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Kid Cudi Needed Rehab After Weed Habit Exploded: “It Truly Ruled My Life”

By: Brxton LeeCategory: News

Kid Cudi re-evaluated his marijuana use and acting process after a rehab stint last fall that preceded the release of his memoir and latest album.

The 41-year-old artist, born Scott Mescudi, told People he checked himself into treatment in November 2024 to address what had become a dependency on weed.

“I just was in this place where I was abusing it,” he said. “I was really abusing it. I was smoking maybe 15 blunts a day, wake up in the mornings, get high. It truly ruled my life.”

Cudi said he gave up smoking entirely for two months before reintroducing it in moderation.

“And now I just get after it at night or on the weekends when I have the free time and I’m just relaxing, but I’m not smoking nowhere near as much weed as I was smoking before,” he said. “A joint lasts me all day, damn near. So my relationship has changed with that in a major way. And I’m just more interested in being sober a lot more and being more present.”

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The change has already impacted his work on screen. Known for roles in Don’t Look Up and How to Make It in America, Cudi said he used to be “blitzed out of my mind” while filming. But during a recent project, he remained sober and noticed a shift.

“Granted, it’s not like it hinders me in any type of way because I was smoking so much that I wasn’t really getting high,” he said. “So people have seen me act for years and they love my acting. They love the stuff I’ve done, but it’s just something different when you’re on set and you’re sober and you can feel the emotions.

“Because in this movie, I cried a handful of times and it was easy to get there because I was sober. There’s no way I could have done this if I was high as s###.”

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Cudi’s memoir, Cudi: The Memoir, released alongside his 11th studio album, Free, explores his upbringing in Cleveland, his rise in Hip-Hop and his personal battles with addiction and healing. The book has since landed on the New York Times Best Seller list.

“I hope it gives [fans] some hope that you do come out on the other side and into the light and God puts us through things because he wants to teach us something,” Cudi said. “It’s always a lesson in there, always. Even if it doesn’t seem like it could be possible, because in the moment, everything just seems like all is lost, you know what I mean? But if you really think about it, everything happens for a reason.”

Cudi: The Memoir is available now through Simon & Schuster.  Free is out via Wicked Awesome and Republic Records.

Taylor Townsend Warns Jelena Ostapenko After U.S. Open: “Better Remember Where I’m From”

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Taylor Townsend didn’t just win her second-round match at the U.S. Open — she made headlines for what happened after the final point, trading sharp words with Jelena Ostapenko at the net in a tense post-match exchange that lit up social media.

Townsend defeated Ostapenko 7-5, 6-1 on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, but the match’s aftermath stole the spotlight.

During the handshake, Ostapenko allegedly told Townsend she had “no class and no education,” criticizing her for not apologizing after a net cord winner and for not warming up from the baseline.

“She told me that I have no education, no class and to see what happens if we play each other outside of the U.S. And I said I’m excited. Bring it. I’ve never been the one to back down from anything like that, but I just thought that it was really interesting,” Townsend said after the match.

Townsend, 27, brushed off the confrontation and said she believed Ostapenko’s behavior stemmed from frustration.

“I chalk that up to competition. I chalk it up to being upset. She pulled out all the stops to try and break the momentum and sometimes people do that, but it is what it is. Still, no beef. But like you guys saw, I’m not going to back down because you’re not going to insult me, especially after I carried myself a certain type of way with nothing but respect,” she said.

She added, “If I show you respect, I expect the same in return. That’s just how it is.”

Townsend also reminded reporters that she had already beaten Ostapenko outside the United States.

“I beat her in Canada, outside the U.S. I beat her in New York, inside the U.S., so let’s see what else she has to say.”

On Instagram, Townsend posted, “Brought the fire, some people can’t take the heat,” followed by “Onto the next! Love yall.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/DN4ZB2BDvt\_/?hl=en&img\_index=1

Ostapenko later responded on her own Instagram, accusing Townsend of disrespect and pointing to tennis etiquette as the root of her frustration.

Townsend said she found the entire situation “humorous” and dismissed the idea that she owed anyone an apology. She also rejected any suggestion that Ostapenko’s comments had racial undertones.

The heated moment has drawn attention beyond the tennis world, with the viral clip circulating widely online. Townsend will play her third-round match later this week.

Drake Reveals How First Kiss Came About In “Degrassi” Doc About Outcast High School Years

By: Nolan StrongCategory: News

Drake revisited his teenage years and early acting days in a new trailer for Degrassi: Whatever It Takes, reflecting on how the Canadian teen drama changed his life and launched his path to superstardom.

