Game has officially lost his multimillion-dollar Calabasas estate after a judge approved its sale to help cover the $7.13 million judgment awarded to Priscilla Rainey.
Rainey sued the rapper in 2015 over an alleged sexual assault during the filming of his VH1 reality show She’s Got Game. The Game denied the allegations but failed to appear in court during a 2016 trial, leading to a default judgment.
The jury awarded her $1.13 million in compensatory damages for the alleged assault and $6 million in punitive damages after he was accused of mocking the court by blowing off the trial entirely.
The Los Angeles County Superior Court granted Rainey’s request to sell the property on May 2, 2025, after years of legal wrangling and failed attempts by Game to avoid payment.
The rapper argued that the house was protected under California’s homestead exemption, ruling that the property is legally owned by JTT Holdings LLC—not by Game himself.
According to the ruling, Game may have an equity interest in JTT Holdings, but that doesn’t confer upon him an interest in the property.
Rainey also successfully argued that JTT Holdings LLC was just a shell company created by Game and his manager, Wack100, to keep the residence out of his name and out of her reach.
Rainey has aggressively pursued collection efforts of her $7 million judgment. She has seized his music royalties and targeted other assets tied to Game’s businesses and intellectual property.
According to Zillow, the property is currently valued at approximately $4,037,500. If it sells at that price, The Game would still owe Rainey nearly $3 million.
Rihanna had arguably the best look for the 2025 Met Gala. On Monday (May 5), she and longtime partner A$AP Rocky revealed they are expecting their third child together at the annual soiree in New York City. The singer, 37, showcased her baby bump in a fitted two-piece outfit before the event, with photographer Miles Diggs sharing photos of her in the rain.
The couple already has two sons: RZA, turning three this month, and Riot Rose, 21 months old. Rihanna has spoken warmly about how her relationship with Rocky has deepened since becoming parents, praising him as a patient and loving dad.
A$AP Rocky, co-chairing the Met Gala, previously joked that their best collaboration so far has been their children, emphasizing their family bond over professional projects. Rihanna is known for her iconic pregnancy reveals, notably announcing her second pregnancy during her 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show. Their third pregnancy continues her pattern of high-profile announcements.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s relationship evolved from a long-standing friendship and professional collaboration into a deeply committed partnership. They first connected publicly in 2012 during a performance at the MTV Video Music Awards and maintained a close bond over the years, with Rocky opening for Rihanna on her 2013 Diamonds World Tour.
Their romantic relationship officially began in 2020, after years of mutual support and shared creative projects, including campaigns for Rihanna’s Fenty brand. Rihanna has described their start as cautious, aware of the emotional risks, but Rocky became a central figure in her life both personally and professionally.
Since becoming a couple, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have solidified their status as a power couple, supporting each other through public challenges and celebrating milestones together. They welcomed RZA in May 2022 and Riot Rose in August 2023.
Rihanna was also by Rocky’s side during his recent trial. Rocky was found not guilty by a Los Angeles jury on February 18 in his felony assault trial stemming from a 2021 shooting incident involving his former friend, Terell Ephron (A$AP Relli).
He faced two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, but after nearly three hours of deliberation, the jury acquitted him, accepting the defense’s argument that the gun involved was a prop used for a music video and not a real weapon.
Janet Jackson paid tribute to her mother, Katherine Jackson, on her 95th birthday with a heartfelt social media post Sunday (May 4), celebrating the family matriarch’s legacy of love and resilience. Simultaneously, she honored her brother Jackie Jackson, who turned 74 the same day.
The Grammy Award-winning singer shared a photo of Katherine alongside Jackie and praised her mother for being her rock.
“A living testament to grace, strength and love, turns 95 today,” Janet wrote on Instagram. “May God continue to wrap you in His kindness, filling each new day with joy, comfort and the warmth of those who cherish you. You are a gift beyond measure, and my soul is forever grateful for you. I love you.”
Several famous names hopped in the comment section to show their respect, including DJ Quik, Kid Capri, Rapsody, DJ Spinna, Stevie J, Latoya Jackson and Tyra Banks.
Janet also acknowledged her older brother Jackie, writing, “I’m so incredibly blessed to have you in my life! I love you dearly and I pray your special day is filled with joy & happiness!”
Jackie, who shares a birthday with his mother, posted his own message in honor of Katherine.
“Happy Birthday to the most incredible woman I know – my beautiful mother and the matriarch of our family, Katherine Jackson,” he wrote. “There’s no one I’d rather share my birthday with. Your strength, love, and wisdom have shaped who I am, and I’m forever grateful. Here’s to many more celebrations together. Love you always.”
Katherine Jackson, the widow of Joe Jackson who died in 2018 at age 89, raised 10 children, including the late Michael Jackson. Michael, known globally as the King of Pop, died in 2009 at age 50.
Katherine was born on May 4, 1930 in Clayton, Alabama. She married Joe in 1949, as previously noted, several of their children became famous musicians, notably the Jackson 5 and Michael and Janet. Katherine played a supportive role in her children’s careers, even designing costumes for the Jackson 5. After Michael’s death in 2009, she became the legal guardian of his three children, continuing her role as the family’s cornerstone. She was honored as “Mother of the Year” by Essence magazine in 1985.
