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EXCLUSIVE: Diddy Makes Power Move Against Dawn Richard Days Before Testimony

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Exclusives

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.

She says he manipulated her into thinking compliance with his demands was necessary for her career and retaliated when she pushed back. Richard also claims she witnessed Diddy physically assault Cassie Ventura when he hit her on the head with a skillet filled with eggs.

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.

Diddy Trial: 2024 Arresting Officer Testifies He Had Drugs, Lube & Baby Oil In Hotel Room

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

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.

One Heart Attack & Over 10 Years Later, Geoff Wilkinson Is Back With New Us3 Single

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: Exclusives

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 Offers Legal Advice To Diddy After Cassie Ventura Testimony

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

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.

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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.

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What Roxanne Shanté Learned Living With Rick James For Six Months At 16 Years Old

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur)Category: Exclusives

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.”

Let that sink in.

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The Making of “Loosey’s Rap”

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.”

WATCH: Antonio Brown Busts Off Shots During Chain Snatching Attempt

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

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.

Brown has since said he is weighing legal action against those involved.

“I will be talking to my legal council [sic] and attorneys on pressing charges on the individuals that jumped me,” he said.

Miami police have not issued a public statement or confirmed any arrests related to the incident


Kanye West’s Banned Track Sparks Joe Rogan Censorship Debate

By: London JennnCategory: News

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.

SIGNS: Trump Officials Start Talks With Reality TV Producer For Immigrants To Compete For Citizenship

By: Houston WilliamsCategory: Rumors

So here’s something straight out of reality TTV, and no, it’s not a parody. Trump’s Department of Homeland Security is reportedly considering a pitch for a reality show where immigrants would compete for U.S. citizenship. Yep, you read that right. The details are still pretty fuzzy, but even the thought is crazy.

According to DHS, the idea is still very early in the “vetting process,” meaning it’s far from official. The pitch came from reality TV producer Rob Worsoff, known for shows like Duck Dynasty. He’s actually been floating this concept for a while now, and it now has Trump and them’s ear. They apparently tried it with Obama and Biden, but that failed. The Trump team reportedly gave the concept some encouraging feedback. WOW.

Immigrants would go head-to-head in challenges that test their knowledge about American history, civics, and culture. Unbelievable. Most Americans would be deported if they were in this foolishness. Worsoff insists it’s not a “Hunger Games” for hopeful U.S. citizens. “This isn’t, ‘Lose and you get shipped out,’” he told The Wall Street Journal. I am screaming CAP and BS. This would shine a light on people and be a one way deportation vehicle!

The Daily Mail reported that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was backing the show, but Worsoff says he’s never even spoken to her. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said they get a ton of these, but would not confirm that this was getting a serious look.

Trump’s immigration policies are under fire – now this? Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a legal immigrant, was mistakenly deported – and is still stuck in El Salvador.

We do not need “America’s Next Top Citizen” – not now, not ever!

Adin Ross Gets His Cheeks Clapped For Dissing Doechii & Megan Thee Stallion

By: IllseedCategory: Rumors

Adin Ross Gets Dragged by His Own Mouth—And His Bag Pays the Price

Adin Ross and his mouth are at it again, but this time, the consequences are financial. Good! During a livestream with Akademiks, the corny content creator revealed he lost two brand deals after goign at Megan Thee Stallion and Doechii. What a clown! If clout-chasing was a professional sport, he’d be LeBron James.

He recently admitted that he lost a pair of pricey deals. Adin, you talk slick you get dealt with! No, that does not make sense, but if you know Hip-Hop you know I am quoting somebody. There is a bit of history to this whole thing.

In ’20, Adin decided to poke fun at the Tory Lanez shooting incident involving Megan Thee Stallion. that is a whole mess, but he spoke on it. He felt the need to challenge the ruling of the court. He called Megan a b-word and called her a liar. I am still trying to figure out where his voice matters in any of this, but Ok.

But he didn’t stop there.

