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Jermaine Dupri Says Muni Long’s “Made For Me” Ineligible For 2024 Grammy Award Consideration

Jermaine Dupri has taken to social media to detail his vendetta with the latest news regarding The Recording Academy’s award consideration for Muni Long’s#### record.

On Wednesday (March 27) Dupri expressed his frustrations on Twitter (X) in a lengthy tweet in which he outlined just how compromising the situation is for him and his co-producer, Bryan-Michael Cox. In particular, Dupri appeared to take issue with a submission technicality that could derail his intended Grammy Award campaign for the track.

“So I just got a message stating that the muni long record will not be eligible for next years Grammy awards because it was submitted this year, you know how crazy that is !? The the likelihood of me, and Bryan, producing another song of this magnitude might not ever happen again,” Dupri wrote in the tweet.

Despite receiving the bad news in connection to the Grammy’s, Dupri ended up celebrating the following day on March 28 as “Made For Me” reached yet another milestone marking it’s widespread success. After spending nine weeks on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Billboard Chart, Long’s bestie ballad earned a second consecutive week at the No. 1 spot on the set. Prior to that, “Made For Me” debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart last January and before that,  in December, it became her first No. 1 record on R&B radio.

Watch the official video for “Made For Me” below.

Trippie Redd Denies Label Paid Producer To Trash Machine Gun Kelly Collab “genre: sadboy EP”

Trippie Redd is attempting to kill off rumors his record label paid a producer to start an argument on Twitter (X) ahead of the release of his collaboration with Machine Gun Kelly, genre : sadboy EP.

On Wednesday (March 27), Redd addressed the producer on the social media platform after the user, whose username appears to be Kai, tweeted remarks disparaging their upcoming production credit on the album. In his initial remarks, Redd appeared to shrug off the negativity by simply severing ties with the beatmaker.

Kai wrote, “The way I just learned I have a beat placement in this this morning and I know it’s bout to be the worst song I’ve ever heard.”

Redd prompltly responded, “Thanks for letting me know. You have been removed from the album. Good luck.”

In response, Kai claimed he was unbothered by being removing from the project, alluding to being paid in advance by the “Topanga” rapper’s record label, 10K Projects, because all of this was part of the rollout plan. However, Redd appeared to call cap on Kai’s rap and requested proof of such arrangement.

“@kaixan2k u don’t even deserve this mention but show proof you got paid or log off. My last tweet about this. Project out tomorrow,” Redd wrote.

Redd proceeded to further call the producer out and accuse him of lying after Kai appeared to provide an invoice outlining the agreement for the altercation, which Redd also suggested was fabricated.

“The fact you took your time out to make this fake a## s### instead of getting the free bandz Is crazy,” Redd wrote.

Eventually, Machine Gun Kelly also found his way into the thread and took the opportunity to back Trippie Redd up in his approach to calling the producer out, tweeting “Played himself for twitter likes [Clown emoji].”

As Trippie Redd continued to engage in the back-and-forth with Kai in the thread of tweets, he even went as far as offering $10,000 if he was presented with definitive proof that his label did indeed pay for promotion, despite merely being a licensee of the project, which is being distributed through Interscope.

In addition to 10K Projects, genre : sadboy EP will also be jointly licensed through Machine Gun Kelly’s EST 19XX, LLC imprint. In addition the the lead single “Lost Boys” the EP will include a total of 10 tracks and is set to arrive on Friday (March 29).

Check out the video for “Lost Boys” below.

50 Cent Called Out By Ex Bad Boy Producer Stevie J Over Diddy Drama

50 Cent has been challenged to a fight by producer Stevie J. The former Bad Boy Records producer hopped on Instagram Thursday (March 29) and had some choice words for the rapper-turned-television executive. In the clip, Stevie J brings up 50 Cent’s ex Daphne Joy, who’s been named in Lil Rodney’s sexual assault lawsuit filed recently against Diddy (real name Sean Combs). 50 Cent and Joy also share a child together, Sire.

“Curtis, what’s good man?” Stevie J says in the clip.  “You in your feelings about Daphne? Or are you sucking Lil Rod’s dick? However it go, I wanna shoot the fade. F### all that. Since it’s entertainment, let me beat the sh## out of you on TV or something. Don’t duck that. I’m calling you out. What you wanna do, Curtis? Curtis!”

He added in the caption, “@50cent be careful crossing the street Curtis.”

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5EbnvUOmhy/?igsh=MXRnamppcnRmbmw5cw%3D%3D

Stevie J was responding to one of 50 Cent’s latest posts, which included the headline: “New Documents Show That P Diddy Allegedly Used Videos of Stevie J Having Intercourse with Another Man to Groom Men Into Having Sex.” The caption read: “whoa say it ain’t so @hitmanstevie_j WTF, this s### a mess.”