Just when you think you’ve heard it all, it turns out there might be even more to uncover. Over this past weekend, I got some intel—and I’m gonna share it with you. I heard that someone is in possession of two unreleased verses from two rappers who have since passed away. And not just any rappers—these are legends. Over the years, their music, likeness, and stories have been used over and over again. You’d think there’d be nothing left. But leave it to Hip-Hop to leave no stone unturned.
Yes, I’m hearing some incredible news: there are still two lingering verses from these icons, my sources say. I don’t even know how that’s possible. From what I know, there’s nothing left! 2Pac might have some material locked in a vault or something that leaked once upon a time, but for the most part, everything’s been used. Biggie, on the other hand, I’ve been told he has absolutely nothing left. Fat Joe once said there was a full album that existed, but it was deleted, so that became a non-issue. (Forget the fact that some folks say that’s not true!)
Anyway, there’s a producer—based in New York City—who supposedly has these verses. How he plans to release them? That’s anyone’s guess. But word is, he does plan to release them.
Now, I’m not about to drop the name of this producer because that would leak my own info and expose my source. But I have good reason to believe this is legit. The producer is a heavyweight, well-respected and very dope. So, if anybody could pull this off, it’s him. By the way, it is not Easy Mo Bee, but he’s incredible!
My only concern? I worry about the legal forces that will probably swoop in once this goes public. But who knows? Maybe those issues have already been worked out. I guess we’ll find out soon enough. From what I hear, this is all part of the producer’s big return to the music industry. He never really stopped working, but this… this would definitely put him back on the map.
Diddy‘s federal sex trafficking trial got underway on Monday (May 5), but another storm is brewing as the case impacts his extended family.
Misa Hylton and R&B legend Mary J. Blige are embroiled in a legal case that captivated the internet, but Hylton’s lawyer said the Diddy matter has shaken the family up.
Nicholas Ramcharitar, Hylton’s counsel, told AllHipHop she’s a great mother trying to protect her children.
“The number one thing I can say about Misa Hylton is that she is a wonderful mother,” he said. “She has beautiful kids. Both Christian and Justin are fantastic young men. I’ve had the opportunity to meet them, work with them in some capacity, and it’s clear they are a testament to how well Misa and Sean raised them.”
Ramcharitar also stated it’s been difficult to maintain normalcy in the midst of the legal chaos: “Now, with the trial going on, the kids being close to their father, and Misa maintaining a great working relationship with Sean, it’s been tough.”
Ramcharitar also revealed that the legal action against Mary J. Blige for alleged breach of contract over rapper Vado has impacted his client emotionally. According to the complaint, Vado, who’s signed to Blige’s imprint, was removed from key music opportunities, including tours and recording sessions. Misa Hylton maintains that this is in violation of their agreement.
Ramcharitar said she tried to avoid it.
“This has taken a real emotional toll on her,” he said. “We genuinely tried everything we could to avoid this. Misa would call me five, six times a day. She’d call my office staff just as much, asking, ‘How do we keep her out of this? How do we not involve Mary?’ Because she didn’t want this. This isn’t what she needed right now.
“But unfortunately, it became warranted. And yeah, it’s taken a toll. She’s not happy about it. This is not something we wanted to do. We tried for nearly a year to avoid this. But the breach had serious financial consequences for Misa, and it left Vado in limbo.”
Hylton is a trailblazing fashion architect credited with defining early Bad Boy style and co-parenting her son Justin Combs.
The lawsuit against Blige comes just as Diddy, Blige’s longtime friend and collaborator, begins one of the most high-profile criminal trials in entertainment history.
Diddy faces a sweeping federal indictment that includes charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transporting women across state lines for illegal purposes. The government alleges that over the span of two decades, the mogul used his influence to create a network of coercion and abuse.
For Hylton, who shares a son with Diddy and has remained connected to both him and Blige through decades of friendship and collaboration, the timing couldn’t be more complicated.
Diddy’s trial began today with jury selection under tight security. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Prosecutors are expected to present testimony and evidence, including the 2016 surveillance video involving his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. His legal team will argue that all relationships were consensual.
But for Hylton, she’s involved in two personal fallouts related to two people she once called family.
“She didn’t want this,” Ramcharitar said. “She’s not happy. But she’s standing on what’s right.”
Russell Simmons extended an olive branch to his ex-wife, Kimora Lee Simmons, over the weekend.
On Sunday (May 4), Kimora’s 50th birthday, the Def Jam Recordings co-founder penned a heartfelt message for her on Instagram, a sign he’s trying put their contentious past to rest and move into a new phase.
“Let me share a prayer on your 50 birthday,” he wrote. “I’m praying for your peace and happiness, also for the resolution of all outstanding sources of pain and conflict. I am a believer that hate hurts the hater.. And more importantly I sincerely stand in acceptance and forgiveness with a sincere desire to be in union with all living members of my family, and in-doing so in union with our combined ancestors.