He decides to call Doechii “an entitled, unintelligent piece of sh#t” for wanting umbrellas to cover her up at the Met Gala. He’s like a Baby Tucker Carlson and begged people to stop listening to her music. Man, FOH. I think they were right in deading any deals he had. Now, it hit me that this could be BS. Who would give him millions? He did not mention the names of the brands in question. I would love to know so I can support them.

This isn’t cancel culture—this is consequence culture.

Sometimes the algorithm claps back. Adin Ross’s inflammatory remarks about Megan Thee Stallion and Doechii just cost him two brand deals—and possibly his last ounce of industry goodwill.

-illseed out

EXCLUSIVE: Lil Durk Granted Third Chance At Freedom

By: Nolan StrongCategory: News

Lil Durk secured a new opportunity to argue for his release in his ongoing federal murder-for-hire case.

The Chicago rapper, whose legal name is Durk Banks, will now present his case before Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald of the United States District Court for the Central District of California.

The move comes after Magistrate Judge Patricia Donahue denied his previous bond request on Wednesday (May 8), citing concerns over public safety and his alleged involvement in violent activity.

Durk’s attorney, Christy O’Connor, filed an “Application for Review or Reconsideration of Order Setting Conditions of Release or Detention” on Tuesday (May 14), challenging the magistrate’s decision and requesting a hearing before a district judge, who holds broader authority to reverse earlier rulings.

LIL Durk has remained behind bars since October 2024, facing serious federal charges linked to an alleged murder-for-hire plot.

Prosecutors allege he funded a targeted shooting in August 2022 that resulted in the death of Lul Pab, a relative of rapper Quando Rondo. Authorities believe the ambush was in retaliation for the 2020 killing of King Von.

During the May 8 hearing, Durk’s legal team proposed a revised bond package exceeding $2 million.

The offer included $900,000 in real estate assets, $1 million in cash from Alamo Records and $150,000 from a business associate. Additional conditions included around-the-clock private security, GPS monitoring and strict court supervision.

Despite the extensive proposal, Judge Donahue denied the request, pointing to Durk’s alleged international travel plans following the arrests of his co-defendants and his potential threat to the community.

This marks Durk’s third attempt to secure bond. His initial request, filed in December 2024, was also denied.

Durk has pleaded not guilty to the charges. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment or the death penalty.

His hearing before Judge Fitzgerald is scheduled for Monday, June 2, 2025.

Diddy Hit Cassie Ventura On Head With Skillet According To Dawn Richard’s Testimony

By: Nolan StrongCategory: News

Dawn Richard told a federal courtroom Friday (May 16) that she witnessed Diddy strike Cassie Ventura in the head with a skillet during a 2009 altercation inside his Los Angeles home because his breakfast wasn’t ready.

The former Danity Kane singer and Dirty Money collaborator took the stand on Day 5 of Diddy’s ongoing federal trial, offering a brief but jarring account of alleged violence she said she saw firsthand while working under the Hip-Hop mogul from 2004 to 2011.

“He came downstairs screaming, belligerent, asking where his food was and proceeded to hit her over the head in front of us,” Richard testified, referring to Cassie, who she said was cooking eggs at the time.

Richard described the scene, which she said unfolded during a recording session at Diddy’s mansion. When asked what happened the following day,

Richard said Diddy warned her: “That it would be better if we didn’t talk. Where he comes from, people go missing if they talk.”

Judge Arun Subramanian dismissed the jury shortly after Richard’s testimony began. She is expected to return to the stand Monday (May 19) to continue her account.

Diddy has pleaded not guilty to a slate of federal charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering and transporting individuals for prostitution. The Department of Justice alleges Diddy used his music empire as a front for a criminal enterprise that exploited women and employees.

Richard’s testimony adds to a growing list of accusations against Diddy. She also has a $3 million civil lawsuit pending against him, alleging years of sexual and physical abuse.

In that suit, Richard claims he groped her, slapped her, and held meetings in his underwear. She also alleges she was once locked in a car for hours by his bodyguard after a heated studio confrontation ahead of a “Saturday Night Live” appearance in 2010.

According to the complaint, Richard contacted her father during the incident, prompting him to drive from Baltimore to New York. She said Diddy warned her father to “consider your daughter’s career.”

