Too $hort has once again opened up about why he kept his distance from the late 2Pac during his sensational rise to fame and untimely demise.
In a revealing interview with Dregs One, the Bay Area legend spoke candidly about his early impressions of 2Pac, vouched for his Bay Area-bred DNA and revealed why he made a conscious decision to keep the late rapper at arm’s length during their time in Oakland. Too $hort recalled the early days when 2Pac was beginning to establish himself, running in circles with mutual friends like Shorty B, Pee Wee, and Richie Rich.
“2Pac, they used to run around a lot together… I remember 2Pac coming around, and we didn’t—it wasn’t like too much in each other’s face or nothing,” Too $hort said. “I knew who he was… then after a while he had ‘Brenda’s Got a Baby’ and ‘When My Homies Call.’”
He explained that 2Pac’s connection to Oakland came through Richie Rich and others in the Digital Underground camp. At that time, 2Pac was eager to transition from Marin City to Oakland and embed himself in the culture.
“He wants to come to Oakland,” he said. “He finds his way through Rich and some other people and the digital click, and he’s just, he’s there.”
Too Short reveals why he purposely avoided 2Pac and says he didn’t want to be a bad influence on him.
However, a specific moment made Too $hort take a step back. He described a day when he gave 2Pac and Shorty B a ride, and noticed Pac was carrying a gun. While not uncommon in their environment, the way Pac carried himself set off alarms.
“I carry guns a lot,” he said. “You would never know because I’m from Oakland, and I just wouldn’t let an Oakland n#### or any other n#### know that I got my thing on me at the time. It’s just something you just don’t do. N##### be saying stupid s### like, ‘Let me see your gun. No n####’. Like it’s just, it gets goofy. So if you that cat, I don’t care if somebody I know or not, but I just noticed it and it struck me.”
That moment triggered Too $hort’s decision to distance himself. He saw the ambition in 2Pac, the drive to be more than just a rapper and he feared what that ambition might attract in the streets.
“I can’t really get really close to this guy because I knew what he was getting into,” he said. “If my guys catch wind of his ambition, they’re going to cling to him… I just knew I could tell that he wanted the streets.”
Too $hort respected 2Pac’s revolutionary side but knew he couldn’t be part of that mix without risking something dangerous.
“I can’t tap into that part of him with the pistol on him, hanging out in Oakland and some places I just can’t bring him,” he said. “He’s going to let people know he got that on him… and I just don’t want to bring him in general just because.”
Looking back, Too $hort believes his instincts were on point.
“I personally avoided ambitious 2Pac because he probably would have ended up in some f##### up spaces around me… He did it though, bro. Like when he went to LA, he ended up in those circles and he went all the way.”
“He was like, ‘I want to be that gangster revolutionary, everything, I want to be the ladies man, I want to be the biggest rapper’,’ he had that ambition,” he said. “I was like, get that s*** away from me. I didn’t want to be a bad influence on Tupac.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs is pushing to obtain a draft memoir he says could dismantle key abuse claims against him as his legal team battles to access the unpublished manuscript before his criminal trial begins in May.
Diddy is seeking access to early versions of a book allegedly written by a woman expected to testify against him, widely believed to be Cassie Ventura, his former longtime partner.
The woman’s attorneys, backed by federal prosecutors, have filed motions to block the subpoena, arguing the material should remain private.
“These relevant and admissible materials are crucial to the defense. They are precisely the types of documents that criminal defendants are entitled to subpoena from third parties,” Diddy’s attorney Anna Estevao said in a court filing.
The defense argues that the draft memoir contains a version of events that contradicts the woman’s current testimony to the government and could serve as key impeachment evidence.
“Draft memoirs will show an account that is different from the story she has provided the government and undermines her allegations,” Estevao added.
The subpoena, approved by the court last March, demands two sets of records: all drafts of the memoir, diaries, notes and related communications, as well as financial documents including bank statements.
The woman’s legal team accepted service of the subpoena but quickly moved to quash it.
“[Victim] never represented that the memoir draft she recently produced to the government is the only version of the narrative. Indeed, her attempts to quash the subpoena with respect to the remaining responsive documents suggest that further, more exculpatory material exists,” Estevao said.
The woman has reportedly participated in at least six interviews with federal investigators and turned over multiple electronic devices.
Diddy’s attorneys argue that her refusal to hand over the remaining writings is a deliberate attempt to conceal information that could aid his case.
The legal battle over the memoir comes months after Diddy settled a civil lawsuit with Ventura in November 2023. She had accused him of rape, physical abuse and coercion during their 11-year relationship.
Diddy’s team previously claimed Ventura had demanded $30 million to keep the alleged tell-all book from being published, calling it blatant blackmail.
The settlement followed the release of hotel surveillance footage aired by CNN that showed Diddy physically assaulting Ventura at the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles.
The video prompted public outrage and led to Combs issuing a widely criticized apology video.
Blueface has expressed his remorse to his mother over their rocky relationship, often strained by his love interests, in a heartfelt apology revealing his renewed mindset.
On Thursday (April 17), the “Thotianna” rapper’s mother, Karlissa Safford, shared a post on Instagram uncovering a humbled message she received from her son. In addition to speaking on his revelations in prison, Blueface took the initiative to say sorry to his mother over his part in their strained relationship. His mother shared a deeply personal caption in the post with the screenshots of their conversation as well, remarking on the sorrow she faces as both of her sons face the same fate on their special days.