“Let’s be open to putting our children, godchildren and ultimately our happiness in the forefront of any worldly goals or desires. I will love u until death for all you have given me. Keep being the great example of motherhood that you always have been. Ps 50 never looked so good. God blessed u with longevity (asian and black genes) and the ability to continue to evolve. GOOD LUCK Now comes the good part.”
Russell Simmons and Kimora Lee, who share two daughters, were married from 1998 to 2009. Since their divorce, they’ve had a rollercoaster relationship. Kimora was in Russell’s corner when he was accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women beginning in 2017, but their relationship soon started to deteriorate.
In 2021, Russell sued Kimora, accusing her and estranged husband Tim Leissner of breach of contract, fraudulent concealment and breach of confidential relations/constructive fraud, among other charges. He alleged that he, Kimora and Leissner entered a business arrangement in 2016, when the couple joined his investment company, Nu Horizons.
During their time working for Nu Horizons, the organization made “considerable investments” in the “tens of millions of dollars” range to energy fitness drink brand Celsius Holdings, Inc., a publicly traded company.
The suit continues to claim that when Leissner was arrested on separate money laundering charges in 2017, he and Lee “conspired” to use their stake in Celsius to “fraudulently transfer” almost four million Celsius shares to themselves. Leissner pleaded guilty to criminal conspiracy to commit money laundering for the theft of billions of dollars from Malaysian wealth fund 1MDB in 2018.
In order to avoid jail time, he agreed to forfeit nearly $44 million. Russell claimed he didn’t find out about the fraud until July 2019. Kimora’s attorneys said in a statement to E! News at the time, “We will confront his baseless claims… Our team is actively working to put a firm end to his harassment.”
A judge has scheduled the trial for January 2, 2026, in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Brittany Renner dropped the word “husband” and flashed a ring at the Basketball Wives LA premiere, fueling rumors that she and Kevin Gates may be engaged—or already married.
Speaking to PeopleStyle at the Season 12 launch party in Los Angeles, Renner didn’t hold back when asked about her relationship with Gates. “His name echoes in every chamber of my heart,” she said. “And he’s, I don’t… It’s hard to describe a love like that.”
She added, “All I can say is that I’m with the person that I quite literally dreamed of. And to be able to just wake up next to him and spend time with him – even to have him here behind me, it’s like, so surreal. I’m like, oh my God, I love him! Yeah, he’s just the most beautiful person inside and out that I’ve ever met. And I’m just so thankful that Allah blessed me with him.”
Renner, who also spoke about her conversion to Islam, referred to Gates as her “huzband” in an Instagram caption from the event.
“‘You don’t fit on this show and that’s why you’re a fit for this show,”” she captioned one post. “Last night at the #BasketballWives Season 12 premiere party with my huzband.”
Though the couple hasn’t confirmed any legal union, the combination of her language and the noticeable ring on her finger has only added to the speculation.
Renner and Gates have been romantically linked on and off since 2018, with their relationship becoming more public again in 2022.
Since early 2025, they’ve been seen together regularly at events and across social media.
Renner previously shared a photo of the two with the caption, “When Allah places something in your heart, nothing can stand in its way.”
Despite some online chatter questioning Gates’ commitment or suggesting he seemed distracted, the rapper has stood by Renner. He addressed criticism directly, saying, “All I have is the little that God bless me with.”
André 3000 fans hoping for a new album from the illustrious MC might be out of luck.
Days after the rumor mill started churning about a possible album rollout, his team is pushing back on the narrative, insisting he really is trying to find his missing notebook.
“He really is seeking help on finding it,” his team told AllHipHop. “It contains sketches and he’s hoping someone in Amsterdam will have picked it up from wherever it was lost.”
The Outkast co-founder and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee sent out the bat signal last week, asking fans to locate his missing notebook. Posters began popping up all over Amsterdam that read, “MISSING: Have you seen this notebook? Blue two-tone hardcover. Last seen in Amsterdam Noord March 29. Black sketches and notes inside. Any information is appreciated. Thank you, Andre 3000.”
He included an email address specifically created for the retrieval mission.
While Outkast has long been put to rest, André 3000’s solo career seems to just be getting started—although it’s not quite what people expected.
In 2024, he released an experimental jazz album called New Blue Sun, which heavily revolved around the flute. The first song, “I Swear, I Really Wanted to Make a ‘Rap’ Album but This Is Literally the Way the Wind Blew Me This Time” kind of said it all. The project netted multiple Grammy Award nominations in February, including Album of the Year.
The Rock Hall inductees were announced on April 27 during an episode of American Idol. In addition to Outkast, Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden and The White Stripes were named in the performers category. In the Musical Influence Award category were Salt-n-Pepa and Warren Zevon, while Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins and Carol Kaye landed in the Musical Excellence Award category. Producer Lenny Waronker will also be honored with the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
Killer Mike—who won his first Grammy Award for his guest vocals on Outkast’s 2001 single “The Whole World”—told AllHipHop, “The South has truly said something, time and time again and did it while remaining players and so fresh and so clean every step of the way. Thank you Outkast, Organized Noize and RIP Rico Wade.”
