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EXCLUSIVE: Megan Thee Stallion Gets Backing From Lawyer Who Crushed Donald Trump For E. Jean Carroll

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Exclusives
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Megan Thee Stallion just got legal backup from one of the biggest names in modern courtroom history: the same powerhouse attorney who helped take down Donald Trump.

Roberta Kaplan, the civil rights lawyer who represented writer E. Jean Carroll in her defamation and sexual assault lawsuits against Trump, has stepped into Megan’s corner with a blistering amicus curiae brief filed in federal court.

She’s backing Megan’s fight against Texas blogger Milagro “Milagro Gramz” Cooper, who was found liable for spreading a fake, sexually explicit AI-generated video of the rapper.

Kaplan doesn’t mince words. She argues that Cooper’s conduct, reposting and promoting a pornographic deepfake of Megan to her thousands of followers, is not “free speech.”

“This case demonstrates how technological advances can amplify familiar forms of online harm, including harm based on sexually explicit images. Deep-fake sexual imagery does not contribute to public debate; it reproduces patterns of intimidation and degradation that the law has long deemed unprotected,” Roberta Kaplan explained.

Kaplan says it’s harassment, plain and simple. And under Florida law, that kind of abuse has no First Amendment protection. The filing marks another chapter in Kaplan’s long campaign to hold powerful and reckless people accountable for weaponizing lies.

She’s the same attorney who secured two major defamation verdicts against Trump on behalf of Carroll, totaling more than $83 million.

In that case, jurors decided Trump acted with malice when he smeared Carroll after she accused him of sexual assault. A federal appeals court upheld the verdict last year, cementing it as one of the most important defamation rulings in decades.

Now, Kaplan is making it clear that digital defamation, especially when fueled by AI, deserves the same treatment.

In her brief, she compares deepfakes to other banned forms of abuse like revenge p### or child sexual exploitation materials, saying all of them use technology as a “mechanism of harm.”

The connection between the Carroll and Megan cases runs deeper than just Kaplan’s signature. Both center on women forced to fight in public: one against a former president, the other against a YouTube gossip blogger.

Both women endured online harassment and disbelief before juries ultimately sided with them and the victories hinge on the same legal foundation: defamation law’s recognition that free speech doesn’t protect deliberate, damaging falsehoods.

Megan Thee Stallion filed her defamation suit in 2024 after Cooper repeatedly targeted her online, pushing false narratives and amplifying the deepfake clip that claimed to show Megan in a sexual act.

Megan’s team said the posts caused emotional distress, career fallout, and relentless public humiliation. In December, a Miami jury agreed, finding Cooper liable for defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

At trial, Megan Thee Stallion testified that the fake video wrecked her mental health.

Her manager described her breaking down and crying after seeing the clip, while her psychologist diagnosed her with post-traumatic stress disorder from the incident.

“I genuinely did not care if I lived or died,” she told jurors.

The jury awarded Megan roughly $75,000, which was later reduced slightly after post-trial motions, but Cooper still called it “a win,” bragging that it wasn’t a “multimillion-dollar fine.”

That attitude, Kaplan argues, is exactly why an injunction is necessary: to stop repeat behavior that continues to inflict harm long after a verdict. Kaplan’s filing notes that courts have always drawn a line between speech that informs and speech that terrorizes.

Kaplan’s involvement suggests the Megan Thee Stallion case could set a benchmark for how deepfakes and online harassment are handled legally.

The judge in Miami is expected to rule soon on Megan’s request for an injunction to permanently block Cooper from promoting similar content. If granted, it would set one of the first major precedents tying deepfake abuse to cyberstalking law.

“Maybe I am going through all of this because there’s another woman out there that may be a victim and she sees me going through it, and she sees me come out on the other side and it may give her the courage or the strength to speak up and say, this happened to me and I’m not going to be scared of you. I am not going to be intimidated by you,” Megan said during the trial.

Pressa Talks Drake Vs Kendrick, Tory Lanez, Canadian Arts & Why We Can’t Figure Out Toronto

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: Exclusives
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Pressa sits down with AllHipHop and talks Drake vs Kendrick, why the city didn’t take the beef personal, and how Tory Lanez didn’t crack until 10 years in. He breaks down the real Toronto sound, being from Jane and Finch, going independent, and why outsiders need to stop trying to “figure out” the city.

SlopsShotYa talks to the Canadian star with no industry polish, no safe answers and pure real live at WonWorld Studios. Pressa simply gives his raw perspective on Hip-Hop, beef, business, and culture straight from Toronto.

AllHipHop: Do you listen to dancehall?

Pressa: Yeah, all the time.

AllHipHop: Anybody ever compare you to Alkaline? You sound like a rapping Alkaline.

Pressa: What’s crazy about it, my grandma mentioned, my grandma tells me I’m somehow kind of related to Alkaline, but not really. Like, you know, I don’t know. I think like my cousin’s cousin or something, you know, in yard. My grandma said, “Yeah, Alkaline,” she like, “His family, his auntie,” da da da da.

AllHipHop: West Indian people don’t got not one person not related to someone. They got to ask the last name, some out there cousins.

Pressa: Yeah, I know exactly how that go.

AllHipHop: Press Machine 2 is a great body of work. Long time coming. What took so long to cook it up?

Pressa: I was going through a situation at the time and I just had to reset everything. My business was all messed up. I had to go back, my corporation, my taxes, all that stuff. So I reset and got stuff rolling. Put my team back together, restructured my team, and now it’s goal time. You’re gonna see a lot more music from me.

AllHipHop: That’s a way to come back. On the intro “Machine Gun,” it had that “Went Legit” sample vibe, also “Drop Slow” by Kanye. Was that on purpose?

Pressa: I honestly didn’t know. I didn’t know what was on there. I’m tuned out a little bit. As much as he say I be smoking and tuned out, I don’t really notice a lot of things. I got selective hearing, selective thoughts. Sometimes I go on the beat and I’m just doing my own thing. I wasn’t really aware of certain things.

AllHipHop: So how long did it take to get the project together?

Pressa: The project’s easy. It was more my business. I can make music every day. It wasn’t the music holding me back. It was my business, and how I had to come out my label deal. I was signed to RCA before, just transitioning from there. I had to get my bag right because I’m independent. You feel me?

AllHipHop: Is there a big difference between Canadian laws and the American music business?

Pressa: In Toronto we get grants. They fund us. Artists in Canada, they’ll give us 20, 30, 40, 50 G’s as funding. Even when I used to tour, when I did the 50 Cent tour, I was doing it out of love. But they’ll give me money each date. Like a stipend. It’s like grants, money from the government.

AllHipHop: So it comes out the tax money?

Pressa: Yeah. They support their local artists and stuff. Shout out to FACTOR and shout out to the whole Canadian grant team. They always look out for me and all the artists coming up. That’s how a lot of Canadian artists are able to put out projects and get a little support and push. 

AllHipHop: You’re one of the originators of that newer Toronto sound. Do you feel like you get enough credit?