The rapper and former actor appears in the upcoming documentary, which premieres September 13, at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The film marks the 40th anniversary of the Degrassi franchise and dives into its cultural legacy, emotional storytelling and influence on generations of young viewers.

Drake played Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi: The Next Generation from 2001 to 2009.

“I didn’t have a great time in high school, I just didn’t really fit in,” Drake says in the trailer. “And then one day my mom called me and told me, ‘You got the role.’ And I just grabbed my bag and left. What a wild journey that started.”

In the film, he reflects on a scene where his character kisses Paige Michalchuk, played by Lauren Collins, and realizes it was a personal milestone.

“She had to be one of my first kisses for sure,” he says. “Damn, I never thought about it like that.”

Directed by Lisa Rideout, the documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the beloved series, featuring interviews with cast members such as Dayo Ade, Jake Epstein, Shane Kippel, Stefan Brogren, Shenae Grimes-Beech and others.

The film showcases the show’s bold approach to tackling real-life issues, including teen pregnancy, mental health and identity.

The film explores how Degrassi stood apart from other teen dramas by confronting complex topics without sugarcoating.

The series began with The Kids of Degrassi Street in 1979 and evolved through multiple iterations, culminating in Degrassi: The Next Generation, which ran until 2015.

Lil Wayne Salutes “Traylor” Engagement In Kansas City

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Lil Wayne gave a surprise shoutout to Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift during his Kansas City concert, pausing mid-show to toast the couple’s engagement while rocking a cardigan—a nod to Swift’s signature style.

“I’m dressed in spirit. In the spirit of my man Travis and my girl, you already know Taylor. Traylor! That’s what we call them. Congratulations,” Wayne told the crowd, drawing cheers from the hometown audience of the Kansas City Chiefs tight end.

The moment marked a full-circle shift from earlier this year when the Green Bay Packers supporter slammed the Chiefs online after their playoff win over the Houston Texans.

“It’s not even impressive when u cheat and then clearly try to cheat. Just win baby,” Wayne posted on X in January. “I hate the cheating azz Chiefs.”

Despite the jab, Kelce didn’t seem fazed. He and his brother Jason addressed the comment on their New Heights podcast, with Jason saying, “The whole world was talking about something else during the game. Even Lil Wayne.”

Travis responded with a quick nod to the rapper, saying, “Shout out to Tunechi, man.”

Wayne’s public congratulations suggest any lingering tension has cooled off. The Hip-Hop icon’s gesture in Kelce’s hometown showed a light-hearted side to a previously heated exchange.

Kelce and Swift’s engagement became public earlier this month.

YSL Crew Implodes As Co-Founder Slams Young Thug Over Snitch Allegations

By: London JennnCategory: News

YSL co-founder YSL Mondo unleashed a blistering critique of Young Thug on Wednesday (August 27) after resurfaced interrogation audio reignited accusations of snitching, triggering a wave of infighting within the YSL camp.

In a series of pointed remarks, Mondo accused Thug of hypocrisy for branding Gunna a “rat” following his Alford plea in the YSL RICO case, only for Thug’s own past statements to come under scrutiny.

“That ain’t nothing but God biting you back in your ass, bro,” Mondo said, referencing Thug’s previous criticism of Gunna. “Instead, you still come out pushing the rat narrative… Now look, it came back and bit you in the ass.”

Mondo didn’t stop there. He called out Thug’s supporters for defending him despite the audio, which many believe shows Thug implicating Peewee Roscoe in the 2015 Lil Wayne tour bus shooting case.

“Bro, if you sit down with 12 and bust out and say these words,” he added. “If y’all talking about a n#### like Gunna ratted from saying ‘Yes ma’am,’ you mean to tell me this not making a n#### a rat by saying ‘They said Rosco shot the bus up.'”

He also blasted Roscoe for standing by Thug despite serving a decade behind bars.

“A n#### like Rosco did 10 years behind this s###,” Mondo said. “You just got on the internet talking ’bout a n#### didn’t rat on you? Boy, your ass so brainwashed. It’s sickening.”

Mondo continued, “Rosco, you the worst, twin. You’re worse than the rat itself. You did 10 years twin behind this s###, Rosco. You did 10 years behind it, brother. And you just come on the internet and say a n#### didn’t tell on you when everybody just heard this man say your name a few times.”