Richard’s testimony resumes Monday (May 19) in the Southern District of New York.

Cassie Ventura Ends Testimony Against Diddy With Emotional Statement On Healing

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Cassie Ventura closed out more than 20 hours of emotional testimony in a Manhattan federal courtroom on Friday (May 16) by issuing a statement through her attorney.

The statement marks the end of her time on the witness stand in the sex trafficking and racketeering case against Diddy.

The 38-year-old singer and former partner of Diddy described years of alleged abuse, manipulation and coercion during their relationship, which lasted from 2006 to 2018. Her testimony included graphic accounts of physical violence, forced sexual encounters, being urinated on and psychological control.

“This week has been extremely challenging but also remarkably empowering and healing for me,” Cassie Ventura said in a statement read by her attorney, Douglas Wigdor.

“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,” Ventura added.

Ventura testified that Diddy controlled many aspects of her life, from her professional decisions to her freedom. She described their relationship as swinging between moments of affection and episodes of intense violence.

On the stand, she recounted being “punched, dragged, kicked and stomped” by the disgraced Bad Boy Records founder.

One of the most disturbing parts of her testimony involved what she called “freak-offs”—multi-day sexual encounters with escorts arranged by Diddy, which she said were designed for his voyeuristic pleasure.

Ventura claimed she could not say no, fearing retaliation or the release of compromising footage. She said she sometimes needed IV fluids to recover and developed an opioid addiction to “feel numb” afterward.

She also alleged that Diddy raped her in 2018 after she attempted to leave the relationship.

During cross-examination, Diddy’s legal team presented explicit messages between the two, including some where Ventura appeared to express enthusiasm for the sexual encounters.

They argued the texts indicated her consent. Ventura acknowledged sending affectionate and sexual messages, but also pointed to texts where she expressed frustration and a desire for something deeper than just sex.

“For me, the more I heal, the more I can remember. And the more I can remember, the more I will never forget,” her statement continued. “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.”

She concluded the statement by asking for privacy as she prepares for birth.

“I’m 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…”

Diddy has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including sex trafficking, transporting individuals for prostitution and racketeering.

Prosecutors Worried Cassie Could Go Into Labor On Stand & Accuse Diddy Of Delay Tactics

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Diddy‘s lawyers are under a microscope Friday (May 16) as federal prosecutors accused his legal team of dragging out cross-examination of Cassie Ventura to the point where she might go into labor while testifying.

In a letter filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, prosecutors asked Judge Arun Subramanian to cut off the defense’s questioning of Ventura by 4:30 p.m. ET, citing her advanced pregnancy and what they called “strategic delay tactics” by his attorneys.

“[Diddy] should not now be afforded the opportunity to hold Ms. Ventura on cross-examination over the weekend, offering him an additional two days to review transcripts of the witness’s testimony to prepare additional cross-examination inquiry or risk a mistrial if the witness goes into labor,” prosecutors wrote.

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Ventura, a key witness in the racketeering and sex trafficking case against Diddy, completed her direct testimony on Tuesday (May 14).

At that time, the defense told the court it would wrap up cross-examination by Friday. But that same evening, Diddy’s lawyers submitted more than 400 new exhibits, prompting prosecutors to cry foul.

According to the filing, the defense’s line of questioning included “repetitive and marginally relevant questions,” forced Cassie Ventura to read lengthy text threads aloud, and introduced topics from unrelated civil lawsuits, including one bizarre claim involving baby oil allegedly containing illegal substances.

Prosecutors said the approach seemed designed to prolong Ventura’s time on the stand, potentially pushing her into the weekend and increasing the risk of a mistrial if she went into labor.

“The defense’s right to confront a witness does not mean unlimited time,” the government argued. “Further questioning after Friday is unjustified and risks harassment, embarrassment, or trial disruption.”

Prosecutors emphasized that Ventura has already endured two full days of cross-examination—longer than her direct testimony—and that continuing beyond Friday would be excessive.

They also noted that the defense had previously agreed to the timeline and only changed course after the court ended early on Tuesday, based on assurances, questioning would finish by the week’s end.

