Megan Thee Stallion secured her release from Carl Crawford’s label 1501 Certified Entertainment. Lawyers revealed the two sides settled their longstanding dispute over her record deal on Thursday (October 19).
Billboard was the first report on the settlement. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but a rep for 1501 said Megan and the label agreed to part ways.
“Megan Thee Stallion and 1501 Certified Entertainment are pleased to announce that they have mutually reached a confidential settlement to resolve their legal differences,” the rep said. “As part of the arrangement, both parties have agreed to amicably part ways. Both Megan and 1501 are pleased to put this matter behind them and move forward with the next chapter of their respective businesses. All of us at 1501 wish Megan the very best in her life and career.”
Megan signed with 1501 in 2018. Problems arose after she inked a management deal with Roc Nation in 2019.
The rapper sued 1501 in 2020. According to Megan, the label misled her into signing a one-sided deal and blocked the release of her music.
Both parties were embroiled in litigation over the past three years. Megan accused 1501 of refusing to let her out of her contract even though she completed the terms of her agreement with the label. She also asked a judge to appoint a third party to manage the label’s finances over concerns about 1501’s ability to pay any judgment awarded to her in the civil dispute. Crawford claimed she made the request in “bad faith and solely for harassment.”
Megan and 1501 reached a settlement a week after she told fans she was self-funding her next album. The Texas native said she was happy to be an independent artist again. She did not want to sign with a new label while working on the project.
A Nevada judge allowed a second delay of Keefe D’s arraignment in the Tupac Shakur murder case on Thursday (October 19). Keefe D, whose real name is Duane Davis, needed more time to settle his legal representation in the case.
Attorney Ross Goodman appeared with Keefe D in court. Goodman asked Judge Tierra Jones for a continuance, telling the judge he was unable to confirm if he would be Keefe D’s lawyer at Thursday’s hearing.
“I’m going to give you two weeks, but in two weeks, we’ve got to get this case moving,” Judge Jones told Keefe D and Goodman, per theLas Vegas Review-Journal.
Goodman spoke to reporters after the hearing. He said Keefe D plans to plead not guilty to the 1996 murder of Shakur.
Las Vegas police arrested Keefe D on September 29. He was charged with one count of murder with the use of a deadly weapon and with the intent to promote, further or assist a criminal gang.
Prosecutors said Keefe D didn’t shoot Shakur but orchestrated the attack. Authorities accused Keefe D of providing the gun to the shooter, long believed to be his late nephew Orlando Anderson.
Keefe D revealed his involvement in Shakur’s death in a memoir and interviews. Goodman downplayed Keefe D’s admissions.
“If you don’t have a car, if you don’t have a gun, and you don’t have witnesses to corroborate what Mr. Davis said under those circumstances, I believe that there’s an obvious defense to that on why he made those statements,” Goodman contended.
Keefe D remains in custody. Goodman will ask for Keefe D’s release if retained as counsel.
Lauryn Hill’s anticipated return to Essex County for a Fugees reunion in Newark on Tuesday (October 17) made it a momentous evening. However, her fans were left incensed when she reportedly kept them waiting for more than two hours before gracing the stage.
Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras took the stage at Newark, New Jersey’s Prudential Center, and I almost went to this. The performance was part of her 25th Anniversary Tour for The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which kicked off in September.
The show was scheduled to commence at 7:30 p.m., but some concertgoers claimed Hill didn’t appear until nearly 10 p.m. We all know the deal—Ms. Hill has been notorious for her tardiness at performances for years. In fact, she rapped about it in a dope song with Nas.
My awareness like Keanu in The Matrix I’m savin’ souls and y’all complainin’ ’bout my lateness Now it’s illegal for someone to walk in greatness They want the same shh, but they don’t take risks Now the world will get to see it’s own reflection And the anointed can pursue their own direction And if you’re wrong and you’re too proud to hear correction Walk into the hole you dug yourself, f#ck a projection
One fan said, “What a colossal disappointment tonight at the #laurynhill concert. Horrendous sound… kept waiting over 2 hours before the performance. Plus, we couldn’t even occupy our seats for an hour after the doors opened.”
Another person shared a text message that said, “It was a disappointment. The sound quality was terrible; I couldn’t discern any of the instruments or lyrics for most of the show. She remixed almost every song to the point of being unrecognizable. She sang the songs at a rapid pace, almost as if she was rushing, and omitted significant verses from the songs.”
And some others said that the online chatter wasn’t actually accurate and at the same time…conceding the lateness was all facts.