Roscoe, for his part, defended Thug in a video, denying that the rapper ever snitched. He even described Thug as “clean as Listerine.”

“When you go in the interrogation room, that’s what you do,” he insisted. “You tell ’em, ‘We sold Dwayne Carter weed.’ What the f### is wrong with you? A statement is this right here…. He did what a tax-paying citizen do, a real street n####. He kept it silent, kept it overly real. Really, tried to pull me out the hole.”

The tension didn’t stop with Mondo and Roscoe.

YSL Duke took aim at Yak Gotti on X (Twitter), over alleged statements made to law enforcement.

Meanwhile, YSL Woody chimed in, urging people to stop the online drama and focus on their own lives.

Young Thug denied snitching on Peewee Roscoe amid widespread accusations.

He posted on social media: “They didn’t play my interrogation video in court cause I helped my brada #Ratwhere?”

Charleston White Vows To Write Judge Urging Longer Sentence For Boosie Badazz

By: London JennnCategory: News

Charleston White took his long-running grudge with Boosie Badazz to another level Wednesday (August 27) by pledging to personally contact the federal judge overseeing Boosie’s gun case, demanding the rapper serve at least one year behind bars.

“I’m going to write a letter to Little Boosie federal judge; reminding the judge who Marlo Mike was to Boozie!,” White posted on Instagram. “I will find every single video of Boozie disrespecting the police and speaking against our great law enforcement agencies! I will find all those videos where Boozie was mocking our POTUS for his recent criminal convictions! In hopes of Boozie being sentenced to maximum sentencing guidelines of 15 years.”

Boosie Badazz pleaded guilty earlier this week to a federal charge of illegal firearm possession stemming from a 2023 arrest in San Diego. Under the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped a second weapons charge and recommended a two-year prison term—far below the 15-year maximum.

The deal also includes three years of supervised release following his sentence.

White, never one to hold back, responded to reports of the proposed sentence with more online jabs.

“Boosie fans talking like 24 months not a long time!” he stated. “Boosie going to a maximum USP facility because of those 5 murder charges on his arrest record! Furthermore, the judge can sentence this known criminal longer than 24 months in Federal prison!”

He also posted a mock prayer video, sarcastically counting down to Boosie’s potential incarceration. He captioned the post, “It’s count down time!”

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The reference to Marlo Mike touches on Boosie’s 2012 murder trial, where prosecutors accused the rapper of paying Michael “Marlo Mike” Louding $2,800 to kill Terry Boyd.

Though Louding was convicted and sentenced to life without parole, he later claimed police coerced his confession. Jurors acquitted Boosie after deliberating for less than an hour.

Charleston White Taunts Boosie Badazz Over Federal Plea Deal

White has repeatedly celebrated Boosie’s legal troubles. He even bet $10,000 that the rapper would die in prison due to health complications, including diabetes and stroke.

He’s also made inflammatory remarks about Boosie’s children and promised to create content mocking them during their father’s incarceration.

Their feud, which dates back to 2022, has included personal attacks, criminal allegations and even FBI involvement.

White previously accused Boosie of threatening a promoter in Baton Rouge and claimed he alerted federal authorities.

FBG Murda Hospitalized After Gunfight—Police Say He’s Not Victim

By: London JennnCategory: News

FBG Murda took multiple bullets during a scuffle at a Texas muffler shop, but police say he’s no victim—they’re calling him the aggressor in an armed confrontation that left him hospitalized and facing charges.

The 26-year-old Dallas rapper, born Cayto Rivers, was shot several times on Tuesday (August 26) during a violent altercation at a business in Irving, according to the Irving Police Department.

Authorities say the incident involved FBG Murda, 21-year-old Elijah Jacobs and the shop’s owners.

Police allege that Murda and Jacobs entered a restricted area of the shop, became hostile when told to leave, pulled out guns and got into a physical fight with the business owners.

“During the struggle, the suspects threatened to shoot the victims,” police said in a statement. “As one victim held onto a suspect, the suspects attempted to flee in a vehicle, dragging the victim alongside. During this altercation, a firearm was discharged, and one suspect was struck.”

Despite being the one shot, Murda is listed by police as a suspect, not a victim.

Once he’s released from medical care, he’s expected to be booked for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Jacobs was arrested and charged with the same offense.

Video clips posted to social media show Murda receiving emergency care after the shooting, prompting concern from the Hip-Hop community.

The rapper has built a strong presence in the Dallas drill scene, with a growing audience on TikTok and Spotify.