Stevie J responded in the comments with, “Get ya money Curtis we know this entertainment but ain’t no truth to dat!”

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A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent)

 

Lil Rod filed an amended complaint in his lawsuit against Diddy on Monday (March 25), claiming Diddy boasted about paying Joy and two other women, including his Yung Miami, a “monthly stipend” for sex.

“According to Plaintiff Jones, Defendant Sean Combs bragged about having several women on a monthly stipend,” the lawsuit states before naming the women. “Caresha Romeka Brownlee, aka ‘Yung Miami,’ Jade Ramey, aka ‘Jade’ and Daphne Joy Cervantes Narvaez, aka, ‘Daphne Joy’ who were paid a monthly fee to work as Mr. Combs’ sex workers.”

50 Cent headed to Instagram and wrote, “I didn’t know you was a sex worker. You little sex worker. LOL Yo this s### is a movie.”

But things took a more serious turn after 50 Cent reportedly decided to seek sole custody of Sire due to the accusations levied against Joy. According to US Magazine, the G-Unit boss plans to take action because of the sex worker allegation.

“Lil Rod is nothing more than a liar who filed a $30 million lawsuit,” Diddy’s lawyer, Shawn Holley, said. “His reckless name-dropping about events that are pure fiction and simply did not happen is nothing more than a transparent attempt to garner headlines. We have overwhelming, indisputable proof that his claims are complete lies. We will address these outlandish allegations in court and take all appropriate action against those who make them,”

Diddy’s Miami and Los Angeles homes were raided by federal agents on Monday (March 25) in connection to a sex trafficking case, although he wasn’t arrested. Diddy’s legal troubles have been mounting since ex Cassie Ventura filed her bombshell lawsuit against him in November 2023, alleging physical abuse and rape. They quickly settled out of court, but it was only the beginning. Two more women came forward just days later with similar claims as did Lil Rodney. 50 Cent, meanwhile, has been touting an upcoming documentary on Diddy’s demise.

SIGNS: Illinois Man’s Fatal Rockford Stabbing Rampage Leaves Community In Shock

The quaint streets of Rockford, Illinois were marred by a wave of terror, when a violent stabbing spree left four dead and seven injured. Authorities are labeling the incident a “random and senseless act of violence.”

According to local news outlets, a 22-year-old male is believed to be solely responsible for the incident, which occurred at multiple crime scenes in Rockford and Winnebago County. Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd solemnly expressed her disbelief to reporters following the attack, her voice trembling with emotion as she told them, “Words can’t even express my thoughts right now.”

Amidst the chaos, a woman claiming to be the suspect’s mother stepped forward, her world shattered by the unfathomable actions of her son.

“He’s a loving person and he has never hurt anybody before,” she tearfully recounted in a phone call. “We don’t know what happened. He’s not an aggressive person. This is all shocking to us.”

Among the victims are a 15-year-old girl, 63-year-old woman, 49-year-old man and 22-year-old man, who all lost their lives. The motive behind the bloodshed remains shrouded in mystery. According to authorities, around 1 p.m. local time, dispatch received calls about a home invasion. One woman was. able to escape but was stabbed in the hands and face, Sheriff Gary Caruana said.

As the community grapples with the aftermath, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara struggles to find solace in the wake of such brutality.

“I’m just totally shaken by this act of violence and the impact that it’s having now on multiple families’ lives,” McNamara remarked.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies race against time to unravel the tangled web of events that led to this unspeakable tragedy.

“Right now, we don’t have a clear motive in regards to what caused this individual to commit such heinous crimes,” Chief Redd said.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker offers unwavering support, pledging to stand by Rockford in its darkest hour. “As we await more information, our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims,” Pritzker declared.

The suspect faces more than a dozen charges, including murder and home invasion, and is expected to appear in court on March 28. Watch the report above for additional details.

Yung Miami’s Team Says It Can Debunk Pink Cocaine Claim In Diddy Lawsuit

Lil Rod accused Yung Miami of transporting pink cocaine for Diddy in a sexual assault lawsuit, much to the chagrin of the City Girls rapper’s team. According to TMZ, Yung Miami’s camp supposedly had proof she wasn’t traveling to bring drugs to Diddy in April 2023.

Yung Miami’s team said she was getting fitted for her Met Gala dress in New York on the day in question. Lil Rod claimed she traveled from Florida to Virginia to bring pink cocaine, also known as tuci, to Sean “Diddy” Combs in an amended complaint filed this week.