Saw some misleading tweets, the Lauryn Hill & The Fugees show was actually fire! Yes she came out late (950pm for a 730pm show) & the first few songs were a little sped up but once she got into the ballads she takes off! The Fugees set was literally perfect! #laurynhill#Fugeespic.twitter.com/pch9bUTYvO
DJ Kool Herc and his sister, Cindy Campbell, are heading back to their homeland of Jamaica for a special event honoring 50 years of Hip-Hop. Per Loop News. the siblings are hosting a jam on December 29 and 30 at Plantation Cove in St Ann. The two have asked some of the most prominent figures in Hip-Hop and reggae/dancehall to attend.
“We are inviting the very best, both past and present, from the realms of Hip-Hop and Jamaican music,” Herc said. “We are immensely proud of our Jamaican heritage and want the world to share in our pride.”
Herc and Campbell’s collective goal is to not only commemorate the 50th anniversary but also use it as a way to show respect to its Jamaican roots. The event follows Kool Herc’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on November 3.
Over the years, Herc has received the prestigious Order of Distinction Commander Class (CD) from the Jamaican Government in recognition of his contributions to the culture.
Lil Uzi Vert has come a long way from the Francisville neighborhood of North Philly. In 2021, the chart-topping rapper has purchased his dream house for $4.4 million in 2021. Now, he’s reportedly putting the home on the market. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the five-bedroom, six-bathroom mansion, which has about 7,021 square feet of living space, is located in Bell Canyon, California and encased in glass walls. The two-story home is set on a 1.35-acre parcel with a long driveway and motor court.
The house is part of the Bell Canyon Homeowners Association (whose motto is “Where country living meets city convenience”), meaning the new owner would have access to the HOA amenities like more than 70 miles of hiking trails, a Cliff May-designed equestrian center, a five-acre private park and tennis courts.
Bell Canyon has been home to a variety of celebrities throughout the years, including Chrissy Metz, Joe Rogan, Niecy Nash, Trey Songz, Alyssa Milano, Jhené Aiko, Holly Marie Combs and Shaquille O’Neal.
Jeezy has publicly addressed his decision to divorce Jeannie Mai, his wife of two years.
The couple, who became parents to a daughter just a year prior, have now chosen separate paths. Jeezy’s poignant statement captures the depth of his emotions and the gravity of the situation.
“The decision to end this chapter in my life was not made impulsively and comes with a heavy heart,” he said per TMZ. “Despite this, my love and respect for Jeannie remains, and the time we spent together holds a cherished place in my heart.”
Jeezy and Jeannie Mai married at their Atlanta residence in March 2021. They welcomed their first child, Monaco, in January 2022. However, the tides turned in September when Jeezy filed for divorce in Fulton County Superior Court.
The documents revealed the couple had already lived separately for months. Furthermore, they had the foresight to have a prenuptial agreement. Despite the divorce, Jeezy seems adamant about co-parenting and doing what is best for their child.
“Our beautiful daughter is the best gift from our relationship, and I am committed to assuring she feels the love and stability she deserves. During this period, I kindly request that you respect our family’s privacy as we focus on healing,” Jeezy stated.
Earlier this week, Jeannie Ma took to Instagram to reveal she was taking a break from social media to focus on her mental health so she could “heal” during the separation process.
Legendary Bronx DJ Mark The 45 King died on Wednesday (October 18) after celebrating his 62nd birthday just two days prior. While no cause of death has been specified, he had been sick for some time. DJ Premier is among the many paying tribute to the Flavor Unit legend. Moments after learning of his death, Preemo penned a lengthy Instagram caption outlining his many contributions to Hip-Hop culture.
“I never heard of Gang Starr until I heard DJ Red Alert play their 2nd single produced by Mark on 98.7 Kiss in NYC while shopping my demos looking to get a record deal,” he wrote. “Red Alert was playing ‘Bust A Move Boy’ cutting it up crazy and I heard Guru’s voice wondering who the f### is Gang Starr? I immediately went and bought the 12inch single to discover the label Wild Pitch Records. From there my friend Carlos Garza in Houston, TX told Stu Fine who owned Wild Pitch about me and I connected with them in 1988 when Guru was looking for a new DJ and a permanent Producer.
“Mark is responsible for so many classics and was a member of the Iconic Crew FLAVOR UNIT (Queen Latifah, Latee, Chill Rob G., Lakim Shabazz, Double J, Lord Alibaski, DJ Cee Justice, Apache, Naughty By Nature, Freddie Foxxx, Markey Fresh, Rowdy Rahz, Storm P and so many more members beyond whom I’ve mentioned please pardon me if I didn’t post your name).”