JT unloaded on Instagram Live after a viewer mocked her relief over Lil Uzi Vert’s recent medical scare, calling out online critics and defending her relationship in a profanity-laced rant.
While speaking to followers over the weekend, JT paused to read a comment that said, “this b#### said ‘she happy he survived.’”
Her response was immediate and unfiltered: “Girl shut the f### up. Okay, hoe, before I cuss your ass out.”
The rapper, formerly one-half of the City Girls, didn’t hold back as she continued to slam internet users for their obsession with celebrity drama. “Y’all believe everything you see on the internet and eat it up ‘cause y’all starving,” she said. “You are a f###### peasant. Y’all hate hearing me talk because y’all know I’m gone tell you the truth about y’allselves.”
JT also took aim at people who criticized her personal life.
“Y’all too worried about people who have more than you,” she said, brushing off the backlash with the same intensity she’s known for.
JT’s outburst followed growing speculation and concern over Lil Uzi Vert’s health.
The rapper was reportedly rushed to a New York City hospital on April 21 after falling ill at a luxury condo in Lower Manhattan. Paramedics arrived around 2:30 P.M. ET, and he was conscious during the ride, with JT by his side. Security staff used black umbrellas to block photographers and onlookers from getting a clear view.
He remained under medical observation overnight, and no official diagnosis has been released.
Bizarrely, Kanye West offered a vague update two days later, writing, “UZI is okay,” and adding, “They saying he’s dehydrated, but I know there’s more to it.” A relative later confirmed he was doing fine.
Nelly didn’t hold back when trolls questioned whether his hair was real or enhanced, jumping on Instagram Live from bed next to wife Ashanti to set the record straight with a few choice words and head full of proof.
“Hey, yo listen, and for all you m############ that said I got a hair piece or some dye. Ain’t no m############ hair piece up in there, m###########, and ain’t no die n####,” he said, running his fingers through his hair as Ashanti giggled beside him, trying to get him to end the live. “This all me at 50.”
He doubled down, adding, “All you n##### … you’re living the wrong way. Yeah, ain’t no gray and ain’t no dye in this, n####, and this ain’t no m########### hair piece.”
Turning to Ashanti for backup, Nelly said, “M############ said I got a hairpiece, baby. They said, your man got a hairpiece.” She laughed and tried to grab the phone, repeatedly telling him to “hang up.”
Eventually, Ashanti confirmed what Nelly had been saying all along — no dye, no wig—just real hair.
This isn’t the first time Nelly has flexed his age-defying looks. In 2020, he posted a video of himself doing a backflip in front of a group of kids, phone in hand. He captioned it, “45 no gray no dying .. head full of hair… and still got them ups..!!! ps phone in hand and all #40& olderchallenge ..!!! ??”
Now 50, Nelly is not only defending his hairline but also embracing a new chapter as a father again. He and Ashanti welcomed their first child together, a son named Kareem Kenkaide Hayes, on July 18, 2024.
The couple tied the knot shortly after learning they were expecting. “I didn’t want [Ashanti] to be a baby mama,” Nelly explained. “Because we already knew where we were in life. If we’re back like this, this must be what it’s supposed to be.”
The couple’s journey—from rekindled romance to marriage and parenthood—will be featured in an upcoming Peacock docu-series. Nelly also has three other children and helped raise his niece and nephew after the death of his sister.
Sean “Diddy” Combs arrived in a Manhattan courtroom Monday (May 5) in a tailored suit and reading glasses as jury selection kicked off in his high-stakes federal sex trafficking trial, where he faces the possibility of life in prison.
Twelve jurors and six alternates are being screened to determine whether they can remain impartial despite widespread media attention surrounding the case.
Prospective jurors were first given questionnaires to assess their knowledge of the allegations and returned today for in-person questioning.
The Hip-Hop mogul has pleaded not guilty to five federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
Prosecutors allege Diddy used his music empire to facilitate a pattern of abuse, while his legal team maintains the relationships were consensual.
At the center of the charges is a surveillance video showing Combs brutally attacking his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, inside a California hotel.
Prosecutors say the footage captures him grabbing, kicking, and attempting to drag her back into a room against her will—behavior that supports allegations of attempted kidnapping and coercive control.
The indictment further outlines an arson count against Diddy, over threats against rapper Kid Cudi, who was dating Cassie. Diddy allegedly told an associate he wanted to blow up Cudi’s car—and shortly after, the car exploded in front of Cudi’s home.
Though Cudi has confirmed the incident happened, the criminal case now frames it as an alleged act of retaliation tied to the enterprise’s pattern of intimidation.
Federal authorities also cite a separate incident where Diddy is accused of dangling her over a balcony and another incident where he supposedly burglarized a Los Angeles home, armed with a gun.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams confirmed that the government has collected hours of surveillance footage, detailed flight data, financial records, and statements from over 50 witnesses to support the charges.
