BIG30: Memphis Rapper Drops Highly-Anticipated Album “Still King”
BIG30 just dropped his highly-anticipated album Still King, which features collaborations with Fredo Bang and KCarbon. The 17-song album marks BIG30’s triumphant return to the music scene after a significant hiatus spent mourning a loved one. The Memphis native comes back strong, delivering high-energy bars and a fiery, authentic Memphis sound that solidifies his dominance in the rap game. He pulled up on AllHipHop in New York City to discuss his new album and also a myriad of other topics.
Still King is BIG30’s third album, following his sophomore release, “Last Man Standing,” which featured notable tracks like “On My Mama,” “Dead Guyz,” and “Protest.” His debut project, King of Killbranch, released in 2021, opened up about his survival in Memphis and his sudden rise to fame. The album peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 chart and included features from prominent artists like Yo Gotti, Future, Lil Durk, Moneybagg Yo, Pooh Shiesty, Quavo, and Offset.
In March, BIG30 teased the upcoming album with his single “N Less,” where he shouted out “Free Shiesty” with his infamous ‘Blrrrd’ ad-lib while detailing his street lifestyle. A judge sentenced 30’s childhood friend Pooh Shiesty to 63 months – over 5 years – in prison after the 22-year-old rapper pleaded guilty to a firearms conspiracy charge. The release of Still King follows a busy 2023, which he capped off with a fiery verse on NLess Entertainment’s compilation album, “We Connected,” alongside labelmates Moneybagg Yo, Big Homiie G, Dee Mula, and Fredo Ruthless. In 2022, BIG30 was recognized as one of Memphis’ hottest stars, earning a spot in XXL’s Freshman Class.
BIG30’s journey in music began with frequent collaborations with Pooh Shiesty, who is signed to Gucci Mane’s 1017 record label. Together, they appeared on several Gucci projects early in BIG30’s career, including the 2020 “So Icy Summer” project. One of their most notable features is “Monday to Sunday” with Lil Baby, which racked up tens of millions of streams.
Currently signed to NBA legend Zach Randolph’s NLess Entertainment record label, BIG30 joins a promising roster that includes Moneybagg Yo, Dee Mula, and Fredo Ruthless. With “Still King,” BIG30 continues to assert his influence and showcase his unwavering talent in the hip-hop world.
Metro Boomin’s late mother, Leslie Joanne Wayne, has been in the news a lot lately. The super-producer looks to put a positive light on her name with a $100,000 donation.
Variety reports Metro Boomin partnered with Rung for Women and Amazon Access to present $20,000 checks to five nonprofit organizations in his hometown of St. Louis.
“I’ve seen firsthand the work that goes into being a single mother. Mine was my inspiration and my hero,” Metro stated. “It’s very important to me to pay it forward, because I see the same resilience and dedication in the women these organizations work with.”
Leslie Joanne Wayne died on June 3, 2022, in Georgia. Local police officials believe her husband, Metro Boomin’s stepfather, murdered Wayne before taking his own life.
Unfortunately, Wayne became a target for some of Metro Boomin’s rivals. Akademiks and Soulja Boy made disparaging remarks about the deceased woman. Soulja later apologized.
Meek Mill likes to share his thoughts on the X social media platform. For instance, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native decided to voice his opinion on spiritual topics.
“I don’t have a religion due to the simple facts of racism and [judgment] and now war,” the 37-year-old recording artist tweeted on Tuesday (May 21).
Meek Mill continued, “I made my mind up at the age of 15 living in treacherous conditions. I strongly believed in god. He answered every prayer… I don’t believe in hell and I don’t need [to] because my heart [is] gold.”
I don’t have a religion due to the simple facts of racism and judgement and now war…. I made my mind up at the age of 15 living in treacherous conditions I strongly believed in god…. He answered every prayer… I don’t believe in hell and I don’t need too because my heart gold.
Meek also blasted social media in a recent X post. The Reform Alliance Co-Chair promoted mental health awareness while lecturing younger internet users.
“The Black community needs therapy over social media point blank…The points we be trying to make don’t lead to anything,” Meek Mill wrote on May 16.
He also stated, “Just a bunch of people pointing fingers all day… I talk because I see a generation run by computers… Computers don’t suffer but people do!”
The black community needs therapy over social media point blank … the points we be trying to make don’t lead to anything … just a bunch of people pointing fingers all day …I talk because I see a generation run by computers … computers don’t suffer but people do!
Ari Fletcher blasted the mother of one of boyfriend Moneybagg Yo’s children after some subliminal shade that stemmed from shirt slogans.