Mark The 45 King (real name Mark Howard James) began making music in the 1980s. His name referred to his ability to make beats using 45 RPM records. After dropping “The 900 Number” in 1987, his big break came two years later when fellow Flavor Unit member Queen Latifah signed with Tommy Boy Records and released All Hail the Queen. The 45 King did extensive production on the album and earned countless accolades for the project. After wrestling with drug addiction throughout the ’90s, he cleaned up his act and produced “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)” for Jay-Z in 1998. In 2000, he produced the platinum-certified track “Stan” by Eminem.
DJ Premier added a little context into his passing, revealing he got to talk to The 45 King one last time as he laid in the hospital the day before he died.
“His sound was unlike any other from his heavy drums and his horns were so distinct on every production,” he continued. “He got a huge Warner Bros. deal and remixed the Classic Madonna single ‘Keep It Together’ and the raw remix of Eric. B and Rakim ‘I Know You Got Soul.’ The ‘900 Number’ is a Super Classic, Queen Latifah’s ‘Wrath Of My Madness,’ ‘Ladies First’ w/ Monie Love, Chill Rob G’s ‘Court Is In Session,’ Latee ‘Cuts Got Flavor,’ the Historical Jay-Z hit ‘Hard Knock Life’ and Eminem’s ‘Stan’ to name a few of his catalog will forever ring bells.
“Beyond that, his vinyl releases of breakebeats are beyond any DJ of the 80’s/90’s Era, practically endless.Thanks Dave Lotwin (D & D) for Facetiming me Tuesday in the hospital to salute him 1 last time before he transitioned. I know he heard me loud and clear. Condolences to his brother Mike and his sister. It’s so much more to say but I’ll leave it here. Sleep Peacefully Mark thank you for all that you’ve done. Such a nice person.
You’re such a special part of our culture that is chiseled in the stone of the greatest parts of us. LOVE YOU MARK.”
Eminem also chimed in, tweeting, “Legends are never over. #RIP Mark Howard James aka The 45 King … I’m 4ever grateful!!!”
Legends are never over. #RIP Mark Howard James aka The 45 King … I’m 4ever grateful!!! https://t.co/s4ywAw6r03
Van Silk offered an additional detail into his medical condition, telling AllHipHop, “I stayed in touch with him. He will definitely be missed. He is a brother that I have known on his come up. He from the Bronx and started carrying records from Brothers Disco Dj Breakout and Baron which is the family of the original Funky 4. He produced many hits many may not know about, including Jay-Z’s ‘Hard Knock Life.’ His memory was gone. He didn’t remember a lot of things.”
AllHipHop sends our condolences to Mark The 45 King’s loved ones. Find additional reactions below.
Rest In Peace, Power & Paradise to easily one of the best and easily one of my all time favorite producers in Hip Hop history, the unfadeable unreplicatable very own DJ Mark The 45 King, may your legacy live on forever 🙏🙏🙏 @TheReal45King !!!
I only met DJ Mark the 45 King once, but it was extremely memorable. Luckily, most of the encounter was captured on tape. RIP to a true originator. https://t.co/L5C7DsY3AZ
Rest in Peace to Mark The 45 King (who appears in beginning of this fan made video)…. My all-time favorite joint he ever produced was from Queen Latifah. I still remember exactly where I was when I first heard this song back in the day. Respect https://t.co/20eeRnWK79
The Breakfast Club host DJ Envy could have some serious legal issues.
Federal agents arrested his former business partner, Cesar Pina, earlier this week for allegedly orchestrating a multimillion-dollar scheme to defraud dozens of investors. DJ Envy promoted the 45-year-old social media influencer on his iHeartRadio show. They also worked together to present real estate seminars.
According to NBC New York, the feds visited the iHeartRadio offices and removed electronic equipment as part of the investigation. DJ Envy has denied any wrongdoing in connection to Pina. The Queens, New York native attempted to distance himself from Pina during a recent segment of The Breakfast Club.
“Now, Cesar? If he took money, I wasn’t privy to it nor did I even know,” DJ Envy said on the October 11 episode of his morning radio program. “But, I do understand how people feel if they did give him money, because I gave him a lot of money that I didn’t see a dollar of returned. But for anybody to say I was involved, that is totally not true. I would never. I’ve been on radio close to 30 years and never in my 30 years’ time did I do nothing but try to uplift people and show people a different way through the business mind. And I would never take a dollar from somebody.”
As of press time, the federal government hasn’t charged DJ Envy with any crimes. Pina pleaded not guilty and secured a release on a $1 million bond with electronic monitoring. If convicted of wire fraud, Pina faces a possible maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine.
“As alleged in the complaint, Pina exploited celebrity status and social media to develop a devoted following of potential victims,” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger stated in a press release issued on October 18. “Promising returns that were too good to be true, Pina allegedly defrauded dozens of people of millions of dollars. Our office is committed to protecting the public from these schemes and prosecuting those who lie to investors for their own personal gain.”
