homepage

Richmond Rapper Bugzie The Don Receives Prison Time For January 6 Riots

The repercussions of the January 6 attack on the United States Capitol continue to play out nearly two years after the attempted coup. Virginia-based rapper, Bugzie The Don, will spend time behind bars for his role in the riots.

Bugzie The Don (born Antionne DeShaun Brodnax) pled guilty to four misdemeanor counts connected to the January 6 insurrection. The Richmond-bred rapper learned this week that he received a five-month prison sentence.

Federal prosecutors charged Brodnax with Knowingly Entering or Remaining in any Restricted Building or Grounds Without Lawful Authority, Disorderly conduct in any Restricted Building or Grounds, and Violent Entry and Disorderly Conduct on Capitol Grounds.

Bugzie The Don likely sealed his own legal fate. He apparently posted photos to social media of himself inside the Capitol on the day of the attack. Bugzie also used an image of himself sitting on a Capitol Police vehicle as the cover art for his The Capital album.

Many Of The January 6 Defendants Have Already Pled Guilty

According to reports, Bugzie The Don must also pay a $70 special assessment and $500 in restitution as part of his guilty plea. A year of supervised release will follow Bugzie’s five-month stint in a correctional facility.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia has prosecuted numerous people in connection to the January 6 attack. Some of the defendants pled guilty to various federal crimes such as Disorderly Conduct and Theft of Government Property.

Several of the convicted January 6 participants got limited incarceration or home confinement, supervised release, community service, and $500 fines. Many of the defendants chose not to take a plea deal and currently await trial. Other individuals were convicted by a jury. Some suspects still remain at large.

January 6 was the culmination of then-U.S. President Donald Trump spending months falsely telling his followers that Joe Biden stole the 2020 presidential election. The U.S. House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack unanimously recommended that the Department of Justice charge Trump with four crimes, including inciting or assisting an insurrection.

Drake Reacts To Bad Bunny Listening To ‘Her Loss’ Track

Who is the biggest male music artist in the world today? Some people might give the crown to Drake. Other people consider Bad Bunny as the present holder of that title.

Both Drake and Bad Bunny have the sales numbers, cultural impact, and critical acclaim to put their name at the top of the pyramid. While the friendly competition likely helps push musicians to greater heights, the two Diamond-selling acts seem to have mutual respect for one another.

“Major distribution, labels call me. Bad Bunny numbers, it’s a robbery. Five hundred million, just for Aubrey,” raps Aubrey Drake Graham on his “Major Distribution” track off the Her Loss collaborative album with 21 Savage.

Bad Bunny recently shared a video of himself listening to Drake and 21 Savage’s “Major Distribution” song. In response, Drake reposted Bunny’s clip to his own Instagram Story with a caption that read, “You know who’s really running up the money, it’s me and the 🐰 [rabbit face emoji].”

Drake Bad Bunny Instagram

Un Verano Sin Ti Makes History With AOTY Grammy Nomination

Puerto Rican sensation Bad Bunny dominated 2022 with his fourth solo studio LP, Un Verano Sin Ti, which dropped in May. Un Verano Sin Ti spent thirteen nonconsecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200 album chart this year.

The Recording Academy nominated Un Verano Sin Ti for Album Of The Year at the forthcoming 65th Annual Grammy Awards. Bad Bunny’s mainstream blockbuster became the first Spanish-language project to earn an AOTY nod at the ceremony.

Additionally, Bunny is up for Best Música Urbana Album and Best Pop Solo Performance (“Moscow Mule”). He previously won Grammy Awards for Best Latin Pop or Urban Album (YHLQMDLG) in 2021 and Best Música Urbana Album (El Último Tour Del Mundo) earlier this year.

Bad Bunny & Drake Close Out 2022 With Numerous Year-End Accolades

Drake released two chart-topping bodies of work in 2022. First, the Canadian rap star dropped Honestly, Nevermind in June to mixed reviews. The OVO Sound leader returned in November with Her Loss. Drake and 21 Savage’s joint effort debuted at #1 with 404,000 first-week units.

Bad Bunny was a streaming giant over the last twelve months. Apple Music named Bunny the 2022 Artist Of The Year. Spotify coronated the Latin Trap performer as the most-streamed global artist for a third straight year.

Billboard listed Bad Bunny as 2022’s Top Artist and Top Male Artist. Drake earned the music publication’s Top Rap Artist, Top Male Rap Artist, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Artist, Top Male R&B/Hip-Hop Artist, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Artist, and Top Dance/Electronic Artist accolades for 2022.

Offset On Still Mourning Takeoff: Not Easy Fake Smiling

Platinum-selling recording artist Offset and the rest of his family enter this holiday season without Kirsnik “Takeoff” Ball. The Hip Hop world lost Takeoff to gun violence on November 1. He was 28 years old.

Over the last seven weeks, many of Takeoff’s friends and fans have reacted to the Migos member’s death on social media. On December 8, Offset expressed being in a “dark place” which caught the attention of his followers and the Hip Hop media.