The drama began when the reality show star posted a selfie on her Instagram Story on Tuesday (May 21). She wore a shirt bearing the slogan: “His ex is my biggest fan.”
It appears one of the rapper’s baby mamas, who goes by Juicy Baby on social media, took offense and posted her own slogan shirt selfie. The message on her shirt read: “tell your boyfriend to stop calling me.”
Fletcher then took to X (formerly Twitter) with a mental health awareness month post, which also ruffled Juicy’s feathers.
“Only thing mental is your fake happy ass,” she penned on her IG Story. She also posted her favorite lyric, a line from Megan Thee Stallion and GloRilla’s “Wanna Be,” writing, “He run back to me cause you boring a n####.”
Moneybagg seemingly caught wind of the back and forth and appeared to respond on X. “People be weird,” he wrote before adding. “Aint nobody talkn about me.” He has since deleted his posts.
Nonetheless, Ari Fletcher replied to Moneybagg Yo, blasting Juicy and accusing her of harassing them.
“Don’t say nobody,” she said. “Say your babymama. It’s been 5 years of stalking and harassment. This s### is SO beneath me.”
Fletcher continued, directing her comments at Juicy, urging her to prove her claims. “You on your page promoting fraud and getting child support,” she said. “You live in a f###### air bnb. We call you the cafeteria lady. You was a prostitute that he got pregnant. Nobody is f##### up about him but you.Drop some receipts or leave it on the play ground.”
Boosie Badazz is calling on President Joe Biden to expunge his marijuana charges after the Justice Department formally moved to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug.
The Baton Rouge native responded to a social media post from Biden announcing the history policy shift.
“This is monumental,” Biden said in a video statement posted to X (formerly Twitter). “It’s an important move toward reversing longstanding inequities.”
He added, “No one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana. Period. Far too many lives have been upended because of a failed approach to marijuana, and I’m committed to righting those wrongs. You have my word on it.”
Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana.
So today, the @TheJusticeDept is taking the next step to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug under federal law.
Boosie caught wind of President Biden’s statement and requested that someone look into his past marijuana convictions.
“Well, I was [sentenced] to 10 years for third offense marijuana and these charges were grams. I did jail time for this so since you fixing laws, can you expunge this off my record. Also, I was never even offered rehab straight to prison for third offense marijuana. I was a user.”
Boosie then comically reminded President Biden who he was before repeating his request. “Oh and by the way this is Boosie,” he added. “Can you please expunge this off my record? Who do I need to call at the White House?”
Well, I was sent it to 10 years for third offense marijuana and these charges were grams. I did jail time for this so since you fixing laws, can you expunge this off my record. Also, I was never even offered rehab straight to prison for third offense marijuana. I was a user oh…
In 2009, Boosie served five years behind bars in Louisiana for drug charges. He escaped jail time in 2019 after being hit with two felony charges. Georgia after cops found weed, a gun, and over $20,000 in cash during a traffic stop. He struck a plea deal and received months of probation and a $1,000 fine.
Cassie Ventura’s longtime friend Tiffany Red claims Diddy once hung a woman over a balcony.
In her bombshell lawsuit, Ventura alleged Diddy “picked up one of Ms. Ventura’s friends like a child” and dangled them over a 17th floor balcony. After the allegations hit the net, Wale was rumored to be the “friend” in question, but his management denied it.
Moreover, Red claims that it was not Wale, and it was in fact a female friend. While the songwriter did not name the woman Diddy allegedly hung over the balcony, she confirmed it was not her.
In a video posted to Instagram Tuesday (May 21), Red also alleged the balcony incident took place after Diddy’s brutal 2016 assault on Cassie Ventura that was captured on the recently released video.
“He’s not sorry,” she captioned the post which also included a photo of Ventura’s 2016 apartment block with the 17th floor highlighted.
Red’s claims come shortly after another of Ventura’s friends revealed she saw the singer “badly bruised.” Makeup artist Mylah Morales told Extra, “We were always scared of Puff, he’s a powerful person. We don’t know what would happen to us if we spoke out.”
Meanwhile, despite his recent apology which followed months of denials, Diddy’s legal woes continue to mount. Model Crystal McKinney claims he sexually assaulted her at a Men’s Fashion Week event in 2003.
Benzino is coming to Diddy’s defense, claiming the Feds are only investigating the Hip-Hop mogul to “embarrass” and “humiliate” a Black man.
On Tuesday (May 21), Benzino called out the lack of support for Diddy during an appearance on The Danza Project. He dismissed the Homeland Security raids of Diddy’s homes because they were based on “civil” lawsuits, not criminal charges.