Pressa: I’m not entitled to credit. If they give me my flowers, they give me my flowers. I was never the entitled type. I just got to do my part and keep it coming, be part of the culture. It’ll be dope.

AllHipHop: Explain Toronto’s signature sound to people who aren’t tapped in.

Pressa: The signature sound is that melodic sound. Like Houdini, Robin Banks, me, even like Burna, you feel me, my brother Burna Bandz. That’s the sound. There’s bare of us. There’s QTB, there’s so much of us that actually have influence onto the city. I feel like we’re part of the main culture.

AllHipHop: When you collab with an American artist, do you try to “Americanize” it?

Pressa: I kind of just do my own thing. People gonna feel me regardless. I try American style beats sometimes, like a Lil Baby type beat, but I never switch up my lingo or hide where I’m from. I make everybody know I’m from Canada. Toronto, the trenches, Jane and Finch. Why would I come to America and try to steal their culture? Obviously you guys got mad influence in us. I might have took some of the culture on accident, jewelry or whatever, just being influenced. But never intentionally like, “Yo, I want to be American today.” I’m proud to be Canadian, bro. We got manners. We respectful. You know what it is.

AllHipHop: Put me on some Toronto lingo.

Pressa: “Wasa demiana.”

AllHipHop: What’s that?

Pressa: It’s like dead man marijuana. It’s weed. Like pass the demi.

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AllHipHop: That’s clean. But the internet, Reddit, YouTube, all that. How do you feel about outsiders being nosy, trying to figure out what’s going on behind the music?

Pressa: Hopefully they don’t figure out the pieces of the puzzle. Hopefully they never figure it out.

AllHipHop: I get it. As a New Yorker, it can feel predatory when people “solve” your neighborhood like it’s content. Toronto and New York got similarities though.

Pressa: Toronto and New York is much alike. You guys got strong Caribbean culture. I got family in Toronto, plenty cousins. I used to come to New York all the time as a little boy. Jamaica Avenue, buy a little chain. Shout out to the Coliseum.

AllHipHop: The Coliseum, yes. Jewelry downstairs, jackets upstairs.

Pressa: Facts. I was like 10, 11. My uncle brought me. Outside got the mixtapes. It was lit. Toronto is heavily influenced in Caribbean culture, so that’s why I say Toronto and New York is much alike. Just a little colder. It’s like a 6 hour drive.

AllHipHop: 2026 looking like what?

Pressa: I’m working on my album right now.

AllHipHop: So what is Press Machine today, mixtape or album?

Pressa: A mixtape.

AllHipHop: I’m still confused on the difference nowadays.

Pressa: Same. I still don’t even know.

AllHipHop: Back in the day mixtape was free music to get the album hot. Now it’s like YouTube and SoundCloud, and maybe “less effort” than an album.

Pressa: Oh okay. I get it. Press Machine was definitely a mixtape.

AllHipHop: You got a name for the album?

Pressa: Nah, I’m still working on it. I got some dope records in the stash.

AllHipHop: We waiting on that next Drake feature.

Pressa: I don’t know, man. Go check it out on Press Machine II. It’s probably on there.

AllHipHop: I wanted to ask somebody from Toronto. Did y’all take “Not Like Us” personal?

Pressa: It’s music at the end of the day. But I feel like Drake’s a better artist all around. Kendrick had that one song, it was hot, but Drake has a million of those. Hundred million slaps. You feel me? Like what are we competing with right now? We want to hear stuff too, for the ladies. I didn’t know a Kendrick song until “B,” and then “Not Like Us.” That’s probably the only two songs off the top of my head. “Poetic Justice” hard though.

AllHipHop: The battle fed YouTube too. People ate off that.

Pressa: Oh yeah. It was good for the city, good for music, good for Hip-Hop. A lot of people say we didn’t have a big moment, and that was a big moment.

AllHipHop: Before we go, I’m still mad about that World Series, bro.

Pressa: The greatest World Series of all time. Seven games. Crazy. We folded. They should have put me on the field, bro. I would have never fumbled that. Put me on third base, I would’ve made it home. These guys get paid to be stars. You better hit that ball.

AllHipHop: Baseball is a sport of failure though. They say you good if you fail seven out of ten.

Pressa: That’s a fact.

AllHipHop: Last thing. Drake is basically the OG of Toronto now. You want that kind of longevity?

Pressa: Yeah. Remember Tory Lanez didn’t crack till 10 years later.

Streamer Konvy Survives Drive-By Shooting In The Bronx While Livestreaming, Friend Injured

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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Kick streamer Konvy was targeted in a drive-by shooting while livestreaming from the Bronx on Friday night, with the terrifying incident captured live on camera.

Adin Ross, a close friend and frequent collaborator of Konvy, confirmed the shooting was real during his own livestream hours after the attack. The shooting occurred while Konvy was broadcasting live with two friends in a vehicle in New York City.

Video footage shows the three men having a casual conversation when gunshots suddenly rang out, causing them to scramble for safety as the stream abruptly ended.

Viewers noticed a suspicious green laser dot appearing on Konvy’s head moments before the shooting began, though authorities have not confirmed whether this was connected to any targeting device.

The incident happened around 10 P.M. Eastern Time as Konvy was conducting his regular evening broadcast. Ross addressed the shooting during his Friday night stream, telling viewers he had personally verified the incident’s authenticity.

“It got confirmed to me that it’s real, I made sure to know it was real,” Ross said during his broadcast. “It’s a real situation, it’s not b#######, it’s not fake s###, it’s not no f###### script s###.”

One of Konvy’s companions, identified only as JJ, was injured during the shooting and transported to a local hospital for treatment. The shooting represents the latest in a series of dangerous incidents involving live streamers who broadcast from public locations.

Content creators have increasingly become targets for harassment, swatting, and violent encounters while conducting their broadcasts.

Konvy has built a significant following on the Kick platform through his association with Adin Ross and other streamers. The two frequently collaborate on content and are known to be close friends both on and off camera.

Famous Rapper Ordered To Pay $40 Million For Pimping Out Women

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Atlanta rapper Ca$h Out must pay $40 million to a sex trafficking victim after a federal judge issued a default judgment against the imprisoned artist.

U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash ordered Ca$h Out to pay the massive sum in January 2026 to a plaintiff identified only as J.M. The judgment includes $10 million in compensatory damages and $30 million in punitive damages for alleged sex trafficking that occurred between 2013 and 2015.

The rapper failed to respond to the civil lawsuit filed in 2022, resulting in an automatic default judgment against him. The victim claims Ca$h Out physically abused her and forced her to work as a prostitute after inviting her to stay at his Hapeville, Georgia home.

According to court documents, the woman said she was sexually assaulted hundreds of times during the two-year period. The civil case was connected to Ca$h Out’s criminal conviction on similar charges that landed him a life sentence plus 70 years in prison.

A Fulton County jury found Ca$h Out guilty of rape, pimping and aggravated sodomy in July 2025 after prosecutors said he led a sex trafficking ring across metro Atlanta. The criminal case revealed an organized operation that authorities charged under Georgia’s RICO statute, typically reserved for mob-related crimes.