A lot of the media and online attention surrounding Jada Pinkett Smith’s press run for her new book, Worthy, centered around debates on how she treats her husband. Will Smith has now publicly embraced his wife despite the vitriol directed her way in recent days.
The Brown Lecture series welcomed Jada Pinkett Smith to Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Free Library on October 18. The veteran actress returned to her hometown with the rest of her immediate family.
Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Willow Smith as well as Trey Smith, Will’s son with his ex-wife, joined Jada on stage for the event. In addition, the patriarch of the household addressed that Maryland audience.
“Jada is the best friend I have ever had on this planet and I am going to show up for her and support her for the rest of my life,” Will Smith declared as cheers and applause erupted from the crowd.
The celebrity couple’s marriage has generated gossip headlines for decades. After R&B singer August Alsina revealed his past sexual relationship with Jada Pinkett Smith in 2020, the scandal thrust the Smiths’ personal issues into the public space.
On the infamous “Jada Brings Herself to the Table” episode of Red Table Talk, Will and Jada confirmed they separated at the time of the “entanglement” with Alsina. The ongoingbook tour also shed light on the self-described “life partners” deciding to amicably split in 2016 but remain married.
Media personality Funky Dineva spilled some apparent tea about Benzino. Dineva put the former co-owner of The Source on blast for his alleged drug use.
During an episode of Fox Soul’s Tea-G-I-F, hosts Claudia Jordan and Funky Dineva claimed Benzino made a statement about being uncomfortable around transgender people. That conversation led to Dineva sharing an alleged personal experience with the “Rock the Party” rapper.
“I’m finna fix his ass,” Funky Dineva said. “Now this [was] back in the day, so don’t judge me for my past, because I don’t stay there no more. But we both were down there in that naked bar, snorting that cocaine.”
According to the openly gay Florida native, Funky Dineva and Benzino spent time together in Atlanta’s Blue Flame Lounge strip club on the night in question. Dineva later said, “I’ve hung out with Benzino several times. Benzino is cool with the gays. It was never an issue.”
Benzino has been an outspoken critic of the LGBTQ community. The former Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta cast member blasted BET in 2021. He was upset with the network for allowing Lil Nas X to kiss another man at the BET Awards.
Benzino allegedly had a sexual relationship with transgender model Shauna Brooks, which he has repeatedly denied. In April, Benzino went on a Twitter rant about LGBTQ social media users directing sexual remarks at him online.
“Attention to all in the LGBTQ, abcd!!!” he tweeted. “I respect y’all’s movement and your decision to be who you want to be BUT STOP THE WEIRD S### WITH THE COMMENTS AND FLIRTING. I’M NOT F###### FLATTERED BECAUSE I’M NOT GAY!! RESPECT THAT S### AS I RESPECT WHO YOU ARE!!”
21 Savage has been on a heavy collaboration run over the last several years. The London-born rapper is back to dropping music as a lead artist.
This week saw the arrival of “Call Me Revenge” featuring Houston-bred R&B singer David “d4vd” Burke. The track marks 21 Savage’s first single as a solo artist since 2020’s “Secret” with Summer Walker.
Additionally, 21 Savage will star in an upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III trailer. Call of Duty players can also access Savage as an operator in the game. Modern Warfare III launches on November 10.
21 Savage contributed to Drake’s latest album, For All the Dogs, on a track titled “Calling for You.” The two Hip-Hop stars previously joined forces for 2022’s Billboard 200 chart-topping Her Loss collaborative project.
The Slaughter Gang leader also collaborated with Lil Durk, Toosii, Young Thug, Travis Scott and Rod Wave this year. Yung Nudy’s “Peaches & Eggplants” featuring 21 Savage became a Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Plus, the Grammy winner made it into the Hot 100’s Top 40 region in 2023 with “Creepin'” off Metro Boomin’s Heroes & Villain as well as “Good Good” off Usher’s upcoming Coming Home. 2018’s I Am > I Was is 21’s most recent solo album.
DMV underground music trailblazer Joony is ready to stake his claim as one of the new stars of Hip-Hop’s next generation. Fresh off the announcement of his exciting partnership with Red Bull Records, Blxst’s Evgle imprint and his homegrown collective 211, the “Drifting In Tokyo” emcee is unleashing his new 10-track EP, MEMENTO. After building substantial steam with a slew of showstopping features with acts like Brent Faiyaz, Jordan Ward, and Highway, the fast-growing Maryland-born recording artist is prepared to solidify his spot in the ever evolving music industry.