“Brendan [Paul] and Kristina Khorram brought drugs,” Lil Rod’s lawsuit read. “[Diddy] and the Combs Rico Enterprise were rehearsing for ‘something in the water festival’ in Virginia. [Lil Rod] personally witness[ed] Mr. Combs do a few lines of coke in his dressing room. Defendant Sean Combs wanted tuci but Brendan forgot it, so Defendant Kristina Khorram called Yung Miami. Who then brought it on the private jet from Miami.”

Lil Rod, whose real name is Rodney Jones, sued Diddy for sexual assault and more in February. Yung Miami was identified as one of Diddy’s alleged sex workers in Lil Rod’s amended complaint.

“Defendant Sean Combs bragged about having several women on a monthly stipend,” the lawsuit contended. “According to Plaintiff Jones, the women who received these payments are Caresha Romeka Brownlee, aka ‘Yung Miami,’ Jade Ramey, aka ‘Jade,’ and Daphne Joy Cervantes Narvaez, aka, ‘Daphne Joy’ who were paid a monthly fee to work as Mr. Combs’ sex workers. Based on information and belief, they received payment via wire transfer from Robin Greenhill. It is unclear if they were provided the appropriate United States federal tax documents for these payments or if they independently declared these payments on their taxes.”

Lil Rod also accused Yung Miami’s cousin of sexually assaulting him. The cousin, identified as Jane Doe in court documents, was listed as a co-defendant in his lawsuit.

“While using the restroom, Yung Miami’s cousin burst into the bathroom and began groping Mr. Jones,” the lawsuit explained. “Mr. Jones believes that Mr. Combs sent her in there to sexually assault Mr. Jones. According to Mr. Jones, as she entered the bathroom, she dropped to her knees and began performing oral sex on Mr. Jones’ exposed penis. Mr. Jones pushed her away and exited the bathroom. According to Mr. Jones, Yung Miami’s cousin did not accept Mr. Jones rejection, as she proceeded to follow Mr. Jones out of the bathroom. She started undressing and attempted to straddle him and have sex with him in the presence of Mr. Combs and his staff. Despite the lack of assistance from Mr. Combs and his staff, Mr. Jones pushed her off.”

Lil Rod and several women sued Diddy for sexual assault over the past five months. Diddy is under federal investigation for sex trafficking, among other allegations.

Did Eminem Predict Drake’s Beef With Future & Try To Warn Him?

Eminem fans believe they have the receipts to prove Drake was given a fair warning about his rap beef with Future, Kendrick Lamar and Metro Boomin.

Earlier this week, fans of Eminem began pointing to a song entitled “Zeus” as evidence that Slim Shady predicted what Drake is experiencing now. Even though the record was released in 2020 on Eminem’s Music To Be Murdered By (Deluxe Edition), listeners believe the lyrics he spit specifically apply to Drake’s relationship with Pluto, considering they released WATTBA (What A Time To Be Alive) five years prior.

In the song, Em raps: “I’ve had a great view to see the game through [through]/ And Drake, they’re gonna turn on you one day too/And the more you win, the sooner they do.”

In another portion of the verse, Eminem seemingly foreshadows Kendrick’s “Like That” diss in which he seemingly equated Drake’s recent album to common waste.

“They’ll be calling you a trash binSayin’ that your new one isn’t better than your last and/Even if it is, once they start to turn their backs/They ain’t never comin’ back in,” he rapped.

As if his bars weren’t already telling enough, Eminem seemingly used a double entendre to circle back on his previous bar fans believed was loaded and directed at Future.

“They did it to Chance/Next they’ll be mentionin’ Future in the past tense (Yeah)/Or sayin’ ‘Adiós’ to Migos/I ain’t dissin’, I’m just tryna keep the s### a C-note,” he rapped.

Stream the record in full below.

Kanye West Disses Drake & Kendrick Lamar Then Crowns Himself G.O.A.T.

Kanye West sided with no one in Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s beef. Ye took shots at both rappers in an Instagram post on Thursday (March 28).

“EVERYONE KNOWS I WASHED KENDRICK ON NO MORE PARTIES IN LA,” Kanye wrote. “EVERYONE KNOWS I WASHED DRAKE AT THE FREE HOOVER CONCERT.”

Ye then touted himself as the greatest of all time, listing some of the accomplishments and musical creations on his résumé. He boasted about surviving “cancellation” with his spin on adidas cutting ties with him.

“EVERYONE KNOWS I BROUGHT ADIDAS INTO THIS CULTURE AND I TOOK THEM OUT,” he wrote. “EVERY KNOWS DEMNA VIRGIL JERRY KIM ALL WORKED FOR ME. I MADE YEEZUS DARK FANTASY PABLO GRADUATION THRONE 808S. I MADE RUNAWAY DEVIL IN A NEW DRESS FATHER STRETCH. I AM THE ONLY PERSON TO COME BACK TO NUMBER ONE AFTER CANCELLATION. THERE IS ONLY ONE GOAT. I STAND BY ME. MY FRIENDS CALL ME YE.”