It seems Offset, understandably, still deals with the grief from losing Takeoff. Yesterday, the Georgia-raised rapper shared another message about his fallen comrade that also demonstrated the emotional pain he feels at the moment.

“S### not easy fake smiling and s### tryna keep walking with my head up,” posted Offset on Wednesday afternoon. That sentence also served as the caption for a photo of Takeoff. Over 100,000 Twitter users like Set’s tweet.

Offset Promises To Honor Takeoff At Every Concert

Earlier this month, Offset made a request for anyone covering or discussing his late cousin. The 31-year-old star of HBO’s The Hype competition series wrote, “Don’t post Takeoff unless it’s in a positive light please!”

Numerous celebrities have shared positivity about Takeoff since his passing. Fellow Migos rapper, Quavo posted a touching tribute to his nephew on Instagram. Offset’s wife, Hip Hop star Cardi B, also praised Takeoff for the impact he left on the world.

In addition, Offset recently honored Takeoff at a live show by playing The Jackson 5’s “Never Can Say Goodbye” as an image of the late rhymer appeared on screens in the venue. Offset promised to show respect to Takeoff before every one of his shows.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by OFFSET (@offsetyrn)

Candace Owens Calls Out Black Culture For Mocking Megan Thee Stallion

Candace Owens is best known as the far-right commentator who downplays white supremacy and systemic racism. The Donald Trump supporter was also a very vocal critic of Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s “WAP” collaboration.

However, Candace Owens apparently supports Megan Thee Stallion as the rapper deals with Tory Lanez’s ongoing assault case in California. Two years ago, Megan publicly accused Lanez of shooting her in the feet in Hollywood Hills.

“Now, I know we live in a world where violence are words and silence is violence. This is real violence. This is real physical violence, the worst kind of violence you could ever imagine between a man and a woman,” said Candace Owens on her podcast.

She added, “I’ll tell you what happened online. Megan was mocked by women and men alike, particularly in Black culture. They couldn’t believe this situation happened. They think it’s funny, maybe, that she got shot in the foot and had to get surgery performed.”

Candace Owens Suggests Megan Thee Stallion’s Music Degrades Women

Additionally, Candace Owens stated that Megan Thee Stallion did the “right thing” by “bravely” testifying against Tory Lanez in court. The Daily Wire contributor also questioned why the music industry has not “canceled” Lanez. Plus, she argued that Megan’s lyrics encourage violent behavior.

“I am not trying to blame the victim in this circumstance, but at a certain point, there is going to have to be a reckoning in Black culture, amongst the artists, to realize that even in a music that we create, and the music that Megan Thee Stallion creates, she perpetuates this kind of culture that allows this [violence] when you degrade women in your music,” said Owens.

Despite Candace Owens using her platform to show support for Megan Thee Stallion, that public backing came after the conservative activist aligned herself with Kanye “Ye” West to promote “White Lives Matter” t-shirts. Owens has been in opposition to the Black Lives Matter movement for years.

The family of murdered African-American George Floyd also considered suing Candace Owens for spreading misinformation about their deceased loved one. A Minneapolis police officer killed Floyd on camera in 2020. In recent years, Owens feuded with Hip Hop stars T.I. and Cardi B as well.

Claudia Jordan Responds To Joe Budden Telling Her To “Shut The F*ck Up”

Joe Budden has become one of the most-talked-about Hip Hop media figures of the last week. His derogatory comments about Megan Thee Stallion upset some people, including Claudia Jordan and Vivica A. Fox.

During a recent podcast episode, Joe Budden expressed his dislike for Megan Thee Stallion and support for Tory Lanez. In 2020, Megan accused Lanez of shooting her in the feet. Lanez is currently on trial for assault.

Both Claudia Jordan and Vivica A. Fox addressed Joe Budden’s comments on their own Cocktails with Queens talk show. The two entertainment industry veterans blasted Budden in defense of Megan Thee Stallion.

“I’m going to say this, Joe Budden. If you want to talk about someone doing something bad to someone you’re friends with, maybe you’re not the person to say that,” stated Claudia Jordan. “Because from what I remember, you are the one that has been accused, by at least three women, of being abusive.”

Joe Budden Says Claudia Jordan and Vivica A. Fox Misused Their “P*ssy Broth”

Unsurprisingly, Joe Budden got wind of the Cocktails with Queens segment. The former Slaughterhouse member went scorched earth on the “Scared Straighter” installment of his podcast. Budden repeatedly made fun of Claudia Jordan and Vivica A. Fox’s respective careers.

“Claudia Jordan, shut the f### up. You got to shut the f### up. It can get bad,” warned Budden on Wednesday’s show. He also joked that the two women used their “p#### broth” incorrectly and advised them to be careful how they speak about him.

Hollywood Unlocked reposted Budden’s remarks about Claudia Jordan and Vivica A. Fox on Instagram. Jordan jumped into the IG blog’s comment section. The Real Housewives of Atlanta alumna wrote, “WOW he’s upset. He needs to drink some milk.”