MEMENTO is a Y2K-influenced collection of music that boasts exciting features from artists like Tony Shhnow, TTM Dawg, Lancey Foux, and Lil Candypaint. Like the critically-acclaimed early 2000’s film, MEMENTO is a direct representation of fleeting thoughts that invade the brain of the talented 22-year-old rising superstar. The EP’s interludes successfully tie together the wide-range of sounds that showcase Joony’s undeniable versatility.
When discussing the project, Joony exclaimed, “The project ‘MEMENTO’ is somewhat of a memento in and of itself. I made all of the music during a part of my life where I was traveling the country with the homies, making memories and diving deeper into the next phase of my career. All the interludes are excerpts from real life moments and conversations recorded throughout the creation of the project, hence ‘MEMENTO’.”
The project’s first two tracks, “INTRO(Hotel)” and “NEED IT,” quickly set the tone for the sonic adventure that follows. The opener draws listeners into a movie-like scene featuring audio from a stranger interacting with Joony and his crew before quickly leading into the sobering track, “NEED IT.” The passionate song includes heartfelt lyrics about Joony’s journey to reach the fame and success he knows he’s destined for. The next track, “CLASSY,” featuring Atlanta’s Tony Shhnow, spotlights his lyrical prowess and instinctive ability to craft infectious hooks.
The visual for “CLASSY” sees Joony hosting a lowkey kickback that morphs into a jumping party. Tony Shhnow makes an appearance just before the music cuts and the camera pans to blood dripping from the ceiling. Plot twist, the women at the party are in fact, vampires. An unexpected eerie closer that fits the Halloween season perfectly. Watch the video HERE.
Additional songs like “ACT UP” and “EXPENSIVE CLOTHING” bring MEMENTO a more energetic nature. The upbeat production serves as a perfect example of Joony’s dynamic range. His vocal inflection is comparable to Juice WRLD as his voice pierces through the tantalizing production throughout the EP. Drawing inspiration from Lil Wayne, Joony’s soulful auto-tune-infused verses shine through on tracks like “CHEAP.” The project’s outro, “HIGHEST IN THE ROOM” strongly indicates that Joony is here to stay and has limitless potential. Paving the way for the next generation of scene-shapers, Joony will not stop until he’s met his aspirations for love, success, and the desire to have it all.
Fans of Joony can also see him live as he supports Lil Tjay on the European/UK leg of his ‘Beat The Odds’ tour, which kicks off November 2 at London’s iconic OVO Arena Wembley. Tickets are on sale HERE.
Check out the European/UK ‘Beat The Odds’ tour itinerary below:
Joony, aka Jonathan Negero, is a first-generation Ethiopian-American recording artist, songwriter, and entrepreneur who exemplifies what it is to be a multi-faceted creative with art that emits every emotion. Joony uses his haunting vocal range to share truthful stories about love, fashion, and making it in music without much guidance. Having grown up in Silver Spring, Maryland, about 15 minutes outside Washington, D.C., Joony’s hometown pride is strong. His latest album, #SHITUMSS, was an ode to the native sound that helped set the foundation for his start as an artist. His forthcoming Red Bull Records/Evgle debut project, MEMENTO, is an excellent next taste of the eclectic artist’s thinking. Joony’s free-flowing but calculated nature helps create a bevy of introspective lyrics that accurately illustrate the depths of his mind. MEMENTO also proves that Joony is in a class of his own. He does not color inside the lines and allows himself to take risks musically while pushing the boundaries of rap in a way that the game-changing artists he draws inspiration from have done in the past.
Joony rose to recognition for his impeccable consistency and dynamic contribution to Brent Faiyaz’s record-breaking album, WASTELAND. Since securing his first Billboard Top 100 hit with “FYTB,” the stage has been set for the SoundCloud-era-inspired emcee to further carve a lane for himself within music’s ever-changing landscape. His work with rising creatives like Jordan Ward (“IDC”), KELZ (“One Track Minded”), Highway (“Bad Time”), and more has led him to build up over 550K monthly listeners on Spotify. The “Baby Joon” recording artist has performed at various festivals, toured with Lancey Foux, and even completed an international headlining tour.
Furthermore, Joony has received co-signs from multi-platinum acts and A-list stars like BLXST, Kevin Durant, Shy Glizzy, Babyface Ray,and others.The writing is on the wall for his looming superstardom and MEMENTO is the only thing left to solidify him as a force within music. Joony’s talents and interests are beautifully conveyed throughout the 10-track EP. The project’s first two tracks, “INTRO(Hotel)” and “NEED IT,” quickly set the tone for the sonic adventure that follows. The opener draws listeners into a movie-like scene featuring audio from a stranger interacting with Joony and his crew before quickly leading into the sobering track, “NEED IT.” The passionate song boasts heartfelt lyrics about Joony’s journey to reach the fame and success he knows he’s destined for. The next track, “CLASSY,” featuring Atlanta’s Tony Shhnow, spotlights his ability to go bar for bar with other lyrical titans while still crafting an infectious hook.