“Since when have we given the law, the system, one of ours?” he questioned. “Since when? This man ain’t been charged with nothing criminally. Not one f###### thing. They done went in the man’s property with tanks and army men and National Guards, and he ain’t got charged with one criminal charge right now to date.”
Emphasizing that Diddy’s accusers are pursuing him through the civil courts and have not filed criminal charges, Benzino continued.
“They don’t got one f###### charge yet.” he said of law enforcement. “I’m more upset about how our own are ready just to give him, ‘Here, take him. Lock him up.’ Since when do we do that?”
L.A. District Attorney Comments On Statute Of Limitations
It is unclear if Benzino taped the interview before CNN released the disturbing surveillance footage of Diddy violently assaulting Cassie Ventura and his subsequent apology. The L.A. District Attorney’s Office confirmed charges cannot be brought in connection with this incident because it’s outside the statute of limitations.
Many of Diddy’s accusers, including Cassie Ventura, filed lawsuits under the Adult Survivors Act. The law permitted sexual abuse victims a one-year window to file civil action regardless of the statute of limitations. Diddy’s alleged victims are reportedly cooperating with federal investigators.
Benzino’s Diddy comments come just weeks after his daughter publicly disowned him shortly after he defended R. Kelly.
“I want nothing to do with anything my father has going on,” she wrote earlier this month. “I haven’t spoken to him in over a year and I don’t condone or respect any of them interviews he got going on.”
Megan Thee Stallion and GloRilla were joined by special guest Cardi B on the “Hot Girl Summer Tour,” and the trio had another surprise in store for their fans.
On Monday night (May 21), the tour rolled into New York City’s Madison Square Garden, where Meg and Cardi reunited for a rare performance of their chart-topping 2020 collab “WAP.”
Before joining GloRilla and Cardi on stage, Megan Thee Stallion celebrated the success of her tour. She took to Instagram with a video from backstage at the iconic venue.
“Hotties I am really back here tearing up,” she began her caption. “We really got a SOLD OUT show at the most famous arena in the world @thegarden like huhhh??? NYC hotties lets have a BLAST TONIGHT LOVE YALL #HOTGIRLSUMMERTOUR.”
On Tuesday (May 21), the G-Unit mogul shared a post on his Instagram to commemorate the moment, after reportedly going through a bidding war for the series. In doing so, 50 managed to shame celebrity media outlet TMZ, who also has released a series covering the allegations against Diddy.
In his initial remarks in the caption of the post it appears his frustration with the news platform centered around the press photo used in the article announcing the series found a home at Netflix.
“TMZ use this fat boy picture of me because their doc went to Tubi LOL,” 50 wrote in part. “It’s ok guys we’re all making good television mines just happens to be the best! NETFLIX wins the bidding war but if more victims keep coming out I’m gonna need more episodes.@bransoncognac @lecheminduroi.”
50 Cent’s photo frustrations were short-lived though, as the outlet quickly reworked the composite by adding a more recent photo of the New York rapper.
“Ok, TMZ put up a 2024 picture baby, let’s work! LOL,” he wrote in a post featuring the new photo.
According to TMZ, the doc was produced via 50’s G-Unit Film and Television Studios and was reportedly sought after by multiple networks and all of the major streaming platforms. While there is no official word on the release date of the series, sources close to the deal have reportedly confirmed it will arrive on Netflix “sooner than later.”
50 Cent has been talking about the Diddy Do It? documentary since March. Following the raids of Diddy’s Los Angeles and Miami homes, 50 expressed his desire to procure evidence of Diddy’s fabled about “freak off” parties to include in the series on social media.
“Smh this is gonna be so good, what you want to bet I’m a get these tapes. I’ll pay top dollar for them, you been over there? I don’t go to puffy party’s,” he said.
The announcement of 50 Cent’s deal with Netflix for the docuseries follows news of yet another lawsuit filed against Diddy. The disgraced rap mogul is accused by former model Crystal McKinney of drugging and sexually assaulting her in 2003, when she was just 22.
I met rapper AJ McQueen a few short years ago when he was a performer at a rap contest in Houston, Texas. At that time, I had no idea what he was dealing with in his personal life, but that was a pivotal moment for the St. Louis-born artist. He won that contest and I knew that I was bearing witness to something very special.
Today, the journey for AJ McQueen continues. We linked in Philadelphia for a rather serendipitous link-up. In this exclusive sit-down, he discussed his journey in the music industry, his mental health, and his upcoming tour. Soulful and intentional, he talks about his evolution and his place in the movement of Hip-Hop.