Prosecutors allege that Combs used his companies—including Love Records and Combs Global—as shells to launder money, arrange sex trafficking across state lines, and fund violent parties where drugs were freely distributed.
Several of his close associates have been identified as co-conspirators, including aides tasked with recruiting women, transporting narcotics, and enforcing silence through force or payoffs.
Diddy’s defense has argued that the sexual encounters described by prosecutors were part of a consensual “swingers” lifestyle involving Combs and his long-term partners.
They’ve also pushed back against the criminal framing of those relationships.
Diddy, 55, turned down a plea deal ahead of trial, opting to fight the charges in court. If convicted on all counts, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Opening arguments are scheduled to begin on May 12. Court will run from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the first week, then shift to 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. thereafter.—
Sung Eun Choi: An Accomplished Musician Who is Transforming the Musical Landscape
Sung Eun Choi is a multifaceted music artist, lyricist, composer, and vocalist who is achieving notable success in the music industry. Since his debut in 2013 with the song ‘Let Me Stop,’ he has released numerous tracks such as ‘I Love Hip Hop,’ ‘Spring Waltz,’ and ‘Sad Piano.’ Celebrated for his talent in creating engaging and lively melodies, his music blends New Age influences that offer comfort and warmth to his listeners. Sung Eun Choi’s new release, ‘Don’t Let It Stop’, highlights the artist’s genuine talent and creativity.
His musical compositions, notably ‘Sad Piano’ and ‘Spring Waltz,’ have garnered significant recognition across several European countries, consistently attaining top positions on the iTunes New Age chart. Sung Eun Choi exhibits a deep passion for delving into diverse musical styles, particularly hip hop. Additionally, he is in the process of planning future collaborations with other talented artists within the hip-hop genre, underscoring his versatility.
The Emergence of Hip-Hop: A Transformative Movement in Culture and Music
Hip-hop music, commonly known as hip-hop, has developed into one of the most significant genres globally. It originated in the early 1970s in New York City, influenced by a distinctive blend of musical styles and societal factors. Initially referred to as disco rap, it emerged from Bronx block parties where youth from ethnic minorities engaged with the culture.
Hip-hop music is defined by its rhythmic vocal expression, commonly referred to as rapping, which articulates rhymed poetic messages aimed at highlighting social and political concerns. While the term ‘hip-hop’ is often linked specifically to rap music, the genre actually encompasses a broader spectrum, including DJing, turntablism, scratching, beatboxing, and intricate instrumental arrangements that play a significant role in the hip-hop subculture.
The Rise of Hip-Hop
The initial growth of hip-hop paralleled advancements in technology, which facilitated the accessibility of sampling and drum machines for emerging artists. DJs at community gatherings utilized two turntables and a mixer to repeat percussive segments from well-known tracks, producing breaks that prolonged the music. As these methods advanced, scratching and beatmatching became essential components of hip-hop, while rapping developed into a unique vocal style characterized by rhythmic speech over synthesized beats.
Although it originated from grassroots movements, hip-hop music was not formally recorded or disseminated in mainstream media until 1979, primarily due to economic challenges and its initial failure to gain widespread acceptance. Nonetheless, it rose to prominence through block parties in African American communities and quickly reached a wider audience. The initial phase of hip-hop, referred to as old-school hip hop, was shaped by disco rhythms, with lyrics centered around themes of celebration, enjoyment, and dancing.
The Era of Hip-Hop’s Greatness and Its Global Impact
In the 1980s, a new genre of hip hop known as new-school emerged, characterized by its electro sound. This era, referred to as the Golden Age of Hip Hop, spanned from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s and was distinguished by groundbreaking musical techniques and the release of impactful albums. During this period, gangsta rap rose to prominence, illustrating the harsh realities and challenges encountered by youth in urban areas. Additionally, distinct regional styles began to develop; West Coast hip-hop gained fame for its G-funk sound, while East Coast hip-hop showcased styles such as jazz rap, alternative hip-hop, and hardcore hip-hop.
The 1990s witnessed the emergence of Southern rap and the ascent of Atlanta hip-hop, contributing to the genre’s increasing diversity. By the mid-1990s, hip-hop had established itself as the highest-selling music genre, ultimately overtaking rock in terms of sales. The year 1989 marked a significant development in the industry as hip-hop music was officially acknowledged at the Grammy Awards with the creation of the Best Rap Performance category, awarded to DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince for their popular song, ‘Parents Just Don’t Understand.’ This accolade represented a crucial milestone in the mainstream acceptance of hip-hop.
The Role of Sung Eun Choi in Shaping the Future of Hip-Hop
Sung Eun Choi’s contributions to the hip-hop genre signify a promising development in the music industry. His commitment to blending various musical styles while remaining true to hip hop showcases his ability to impact the genre. With forthcoming collaborations and a fervor for creativity, Sung Eun Choi is set to emerge as a significant player in the international hip-hop landscape.