While it appears the feud between The Joe Budden Podcast and Cocktails with Queens will continue, Budden did try to make amends with Megan Thee Stallion and her supporters. The “Pump It Up” rapper apologized to Meg for making fun of her mental health as she deals with Tory Lanez’s pending court case.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by HOLLYWOOD UNLOCKED (@hollywoodunlocked)

Wu-Tang Clan To Auction Limited Edition ‘Legacy’ Book Encased In 400-Pound Chamber 

Wu-Tang Clan has created a limited-edition coffee table book titled THE WU-TANG CLAN: LEGACY to coincide with the 30 anniversary of their classic 1993 album, “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).” 

The innovative collective linked with a renowned sculptor to create a chamber to encase each book of rare and never before seen photos. Take a look at the video below. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Wu Tang Clan (@wutangclan)

Gethin Jones designed the striking bronze-encrusted black steel chamber, while each piece will be hand-crafted by the noted blacksmith and visual artist Warren Holzman. Appropriately, only 36 copies of LEGACY will be sold, with one being auctioned at Sotheby’s. Each of the 36 copies is signed, dated, and numbered and comes with certificates of authenticity.  

“Items dating back hundreds, even thousands of years have graced the floors of Sotheby’s,” RZA said in a press release. “It’s great that in our own lifetime, we were able to create something that will also grace these floors and be shared with the world.”  

THE WU-TANG CLAN: LEGACY website notes, “Inspired by the ancient past and the bronze ritual bowls of the Zhou Dynasty whose first ruler was King Wu-Wang, the chambers consist of Spun Mild Steel bowls while the raised ridges, base and logo are furnished in solid brushed brass.” 

The LEGACY artworks are available for pre-order on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 3 p.m. EST.  

Meanwhile, fans of Wu-Tang: An American Saga will be pleased to hear the series returns to Hulu next year for its final season.

21 Savage Honored With His Own Day In Georgia During Holiday Giveaway 

21 Savage is the latest of Hip-Hop’s hometown heroes being honored for their work in the local community.  

The “Rich Flex” rapper received the tribute while spreading some holiday cheer during his Leading By Example Foundation’s fourth annual Grant-A-Wish event in Stone Mountain, Georgia. 

21 Savage invited 100 local families to the Christmas celebration, giving away gifts and snacks for the festive season, as per TMZ. He mingled with guests and even signed some of the children’s toys, making the gift extra special.  

Georgia state representative Billy Mitchell presented 21 Savage with a proclamation in recognition of his philanthropy and contributions to music. During the ceremony, he declared December 21st as “21 Savage Day.” 

The honor marks the rapper’s work in the local community, including his Bank Account Campaign, which promotes “financial literacy education to underserved youth.” 

The non-profit, launched in 2018, offers free finance courses alongside “scholarships, access to bank accounts and job placement for teens and students alike.” 

Last year, 21 Savage teamed up with financial technology firm Chime to dish out 100 $1,000 scholarships. They were offered to high school students who completed the Bank Account at Home’s six-course online program. 

“I’ve been an advocate for financial literacy because I believe it can help free youth to focus on the more important things in life,” 21 Savage said when he launched the program.  

Last month 21 Savage and Drake shared their collaborative album, Her Loss. They rolled out the project with a spoof campaign, including a fake Vogue cover which saw publisher Condé Nast file a $ 4 million lawsuit against the pair.  

Despite the controversy, Her Loss debuted at No.1 on the Billboard charts. However, fans expecting a joint tour may have to wait, as Drake recently explained.  

“This Was About Jealousy” Tory Lanez Defense Claims As Closing Arguments Begin In Megan Thee Stallion Shooting Trial

Closing arguments began in the Tory Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion shooting trial Wednesday (Dec. 21). 

According to multiple reports, the prosecution urged the jury to find the R&B singer guilty of shooting the Texan rapper. The defense maintained Tory is not the shooter, instead placing the blame on Megan’s now-former friend Kelsey Harris.  

“This is a case about a guy who shot a girl, then apologized for it,” Deputy District Attorney Alexander Bott told the jury during his closing argument. 

“When Megan insulted his ability as an artist — that’s what set him off that night,” the prosecutor said, referring to Tory Lanez. 

Bott also directed the jury to Kelsey Harris’s text to Megan Thee Stallion’s bodyguard saying, “Help/Tory shot me/911.” He called the message critical as it was sent just five minutes after the shooting.  

“Is Kelsey Harris some sort of sophisticated criminal mastermind? …framing the defendant within 5 min? Is that a reasonable conclusion?” he questioned.  

However, the defense offered a different story to the court. George Mgdesyan, Lanez’s defense attorney, said Kelsey pulled the trigger in a jealous rage after learning that Tory Lanez slept with Megan Thee Stallion.  

“This was about jealousy … two women that love a man and found out” that Tory Lanez was intimate with both of them, Mgdesyan continued. He claims Kelsey Harris was the shooter and Tory Lanez was “trying to save” Megan Thee Stallion.  