“He knew today would be ruff on me because we celebrated his brother’s birthday every year he was in jail and today they both in jail,” Karlissa Safford wrote in the caption of the post. “I’ll eat some cake for both of y’all because I know God got y’all. Thank you son @bluefasebabyy this means the world to me. Today is bitter sweet.”
As for the actual the message Blueface sent to his mother, it started off immediately addressing his shortcomings.
“I want to apologize to you for letting any female influences affect our relationship I thought a few females may have loved me more than you, but I was wrong,” Blueface wrote. “I’m glad I came to prison because in my absence, I got to sit back and watch them use my downtime as a headstart to their own advantages.”
Blueface concluded the message with a request to his mother as he anticipates being release soon after having served time in prison as a result of receiving a four year sentence for a probation violation.
“You are the only woman entitled to be there for me so now that all the leaves fell off the tree I can get back to my roots, which is you I love you,” he wrote. “I’ll be out in a few months come pick me up just you and my kids nobody else!”
Blueface’s message to his mother follows the mother of one of his children, Chrisean Rock, going public with her new athlete boo. He was originally issued his prison sentenced last year due to his previous probation violation related to a 2021 incident in which he assaulted a security guard at San Fernando Valley club.
Travis Scott’s villain origin story in the WWE may be in its beginning stages as a new rivalry between the Houston rapper and a prominent wrestler appears to be brewing.
WWE wrestler Cody Rhodes, who was involved in an altercation with Travis Scott last month, made an appearance during a recent episode of the sports talk show First Take with Stephen A. Smith. During his appearance, Rhodes went off on Scott, seemingly challenging him to step into the ring with him at the upcoming WrestleMania 41 event.
Rhodes claims it’s only right he get his chance for some get back after La Flame violated him in the ring. For those who missed out, wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer reported that Rhodes, who faced off against John Cena during the Elimination Chamber match in March, reportedly suffered a busted eardrum and black eye after Scott struck him across the face.
Travis Scott says he didn’t know WWE was fake, explaining why he slapped the s### out of Cody Rhodes pic.twitter.com/ppWVVdnQhp
In his initial remarks addressing the incident, Rhodes says he made a misstep by immediately dismissing the attack Scott snuck in on him during the match.
“I had made the mistake of a lot of people texting me after, concerned, because my eardrum burst and then the next day I had the full ‘Tommy Boy’ spot on my face,” he remarked. “But I told everybody, he didn’t get me at all. And then I realized there was a nice fan cam shot of how difficult it is.”
Rhodes revealed what added insult to his literal injury was the fact that he, and even his young daughter, were fans of La Flame before their encounter.
“Travis Scott, for as talented as he is, and he’s an incredibly talented guy, who I’d even bought his kicks, I got a pair for Liberty as well, Travis Scott kind of sucks,” he said.
Rhodes didn’t stope there, vowing to see Scott again should he show his face at the next WWE event.
“So, and if he’s coming to WrestleMania, which Triple H announced he was coming to WrestleMania, I’ll be looking for what we call in the wrestling business, a little bit of a receipt,” he concluded.
Not only did Scott brag to Triple H that he was “hooked” following the incident with Rhodes in the ring, on April 17 his brand, Cactus Jack, announced a collection with WWE for WrestMania 41 that includes trading cards and exclusive merch.
Tory Lanez turned a court-mandated deposition into a circus of defiance, sarcasm and hair-related insults — all while seated in a California prison, facing questions tied to a lawsuit filed by Megan Thee Stallion.
The Canadian rapper, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, was compelled to testify in Megan’s $10 million defamation suit against YouTuber Milagro Gramz (real name Milagro Cooper).
The lawsuit accuses Gramz of spreading false claims that Megan lied under oath, suffers from alcoholism, is mentally incompetent, and shared deepfake p### — all allegedly part of a coordinated smear campaign fueled by Lanez and his father from behind bars.
After resisting attempts to sit for the deposition, Lanez was finally forced to appear via Zoom on April 9, 2025. What followed wasn’t just combative — it was off-the-rails.
Early in the session, Tory Lanez made his tone crystal clear. When asked to confirm he understood he was under oath, he paused and said, “No, I don’t understand that.”
From there, things spiraled. When Megan’s attorney asked if he’d prepared for the deposition, Lanez fired back with an off-topic insult that immediately disrupted the process:
He then questioned whether Megan’s lawyer, Mari Henderson, was even allowed to question him, launching into a freewheeling speech about his rights.
“I want this to be known on record that I don’t trust this woman. I know that the fact that these people are the same people who have me in prison, wrongfully convicted of a crime that I did not commit, that no physical evidence even says that I have. I don’t trust this woman,” Tory Lanez said.
When reminded he was under oath and expected to answer clearly, Tory Lanez grew more agitated, mocking basic definitions after she asked about meeting with his lawyer to prepare the deposition.
He asked for the Webster’s dictionary definition of the word “meet” to clarify what Henderson meant.
“Meat could be a hot dog; meat could be a steak; meat could be red meat… You could watch p###. Meat — meat is a whole thing different over there,” the rapper said.
Later, after a break was called to fix his video feed, Tory Lanez returned with more distractions — now laser-focused on the prosecutor’s appearance:
“I just want to say on record that Ms. Henderson’s hair is distracting me.”
Megan’s legal team shut it down after nearly an hour of circular arguments, accusations and interruptions. Attorney Mari Henderson announced they would be filing a motion to compel Lanez to cooperate during a second round.