Additional joints like “ACT UP” and “EXPENSIVE CLOTHING” bring MEMENTO a more energetic nature. The upbeat production serves as a perfect example of Joony’s dynamic range. His vocal inflection is comparable to Juice WRLD as his voice pierces through the tantalizing production throughout the EP. Drawing inspiration from Lil Wayne, Joony’s soulful auto-tune-infused verses shine through on tracks like “CHEAP.” The project’s outro, “HIGHEST IN THE ROOM” strongly indicates that Joony is here to stay and has limitless potential. Paving the way for the next generation of scene-shapers, Joony will not stop until he’s met his aspirations for love, success, and the desire to have it all.
As the newest artist from Red Bull Records in partnership with Blxst’s Evgle imprint and his own collective 211, Joony is putting underground rappers from the DMV on the map. Not many artists have the range and ability that Joony has cultivated, with this next projectdriving his quest to create without bounds. Joony’s dedicated fan base anticipates excellence, and MEMENTO rises to the occasion.
Trey Songz is once again facing legal trouble. According to TMZ, two women filed a sexual assault lawsuit against the R&B singer, claiming he forced himself on them in 2015 at his Los Angeles home. They also accused Songz of applying pressure to drink alcohol and possibly drugging them.
There are other allegations as well. As stated in the lawsuit, Songz refused to give the women back their phones. A security guard supposedly returned the phones and called an Uber.
“This is yet another example of nearly decade-old allegations being repurposed to take advantage of California’s constitutionally questionable new look back window,” Songz’s attorney, Michael Freedman, told the outlet. “We look forward to vindicating Trey on the merits in court.”
Former UNLV basketball player Dylan Gonzalez also publicly accused the “I Invented Sex” performer of rape in 2021. Plus, podcaster Rory Farrell stated, “Trey Songz is the most nasty, abusive, r####, beats the s### out of women. Like he’s the scum of the f###ing Earth.”
Songz and his legal representation have repeatedly denied all of the allegations. Since his debut album I Gotta Make It dropped in 2005, the 38-year-old entertainer released eight additional studio LPs via Atlantic Records. 2020’s Back Home is his most recent full-length project.
DJ Envy’s former business partner, Cesar Humberto Pina, a New Jersey real estate investor and online influencer, was arrested on charges related to a multimillion-dollar Ponzi-like investment fraud scheme on Wednesday (October 18) according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Pina, who’s now grappling with wire fraud charges, was released on a $1 million secured bond, subject to electronic monitoring after his appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward S. Kiel in Newark federal court.
The gravity of the allegations against Pina is profound. He’s believed to have utilized his celebrity status and vast social media outreach to ensnare potential victims. Pina allegedly swindled dozens of individuals out of millions of dollars by promising returns that seemed implausibly high. Pina, allegedly in collaboration with DJ Envy, orchestrated real estate seminars across the U.S.
The seminars, combined with self-promotion and strategic marketing, bolstered Pina’s social media following, where he amassed more than 300,000 followers.
Pina began courting investments for alleged real estate ventures in New Jersey and other regions in 2017. He frequently dangled the carrot of returns between 20 to 45 percent, all within a short span of five months.
However, instead of channeling the funds as pledged, Pina is accused of orchestrating a Ponzi-like scheme, misappropriating new investments to clear previous debts and funneling funds for personal expenses.
“Plain and simple, the defendant ran a fraudulent scheme,” Tammy Tomlins, Special Agent in Charge of IRS – Criminal Investigation Newark Field Office, said. “They falsely represented the nature of their business and lied about potential investment returns to bilk unsuspecting victims out of millions,” Today’s arrest highlights IRS Criminal Investigation and our law enforcement partners’ commitment to investigate and prosecute unlawful behavior.”
DJ Envy has been inextricably linked to Pina due to their joint real estate seminars and has cleared the air to proclaim his innocence and reveal he was also victimized.
“Let me explain some things,” DJ Envy said during a segment on The Breakfast Club. “My attorneys don’t want me to speak, but I think there are things that I need to clear up a little bit. Cesar and myself did seminars… Now, Cesar? If he took money, I wasn’t privy to it nor did I even know. But, I do understand how people feel if they did give him money, because I gave him a lot of money that I didn’t see a dollar of returned. But for anybody to say I was involved, that is totally not true. I would never.