Prosecutors argued the rap star ran the trafficking ring like a for-profit criminal enterprise involving sex work and violence. More than 50 witnesses testified during the criminal trial, with several women saying Ca$h Out or his mother took money they earned from performing sex acts.

Some victims described being raped or denied food unless they engaged in sexual acts for money. Authorities presented video evidence from a prostitution sting to demonstrate the structured nature of the operation Ca$h Out allegedly controlled.

Ca$h Out was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. He had been offered a 25-year plea agreement but chose to proceed to trial instead. The court ordered Ca$h Out to register as a sex offender and avoid contact with victims or their families.

His mother, Linda Smith, known as “Mama Ca$h Out,” was convicted of one trafficking charge and sentenced to 30 years in prison. A third defendant, Tyrone Taylor, received life plus 70 years after being found guilty on all charges except pimping, including rape and aggravated sodomy.

During his criminal sentencing, Ca$h Out thanked the judge and jury but maintained his innocence, stating that he had “done things” in his life but not the crimes for which he was accused.

The $40 million civil judgment represents one of the largest awards in a sex trafficking case involving a Hip-Hop artist, though collecting the money may prove difficult given the rapper’s incarceration.

Offset Threatens To Shoot Stefon Diggs In The Knee, As Celina Power Battle Over $15K Gambling Debt Spiral

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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Celina Powell just put Offset on blast and shared a 17-second audio clip on the “2 Girls From Mars” podcast, claiming the rapper threatened to shoot and kill Cardi B’s new boyfriend, Stefon Diggs.

“If I can catch buddy and I can catch him, it’s going to be bad,” he said, before threatening to shoot Diggs in the knee, which would obviously ruin his NFL career.

Powell dropped the video as proof that she’s living in constant fear after Offset allegedly began making threats against her over a $15,000 loan he refuses to repay.

The Miami-based influencer posted a chilling warning on social media, telling her followers they should look to the Migos rapper if anything bad happens to her. Powell said she’s been trying for weeks to get back the money she loaned Offset, claiming he gambled it away and now refuses to pay her back.

The influencer shared a disturbing FaceTime video showing Offset telling her, “s### ain’t sweet” during what appeared to be a heated phone argument about the debt. Powell said the threats started after she began publicly demanding repayment of the loan, which she claims she gave Offset in good faith before he lost it all gambling.

The drama comes just one week after Powell went viral for posting an intimate video of herself in bed with Offset. The bedroom footage showed Offset sleeping next to Powell, clearly implying the two had been intimate despite his marriage to Cardi B at the time.

Powell said the threats intensified after she posted the bedroom video, with Offset allegedly becoming enraged that she exposed their encounter. In 2017, Offset accused Powell of trying to extort him for $50,000, though she denied those allegations at the time.

The influencer has a long history of public feuds with Hip-Hop artists, including prior claims against Chief Keef and Fetty Wap. Powell said she’s now considering involving law enforcement because the threats have escalated beyond just angry phone calls.

The influencer said she has screenshots and recordings of Offset’s alleged threats, which she plans to turn over to authorities if the harassment continues. Powell said she’s now staying with friends and avoiding her usual Miami haunts because she fears Offset might carry out his alleged threats.

The last few months for Offset have been messy.

He is also accused of threatening Jordyn Woods after a model claimed she was pulled into an alleged setup tied to NFL player Stefon Diggs.

The model said Offset became angry after learning she had been in contact with both Diggs and Jordyn Woods and warned her to stay quiet.

She claimed he also used his influence to keep her from getting into Miami clubs. The allegations suggest Offset tried to shut down anyone he felt could make him look bad.

Was Ice Officer Jonathan Ross A Closeted Gay Man? A Gay Man Speaks

By: Houston Williams Updated Category: Opinion
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Officer Jonathan Ross, ICE, and the Bigger Problem Nobody Wants to Talk About

Officer Jonathan Ross has a serious problem, and it has nothing to do with optics or public relations. It has everything to do with power, accountability, and how certain people end up in positions where the consequences of abuse are fatal.

Ross is accused in the killing of Renee Good, a bystander during a passive protest in Minneapolis. According to available video footage, Good was attempting to leave her residence in her vehicle when law enforcement (ICE – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) pulled up and opened fire. Multiple camera angles circulating online appear to show a reckless escalation that never needed to happen.

What makes this case even more disturbing is that Ross was not a standard municipal police officer. ICE has increasingly been deployed into civilian spaces under the political climate shaped by Donald Trump. ICE operations have long been criticized for inflaming otherwise calm situations, especially in communities already on edge.

That alone should alarm people. But the story does not stop there.

In the aftermath of the shooting, online chatter began circulating about alleged social media and dating app accounts connected to Ross. Members of the local LGBTQ community in Minneapolis have claimed that the officer was recognizable on platforms like Grindr and Snapchat, allegedly using his real name and engaging in niche fetish-related conversations. These claims remain unverified and should be treated with caution. Still, their rapid spread raises serious questions about vetting, oversight, and what warning signs may have been ignored.

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To be clear, private sexuality is not a crime. Hypocrisy is not a crime. But when allegations of a double life surface alongside accusations of extreme violence and abuse of authority, the public is right to ask harder questions. Who is being recruited? Who is being protected? And why are communities expected to endure the consequences of institutional blind spots? Shall I continue?

This is not about mocking anyone. It is about recognizing a pattern where individuals with unresolved personal conflicts or unchecked aggression are placed at the front lines of federal enforcement. The failure is systemic, not individual, and ICE has become a symbol of that massive failure.

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It is also worth noting that Renee Good is not the first person to be killed under circumstances like this. Her case gained attention in part because she was a white woman. That reality should make everyone uncomfortable. RIP Keith Porter, a Black man and a father of two.

We have seen similar tensions play out elsewhere, including in Philadelphia, where ICE activity recently triggered community pushback strong enough to force agents to stand down. No guns were drawn and no lives were lost. But the message was clear: intimidation does not work everywhere. Recently, Philly officials said ICE will be charged and even convicted if they break the law. Furthermore, Trump will not be able to save them.

Here is the DA speaking about it in even more harsh language.

This moment calls for vigilance and accountability. We also need more honesty about what is happening in our streets. Stay safe out there.

Accusers Say Russell Simmons Missed Settlement Deadline After Demand For $100M From HBO

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: Exclusives
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Russell Simmons may have reignited his legal war with HBO by demanding “hundreds of millions” in a public rant, but just one day later, three women are asking a New York court to force him to pay more than $3.4 million, they say he owes from sexual assault settlements.

In court filings submitted this week in the New York Supreme Court, attorneys for Sheri Abernathy, Sil Lai Abrams and Wendy Carolina Franco claim the Def Jam co-founder missed a January 1 deadline to pay out the agreed-upon amounts from confidential settlements signed in October 2025.

Each woman received a signed confession of judgment from Simmons, allowing them to pursue larger amounts if he defaulted.

