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Fat Joe Says He’s Being Extorted For $20M By His Ex-Hypeman & Lawyer Suing Diddy

Fat Joe filed a lawsuit in New York federal court accusing his former hypeman, Terrance Dixson and Dixson’s attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, of defamation and an attempted extortion scheme involving disturbing allegations and public threats.

The Hip-Hop veteran claims the duo tried to pressure him into a payout by threatening to go public with what he calls “false and outrageous allegations,” including statutory rape, sex trafficking and forced labor.

The legal complaint also accuses Dixson and Blackburn of intentionally causing emotional distress and launching a smear campaign to damage his reputation.

According to court documents, the conflict began on March 23, 2025, when Dixson and Blackburn sent a letter demanding financial compensation.

The pair claimed that Dixson had worked as an uncredited ghostwriter and vocalist on several tracks during his professional relationship with Fat Joe, which spanned from 2006 to 2019.

Fat Joe’s legal team says no such claims were ever raised during that time. When the rapper didn’t respond, the pressure escalated.

On April 21, a second letter arrived, threatening a lawsuit with sordid claims, unless Fat Joe settled for $20 million.

Shortly after, Dixson posted on social media, accusing Fat Joe of flying a 16-year-old girl across state lines for sex. The post included a photo of Fat Joe alongside Diddy and DJ Khaled.

“These allegations are completely false and part of a criminal conspiracy orchestrated between a disgruntled former hype man and his attorney,” Fat Joe said. “These two individuals have been scheming together to extort me with their elaborate and ludicrous demands changing by the day. The relentless threats, harassment, and defamation I’ve endured as they peddle salacious lies are utterly deplorable. I’m taking legal action to expose their misconduct and I’m fully confident that the facts will reveal this is nothing more than a deceptive and desperate scam.”

Fat Joe’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, called the move “a criminal extortion scheme,” adding that Blackburn has a history of using the legal system to harass high-profile clients.

“This is not just a shakedown,” Tacopina said. “This is a coordinated attempt to destroy a man’s life and career.”

The lawsuit references previous judicial criticism of Blackburn’s tactics. In one ruling, Judge Denise Cote of the Southern District of New York said Blackburn “improperly files cases in federal court to garner media attention, embarrass defendants with salacious allegations, and pressure defendants to settle quickly.”

Another judge, J. Paul Oetken, warned Blackburn about court filings “replete with inaccurate statements of law” and “irrelevant insults, misstatements, and exaggerations.”

Fat Joe’s legal team also sent Blackburn a cease-and-desist letter, citing those judicial reprimands.

Terrence Howard Says He’d “Cut My Lips Off” If He Kissed A Man

Terrence Howard walked away from portraying Marvin Gaye in a long-anticipated biopic after learning the role might require him to kiss a man.

He says the decision was rooted in personal discomfort rather than prejudice.

Speaking on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast, the Empire actor said he passed on the film after a conversation with legendary producer Quincy Jones, who confirmed rumors about Gaye’s sexuality.

“I was over at Quincy Jones’ house and I’m asking Quincy, ‘I’m hearing rumors that Marvin was gay’ and I’m like, ‘Was he gay?'” Howard recalled. “And Quincy’s like, ‘Yes.'”

Howard, who had been discussing the project with director Lee Daniels, said the revelation made him reconsider.

“They would’ve wanted to do that and I wouldn’t have been able to do that,” he said, referring to a potential romantic scene between two men.

When Maher asked if he couldn’t kiss a man on screen, Howard replied bluntly, “No. Because I don’t fake it.”

He added, “That would f**k me. I would cut my lips off. If I kissed some man, I would cut my lips off.”

The Iron Man and Hustle & Flow star emphasized that his decision wasn’t rooted in homophobia but his own limitations as an actor.

“That’s fine, do what you love to do, but don’t do it at me, don’t aim it at me,” he said. “I can’t play that character 100%, I can’t. I can’t surrender myself to a place I don’t understand.”