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Investigators have not yet determined who fired the shot that struck Murda.

The motive behind the confrontation remains unclear, and police are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Cardi B Cleared By Witness In Explosive Assault Trial Testimony

By: London JennnCategory: News

Cardi B received fresh courtroom support on Wednesday (August 27) as a key witness testified that she did not see the rapper lay a hand on a security guard during a 2018 dispute at a Beverly Hills OB-GYN office.

Tierra Malcolm, the receptionist working at the clinic that day, told jurors she stepped into the hallway after hearing raised voices. She saw Cardi B and security guard Emani Ellis in a heated verbal exchange—but there was no physical contact. She added that she placed herself between the two women to de-escalate the situation.

Malcolm testified she later noticed a scratch on her face, which she believed came from Ellis, not Cardi. She said she was facing the guard with her back to Cardi during the incident.

Her account directly challenged Ellis’ claim that Cardi B assaulted her during the confrontation.

The incident happened while the clinic had closed early to give Cardi privacy for her prenatal appointment.

Malcolm’s testimony helped reinforce Cardi’s version of events, which she had shared earlier in the week during her own testimony.

“I didn’t hit her. She didn’t hit me. There was no touch. So to me, there was no incident,” Cardi told the court, denying any physical altercation. She admitted the two were “chest-to-chest” and exchanged words, but insisted it never turned violent.

Cardi also pointed out she was four months pregnant at the time and weighed about 130 pounds, while Ellis was significantly larger. She insisted she would not have gotten physical, adding that Ellis’ filming of her without consent triggered the confrontation.

Backing up Malcolm’s testimony, Dr. David Finke—the OB-GYN who treated Cardi that day—said he saw Ellis cause a shoulder injury to Malcolm and did not witness Cardi B touch anyone.

“I’m just flabbergasted with the allegations that don’t seem congruent with what I saw that day,” Finke told the court.

The civil trial continues this week in Los Angeles County.

Charleston White Rips Into Young Thug Over Viral Audio: “You Didn’t Take The Stand, But You Told”

By: London JennnCategory: News

Charleston White unleashed on Young Thug over a newly resurfaced 2015 interrogation video, accusing the rapper of snitching while calling out what he sees as hypocrisy in Hip-Hop.

“I’m going to slaughter Young Thug,” White declared in a video posted online, reacting to the leaked footage. “I prophesized this. I told y’all Young Thug was gone go tell it.”

The viral audio, which began circulating online Wednesday (August 27), shows Young Thug speaking with investigators about Peewee Roscoe, who was tied to the 2015 shooting of Lil Wayne’s tour bus.

In the clip, Thug says, “They said Roscoe, but I don’t wanna block out y’all’s case by saying Roscoe ain’t do that,” and “Every day [Roscoe] broke the f###### law.”

That was enough for White to go on the offensive.

“First thing they tell you before you sit down is you do know you have the right to remain silent,” he said. |Anything you say can and will be used against you. You have a right to an attorney. You have a right to have an attorney present. Right then and there, you don’t want to talk no more. Well, I thought we don’t talk to police.”

White then took aim at Thug’s past criticism of Gunna, who accepted an Alford plea in the YSL RICO case in 2022.

“A two-hour interrogation,” he continued. “And you mad at Yak Gotti? You mad at Gunna? Gunna don’t have no interrogation tape. And everybody mad at Gunna. This is what I tell y’all. Hip hop is fake. They pick and choose.”

He didn’t stop there. White mocked Thug’s street credibility and invited him to switch sides.

“Come on over with me, Young Thug,” he teased. “Turn in your jersey, Young Thug, and come on over here and sit down with the tattletail. You didn’t take the stand, but you told.”

White added, “This is why y’all ship sunk. The whole YSL-tell group was a loose lip full of boys. They weren’t just talking in the interrogation room. They was talking on record, too. Confessing on record.”

Young Thug Denies “Rat” Accusations

The backlash stems from Thug’s own history of calling out others for cooperating with law enforcement.

His jab at Gunna for allegedly “snitching” became a flashpoint during the YSL case, making the emergence of this old interrogation video even more controversial.

Thug responded to the criticism on social media, writing, “They didn’t play my interrogation video in court cause I helped my brada #Ratwhere?” suggesting he was trying to protect Peewee Roscoe, not incriminate him.

