André 3000 walked into the 2025 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York with a baby grand piano strapped to his back and a new instrumental album already making waves.
The Outkast co-founder, born André Benjamin, wore a custom Burberry x Benjamin Bixby jumpsuit Monday night, turning heads as he carried the same piano featured on the cover of his freshly released project 7 Piano Sketches.
The album, which contains no lyrics, arrived just days before fashion’s biggest night and reflects the artist’s continued shift from Hip-Hop icon to avant-garde composer.
André said the idea for the piano-carrying concept was his own. “It’s saying a lot for this little bitty piano album, which is kind of hilarious to me,” he said.
Stylist Law Roach, who helped design Burberry’s Met Gala table, said only one person could pull off the look and the stunt.
Andre 3000 – Credit: Matt Crossick/PA Images/INSTARimages
“When Burberry asked me to collaborate with them on the Met and help curate the table, the first person I thought about was André. And they kind of went crazy, because Daniel (Lee, Burberry designer) is a huge fan,” Roach told GQ. “When I heard about the piano, I was like, ‘Only him. He’s the only one.'”
André shared that he nearly titled the album The Best Worst Rap Album In History.
“It’s jokingly the worst rap album in history because there are no lyrics on it at all,” he wrote. “It’s the best because it’s the free-est emotionally and best I’ve felt personally. It’s the best because it’s like a palette cleanser for me.”
The 49-year-old previously released New Blue Sun, a flute-driven album, in 2023.
His latest piano-focused work continues his exploration of instrumental soundscapes far removed from his Hip-Hop roots.
Later this year, André and longtime collaborator Big Boi will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as Outkast, honoring their decades of influence in music.
Smokey Robinson may be crafting an album titled What the World Needs Now, but four _wo_men who once worked inside his California home say they found no inspiration behind closed doors.
Robinson, the 85-year-old Motown icon whose smooth vocals helped define American pop and soul music, is facing a civil lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court.
The complaint, brought by the Harris & Hayden Law Firm on behalf of four former housekeepers, accuses Robinson and his wife, Frances Robinson, of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender-based violence and fostering a hostile work environment.
The women, listed anonymously as Jane Does, allege the misconduct occurred over more than a decade at the couple’s residence in Chatsworth, California.
The accusations include unwanted sexual contact, coercion and repeated harassment.
Jane Doe 1 claims Smokey Robinson sexually assaulted her at least seven times between March 2023 and February 2024. She says he once locked her in his bedroom and groped her while she told him to stop.
Jane Doe 2 alleges Robinson assaulted her 23 times between 2016 and 2020, often luring her to parts of the house without security cameras. She says he warned her that his wife would retaliate if she rejected him.
Jane Doe 3 accuses Robinson of raping her more than 20 times from 2012 through 2024. She also claims he once offered her $500 for sex, which she refused.
The lawsuit also alleges Frances Robinson knew about her husband’s behavior, had previously settled similar claims and failed to protect the women.
The plaintiffs further accuse Frances of wage theft, denying legally required breaks and using racially offensive language.
“They’re Hispanic women who were employed as housekeepers by the Robinsons, earning below minimum wage. As low-wage workers in vulnerable positions, they lack the resources and options necessary to protect themselves from sexual assaults throughout their tenure as employees for the Robinsons,” said attorney John Harris.
The women are seeking at least $50 million in damages for emotional distress, economic losses and psychological trauma.
“We believe that Mr. Robinson is a serial and sick rapist that must be stopped,” Harris claimed.
Smokey Robinson, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and former frontman of The Miracles, helped shape the Motown sound with hits like “Tracks of My Tears” and “Cruisin’.”
His songwriting credits include classics for The Temptations and Marvin Gaye. His music continues to influence generations, sampled by Hip-Hop artists from Kanye West to J Dilla.
Robinson and his legal team have not responded publicly to the lawsuit.
Megan Thee Stallion defied the Met Gala’s long-standing no-phone rule by secretly recording and sharing behind-the-scenes footage from inside the exclusive event at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The rapper posted a compilation video to Instagram on Monday night (May 5), giving her followers a rare peek into the famously private affair.
The clip opens with Megan seated at a table alongside rapper Doechii and WNBA star Angel Reese, sampling hors d’oeuvres like cornbread and caviar, white truffle lobster rolls and vegan lox.
At several points in the video, Megan can be heard acknowledging the rule-breaking, saying, “We’re not supposed to have our phones,” “I snuck my phone in” and “I’m not supposed to have this.”
Toward the end of the reel, she pans her camera to Ciara, asking the “Goodies” singer to show off her black-and-silver ensemble while zooming in on the gown’s details.
She captioned the post, “Hottie Cam in thee MET GALA.”
The Met Gala enforces a strict no-social-media policy inside the venue to preserve the mystique of the annual fashion event. Despite that, Megan’s video quickly gained traction online, with many commenters applauding her for breaking the rules.
“Thank you for this forbidden footage sis,” one user wrote. Another added, “Typical Aquarius breaking all the rules.” A third joked, “Here before Anna make you delete this,” referencing Vogue editor-in-chief and Met Gala co-chair Anna Wintour.
LeBron James bowed out of the 2025 Met Gala in New York on Monday night (May 5) after suffering a knee injury during the Los Angeles Lakers’ early playoff exit, despite being named an honorary chair for the high-profile event.
“Unfortunately, because of my knee injury I sustained at the end of the season, I won’t be able to attend the Met Gala in NY tonight as so many people have been asking and congratulating me on! Hate to miss an historical event!” James posted on Twitter (X).
According to ESPN, the 39-year-old NBA star revealed he sustained a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee during the Lakers’ first-round playoff loss last week.
Unfortunately because of my knee injury I sustained at the end of the season I won’t be able to attend the Met Gala in NY tonight as so many people have been asking and congratulating me on! Hate to miss an historical event! My beautiful powerful Queen will be there holding the…
The setback ended his postseason run and sidelined him from fashion’s most exclusive red carpet.
James, who has hinted at retirement, told reporters after the Lakers’ elimination that he would need to discuss his future with his “support group” and family.