Howard also revealed that turning down the Marvin Gaye project led to another missed opportunity: a biopic about Smokey Robinson.

“The biggest mistake” of his career, he said, was passing on the Robinson film because he was already committed to the Gaye project at the time.

While Marvin Gaye’s life story has been a frequent target for filmmakers, the most recent attempt was announced in 2021.

As for the Smokey Robinson biopic, the Motown icon told The Jennifer Hudson Show in December that the script was nearly complete.

The Pharcyde’s “Passin’ Me By” & “Runnin'” Hit Two Major Milestones

Current and past members of The Pharcyde—Slimkid3, Fatlip, Imani and B##### Brown—have 1.5 million reasons to celebrate.

Two of the Los Angeles-bred group’s singles, “Passin’ Me By” and “Runnin,” earned new certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on April 23. The former was certified platinum (meaning it sold more than one million copies) and the latter was deemed gold (meaning it sold more than 500,000).

Taking to Instagram, Slimkid3 reflected on the monumental milestones and recalled Tupac Shakur telling him the group’s debut album, Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde, should have sold millions of units upon its release in 1992.

“Wow!! This is the BEST NEWS I’ve heard ALL week,” he wrote in the caption. “Now to go to RIAA and confirm, then get two plaques to hang on my wall at the crib!! Wow! This is AWESOME! However TUPAC Said Bizarre Ride Should Have been PLATINUM a LONG TiME AGO! He said, ‘If y’all ain’t platinum, then y’all getting effed!!’ He always had our best interest!!

“RIP homie! Thank you for letting us know, that WE DEM NiNJAS! LETS GO! Now all we need is for #BizarreRideiiThePharcyde to go #Platinum & #LabcabinCalifornia to go #Gold and WE’RE IN there like swimwear.”

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Formed in 1989, The Pharcyde had a profound impact on Hip-Hop by reshaping the sound and image of West Coast rap in the early ’90s. At a time when the L.A. scene was dominated by the gangsta rap of artists like N.W.A and 2Pac, Pharcyde introduced a jazz-infused alternative with Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde.

Their witty lyrics, unconventional flows and soulful beats offered a stark contrast to prevailing trends, opening the gates for a new wave of indie, alternative and “backpack rap” on the West Coast, influencing countless to follow suit. Collaborations with pioneering producers like J Dilla on their second album, Labcabincalifornia, further cemented their reputation for pushing creative boundaries.

The lineup looks slightly different these days, with B##### Brown being the only member not reunited under the Pharcyde umbrella. On Friday (May 2), the trio of Slimkid3, Imani and Fatlip are releasing are the Timeless EP alongside 1999 WRITE THE FUTURE, which boasts four new tracks. They later take off on a tour with Cypress Hill, Atmosphere and Lupe Fiasco beginning August 8 in St. Augustine, Florida. Find more information here.

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Lil Durk’s Family Accuses Government Of Presenting “False Evidence” To Land Indictment

Lil Durk‘s family has accused the government of presenting false evidence to a grand jury to secure an indictment.

On Tuesday (April 29), they posted a video to Twitter, expressing how serious the situation is. For those unaware, Durk was arrested in November 2024 on murder-for-hire charges related to a 2022 Los Angeles shooting that resulted in the death of one of Quando Rondo’s relatives, Lul Pab.

Prosecutors believe Durk orchestrated the murder in retaliation for King Von’s murder a year prior.

“The recent developments in Durk’s legal case have brought a harsh truth to light: the government presented false evidence to a grand jury to indict him,” the statement reads. “This isn’t justice. That’s a violation of the very system that’s supposed to protect all of us. Durk has always used music to tell stories, to express pain, to heal- and yet those same lyrics are now being used against him.

“We refuse to stay silent as Black artists continue to be criminalized for their creativity. Rap is art. As a family, we are asking the public, the fans, and the culture to stand with us. Stand for truth. Stand for fairness. Stand for The Voice.”