Young Thug Dragged By Fans After Viral Police Audio Prompts Snitch Accusations

By: London JennnCategory: News

Young Thug found himself at the center of online ridicule Wednesday (August 27) after old police interview audio resurfaced showing him allegedly naming Peewee Roscoe in connection to a high-profile shooting, prompting accusations of snitching and a wave of memes calling him a “rat.”

The clip, which quickly made the rounds on social media, features the Atlanta rapper in a police interrogation room discussing the 2015 shooting of Lil Wayne‘s tour bus.

During the two-hour audio recording, Thug appears to reference Roscoe. “They said Roscoe,” he says. “But I don’t wanna block out y’all case by saying Roscoe ain’t do that.”

He also adds, “Every day [Roscoe] broke the f###### law.”

The resurfaced recording triggered a flood of online commentary. Users compared Thug’s situation to that of Gunna, who was previously accused of cooperating with prosecutors after taking an Alford plea in the YSL RICO case.

One user wrote, “Legit nothing Gunna said was used in court either… You can’t move the goalpost now.”

Another added, “Young Thug came out of jail, burnt down bridges, released zero good music and just got exposed for being a rat. Tough scenes.”

Young Thug Reacts To Resurfaced Audio

Thug responded to the backlash on X( Twitter). He wrote, “They didn’t play my interrogation video in court cause I helped my brada #Ratwhere?

He also reposted a message from a fan account that read, “The DA kept objecting to letting it in.”

The irony wasn’t lost on many, given Thug’s past cryptic jabs at Gunna.

In earlier posts, Thug wrote, “If u a rapper and u a rat, u gotta just go gospel twin,” and “U f###### rat representer shut up,” which many interpreted as thinly veiled shots at his former collaborator.

Gunna, who walked free in December 2022 after entering an Alford plea, has consistently denied cooperating with authorities.

Prince Jackson Announces Engagement With Tribute To Father Michael Jackson

By: London JennnCategory: News

Prince Jackson marked a major milestone on Tuesday (August 2) by announcing his engagement to longtime girlfriend Molly Schirmang with a touching tribute to his late father, Michael Jackson.

The 27-year-old shared the news on Instagram with a photo slideshow capturing eight years of memories — from vacations to family gatherings — all set to the King of Pop’s 1987 ballad “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You.” The song choice wasn’t random. It was a clear nod to his father’s influence and presence in his life.

“8 years down [eternity] to go,” Prince wrote in the caption. “Molly and I have spent a lot of time together and made incredible memories. We’ve traveled the world, graduated and grown so much together. I’m excited for this next chapter in our lives as we continue to grow and make great memories. I love you babs.”

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The couple met while attending Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and have been together since around 2017.

Their relationship has remained mostly private, though Prince has occasionally shared glimpses of their life together on social media.

Among the images in the engagement post was a sweet shot of the couple with Prince’s grandmother, Katherine Jackson, who raised him and his siblings after Michael Jackson’s death in 2009.

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Prince, born Prince Michael Jackson Jr. in February 1997, is the eldest of Michael’s three children.

His younger siblings include Paris Jackson and Bigi Jackson. The trio were largely kept out of the public eye during their early years but have since stepped into the spotlight in their own ways.

The couple has not yet shared a wedding date.

French Montana Confirms He’s Engaged To Dubai Princess Sheikha Mahra

By: Houston WilliamsCategory: News

French Montana confirmed his engagement to Sheikha Mahra, the Princess of Dubai, according to his rep. The proposal reportedly happened in June during Paris Fashion Week, where the Bronx-raised artist also hit the runway.

The engagement links Dubai royalty to a staple in Hip-Hop, giving their romance an international spotlight. French and Sheikha Mahra were first spotted together in 2024 and have continuously made headlines for their dates. Their outings have included mosque visits, candlelit dinners in Dubai and Morocco, a strolls in Paris and even camel rides.

Wedding details are still being finalized. Both families are reportedly thrilled about the union and are working to plan the celebrations.

French recently dropped a new track, “Pack U Up,” with rising New York star Cash Cobain. The release is rapidly approaching a million views on YouTube.

French Montana is a decidedly New York artist, who made his name with hits like “Unforgettable” and “Pop That,” but hasn’t shied away from his Moroccan roots. This royal connection mirrors rap’s global reach.

EXCLUSIVE: Cardi B Sued For Betraying Gang Code Over Megan Thee Stallion Collaboration

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Exclusives

Cardi B was hit with an absurd lawsuit from a Michigan inmate who claimed she broke gang “rules” by teaming up with Megan Thee Stallion—and the judge tossed it almost immediately.