Why Hip Hop Culture & Casinos Are So Intertwined

By: Staff WriterCategory: Uncategorized

Catch a glimpse of any iconic hip hop music video, and you’re likely to see three things: luxury cars, high-stakes casinos, and stacks of money that could make a Wall Street banker blush. But why is the image of a casino so deeply embedded in hip hop culture? From Jay-Z to Cardi B, hip hop artists have long used the casino as both a literal and metaphorical playground for success, risk, and reward.

The Fader explains how the hip hop community has been betting on the gambling industry for many years. With high-profile sponsorships such as Drake’s deal with crypto betting platform Stake as well as Rick Ross and DraftKings striking a lucrative deal, the two industries are deeply intertwined and flourishing as a partnership.  

With the growing acceptance of online poker and sportsbooks across the country, more of the US’ 50 states are starting to pass bills to allow gaming companies to operate in the country. And while some people who want to play online poker in New York, and other states that have yet to pass the law can do so via offshore platforms, it is only a matter of time before gaming is allowed across the majority of the US states. This would be a seismic shift in the law, and would no doubt only strengthen the ties between the hip hop and gambling community, as more gaming companies sign up rap stars on huge endorsement deals. 

In 2023, the global casino industry raked in close to $250 billion, and hip hop played no small role in that visibility. A recent Spotify analysis showed that songs referencing gambling, poker, or casinos have grown 32% over the last decade. This isn’t just lyrical flair — it’s a cultural code. The appeal lies in the casino’s symbolism: wealth, danger, hustle, and the sweet validation that comes with being seen winning big.

For many artists, the casino represents more than entertainment. It’s a proving ground — where underdogs flip their fortunes, and where swagger becomes currency. Let’s break down the high rollers who made casinos a cornerstone of their hip hop aesthetic.

1. JAY-Z – “Can I Live” (1996)

Notable Lyrics:“While y’all plan to knock, I plan to rock / I triple my worth motherf**er, watch me cop / A Range Rover, keep my Range…”

Why It Matters: Jay-Z has always been the blueprint for hustle-meets-luxury, and his early use of casino references helped shape that narrative. In “Can I Live,” he flips street strategy into gambling metaphors. Casinos represent both the grind and the gamble — a place where strategy and risk co-exist. Jay made the high-roller table synonymous with climbing the socio-economic ladder.

Music Video Casino Reference: While the video for “Can I Live” is not casino-centric, Jay’s lifestyle branding in other videos like “Show Me What You Got” (filmed in Monaco) doubles down on the casino-luxury motif.

2. Cardi B – “Money” (2018)

Notable Lyrics: *”I was born to flex (yes) / Diamonds on my neck / I like boardin’ jets, I like mornin’ sex / But nothing in this world that I like more than checks.”

Why It Matters: Cardi B brings the raw, unfiltered celebration of wealth to a new generation. In “Money,” she flexes not just material riches but control and power — both of which find visual symmetry in the casino setting. Casinos reflect autonomy: the ability to bet on yourself and win.

Music Video Casino Reference: The video features opulent visuals including glass vaults, lavish outfits, and an atmosphere that mimics private casino lounges.

3. 50 Cent – “Get Rich or Die Tryin'” (2003)

Notable Lyrics: *”I’m into havin’ sex, I ain’t into makin’ love / So come give me a hug if you into gettin’ rubbed.”

Why It Matters: This entire album is about the hustle, the grind, and ultimately, the gamble of life. The casino theme resonates through the high-stakes decisions 50 Cent made coming up. It’s about leveraging every chip you’ve got. The vibe? Play or get played.

Music Video Casino Reference: In “Window Shopper,” scenes show 50 in Monte Carlo surrounded by wealth, mimicking a casino lifestyle.

4. Drake – “Laugh Now Cry Later” (2020)

Notable Lyrics: *”Sometimes we laugh and sometimes we cry, but I guess you know now / Baby, I took a half, and she took the whole thing, slow down.”