The “Sorry, Ma Was Distracted” tour starts on June 2nd in Houston and will feature his full band and background singers.
AllHipHop: So let’s talk a little bit. First of all, how you’ve been?
AJ McQueen: Been. Great. Honestly, last year was the worst, best year of my life. What I’m, it is easy to get on here to say I’ve been great leaving at that. But no, I’ve been great because you know, I mean sometimes you got to deconstruct and reconstruct, but I’ve been great. I’ve been supreme. I feel healthy. My mental health is clear. I, and I feel like that’s the proper answer. That’s what I’m working on answering these days when people ask me that, being more present with my answer. So I feel great because of a lot of other things. For sure.
AllHipHop: Yeah. So I met you in Houston and that was a great experience seeing you not only in the earlier beginnings of what you would eventually become, but also to see how you dealt with almost like a situation that was not optimal. And we were in the scorching heat. And I don’t know if Houston was ready for you.
AJ McQueen: You say? Man, I’m not going to say you off base. I don’t think you was off base. I think that I’ve referred back to my mother and my dad when I was younger, just being told that I’ve always been before my time. I mean, a lot of us heard that, but until you see those things starting to manifest, I think musically, creatively, I would definitely say that I’ve just always been before my time. But then being in a city like Houston, a city that’s really moving at their own pace. But I always saw the vision and through the grace of God, I definitely knew that I would be where I’m at now for sure. And I say that in the most, not cocky way, but definitely I call it God-confidence, you know what I mean? Definitely a God for that way. I knew I would be here and I’m still growing too for sure.
AllHipHop: One of my homeboys from Delaware sent me your music. We always exchange music. We didn’t talk about you. Nothing. He just sent me several songs and I was like, I just shot him back some pictures. Yeah, yeah, I know. I know this guy.
AJ McQueen: And like I say, for artists like myself, independent artists, artists that’s going against the grain and want to move with their own pace, people like yourself definitely want to give you flowers because the affirmation along the way means a lot to us for people that we respect. You know what I mean? In this field, you’ve been in this space for years. Definitely staple of Hip-Hop. So the affirmation years ago, that’s planted to where I’m at now. Now I’m able to tour the country under my own brand, Godbody Energy. I’m able to put my people in position, release the music I want, go to the spaces I want, and create strategic partnerships through it all. So I appreciate that. Shout out to your homie too that sent you to music
AllHipHop:How have you felt the people receiving your music? Because the way I look at it is it’s a vibration and it doesn’t really matter where you are or who you are.
AJ McQueen: I mean, it is beautiful because I make soul music. You know what I mean? I had somebody ask me that recently, how would you categorize music? And I was like, well, I wouldn’t necessarily categorize it at all. I mean it’s for the listener, how it resonates with your spirit. But what’s been the words of choice that people have been using is soul, soul, hip hop. I had somebody tell me the other day, they was like, man, you would’ve been one of the Soulquarians. So it’s beautiful in the Hip-Hop space.
I’m definitely an MC. I’m intentional with my lyrics and intentional with my words, but I also believe that there’s a godness with the music. I’m able to speak about my life and people able to see themselves in it from my songs about mental health, my songs about Black love, my songs about navigating the streets and evolving. And that’s really what my music represents, evolution. And I feel like anybody, no matter the age, the race, the creed, none of that evolution and growing I feel like hits us all. And that’s a space that I live in…
AllHipHop: Okay. Okay. Have you clicked up with anybody? When I think about the vibration, I think about other artists as well. Have you gotten any bonds with anyone?
AJ McQueen: Yeah, in the last year I’ve received co-signs from Erykah Badu, Talib Kweli, India.Arie, Ghostface. These people have DM’d me personally, reposted my music (and more). I just did a song, you’re the first person I’m sharing this with, but I got a joint with a D-Smoke.
AllHipHop: Yeah. I love D Smoke.
AJ McQueen: My music is soul. So what I love about it is I’m able to build with [anybody]. I can go from a D-Smoke to a Lauryn Hill, down to Damian Marley. Up to Anita Bake. I love Hip-Hop that way, but I can also rap with anybody else. So the D-smoke joint is definitely on the deluxe album of Sorry Ma, I Was Distracted. And I got a few surprises that I won’t give out until it’s clear, you know what saying.
Crystal McKinney said her marriage crumbled and she faced a mental breakdown after her alleged encounter with Diddy. According to the latest lawsuit against the fallen mogul, McKinney claims he sexually assaulted her at a Men’s Fashion Week event in 2003.