According to the documents, Russell Simmons agreed to pay Abernathy and Abrams $1,162,617.77 each and Franco $512,064.88. Because he allegedly failed to pay, they are now seeking increased “confessed” amounts, including interest and enforcement costs: $1,614,290.74 for Abernathy and Abrams, and $711,000.31 for Franco.

Attorney O. Andrew F. Wilson told the court Simmons failed to pay “the Settlement Amount, or any portion thereof,” by the deadline. The women are now pursuing judgments that include 9 percent annual interest and additional legal fees.

The lawsuits stem from allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, many of which were detailed in the HBO Max documentary On the Record. The film focused on claims from women, including former Def Jam executive Drew Dixon, domestic violence advocate Sil Lai Abrams and screenwriter Jenny Lumet.

Each accused Russell Simmons of rape or coercion in incidents dating back decades.

Dixon has said Simmons raped her in the 1990s while she worked for him. Abrams alleged he assaulted her in 1994 at his apartment. Lumet said he directed a driver to take her to his home, where she says she was assaulted and felt unable to leave.

Additional accusations have come from Alexia Norton Jones, Sheri Hines and several unnamed women.

Separate court filings last year from Tina Klein-Baker, Toni Sallie and Norton Jones claimed Simmons owed nearly $8 million in earlier settlements, prompting their own confessions of judgment.

Simmons has consistently denied all allegations of nonconsensual sex and has not admitted wrongdoing in any of the settlements. In past interviews, he has said he has “never been violent” and claimed to have passed nine lie-detector tests.

In June 2025, Simmons filed a $20 million defamation lawsuit against HBO and the creators of On the Record, claiming the documentary misrepresented his relationships and omitted key evidence. Oprah Winfrey had initially been attached to the project but withdrew before its release.

Now, Simmons is once again going on the offensive. In a recent Threads post, he wrote, “HBO you owe me 100s of millions of dollars,” and added that he needs the money “for all my charities and family members, specifically my children.”

He accused the network of “horrific and malicious” behavior and demanded an “apology and 100 million.”

He also encouraged the public to “ask Oprah or anyone who’s ever looked at the evidence,” pointing to affidavits from a former Def Jam president and a former driver that dispute parts of Abrams’ and Norton Jones’ accounts.

HBO has maintained its support for the women featured in the film and said it will continue to defend the documentary and its directors in court.

The network has not publicly responded to Simmons’ latest social media outburst or his demand for additional compensation beyond the pending $20 million lawsuit.

‘The conversation flowed super naturally’: Seattle woman goes on first date with Hinge match. It’s going great—until the slurs come out after drinks. Then she learns what he’s into

By: Adrienne Hunter Updated Category: Newsbreak
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A Seattle woman describes how a seemingly normal Hinge date spiraled into a situation that required her friends to physically intervene to keep her safe.

On Dec. 6, Violet Urffer (@ultravioletwavelengths) posted an in-depth video describing the Hinge date. “Let’s talk about one of my worst first dates I’ve ever been on,” Urffer said. 

She explains that the man initially had a solid impression as dinner went well. The chemistry felt natural, and nothing about his behavior stood out as overtly concerning. “I’ve been on a lot more awkward dates for sure,” she said, noting that this one actually felt promising. 

Feeling comfortable, she invited him to meet her friends afterward. She said this is something she often did because it felt like a built-in safety measure. “If my friends are there, then it’s safer, you know?” she explained.

Why Did Urffer’s Hinge Date Take a Turn For the Worse?

The first red flag appeared when he asked about her “type,” and she gave a vague answer. He then tells her that his type is “usually Asians,” but that she “clear[s] all of them.” 

“I don’t clear a whole race,” she said afterward, still stunned by the comment. “Why are we comparing people by appearance?”

Things escalated rapidly at a bar later that night when Urffer was standing near one of her roommate’s friends, and the Hinge date made a hateful remark. “That guy looks like a [f-slur],” he said, according to Urffer. 

When she confronted him, the situation turned volatile. He grew defensive, raised his voice, and insisted he was allowed to say it because he has gay friends. She explains that the argument drew attention, and her roommate soon realized something was very wrong. According to her roommate, he made a movement that looked like he was about to hit her. “She was genuinely very concerned,” the woman said. “She thought he was going to hurt me.”

Even after leaving the bar, he followed them outside, screaming in her face and trying to go home with her. “I do not [expletive] with being screamed at by a man,” she said. Eventually, her roommate shoved her into an Uber to get her away safely.

How Safe is Hinge?

Urffer’s account of events is not an isolated incident, and the video’s comments echo her caution around dating apps regarding safety. “The bar is in hell,” wrote one commenter.

“Seattle is so amazing in so many ways,” added another. “But the dating scene is definitely not one of them. It makes no sense it needs to be studied.”

Dating apps like Hinge market themselves as safer, more intentional alternatives to swipe-first platforms. However, stories like this underscore how limited those safeguards can be once a match moves offline. Hinge encourages users to meet in public, share plans with friends, and report abusive behavior through its in-app tools, and the app has rolled out features like date check-ins and the ability to block and report users directly from a chat or profile. 

Still, critics argue these measures are reactive rather than preventative, placing the burden of safety largely on users to recognize danger in real time.

That concern isn’t unfounded. Reports and lawsuits against Match Group, Hinge’s parent company, have alleged that dating apps have failed to adequately respond to reports of harassment, hate speech, and even violent behavior, allowing some users to remain active despite multiple complaints. As this story illustrates, red flags don’t always appear in profiles or early messages. They surface in person, sometimes after alcohol is involved, and often escalate quickly.

Hinge’s safety tools can help after something goes wrong, but they can’t replace situational awareness, community support, or the instinct to leave when something feels off. Until dating apps take stronger preventative action, safety will remain something users have to build for themselves, one cautious decision at a time.

AllHipHop reached out to Urffer for comment via TikTok direct message and Hinge for comment via email. This story will be updated if either party responds.

@ultravioletwavelengths

♬ original sound – violet

Ted Nugent Calls Eminem An Idiot, But Loves Naked Rapper Yungblud

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Ted Nugent just proved he has the weirdest taste after going off on Eminem while praising Yungblud for his recent naked yacht party in Sydney.

The Motor City Madman dropped a YouTube rant this week calling Eminem and Jack White “total idiots” for their political views, but somehow found time to celebrate Yungblud as “the real McCoy” before the British rocker stripped down to nothing on a boat.

“Eminem, the guy’s a total idiot,” Nugent said in his “Let’s Talk Music” video, blasting the Detroit rapper for opposing Donald Trump and supporting what he calls dangerous border policies.

But when it comes to Yungblud, Nugent suddenly became a fan of young rock rebellion.

“This guy’s the real McCoy,” Nugent gushed about Yungblud, comparing him to Chuck Berry and Little Richard. But Berry and Richard never went fully nude for the world to see.

Yungblud was spotted living his best life on the Sydney Harbour cruise, drink in hand, crew all around, and modesty completely optional, while Nugent cheered him on from afar.

Nugent went on to praise Yungblud’s collaboration with Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, saying it gives him hope that real rock and roll is alive and well, even if it involves towel-optional yacht parties.