In his absence, James confirmed his wife Savannah would represent the family at the gala, saying she would be “holding the castle down as she always has done!” He also praised her as a “beautiful powerful Queen.”
The Met Gala, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is an annual fundraiser for the Costume Institute.
This year’s event celebrated the opening of “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” an exhibition inspired by Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book, Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.
Co-chairs for the evening included Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams and longtime Met Gala architect Anna Wintour.
Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, Chance the Rapper, André 3000, A$AP Rocky and other popular rap artists walked the red carpet in unique outfits.
Check out some of the night’s most memorable looks:
50 Cent reignited his long-running feud with Ja Rule by reposting a 2020 gyro commercial on Monday (May 5), mocking the rapper’s past endorsement of a Los Angeles Greek deli.
The Queens-born rapper uploaded the now-viral Papa Cristo’s advertisement to Instagram, showing Ja Rule enthusiastically promoting the restaurant’s Mediterranean menu.
The caption read: “You see what happens when you f*** with me. Selling gyros. LMAO a southside ninja is not gonna do that. SMH NAH this ain’t it.”
This marks the second time 50 Cent has used the same commercial to ridicule Ja Rule.
In June 2020, he posted the same clip with the caption, “This what happens … I’ll have you and your whole label selling gyros.”
Initially part of a sponsored campaign, the ad gained attention for its over-the-top delivery and low-budget production.
Ja Rule already replied to 50 Cent’s taunts over the commercial in 2020. He explained that the video was actually for a TV show called “Celebrity Show-Off.”
As part of the show, Ja Rule created a video for Papa Cristo’s to help the business, which struggled during the pandemic.
“I came up with this idea that I would do this silly-ass, cheesy ’80s, ’90s [style] commercial and people will hate on it and try to clown me and it will go viral and of course it did. Half of it is for charity [No Kid Hungry], and Papa Cristo’s gets a lot of free publicity,” Ja Rule told Page Six.
Thanks to 50 Cent’s repost, it’s now resurfacing, without context, as ammunition in their ongoing digital war. The two rappers have traded insults for years, with 50 Cent frequently using social media to poke fun at Ja Rule’s career.
He also accused 50 of cooperating with federal authorities during the Murder Inc. investigation and threatened to release “receipts.”
Ja Rule didn’t hold back, writing, “Until you handle business with the ones who shot you, you can’t troll anymore… take care of your issues, chump lmao…”
Despite the back-and-forth, 50 Cent quietly deleted the latest gyro post from his Instagram account.
“Dear Summer I know you will be overly good 2 me,” he captioned the clip. “Feeling Free and IM STILL LOADED !!!! I love yall more than life. Oh yea … thanks again for loving me.”
Lil Uzi Sparks Concern With Hospital Visit
The post comes after a wave of concern following an April 21 emergency in Lower Manhattan, where paramedics responded to a call for a “sick person” at a luxury condo.
Lil Uzi Vert was seen being wheeled into an ambulance around 2:30 p.m. ET, shielded by black umbrellas held by security and his girlfriend, rapper JT.
He stayed conscious during the ride and entered the emergency room, where doctors kept him under observation through the next day. His team and hospital staff have not released any official diagnosis or medical explanation.
The incident reignited public concern over the rapper’s past use of nitrous oxide, also known as NOS or “whippets,” which he addressed on his 2024 album Eternal Atake 2.
A viral video from 2024 showing Uzi inhaling from a balloon in a studio fueled speculation about his drug use, with some listeners blaming nitrous oxide for what they saw as a dip in the quality of his music.
In a December 2024 interview, Uzi warned others not to follow his path: “Overrated! Don’t do whippets! Them jawns will – they is bad! Yo, don’t do them. They is bad.” He added, “Honestly, with no money and no narrative, whippets is really bad… Whippets are f###### bad, bro.”
By November 2024, he appeared to be turning a corner, posting a selfie on Instagram Stories with the caption “Nomore bad stuff” alongside a salute and balloon emoji.
Justin Combs and Cuba Gooding Jr. walked away from a high-profile legal battle in Los Angeles after a judge dismissed them from Lil Rod’s civil lawsuit against Diddy due to missed service deadlines and procedural missteps.
Lil Rod, born Rodney Jones, had accused Cuba Gooding Jr. of sexually assaulting him on a yacht rented by Diddy in January 2023.
He claimed the actor groped him without consent and only stopped when after he was physically pushed away. Cuba Gooding Jr. was added to the lawsuit in a later amendment.
As for Justin Combs, Lil Rod claimed he was involved in the sex trafficking operation and a shooting at Chalice Recording Studios in Los Angeles and alleged Diddy told him to lie to police to protect his son.
He suggested either Diddy or Justin Combs may have been responsible for the incident.
On Tuesday (May 6), a Judge tossed out the claims against both men after Lil Rod’s lawyer failed to serve them by the November 8, 2024, court-ordered deadline.
According to court documents, Lil Rod’s attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, did not request an extension and made flawed attempts to serve both defendants.
For Cuba Gooding Jr., Blackburn only tried to serve him in California, even though he had previously claimed the actor was in New York or Florida.
The Florida attempt was skipped entirely based on unverified information that Gooding was staying in hotels. The California service attempt came after the deadline had already passed.
In Justin Combs’ case, Blackburn initially gave the wrong address and only submitted the correct one two days before the deadline.
A process server confirmed Combs lived at the property but couldn’t get past a private gate. Although California law allows service through a security guard, the process server declined to do so.
Blackburn didn’t fix the issue before the deadline and later tried to blame the process server.
The claims were dismissed without prejudice, meaning Lil Rod could refile if he properly serves them in the future.
The broader civil lawsuit against Diddy includes accusations of sexual assault, harassment, drug use and threats during the production of Diddy’s Love Album.
The case was initially filed under civil RICO statutes, but those charges were dismissed in March. Other claims, including sexual assault, are still moving forward.