Lil Durk’s legal team has been working hard to spring him from jail but hit a wall this week, when federal prosecutors strongly urged the judge not to grant his bond request. They believe Durk remains a flight risk and is a real danger to the public.

But Lil Durk’s attorneys insists prosecutors wrongly relied on lyrics extracted from fan-made websites and viral videos to link him to the crime, but the government pushed back on that narrative.

“The timing of [Lil Durk’s] lyrics and whether or not he ‘commercialized’ his violence through rap (which he did) has little to no bearing on the detention analysis before the Court,” United States Attorney Bilal A. Essayli said. “The issue here is a narrow one: has [Lil Durk] presented new information, not known to him in December 2024, that has a material bearing on whether he should be detained pending trial? The answer is no.”

They also pointed out he tried to flee the country by booking three international flights, including one to a nation without an extradition treaty. He was taken into custody in Florida while trying to board a private jet.

SIGNS: Are Tariffs About To Ruin Temu, Wish, Shein, Fashion Nova & More?

I can’t seem to get to the bottom of this, so maybe you can help me out.

Lately, it seems like people have become much more comfortable ignoring the looming tariffs that are supposed to impact average Americans. These proposed sanctions—promoted as tariffs against other countries—are being met with retaliation. Those countries hitting us with tariffs of their own. China has been sonning us for weeks.

At first, the assumption (What The Donald Said) was that these tariffs would mostly be absorbed by the companies importing goods into the U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and former Vice President Harris said otherwise over and over. They told us that the costs would actually hit consumers, Americans. But many people didn’t believe them for some strange reason. Thanks to a lot of misinformation (and blind trust in Trump’s administration), people voted these policies into reality. And now we’re seeing the consequences.

Recently, some online shoppers have started posting about the impact. Items that were once cheap are suddenly expensive because the tariffs are being added directly on top of the item’s cost. For example, a $20 dress might now have a $30 tariff on it and that’s before taxes. The tariffs are actually more than that, oftentimes more than the actual item being bought.

Retailers like Temu, Wish and even Amazon are facing serious cost increases, and it’s unclear how much they’ll absorb versus pass on to customers. However, 145 percent is a number being tossed around. YIKES! Some buyers are showing signs of regret, but I’m not convinced all of them are being honest. Some seem to be exaggerating the situation online, which is why I am not pointing you to them.

However, one very reputable business owner (who runs his own sneaker brand Sia Collective) broke it down in a real way. He showed how tariffs will make it impossible for him to manufacture overseas and still offer affordable products in the U.S. He also explained there’s no viable manufacturing alternative inside America at his price point.

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I also asked AI and this is what it said: Yes, Temu will be impacted by tariffs. The “de minimis” exemption, which allowed low-value packages from China to enter the US duty-free, has been ended, meaning Temu, like Shein, will now have to pay tariffs on its products, likely leading to price increases for consumers.  What is the de minimis exemption?This exemption allowed packages valued under $800 to enter the US without tariffs. 

For the record, I have never bought anything on Temu in my life.

And if you were thinking India might replace China as a cheap labor option…think again. The people I’ve talked to say that’s not working out either. Costs in India aren’t low enough to make up the difference.

So now I’m wondering what’s next. Will you keep shopping at places like Fashion Nova, SHEIN and Temu when the prices start skyrocketing too?

Lizzo Breaks Down In Tears During Birthday Celebration

Lizzo broke down in tears at her 37th birthday dinner in Los Angeles after an emotional wave hit her mid-celebration, surrounded by loved ones.

The Grammy-winning singer shared a carousel of photos and a video clip on Instagram, offering a glimpse into the intimate gathering hosted by her inner circle the night before.

Dressed in a leopard-print gown with matching gloves, Lizzo—born Melissa Jefferson—smiled for the camera and sliced into a birthday cake, but behind the scenes, emotions ran high.