Why It Matters: Drake’s aesthetic has always centered around indulgence, soft power, and the blurred line between flexing and vulnerability. The casino, to him, is less about brute flash and more about emotional risk. He’s mastered the art of looking like he’s already won the game before the cards hit the table.

Music Video Casino Reference: Though not set in a traditional casino, the video’s over-the-top displays of wealth — from private Nike stores to luxury boats — evoke the same vibe of untouchable extravagance.

5. Future – “Life Is Good” (2020)

Notable Lyrics:“Working on a weekend like usual / Way off in the deep end like usual / N***s swear they passed us, they doing too much.”

Why It Matters: Future embodies the high-risk, high-reward philosophy that casinos live by. In “Life Is Good,” there’s a clear separation between grinding and celebrating, but both exist in excess. The casino, for Future, is not a backdrop — it’s an extension of the lifestyle he narrates.

Music Video Casino Reference: The video doesn’t depict a casino directly, but Future’s constant allusions to “the good life” reinforce the ethos casinos represent — earning big, living larger.

6. Migos – “Fight Night” (2014)

Notable Lyrics: *”If you know me know this ain’t my feng shui / Certified everywhere, ain’t gotta print my resume.”

Why It Matters: Migos helped reintroduce the casino motif to the trap generation. With brash confidence and an unapologetic love for high-end living, Migos made it clear — you don’t just go to the casino to gamble. You go to be seen.

Music Video Casino Reference: The trio has been featured in several casino-style aesthetics, including live performances and cameos in Vegas-themed visuals.

Casinos in hip hop aren’t just flashy locations — they’re metaphors for the entire game. Every chip placed on the table represents a risk an artist once took, from the streets to the studio booth. The lights, the sound of dice rolling, and the applause from the high-roller’s lounge serve as reminders that hip hop was born from hustlers who weren’t afraid to bet big on themselves.

Whether it’s Cardi B stacking checks or Jay-Z treating Monaco like a Monopoly board, casinos remain the ultimate symbol of having made it. In a genre where perception is often as powerful as profit, few settings scream status louder than the casino floor.

So next time you see roulette wheels spinning behind your favorite artist, remember it’s not just about luck — it’s about legacy.

Diddy Trial: Judge Urged To Limit Cassie Testimony As Mistrial Concerns Emerge Over Pregnancy

By: London JennnCategory: News

Diddy is facing fresh heat in court as federal prosecutors slammed his legal team for what they described as a drawn-out and inefficient cross-examination of Cassie Ventura, warning that the delay could lead to “harassing the witness at best and a mistrial at worst.”

In a sharply worded letter sent overnight to Judge Arun Subramanian, the government urged the court to cap the defense’s questioning of Ventura by the end of the day Friday (May 16), citing her advanced pregnancy and the defense’s alleged stalling tactics.

Ventura, who is eight months pregnant, has already spent three and a half days on the witness stand, beginning on Tuesday (May 13).

The judge had previously signaled that the defense would be given a day and a half to cross-examine her, matching the time prosecutors used during direct examination. But prosecutors now say the defense appears to be stretching the process unnecessarily.

“The inefficiency of today’s proceedings appears to have been a filibuster,” the letter stated.

Cassie Ventura Takes Stand

According to the filing, Diddy’s attorneys waited until the night of Wednesday (May 14) to dump more than 400 potential exhibits on the government—documents they intended to use during Ventura’s testimony. Prosecutors argued this last-minute move “appeared to be a strategic choice… that delayed the Government’s ability to lodge objections and predictably and significantly delayed the proceedings.”

They also accused the defense of wasting time by “asking questions that appeared to be solely related to the numerous civil lawsuits against the defendant and not related to allegations in this case,” and having Ventura read “long text message chains… before asking few if any substantive questions about the exhibits.”

The government emphasized that the defense had months to prepare, noting they had access to Ventura’s communications for at least five months and her Jencks Act material for nearly two months.

Prosecutors reminded the court that Diddy’s team had previously agreed to wrap up their questioning by Friday (May 16), and that they had been aware for weeks that Ventura needed to finish her testimony this week due to her pregnancy.

Judge Subramanian has not yet ruled on the request.