After seeing other victims come forward, McKinney’s lawyer Michelle A. Caiola claims she found the strength to speak out and take Diddy to task—and to court.
“McKinney is a woman of faith and when she saw news coverage of the lawsuits from Ms. Cassie Ventura, Ms. Dickerson-Neal, and others, she knew she had a moral obligation to speak up, “Caiola explained. “Plaintiff prayed to God before bringing this lawsuit, as she feared further violence and/or retaliation from Combs, but ultimately decided that she needed to speak her truth.”
McKinney was becoming known in modeling circles for her appearances on MTV’s Total Request Live, Fashionably Loud and True Life. Her promising modeling future even took her to international gigs in Germany and Australia.
But her invitation to Men’s Fashion Week in New York led to a series of events that she claims veered her life off course.
At just 22 years old, McKinney made a special trip from Miami to the Big Apple, urged by a fashion designer who styled her meticulously to impress Diddy.
Dressed in a chic black leather coat, translucent chiffon v-cut shirt and jewel-encrusted jeans, McKinney met Diddy at Cipriani Downtown.
She was seated directly across from Diddy at the designer’s insistence and endured a night filled with suggestive remarks and excessive alcohol.
In what appeared to be an innocent attempt to network, the Bad Boy boss allegedly promised to advance McKinney’s career and even gave her his phone number.
The night took a dark turn when she joined Diddy and his entourage at his studio.
Surrounded by men passing around marijuana and alcohol, McKinney recalls feeling unusually intoxicated, later suspecting the joint had been laced.
Forced into a bathroom, McKinney describes how he assaulted her, overpowering her and making her perform non-consensual acts.
She awoke hours later in a taxi, terror-stricken and disoriented, realizing the gravity of what had occurred.
In the aftermath of the incident, McKinney’s career prospects dwindled; she believes Diddy used his influence to blacklist her in the industry.
Struggling with depression and anxiety, McKinney attempted suicide in 2004 and was hospitalized. Her trauma was inescapable, amplified by Diddy’s omnipresence in media.
The emotional fallout affected every facet of her life, including her marriage which dissolved in 2010.
McKinney cites continuous bouts of depression, substance abuse and intimacy issues as lasting scars from that night in 2003.
Diddy is facing yet another sexual assault lawsuit less than a week after CNN released footage of a violent assault he perpetrated against his former girlfriend Cassie in 2016.
On Tuesday (May 21) a report from TMZ revealed the latest lawsuit against the disgraced Hip-Hop mogul was filed by former model, Crystal McKinney. In the lawsuit obtained by TMZ, McKinney alleges that Diddy drugged and assaulted her in 2003, when she was just 22.
McKinney alleges she was invited to a Men’s Fashion Week event at Cipriani Downtown in NYC, where she met Combs, who later invited her back to his studio.
According to the lawsuit, McKinney alleges the atmosphere at the studio quickly turned dark as Combs and his colleagues were drinking Hennessy and passing around joints.
McKinney claims she took a “very powerful” hit from a joint that made her feel as if she were floating, suspecting it was laced with a narcotic.
The situation escalated when Combs allegedly demanded she follow him to the bathroom, where McKinney claims he forced himself on her.
In addition to allegedly kissing her, Diddy reportedly shoved her head down to his crotch, commanding her to “suck it.” Despite her refusal, McKinney alleges Diddy forced her to perform oral sex and that it’s the last thing she remembers before losing consciousness.
McKinney alleges the next thing she remembers was waking up in a taxi, feeling woozy and claims she realized she had been sexually assaulted.
The lawsuit is unclear on whether she refers to the forced oral sex or another act that may have occurred while she was unconscious.
According to McKinney Diddy originally lured her in with promises of career advancement opportunities.
Inspired by recent lawsuits filed by Cassie and others, McKinney felt a “moral obligation to speak up.” She is seeking unspecified damages, adding to the growing legal woes for Combs. McKinney’s lawsuit follows the May 16 release of surveillance video of Diddy’s physical assault of Cassie at a hotel in Los Angeles in 2016.
JAY-Z was cutting up back in the day when he was beefing with Ma$e, just like Kendrick Lamar is amid the popularity of his “Not Like Us” Drake diss.
Over the weekend, 40 Cal shared a video that went viral. In the brief clip, the Harlem rapper recounted a particular instance when Hov pulled up on Ma$e in a video. The Dipset affiliate spoke briefly about JAY-Z and Ma$e’s 1997 beef, which the former Bad Boy lyricist claimed began over a “a girl named Arion.”