“If Kelsey had no reason to invoke (her 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination), do you think this judge would let her invoke?” he questioned. “Why not give her transactional immunity?” 

George Mgdesyan will return to the downtown Los Angeles courtroom Thursday morning to conclude his closing, followed by prosecution rebuttal. 

Earlier on Wednesday, Tory Lanez declined to testify even though he was on the defense’s witness list. If convicted, he faces up to 22 years and eight months in prison. 

EXCLUSIVE: XXXTENTACION Murder Suspect Suggests Drake May Have Been Involved

XXXTENTACION was shot and killed outside of RIVA Motorsports in Deerfield Beach, Florida in June 2018.

One of the suspects, Dedrick Williams, is now suggesting Drake is somehow connected to the murder. In court documents obtained by AllHipHop, Williams’ attorney, Mauricio Padilla, cites lyrics from Drake’s music that appear to address the late rapper.

Specifically, “On BS” from Drake’s latest album Her Loss in which he raps: “Maybe I should break that 10, do a five, then if it gets live, do a five again/If he held his tongue on that live, he’d be alive again, damn/I never put no prices on the beef until we end this s###.”

The docs also cite the 2018 Scorpion track, “I’m Upset,” which feature the lyrics: “SMS, triple X/That’s the only time I ever shoot below the neck (Skrr)/Why you keep on shootin’ if you know that n-gga dead? (Skrr).”

Williams and his legal team believe the beef between XXXTENTACION and Drake started in 2017 after the OVO Sound founder released the song “KMT.” X accused Drake of stealing his cadence and began harassing him on social media.

He later claimed he was hacked after being warned to leave Drake alone. Padilla also alleges Drake has ties to several gang members, including alleged JungleBloods Street Gang member Top5 who was arrested for murder in 2021.

“In February 2021, Hassan Ali was arrested and recaptured at a Hollywood fast food outlet after removing his ankle monitor and fleeing to Los Angeles California,” Padilla says. “[Drake’s] residence is located in Beverly Hills, California. Prior to his arrest for murder, [Top5] appeared on a podcast by DJ Akademiks and declared openly ‘I am Drake’s shooter. I’m not lying. Anyone disrespect Drake, I am
shooting.’ That was said openly and aired for millions to view on DJ Akademiks’ podcast.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3gVaPg2E_4

Williams and his team also accuse 600 Breezy of being involved. The Chicago rapper, a close friend of Drake’s and alleged Gangster Disciple, posted an Instagram video in which he claimed to be in X’s neighborhood with a gun.

“Previous to traveling to South Florida for the express purpose of threatening, intimidating and/or attacking [X], [600 Breezy] posted himself brandishing what looks like a gun in a post where he states that as soon as he is able to travel he is going to travel to confront [X]. He goes on to say that when he
mentioned it to [Drake], he just shrugged instead of telling him don’t do it.”

Finally, they alleged Drake is affiliated with the Zoe Mafia Family gang, which the other three defendant’s in XXXTENTACION’s case—Robert Allen, Trayvon Newsome, and Michael Boatwright—are believed to be a part of, as well.

The docs go on to mention Migos’ alleged attack on XXXTENTACION. Despite the allegations, the State is attempting to strike all of the famous rappers’ testimonies, including Drake’s, a clear sign the State isn’t buying the claims.


T.I. Slapped With Breach Of Contract Lawsuit Over Damaged Rental Home

A landlord sued T.I. for allegedly damaging a rental property and refusing to pay the bill.

According to Radar Online, Farzin Fazeli accused T.I. of causing $127,182.65 in damages to a rental home in Encino, California. The landlord claimed the 42-year-old rapper paid a $50,000 deposit that covered some of the damages but never paid the remaining $77,182.65.

Fazeli said T.I. began leasing the California home in July 2020. The landlord sent a 60-day notice to vacate in June 2022.

T.I. paid enough to cover the rent through August, so he didn’t move out until August 31. Fazeli informed his former tenant about the cost of the damages in September, but T.I. allegedly ignored the landlord’s demands for compensation.

“The damages arise from a significant number of alterations done to the property that were done either without knowledge or some limited knowledge, but all with the agreement that the house would be placed back to how it was when it was originally leased,” the lawsuit alleged. “It also includes physical damage, including but not limited to [a] projector, pool house floor, kitchen pantry door, drywall, and ceiling damage. Additionally, a painting owned by [Fazeli] was taken by [T.I.].”

Fazeli sued for breach of contract in an effort to collect the money. He asked the court to award him more than $77,000 and force T.I. to cover the landlord’s legal fees.

Young Thug Co-Defendant’s Phone Calls Add To Mess In YSL RICO Case

Prosecutors claim one of Young Thug’s co-defendants was caught trying to hide evidence in the YSL RICO case.

According to WSB-TV, phone calls between co-defendant Miles Farley and the mother of his child were presented as evidence in court. Prosecutors believe the recorded conversations revealed Farley’s attempts to tamper with evidence in the case against Young Thug and other YSL members.