Here are more outrageous quotes — all said verbatim by Tory Lanez under oath:
“I don’t know why I can’t see the actions that my body is doing, if I’m being recorded…They had me seeing myself before. I was looking pretty good. Pretty damn good, if you ask me.”
“You’re not good with depositions. You didn’t want to give me the definition to the other s### either. Which is crazy ’cause aren’t you a lawyer?”
“She should have waited to wait for that hair dye. It is the wrong blonde.”
“What exactly do you mean by who is this man? Do you mean who is he spiritually? Do you mean who is he physically?· Do you mean who is he personally? Do you mean who is he, like, to me? What do you mean, Ms. Henderson? Please, clarify.”
“Your hair is distracting me. There’s a reason for what I am asking. Your hair is distracting me.”
“Why are you screaming? Please, lower your voice…You are making me feel threatened.”
“Change your hair next time. Just comb it at least. Will you ·comb it at least?”
Steve Nash made a somewhat shocking and surprising admission to LeBron James during a recent episode of their joint-effort podcast.
During the latest episode of the Mind The Game podcast co-hosted by James and Nash, who replaced JJ Redick after he became the Lakers head coach, the NBA Hall of Famer got candid when asked a simple yet loaded question by LeBron: “Where did you get your swag from?” Without hesitation, Nash launched into a revealing response giving insight into the early influences that shaped both his game and his identity on the court.
“I started playing basketball, fell in love with it—like the first Air Jordan one, Spike Lee commercials,” Nash began, laughing as he admitted the memory came rushing back. “It was right when I was in the 8th grade.”
He recalled picking up the game a year earlier, during the summer heading into 8th grade, and being instantly captivated.
“I was like, this world’s amazing,” Nash said.
Then came the part that caught LeBron off guard—and had him drawing comparisons to a current Lakers teammate, in the process.
“I mean, let’s also just be real,” Nash continued. “Like, I wanted to be black. Listen, listen. All the best players in the world were black, all the best rappers, you know.”
LeBron couldn’t help but crack up, immediately jumping in with a comparison of his own to the Lakeshow’s current rising star, guard Austin Reaves.
“It’s so funny you say that, because we say the same s### about A.R.,” James said in part.
According to James, Reaves, the Arkansas-born guard who’s earned a reputation for crafty handles and unexpected finesse, is often teased by teammates who seemingly have drawn the same conclusion as Nash did about himself in their own assessments of his game.
“There’s no way you learned that in f###### Arkansas,” James said, imitating conversations he and others have had. “Markeiff [Morris], as we call his smooth on the team, is like, ‘no, f### that. I’m not believing you from Arkansas, you got to be from New Jersey or whatever. All of that, you got that bop, bop, bop, bop. Like, you didn’t learn that s### in Arkansas’.”
Returning to his own story, Nash said the same drive to study and mimic the greats likely fueled Reaves’ style too.
“I’m sure he, like me, was like, ‘I want to do more with the ball. I want to be able to beat better players off the dribble,” Nash explained. “You want to emulate the greats.”
Dallas native Imyounik is making serious noise in hip-hop—and not by following the rules. With a sound that’s anything but typical, the rising artist just dropped her latest single, “How High,” an electrifying, genre-pushing anthem that refuses to be boxed in.
Coming off a year of back-to-back releases and a growing fanbase on Spotify Radio, Imyounik continues to carve her own lane. Her new track “How High,” released on April 14, is a bold celebration of elevation—both metaphorical and literal. With explosive production and a hypnotic hook, the song delivers a rush of adrenaline while still keeping the lyrical integrity that’s quickly becoming her trademark.
“This song is a rollercoaster,” Imyounik says. “It’s about going high, coming out on top. The energy bounces from wall to wall—and I can’t wait to see people react to that live.”
Raised in Dallas, Texas, Imyounik has been writing music since the age of 10. But don’t mistake her for your average come-up story—her sound is far from conventional. Blending raw storytelling with slick vocal melodies and unpredictable flows, she brings an emotional weight that challenges what people expect from today’s rap scene—especially when it comes to female artists.
“I don’t even label myself a ‘female rapper,’” she explains. “Yeah, I’m a woman—but I’m here to be your favorite rapper, period.”
With standout singles like “Showtime,” “I Don’t Wanna Die,” “Eyes on the Road,” and “B*smackinkilla” gaining traction, especially through Spotify’s algorithmic playlists, Imyounik has been quietly building a core audience that resonates with her honesty and daring style. Her early 2025 release “City On Fire,” a vivid commentary on the LA wildfires, even charted on iTunes—a significant milestone in her independent grind.
Her new single “How High” pushes that momentum forward. Produced with a signature process—finding the vibe in the beat, locking in a melody, and letting inspiration flow—it’s a track that’s as infectious as it is unpredictable. The lyrics give a nod to the LGBTQ+ community, a shout-out she included deliberately as a show of love and support.
“You’ve just gotta be prepared when you listen to me,” she says with a grin. “I might say something that catches you off guard and stays in your head forever. And that’s what makes a great artist.”
With consistent drops, a fierce sense of self, and an ear for sonics that break the mold, Imyounik isn’t just on the rise—she’s redefining what that rise looks and sounds like.
Tap in with her new single “How High” here, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself looping it long after the ride ends.
RMG PRODUCTIONS, LLC has officially arrived on the hip hop scene with its first-ever music video release, marking a bold entrance for the newly founded production company based in New York City. Founded by Ray McNeal, RMG PRODUCTIONS sets out to craft visually compelling narratives that elevate both music and artist.