Chuck D Tackles Ageism In Hip-Hop On New “Radio Armageddon” Album

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: Exclusives

Chuck D needs no introduction—at least not to anyone well versed in Hip-Hop history. His roots run deep, and he’s among the most referenced MCs in music.

From A Tribe Called Quest’s “Show Business” and Ice Cube’s “Only One Me” to Kendrick Lamar’s “B#### Don’t Kill My Vibe” and Sir Mix-A-Lot’s “Mack Daddy,” the Public Enemy dynamo routinely comes up, tangible proof of his seismic impact and influence.

On Friday (May 16), Chuck D returned with his new solo album, Chuck D Presents Enemy Radio: Radio Armageddon, a 14-track lyrical smack in the face. Comprised of fiery mini-symphonies of sound crafted by David “C-Doc” Snyder, the record harkens to Public Enemy’s Bomb Squad days while simultaneously bringing something fresh and innovative to the proverbial table.

The lead single, “New Gens” featuring Stetsasonic’s Daddy-O, provides a loose thesis of the project—ageism. Unlike rock ‘n roll, which embraces its elders, Hip-Hop often shuns its pioneers or dismisses them as washed up and “too old.” Meanwhile, the Rolling Stones and The Beatles’ Paul McCartney are touring in their 80s, and still command the kind of respect they got in their prime.

“Call me a dinosaur/And prestigious but I’m far from the class pack,” Daddy-O raps. “No baby king I represent the first team.”

But what some people might not grasp is that Hip-Hop is young enough that there’s no blueprint for how to age with the genre.

“Besides Ice-T, Flav and I are some of the only Hip-Hop sexagenarians, and there’s no precedent, really,” Chuck D tells AllHipHop. “Just like we did in our 40s and 50s, we are leading the pack.”

Radio Armageddon, which Chuck D describes as a “compilation of voices,” includes guest verses from gangsta rap pioneer Schoolly D, Philly legend Phill Most Chill, Universal Zulu Nation’s Donald D and Jazzy Jay alongside burgeoning acts like 1/2 Pint, ULTRAMAG7 and Miranda Writes.

“It’s tied together in the one sonic template, like a rug,” Chuck explains. “C-Doc was able to supply something that I’ve always heard in my head all my life—and that’s just noise and friction and all kinds of discombobulated sonics.”

Radio Armageddon also spotlights an epidemic in Hip-Hop—artists dying in their 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s, when they should be living well into their 80s. Whether it’s violence, drugs, cancer or another health ailment, rappers are dying at an alarming rate.

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Like on the song “Black Don’t Dead,” Chuck points out, “We losing them once or twice a month.”

“It used to be Black don’t crack,” he says. “We got a certain skin resiliency, but we’ve been being killed on the inside out for a century or more now. But where we are right now, it’s so many things that’s creating early death for Black folks and it’s going under the radar, so yeah Black don’t crack, but it could die.”

The topic of ageism continues throughout the project, and Chuck—who turns 65 on August 1—was very deliberate about that.

“My theme this year is to attack ageism,” he says matter-of-factly. “I have to battle the ‘I don’t give a f### about some old rappers’ and this and that. That’s unfortunately behind the wall of venture capitalists who could invest money into this. They get deterred by reading everything about rap, like ‘Man, I don’t want to be involved with that s###, talking about b###### and shooting people and all that.’ Every time I turn on the news, that’s that element that’s getting projected over what it really is.”

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Public Enemy has been fighting the power for nearly 40 years—and Chuck isn’t going to stop now. The group heads overseas with Guns ‘N Roses next month but first up, they head to Napa Valley on May 23 and then to Boston on May 25 for the Boston Calling music festival.

Find the album below.

Cassie Ventura Threatened To “Kill” Someone Over Leaked “Freak-Off” Tape In Courtroom Audio

By: London JennnCategory: News

The Diddy trial heard audio of Cassie Ventura threatening to kill a man she believed had seen a recording of a “freak-off,” as the singer returned to the stand for cross-examination on Friday morning (May 16).