“I’m a tough cookie. I tried my whole life not to cry and be seen as anything less than strong,” she wrote in the caption. “I had a lot of anxiety leading up to my birthday and I could feel it clogging my emotions… last night at dinner, while freaking out about not spending time with everyone equally and worrying if people were having a good time, I looked and saw my mommy brother & sister sitting in front of me, eating and smiling… I looked to my right and my best friend Lexo was making a joke about eating avocados and I lost it. I cried like a baby!”

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The singer admitted the tears came suddenly and without warning, but the release left her feeling lighter and more grounded.

“I was SO HAPPY because regardless of yesterday and regardless of what was gonna happen next, in that very moment I had everything I needed. In that moment everything was ok,” she continued. “In this present moment I am sooo grateful for all of the birthday wishes and thoughts and prayers and love. I am so full so happy and so deeply blessed by you all.”

Lizzo is preparing to release her next album, Love in Real Life, later this year.

Ab-Soul Vents—Let The TDE Rumors Begin

Ab-Soul–salute. We appreciate and love the brother and hope for nothing but the best for him. We see he’s held it down and believe in where he wants to go.

But let’s jump right into it. Soul made some comments on the internet that got people talking and I didn’t now what to make of it. Believe it or not, I saw this and just thought about it. Now, I am writing about it.

“SO, ACCORDING TO THE NUMBERS/ANALYTICS OR WHATEVER THE FUCC, A TOUR FOR ME HAS YET TO BE FINALIZED. SOUL BURGER DROPPED LAST NOVEMBER. IM NOT POINTING ANY FINGERS, BUT DAMN. I FEEL LIKE THAT WAS SOME OF MY BEST WORK. SOMETHINGS IN THE WATER FA SHO. THIS FEELS SIMILAR TO THE END OF PHYSICAL DISTRIBUTION, WHICH ULTIMATELY RESULTED IN THE FALL OF MY FAMILY OWNED RECORD STORE ‘MAGIC DISC MUSIC’. I SUPPOSE I SAY ALL THIS TO APOLOGIZE FOR THE DELAY TO ANYONE WHO ANTICIPATES SEEING IT PERFORMED LIVE. I DO HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON.”

That album Soul Burger was so dope, but I get why he’s flustered. The internet immediately went toxic with it. They started to point fingers at TDE, Kendrick Lamar and also Doechii! As we know, Doe got a Grammy this year and Kendrick is on tour with SZA.

Unlike the fans, he said he was not sending shots at his TDE comrades.

“TO BE CLEAR, THAT WAS NOT A JAB AT MY TEAM IN ANYWAY. EITHER THE GAME IS CHANGING(AS IT DOES AND WILL ALWAYS). OR I JUST DIDN’T CONNECT CREATIVELY. NONETHELESS, I CAN ADAPT. IM STILL WORKIN, STILL BLESSED, STILL MOTIVATED.”

Bas from Dreamville came in with the co-sign, “Spoken like a real one. The game has indeed changed. But we move brother. Excited for what’s to come.”

I am glad he is not disgruntled. Personally, I would like to meet him since he put AllHipHop in a song once. Here he is talking about it.

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Soul Burger remains a solid piece of art featuring Vince Staples, Doechii, Ty Dolla Sign, J.I.D, Lupe Fiasco and Blxst.

EXCLUSIVE: Claudia Jordan Denies She Practices Witchcraft—Sues For Millions

Claudia Jordan fired back with a $4.5 million countersuit after being accused of witchcraft and criminal activity in a bizarre $500 million lawsuit filed by a woman named Regina Coco LaRue.

Jordan’s legal action claims LaRue launched a smear campaign on Instagram beginning in January 2025, falsely accusing the media personality of everything from murder to drug dealing to practicing voodoo.

Jordan says she’s never met LaRue and believes the accusations were made “with actual malice and knowledge of their falsity.”