Nestled in the heart of NYC, RMG PRODUCTIONS was born from Ray McNeal’s lifelong passion for both film and the culture of hip hop. “I wanted to build a production house that speaks the language of the streets while pushing creative boundaries,” McNeal explains.
A cornerstone of RMG’s launch is LilCadiPGE’s significant early career highlight: his freestyle on Nipsey Hussle’s 2014 mixtape Mail Box Money track “Status Symbol.” Although LilCadiPGE didn’t record the track in a formal session, his raw freestyle left an indelible mark on listeners and cemented his connection to Hussle’s legacy.
On April 13, 2025, RMG PRODUCTIONS premiered its inaugural video, “Long Distance,” featuring LilCadiPGE—an artist hailing from the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles. Shot on location across Los Angeles, the video captures themes of love, loyalty and success. Director Blu worked closely with LilCadiPGE on every detail of the production, ensuring that each scene authentically represents the artist’s vision.
Collaboration between artist and director was seamless. LilCadiPGE praises Blu’s attention to detail: “Working with Blu, we dialed in every shot and moment. He understood my vibe and brought it to life on screen.” This synergy has laid the groundwork for a partnership that promises more releases, bold ideas, and a lasting impact on the hip hop community.
To experience RMG’s debut work, visit their YouTube channel at @RMGPRODUCTIONSLLC. For behind‑the‑scenes insights, production updates, and a glimpse of Ray McNeal’s creative world, follow @raymcnealgroup on Instagram. And make sure to connect with LilCadiPGE himself at @lilcadipge for all upcoming drops and exclusive content.
As RMG PRODUCTIONS, LLC ushers in its first major project, the company is already in development on several new videos and collaborations. With its roots firmly planted in hip hop heritage and its sights set on innovative storytelling, RMG is poised to become a defining force in music video production—one frame at a time.
Photographer of this photo: Ben Frank Instagram: @benjamn.frank
Real Boston Richey was reportedly taken into federal custody in Florida earlier this week (April 14) after allegedly choking his pregnant ex-girlfriend in Houston and possibly violating the terms of his pretrial release in a federal drug case.
The Tallahassee rapper reportedly traveled to Houston without court permission on March 29 and 30, a breach of his release conditions. While there, he was accused of assaulting Tatiana Chanell, his former partner, outside Sekai nightclub on March 31.
Chanell, who was two months pregnant at the time, filed a felony complaint for Assault Family Violence – Impeding Breathing.
According to court documents, Chanell told authorities Richey choked her roughly 20 times over the course of two hours inside a vehicle. She said she lost consciousness several times, vomited, and at one point stopped breathing.
Chanell also claimed Richey threatened her life, saying, “If you call the police, I might as well kill you.”
The federal magistrate overseeing Richey’s case ruled that the allegations established probable cause for a new felony charge. That triggered a legal presumption that no release conditions could reasonably guarantee public safety, according to XXL.
A viral video from that night appears to show Real Boston Richey grabbing Chanell’s phone outside the club moments before the alleged assault.
Chanell later addressed the incident on Instagram, calling it “traumatic and heartbreaking.” She added that her priority is now her safety and that of her unborn child.
Richey responded indirectly on social media, writing, “Ion put my business on the internet no more… REAL P Never Going LAME,” while promoting his upcoming album.
Real Boston Richey is reportedly being held at FCI Tallahassee, a low-security federal facility while awaiting further legal proceedings.
Lil Wayne has claimed the NFL pushed him to raise his public profile in hopes of landing the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show but backed off and apologized after Kendrick Lamar was picked instead.
In a new interview with Rolling Stone published Thursday (April 17), the Hip-Hop icon revealed he believed he was being groomed for the coveted slot after league reps encouraged him to be more visible.
“To perform, it’s a bunch of things they’re going to tell you to do and not do, a#### to kiss and not kiss,” he said. “That was all for that. You ain’t never seen me in them types of venues. I ain’t Drake. I ain’t out there smiling like that everywhere. I’m in the stu’, smokin’ and recording.”
Wayne said he followed the NFL’s advice, showing up at high-profile events like Michael Rubin’s all-white party and even collaborating with Tom Brady.
But when Lamar was announced as the Super Bowl headliner, Lil Wayne said someone from the league reached out with an explanation. “We ain’t in charge,” the rep allegedly told him, suggesting the final call wasn’t theirs to make.
The halftime show is curated by Roc Nation, led by Jay-Z, who Wayne said remains a close confidant.
Still, the rapper admitted the snub stung. He said he called Lamar before the announcement to offer support and clear the air.
Lil Wayne Clarifies He Didn’t Diss Kendrick Lamar On Social Media
He also addressed a cryptic post he made on X that read, “Let this giant sleep,” clarifying it wasn’t aimed at Lamar.
Wayne said that he paid little attention to the Drake and Kendrick Lamar battle and even accidentally performed part of “Not Like Us” without realizing its context.
“I ain’t want my dude to be mad at me,” he joked. “I didn’t even know it was Kendrick!”
Despite the outcome, Wayne said he’s accepted the decision. “Settle with whatever they say,” he said, making it clear he holds no grudge toward Lamar or Jay-Z.
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur explores the many “what ifs” of two of Hollywood’s finest creative exports and what the vast possibilities reveal about resilience, redemption, and the realities Black folk face in the industry.