Kanye West’s rant on social media comes a week after Kendrick stirred up a long-simmering feud with Drake. K. Dot dissed Drake on Future and Metro Boomin’s song “Like That,” which appeared on the duo’s We Don’t Trust You album.

“F### sneak dissing, first-person shooter, I hope they came with three switches/I crash out like, ‘F### rap,’ diss Melle Mel if I had to/Got 2TEEZ with me, I’m snatching chains and burning tattoos, it’s up/Lost too many soldiers not to play it safe/If he walk around with that stick, it ain’t André 3K/Think I won’t drop the location? I still got PTSD/Motherf### the big three, n####, it’s just big me,” Kendrick rapped.

He added, “And your best work is a light pack/N###, Prince outlived Mike Jack/N###, bum/For all your dogs getting buried/That’s a K with all these nines, he gon’ see Pet Cemetery.”

Listen to “Like That” below.

50 Cent Seeks Sole Custody Of Son After Diddy Lawsuit Claims Child’s Mother Is Sex Worker

50 Cent reportedly sought sole custody of his son Sire due to information revealed in Lil Rod’s sexual assault lawsuit against Diddy. According to US Magazine, the G-Unit boss planned to take action because his son’s mother Daphne Joy was named as one of Diddy’s alleged sex workers.

“Given the latest developments and news of Daphne Joy’s involvement in the Diddy lawsuit, 50 is going for sole custody of his son,” a source told the outlet.

On Monday (March 25), Lil Rod filed an amended complaint in his Diddy lawsuit. Lil Rod accused Joy, Yung Miami and Instagram model Jade Ramey of being sex workers for Diddy (real name Sean Combs).

“Defendant Sean Combs bragged about having several women on a monthly stipend,” the lawsuit read. “According to [Lil Rod], the women who received these payments are Caresha Romeka Brownlee, aka ‘Yung Miami,’ Jade Ramey, aka ‘Jade,’ and Daphne Joy Cervantes Narvaez, aka, ‘Daphne Joy’ who were paid a monthly fee to work as Mr. Combs’ sex workers. Based on information and belief, they received payment via wire transfer from Robin Greenhill. It is unclear if they were provided the appropriate United States federal tax documents for these payments or if they independently declared these payments on their taxes.”

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A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent)

50 Cent, who has been trolling Diddy for months, reacted to Joy’s name getting mentioned in the lawsuit on Wednesday (March 27).

“I didn’t know you was a sex worker,” he wrote on Instagram. “You little sex worker. LOL Yo this s### is a movie.”

Lil Rod originally sued Diddy in February. The producer filed his lawsuit after multiple women sued the Hip-Hop mogul in November 2023. Two of Diddy’s accusers claimed they were minors when he sexually assaulted them. Diddy settled one lawsuit with his ex Cassie, but the other cases remain open.

Diddy is under federal investigation for sex trafficking, among other allegations. Homeland Security raided his homes in Los Angeles and Miami on Monday (March 25). His alleged drug mule Brendan Paul was arrested the same day.

Lawyer Suing Diddy Accuses Son Christian Of Drugging, Assaulting Jane Doe—Lawsuit Coming

Christian “King” Combs, son of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, is the subject of serious allegations as the drama surrounding his father continues to play out. Attorney Tyrone Blackburn, known for taking high-profile cases against celebrities, has revealed his intentions to file a lawsuit implicating Christian in a grave matter.

The lawyer’s client, Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, has already set legal sights on Diddy with claims of monumental proportion claiming sexual trafficking, gun running, drug dealing and other wild allegations. Compounding the issue is a new Jane Doe, who plans to file a lawsuit claiming she was sexually assaulted by Christian.

As of now, the specifics of the lawsuit against Christian remain under wraps, but Blackburn asserts it involves allegations of drugging and sexually assaulting the woman, whose identity has yet to be disclosed.

The accusations come amidst a tumultuous time for the Combs family, following a series of federal raids on Sean Combs’ properties and a $30 million lawsuit against the patriarch himself. While the lawsuit is pending, the announcement brings unwelcome attention to Christian Combs, a rising figure in the rap community and fashion world. He was previously in a relationship with Breah Hicks, an association that spanned nearly seven years. His current involvement with model Raven Tracy has already made headlines after she got Christian’s name tattooed on her backside.

More recently, Tracy publicly supported Christian by posting a picture of herself loving on her man after the raids and another on Thursday (March 28) of them working out together.

Raven Tracy has faced significant backlash online amid the legal storm surrounding her boyfriend. Negative comments are flooding her Instagram as the allegations against Christian come to light.

Lawyer Tyrone Blackburn is no stranger to the spotlight, representing clients in cases against figures such as T.I. and his wife, Tiny, Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty.