While the beef was predominantly propelled by subliminal shots sent on wax, 40 Cal described an incident when JAY-Z decided to cut out the passive-aggressive disses and instead, opt for a more direct approach. Hov reportedly pulled up to Harlem with the sole purpose of battling Ma$e on his block.
“So about 20 minutes later, JAY-Z pulls up in the 4.6 Range [Rover] that he always talked about, the black joint,” 40 Cal said. “He hops out. I’m looking, I’m like, I couldn’t believe this s###. He hops out first thing he says to this n###a, ‘What you want to battle? Anybody got a microphone?’”
As 40 Cal continued, he remarked on his reaction to the situation, recalling how he felt the need to pressure Ma$e to stand on business.
“It f##### me up that I’m like, ‘The f##k got microphones out here?’” he said. “But I’m like, ‘Ma$e do something s##t.’ N###a JAY-Z just came over here and said ‘What’s good n###a?’ Deadass right?”
As he continued recounting the incident, 40 Cal spoke about the tense interaction between JAY-Z and Ma$e that followed the initial confrontation.
“So n###a Ma$e said, ‘Yeah, all that cool, but who was you talking about on that song when you check your own video number?’” he said. “And n###a Jay was like, ‘Everybody know I’m talking about you.'”
Dipset Affiliate 40 Cal recalls a time when JAY-Z pulled up to Ma$e’s block in Harlem to battle and told Ma$e to his face that he was dissing him on “Ride Or Die” 😳 pic.twitter.com/Bl7Gp0MUKw
The song 40 Cal mentioned is JAY-Z’s “Ride Or Die,” which appeared on his Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life album.
“I whack rap n###as, severely punished them,” he raps. “Especially those that get f###ed for they publishing/Always got to be the weakest n###a out the crew/I probably make more money off your album than you/You see the respect I get every time I come through.
“Check your own videos, you always be number two/N##### talking real breezy on them R&B records/Well I’m platinum a million times n###a check the credit.”
Prior to “Ride Or Die,” Ma$e reportedly dissed JAY-Z first in his feature verse on 112’s “Love Me” and also on his song “What You Want,” which featured a mention of the same Arion that exacerbated their beef.
Eminem teamed up with LeBron James, Steve Stoute and more to executive produce a new documentary series about music piracy. Paramount+ announced the two-part documentary How Music Got Free and released a trailer for it on Tuesday (May 21).
Directed by Alexandria Stapleton, How Music Got Free examines how piracy completely disrupted the music industry in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. Method Man provides the narration for the documentary series, which premiered at the 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival earlier this year.
“From New York City, to Los Angeles, to the small factory town of Shelby, North Carolina, the two-part series features the quirky genius of the heretofore-unknown pirates,’ the drama of the FBI investigations and convictions, and the frontline accounts of music’s biggest artists and executives,” Paramount Plus said in its description of the docuseries. “An unbelievable story of cunning, illegality, celebrity, and innovation, these are the events that changed the music industry forever.”
Eminem and fellow executive producer Steve Stoute appear in the documentary as does 50 Cent, Timbaland and Interscope Records boss Jimmy Iovine, among others.
How Music Got Free is based on a book of the same name. The book and documentary series shed light on a North Carolina manufacturing plant employee named Dell Glover, who played a key role in the music leaks.
“As a filmmaker, I wanted to challenge the narrow lens of who we regard as tech innovators,” Stapleton said. “How Music Got Free is a story that proves brilliant minds can be found in unlikely places, like the rural, forgotten factory town of Shelby, North Carolina.”
How Music Got Free is scheduled to debut exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and Canada on June 11. The documentary series will be available in the U.K., Australia, Latin America and several European countries on June 12.
NBC and Peacock said y’all are going to respect these pronouns one way or another, and whether or not you like it, because they exist in the animal kingdom, folks!
For those unaware, Peacock is gearing up to premiere its new documentary, Queer Planet, just in time to celebrate Pride Month. The first-of-its-kind doc is diving into the wild world of gay, lesbian, and transgender animals. Yes, you read that right! There are trans animals and they too deserve to be seen! The streaming giant is taking us on an alternative journey through the animal kingdom, revealing that nature is far kinkier than we ever imagined.
The series has already set social media on fire with its jaw-dropping promo, and it’s not hard to see why, based on what the program is promising. The documentary promises to expose everything from “gay penguins, bisexual lions, and sex-changing clownfish.”
Andrew Rannells, who is the narrator of the promo, boldly declares, “The idea of having just two fixed sexes is clearly out of style.”
Rannells adds, “It’s clear that no matter where you look on our planet, nature is full of queer surprises,” all while we’re shown steamy footage of animals mating in ways you never learned about in biology class.