There’s a universe—not so far from our own—where Michael B. Jordan is simply remembered as Wallace, the wide-eyed kid from The Wire, who looked after younger, homeless kids in Baltimore. In that timeline, he never becomes Adonis Creed. Never channels righteous, revolutionary rage as Killmonger. Never evolves into a Hollywood director. He’s just another hood celebrity whose star dimmed before it had the chance to shine.
But in our reality, MBJ has ascended into Hollywood’s elite, crafting a career that celebrates Black strength, complexity and resilience. It hasn’t been without bumps, but he’s bounced back from every misstep. His new film, Sinners, is set in the Jim Crow South. The Ryan Coogler-helmed movie fuses horror with history, creating a layered metaphor. As I see it, it’s about the very real monsters that have hunted Black people in America since the first Africans arrived on this soil. The movie’s premise may hinge on fictional vampires, but the terror feels all too familiar.
It’s this concept of other realities is rooted in our infinite selves that exist based on an infinite number of choices, people around us and circumstances in and out of our control. While Marvel popularized the “Multiverse” as a cinematic spectacle, the idea has far deeper, older roots. In African cosmology, parallel realms and ancestral planes have long shaped spiritual consciousness. The Western world credits quantum theorist Hugh Everett III for the Many-Worlds Interpretation, but the African worldview has always known that there are other realities vibrating nearby.
Coogler and Jordan’s Sinners, intentionally or not, leans into that spiritual science. It’s a tale of two brothers—twins (both played by MBJ) navigating trauma, war, and success. It is set against the backdrop of a racially hostile South, KKK and all. It is horror, yes, but also a vision of self-determination. A juke joint becomes a sanctuary. There are moments of Black joy, Black love, Black community, momentarily free of white interference. Does that sound familiar? Whether you study the history of Black Wall Street or the possible future seen in Wakanda, these sentiments are real. This movie could be Jordan’s crowning achievement. Watching it, I couldn’t help but wonder: where would Jonathan Majors fit into this picture, if things had gone differently?
Remember, he and MBJ presented themselves as close, perhaps even best friends.
Somewhere in another timeline, Majors is still Kang the Conqueror. He’s still Marvel’s anchor, a Black man as the cornerstone of a multibillion-dollar franchise. In that multiverse, he’s showered with accolades, adored by critics and likely still with the woman he was eventually accused of abusing. But inside? Perhaps that version of Jonathan Majors is hollow, unhealed, untouched by the deep work necessary to be a whole, complete man.
In this reality, Majors has fallen hard. He’s been convicted of misdemeanor assault, vilified, cut loose by major movie studios. And yet, in the wreckage, something remarkable has taken shape. He has entered therapy. He has found new spiritual footing. He has re-emerged with Magazine Dreams, a punishing, brilliant performance that was nearly lost to the court of public opinion. Some outlets even tried to sabotage it. And yet, the film is a master class in acting. The controversy nearly drowned it, and yet it still floats, buoyed by the art and those who believe in redemption.
I recently interviewed Majors. Before his fall, it’s doubtful that conversation would have ever happened. He was orbiting a different sun. Now, the distance between us has minimized, if only briefly.
Michael B. Jordan, by contrast, has been just within reach. I interviewed him briefly when he came back to his native Newark, NJ to host community screenings of the Creed series. This is a rare gesture of give-back from someone who could have vanished into Hollywood’s ecosystem. On another occasion, he did something I’ll never forget. During the promo of Black Panther, Black media was essentially blacked our from any interviews.
So, lets just say I decided to be more me to salvage the experience. I saw MBJ and he was flanked by white handlers that rushed him into an elevator, as I asked for a picture. They said he did not have time and they all went on the elevator. However, before the door could close he said, “I can’t do that to my people. He came out and took the picture. It was a glimpse into the man. He could have created a foe in me, unable to write such a glowing co-sign of his character.
Both Jordan and Majors reflect something deeply profound about the state of Black masculinity in a world constantly bent on distorting it. One ascends, nearly spotless. The other stumbles, seemingly permanently stained. But both are artists. Both are students of purpose. Both men remind us that resilience isn’t linear. Redemption, when truly earned, is a radical form of protest for Black men.
It is never just about talent.
In Hollywood, skin color, hair texture, political views and even clandestine whispers can derail a promising career. Black actors must navigate a minefield even while portraying gods, superheroes, supervillains, boxers, revolutionaries and even nerds. We’ve watched clear-cut abusers like Mel Gibson flourish after a scandal. The hypocrisy is glaring and, quite frankly, disgusting.
So yes, I believe in the Multiverse. I believe in the infinite possibilities that emerge from every decision, every sacrifice. I believe every decision creates a ripple. I believe every fall cracks something open. And I believe some of our greatest growth happens at rock bottom, not the spotlight. I believe in the unseen forces that connect one life to another, one path to another. I mean, Majors is now a married man who defines success as waking up next to his queen.
Jonathan Majors and Michael B. Jordan exist at the intersection of fate and free will, ambition and even ancestry. They are mirrors, warnings, and aspirations all at once. We do not need to choose one over the other. They’re not opposites. They’re actually parallel forces. We don’t have to choose between them. We can hold both truths, both timelines, at once.
Ultimately, what matters is what we choose to do in our own universe. What we create, who we uplift, how we rebuild after the fall.
We are in a political climate full of book bans, voter suppression, authoritarianism, modern-day McCarthyism and more…like a return to Jim Crow. We don’t have the luxury of playing it safeIn this universe, Michael B. Jordan is a Hollywood heavyweight and Jonathan Majors is fighting for redemption. But what if things had gone differently?.