The inmate, who’s doing time in Michigan, filed a lawsuit from behind bars saying Cardi violated some gang code when she worked with Meg.

He claims he’s part of the Almighty Vice Lord Nation and says Cardi reps the Righteous United Blood Nation. According to him, neither group messes with “rats, snitches, [and] informants.”

He said that Cardi made music with Megan, who told police about Tory Lanez shooting her.

The guy said that the move went against the gang’s entire ‘no-snitch’ policy and that Cardi had basically betrayed their code by working with someone who had cooperated with the police.

He also tried to say Cardi used offensive language and racial slurs in her lyrics and that she misrepresented his culture. He wanted the court to step in and stop her from working with anyone who’s ever talked to the feds.

The judge was not even close to buying it. The court tossed the frivolous case with prejudice, which means it cannot be refiled.

The inmate is responsible for the $350 filing fee. The Michigan Department of Corrections will take 20% of his monthly prison account until it’s paid off.

Denzel Washington Says He Doesn’t Watch Movies

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Denzel Washington says he’s over watching movies and unsure how many more he’ll make, even as he promotes his latest collaboration with Spike Lee, Highest 2 Lowest.

In a GQ video sit-down with Lee, the 70-year-old actor didn’t hold back about his lack of interest in watching films these days.

“I don’t watch movies, man. I really don’t,” Washington said. “I’m just being honest with you! I don’t watch movies! I don’t go to the movies. I don’t watch movies… I’m tired of movies. Yeah.”

The pair reunited to promote Highest 2 Lowest, a crime thriller that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May. It’s their fifth project together following Mo’ Better Blues, Malcolm X, He Got Game and Inside Man.

When Lee asked how many films Washington had done, the actor replied, “Too many. I think 50!”

Lee stirred speculation at Cannes when he suggested this could be their final collaboration.

“I think this is it – five. He’s been talking about retirement, so… Even though he just did another deal. I thought you said you were retired, Denzel, what’s up?! But those five films together, those stand up.”

However, Lee later walked back the retirement talk in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, saying, “I said that before, but I got my mind right. I’m open to work with Denzel Washington and this not be the last film of the dynamic duo, D and Lee.”

Highest 2 Lowest, which also stars Jeffrey Wright and A$AP Rocky, will debut on Apple TV+ on September 5 following a limited theatrical release.

EXCLUSIVE: Damon Dash Gets Win—Judge Shuts Down Photographer’s Case Again

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Damon Dash scored a courtroom victory in California after a federal judge refused to revive a long-running lawsuit brought by photographer Monique Bunn over the alleged misuse of her photo archive.

The judge rejected Bunn’s motion to reconsider the case, stating her latest arguments were no different from those already dismissed. The court had previously ruled that Bunn failed to prove she suffered any financial harm when items she claimed were taken were not returned.

Bunn had asked the court to overturn a jury verdict that found she was not entitled to damages. However, the judge stated that she presented no new evidence or legal basis to justify changing the outcome.

This final decision effectively renders the lawsuit dead, with no compensation awarded to Bunn.

The legal dispute began when Bunn sued Damon Dash, accusing him of improperly keeping and using over 100,000 of her photographs. She had worked on a shoot for Dash’s fashion brand and later claimed he failed to pay her and used the images without her consent.

Bunn said her portfolio included more than 250,000 images and sought $50 million in damages, estimating the value of each photo at $1,500.

Dash denied having the photos and said they were not on the CDs in question.

In 2023, a jury cleared Dash of sexual assault and conversion claims but found him liable for defamation, awarding Bunn $30,000.

Bunn later filed a motion for a new trial, arguing that Dash had acknowledged the value of the photos and that the damages were significant. The court rejected that motion, saying she failed to offer enough evidence to support her claims.

Dash and his attorney have criticized Bunn’s legal team, particularly her lawyer, Christopher Brown, who has filed multiple lawsuits against Dash in the past.

Dash is currently promoting his latest project from Freeway & The Black Guns, titled 365.

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The Weeknd Seeks $1 Billion Deal Using His Music Catalog As Collateral

By: London JennnCategory: News

The Weeknd is aiming to secure a whopping $1 billion in financing using his chart-topping music catalog as collateral without giving up ownership of his rights.

The Grammy Award-winning artist is working with Lyric Capital Group, a New York-based firm that specializes in music royalties, to structure a deal that would immediately deliver $250 million in cash and an additional $750 million in debt, according to Bloomberg.