Meanwhile, Eminem gets called an “idiot” for his music and politics, despite being one of the most successful rappers in history and actually keeping his clothes on during public appearances.

The 76-year-old guitarist has been a vocal Trump supporter for years, but his decision to praise a nearly naked British rocker while trashing a fully clothed American rapper shows his priorities might need some adjustment.

Atlanta Woman says Walmart shopper approached her, asking for help. Then she realizes she was duped: ‘I knew’

By: Rachel Thomas Updated Category: Newsbreak
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A woman has a PSA for Walmart shoppers in Marietta, Georgia, at the Cobb Parkway location. Avoid donating any money to a heavy-set man who makes claims that he needs to pay his grandmother’s grocery bill. Otherwise, he will scam you. 

Kristen (@kristenbango) is a TikTok content creator who primarily makes home and food content. In a video with over 249,000 views, she explained how a man who doesn’t actually need the supplemental income tricked her into giving him $30. 

As Kristen says, “ I got scammed. I got scammed. I did it out of the kindness in my heart.” 

Since posting her video on Dec. 29, commenters have supposedly managed to identify the alleged scammer, sharing spots where the man frequently asks for money. 

What Did the Scammer Ask Kristen to Do?

Kristen says she was having a normal day shopping at a Walmart located in Marietta, Georgia, when a man suddenly approached her and asked for money. At first, she didn’t know what to do, but she decided to hear his story. 

He told her that he and his grandmother had not eaten since the day prior, and he was short of money for a $48 food purchase at Walmart. Feeling pressured, Kristen decided to give him the money. 

In the midst of that transaction, Kristen realized that something was completely off. Despite this, she felt uncomfortable and alone, so she decided to donate the money to the man anyway. 

Afterward, she went to TikTok to discuss her encounter, as after asking friends and family, she realized the entire situation was a fluke. 

Who Is This Mystery ‘Scammer’ and How Does Kristen Know His Story Is Fake?

Kristen later confirmed that the entire situation was a scam through her sister. Her sister gave money to the exact same man, only to find out that he regularly goes to various grocery stores, such as Kroger and Publix, doing the same thing. 

According to many commenters, the man frequently visits stores and regularly asks for money. He tells them possibly fabricated stories about his life and then requests money through apps such as Cash App. 

Kristen considers the man’s actions a “scam,” as he does not seem to actually need the money. He also pressured Kristen, based on her account, with a strongly worded “sob story,” which made her open her wallet despite feeling uncomfortable doing so. 

Other evidence from commenters seemingly supports that this person outside of the Walmart in Marietta, Georgia, consistently cons residents in the general Atlanta area. Commenters were able to identify them and cross-collaborated to confirm that the man frequents multiple areas with similar stories about not affording groceries, although it’s unconfirmed whether all of the information he gives those he speaks to is false. 

One commenter shared, “I have been scammed by the SAME man, and he tried to scam me TWICE. One time at Walmart and one time at Kroger.” 

Another added, “I moved to [Georgia] two years ago. Y’all, … he’s been doing this since I moved here. He would be at a lot of the Krogers in Smyrna too. And Marietta. He gotta make bank [because] he got me when I FIRST moved here in 2023, but then I saw him again and was like ‘oh [expletive] no.’” 

Were Commenters Able to Identify the Man? 

Because the man apparently has scammed so many people, commenters were able to quickly identify a Facebook account supposedly belonging to him. Viewers allege that this man, who goes by “Deshannon Da Real” on Facebook, frequently tricks people into believing that he is in desperate need of money. 

Kristen confirmed in her comments section that Deshannon was the person who asked her for money outside of the Walmart.

There are multiple Facebook posts where Deshannon shares food content, which may be why many who have donated to him feel scammed. On the same day that he allegedly asked Kristen for funds, he posted about a recent trip to a Hibachi Express in Smyrna, Georgia. 

It is worth noting that all of this information is alleged. However, multiple commenters seemingly identify “Shannon,” including Kirsten herself. Despite that, Kirsten and others did “willingly” give their money away. Additionally, it has not been completely confirmed that Deshannon is the person who asked Kristen for money. 

AllHipHop reached out to Kristen via TikTok direct message, and she declined to comment. We reached out to Walmart via email and Deshannon Da Real via Facebook message for comment. We’ll let you know if either party responds.

@kristenbango I looked like an easy target clearly #fyp #atlanta #walmart ♬ original sound – Kristen

Delonte West Hits 30 Days Clean After Exploitation Controversy

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Delonte West is celebrating a significant milestone in his recovery journey after reaching 30 days of sobriety following years of battling addiction and mental health challenges.

The former NBA guard has been documenting his progress on social media, showing himself healthier and more stable than in recent years. Videos shared online show West listening to rap music and appearing genuinely happy for the first time in months.

@cee.jizzle1023 #DelonteWestNBA #WeDoRecover #OneDayAtATime #mentalhealth/addictionkills@Khloe Love 💕 ♬ original sound – Ceejay1023

West’s path to this milestone has been anything but smooth, with his most recent setback occurring on November 3, 2025, when police found him unconscious at a Fairfax County intersection in Virginia. Officers administered Narcan to revive him before arresting him for public intoxication and obstruction of justice.

The 42-year-old former Boston Celtics draft pick has struggled with bipolar disorder since receiving his diagnosis in 2008, though he later expressed uncertainty about the condition.

His mental health challenges became public during his playing career and have continued to affect his life since retiring from professional basketball. West earned approximately $16 million during his nine-season NBA career, playing for the Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, and Seattle SuperSonics.

Since leaving the NBA, West has endured repeated cycles of homelessness and substance abuse that have led to multiple arrests and concerning public incidents.

Previous intervention attempts by NBA figures, including Mark Cuban and former teammates, provided temporary stability but failed to create lasting change. West’s latest recovery efforts have been complicated by controversy surrounding the couple who provided him housing after his November arrest.

Social media users accused the pair of exploiting West’s vulnerable condition for attention and potential financial benefit, leading to heated online debates about their motives.

One of West’s caretakers responded to the criticism through a video statement, saying they lose money financially by helping him and are acting out of genuine compassion.

However, recent months brought additional concerning incidents before West’s current sobriety streak began, including videos that circulated showing him dancing roadside while fans offered him money.

West’s struggle is one of the most heartbreaking post-career trajectories in professional basketball. But mental health challenges and addiction can affect anyone, regardless of their previous success or financial resources.

Stefon Diggs Assault Arraignment Pushed Back Until After Super Bowl

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Stefon Diggs scored a legal victory this week when a Massachusetts judge granted his request to postpone his arraignment until after the New England Patriots finish their playoff run.

The veteran wide receiver will now face felony strangulation charges on February 13 instead of the originally scheduled January 23 date. The Dedham District Court approved the defense motion to delay proceedings, giving Diggs nearly three additional weeks before his court appearance.

His attorney, David Meier, successfully argued for a postponement, moving the arraignment to February 8, five days after Super Bowl Sunday.