So what timeline are you choosing?
Oh yeah. Here’s that picture: January 30, 2018 – Beverly Hills.
50 Cent has hinted at ongoing tension behind the scenes of his new movie, Skillhouse, claiming the horror film can’t legally be released without his sign-off and warning execs to tread carefully.
The Hip-Hop and entertainment mogul aired his grievances in an Instagram post Wednesday night (April 16).
“They can’t release this MOVIE SKILL HOUSE without my signature, which they do not have,” he wrote. “What kinda business are they doing? I’d hate to have to demonstrate.”
The post raised eyebrows across Hollywood and social media, especially since 50 Cent is listed as one of the film’s producers alongside Ryan Kavanaugh, Shane Valdez and Brad Baskin.
Skillhouse is a horror-satire hybrid directed by Saw X and Jigsaw filmmaker Josh Stolberg. The movie follows a group of influencers trapped inside a content house where they’re forced into deadly challenges. Think TikTok meets Saw with a splash of Black Mirror.
The film stars 50 Cent himself, along with social media personalities Bryce Hall and Hannah Stocking. Actor Neal McDonough, MMA fighter Paige VanZant and Jacob Skidmore also appear in the movie.
50 Cent On “Pushing The Envelope” With “Skillhouse”
It was shot at the real-life eSway House, a former hub for TikTok creators, adding a layer of eerie realism to the plot.
Meanwhile, an early preview of the first eight minutes dropped on GenTv.com in 2024 and racked up over 100 million views. The full theatrical release is scheduled for July 11 via Fathom Entertainment.
Despite the buzz, 50 Cent’s public statement suggests there may be unresolved legal or contractual issues behind the scenes. His post didn’t specify what kind of approval he’s withholding, but the message was clear.
The film has already made headlines for its intense production. One cameraman reportedly fainted on set due to the graphic nature of the scenes. Cast members have described the project as a blend of “modern influencer drama” and “’80s slasher” horror.
Boosie Badazz is demanding urgent medical attention and ripping into Atlanta hospitals after suffering chest pain and shortness of breath following a serious car wreck earlier this month.
The Baton Rouge rapper took to Instagram on Wednesday (April 16), clutching his chest and gasping for air as he described his worsening condition.
“I got chest pains, bro; I barely can breathe,” he said in the video. “Doctors say they see nothing wrong.”
Boosie said he’s been dealing with the pain since the April 7 crash, where he was a passenger in a BMW. The vehicle was totaled in a multi-car collision. While he walked away with minor injuries, others involved were hospitalized.
Now, more than a week later, Boosie says he’s still suffering and not getting answers.
“I had five X-rays,” he explained. “They say they don’t see anything, I barely could breathe, bro.”
Frustrated with the lack of urgency, he added, “They kept me in the waiting room for two and a half hours, then I left.” He also claimed the hospital gave him no clear follow-up plan. “I just left the hospital,” Boosie added. “They say they don’t know when they’ll see me next.”
Boosie didn’t hold back when he jumped on X (Twitter), calling out Atlanta’s healthcare system.
“ATLANTA GOT THE WORST HOSPITALS N THE USA. RATCHET, TRIFLING, ETC,” he wrote. “ATLANTA HOSPITALS AINT S###.”
He also pleaded for help from a specialist, writing, “I NEED A CARDIOLOGIST N ATLANTA TO SEE ME ASAP,” and included a phone number for his assistant.
Drake has expanded his legal battle with Universal Music Group (UMG), filing a 107-page amended complaint targeting Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl and Grammy performances.
The updated lawsuit, filed in New York on Wednesday (April 16), argues that Lamar’s performance of “Not Like Us” during the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show—broadcast to 133 million viewers—was “orchestrated to assassinate [Drake’s] character.”
The complaint points to the NFL’s decision to remove the word “pedophile” from the televised version as proof that both the league and UMG recognized the lyric’s defamatory nature.
Drake’s legal team also cited the 2025 Grammy Awards, where “Not Like Us” won both Record of the Year and Song of the Year and was performed live to an audience of 15 million.
The complaint argues that this further spread the song’s message and intensified the reputational damage.
The rapper’s attorneys claim UMG either turned a blind eye or actively worked with outside parties to boost the song’s streaming numbers through bots.
UMG Claims Drake Being “Misled” By His Legal Tam
UMG dismissed the lawsuit as baseless and damaging.
“Drake, unquestionably one of the world’s most accomplished artists and with whom we’ve enjoyed a 16-year successful relationship, is being misled by his legal representatives into taking one absurd legal step after another,” the company said in a statement. “Both the Texas and New York proceedings are an affront to all artists and creative expression. Should his legal representatives senselessly keep the New York lawsuit alive, we will demonstrate that all remaining claims are without merit.”
UMG added, “It is shameful that these foolish and frivolous legal theatrics continue. They are reputationally and financially costly to Drake and have no chance of success.”
The court previously granted Drake’s team permission to request Lamar’s contract with UMG and other internal documents. His attorney claimed the label was “intent on concealing” key evidence.
The complaint also alleges that the ongoing promotion of “Not Like Us” has led to increased threats against Drake and his family while also harming his business relationships and public image.
A hearing on UMG’s motion to dismiss is set for June 30. If the case moves forward, a jury trial could begin later this year and last up to three weeks.
Fans of veteran rappers such as Nas, Raekwon, De La Soul, Ghostface Killah and the late Big L will have seven reasons to celebrate in 2025 thanks to Mass Appeal’s Legend Has It… series.