LaRue’s original lawsuit, filed January 24 in Maryland District Court, included allegations of defamation, stalking, fraud and witchcraft.

The case, labeled a personal injury and slander matter, named Jordan and nine others as defendants. In court documents, LaRue alleged Jordan paid occult groups to perform black magic rituals against her.

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LaRue also accused Jordan of scamming the government through PPP loans and selling drugs—claims Jordan flatly denies.

LaRue, who describes herself as a “warrior in the spiritual world,” made the claim publicly on Instagram, where she has more than 340,000 followers.

The Court dismissed LaRue’s amended complaint on April 14 but gave her 28 days to revise and refile.

Jordan didn’t wait.

Instead, she filed a counterclaim seeking $1.5 million in compensatory damages, $3 million for reputational harm, additional punitive damages and legal fees.

Jordan’s legal team said the only known link between the two women is through Jordan’s ex-boyfriend, Kendall Dismuke.

Before dating Jordan, Dismuke was in a relationship with LaRue’s daughter. Jordan and LaRue’s daughter have never met and Jordan says she has no personal connection to LaRue at all.

A judge has yet to rule.

Trippie Redd Accuses Kanye West Of Exploiting Black Culture Amid Rage Music Origins Debate

Trippie Redd is setting the record straight after Kanye West claimed he pioneered rage music, firing back with a scathing response and accusing the rapper of misrepresenting Hip-Hop history and exploiting Black culture.

During a recent stream, West claimed, “I invented rage, bro. ‘Blood on the Leaves.’… I invented this whole rage s###.”

He added, “Trav [Travis Scott] worked on Yeezus; he was one of the main producers. Yeezus is that energy. And ‘N##### in Paris.’ ‘N##### in Paris’ is the first time n##### is moshing. We got Black people moshing. That was just some White boy s###.”

The remarks quickly reached Trippie Redd, who responded with a pointed rebuttal, crediting himself and a few late and current rap peers as the true architects of the genre’s aggressive sound.

Alongside himself, Trippie named XXXTentacion, Playboi Carti and Lil Uzi Vert.

“The inventors of the rage sound is me, X, Carti and Uzi,” Trippie declared. “We paved the way, we popularized it. I’m not gonna let you old-ass n##### say you invented something that you ain’t invent. N##### need take they pills, man.”

He didn’t stop there. In a continued rant, Trippie questioned West’s motives and authenticity regarding supporting the Black community.

“These n##### be psychotic, like out of they f#####’ mind,” he continued. “Your old ass ain’t invent s###. That’s exactly why I ain’t pull up on his old ass. ‘Cause he always just wanna put a n#### beneath him and s###. You ain’t really for the Black people. You ain’t really for your people, n####.”

Trippie concluded, “You be using n#####, and you lost right now.”

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EXCLUSIVE: Diddy Seeks To Silence Cassie Ventura’s Lawyer & Others Until Trial Ends

Sean “Diddy” Combs is asking a federal judge in Manhattan to bar attorneys representing government witnesses—including Cassie Ventura’s lawyer—from speaking publicly about his upcoming criminal trial.

The disgraced mogul claims their media appearances could poison the jury pool and jeopardize his right to a fair trial.

Diddy’s legal team recently filed a motion requesting a narrowly tailored gag order that would block lawyers for alleged victims from making public statements until the trial ends.

The request comes after repeated media interviews and documentary appearances by attorneys Douglas Wigdor and Lisa Bloom, who represent key witnesses expected to testify against Diddy.

Wigdor, who represents one of the central accusers, told media outlets that “Combs will be held accountable for his depravity” and described Diddy’s legal arguments as “disingenuous” in reference to the infamous video of him beating up Ventura in 2016.

His remarks, widely circulated online and in the press, are portrayed by Diddy’s team as prejudicial and suggestive of guilt.