Farley, who is known as Lil Miles, is accused of murder in the RICO case. Several of his co-defendants were released from jail after accepting plea deals. Young Thug, Farley and other YSL members are still facing charges.

Anastasios Manettas, who represents Farley, denied his client tampered with any evidence. The attorney also refuted online chatter about Farley snitching.

“Mr. Farley’s jail calls do not indicate any cooperation with the State by Mr. Farley, and the jail calls don’t discuss any tampering with evidence,” the lawyer said in a statement. “Social media has falsely commented on this, falsely claiming that the calls indicate Mr. Farley agreeing to cooperate with the State and that the calls indicate him instructing the mother of his children to hide or conceal his lawfully-owned gun from the police. They do not.”

Young Thug and other YSL members await trial on racketeering and gang-related charges. Jury selection is scheduled to begin on January 5, 2023.

Charlamagne Tha God Faces Lawsuit From Rape Accuser

A woman sued Charlamagne Tha God for allegedly raping her when she was 15 years old.

According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, Jessica Reid pursued civil action against The Breakfast Club host on December 12. Reid previously accused Charlamagne Tha God of sexually assaulting her in South Carolina, which led to his arrest in 2001.

Charlamagne Tha God’s lawyer Michael Weinsten responded to the lawsuit in a statement to Radar Online, which first reported on the complaint. The attorney claimed Reid’s lawsuit is “meritless” and expressed confidence in it being dismissed.

“This is the same sexual assault claim that was fully investigated and dismissed by authorities in South Carolina more than 21 years ago,” he told Radar. “At that time, my client voluntarily submitted his DNA, and it was confirmed his DNA was not found in her rape kit. It is also the same matter that Ms. Reid tried to re-open in 2018 that the South Carolina Solicitor General declined to re-open, suggesting among other things it was ‘not ethical’ to do so.”

Charlamagne Tha God was indicted for criminal sexual conduct with a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor in 2001. He accepted a plea deal in 2002.

The radio personality pleaded guilty to contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was sentenced to three years of probation. Prosecutors offered a plea deal due to a lack of evidence and witness cooperation.

Reid, who is now 37 years old, hoped the criminal case would be re-opened. But prosecutors refused to do so, leading to her filing a lawsuit against Charlamagne Tha God.

In the lawsuit, Reid claimed her mother prevented her from cooperating with the rape investigation. The alleged victim said she wanted to move on with her life, but Charlamagne Tha God’s prominence in radio, television and other forms of media made it difficult for her to avoid emotional distress.

She accused Charlamagne of making “false and misleading statements” about the rape case on multiple platforms. She specifically cited him telling his side of the story in his book Black Privilege. Reid said his description of the incident was “wrong, hurtful and defaming.”

Reid sued Charlamagne Tha God for sexual assault, assault, battery, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent infliction of emotional distress. She is seeking damages and asking the court to force Charlamagne Tha God to retract his defamatory statements.

Tory Lanez Refuses To Testify; Shooting Case Heading To Jury

Tory Lanez opted against testifying in his highly publicized shooting trial on Wednesday (December 21).

According to multiple reporters, the prosecution and the defense rested their cases after Tory Lanez informed the judge he wouldn’t testify. The defense didn’t call the Canadian rapper/singer’s driver Jaquan Smith to the stand even though he was on the defense’s witness list.

Prosecutors asked for a continuance if Smith testified, which would’ve pushed the trial past the Christmas break. Defense attorney George Mgdesyan declined to call Smith due to the proposed delay, which Tory Lanez wanted to avoid.

Closing arguments in the shooting trial began on Wednesday afternoon. Jurors will head behind closed doors to deliberate all of the evidence in the case.

Prosecutors accuse Tory Lanez of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in July 2020. He was charged with assault with a semiautomatic firearm, carrying a loaded unregistered firearm in a vehicle and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.

The 30-year-old artist pleaded not guilty to the charges. If convicted, he faces up to 22 years and eight months in prison.

A judge denied the prosecution’s attempt to add witness tampering charges against Tory Lanez. Megan Thee Stallion’s lawyer Alex Spiro claimed multiple witnesses were “compromised” in an interview with TMZ on Monday (December 19).

Antonio Brown “Victim” Recants Allegation That He Threw A Shoe And Hit Her Ponytail; Former NFL Player Finally Emerges From His House

On Tuesday, the arrest warrant for former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown was withdrawn after prosecutors in Florida decided not to pursue the case. 

The warrant was issued by Tampa police on November 29th in connection with a domestic battery incident involving a woman. 

Brown allegedly threw a shoe at the woman, possibly the mother of his children, and attempted to evict her from the residence, locking her out of the house. 

According to the police report, the victim was struck in the ponytail by the shoe but did not sustain any injuries. However, the victim believed the shoe was intended to hit her head. 

Brown was originally accused of committing domestic violence battery, a misdemeanor offense in Florida. 

The free-agent receiver was accused of hiding inside his home for over 21 days while police waited outside to arrest him.

After thoroughly reviewing all the available evidence, the State Attorney’s Office (SAO) has determined that no charges will be filed regarding the incident involving Antonio Brown. 