According to court reporter Matthew Russell Lee, Ventura is heard saying, “If you saw a video of someone f*king me, who was f*king me? You have it, why didn’t you show me? If you don’t show me, I will kill you, cut you up.”

The audio, introduced during cross-examination, captured Ventura escalating her threats: “I will f*king kill you, I’ve never killed anyone in my life, I am going to f*ck you up, it’s not going to be blood on my hands, someone else is going to do it, I’m not playing with you Sujit, tell me.”

Cassie Ventura Claims Diddy Used “Freak-Off” Tapes As Leverage

The courtroom moment added another layer to the explosive testimony Ventura delivered earlier in the week, where she accused Diddy of using sexually explicit videos as leverage to manipulate and control her.

She described the recordings as “blackmail material” and said Diddy was obsessed with keeping them buried.

Ventura confirmed in court that Diddy was deeply worried about the tapes leaking. When asked whether he spent large sums of money to suppress the footage, she replied, “I don’t know.”

The name Jonathan Oddi—a former adult film actor—also resurfaced during proceedings.

Oddi previously claimed he was hired repeatedly by Diddy for sex sessions involving Ventura. In a 2018 interview with law enforcement, Oddi described himself as a “sex slave” for the couple.

“I had sex with Cassie and Sean [Diddy],” he said. “Basically, he would masturbate and tell me what to do to Cassie. I had like 15 encounters, and I heard lots of business.”

Oddi also alleged he once covertly filmed a “freak-off” after Ventura lost consciousness, fearing she might die.

“I just filmed it and had it transcribed,” he said, adding that he warned Diddy via text that he had the footage as a safeguard.

“I knew they were paranoid,” he said. “So I wanted to guarantee my safety.”

According to Oddi, Diddy had him sign a $5 million non-disclosure agreement in 2014 to ensure his silence.

Ventura previously testified she recognized Oddi from a photograph and confirmed he was one of the male escorts Diddy hired for the “freak-offs,” which she said were sometimes recorded.

Fat Joe Reacts To Joe Budden & 50 Cent’s Courtside Drama

By: London JennnCategory: News

Fat Joe poked fun at Joe Budden over his awkward courtside run-in with 50 Cent during a recent Knicks game at Madison Square Garden.

He threw shade at the rapper turned podcaster on the latest episode of his new podcast with Jadakiss, “No Funny S###.” 

“There’s too many superstars in New York City,” Fat Joe said while recapping Monday night’s Knicks game. 

The Bronx rapper rattled off a list of A-listers in attendance, including the Kardashians, Bad Bunny, Cardi B and Stefon Diggs, calling it “a hard ticket to get,” and revealing he paid $54,000 for his seat.

But it wasn’t just the price tag or the celebrity crowd that had Joe talking — it was the seating chart.

“I refuse to sit anywhere but the front,” he said, explaining his logic. “I don’t like the idea of your enemy sitting in front of you.”

Fat Joe Jokes About The “Joe Budden Seats”

That’s when he turned his attention to the April 21 Knicks vs. Pistons matchup, where he sat front row alongside 50 Cent.

Budden was seated a row back during the game — directly behind 50 Cent, no less.

“We call that the ‘Joe Budden seats.’ You know them second row…” Joe began, before cracking up mid-sentence as Jada tried to pull an imaginary hoodie over his head to hide. 

“I don’t even got a hoodie,” Jada joked.

Joe kept going, referencing the long-standing tension between Budden and 50 Cent, which appeared to cool off at the game.

“Perfect example. Him and 50 got some s### and I’m sitting courtside,” Joe said.

“He was behind y’all,” Jadakiss chimed in, defending Budden. “Those were still considered floor seats.”

But Joe wasn’t letting up.

“I’m not trying to be disrespectful, but the man had a little something going on with 50, and why God put 50 Cent front row and he’s in like third row,” he said. “Like that would bother me if I was Joe Budden.”

The moment came during a Knicks home game where 50 Cent turned around to speak to Budden, seated behind him with his girlfriend. 

Fat Joe, once a rival of 50 himself, was seated directly next to the G-Unit mogul. After the game, 50 Cent confirmed the simmering beef with Budden had cooled off.