EXCLUSIVE: Afrika Bambaataa Accuser’s Lawyers Renew Push For Judge’s Decision In Sexual Abuse Case

A John Doe’s lawyers urged a New York judge to make a ruling in a sexual abuse lawsuit against Afrika Bambaataa. According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, attorneys filed a third request for Judge Alexander Tisch to decide on their motion for a default judgment in the civil case on Wednesday (March 28).

“This firm represents Plaintiff in the above-referenced matter,” John Doe’s lawyers wrote. “Plaintiff filed a Motion for Default Judgment (motion sequence #3) against Def. Taylor on August 1, 2022. Plaintiff is once again respectfully inquiring as to when the Court will issue a decision and Order.”

John Doe accused Bambaataa, whose real name is Lance Taylor, of child sexual abuse and sex trafficking in a 2021 lawsuit. The alleged victim said he was only 12 years old when the abuse began.

“From 1991 to 1995, Plaintiff was invited to Defendant’s apartment, located in the BRH, where he was repeatedly subjected to sexual abuse consisting of mutual masturbation and sodomy,” John Doe’s lawyers wrote. “During the same time period, Plaintiff was transported by Defendant Taylor, to other locations and offered for sex to other adult men in exchange for money. Defendant Taylor, intentional sexual assault of Plaintiff was for his own sexual gratification and without regard for the Plaintiff’s well-being. Defendant Taylor, performed the aforementioned actions for his own sexual gratification and without Plaintiff’s consent.”

John Doe sued Bambaataa for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional distress and gross negligence. Zulu Nation, Universal Zulu Nation and XYZ Corp were also named defendants in the lawsuit.

“Defendants Zulu Nation, Universal Zulu Nation and XYZ Corp [are] directly liable based on its own reckless, extreme and outrageous conduct by providing Defendant Taylor with access to children, including Plaintiff, despite knowing that he would likely use their position to groom and to sexually abuse them, including Plaintiff,” John Doe’s attorneys contended. “Their misconduct was so shocking and outrageous that it exceeds the reasonable bounds of decency as measured by what the average member of the community would tolerate and demonstrates an utter disregard by them of the consequences that would follow.”

Multiple men claimed they were sexually abused by Bambaataa when they were minors. The Hip-Hop pioneer denied the allegations in 2016.

Safaree Says He’s Attending Nicki Minaj’s Tour In Disguise – Barbz Not Amused

Safaree trolled Nicki Minaj fans by claiming he would attend her Pink Friday 2 World Tour. Nicki’s ex-boyfriend said he intended to show up at her concert in disguise to avoid getting noticed.

“I’m definitely going to a gag city concert In full disguise … yall will not even notice me and I will enjoy the show!!” he wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). “Can’t wait!! Ima document it too and drop a video after.”

He added, “Imma wear a jean vest too! Can’t wait!!”

Safaree’s jean vest comment referenced Nicki’s documentary series My Truth. Nicki criticized him for wearing a jean vest in a memorable clip from the docuseries.

Less than an hour after teasing a trip to “Gag City,” Safaree suggested his X account got hacked. The Barbz did not believe him.

“Wow .. my page was hacked that was not me!!” he wrote. “wtf !! Ridiculous.”

Safaree proved Nicki’s diehard fans were correct by posting several laughing emojis within minutes of his hack claim.

Nicki and Safaree’s relationship ended a decade ago, but it became a topic of conversation again in recent interviews. Kanye West briefly discussed the former couple in a conversation with Big Boy, saying he asked Safaree if Nicki might be interested in a threesome with Ye and Amber Rose. Safaree also downplayed allegations of Nicki threatening him with a knife in an interview with Jason Lee.

“No, I wasn’t almost killed,” Safaree said. “Listen, everybody in relationships go through stuff.”

He added, “I’ve been in so many situations where girls pick things up. Women are emotional creatures, and I understand. I’m older now and I understand that women just react differently to things.”

Nicki’s tour began in March. Check out the fan reactions to Safaree wanting to attend one of her shows below.

Diddy Erects Umbrellas As Privacy Shields Amid Federal Raids

The staff at Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Star Island mansion in Miami Beach has begun employing a peculiar strategy to ensure the property’s privacy.

Following federal raids connecting the Hip-Hop mogul to a series of grave allegations, large, strategically placed umbrellas have become the latest tool in the effort to shield the mansion’s activities from the prying eyes of the media and the public.

This development occurred after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security launched operations at Diddy’s residences in Los Angeles and Miami Beach on March 25, 2024.

The searches were part of a broader federal investigation exploring serious accusations of sex trafficking and sexual assault, as well as the solicitation and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms.