Rannells didn’t hold back his excitement in a press release, stating, “We’ve all heard of gay penguins, but this film really opened my eyes to the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ behaviors across the natural world. And what could be more natural than being who you are? I’m excited to be part of ‘Queer Planet,’ especially during Pride Month, and on Peacock, surely the most colorful and glamorous of all the streaming services.”
Along with Rannells, Scientists like Bradley Trevor Greive, Dr. Martin Stervander, Dr. Christine Wilkinson, Dr. Ross Brooks, and Dr. Amy Parish are lined up to spill the tea on Mother Nature’s open-minded antics.
“It’s only in humans that we have had such a stigma about it,” one expert in the film promo said.
Get ready for a wild ride, because “Queer Planet” is about to redefine what we know about the birds and the bees—literally.
Lil Nas X clarified his remarks regarding Beyoncé and Shaboozey’s country music accomplishments on Tuesday (May 21). The “Old Town Road” creator denied any bitterness in response to a Rolling Stone article citing quotes from his BBC interview.
“You don’t have take me out of context and paint me as bitter rolling stone,” he wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). “i said im proud and happy for them while i also wish i wasn’t removed from the chart.. especially now that country has more trap/rap influences than ever.”
The polarizing artist told the BBC he was “happy” for Beyoncé and Shaboozey, two Black artists who reached the top of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. The interview featured Lil Nas X reflecting on Billboard removing his song “Old Town Road” from the country chart.
“But I wish this would have happened for me,” he said of Beyoncé and Shaboozey’s country music success. “I wasn’t even able to experience this.”
you don’t have take me out of context and paint me as bitter rolling stone. i said im proud and happy for them while i also wish i wasn’t removed from the chart.. especially now that country has more trap/rap influences than ever. https://t.co/qUgawSdxKS
Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” debuted at No. 19 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart in 2019. Weeks later, the publication determined the song wasn’t country enough to be included on the chart.
“Upon further review, it was determined that ‘Old Town Road’ by Lil Nas X does not currently merit inclusion on Billboard’s country charts,” Billboard said in a statement. “When determining genres, a few factors are examined, but first and foremost is musical composition. While ‘Old Town Road’ incorporates references to country and cowboy imagery, it does not embrace enough elements of today’s country music to chart in its current version.”
Billboard claimed race “had absolutely nothing to do with” its decision to disqualify Lil Nas X’s song. “Old Town Road” became a massive hit regardless of genre classification. It spent 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned its diamond certification in 2019.
Misa Hylton, the mother of Diddy’s son Justin Combs, alluded to the Hip-Hop mogul abusing her in an Instagram post on Tuesday (May 21). Hylton mentioned her “own trauma” in reaction to damning surveillance footage of Diddy assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
“I am heartbroken that Cassie must relive the horror of her abuse, and my heart goes out to her,” Hylton wrote. “I know exactly how she feels, and through my empathy, it has triggered my own trauma.”
The post included photos of Diddy’s children. Hylton, who is also rapper Niko Brim’s mother, hoped Diddy would seek help.
“These young people were raised by women that want the best for them – we put God and education first and have always been united in our mutual effort to support their dreams,” she wrote. “Two of the youngest do not have their mother here and it has been our duty to support them. Their father needs help and I am praying that he truly does the personal work and receives it.”
Video of Diddy attacking Cassie emerged on May 17. The incident happened at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016.
Footage of the assault corroborated some of the allegations in Cassie’s lawsuit against Diddy. She sued him for rape and years of abuse in November 2023. The two quickly settled the case out of court.
Diddy issued an apology via Instagram after the video of him assaulting Cassie surfaced.
“It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that,” he said. “I was f##### up. I hit rock bottom. But I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable.”
Diddy still faces pending lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault and trafficking. He is also the subject of a federal investigation. Homeland Security raided his homes in March.
Peloton cut ties with Sean “Diddy” Combs in reaction to a video of him brutally assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. The popular exercise company revealed it stopped using his music in a private Facebook group for Peloton users.
“Thank you for sharing your concerns,” the Peloton admin wrote. “We take this issue very seriously and can confirm Peloton has paused the use of Sean Combs’ music, as well as removed the Bad Boy Entertainment Artist Series, on our platform. This means our Instructors are no longer using his music in any newly produced classes. Again, thank you for sharing your concerns and thank you for being a member of our Peloton community.”
Diddy wasn’t the first Hip-Hop artist to be removed from Peloton’s classes. The company previously scrubbed Kanye West’s work from its platform due to his antisemitism in 2022.