Spike Lee has delivered a long-promised teaser Monday for Highest 2 Lowest, his upcoming crime thriller starring Denzel Washington and A$AP Rocky, marking the first time Lee and Washington have teamed up on a film since 2006’s Inside Man.
The trailer, posted to Lee’s Instagram on Monday morning (May 5), gave audiences their first glimpse at the film’s gritty tone and ensemble cast.
Lee captioned the post: “I Know U Have Been Waiting ‘HELLA LONG’ And Here Is DA TEASER TRAILER (Finally) For Da 5th Return Of D And LEE- HIGHEST 2 LOWEST. And Dat’s Da WASHINGTONS/LEES FAMILY TRUTH,RUTH. YA-DIG? SHO-NUFF. STRAIGHT UP.”
Highest 2 Lowest is a reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 film High and Low, itself based on Ed McBain’s 1959 novel King’s Ransom.
The updated version, directed by Lee and distributed by A24, is set to premiere out of competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival before heading to theaters and eventually Apple TV+.
The cast includes Washington, Ilfenesh Hadera, Jeffrey Wright, Ice Spice in her film debut, and A$AP Rocky, who plays a central role.
Spike Lee On Casting A$AP Rocky In “Highest 2 Lowest”
According to Lee, Rocky’s casting was inspired by a viral internet comparison.
“What’s funny is that I was looking at Instagram, four or five years ago, and people were saying that A$AP looked like he’s Denzel’s son,” Lee said during an appearance on the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast. “I seen those memes, and then in the film we used that. A$AP, man, he fire.”
Lee first received the script by William Alan Fox before the pandemic and later reworked it after Washington signed on. The plot centers on a powerful music executive who becomes the target of a criminal scheme, according to IMDb.
This marks the fifth collaboration between Lee and Washington. Their creative pairing began with Mo’ Better Blues in 1990 and they last appeared on screen together nearly two decades ago.
Donald Trump has unveiled a sweeping 100% tariff on foreign-made movies entering the United States, calling the move a matter of national security and essential to protect what he described as a collapsing American film industry.
“The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda! WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!”
Trump directed the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to begin enforcing the tariff “on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands.”
The announcement is part of a broader trade push that includes a 10% baseline tariff on most imports and a 145% tariff on Chinese goods.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said, “Other nations have been stealing the movie-making capabilities from the United States.”
He added, “If they’re not willing to make a movie inside the United States, we should have a tariff on movies that come in.”
The declaration left Hollywood insiders scrambling for answers. Many were unsure how the policy would be applied to international co-productions or streaming content.
No rollout timeline or enforcement guidelines were provided, and the Motion Picture Association has yet to respond publicly.
Trump has expressed interest in reshaping the entertainment industry.
Earlier this year, he named Mel Gibson, Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone “special ambassadors” to Hollywood. Trump promised the move would help make the industry “bigger, better, and stronger than ever.”
According to industry data, despite Trump’s claims of decline, the U.S. film sector posted $22.6 billion in exports and a $15.3 billion trade surplus in 2023.
Drake has been ducking out of parties and locking himself in makeshift studios to finish his next solo album, according to longtime collaborator OVO Smiley.
In a clip from a recent livestream, the Toronto rapper described a recent scene that captured Drake’s current mindset.
“I seen him the other day,” Smiley began. “We were at a party, and he was in the other room by himself, eating pasta with, you know, the wired headphones, the old headphones.”
He continued, “He had the wired headphones eating pasta, writing music, while we have a whole f###### party going on. So he’s on a different mode right now.”
Smiley revealed that even during a recent video shoot, Drake didn’t waste a second.
“Even at the ‘NOKIA’ video shoot,” he added. “In the breaks, he had a bunch of producers, and he just recorded. So, like, he’s in that crazy mode right now.”
Drake backed OVO Smiley’s claims, posting the clip on his Instagram Stories.
Drake confirmed the solo project himself during a livestream last month.
“Working on a new album right now,” he said. “It slaps.”
When asked whether it would be a solo effort, he replied, “Yeah.”
Hints of the album first surfaced earlier this year during Drake’s Australia tour, where he teased a more personal direction.
“Eventually, when the moment is right, Drizzy Drake alone will need to have a one-on-one discussion with you all,” he said on stage. “I’ll return with another album, a one-on-one conversation that you need to hear.”
He later described the project as part of his “next chapter,” telling listeners, “I hope you perceive my honesty as clarity rather than charity.”
The album will follow his February 14 collaboration with PartyNextDoor, titled $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, which featured 21 tracks. His last solo album, For All The Dogs, dropped in 2023.
Meanwhile, Smiley also revealed that he and Drake have a new track on the way.
“Drake too, we have a new slapper coming out,” he said during a livestream in January, confirming it will be the lead single on his upcoming album. The song marks their first joint release since 2021’s “Over the Top.”
Mo’Nique didn’t hold back during a recent comedy set where she took a sharp jab at Shannon Sharpe‘s love life and the legal firestorm he’s now facing.
“Yes, I told that n#### Shannon Sharpe, leave them white b###### alone,” she said to a roaring crowd, reigniting a conversation that first began during her February 2024 appearance on Sharpe’s podcast “Club Shay Shay.”