With Diddy remaining out of the public eye since these raids, speculation and intrigue have swirled around the reasons behind the government’s interest in the music tycoon.

The operation involved federal prosecutors from Manhattan and agents from Homeland Security Investigations.

It has come to light that this federal scrutiny included confiscating phones, among other potential pieces of evidence, from Combs’ properties, notwithstanding his absence from the premises at the time.

Eyewitness accounts placed him at a nearby airport shortly after the incidents.

The use of large umbrellas at the Miami Beach mansion is a testament to the siege-like atmosphere enveloping the once-serene estate.

Combs’ legal representatives have vehemently denied the allegations levied against their client, describing the raids as an “unprecedented ambush” featuring a “gross overuse of military-level force.”

They maintain the innocence of Combs, calling the charges “meritless.”

However, it’s worth noting that the investigation followed on the heels of several civil lawsuits against Combs.

These lawsuits brought forward accusations ranging from sexual assault to rape and sex trafficking, casting a shadow over the entrepreneur’s celebrated career.

Jussie Smollett’s Hate Crime Hoax Conviction Appeal Headed To Illinois Supreme Court

Jussie Smollett will have the chance to plead his case to the Supreme Court of Illinois. The state’s highest court agreed to hear the disgraced entertainer’s appeal of his 2021 disorderly conduct conviction.

Previously, an Illinois appellate court upheld the original jury’s guilty verdict against Jussie Smollett in the criminal case. The former Empire cast member was accused of lying to law enforcement officers about a staged racist, homophobic assault against himself in 2019.

The Illinois Supreme Court agreed to review the case and determine if the conviction should be overturned, according to reports. Smollett has argued he should not have faced further prosecution after Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx initially dropped the case. He also forfeited a $10,000 bond.

Following the December 2021 conviction, Jussie Smollett received a 150-day jail sentence. The actor/singer was also ordered to pay $120,106 in restitution to the city of Chicago and a fine of $25,000. Plus, Smollett must remain on probation for 30 months.

Jussie Smollett became an internationally known figure in January 2019 after he claimed to be the victim of a hate crime in Chicago perpetrated by Donald Trump supporters. The California native reportedly planned the hoax with Abimbola Osundairo and Olabinjo Osundairo, two former Empire extras.

The Osundairo brothers eventually turned on Jussie Smollett by admitting to helping stage the fake attack. Local authorities alleged the Sum of My Music album creator orchestrated the deception to get attention for his entertainment career. Despite widespread public scrutiny and legal ramifications, Smollett maintains his innocence.

Burna Boy Blasts “Weirdos” Mocking Him Over Viral Shaved-Beard Photo 

Burna Boy is furious with fans who mocked a recently resurfaced photo of him with a shaved beard. The image was doing the rounds on social media and soon picked up by several websites, prompting the African Giant creator to respond.  

He took to Instagram with a scathing message addressed to the “weirdos” who go to “weirdo blogs for your daily news.” According to Burna Boy, the image being ridiculed by fans was taken three years ago. He then condemned media outlets for focusing on his image and private life—and not his stellar career.  

“I shaved my beard in 2021 NOT now,” the Nigerian superstar wrote. “But it’s good to know that for all the history Ive been making and records I’ve been setting and breaking, You PARASITES ONLY CARE ABOUT WHO I MIGHT HAVE F###ED, who I’m f###ing and stupid s### like “Burna boy shaved his beard.” 

He continued, “I gotta apologise to Nigerian blogs now cuz I thought their stupidity was unique, I didn’t know they learned all they know from the West.” 

Fans were up in arms over the photo of a beardless Burna Boy, with many urging him to grow his facial hair back as quickly as possible.  

“There is no way Burna boy is 32,” said one person in a post that amassed over 7 million views. 

“Burna boy we love you but don’t ever in your life shave your beards again,” another user remarked.  

“Sorry but burna boy looks like ms netta, all tea, all the shade,” said a third person.  

Nicki Minaj Previews New Burna Boy Remix

In other Burna Boy news, Nicki Minaj recently teased an upcoming collab. She previewed a remix of the Grammy Award winner’s#### song “Tested, Approved & Trusted.” It’s unclear when the song will arrive but fans are hyped for it. 

“Boondocks” Producer Carl Jones Distances Himself From “Good Times” Reboot Following Backlash

Netflix will premiere a new animated version of Good Times on April 12. Carl Jones (The Boondocks, Black Dynamite) wants the world to know he left the project in the early stages.

Originally, Carl Jones had a producer credit for Good Times, along with Seth MacFarlane, Steph Curry and the late Norman Lear. On Thursday (March 28), Jones informed his X followers about his departure from the program.

“For the record, I was involved with the Good Times animated series in the very VERY beginning but due to creative differences, I had to walk away. So I haven’t even seen one episode or script of this version of the show,” Carl Jones tweeted.