Lil Rod may also be called as a witness in Diddy’s federal criminal case involving sex trafficking and racketeering, which began Monday, May 5.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial hit a snag this week as prosecutors admitted they may not be able to secure testimony from one of their central witnesses, raising questions about the strength of their case just as jury selection gets underway.
Diddy, facing a five-count indictment in Manhattan federal court, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, is accused of orchestrating a two-decade pattern of coercion, abuse and forced sex acts.
However, prosecutors revealed in court that “Victim No. 3,” a woman considered crucial to their case, may not take the stand.
The woman, who lives outside the New York area, has expressed hesitation about appearing in court despite being subpoenaed. Prosecutors say they’ve struggled to reach both her and her attorney, prompting Judge Arun Subramanian to instruct them to make diligent efforts to connect with the woman’s attorney and ensure her presence.
Lead prosecutor Maurene Comey told the court they would not reference the woman’s specific allegations during opening statements.
Instead, she said, they would refer to her only as one of several alleged victims and revisit her story later in the trial if she becomes available.
Diddy’s’ defense team pushed back, asking the judge to compel prosecutors to clarify their plans for the witness by the end of the week. They argued that the uncertainty could affect their ability to prepare an effective defense.
Jury selection began May 5 with roughly 150 prospective jurors undergoing individual questioning.
The trial, which is expected to stretch over several months, is not being televised due to federal court rules that ban electronic recordings.
Diddy Tells Judge He’s “Nervous” During Trial
Diddy has pleaded not guilty and turned down a plea deal offered shortly before the trial began.
He appeared visibly anxious during jury selection, telling the judge, “I’m sorry, your honor, I’m a little nervous today.”
Among the evidence prosecutors plan to present is a 2016 hotel surveillance video that allegedly shows Diddy assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
Prosecutors also accuse him of organizing so-called “Freak Offs,” described in court documents as drug-fueled sex parties involving sex workers and manipulation tactics.
Judge Subramanian has already denied Diddy’s’ request to delay the trial and ruled that expert testimony on “coercive control” will be limited.
Despite widespread media coverage and viral videos involving Diddy, the judge determined that most potential jurors could remain impartial.
Opening statements are expected once jury selection concludes.
Musicians need more than social media to manage their careers. A dedicated website gives you professional credibility, complete creative control, and direct fan access. It serves as a hub for your music, tour dates, social links, and a merch/ticket store. However, building a custom music site can be expensive, and many general site builders lack music-specific tools.
Below we review the best free and freemium website builders for musicians, focusing on features like integrated music players, streaming links, merch/ticket sales, and fan engagement tools. Our top recommendation is Loop Fans, a new all-in-one music platform. We also compare Bandzoogle, Wix Music, Bandcamp, Carrd, and Squarespace, listing pros and cons for each from a musician’s standpoint.
Key musician website features to look for:
Music & Media Integration: Built-in music players (albums, tracks, playlists), audio/video hosting, and tour date management. Easy embedding of Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, etc., is ideal.
E-commerce & Fan Engagement: Support for selling digital downloads, physical merch, and tickets; fan subscriptions/memberships; email newsletter tools; all with low transaction fees.
Loop Fans – All-in-One Music Site & Fan Platform
Loop Fans is a new platform built specifically for musicians and labels. It combines an easy drag-and-drop site builder with fan engagement and commerce tools. It’s completely free to set up, and includes all core features; the Basic plan charges a small sales commission (~12%) that decreases on higher plans.
Key features:
Music Website Builder: Music-themed templates let you upload tracks, videos, and images with no coding. Add pages or sections for audio players, photo galleries, tour dates, and more.
Merch & Ticket Store: Integrated shop to sell digital downloads, vinyl/CDs, merch (t-shirts, posters, etc.), and tickets directly to fans.
Fan Community Tools: Fans can sign up on your site (capturing their email/contact info). You can send newsletters or exclusive content to your fanbase. Loop Fans supports fan club memberships (patreon-style subscriptions) and even NFTs (blockchain drops) for superfans.
Link-in-Bio Hub: Your site serves as a central hub linking to your Spotify, Instagram, YouTube, and more. All your social links and music platforms can be aggregated through your Loop Fans page.
Ease of Use: Designed for artists, it’s user-friendly. Pick a template and drag in elements like “Music Player” or “Photo Gallery”. The learning curve is minimal, so you can launch a polished, mobile-responsive site in minutes.
Pros: Built-for-musicians with all the right tools; and a very low cost (free). Includes music players, store, email lists, direct messaging, and fan subscriptions out of the box. Simple interface tailored for artists.
Cons: New platform (smaller community, evolving feature set). Basic plan commission (~12%) is higher than 0% on some rivals. Templates/designs are guided (less free form customization than Wix or Squarespace).
Bandzoogle – Veteran Music-Focused Builder
Bandzoogle is a veteran music site builder created by musicians. It offers a 30-day free trial, then paid plans (Lite ~$9.95/month) that include hosting and a free custom domain.
Key features:
Templates & Player: Mobile-ready music templates for bands/DJs. Built-in audio player lets fans stream full songs or previews.
Store: Integrated shop for digital downloads, CDs/vinyl, merch, and even ticket sales, all commission-free.
Fan Engagement: Tools for building your audience: email newsletter builder, fan subscription (patron) options, and an EPK (press kit) page template. Gig calendar and blog come standard.
Analytics & SEO: Built-in analytics tracks visitors, and SEO tools help your site be found by search engines.
Pros: True all-in-one: hosting, domain, music features, and store included. No sales commission maximizes your revenue. Fan subscriptions and mailing list tools provide professional fan-management. Widely used by artists, with responsive support.
Cons: No free plan beyond trial (must subscribe to keep site live). Template customization is more structured (you tweak themes rather than free-drag). Templates are solid but less “artsy” than some competitors; however, this simplifies setup.
Wix Music – Flexible Drag-and-Drop Builder
Wix is a popular website builder with strong support for musicians via its Wix Music app. It has a free plan (Wix ads, Wix subdomain) and paid plans ($16/month for Combo; $27/month for Business/Ecommerce).