“The alleged victim cooperated with our office and appeared in-person on December 16th to speak with the Assistant State Attorney and Victim Assistance Advocate assigned to the case,” according to a statement issued by the Office of the State Attorney of Hillsborough County, which represents Tampa. 

“After the alleged victim was sworn-in she recanted her previous allegations regarding Mr. Brown’s intent to strike her or cause her bodily harm,” the statement revealed. 

Antonio Brown’s last NFL appearance was on January 2nd during a game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

He had a heated argument on the sideline and then removed his uniform and threw his undershirt to the crowd while leaving the field and entering the tunnel during a game against the New York Jets in New Jersey.

Brown celebrated by taking to his Instagram stories by posting a video of himself outside for the first time in weeks. He stood motionless in front of his black Rolls-Royce truck, smoking what appeared to be a blunt. 

EXCLUSIVE: Shy Glizzy Affiliate Taliban Glizzy Busted By Secret Service With Arsenal Of Guns

Shy Glizzy affiliate Taliban Glizzy is facing some serious charges. According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, the Washington D.C. native was arrested for unlawful possession of at least two firearms on December 12. Officers uncovered more than $17,000, diamond earrings and an Oyster Perpetual Rolex watch during a search of his vehicle. Prosecutors are convinced Taliban Glizzy, a convicted felon, is a danger to the community and are asking the court to detain him until trial.

Taliban Glizzy has been under surveillance for over a year. In May 2021, he posted an Instagram photo of himself at Locked & Loaded Miami, a shooting range specializing in machine gun rentals. In July 2022, Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to a report of firearms left behind in a Lyft.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFNudkIhHqf/?hl=en

Officers recovered a pistol laying openly on the floor and an AR-15-style firearm partially concealed inside a duffle bag, which were later connected to the rapper. Another bag found at the scene contained a second AR-15 with 29 rounds of .223 caliber ammunition in the 45-round capacity magazine. It was reported stolen out of Arlington County. Behind that bag was a “ghost gun,” a black 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number on the Glock receiver and no serial number on the slide. An additional handgun—a Ruger-57 5.7x28mm semi-automatic—was recovered in the pocket mounted on the rear of the front passenger seat.

Taliban Grizzly had already pleaded guilty in Prince George’s County, Maryland to attempted robbery in 2011. In January 2017, he also pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of controlled dangerous substances. Despite the July 2022 incident and his criminal record, he allegedly possessed a “number of firearms” last month on a trip from Miami to D.C.

US Secret Service were later able to confirm Taliban Glizzy’s identity and a warrant was ultimately issued for his arrest. He was taken into custody following a traffic stop.

The court docs state: “The government retains the ultimate burden of persuasion by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant presents a danger to the community and by the lesser standard of a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant presents a risk of flight—even where it is presumed that those standards are satisfied.”

The government expressed further concern over “the lyrics and images glorifying gun violence and depicting firearms” in several of his music videos, including 2019’s “Keltech” and 2021’s “Suicide Bombers” and “Indictments.”

“The dangerousness that Defendant poses to the community cannot be understated,” the docs continue. “That he has persisted in possessing weapons designed to kill and maim evinces a level of dangerousness that cannot be mitigated by less restrictive conditions or combinations thereof.”

Taliban Glizzy has collaborated with many notable rappers over the years, including DDG, Pressa and, of course, Shy Glizzy.

Alicia Keys To Stream Holiday Masquerade Ball Concert On Apple Music

R&B legend Alicia Keys will perform a few classic holiday tunes from her Santa Baby album on an upcoming installment of the Apple Music Live series.

Apple Music will run the Alicia Keys-headlining Holiday Masquerade Ball on Wednesday, December 21st at 7 pm PT. Viewers can check out the performance at apple.com and on the @AppleMusic TikTok page.

Previously, Apple Music streamed concerts by other music acts like Travis Scott, Lil Durk, Megan Thee Stallion, Wizkid, and Mary J. Blige. Last year, Kanye West’s Donda album listening event from Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium broke the all-time Apple Music livestream record.

Ebro Darden Interviews Alicia Keys Before The Concert

In addition to her Holiday Masquerade Ball, Alicia Keys sat down with Apple Music media personality Ebro Darden for an interview. The two music industry veterans discussed the forthcoming showcase and the Santa Baby project.

“For me, I feel like live is where I excel. I feel like it’s my favorite part. I love to do it in a different way every time,” said Keys. “This is going to be a different show than you’ve seen. If you’ve been to the tour, you’ve never seen this before. You just haven’t.”

She continued, “And so every arrangement is going to be different and new and it’s going to definitely bring us into the spirit. You have to get dressed and you have to have a mask. This is happening. This is an event. I’m calling it Glitter and Glamour.”

The Santa Baby Album Hosts Classic Holiday Songs

Santa Baby by Alicia Keys arrived on November 4. The project’s tracklist includes popular seasonal standards such as the title track, “Christmas Time Is Here,” “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire),” and “Ave Maria.”