Surveillance footage of Diddy attacking Cassie surfaced on May 17. The incident occurred at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016.
The video corroborated some of the allegations in Cassie’s bombshell lawsuit against Diddy. Cassie detailed how the mogul abused her at a hotel in court documents filed in November 2023.
Footage showed Diddy throwing Cassie to the ground, kicking her twice and attempting to drag her back to his hotel room. Later in the video, the Bad Boy Records founder shoved her into a corner and threw what appeared to be a vase at her.
Diddy apologized after the Cassie assault footage went public.
“It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that,” he said on Instagram. “I was f##### up. I hit rock bottom. But I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable.”
Cassie and Diddy settled her lawsuit out of court in 2023. The civil case was just the beginning of Diddy’s legal problems. More victims sued him following the settlement. The feds also raided his homes as part of a sex trafficking investigation in March.
Snoop Dogg teamed with The Realest, a memorabilia authentication and auction company founded by DJ Skee, to allow fans to bid on items from his career. The auction includes a used blunt, which received multiple bids once the listing went live on Tuesday (May 21).
“A 1-of-1 actual blunt smoked by Snoop Dogg,” The Realest touted. “Preserved in resin in Snoop’s personal ashtray to display for eternity, this is an auction piece like no other. This is the first ever authenticated Snoop Dogg roach, making it one of the most unique pieces of memorabilia ever created.”
The Realest noted, “The blunt has been rendered inert, cast inside a solid resin block inside the ashtray. This item is being sold as a novelty with no real consumable use.”
Bidding for Snoop’s blunt closes on June 16. The roach has been authenticated – as strange as that may sound. The Realest shared footage of Snoop smoking the blunt on its website and social media accounts.
Snoop’s auction features master tapes, a handwritten tour setlist, a Jeff Hamilton Lakers jacket, scripts from the rapper’s film and television projects, a custom Death Row Records chain, a gold plaque for Doggystyle and much more.
“This is s### that we have, but we didn’t know it was worth something,” Snoop told Variety.
The Realest founder DJ Skee added, “Snoop is passionate about helping introduce an entirely new revenue stream for artists that is not just a typical ‘estate’ or garage-type sale of items, but from documented and authenticated ephemera. Items like setlists, stage equipment, outfits, signage, and more are things that fans desire but can’t find. It helps to build a new revenue stream for artists.”
Check out Snoop’s Tha Shiznit auction on The Realest website. More items will be up for bid in the coming days.
Lamor Whitehead, known as the “Bling Bishop” for his extravagant lifestyle, has been sent to federal jail ahead of his sentencing next month.
According to the New York Daily, Manhattan Federal Judge Lorna Schofield revoked his bail due to his conviction on multiple federal charges, including wire fraud, attempted extortion and making false statements to law enforcement.
In a court filing, prosecutors pushed for immediate action, noting Whitehead refused to take accountability for his actions. The con man, now facing the possibility of decades behind bars, pleaded with Schofield to remain on bail until his sentencing. In a letter addressed to the jurist, he expressed concern for his family, writing, “It would be devastating to take me away from my two 16-year-old children, my nine-year-old daughter, and my two-year-old baby girl.”
Whitehead was found guilty of swindling $90,000 from a parishioner’s mother at his Brooklyn church and attempting to extort money from a Bronx businessman, falsely promising special treatment from Mayor Eric Adams (although he wasn’t implicated in any wrongdoing).
Prosecutors argued that Whitehead posed a significant community risk, citing his recent threats against his victims and violation of a restraining order. Despite his plea to remain on bail, emphasizing his concern for his family, Whitehead’s bail was revoked. His sentencing, originally scheduled for July 1, has been moved up to June 17.
In March, the self-proclaimed bishop and real estate investor was found guilty of attempted extortion, wire fraud and lying to the F.B.I. A jury took around three hours to reach a verdict after prosecutors argued he forced victims to give him money. In addition, he was accused of bragging about access to Adams.
During the trial, Whitehead tried to blame his parishioner’s son for the $90,000 loss.
“He was a man of God,” victim Pauline Anderson said of Bishop Whitehead. “I believed him as the leader of his church.”
Prosecutors claimed Whitehead misrepresented his relationship with Adams to convince the aforementioned local business owner to lend him $500,000.
“He was lying about the access, he was lying about the influence, he was lying about all of it,” the prosecutor said in his closing argument.
Whitehead is also embroiled in a $360 million lawsuit with controversial YouTube personality Tasha K. In November 2023, Whitehead’s lawyer asked a judge to remove him from the case, citing abuse and non-payment.