Back then, the Oscar-winning actress gave Sharpe some blunt relationship advice.
“You better take your old ass and get somebody that love you,” she told him, urging the former NFL star to stop chasing younger women and instead find a woman who matches his stage in life.
“Shannon need him old fat gal who can bake good cakes,” she said. “Make some smothered turkey wings, who going to rub his feet at the night time… and going to have a sip of his cognac to make him feel better about himself when he come home at night.”
She didn’t stop there. “You don’t need no 26-year-old girl, you don’t need no 36-year-old girl… take your ass and get you old b#### out there that can love you old,” she warned.
Mo’Nique also joked about Sharpe trying to keep up with younger women. “You’re trying to hang out with these young b######,she added, “and you can’t do it,”
Mo’Nique Urges Shannon Sharpe To Date Women His Age
Her comments have resurfaced just as Sharpe faces a $50 million lawsuit from a woman identified as Jane Doe, who accuses him of rape, physical assault and threats during a relationship that allegedly began in 2023.
According to the lawsuit, Sharpe raped her twice in October and once in January, choked and struck her, and threatened to kill her when she resisted or confronted him about cheating. The complaint also alleges he recorded their sexual encounters without her consent and shared some of the footage with friends.
Sharpe has denied all allegations, calling the lawsuit a “shakedown” and “extortion attempt.” He plans to countersue both the plaintiff and her attorney, Tony Buzbee, who has previously represented clients in high-profile cases against Jay-Z and Sean Combs.
Sharpe’s legal team claims the relationship was consensual and included role-playing and explicit conversations, which they say are backed by text messages.
They also allege that edited video clips are being used to smear his reputation and are demanding the release of full, uncut footage.
Meanwhile, Sharpe has stepped away from his ESPN duties as the legal battle unfolds. A second woman, Michele Evans, has also accused him of sexual assault in a separate 2023 lawsuit filed in New York, which his representatives have dismissed as “ridiculous.”
Ro$ama is rewriting the playbook for Texas rap’s next wave. The East Texas native, who first made noise with his gritty breakout “FedEx,” just dropped his Orange Tape EP. The project is a seven-song collection that blends soulful samples with raw street conviction. Alongside it comes the energetic visual for “Microwave,” a horn-driven banger featuring BigXthaPlug that doubles as a backyard celebration and victory lap.
Ro$ama’s story is anything but typical. From stacking delivery shifts while laying down tracks to rocking the stage at Coachella and linking up with 600 ENT, his path has been pure grind. His recent link-up with That Mexican OT on “Show Me The Money” flexes his lyrical sharpness over cinematic production, while Orange Tape finds him trading bars with BigX and Duke Deuce, holding his own with confidence and control. Whether it’s party-ready joints or hard-hitting reflections, Ro$ama moves with the precision of a vet and the hunger of a newcomer.
CeeLo Green and the rest of Goodie Mob shared some bittersweet news on Sunday (May 4), revealing in an Instagram post that their days as a group are over.
CeeLo posted a photo of the four members—Khujo, Big Gipp, T-Mo and himself—along with a caption explaining their decision. Simultaneously, they applauded their Dungeon Family brethren Outkast for their upcoming induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“We are living in an amazing time and an ironic one as well,” Green wrote. “Our #brothers @outkast have just been officially inducted into the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame…..where they belong. But I also have a bittersweet announcement to make, this is @goodiemob ‘s 30th year anniversary if you didn’t know, yet I am also going to announce for the first time this will be our #farewell.”
There was a silver lining, however, in the form of a final album and tour—although nothing has been 100 percent confirmed.
“The fans know that we’ve gone through a great deal together so for no reasons in particular let’s just call it ‘natural causes’ and we all agree that it’s #time we are about to work on a farewell album and tour God willing,” he continued. “For those of you who truly have love for the mob and @dungeonfamily make sure that if we happen to be somewhere near you come and see and support.
“Go follow @khujogoodie @tmogoodie @gippgoodie we all appreciate all of the love over the years. Stay tuned for details.. we did it for #atlanta #love #yall.”
Goodie Mob’s latest album, Survival Kit, arrived in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It marked the Atlanta Hip-Hop group’s first project in seven years, following the release of 2013’s Age Against the Machine.
It was also a full circle moment for Goodie Mob, with production being handled by Sleepy Brown, Rico Wade and Ray Murray 0f Organized Noize, who produced their debut album, Soul Food, in 1995. Guest appearances included fellow Dungeon Family member Big Rube, André 3000, Big Boi, Public Enemy’s Chuck D and D.C. Young Fly.
The rest of the Dungeon Family have been religious about carrying on Wade’s legacy. Most recently, Sleepy Brown announced a statue of Wade will be unveiled at Headline Shopping Center in East Point, Georgia on Friday (May 9).
Rico Wade talked to AllHipHop about his relationship with the Dungeon Family just weeks before his death. He had been to André 3000’s concert the night before, where he experienced a moment of clarity.