Rather than selling off his catalog, the plan involves leveraging the remaining half of his publishing rights, which are not currently held by Chord Music Partners. Chord already owns 50 percent of his publishing stake. The move would allow The Weeknd to retain full control of his music while unlocking capital for future ventures in film, television and fashion.

The Weeknd’s catalog includes some of the most commercially successful singles of the past decade, including “Blinding Lights,” “Starboy” and “Can’t Feel My Face.”

Each track continues to generate consistent revenue, making them attractive assets for financial backing. If the deal closes, it could catapult The Weeknd into the billionaire tier of music moguls. However, the high level of debt involved also introduces considerable financial risk.

The move comes as The Weeknd prepares to step away from his stage name and rebrand for his next chapter. He’s currently on the After Hours Til Dawn 2025 stadium tour, which kicked off on May 9 in Phoenix and will wrap up September 20 in Las Vegas. 

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Young Dolph-Hernandez Govan Case Juror Says it Should Have Never Gone To Trial

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Hernandez Govan walked free after a jury found him not guilty in the Young Dolph murder trial, with the jury foreman later saying the case should have never reached a courtroom.

The panel reached its decision after just three hours of deliberation, concluding that prosecutors failed to meet the legal standard of proof.

The foreman, speaking to WREG, pointed to the prosecution’s reliance on Cornelius Smith—a co-defendant-turned-witness—and his girlfriend, Angela, both of whom the jury found to be unreliable.

“It’s not what you know, it’s what you can prove in court. Statement after statement, he was rebutted by his own statements. So if this is the prosecution’s star witness, that case should have never went to trial,” the jury foreman said.

Govan had faced charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy in connection with the November 2021 killing of the Memphis rapper outside Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies.

Prosecutors alleged Govan helped coordinate the shooting, acting as a middleman between the suspected mastermind and the shooters.

Smith testified that Govan recruited him and Justin Johnson to carry out the hit, allegedly offering $100,000. However, the defense attacked Smith’s credibility, arguing he was trying to reduce his own sentence and noting inconsistencies in his testimony.

Phone records showed contact between Govan, Smith, Johnson and Big Jook, who prosecutors said was tied to a feud between Young Dolph’s Paper Route Empire and Yo Gotti’s CMG.

But the jury wasn’t convinced the digital trail proved Govan’s involvement in planning the murder.

“It is not what was there, but what wasn’t there,” the foreman added, explaining that the lack of hard evidence ultimately led to Govan’s acquittal.

Despite the emotional weight of the case, the jury focused strictly on the legal threshold.

“You have to understand, I don’t think anybody—but I will just go with myself—felt great about the verdict,” the foreman said. “There were tears afterwards. Even the judge said, ‘This is a big thing.'”

Govan hugged his attorney and thanked the judge before walking out a free man on August 21, 2025.

Offset’s “KIARI” Album Headed For Dismal Billboard Debut

By: Brxton LeeCategory: News

Offset is staring down a lukewarm Billboard 200 debut and a cold shoulder from the charts as his third solo album, KIARI is projected to move just 28,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, according to HITS Daily Double.

The Atlanta rapper’s latest release, which dropped Friday (August 22), is expected to land at No. 17 on the Billboard 200 next week. That’s a steep drop from his previous solo efforts—Set It Off debuted in the top five in 2023 with 70,000 units, while Father of 4 cracked the Top 5 in 2019 with 89,000.

Despite the numbers, Offset is standing by the project, calling it his most personal yet.

“KIARI is me.,” he told Hypebeast. “I challenged myself as an artist and really put it all into the music. I took my time putting this project together. I know who I am, and I hope the world gets to understand who KIARI is through this album.

The 18-track album features a mix of collaborators including JID, NBA YoungBoy, John Legend, Gunna, Teezo Touchdown and Key Glock. Critics have responded positively, with Rolling Stone giving it four out of five stars and Album of the Year users averaging a 75 percent rating.

Still, the commercial response hasn’t matched the critical reception. The modest sales suggest that even with a more introspective approach, Offset’s solo draw may not yet match the collective power of Migos, the group he helped lead before their split in late 2022.

Outside the studio, Offset made headlines for his blunt take on marriage during an appearance on the Full Send podcast. At 33, the rapper said he’s done with walking down the aisle—especially after his turbulent relationship with Cardi B, with whom he shares three children.