A trailer for Netflix’s Good Times hit the internet this week. The initial reaction to the teaser was overwhelmingly negative. Many of the YouTube comments blasted the concept of the show.

“I think they are trying to make this the next Boondocks. But I think it’s unearned and it was clear that the Boondocks were trying to say that the issues portrayed were wrong, but this comes off as just shock value without any nuanced conversation,” one YouTube user wrote.

Another commenter complained, “Who approved this madness? This portrayal of Black people continues to perpetuate the stereotypes. Black people are not a monolith. However, the world sees us all the same.”

Carl Jones expressed excitement about Good Times in 2020. The North Carolina-raised animator once referred to working with Lear, MacFarlane and Curry as a “dream come true.”

Diddy Accused Of Firing Male Employee For Turning Down Sexual Advances

Sean “Diddy” Combs remains at the center of the news cycle. Alleged stories of unwanted advances, physical abuse and sex trafficking involving the millionaire mogul continue to trend online.

Accusations of sexual misconduct have plagued Diddy for months, including his ex-girlfriend Cassie suing him in a now-settled civil lawsuit. Longtime music journalist Touré recently shared another scandalous allegation.

“I was personally disturbed many years ago,” Touré stated on Joy Reid’s The ReidOut show. “I know this man well enough to call him and say, ‘Hey, I need a favor.’ This might have been 10, 12 years ago that I called him and said, ‘Hey, I have a family member who I want you to hire as an intern.'”

The former Rolling Stone, Essence and Vibe contributor added, “And then the internship stopped abruptly, like three or four months into it. I spoke to my family member like, ‘What happened?’ And they wouldn’t say.”

According to Touré, Diddy supposedly propositioned his male relative for sex to keep the job. There have been rumors the “Bad Boy for Life” rapper would reach out to other men, such as actor/dancer Columbus Short, for late-night sexual encounters.

“Puff had said, ‘Come home, stay the night with me or the internship is over,'” Touré recalled. “And [the intern] said, ‘Absolutely not.’ And the internship ended. From there I was like, ‘Oh, this is how it goes. Okay.’ So to hear that things went even further with potentially, allegedly, [with] many other people, we feel like we’ve seen this coming.”

Diddy Denies Accusations Of Sexual Misconduct & Abuse

On March 25, Department of Homeland Security officials executed a search warrant on multiple homes owned by Diddy. Sources with the federal government confirmed DHS is conducting an investigation connected to multiple sexual assault lawsuits against Combs.

Federal authorities detained two of Diddy’s adult-age children during the raid of the Bad Boy Entertainment founder’s Los Angeles-area residence. Sean Combs, Justin Combs and Christian Combs have not been charged with any crimes.

“There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated,” read a statement from Diddy’s legal team. The Harlem, New York native maintains his innocence.

Attorney Aaron Dyer also stated, “This unprecedented ambush – paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence – leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits.”

Safaree Addresses Nicki Minaj Allegedly Chasing Him With Knife

Safaree Samuels and Nicki Minaj dated for several years at the start of Minaj’s music career. There have been reports that the relationship turned violent at times.

“Remember the night you cut me and I almost died the police and ambulance had to take me out the crib on a stretcher,” Safaree tweeted in 2018 while going back and forth with Nicki Minaj on social media.

He also posted, “I had to lie and tell them I was trying to kill myself so they wouldn’t take you to jail. When things like that start happening more than once it’s time to dip.”

That alleged toxic behavior came up during a recent interview with Hollywood Unlocked’s Jason Lee. The celebrity blogger asked Safaree about rumored footage of Minaj chasing him with a knife and destroying his cars.

“No, I wasn’t almost killed,” Safaree told Jason Lee. The Love & Hip Hop reality show alumnus also stated, “Listen, everybody in relationships go through stuff.” 

He later added, “I’m not even talking about that, I’ve been in so many situations where girls pick things up. Women are emotional creatures, and I understand. I’m older now and I understand that women just react differently to things.”

After splitting from Nicki Minaj in 2014, Safaree Samuels went on to marry fellow reality show star Erica Mena. The couple had two children before separating. Minaj reportedly married convicted sex offender Kenneth Petty in 2019.

Offset Responds To Joe Budden Criticizing Cardi B’s “Like What (Freestyle)”

Joe Budden and Migos member Offset have a long history of being on opposing sides. In addition, Budden has been routinely critical of recent music by Offset’s wife, Cardi B.

Shannon Sharpe invited Offset to be the latest guest on his Club Shay Shay podcast. At one point, the former NFL star asked Offset about his current feelings toward Budden.