Key features:
Music Player & Sales: Upload tracks or albums with the Wix Music app. Fans can stream, download, or buy tracks directly on your site (Wix takes 0% commission).
Merch Shop: On a Business plan, add an online store to sell t-shirts, vinyl, posters, tickets, etc. Inventory management and checkout are built-in.
Design & Templates: 900+ templates, including many for bands and DJs. The drag-and-drop editor offers full control over layout. There’s also an AI site builder (Wix ADI) for quick setup.
Apps & Extras: Wix App Market has plugins for events (Bandsintown, ticketing), social feeds, and more. Built-in blog and event calendar help engage fans.
SEO & Analytics: Includes strong SEO tools and visitor analytics to help fans find your site.
Pros: Massive template library and flexibility. 0% commission on music sales.
Cons: Free plan shows ads and uses a long URL. To sell and use a custom domain you must upgrade. The enormous design freedom can be overwhelming for beginners. Advanced e-commerce and removing ads require higher-tier plans.
Bandcamp – Free Music & Merch Platform
Bandcamp is a music marketplace (not a full website builder). It’s free to use; Bandcamp only takes a cut of sales (15% on digital tracks, 10% on physical merch).
Key features:
Music & Merch Sales: Upload albums or tracks with a built-in streaming player. Fans can stream your songs and purchase digital downloads or physical items (CDs, vinyl, shirts). Supports “name-your-price” sales and discount codes.
Fan Interaction: Fans can follow your profile. You can email all followers when you release something new – effectively a built-in newsletter to your Bandcamp audience.
Customization: You get a profile page with your banner, logo, and color scheme. (Bandcamp’s layout is fixed across artists.) Bandcamp Pro ($10/mo) lets you use a custom domain; otherwise your page is yourname.bandcamp.com.
Pros: Zero upfront cost and easy setup. Trusted by music fans, with built-in discovery. Great for direct-to-fan sales – you keep most of the sale price.
Cons: Not a multipage site – it’s just your music store/profile. No built-in tour or blog pages. Design is the same as other Bandcamp pages. Many artists use Bandcamp as their music storefront alongside a separate promotional website.
Carrd – Simple One-Page Sites
Carrd is a minimalist builder for single-page sites. The free plan allows up to 3 sites (on a carrd.co subdomain). A Pro subscription (from $19/year) removes ads, adds custom domains, and unlocks advanced features.
Key features:
One-Page Layout: Hundreds of templates for landing pages, portfolios, or link pages. The interface uses blocks/containers to place text, images, and embeds.
Embed Media: Supports embedding audio (SoundCloud, Spotify, etc.), video (YouTube/Vimeo), and custom HTML/JavaScript (Pro) for forms or scripts.
Payments: No built-in store, but you can embed Stripe/PayPal/Gumroad buttons for selling downloads or taking donations.
Simplicity: Quick to build; ideal for a “link-in-bio” or splash page. The free plan is generous for simple needs.
Pros: Very affordable (free or low-cost). Fast setup for a single-page site. Responsive templates and a clean aesthetic. No large company ads (free plan shows only a small Carrd footer).
Cons: Only one page – you can’t have multiple pages or sections beyond the single scroll. Limited design freedom (block-based rather than free-drag). Lacks native e-commerce and email list tools. Not suitable if you need more content like blogs or event pages.
Squarespace – Stylish Multipurpose Builder
Squarespace offers premium design and built-in commerce. After a 14-day trial, plans start at about $16/month (Personal) or $27/month (Commerce, which waives transaction fees) when billed annually.
Key features:
Design Templates: 180+ polished, mobile-responsive themes. Excellent for artists who want a visually striking site.
Audio & Media: Native audio blocks allow MP3 uploads, and you can embed Spotify or SoundCloud players.
Events: Built-in event pages for tour dates. You can integrate ticket links or RSVPs.
E-commerce: On Commerce plans, sell digital downloads, merch, and tickets with inventory management and secure checkout. Business plans charge 3% transaction fees; Commerce plans have none.
Blog & Marketing: Robust blogging tools and a built-in email campaign/newsletter feature. Social media feeds and SEO settings are integrated.
Pros: High-end, professional design; unlimited pages (up to 1,000 theoretically). Reliable all-in-one platform with hosting, commerce, and marketing tools. Good customer support and mobile app.
Cons: No free plan (beyond trial). Higher cost for full features. The editor can feel clunky (no autosave/undo and multi-click edits). Flat navigation (single submenu only) can limit very complex sites. Fewer third-party app integrations (focused mainly on commerce and accounting).
Conclusion
Loop Fans stands out as an all-in-one solution — its music-tailored feature set (streaming, store, fan club tools) and free set up cost make it ideal for independent artists. Bandzoogle is unbeatable for dedicated music features and 0% fees if you’re willing to pay a subscription. Wix Music provides maximum design freedom and a free tier, good for creative control. Bandcamp excels as a free music storefront. Carrd is perfect for a simple splash or link page. Squarespace offers the most polished designs and integrated commerce, at a higher cost.
Recent trends focus on deepening artist–fan connections. In 2024, for example, Bandzoogle added QR-code music sharing to help artists promote tracks, and Loop Fans now emphasizes fan subscriptions and NFT releases to reward supporters. When choosing a website builder, consider what matters most for your band (cost vs. features vs. design). Any of the above platforms can form the foundation of a professional music site. By matching your needs to the right builder, you can create a site that looks great, engages fans, and supports your music career.
Diddy’s lawyer, Mark Geragos, is facing heat from federal prosecutors who want him reprimanded for speaking publicly about the criminal case during his trial.
Although Geragos hasn’t officially joined the defense team—he hasn’t filed a notice of appearance—he’s been advising Diddy and was seen in court during jury selection, which started on Monday (May 5).
Prosecutors say that’s a problem, especially since he’s been yapping about the case on his podcast 2 Angry Men, which was co-hosted with TMZ founder Harvey Levin.
In a court filing, the government asked the judge to formally warn Geragos for potentially violating rules that bar attorneys involved in a criminal trial from making public statements that could sway jurors or impact the fairness of the proceedings.
It applies even during jury selection.