Stefon Diggs faces serious criminal charges stemming from an alleged December 2 incident at his Massachusetts residence involving his former personal chef. Police charged the 32-year-old receiver with felony strangulation or suffocation plus misdemeanor assault and battery after the woman filed a complaint on December 22.

According to court documents obtained by multiple news outlets, the alleged victim claims Diggs became violent during a dispute over unpaid wages. The police report details accusations that Diggs slapped the woman across her face and choked her during the confrontation at his Dedham home.

Meier has categorically denied all allegations against his client in prior media statements. The defense attorney called the accusations “unsubstantiated, uncorroborated, and never investigated,” and suggested the timing indicates ulterior motives related to the employment dispute.

“They are the direct result of an employee-employer financial dispute that was not resolved to the employee’s satisfaction,” Meier said in his statement. “Stefon looks forward to establishing the truth in a court of law.”

The postponement allows Stefon Diggs to focus entirely on the Patriots’ wild-card playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday night at Gillette Stadium. New England secured their playoff berth with a Week 18 victory over Miami, setting up their first postseason appearance since 2021.

The NFL has not announced any disciplinary action under its personal conduct policy while the legal process continues.

The February 13 arraignment is scheduled for 9 A.M. at Dedham District Court, where Diggs will enter his formal plea to the felony and misdemeanor charges filed against him.

Fetty Wap Says 50 Cent Supported Him In Prison As The Industry Left Him Behind

By: Nolan Strong Updated Category: News
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Fetty Wap opened up about how 50 Cent became his biggest supporter during his four-year prison sentence, revealing the rapper’s unwavering loyalty after his release on January 8, 2026.

In his first interview since walking free from federal custody, the “Trap Queen” rapper detailed how most of the music industry turned their backs on him while he served time for drug trafficking charges, but 50 Cent stepped up in ways that surprised him.

“50 did a lot for me,” Fetty Wap said during his appearance on The Breakfast Club. “From day one, he reached out like ‘Yo, whatever you need, just holler at me.’ And I’m like ‘All right, all right,’ and then it was like ‘Where this money going?’ I’m like ‘What?’ I ain’t used to that.”

The New Jersey artist explained that he was accustomed to providing financial support to others, making 50 Cent’s generosity even more meaningful during his darkest period.

“I’m used to it always being the other way around,” Fetty Wap continued. “So it was nothing. Whatever I needed, he was right there. He answered the phone, he didn’t shy off, all the way down to the time I’m about to come home asking ‘How you getting home?'”

Fetty Wap was sentenced to six years in federal prison in May 2023 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine as part of a large-scale drug trafficking operation that moved over 100 kilograms of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine across Long Island and New Jersey.

The rapper was initially arrested at Citi Field in October 2021, just before he was scheduled to perform at the Rolling Loud music festival, where FBI agents took him into custody on federal drug trafficking charges.

While behind bars, Fetty Wap said 50 Cent provided both financial assistance and mental support, becoming a consistent presence when others disappeared from his life.

“As far as financial and mental help, he was probably there the biggest,” Fetty Wap revealed, adding that 50 Cent also offered business advice for his return to the music industry.

The G-Unit founder’s advice was characteristically blunt, according to Fetty Wap: “‘Ayo, stop f###### up. You should’ve never stopped making music. You should’ve kept going hard.’ That’s 50. 50 gon’ say what he want to say. He ain’t got no filter.”

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Fetty Wap also credited Coi Leray and Chief Keef for showing support during his incarceration, but emphasized that 50 Cent’s assistance went beyond what he expected from anyone in the industry.

During his time behind bars, Fetty Wap said he learned valuable lessons about loyalty and discovered who truly supported him when he needed it most.

“When you behind that wall, everybody show you who they are,” he explained. “You want their time now and if they don’t feel like doing it, it’s done.”

The rapper served his sentence at FCI Sandstone in Minnesota and was transferred to home confinement in Philadelphia, where he will remain under federal supervision until November 8, 2026.

Is Marvel’s “Avengers: Doomsday” Almost Four Hours Long?

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur) Updated Category: AHHplus
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Take this with a grain of vibranium…

So the internet has decided to wake up and choose chaos again.

According to the mean Marvel streets (aka Reddit, YouTube thumbnails, and some very confident-looking graphics), Avengers: Doomsday is allegedly clocking in at a WILD three hours and 45 minutes. Yes. THREE. HOURS. AND. FORTY-FIVE. MINUTES.

Not 3:10.
Not 3:15.
Not “a little longer than Endgame.”

Nah. A whole Lawrence of Arabia situation.

Now here’s where things immediately start smelling funny.

This rumor is EVERYWHERE — social media timelines, fan pages, YouTube “BREAKING NEWS” videos — but nobody can say where it actually came from. There is no Marvel press release, no Disney leak and definitely not from the creators. No trade confirmation has said a word either. I started to think I might need to get a diaper to make it through that movie.

And let’s be real:
If this were true, it would break just about break any MCU record! I think it would break any record for a comic movie save a Snyder cut (Zack Snyder’s Justice League is over four hours) or two!

For reference, Avengers: Endgame, the current heavyweight champ, ran 3 hours and 1 minute. Most Marvel runtime “records” get broken by 5–10 minutes. This rumor jumps the line by 45 whole minutes, which is why we aren’t believing.

Here’s the REAL tea 🍵:

The movie isn’t even finished yet.

The directors, Russo Brothers, are still doing pickup shoots. Visual effects are unfinished. Editing is ongoing. There is no picture lock so the Russo Brothers themselves don’t know how long this movie is right now.

Translation:
👉 Ain’t NOBODY on Earth got the runtime.

Now… could Avengers: Doomsday be long?
Sure. Avengers movies usually are.

Could it creep past Endgame?
Very possible.

But 3:45? That sounds like somebody wants love from the algorithm.

This smells like a fan-made graphic that got reposted one too many times until folks started treating it like gospel. Happens every Marvel cycle. So until Kevin Feige himself clears his throat…we gon’ see!

AND YET…
If Marvel ever does drop a 3 hour and 45 minute Avengers movie?

I’ll be first in line.
Bathroom breaks and all. OR maybe that diaper! 😭🍿
— Illseed Out! 🕵🏾‍♂️

Here is the latest trailer:

Post Malone Looks To Take Out Trash In Texas

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Grapevine-raised superstar Post Malone has been named the face of the 40th anniversary “Don’t Mess With Texas” campaign, bringing his global fame back home to support the iconic anti-litter message that has defined Texas highways for four decades.

The Texas Department of Transportation revealed the Grammy-nominated artist as their latest celebrity spokesperson, releasing a new public service announcement that pays tribute to the campaign’s roots while promising to keep Texas roads clean for future generations.

“Let’s keep it going and do our part to keep Texas looking its best,” Post Malone said in the new advertisement. “I’m proud to take part in keeping Texas roads free from trash. ‘Don’t Mess with Texas’ has meant ‘don’t litter’ for 40 years. Let’s keep it up.”