“I ran into Joe at the game,” 50 wrote on social media. “He said I don’t need Therapy No MORE!”

Chris Brown Held In Custody—Denied Bail After Brutal Nightclub Assault Charge

By: London JennnCategory: News

Chris Brown was denied bail by a Manchester judge on Friday morning (May 16) and ordered to remain in custody following a charge of grievous bodily harm with intent stemming from an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub.

The 36-year-old singer appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, where authorities confirmed he will stay behind bars until his next hearing on June 13.

The charge is tied to a February 19, 2023, incident at Tape nightclub in Hanover Square, where Brown is accused of assaulting music producer Abe Diaw.

Brown was arrested in the early hours of Thursday (May 15) at a hotel in Manchester.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed, “A 36-year-old man was arrested at a hotel in Manchester shortly after 02:00hrs on Thursday (15 May) on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. He has been taken into custody where he remains. The arrest relates to an incident at a venue in Hanover Square on 19 February 2023.”

Chris Brown Faces Assault Lawsuit

Diaw alleged that Brown struck him repeatedly with a bottle before continuing the assault once he was on the floor. “He hit me on the head two or three times… My knee also gave out,” Diaw told The Sun, adding that he required hospitalization after the encounter.

In a civil lawsuit filed by Diaw, he claimed Brown “inflicted severe and lasting injuries” by “smashing his head with the bottle and continued to ruthlessly stomp on him as he lay unconscious on the nightclub floor.”

Surveillance footage from inside the venue reportedly captured the incident and has been obtained by police.

Brown now faces one count of grievous bodily harm under section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. His legal team has not issued a statement.

The Crown Prosecution Service said, “Criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.”

Brown’s next court appearance is scheduled for Friday (June 13).

DDG Slams Soulja Boy After Explosive Threats Over Halle Bailey

By: London JennnCategory: News

DDG fired back at Soulja Boy during a livestream Thursday night (May 15) after the rapper threatened him online over allegations of abuse involving actress and singer Halle Bailey.

“I be seeing what n##### be saying and s###. I see a hell of people switching up,” DDG said, frustrated by the backlash. “72 hours ago you was on my meat and then 24 hours later all this other going on. The industry is just so fake.”

The tension escalated after Soulja Boy posted a profanity-laced threat on Instagram Wednesday morning (May 14), writing, “You a b#### ass n#### for putting yo hands on Halle lil n#### @pontiacmadeddg if I catch u I’m beating the f## out u.”

Soulja didn’t stop there. In a separate video, he made sexually explicit comments about Bailey, referencing her role in The Little Mermaid.

“Come f### a real n####,” he said. “We gonna stick dick in the mermaid.” He continued to threaten DDG, insisting he’d eventually confront him.

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DDG didn’t hold back in his response.

“Soulja Boy is poor. He’s poor. Ain’t cranked that since we was yay high, buddy,” he said. “I will buy you. Couldn’t get next to me. We know you got crackhead teeth under them veneers.”

DDG concluded with a warning for Soulja Boy.

“It’s just certain n##### that was like saying s### just to like feed off of your misfortune,” he added. “Especially n##### like that. You don’t want to go to war with me on this internet.”

DDG also clarified that he’s not looking for a new relationship anytime soon.

“I’m going to be single for a very long time,” he declared. “If a girl starts liking me, I will literally cut you off for my own sake, for the sake of my own mental.”

The online feud comes just one day after a Los Angeles judge granted Bailey a temporary restraining order against DDG.

In her petition, Bailey accused him of repeated abuse and said she feared for her safety and the safety of their infant son, Halo.

She detailed a January 2025 incident where she said DDG slammed her face into a steering wheel, chipping her tooth. She also alleged he entered her home without permission in March, damaged her Ring camera, and tried to take their son without consent.

The restraining order mandates DDG stay at least 100 yards away from Bailey and Halo, including at the child’s school and near Bailey’s vehicle. A court hearing is scheduled for June 4.

Halle Bailey secured temporary full custody of her 16-month-old son and a restraining order against DDG.