The government’s complaint zeroes in on a May 2 episode of Geragos’ podcast, where he made several pointed remarks about the case.
He called surveillance footage from the Intercontinental Hotel “character assassination,” criticized the prosecution’s team as looking like they’re “prosecuting a cause,” and previewed a possible defense strategy by saying, “the defendant has a violent temper and especially, I think, when you combine it with the drug use, but that isn’t what he’s charged with.”
Geragos also told listeners he would “be back next week to discuss further,” signaling plans to keep talking about the trial while it’s ongoing.
Prosecutors argue that Geragos’ public commentary could taint the jury pool and jeopardize the integrity of the trial.
They also pointed out that Diddy’s legal team had previously complained about lawyers for government witnesses making public statements, yet now one of their advisors is doing the same.
The government is asking the judge to remind Geragos and his firm of their responsibilities under the rule and to stop any further public commentary that could interfere with the trial.
“People see the glory and don’t know the story—if the door won’t open, build your own.” – Markuann Smith
Markuann Smith isn’t just an actor on Godfather of Harlem, he’s the heartbeat behind the hit series. From pitching the show alongside Forest Whitaker to portraying Junie Byrd, Smith’s journey from roadie for his brother, Father MC, to respected producer is Hip-Hop history.
The latest season of the show is here, as a partially fictional—but still authentic—portrayal of Harlem’s history. In this season we see the rise of the Black Panthers, American gangster Frank Lucas and more. Musically, we hear the creative process behind the powerful soundtrack curated by Swizz Beatz.
Markuann also shares stories about his time on the road with legends like 2Pac and Naughty By Nature’s Treach and his upcoming projects, including a C-Murder documentary. Markuann reminds us that nothing is impossible when you build your own door.
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur: Season 4 of Godfather of Harlem is here. Does it still feel surreal to you?
Markuann Smith: Absolutely. We got greenlit in 2017, launched in 2019 and now, we’re on season four. That’s a blessing. Not many shows make it this far, and I’m humbled by how audiences have embraced us.
AllHipHop: What’s the secret sauce that keeps people watching?
Markuann: It’s the richness of the narrative. We’re not just for one demographic. Grandparents, the youth, Hip-Hop heads—we speak to everybody. You can go from Martha and the Vandellas to Benny the Butcher in one episode. Swizz Beatz is curating a cultural gumbo that’s familiar and fresh.
Markuann: Malcolm X is gone. Now, it’s the rise of the Black Panthers. The season explores the Black Power movement and characters like Afeni Shakur and James Baldwin. You also get introduced to Frank Lucas—young, hungry and ready to disrupt everything.
AllHipHop: Are Frank Lucas and Bumpy Johnson allies or enemies this season?
Markuann: That’s the tension. Historically, they weren’t friends. But in our version, Frank’s on a similar path as Bumpy—just from North Carolina instead of South Carolina. He’s green, but ambitious. You’ll have to watch to see if it’s loyalty or manipulation.
AllHipHop: Your character Junie Byrd is back too—what’s his arc?
Markuann: Junie Byrd is getting more shine. He was there when Bumpy died, so we’re building toward that. He’s younger than Nap and Chance but Bumpy saw something in him. He’s loyal to a fault, and people forget he got blamed for stealing dope in Season 2—but that was Nat’s gambling problem. Junie just held it down.
AllHipHop: What’s it been like working with Forest Whitaker?
Markuann: Forest is a giant, but he treats me like a little brother. When we were pitching, he was in every room. He didn’t even take the role of Bumpy right away. He waited until the 17th version of the script before he felt like he could fully embody the character. That’s how much care he puts into the work.
AllHipHop: What keeps you grounded in this business?
Markuann: Forrest always reminds me, “Just be you.” I came up with nothing handed to me. People think success is microwaveable. Nah. You gotta marinate the steak overnight. And when folks hit me like “hook me up,” I’m like—no one hooked me up. I paid my SAG dues. I carried 1200s in coffins. I worked for it.
AllHipHop: Wait—were you really a roadie back in the day?
Markuann: Yeah! I started off as a roadie for my brother, Father MC. I carried equipment, helped set up, and ended up becoming a hype man. That’s how I met 2Pac. He was a roadie for Digital Underground. Treach was a roadie for Latifah. Craig Mack was a roadie for EPMD. We were all just kids trying to make it.
AllHipHop: Do you still keep in touch with people from that era?
Markuann: I still speak to Money B from Digital Underground. RIP Shock G. That’s family. Those days on the bus, listening to the Stylistics and seeing America out the window, it gave me a musical and cultural foundation that still influences me today.
AllHipHop: Hip-Hop plays a big role in Godfather of Harlem. What’s your favorite track from the show?
Markuann: I love “Danger” with Jadakiss and Pusha T. That record is cinematic. Scar Lip, Conway… They all brought heat. Swizz is like a mad scientist, knowing who belongs where like a Hip-Hop professor mixing algebra with soul food.
AllHipHop: You teased some new projects—what’s next?
Markuann: I sold a new series set in the ’80s. Can’t say much yet. I’m also working on a sports drama, think Friday Night Lights meets The Wire. And I’ve been talking to C-Murder about doing his documentary. That one’s going to be powerful.
AllHipHop: How do you feel about the state of Black storytelling in Hollywood right now?
Markuann: I love that we’re expanding. Horror, drama, satire…we’re everywhere. But I hate the competition people try to stir up. Don’t pit Ryan Coogler against Spike Lee. There’s room for everyone. Coppola and Scorsese aren’t beefing. Let’s build—not compare. We gotta stop measuring our value through Instagram followers and start telling stories that matter.
AllHipHop: Do you have a dream project, the kind that seems impossible?
Markuann: Nothing is impossible. I don’t believe in Plan Bs. If you have one, you’re planning for your a## to fail. I tell people: if the door doesn’t open, build your own. I’m just here to tell stories that make people laugh, cry and think.
Markuann:Off the Wall by Michael Jackson. But I love Earth, Wind & Fire, Isaac Hayes… that era had real texture.