Post was born in Syracuse, but he moved to Grapevine, Texas, when he was nine years old after his father Richard got a job working with the Dallas Cowboys.

The family settled in the Dallas-Fort Worth suburb, where he would spend his formative years developing his musical talents.

The choice of Post Malone for the milestone anniversary creates a full-circle moment for the campaign, which launched on New Year’s Day 1986 with another Dallas-area music legend.

Blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan, an Oak Cliff native, starred in the very first “Don’t Mess With Texas” commercial, establishing a tradition of using Texas-born celebrities to combat roadside littering.

“As we mark the 40th anniversary, it’s wonderful to not only look back at the old commercials that helped spark this iconic message, but see how the newest generation is lending their voice to helping keep our state clean and beautiful,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams.

The “Don’t Mess With Texas” slogan was created in 1985 when TxDOT began developing a new anti-litter campaign.

Marketing executives initially worried that the phrase might seem too harsh and direct, but Vaughan’s inaugural commercial proved to be an overnight success, transforming the phrase into Texas’s unofficial motto.

Over the past four decades, the campaign has featured an impressive roster of Texas celebrities, including Willie Nelson, George Strait, Lyle Lovett, Eva Longoria, Matthew McConaughey, Joe Jonas, LeAnn Rimes, Ethan Hawke, and the Dallas Cowboys.

Each spokesperson has helped reinforce the message that “Don’t Mess With Texas” means explicitly “don’t litter.”

The campaign’s success has been measurable and significant. Litter on Texas highways has dropped more than 50 percent since 1995, with continued declines recorded in recent years.

Research shows that while 96 percent of Texans recognize the “Don’t Mess With Texas” phrase, ongoing education efforts have increased understanding that it refers specifically to anti-littering from 61 percent to 71 percent.

Post Malone’s new commercial is scheduled to begin airing statewide this month, with additional promotional materials featuring the artist planned for release throughout the anniversary year.

Bad Bunny Accused Of Ripping Off Woman In $16M Lawsuit Weeks Before Super Bowl

By: Mike Winslow Updated Category: News
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Bad Bunny is facing a $16 million lawsuit over unauthorized voice recordings used in his music, adding another layer of controversy just weeks before his highly anticipated Super Bowl halftime performance.

Tainaly Y. Serrano Rivera filed the lawsuit in Puerto Rico, claiming the reggaeton superstar used her voice without permission on two separate tracks spanning his career.

The legal action targets both Bad Bunny’s 2018 song “Solo de Mi” from his X 100pre album and “EoO” from his latest release Debí Tirar Más Fotos.

Rivera alleges she recorded the now-famous line “Mira, puñeta, no me quiten el perreo” at the request of Bad Bunny’s producing partner La Paciencia back in 2018 when they were college classmates.

The phrase, which roughly translates to “Look, damn it, don’t turn off my perreo,” has become as recognizable as the songs’ melodies among fans.

According to court documents, Rivera claims she was never informed of the purpose for which the recording would be used or that her identity would be commercially exploited. She did not sign any contract or release form, the lawsuit states.

Rivera is represented by the same legal team that handled a similar case involving Bad Bunny’s ex-girlfriend Carliz De La Cruz Hernández, who sued the singer in 2023 for allegedly using her voice without permission on two songs.

That case remains pending.

The timing of this legal challenge couldn’t be more significant for Bad Bunny, who is set to make history as the first artist to perform a Spanish-language Super Bowl halftime show on February 9, 2026.

His selection has already sparked intense political backlash from conservative commentators and Trump administration officials.

MAGA figures have launched a sustained campaign against Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance, with some threatening immigration enforcement at the event.

Former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski warned that ICE agents would be present at the Super Bowl. At the same time, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said agents would be “all over” the stadium.

The controversy stems from Bad Bunny’s outspoken political views and his decision to skip touring in the continental United States over fears that ICE could target his Latino fan base.

Turning Point USA has even organized a counter-program called “The All-American Halftime Show” to compete with Bad Bunny’s performance, promoting “faith, family, and freedom” through English-language music.

Boosie Avoids Lockup Following High Stakes Federal Hearing

By: Houston Williams Updated Category: News
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Boosie BadAzz avoided prison Friday in a California federal courtroom after pleading guilty to a gun charge.

The ruling closed a long running federal case and delivered an outcome far lighter than prosecutors sought. The judge sentenced the Louisiana rapper born Torrence Hatch Jr. to time served along with three years of supervision and 300 hours of community service. The decision followed months of uncertainty and capped a legal saga that shifted from local authorities to federal court.

Boosie’s attorney Meghan Blanco confirmed the outcome in a statement provided to XXL.

“Mr. Hatch was sentenced to time served, in addition to three years of supervision and 300 hours of community service. The resolution brings a sense of relief, allowing him to finally put this chapter behind him. He can now focus on continuing his music career, dedicating time to his family, and being a positive and inspiring presence for his children and the wider community.”

Ahead of the hearing prosecutors had pushed for a tougher punishment. They recommended a 24 month sentence followed by three years of supervised release. The judge declined that request and instead allowed Boosie to walk free following the court appearance.

Before entering the courthouse Boosie shared videos on social media showing him preparing for the day. He appeared in a bright blue suit and flashed a high end Audemars Piguet watch.

The caption was brief and confident. “Let’s Get It!”

The case dates back to 2023 when Boosie was booked in San Diego after a traffic stop. Authorities said officers later found multiple firearms inside his vehicle. The situation escalated after police referenced a gun seen in his waistband during an Instagram Live session. Local officials initially dropped the case but federal prosecutors later stepped in.

In July a federal judge dismissed the charges only for prosecutors to refile them soon after. By August Boosie opted to accept a plea deal and waited months for sentencing while continuing to tour release music and post regularly online.

The ruling allows Boosie to resume his career without the shadow of incarceration. While supervision and community service remain part of the sentence the outcome marks another moment where the rapper once again sidestepped prison and returned to the spotlight with momentum intact.

Salt-N-Pepa Defiant After UMG Loss – “We’re Not Done Fighting”

By: Nolan Strong Updated Category: News
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Salt-N-Pepa lost a major legal fight against Universal Music Group in New York this week after a federal judge dismissed their lawsuit over ownership of their classic recordings.

U.S. District Judge Denise Cote ruled the Hip-Hop duo failed to prove they ever owned the master recordings they attempted to reclaim under copyright termination laws. The court found that Cheryl James and Sandra Denton, better known as Salt-N-Pepa, never held the rights to begin with due to the terms of their original 1986 agreements.

Salt-N-Pepa alleged that UMG retaliated against their efforts to regain control of their catalog by pulling hits like “Push It” and “Shoop” from streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.

The pair filed suit in May 2025, citing federal law that allows artists to reclaim rights to their work after 35 years.

UMG rejected their termination notices, arguing that the duo lacked legal standing since they had never transferred ownership of the copyrights in the first place.

Judge Cote agreed, writing that copyright termination rights only apply to authors who originally granted those rights away. Because Salt-N-Pepa never held the copyrights, the court ruled they had no authority to reclaim them.