“I definitely wanted to start the Santa Baby project with the song ‘Santa Baby,’ because to me, that’s one of the most iconic songs that ever were created,” explained Alicia Keys. “Obviously the Goddess, Eartha Kitt… The way that she even put it together, her energy. And I love how the funniest part about ‘Santa Baby’ is like, Santa is your Zaddy.” 

While Santa Baby is Alicia Keys’ first Christmas-themed album, the native New Yorker has put out numerous bodies of work since her debut at the turn of the century. 2001’s Songs in A Minor reached 7x-Platinum status. Other projects – such as 2003’s The Diary of Alicia Keys and 2007’s As I Am – earned multi-Platinum plaques as well.

Cardi B Says She’s Worth More Than $40 Million

Belcalis Almánzar Cephus has already built an impressive financial empire after just seven years in the public spotlight. Through her music releases and business deals, the former reality television star better known as Cardi B likely amassed a notable fortune.

Apparently, Cardi B’s lucrative assets still do not make her immune to a possible fiscal downturn. She addressed what appears to be America’s looming slide into economic hard times during this holiday season.

“[We’re] going through a recession… Merry Christmas🎄,” tweeted Cardi on Tuesday afternoon. While more than 49,000 accounts liked that tweet, at least one person had something negative to say about the post.

One Twitter user quote-tweeted Cardi B and added, “Says the rapper worth 40 million.” In response, Cardi explained how her work ethic and budgeting help her maintain her lifestyle despite obligations to her family and loved ones. She also refuted the number associated with her rumored $40 million net worth.

“I’m worth more [than] that and guess what? If I don’t save, work, and budget I could lose it too!” tweeted Cardi B. “What makes you think that no matter how much money you got you can’t lose it all if you don’t manage your money correctly. I too have bills, responsibilities, and people I have to help.”

Cardi B has earned multiple RIAA Diamond Awards (10 million units) for songs in her discography. Furthermore, the Bronx-raised superstar’s debut album, Invasion of Privacy, is the longest-charting female rap album of all time. The RIAA certified Invasion of Privacy as 3x-Platinum.

Back in February, Cardi revealed promoters offered her more than $1 million for one show. Earlier this month, the “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)” rhymer disclosed another $1 million payment for a 35-minute performance at a private event.

In addition to her musical output, Cardi B has several other money-making endeavors. For example, the 30-year-old Grammy winner is an equity partner in the vodka-infused Whipshots whipped cream brand. Cardi has also worked with Amazon, Pepsi, Reebok, Balenciaga, Playboy, Netflix, and Facebook.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cardi B (@iamcardib)

Baby Tate Disses Hitmaka On “Pu$$y R@pp3r” Track

Chicago-bred music producer Hitmaka caused a firestorm after making comments about contemporary female rappers. Atlanta’s Baby Tate is the latest person to fire back at Hitmaka.

“Can’t wait to work with a pretty female rapper that’s strictly about bars to even the playing field. P#### rap was cool when it had shock value and was rare,” tweeted Hitmaka on Sunday.

The Look What You Made Me album creator continued, “Now it’s like every girl taking it there. It’s [some] who aren’t but they need a hit producer [for] impact.”

In response to receiving some resistance to his take from other social media users, Hitmaka later tweeted, “The conversation has started and that’s all that matters.”

After the latest conversation about so-called “p#### rap” began, Baby Tate decided to share her thoughts on the matter. The daughter of Soul singer Dionne Farris dropped “Pu$$y R@pp3r” which features some bars directed at Hitmaka.

https://twitter.com/_Hitmaka/status/1604509805346947079?s=20&t=upciVmXVj-Q0saHfrxE1Vg

Baby Tate Says Hitmaka Hasn’t Been Hot Since 2007

“N#### just said the female bars so wack. Ain’t you writing ’em? Wonder why these hoes’ heads be so gassed up. Boy, ain’t you hyping ’em?” raps Baby Tate. “‘Why this s### so dead?’ Damn! You couldn’t put no life in ’em? He a man writing about a p####, I knew he had a little d### in him.”

She also spits, “Lil wack n####. How dare you?! Maka hit for yourself. Ain’t been hot since Mim’s ‘Hot’Love & Hip Hop ain’t help.” Baby Tate also questioned why Hitmaka criticizes female rappers using sexual lyrics went he released a song titled “Thot Box.”

Hitmaka’s “Thot Box (Remix)” from 2019 featured female rappers Young M.A, Dreezy, DreamDoll, Mulatto, and Chinese Kitty. The original “Thot Box” arrived with contributions by Meek Mill, 2 Chainz, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Tyga, and YBN Nahmir.

Plus, Baby Tate posted on Twitter, “As I said it’s no beef! The call was for a ‘pretty female rapper strictly about bars’ and instead of being a dick rider and a pick-me, I decided to bar Mr. Hitmaka up. There are plenty of GORGEOUS rappers with a plethora of topics & a slew of bars. U just have to open [your] eyes 💖.”