AllHipHop: Favorite rap album?
Markuann:The Infamous by Mobb Deep. Also Me Against the World by 2Pac. That was New York ‘Pac, raw, lyrical, honest.
AllHipHop: Favorite TV show (besides Godfather of Harlem)?
Markuann:Top Boy. It started raw and evolved into something incredible.
AllHipHop: Final words for aspiring creators?
Markuann: Start. Just start. Don’t wait for a handout. Build the thing. Nobody knew Godfather would go four seasons—but we believed. AllHipHop believed. That’s how you win.
Megan Thee Stallion slipped her phone past security at the 2025 Met Gala and broadcasted a cheeky behind-the-scenes look on Instagram she dubbed the “Hottie Cam.”
After a three-year break, the Texas rapper returned to the exclusive NYC event on Monday (May 5).
Megan captured moments with fellow stars, including Doechii and WNBA standout Angel Reese, while sampling dishes like “cornbread and caviar,” “white truffle lobster roll” and “vegan lox” from Chef Kwame Onwuachi’s curated menu.
“We’re not supposed to have our phones, but we’re doing it [anyway],” Megan said with a laugh in the video. At one point, she leaned over to another guest and admitted, “I snuck my phone in.”
The footage showed Megan toasting at her table, zooming in on Ciara’s black-and-silver LaQuan Smith gown, hyping her up. She also complimented Lupita Nyong’o as “beautiful” and Serena Williams as “gorgeous.”
The Met Gala’s no-phone, no-social media policy—enforced by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour—is meant to preserve the event’s exclusivity. Violating the rule can reportedly lead to being blacklisted from future galas.
Still, Megan captioned the video “Hottie Cam in thee MET GALA,” giving her followers a rare peek into the tightly guarded fashion affair.
One user joked, “Here before Anna make you delete this,” while another cautioned she might get a “warning.”
Megan Thee Stallion Walks Carpet At 2025 Met Gala
Megan’s return to the Met Gala marked her third appearance and her first since 2022.
She arrived in a shimmering silver sequin gown by Michael Kors with a sweetheart neckline and thigh-high slit, topped with a dramatic white fur coat that trailed behind her.
Megan Thee Stallion’s entrance is iconic do you hear her name being screamed …. The angles of her body in this beautiful Micheal Kors Dress, the body of this white Pimp Fur Coat, The Queen hair inspired Josephine Baker look, my god the face card
Ray J shocked viewers during a Twitch livestream Monday night (May 5) when he claimed he was sexually assaulted by his babysitter as a child, leaving his guests visibly confused and unsure how to respond.
“My babysitter raped me,” Ray J blurted out, repeating the statement as he pulled his hat down over his face.
The room fell silent, with some of the women on the stream unsure whether he was being serious.
“We listen, and we don’t judge,” one woman said, while others nervously laughed, unsure how to process the moment. Ray J, who also laughed, quickly added, “It’s not funny.”
The conversation took a darker turn as he continued.
“She raped me,” he said, adding, “She had some big t######, she made me suck her t######. They was real big too.”
When one of the women asked if he was traumatized, Ray J described the alleged abuse in graphic detail.
“I tried to do what she told me to do,” he stated. “She said, Go up down, and now go up up down. But think I was just too small to really like, penetrate correctly, inside her hole.”
Ray J claimed the babysitter assaulted him after a game of hide and seek, putting him in a headlock and lifting her shirt.
The group of women on the stream appeared unsure whether to believe him, especially as he continued to make offhand remarks about “big t######.”
Ray J, who has long been known for his unpredictable behavior and controversial moments, did not elaborate further or provide additional details about the alleged incident.
Rihanna turned heads and turned the page on old drama at the 2025 Met Gala in New York City, where she reunited with Ciara in a warm, public moment that showed their years-old feud is officially history.
The two stars posed together on the red carpet, smiling as Ciara gently placed her hand on Rihanna’s baby bump—a sweet gesture that said more than any tweet ever could.
EVERYONE BE QUIET 😭 THIS IS A MOMENT IN HISTORY RIGHT NOW RIHANNA AND CIARA HAVE LINKED UP 😭🩷 pic.twitter.com/EnbFzqAetc
If you weren’t on twitter back in its prime you wouldn’t understand how significant it is seeing Ciara & Rihanna in a photo together!!😭🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/FUGU1BM9Ez
Rihanna, who confirmed she’s expecting her third child with partner A$AP Rocky, made a dramatic return to fashion’s biggest night wearing a Marc Jacobs ensemble that played into the gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
Her outfit featured a black pinstripe skirt, cropped blazer, gray corset, and a wide-brimmed hat, topped off with a burgundy polka-dot tie and chunky white collar.
She finished the look with black-and-white spectator mules and a dramatic bow trailing from the back.
Ciara, attending her eighth Met Gala, arrived in a black and silver LaQuan Smith gown with daring cutouts held together by strands of crystals.
She paired the look with black pumps, oversized earrings, and a sleek blonde bob.
Ciara was joined by husband, Russell Wilson, who wore a classic black tuxedo with a long coat, crystal brooch, cane and sunglasses.
The NFL quarterback joked about their night out, saying he hoped to “get Cinco tonight,” hinting at a fifth baby.
The affectionate moment between Rihanna and Ciara marked a full-circle moment for the two women, who once exchanged jabs on social media over a 2011 run-in at a party.
Back then, Ciara told E! ‘s Fashion Police that Rihanna “wasn’t the nicest” and that “it wasn’t the most pleasant run-in,” though she also added she had “always loved and respected what she’s done in fashion.”
Rihanna fired back on Twitter, kicking off a back and forth. Eventually, Rihanna apologized, and the pair seemingly moved on.
Though Ciara later told a radio station in 2013, “I don’t have beef with anybody, but I’m not going to be disrespected either… I don’t know what her problem is. I think she’s nuts right now,” she also said she wished Rihanna well.
By 2016, Ciara brushed off the feud entirely, calling it “pure comedy” on Twitter. Since then, the two have kept things cordial, but their Met Gala moment was the clearest sign yet that the past is behind them.