“I just had heart surgery, where they had to put a stent in my chest,” he said. “This happened January 19 and I just felt like, ‘Man, I would have missed it [the concert].’ God didn’t want my life. He wanted my attention and he got it. It’s been blessings on blessings on blessings since then. Since that moment, I’ve been blessed in every way. It’s hard to not cry every time I think about it.”
Things were really looking up for Wade, making his death that much harder to accept.
“They all love and respect me,” he said with a smile. “They all look at me as a person that did it for them, especially after what I just went through. I’ve spoken to every last one of them, and it’s been like, ‘I want to hug you and I want to let you know how important you are to us. I’m glad you’re still here.
“I hate for it to take a life-altering situation, but even Future—that’s my cousin—he’s been so busy. But if I text him now, he texts me right back. I seen André last night at the show, and I was in the studio the other day seeing Boi Boi. Everybody can see that I’m clear and clean. They can see that I ain’t drinking and they can see my energy is on 10.”
André 3000 will be honored with an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music.
The prestigious award will be bestowed upon the rapper during Berklee’s 2025 commencement at Boston University’s Agganis Arena on May 10.
Berklee College of Music will recognize André 3000 for his decades-long impact on music and culture.
The award comes on the heels of the announcement that the nine-time Grammy winner will be inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame alongside Antwan “Big Boi” Patton.
In 2023, he released New Blue Sun, his first solo album in two decades. The experimental, flute-driven project broke new ground, becoming the first instrumental album to chart on the Billboard 200.
Its opening track, “I Swear, I Really Wanted to Make a ‘Rap’ Album But This Is Literally the Way the Wind Blew Me This Time,” set a record as the longest song to debut on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Atlanta native rose to prominence as one-half of the genre-shifting Hip-Hop duo Outkast.
Together, they helped redefine Southern rap and earned six Grammy Awards. Berklee’s commencement weekend starts May 9 with a tribute concert at Agganis Arena.
More than 200 student performers will pay musical homage to the honorees. The event celebrates artists who have made lasting contributions to music and philanthropy.
Berklee’s past honorary degree recipients list includes legends such as Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson and John Legend.
Ray Vaughn, one of Top Dawg Entertainment’s more recent signings, released The Good, The Bad, The Dollar Menu mixtape on April 25, an 11-track trek through Vaughn’s past, present and undeniably bright future. One of the lead singles, “FLAT shasta,” dives into the nuanced realities of living with a mother who struggled with both drug addiction and mental health issues.
“Mouth full of pills in front of us could’ve died,” he raps. “The world know your show died heavy and suicide?/If God took you then, I wouldn’t wanna be alive.” The song, albeit it heavy, reveal a son who’s still brimming with hope and refusing to give up. It’s a big reason Vaughn lives a relatively clean lifestyle. Watching his mother wrestle with substance abuse isn’t the sole reason he decided not to do drugs, but it’s a part of it.
“I don’t do none of that s###—not just because of her though—just off general principle, just off the regular,” he tells AllHipHop. “I don’t do it just because after seeing that, you’re like, ‘OK, it could mess up stuff.’ It can turn into a mess. My mom used to gamble. I’d watch my mom gamble away $5,000, $6000—she’d get it back—but when she gambled all the money, we was cooked. It was just a lot of stuff. So as far as like drinking and smoking, I’ve never smoked and never popped no pills, never done none of that.”
Vaughn’s latest effort for TDE further illustrates his innate ability to craft captivating stories through his rhymes. An AP English student, Vaughn has mastered the art of descriptive writing, painting a vivid portrait of life experiences it in every breath. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the majority of the mainstream rap being shoved down our throats. But Vaughn was made for this.
Born in Long Beach, California, in 1996, Vaughn started honing his craft both in school and during rap sessions with his stepfather, who would routinely wake him up in the middle of the night to perform for his friends. Soon, Vaughn began charging $100 every time.
“I used to pray he’d wake me up,” Vaughn says with a laugh. “That’s when I first started hustling.”
Vaughn has come a long way since then. Before signing with TDE in 2020, he was living in his car with his daughter, whose mother had died giving birth. It was an understandably dark time for Vaughn, but the TDE deal changed his life nearly overnight. Two weeks after inking the contract, he had his own house and was back on his feet.
“My story is crazy because I had money, but I didn’t have credit because I’m a felon,” he explains. “My daughter’s mom died while having her, but she was the one with the credit and I was the one with the money. When she died, it just f##### me up.”
For now, Vaughn is focused on promoting The Good, The Bad, The Dollar Menu mixtape and finishing up his debut album for the label.
“The dollar menu to me symbolizes balance,” he says of the project. “There’s the good, when you get steaks. There’s bad and broke, when you get noodles and the dollar menu. If you got the dollar menu, you good. To me, I’m just telling stories about my life before TDE; the good, the bad and the kind of in-betweens when you’re figuring things out.”
It’s that type of raw honesty that’s largely missing from a lot of the bigger raps acts dominating the charts, making Vaughn’s vulnerability enticing in today’s climate. Listen to it above.