Asian Doll Also Calls Out Hitmaka

Baby Tate was not the only person to publicly respond to Hitmaka’s “p#### rap” remarks. Dallas-raised rapper Asian Doll also blasted the “Sexy Lady” performer formerly known as Yung Berg.

“I feel like why do n##### always [worry about] what female rappers rap about? N##### been rapping bout the same thing since rap was invented,” tweeted Asian Doll (aka Asian Da Brat) on Monday.

The outspoken Texan continued, “Ladies rap for the ladies not for you n##### and we running s### [right now] so let us be US 💯 even [though] I don’t only rap about my p#### still [shut the f### up].”

Three years ago, “WAP” hitmaker Cardi B responded to Jermaine Dupri after the So So Def label founder complained about “stripper rap” supposedly taking over the female Hip Hop space. Cardi shouted out Rapsody, Tierra Whack, Kamaiyah, and Chika as women who make rap music about various topics besides just sex.

Rick Ross To Make His Return To ‘AEW: Dynamite’

“Accusations! False accusations!” yelled Rick Ross on the November 2nd episode of AEW: Dynamite. The veteran rapper showed up on the wrestling program for a segment with AEW stars Keith Lee and Swerve Strickland.

That clip of Rick Ross, Keith Lee, and Swerve Strickland on Dynamite went viral. The interaction between the Richer Than I Ever Been album creator and the former AEW Tag Team Champions became a reaction meme on social media.

Rick Ross is set to make his return to Dynamite this week. AEW announced the Miami native will appear on tonight’s live show once again alongside Lee and Strickland. Ross will serve as the mediator for a meeting taking place between the fractured duo.

While Keith Lee and Swerve Strickland were able to capture tag team gold back in July, they lost the belts to The Acclaimed in September. The tandem, collectively known as Swerve In Our Glory, has had issues staying on the same page in their matches.

AEW Has Embraced Hip Hop Culture

Rick Ross is one of the many Hip Hop figures to make a cameo on All Elite Wrestling programming. Snoop Dogg, Kevin Gates, Westside Gunn, Action Bronson, Trina, DJ Whoo Kid, and others have popped up in AEW since the company’s inception in 2019.

Shad “Bow Wow” Moss is also currently engaged in a feud with AEW TBS Champion Jade Cargill. The “Shortie Like Mine” hitmaker and the undefeated champ went back and forth on social media before the two adversaries had a face-to-face confrontation backstage at Bow Wow’s concert.

Tonight’s “Holiday Bash” edition of AEW: Dynamite also features a stacked lineup of wrestling action. AEW World Trios Champions Death Triangle enter Match 5 of their Best of Seven Series against former champions The Elite with a 3-1 lead.

Plus, AEW Women’s World Champion Jamie Hayter defends the title against former champion Hikaru Shida. AAA World Tag Team Champions/IWGP Tag Team Champions FTR face off against The Gunns in a non-title bout. AEW: Dynamite airs Wednesdays at 8 pm ET on TBS.

Joe Budden Apologizes To Megan Thee Stallion

Tory Lanez’s assault/firearm trial in California has captured the attention of Hip Hop fans around the world. Many people, including podcaster Joe Budden, have shared their opinion on what has played out in the courtroom so far.

Houston-bred rapper Megan Thee Stallion accused Tory Lanez (born Daystar Peterson) of shooting her in the feet back in July 2020. The ongoing trial produced several different accounts of what allegedly took place that night.

Joe Budden has used his self-titled podcast to essentially take Tory Lanez’s side in the legal conflict. Last week, Budden vehemently expressed his dislike for Megan Thee Stallion which caused some listeners to take issue with his blatantly biased stance.

Additionally, online critics called out Budden for minimizing the fact that someone injured Megan Thee Stallion. For example, Set It Off actress Vivica A. Fox slammed Budden on her Cocktails with Queens talk show.

The December 21st episode of The Joe Budden Podcast includes a segment where Budden offered an apology to Megan Thee Stallion. The public mea culpa came after negative reactions directed at Budden flooded social media for days.

Joe Budden Expresses Concern About Megan Thee Stallion’s Mental Health

“I’m apologizing to Meg,” said Joe Budden. “Meg, the people that love her, her handlers, her team, the people that have to support her through what has to be an exhausting trial. I listened back. I got a few phone calls from women that I love and appreciate and admire.”

The 42-year-old retired emcee added, “I’m apologizing for the careless manner in which I joked about her mental health. That didn’t sit right with my soul and my spirit… That’s not funny because whether you believe her or don’t believe her, can you afford to be wrong? And the answer’s no.”

Joe Budden went on to say he would not feel right if Megan Thee Stallion harmed herself because of the “pile-on” and “hate train” taking place on social media. He also apologized to his female listeners for his comments.

“That part was very tough for me to listen to. I almost couldn’t sleep. What if something happens to her?” asked Joe Budden. The former Love & Hip Hop: New York cast member also stated he does not believe Megan Thee Stallion is the only person lying about the violent incident supposedly involving Tory Lanez.