The first day of the Diddy trial is off to a wild start. Now, this is going to be a tidal wave of information and rumors, but I’m here to entertain it.
Joe Rogan was reportedly mentioned during the proceedings on Monday (May 5). Remember, they’re looking for jurors in this case, so they need people who are as close to impartial as possible. I don’t know how that’s going to happen in a case like this, but I guess they’re trying. By the way, somebody said they are looking for the least biased people.
Apparently, one of the potential jurors was asked how she got her information and learned about the case. She said she gets all her Diddy news and info from Joe Rogan. Now, I won’t say much more about the woman, but I can tell you she does not appear to be a fan of Diddy. Still, from what I was told, that did not disqualify her from serving as a juror. I would’ve thought such ill-informed, biased sources would disqualify someone from participating in a case of this magnitude. Apparently not.
So I looked up some of the stuff Joe Rogan has said about Diddy, and it’s full of salacious gossip (on the first page of Google). Honestly, if anyone gets the majority of their information from that platform, they probably shouldn’t be on the jury. It’s too biased and tabloid-y.
For example, there are a bunch of wild claims about Diddy and Jamie Foxx floating around, many of which are completely false. Still, they’ve become headline fodder thanks to Rogan’s show. That kind of influence is powerful.
Good news. Word on the street is the judge is fair, and that Diddy might actually get a fair trial. I’ve also heard that while everyone is jockeying for position, Diddy is fighting hard. As you may have seen, he showed up to court with eight lawyers. A whole posse. Insiders say it looks like he might actually beat this case. You know the feds have a high conviction rate, but when they actually go to trial, that rate isn’t as high. And Diddy has a monster defense team.
Now, here’s where it gets even crazier—names like producer Dallas Austin and singer Al B. Sure! are being thrown around. What would Dallas Austin have to do with this? We know Al B. Sure! has left breadcrumbs over the years, hinting at some shady behavior from Diddy, but he’s never fully revealed the facts behind the rumors. Is that about to change? Will he finally come forward with more than just implications?
Still, what does any of this have to do with Cassie Ventura and the sex trafficking allegations? Honestly, I don’t know—but it’s all heating up fast. We are about to find out FAST.
Future has turned heads at the 2025 Met Gala in New York City with a drastic hairstyle switch and a tailored look that played directly into the event’s theme celebrating Black menswear.
The Hip-Hop heavyweight stepped out of the Mark Hotel with a cropped, orange-blond cut, ditching his signature dark dreadlocks for something far more unexpected.
The surprising transformation instantly lit up social media, where reactions ranged from admiration to amusement.
Social Media Users Chime In On Future’s Met Gala Makeover
One user quipped, “Def thought Future was Wanda Sykes,” while another joked, “Future looks like Ms. Frizzle.”
His outfit leaned into the night’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” He donned gray knit trousers and a matching overcoat layered over a black and white ensemble.
He completed the look with black gloves, dark shades and polished shoes, blending classic tailoring with his own twist.
The hairstyle, which some described as “mad scientist” or “crackhead off the street,” became one of the most talked-about moments of the night. But love it or hate it, Future’s appearance proved he’s not afraid to gamble with fashion in front of the world’s cameras.
The Met Gala’s 2025 theme took inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity.
The gala was co-chaired by Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton, Pharrell Williams and Vogue’s Anna Wintour. LeBron James, listed as an honorary chair, missed the event due to a knee injury.
The Costume Institute’s exhibit, opening May 10 and running through October 26, explores 300 years of Black sartorial history across 12 sections, with archival pieces from figures like Frederick Douglass and Jet magazine.
Other standout fashion moments included Diana Ross in a white cape gown embroidered with her family’s names. Rihanna also turned heads n a custom black look that revealed her baby bump and Zendaya in a metallic Versace design.
A 20-member gospel group called Silk & Sound performed soul and R&B classics on the red carpet. Pharrell Williams’s Voices of Fire choir also sang inside the museum.
A$AP Rocky has confirmed Rihanna is pregnant with their third child after the superstar singer debuted her baby bump at the 2025 Met Gala in New York.
“It feels amazing, you know,” the rapper and Met Gala 2025 co-chair told reporters on the red carpet. “It’s time that we show the people what we was cooking up. And I’m glad everybody’s happy for us ’cause we definitely happy, you know.”
Rihanna revealed her baby bump in a dramatic Marc Jacobs ensemble featuring a black-and-gray corset, a bolero jacket, a floor-length skirt with buttons, a necktie, two-tone heels and a wide-brimmed hat.
love that Rihanna wore the two different color accessories to make sure no one mistook them as clues for a low-key baby gender reveal 😭 #MetGalapic.twitter.com/z7cllzTdIr
The couple’s appearance quickly became one of the night’s most talked-about moments.
The singer had already hinted at the pregnancy while walking around New York in a fitted matching set that showed her growing belly.
The couple, who began dating publicly in 2020, are already parents to two sons — RZA, born in May 2022, and Riot Rose, born in August 2023. Rihanna famously debuted her second pregnancy during her 2023 Super Bowl halftime performance, where her red jumpsuit and visible bump stole the show.
Rocky also reflected on the public’s reaction to their growing family. “Honestly, it’s a blessing nonetheless,” he explained. “We’ve mostly experienced love. We are truly open to that and grateful for it. That’s love. Love is love.”
Rihanna has made a habit of turning motherhood into a fashion moment. Back in March, she shared two never-before-seen photos of her sons in honor of International Women’s Day.
In one, she cradled newborn RZA, wearing layers of pearls, gold chains and a medallion necklace. In another, she held baby Riot while rocking oversized pink sunglasses.
“By far the most powerful thing I’ve ever done as a woman… my little miracles! #InternationalWomensDay,” she wrote in the caption.
She added with a wink, “And yes I gave birth in pearls and sunglasses… don’t ask, a lot was happening.”
Kimora Lee Simmons racked up thousands in long-distance charges and worked under conditions that would violate today’s child labor laws during her early modeling days in Europe.