Despite the ruling, Salt-N-Pepa made it clear they’re not backing down. In a statement posted to social media, the trailblazing group thanked their supporters and promised to keep pushing forward.

“For over 40 years, you’ve been right there with us, from the first time you heard us on the radio to every show, every video, every moment,” they wrote. “We thank you for the love and support you’ve always given us. It means everything.”

“We started as two girls from Queens, NY, with a dream. That dream became our reality because of YOU. God blessed us with the most loyal fans in the world, and there would be NO Salt-N-Pepa without you.”

They added, “For the last few years, we’ve been fighting to regain ownership of the music we created. The songs we performed and poured our hearts into for 40 years. Yesterday, we received a setback in the process, but we believe that justice will prevail in the end.”

“The music and culture we built together changed lives. The legacy we created as women who refused to be silenced. We’re still here. We’re still Salt-N-Pepa. And we’re not done fighting. Not just for us, but for every artist who deserves to own what they create. We are Salt-N-Pepa, and nothing changes that!”

UMG, for its part, called the lawsuit “baseless” and said it had made repeated efforts to resolve the dispute privately.

The company stated that it had no legal obligation to renegotiate, but still attempted to improve Salt-N-Pepa’s compensation and maintain access to their music.

The label continues to hold the rights to a catalog that has generated millions in revenue over the decades.

UMG said it remains “open and willing to find a resolution” and wants to “amplify Salt-N-Pepa’s legacy for future generations.”

Ice-T Revives Body Count’s “Cop Killer” To Protest ICE At Live Show

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur) Updated Category: Exclusives
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You are not going to believe this one. Ice-T has been a staple of Hip-Hop for decades, and the OG remains the gold standard across Hip-Hop, rock ‘n’ roll, punk, street culture, and every lane he has ever stepped into. What stands out most is that he is still active, still working, and still going hard. There is something powerful about an artist who can stand in front of thousands of people at his age and somehow become even more legendary by speaking truth instead of slowing down.

For a moment, it felt like Ice-T had eased up. He has spoken to us plenty over the years, and you could almost assume he had said everything he needed to say. That assumption did not last long. Recently, Ice-T took the stage and made it clear he has not calmed down at all. He reworked his controversial classic “Cop Killer” into an updated protest aimed at ICE, accusing the agency of abusing the Constitution, legal precedent, and basic American civil rights. The message was unmistakable, and the crowd felt every word.

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To understand why this moment matters, you have to remember the original controversy. Ice-T’s metal band Body Count released “Cop Killer” in 1992 during a period of intense tension between law enforcement and Black communities, particularly in South Central Los Angeles. Body Count was not a rap group. It was a heavy metal band rooted in the anger, frustration, and lived experience of the streets. The song sparked outrage from politicians and police unions, leading to massive censorship pressure and ultimately Ice-T parting ways with his label.

That legacy matters today. Ice-T’s latest performance frames ICE as a modern extension of state violence, more powerful, more protected, and more deeply embedded than what communities faced decades ago. While regular police officers have often escaped accountability, ICE operates with even broader authority and fewer consequences. In this case, Ice-T’s critique lands at a time when questions about enforcement, detention, and constitutional rights are louder than ever.

What makes this moment resonate is not nostalgia. It is relevance. Ice-T did not recycle old outrage. He updated it, sharpened it, and aimed it squarely at the present. His willingness to revisit a song that once cost him a record deal shows that his principles have not changed, even if the targets have.

Some legacy context:
Ice-T has always used art as confrontation. From his early gangsta rap records to Body Count’s metal rebellion, he has treated music as a mirror held up to America’s contradictions. “Cop Killer” was never about violence for shock value. It was about rage, fear, and systemic abuse expressed through art. By reviving that energy today, Ice-T connects past struggles to present realities, reminding younger generations that Hip-Hop has always been political, disruptive, and unapologetically honest when it mattered most.

I am loving the energy from the OG, but this cannot be a solo mission. Hip-Hop needs more voices willing to speak up and speak out against tragedy, oppression, and state overreach happening right here in America.

Tell us what you think and drop your thoughts in the comments.

Lil Durk Loses Court Battle As “Stupid” Death Threats Motion Gets Denied

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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‌A federal judge delivered a crushing blow to Lil Durk and his defense team when he rejected their motion to dismiss the rapper’s murder-for-hire case over death threats made against another judge.

U.S. District Judge Michael Fitzgerald called the motion baseless during a heated court hearing in Los Angeles, where Durk’s lawyers argued that prosecutors should have disclosed threatening voicemails much sooner than they did.

“There is just absolutely no basis for this motion. Just none. Absolutely none,” Fitzgerald said from the bench, shutting down the defense’s arguments completely.

Lil Durk has been sitting in federal custody since October 2024 on charges that he orchestrated a murder-for-hire plot targeting rival rapper Quando Rondo.

The attack killed Quando Rondo’s cousin Saviay’a “Lul Pub” Robinson but missed its intended target, according to federal prosecutors who say the hit was revenge for the November 2020 shooting death of Durk’s friend King Von in Atlanta.

Durk’s legal team, led by Atlanta attorney Drew Findling, had asked the court to either dismiss the entire case or compel the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles to step aside from the prosecution, according to Meghann Cuniff.

The motion centered around four threatening voicemails that U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia Donahue received in February 2025, plus one threatening call that prosecutor Ian Yanniello got in April 2025. Donahue had denied Durk’s bail requests twice, making her a target for anonymous callers who apparently wanted to intimidate her into changing her mind about keeping the rapper locked up.

Prosecutors didn’t tell Durk’s lawyers about these threats until October 2025, which the defense team said was way too late and showed the government was hiding important information.

“Nobody has heard of a case where there was apparently a death threat to a sitting judge and the government does not turn around and tell counsel, you should know before this goes forward that this took place,” Findling argued in court.

Findling suggested that prosecutors might have kept quiet about the threats to ensure Donahue wouldn’t grant Lil Durk bail at his second hearing in May 2025.

But prosecutor Yanniello fired back, calling the defense motion “stunning in respect to its factual inaccuracy” and saying any claim that the government tactically withheld information was completely false.

“There was no conversation about whether to produce or not produce this information before we all decided it became relevant,” Yanniello told the judge.

Judge Fitzgerald agreed with the prosecution and said there was zero evidence that the threats caused any prejudice to Durk’s case or affected any judge’s decisions.

“It cannot possibly have affected Judge Donahue or me or any other judge that some hothead who has an interest in the music industry did something stupid,” Fitzgerald said.

The judge noted that threats against federal officials are unfortunately common and emphasized that no one has suggested Durk himself had anything to do with the threatening voicemails. Fitzgerald also rejected the defense team’s request for an evidentiary hearing, saying it would require prosecutors to disclose work product without legal justification.

Durk faces conspiracy charges along with five co-defendants, including Kavon London Grant, Keith Jones, Deandre Dontrell Wilson, Asa Houston, and David Brian Lindsey.

The case has been delayed multiple times, with the trial now scheduled to begin either April 21 or April 28, 2026.