The rollout began on Wednesday (April 16) with Mass Appeal announcing forthcoming albums from Nas and DJ Premier, Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah and Raekwon, Mobb Deep, Big L, De La Soul and a surprise guest of honor.
According to a press release, the series intends to celebrate the influence of leaders within the genre of Hip-Hop while shinning a light on its birthplace of New York City.
“Legend Has It… is dedicated to celebrating and spotlighting some of the most important and influential Hip-Hop artists of all time,” it reads. “Trailblazers who’ve been instrumental in building and shaping the music and culture and have taken it from the streets of New York City to the wider world leaving an indelible mark on music.”
Releases expected to be apart of the series include a new album from Mass Appeal Records co-founder Nas and celebrated producer DJ Premier, Ghostface Killah’s sequel to his 2000 classic, Supreme Clientele, and a new LP from Raekwon, Emperor’s New Clothes. The series will also honor Prodigy and Trugoy the Dove with the first Mobb Deep and De La Soul albums since their deaths.
Serena Williams is pushing back on the narrative that her appearance at the 2025 Super Bowl with Kendrick Lamar had anything to do with Drake.
On Wednesday (April 16), Williams’ expansive feature interview apart of the TIME100 issue was released and captured the retired tennis champion reflecting on her eventful year in 2024. In addition to remarking on investing millions of dollars in multiple companies through her organization Serena Ventures, Williams also spoke about topics such as rising tennis stars such as Coco Gauff, her new role in become an owner of a WNBA team and of course, her experience appearing in Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime show performance at the top of 2025.
Behind-the-scenes footage of Serena Williams right before she joined Kendrick Lamar during his Super Bowl halftime performance, where she Crip Walked to 'Not Like Us.' pic.twitter.com/ZnSP3GiPuC
In her initial remarks explaining how she became a part of Lamar’s performance in the first place, she revealed that the Compton MC reached out to her just a few weeks before the big game to gauge her interest in being a part of his performance.
“We’ve been trying to do something together for ages,” Williams said.
According to the feature Lamar reportedly watched Williams crip walk after he win at the 2012 London Olympics and was interested in having her incorporate the dance into his performance as a nod respecting their shared West Coast heritage. However, Williams says she was skeptical, at first, when considering the idea.
“I’m like, ‘Wait, what, you’re asking me?’” she said. “I’m not Taylor Swift, let’s be honest. I would have a better chance to be quarterback at the Super Bowl than dance.”
Williams went on to reveal that she and her team did have conversations about the possible negative feedback that could follow her appearance, mainly due to the scrutiny she faced over a decade beforehand when she did the dance on a world-wide stage. In the end, though, Williams decided it was too good of an opportunity to pass up.
“Who would have thought that a tennis player from Compton would be regarded as one of the best tennis players of all time?” she said. “It was just putting an exclamation on it.”
Williams also said, “I don’t know if I regret it or not,” when asked of her decision to dance. “I don’t know the answer to that.”
However, she was discernibly confident in answering to the speculation about whether or not she had ulterior motives in appearing along side Lamar at the Super Bowl due to her past fling with Drake.
“Absolutely not, I would never do that,” she said. “And that was sad, that anyone would ever think that.”
Williams continued, making it clear that she harbors no ill will or resentment toward Drake in any capacity.
“I respect how they could,” she said. “Obviously I can see how someone would think that. But absolutely not. I have never had negative feelings towards him. We’ve known him for so many years.”
However, Williams’ recent monologue at the ESPY’s Awards in 2024 starkly contrasts the sentiments she expressed in the interview.
“If I’ve learned anything this year, it’s that none of us, not a single one of us, not even me, should ever pick a fight with Kendrick Lamar,” she said during the monologue before making a direct swipe at Drake. “He will make your hometown not like you. The next time Drake sits courtside at a Raptors game, they’re going to Forrest Gump him. Seats taken.”
Serena Williams crip walks to “Not Like Us” at the ESPYs and pokes fun at Drake. pic.twitter.com/TTg71OL463
Lil Nas X revealed he was hospitalized Tuesday after suddenly losing movement on the right side of his face, posting a video from a hospital bed that left followers stunned and concerned.
The 26-year-old shared the clip on Instagram, showing himself in a hospital gown while attempting to smile. The right side of his face appeared frozen.
“When I smile, this is me doing a full smile right now by the way… it’s like, what the f###,” he said in the video. “I can’t even laugh right, bro. What the f###! Oh my God. So… oh my God, bro. So… yeah.”
In the caption, he wrote, “Soooo lost control of the right side of my face.” The Grammy-winning performer provided additional medical details in a follow-up post on his Instagram stories.
“I’ve been chewing a lot so I can get this muscle strong,” the rapper said while donning a pink shower cap. “It’s much better, it’s much better. My eye still has to play catch-up, but I can give a genuine smile, so that’s good.
Support poured in quickly from fellow celebrities.
Taraji P. Henson commented, “Get well baby,” while Wanda Sykes added, “Get well love. Sometimes your body tells you to sit down somewhere. Rest up.”
The health scare comes as Lil Nas X gears up for the release of his sophomore album Dreamboy, which is expected to drop later this year.
A declassified Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) report about an alleged violent UFO encounter decades ago just landed on our desk,
In the chilling document declassified and made available to the public by the CIA, a translated Soviet-era investigation details an extraterrestrial encounter that allegedly left dozens of soldiers obliterated in a remote Siberian military training ground.