The fashion mogul and mother of five opened up to PEOPLE about the steep cost of staying connected to her family after moving overseas at just 13 years old to pursue modeling.
“I was running up a phone bill,” Simmons said. “My phone bill—this is crazy—my phone bill was like $5,000 a month because back then that was when it was real long-distance.”
Long before FaceTime or Wi-Fi, Simmons relied on collect calls and credit cards to reach her mother back home in Missouri.
“You didn’t have calling plans and the Wi-Fi,” she said. “We didn’t have that. You had a collect call. You could either pay for it yourself on your credit card or bill it to someone else. I remember being like, ‘Where’s my mom?’”
Simmons left her hometown before starting high school and struggled with intense homesickness while living and working in Europe. At the time, she was modeling for luxury fashion houses like Chanel under the direction of Karl Lagerfeld.
Reflecting on her early start in the industry, Simmons noted that the work she did as a teenager wouldn’t fly under current labor standards.
“As I got older, I realized I was the youngest one,” she said. “Karl would even tell me things like, ‘What we did before is illegal now’ — labour laws and kids. So yeah, we were at it kind of early.”
Simmons’ multiethnic look was groundbreaking in high fashion at the time she began her career, helping her stand out on Paris runways. Simmons closed the 1989 Chanel haute couture show as “The Bride” and went on to walk for prestigious fashion houses such as Fendi, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent and Emanuel Ungaro.
She also appeared on the covers of major magazines like Vogue, Elle and Harper’s Bazaar. Her modeling success laid the foundation for her later ventures in fashion design and business, including Baby Phat.
Well, it looks like André 3000 has trolled us all again. The Outkast luminary and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee claimed to have lost a sketchbook somewhere in Amsterdam on March 29, with the “MISSING” posters to prove it. While many fans assumed it was part of an album rollout, his team denied it.
But on Monday (May 5), André 3000 showed up to the 2025 Met Gala in New York City with a piano strapped to his body around the same time he announced—yep!—his new album, 7 piano sketches. And, as the title suggests, Three Stacks ditched the flute in favor of the piano. It comes with a with a warning that reads: “NO BARS.”
The song titles, much like 2024’s Grammy Award-nominated album, New Blue Sun, are sprinkled with dashes of humor, especially evident on “when you’re a ant and you wake up in an awesome mood, about to drive your son to school, only to discover that you left the lights on in the car last night so your battery is drained.”
“The original title for it was ‘The Best Worst Rap Album In History,’ André said in a statement, “and here is an excerpt from the original liner notes: ‘It’s jokingly the worst rap album in history because there are no lyrics on it at all. It’s the best because it’s the free-est emotionally and best I’ve felt personally. It’s the best because it’s like a palette cleanser for me.'”
7 piano sketches was released via Epic Records around 8 p.m. ET, shortly after André 3000 arrived at the Met Gala in New York City, where he wore the piano number created by Burberry in collaboration with benji bixby. It adhered to the Met Gala’s Superfine: Tailoring Black Style theme, celebrating craftsmanship, structure, Black history and the evolution of dandyism. The event also marks the debut of benji bixby, an update on André’s late ’00s fashion line, Benjamin Bixby.
Partially composed and recorded prior to New Blue Sun, the beginnings of 7 piano sketches came about nearly 10 years ago, while André was staying in a house in Texas with his son that had only a piano, their beds and TV screens. André was compelled to compose more and share them in the spring, a time of year that “promises that life, creativity and possibility are ever-renewing.”
It’s going to be a busy year for André. On Saturday (May 10), he’ll receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music from Berklee College of Music as part of their graduating Class Of 2025. On November 8, he and Big Boi will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame.
The Charged Up Fest is powering back into Richmond, Virginia from May 27 to June 1, aiming to do more than entertain. Its goal is to retun as a cultural engine for empowerment, education and healing. Richmond-based rapper and festival founder, Noah-O, sees the event as a vehicle for transformation.
“Charged Up Fest means a lot to me because it represents how Hip-Hop can be harnessed for a higher purpose—using the culture to build community, educate, and empower,” Noah-O told AllHipHop.
The festival begins with the Charged Up Impact Awards at the Black History Museum of Virginia. The events honors grassroots changemakers making a difference in Virginia. The following day, the festival shifts with “Leading the Charge: Mental Health & Hip-Hop,” a panel held at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Institute for Contemporary Art.
“One of the parts I’m most excited about is the ‘Leading the Charge’ panel,” Noah-O said. “Last year, we hosted a powerful free vent featuring producer Bink!, Kasim Peterson from Dream Chasers Records and June Jones from Atlantic Records. We created a space where emerging artists and creatives could connect directly with industry professionals who have deep Virginia roots.”
He continued, “This year, we’re leveling up. We’re bringing in influential voices like Grammy-nominated artist Mad Skillz, AD Carson—a Hip Hop Studies professor at the University of Virginia, and Ant Marshall, founder of the legendary Lyricist Lounge. But we’re also including licensed mental health professionals to deepen the conversation.”
AHH’s Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur will also be included in the conversation.
“In a time of rising gun violence, the opioid crisis, and the social challenges we face under today’s political climate, it’s crucial we offer not only inspiration—but also resources, solutions, and healthy alternatives,” Noah-O added. “This panel aims to spark meaningful dialogue and guide people toward tools that can improve lives.”
With events that mix creativity, purpose and real-world insight, Charged Up Fest is turning Richmond into a destination for both art and impact.
“Richmond, VA—our capital city—is a creative hub in the Mid-Atlantic, centrally located along the East Coast. It’s poised to become the next major destination for creatives worldwide, much like Austin with SXSW or Atlanta with A3C. Charged Up Fest has the potential to be Richmond’s version of that cultural movement,” Noah-O said.
For Noah-O, this is just the beginning. He recently performed with Ghostface Killah at the famous Apollo Theater in New York City and Curren$y in Richmond.
As Charged Up Fest rolls into its second year, the vision is crystal clear: this isn’t just a music festival. It’s a movement—designed to uplift a city, connect generations, and activate purpose through the power of Hip-Hop.