“I’ve been on radio close to 30 years and never in my 30 years’ time did I do nothing but try to uplift people and show people a different way through the business mind. And I would never take a dollar from somebody.”
The wire fraud charge confronting Pina carries a potential penalty of 20 years in prison and substantial fine. The investigation was a joint venture involving several agencies, including the IRS, FBI and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Pina seemed surprised by the charges in a post to his Instagram Sories, where he simply tapped his head and made a facial expression that seemed to convey shock.
Fulton County prosecutors revealed they kept a potential juror under surveillance in the Young Thug RICO case. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the prosecution filed a motion asking Judge Ural Glanville to dismiss the juror after tracking the man’s movements for weeks.
Prosecutors claimed the man does not actually reside in Fulton County, Georgia. They said he lives at an apartment in Cobb County. During jury selection for Young Thug’s trial, the prospective juror acknowledged the apartment but insisted he usually stays at his mother’s home in Fulton County.
Surveillance allegedly determined the man spent 28 of the last 30 nights at his Cobb County apartment. License plate readers never saw him go anywhere near his mother’s home when he entered Fulton County.
Defense lawyers were reportedly shocked by the juror surveillance in Young Thug’s case.
“I think it is improper,” attorney Suri Chadha Jimenez told the AJC. “It’s not right to do this to citizens who are not criminals. They’re surveilling people who are doing their civic duty by showing up to jury service. He did nothing wrong.”
Prosecutors defended the surveillance. A Fulton County District Attorney spokesperson noted how a guilty verdict would be overturned if a person from outside Fulton County served on the jury.
“As is permitted by law, we review public records of jurors to ensure they are eligible to serve on a jury, particularly in major cases,” the spokesperson said. “Our review of this juror’s public information indicates that he lives in Cobb County, making it illegal for him to serve on a Fulton County jury. A further review confirmed he is ineligible. At no time did anyone from the DA’s office have contact with the juror.”
Young Thug, who remains in jail, is still waiting for a jury to be seated in his RICO case. Jury selection began in January.
A rep for Jussie Smollett revealed he entered rehab on Wednesday (October 18). The controversial actor sought help after appealing his convictions for lying to Chicago police about a hate crime.
“Jussie has had an extremely difficult past few years,” Jussie Smollett’s rep told TMZ. “He has quietly been working very hard for some time now and we are proud of him for taking these necessary steps.”
The rep did not disclose if Smollett went to rehab for drug addiction. The Osundairo brothers, who claimed Smollett hired them to help orchestrate his fake hate crime in 2019, said they provided Smollett with drugs in their testimony at his 2021 trial.
A jury found Smollett guilty of five counts of felony disorderly conduct for making false reports. He was sentenced to 150 days in jail in 2022.
Smollett secured his release from jail after spending just six nights behind bars. A court granted his release while he appealed his case.
Last month, Smollett’s lawyers argued for overturning his convictions in an Illinois appellate court.
“If Mr. Smollett’s convictions are allowed to stand, this case will set a dangerous precedent by giving prosecutors a second bite at the apple any time there is dissatisfaction with another prosecutor’s exercise of discretion,” his legal team contended, per the Associated Press.
Smollett awaits the court’s ruling. If his appeal is rejected, he must serve the remainder of his 150-day sentence.
CMG artist 42 Dugg received lots of hugs after getting released from prison. Yo Gotti and others greeted 42 Dugg in an Instagram video published on Wednesday (October 18).
“It’s Time To Go Again‼️” Yo Gotti wrote in the post’s caption. “W E L C O M E H O M E @42_dugggg.”
42 Dugg, whose real name is Dion Hayes, spent roughly 17 months behind bars. He failed to report for a six-month sentence at a West Virginia prison, leading to his arrest in May 2022.
The Detroit native was supposed to serve his six-month prison sentence for probation violation, which stemmed from a firearm possession case. The rapper mistakenly believed he did not need to begin serving time while going through the appeal process.
Earlier this year, 42 Dugg pleaded guilty to failure to surrender. A Georgia judge sentenced him to one year in prison in April.
42 Dugg begged for help just a few weeks after his sentencing. He said his prison conditions were terrible in several Instagram Stories posts. CMG boss Yo Gotti responded by offering $2 million to any attorney who could secure 42 Dugg’s release.
“I got 2 million for any lawyer that can get Dugg out early,” he wrote on Instagram in May.
Six months later, 42 Dugg was able to leave prison.
Florida prosecutors added new charges in the witness tampering case against YNW Melly, who awaits a double murder retrial. The rapper was charged with directing the activities of a criminal gang, solicitation and conspiracy to commit tampering, per NBC Miami.