The document, originally composed in the early 90s and only recently declassified, reads more like the premise of a science fiction thriller than an official intelligence assessment. But its implications are deadly serious.
According to the report, the incident began when a low-flying unidentified object appeared above a military unit. The craft was described as a “low-flying saucer” that suddenly hovered above a group of soldiers during a routine training exercise. It wasn’t long before panic set in. Soldiers instinctively fired surface-to-air missiles, striking the object and causing it to crash.
Then the unthinkable happened.
After the UFO was downed, the document claims that “five short humanoids with large heads and large black eyes got out.”
Their arrival was brief and catastrophic. One surviving soldier recounted that the beings “merged into a single object which acquired a spherical shape.” Moments later, that shape “began to buzz and hiss sharply, and then exploded with a bright light.”
The explosion had devastating consequences. “Twenty-three soldiers who had watched the phenomenon turned into stone poles,” the document states. Two others who stood in the shadows survived, and it was their testimony that found its way into this declassified report.
A senior KGB official allegedly confirmed the incident had been archived with a note.
“If the KGB file corresponds to reality, this is an extremely menacing case,” the KGB official remarked.
The CIA document does not offer independent verification but includes the Soviet account in full, underscoring the agency’s interest in monitoring foreign research into unexplained aerial phenomena.
While the document ends with skepticism—suggesting it could be based on “fantasy information”—its preservation within CIA archives reveals that even the most fantastic stories were deemed worthy of record. Whether true or not, the narrative paints a haunting picture of military confrontation with unknown entities.
This report joins a growing collection of declassified CIA and FBI files that have added weight to long-standing theories of extraterrestrial contact. From Air Force pilots tracking anomalous objects on radar to memos describing craft recovery efforts, the breadth of official documentation suggests a coordinated effort to suppress the truth.
The CIA just released over 12 million pages of declassified docs – including UFO sightings and psychic experiments. pic.twitter.com/TZXPtne5KO
Nicki Minaj called out money-hungry acquaintances and workplace entitlement in a pointed Instagram Story shared with her 229 million followers.
The Hip-Hop heavyweight didn’t hold back in her #NickiMail post, where she appeared to take aim at people expecting handouts instead of hustling.
“Most people don’t want to earn money. They want to be given the money that you’ve had to earn,” she wrote.
Minaj, 42, followed up with a longer message directed at her loyal Barbz, explaining the challenges of hiring people she knows personally.
“If you become financially ‘rich,’ or are ALREADY rich, wealthy, successful, etc., you’ll always have to hire complete strangers (for the most part),” she wrote. She clarified that this isn’t because her friends lack talent or experience, but because familiarity often leads to problems.
“People you’ve known forever will want & NEED a position REAL BAD – bills piling up, eviction notices, drowning in debt, children to feed,” she continued. “But for most of them – once they’re HIRED… that 11 letter word will more than likely bite them in the a*s within the first month.”
She ended the post with a rhetorical question: “Can you guess which word, guys? Entitlement.”
Nicki Minaj didn’t name anyone specifically or offer more context, but the message made clear she’s had enough of people expecting opportunities without putting in the work.
Ice Cube was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Tuesday (April 15). The ceremony took place outside of the TCL Chinese Theater in the heart of Hollywood, where friends, family and fans gathered to see the trailblazing West Coast rapper/actor cement his status—literally.
Cube shared an Instagram post commemorating the occasion with the caption, “Today was legendary. Left my prints in cement at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Honored to continue to receive my flowers in a business I never thought I’d be apart of.”
Several of his peers hopped in the comment section to congratulate Cube. Xzibit wrote, “Well deserved and long overdue. Thank you for being the cornerstone for this thing of ours called West Coast Hip Hop Don Mega. Salute,” while Redman offered a simple, “CONGRATS Champ!” Killer Mike, DJ Premier, DJ Jazzy Jeff, D-Nice and DJ Mathematics were among the many other familiar names showing their support.
There’s a sense Ice Cube never thought he’d be able to realize a dream so big and seemingly so out of reach. In the late ’80s/early ’90s, Ice Cube and the rest of N.W.A came out swinging with songs like “F### Tha Police” and “Straight Outta Compton,” not exactly family-friendly material.
The industry wasn’t ready for the politically-charged, raw street anthems N.W.A was pumping out at the time, but the seismic impact the group had was undeniable.
N.W.A is credited with launching the West Coast gangsta rap movement, leading to a plethora of artists to follow in their footsteps. Cube, in particular, went on to have a fruitful solo career and blossomed into a seasoned actor along the way.
In honor of his illustrious career, Ice Cube announced the Truth to Power: Four Decades of Attitude Tour the same day he received his star. For the first time in 20 years, Cube will hit multiple arenas across North America. The run kicks off on September 4 in Brooklyn, New York, and wraps up on October 9 in Toronto.
AllHipHop spoke to Ice Cube in December 2024, not long after the release of his latest solo album, Man Down. He opened up about fame and what he truly thinks of all the fanfare.
“I appreciate fame,” he said. “It’s It’s been very good to me. It’s provided me with a lifestyle that I could have never dreamed of. And I appreciate my fans because they’re the reason. And so, you know, I look at my fans as my little army. They the folks that’s always supported my projects. And sometimes you might like my projects. Sometimes you might love it. Sometimes it might not be your cup of tea. But they always give me another look and another chance to give them something cool, so I appreciate that.”
Catch Ice Cube taking his catalog coast-to-coast in a city near you soon. Find the tour dates below.