“I’m married, I did it. I’m not doing it again,” Offset said. “I feel like men should not get married.”

He didn’t stop there, telling host Kyle Forgeard that marriage flips a man’s life upside down. Forgeard, who admitted he’s hesitant to even have a girlfriend, agreed that relationships can feel like a distraction when you’re focused on building your brand.

Offset’s comments come amid ongoing tension with Cardi B, who filed for divorce in 2020 and has had an on-again, off-again relationship with the rapper since.

KIARI was released Friday (August 22) through Motown Records.

Beyoncé Finds Hater In Oddest Place—”Big Brother”

By: illseedCategory: Rumors

Kelley Jorgensen might have thought she was just talking to a fellow houseguest, but the cameras on CBS’ Big Brother never stop rolling. Now she’s dealing with a different type of reality. This wave of criticism about Beyoncé resurfaced online nearly a month after she made them. Here we go…

During a “casual” conversation inside the house, Kelley Jorgensen, who happens to be a white contestant, admitted she was “scared” of Beyoncé. What? Later, she doubled down by saying she didn’t like the superstar at all. OK. The statements didn’t get much attention when she first made them, but clips have since gone viral. Now, the world is slowly, but surely catching up to what die-hard fans saw.

Jorgensen made the comments in front of one of the show’s two Black female contestants, Ashley. And, she immediately realized she might have crossed a line. Cameras captured her saying she thought she “messed up” by even bringing it up. Foreshadowing, anybody?

The BeyHive hasn’t taken kindly to Jorgensen’s word, but they are not fully buzzing yet. Some critics are brushing off the controversy as reality-show drama. Fair enough. others are openly questioning Jorgensen’s motives and mindset. Is she just being careless? Is it ignorance? Or something deeper?

Inside the Big Brother house, the fallout could add another layer of strategy to the game. Contestants are already plotting against one another, and Jorgensen may find herself an easy target for elimination! They turn on each other every day so you never know. However, if Ashley or Mickey are BeyHivers…she has a major issue.

As with all Big Brother storylines, the real test comes after eviction. Jorgensen may eventually leave the house and face the…music.

For now, Jorgensen is still in the house, the cameras are still rolling, and her comments about Beyoncé continue to circulate online. We’ll be watching.

@reality_allie

Replying to @TheDerekFrazier NOT ON BEYONCÉ INTERNET #BB #BB27 #kelley #beyonceknowles

♬ original sound – Reality Allie

Big Daddy Kane Adds 2 More Legends To “Paragraphs I Manifest” Documentary

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: Exclusives

Big Daddy Kane has been busy—performing, recording, traveling and being a family man keeps him moving. But, in the midst of all that, he’s been working on a documentary called Paragraphs I Manifest, which has been in production since at least 2021. But there’s been a couple of changes since the Juice Crew alum first announced the film, including two more interviews and a new network home.

“It’s not gonna be Netflix now,” he recently told AllHipHop. “It’s gonna be Paramount+. We are in the final stages of closing the deal. Everything was up in the air with that whole Skydance and Paramount merger. But we’re pretty much there now and it’s looking good. Everybody’s excited about it.”

Paragraphs I Manifest, executive produced by Big Daddy Kane, digs deep into the art of lyricism and boasts interviews with Eminem, JAY-Z, J. Cole, Snoop Dogg, MC Lyte, Common, Doug E. Fresh and KRS-One. But Kane has since added a couple more.

“I did decide to do two more interviews,” he reveals. “Kool Moe D and Black Thought.”

 










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With those additions, the documentary is completely finished—now it’s just the waiting game. Big Daddy Kane announced J. Cole was also participating in the doc in September 2021.

“Amazing interview today with @realcoleworld,” he wrote on Instagram at the time. “My favorite MC of this era. My son loves this Brother as well. We almost done! One more to go! #paragraphsimanifest #stuyvision @flavoru.”

Kane also included a video of himself with J. Cole and talked about Cole’s invaluable contributions to Hip-Hop.

“A lot of people out there right now are coming to people such as myself and many others, giving us our flowers and whatnot while we’re still here,” he said in the clip. “But listen – I wanna give this young brother right here his flowers like on the real.”

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J. Cole replied, “Damn,” then BDK continued, “I want this brother right here to know that he is my favorite MC out here right now. This is the brother right here that makes me feel like Hip-Hop is still alive and it’s here to stay when I listen to this here brother spit and listen to his music. Love you, fam.”

There’s no official release date for the doc, but that will soon change.