“Yeah, we’re good with Joe,” Offset told Shannon Sharpe. “I rock with Joe. I done talked to him on some man-to-man… I just feel like he’ll kick it with you and then kinda dog you out to the world.

“The credits he got don’t really be matching to the people he be getting on a##. But he do got a word and sometimes he says some things that do make sense.”

Joe Budden recently made headlines for declaring the so-called “girl rapper wave” was over. Those remarks came during his negative review of Cardi B’s “(Like What) Freestyle” track.

“I didn’t like how he was trying to s### on the females. It’s an evolution, bruh, you shouldn’t say that it’s dead,” Offset explained. “I don’t want him to come for me either. I done talked to him. I just disagree with your opinion of the female music. They’re doing their thing. Why s### on it? We’re good though. I don’t got no problem with nobody.”

Joe Budden walked back his controversial “girl rapper wave” eulogy. The New Jersey-bred rapper-turned-podcaster later claimed his commentary applied to male music artists as well.

Victim Of Infamous 1999 Shooting Wants Case Against Diddy Reopened: “Justice Will Be Mine” 

Natania Reuben claims Diddy got away with shooting her in the face during the infamous Club New York shooting in 1999 and believes the case should be reopened.  

During an appearance on “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” Wednesday (March 27), Reuben said Homeland Security’s recent raids on Diddy homes gave her encouragement in her 25-year-long fight for justice. 

“I finally felt like justice will be done, justice will be mine. And belong to all of his victims,” she said. 

In December 1999, Diddy was arrested alongside his former girlfriend Jennifer Lopez, and Bad Boy rapper “Shyne” Barrow following a club shooting in Manhattan. 

Diddy faced multiple weapons charges but was acquitted on all counts at trial. Shyne was found guilty and sentenced to 10 years in prison. In 2008, Ruben reportedly filed a $130 million lawsuit for compensation, which they settled in 2011. 

Rueben insisted her story has remained consistent throughout the years and “immediately” named Diddy as the shooter.  

“I literally watched them pull out the guns,” she explained before adding, I have a clear point of view. I was facing them directly and watched everything occur and have described it vehemently to all parties involved.

However, she was surprised that her testimony was cast into doubt.

“I didn’t have any reason to believe that someone wouldn’t believe me. But as things unfolded, it was a very short period of time where I realized that’s what was happening,” Reuben added. 

Ruben Was Motivated To Speak Out After Lil Rod Claimed Diddy Bragged About Shooting

Earlier this year, Reuben repeated her claims on social media after producer Lil Rod filed his bombshell lawsuit. Rod claimed Diddy boasted about getting away with the 1999 shooting and letting Shyne take the fall. 

Reuben said the lawsuit was a sign for her to speak out and believes the case must “absolutely “be reopened.  

“Had people taken what I said more seriously and listened more intently, 24 years’ worth of people probably wouldn’t have had to suffer,” Reuben stated.  

Diddy’s Legal Woes Mount: Feds Reportedly Investigating “Explicit Allegations” Of Sex Trafficking 

Diddy’s alleged sex trafficking victims are reportedly opening up to investigators who claim to have “concrete” allegations against the embattled Hip-Hop mogul, leading to Monday’s Homeland Security raids.  

A Department of Homeland Security source claims investigators have been looking into the allegations for weeks, per New York Post.  

“That’s a funny thing about victims,” the DHS officer explained. They may be reluctant to speak at first, but once they start talking, they talk. They talk a lot. We are getting a lot of cooperation from a lot of people who want to see him brought to justice.” 

A multi-agency investigation is underway, spearheaded by the US Attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York. 

According to the DHS source, Diddy’s accusers have painted a clear picture of his alleged offenses.  

“We believe that there is a disturbing history of sex trafficking,” the Miami-based officer explained.   

“We are responding to concrete, detailed, explicit allegations. This is not random. We didn’t choose his name out of a hat. We had allegations that we’re following up on.” 

The DHS officer confirmed Diddy “is under investigation” and has not been arrested or charged with any crime. 

“He is free right now to do what he wants,” the law enforcement source stated. “But he is aware that if charges come down, we will get him — wherever he is.” 

Seven New Accusers Co-Operating With Investigation Into Diddy’s Alleged Offenses

Diddy has strenuously denied the allegations levied against him by multiple people in several lawsuits.  

As reported by AllHipHop earlier this week, seven new individuals have reportedly stepped forward to cooperate with authorities. Three Jane Does and one John Doe have already been interviewed, with three more Jane Does scheduled for discussions.  

“We became aware of certain allegations during the course of the civil suits against Mr. Combs,” the DHS officer continued. “You have to understand that we didn’t just decide on a whim to search his homes. A federal judge had to sign off. This isn’t a witch hunt.” 

However, Diddy’s lawyer branded the federal raids an “unprecedented ambush” and “nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits.”