. “We recorded for two days. The rest of the six months? I was just there.”
Released in 1988, “Loosey’s Rap” was the lead single off Rick James’ Wonderful album. The track stood out, because of Shanté’s powerful presence. She rapped hard and somewhat explicitly. At the time, Hip-Hop was still fighting for legitimacy, even though ’88 is widely regarded as a game-changing year. Nevertheless, women in rap were expected to be background players. Roxanne Shanté came in spitting venom with confidence.
The record hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart (now Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs), making it Rick James’ final chart-topping single. For Shanté, it was another milestone in a career that began at 14, in the shadow of New York’s Queensbridge Houses, freestyling in answer to UTFO’s “Roxanne, Roxanne.” That infamous “Roxanne Wars” battle birthed nearly 100 answer records—but none hit like Shanté’s.
Rick James, “17,” and the Troubling Parallels
The context around “Loosey’s Rap” gets even more complicated when considering Rick James’ 1984 track, “17.” In that song, he sings explicitly about his attraction to a 17-year-old girl:
“She’s only seventeen / But she’s sexy and she’s fine.”
The lyrics were controversial even then. Now that we have evolved, we have deeper, open conversations around power, age, and exploitation. In music, it has become more necessary.
Shanté says she was just a kid trying to break into the business. She didn’t understand the full implications of living with someone like Rick James. “Who sends a 16-year-old to live with Rick James?” she asked, not bitter, but aware. He did not say that anything inappropriate happened between them, but she also knows this was not right.
This wasn’t tabloid fodder. This was systemic and, most times, unspoken. This was a reflection of an industry that too often discarded its young, especially young Black women.
Coming Up In Queensbridge
Born L##### Shanté Gooden, Roxanne Shanté grew up in one of the most storied housing projects in Hip-Hop history: Queensbridge Houses in New York City. QB is the largest housing projects in America with 96 buildings and 3142 units and over 7000 people. Long before Illmatic, long before Mobb Deep, it was Roxanne who put Queensbridge on the map. But her story wasn’t all glory. A Netflix movie on her life was true her experience, but did not tell the whole story for a reason.
“I was there every day to make sure everything was absolutely accurate. she said. “In fact, we actually toned my life down. We weren’t sure if the world was really ready to hear the real stories, so we gave them bits and pieces. Nothing was embellished. I wanted moms to ask themselves, ‘Am I putting too much pressure on my oldest child? Is she getting a chance to actually be a kid?’”
Shanté was often burdened with adult responsibilities as a child. She endured abuse, poverty, and betrayal. Somehow, through it all, she managed to rise as one of the fiercest voices of rap’s golden age. The Netflix biopic “Roxanne Roxanne”, which premiered in 2017, gave viewers a glimpse into that life.
She explained. “We didn’t want to re-traumatize. We wanted to uplift.”
Protecting the Next Generation
When casting Roxanne Roxanne, Shanté made sure the actress who played her—Chanté Adams—was protected. “No nude scenes. Nothing exploitative. I didn’t want her to feel like she had to sacrifice something to make it in this business.”
Adams went on to star in A Journal for Jordan opposite Denzel Washington and continues to thrive as a rising actress in Hollywood. Shanté’s OG move is rare, but necessary.
“I know what it’s like to be young, Black, and unseen,” she said. “So I see them.”
Legacy And Lessons
So, what did she learn? I circled back and texted her about this, as it was not addressed in our original interview. Here is exactly what she said.
“I learned that the industry is ruled by emotion. It’s not just business like everyone says. If someone is jealous of someone . And the jealous person is in a higher position they will use fame or the promise of fame to destroy the other. They will hold them back or worse they will give them drugs it’s all about control. So never keep getting high with someone that says they are finished. They are only feeding it to you.”
Antonio Brown discharged a firearm into the air Thursday (May 16) during a chaotic moment at Adin Ross’s “Brand Risk” boxing event in Miami.
The altercation reportedly began when a group of unidentified men confronted Brown and attempted to snatch his jewelry. In response, Brown fought back before pulling out the weapon and firing into the air, possibly to scare off the attackers
“I was jumped by multiple individuals who tried to steal my jewelry and cause physical harm to me,” Antonio Brown said.
The crowd scattered as screams echoed through the venue. No injuries were reported. Brown was briefly detained by police at the scene but later clarified on social media that he had not been arrested.
“Contrary to some video circulating, Police temporarily detained me until they received my side of the story and then released me. I WENT HOME THAT NIGHT AND WAS NOT ARRESTED,” Antonio Brown clarified.
Regarding the boxing event that happened last night. I was jumped by multiple individuals who tried to steal my jewelry and cause physical harm to me. Contrary to some video circulating, Police temporarily detained me until they received my side of the story and then released me.…
Joe Rogan raised eyebrows after weighing in on Kanye West’s banned “Heil Hitler” track during a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, calling the controversial song “kind of catchy” while questioning whether pulling it from streaming platforms only fuels its reach.
Rogan said he believes West is intentionally trying to get people to repeat the phrase “Heil Hitler,” adding, “I think it’s part of the program.”
He quickly clarified he doesn’t support the message itself. “I don’t think it’s a good thing to say,” he said, while condemning both racism and antisemitism.
“But there’s a benefit to just letting people talk,” Rogan continued. “But this is also the bad part. It’s like the f###### song has so many millions of his hits on Twitter, it’s been banned from every platform. But is it good to ban things from platforms, or is it better to let it be out there and let people talk about it?”
The podcast host argued that censorship might backfire, saying, “Because if you ban it, then people want to hear it more, and then it becomes more popular, and then it kind of supports what he says, which is that there’s this concerted effort, if you talk about Jewish people, that they’re gonna remove you from everything… Which is what he’s saying. They run everything.”
Rogan also pointed to what he sees as a double standard in comedy and public discourse. He referenced comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s remarks at a MAGA rally.
“Yeah, he’s doing great,” Rogan said. “There’s certain people that you’re allowed to pick on and make jokes about or mock or say something, and you can get away with it.”
Joe Rogan Reacts To Kanye West’s Latest Offering
West reposted the clip on X (Twitter0 on Wednesday (May 14). “We have to be able to talk through things,” he wrote. “To at least express ourselves.”
The song in question, “Heil Hitler,” was removed from major streaming platforms on May 8, just hours after its release.
The track includes repeated use of the phrase “Heil Hitler” and reportedly ends with a sample of an Adolf Hitler speech. The accompanying video, posted directly to West’s X page, features imagery that aligns with his past antisemitic remarks.
The song’s removal drew criticism from West, who accused the music industry of censorship and racial discrimination.
The track’s release ignited widespread condemnation from advocacy groups and listeners alike, many of whom labeled the lyrics antisemitic and offensive.