Prosecutors filed the same charges against his co-defendant YNW Bortlen and a man named Terrence Mathis. YNW Bortlen and Mathis were also charged with unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
Earlier this month, YNW Melly was charged with witness tampering in connection to his first murder trial. YNW Bortlen, who had been out on bond, was arrested for witness tampering as well.
YNW Melly was tried for the 2018 murders of YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser this past summer. A jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a mistrial.
Prosecutors quickly announced plans to retry YNW Melly. Jury selection for the retrial began on Wednesday (October 18).
Last week, YNW Melly’s lawyers convinced Judge John Murphy to remove lead prosecutor Kristine Bradley ahead of the retrial. The defense accused Bradley and the Broward County State Attorney’s Office of prosecutorial misconduct.
Judge Murphy’s decision forced the Broward County State Attorney’s Office to find a new prosecutor for the retrial. Alixandra Buckelew replaced Bradley, making her first court appearance in the case on Tuesday (October 17).
YNW Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons, remains in jail. He faces a potential death sentence if convicted of murder.
Former Mass Appeal producer Melissa Cooper reportedly filed a discrimination lawsuit against the company, claiming she endured a “hostile work environment” before being fired for being white.
Nas isn’t actually named in the lawsuit but since he owns Mass Appeal, he’s inadvertently linked to the suit. The discrimination lawsuit was filed in a Manhattan federal court by Cooper.
As an employee of the company, she claims she was bombarded with “venomous and racist comments about ‘white folk’ and ‘crackers'” before her termination.
The civil complaint names CEO Peter Bittenbender—who’s also white—and Senior Vice President for Partnerships & Content Acquisition Jenya Meggs as defendants. It states they “discriminated against her by removing her from several high value projects, creating a hostile work environment, and terminating her employment.”
The lawsuit claims that numerous racially insensitive remarks are centered on the upcoming documentary Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told.
As reported by AllHipHop.com, Freaknik is one of the biggest releases slated to come out on Hulu in 2024 and will tell the story of a HBCU picnic started by Spelman and Morehouse students from the Washington D.C. club. The Atlanta gathering evolved into one of the biggest experiences in Black culture.
Text messages show that Meggs was upset Cooper was on the project as an executive producer. Meggs said her friendship with Alex Avant, another executive producer on the documentary, got her in the door.
“Meggs was upset that Avant had decided to pitch the ‘Freaknik’ project to Cooper and not Meggs since Avant knew that Meggs was at Mass Appeal as well,” the lawsuit states, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “[Terry] Ross responded with surprise and said that this was ‘terrible.’ Meggs then texted that there were no hard feelings before qualifying Cooper’s selection for the Freaknik project as ‘Usual white folk behavior.'”
Meggs had another issue with Cooper that spilled over into 2023. She simply refused to work with Cooper and the plaintiff says it’s because she’s white and that Meggs pushed the agenda to get her off projects that deal with b######## content.
“Bittenbender removed Cooper from a number of projects, including Mass Appeal’s Hip Hop 50 Live concert at Yankee Stadium planned for August 11, 2023,” the lawsuit states. “Cooper’s removal from this important project, along with others Meggs was staffed on, effectively stripped Cooper of her primary role at Mass Appeal.”
Cooper was eventually fired on June 30. The lawsuit claims that same month, Bittenbender and Mass Appeal didn’t investigate Cooper’s allegations of racial discrimination
Kanye West apparently thinks he’s on the spectrum—not bi-polar. In a series of texts to Elon Musk posted online by West’s longtime friend Ian Connor, he claimed he’s showing signs of autism following the 2002 car accident that led to his jaw being wired shut.
“When are we going to speak,” the text messages said. “You owe me nothing. You never have to speak to me again. But if we do speak. The nature of the relationship has to change. I’m not bi polar. I have signs of autism from my car accident.”
He added, “You can’t watch Kim keep my kids from me. And not say anything publicly then call yourself my friend so I can bring my audience to your struggling platform.”
According toTMZ, West himself instructed Connor to share the texts.
Elon Musk and Kanye West have a complex history. At the center of it was Musk’s decision to remove the Grammy Award winner from the platform in 2022 over his antisemitic comments.
“Ima use you as an example to show the Jewish people that told you to call me that no one can threaten or influence me,” Musk told West at the time.
As for the car accident West referred to, the Chicago native fell asleep at the wheel when driving home from a recording session in Los Angeles on October 23, 2002. He crashed into an oncoming car and his jaw was completely shattered in three places. The other driver broke both his legs.
West had to undergo emergency surgery, where a metal plate was put into his chin and his mouth wired shut for over one month.