Lisa Bloom, who represents another government witness, has appeared in several documentaries, including Peacock’s The Fall of Diddy and the BBC special P. Diddy: The Rise and Fall, which premiered on Monday (April 28).

In those appearances, she claimed there were “hundreds” of additional allegations and compared Diddy to Jeffrey Epstein. She also speculated about his behavior “behind closed doors” and questioned his honesty. Despite receiving cease-and-desist letters and reminders of ethical obligations, Bloom has continued to speak publicly.

Diddy’s attorneys argue that these public comments go beyond legal advocacy and risk influencing potential jurors.

They say traditional remedies, such as relocating the trial to another city or providing jurors with special instructions, wouldn’t be enough to counter the global media attention.

The proposed gag order would apply only to lawyers representing government witnesses and their clients—not to the press or the public.

According to the motion, the goal is to “protect Mr. Combs’ constitutional right to a fair trial by an impartial jury.”

The trial is set to begin on May 5 in Manhattan federal court and expected to last up to 10 weeks.

Diddy faces five federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution. If convicted, he could face life in prison, with a minimum of 15 years for specific charges.

EXCLUSIVE: Feds Working Hard To Keep Lil Durk Locked Up—Ready To Present New Evidence

Lil Durk’s attempt to get out of jail hit a wall this week after federal prosecutors pushed back on his latest bond request. They argue the Chicago-bred rapper remains a flight risk and danger to the public.

Durk is accused of orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot targeting rapper Quando Rondo. Though Rondo wasn’t harmed, his cousin Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson was fatally shot at a gas station near Los Angeles’ Beverly Center on August 19, 2022.

Federal prosecutors allege the killing was revenge for the 2020 murder of King Von, a close associate of Lil Durk and member of his Only The Family (OTF) collective.

In a superseding indictment filed last November, Lil Durk was formally charged alongside five co-conspirators. The government claims he led OTF and used the group to carry out violent acts, including murder.

Lil Durk’s legal team recently asked the Court to reconsider his detention, arguing that prosecutors improperly relied on lyrics pulled from fan-made websites and viral videos to link him to the crime.

But the government swiftly rejected that claim, stating the artist’s incarceration was based on his conduct—not his music.

“The timing of [Lil Durk’s] lyrics and whether or not he ‘commercialized’ his violence through rap (which he did) has little to no bearing on the detention analysis before the Court,” United States Attorney Bilal A. Essayli said. “The issue here is a narrow one: has [Lil Durk] presented new information, not known to him in December 2024, that has a material bearing on whether he should be detained pending trial? The answer is no.”

They also pointed to his alleged behavior following the arrests of his co-defendants, claiming he tried to flee the country by booking three international flights, including one to a nation without an extradition treaty. He was taken into custody while attempting to board a private jet.

Prosecutors further argued that lyrics describing bounty payments and targeting rivals closely mirrored the methods allegedly used in Robinson’s killing.

They noted that even if the lyrics were written before the murder, they still reflected a pattern of behavior consistent with the charges.

Essayli added, “[Lil Durk] was not detained because of videos his fans created: he was detained because he is alleged to be the leader of a violent organization; because he orchestrated and funded an execution-style murder with machine guns at a busy gas station; and because he tried to flee the country after his co-conspirators were arrested.”

The Court ruled in December 2024 that no bond conditions could ensure public safety or prevent flight, citing Lil Durk’s wealth, influence and past attempts to evade law enforcement.

If the Court reopens the detention hearing, prosecutors said they plan to introduce new evidence showing that Lil Durk has continued to violate Bureau of Prisons rules while in custody.

As Essayli explaind, “To the extent the Court permits the hearing, the government will be prepared to submit additional evidence showing [Lil Durk’s] dangerousness and willingness to disregard conditions imposed upon him, including ongoing violations of BOP rules.”

Michelle Obama Fears Trump’s Immigration Agenda: “It Keeps Me Up At Night”

Michelle Obama pulled no punches when discussing her fears about racial profiling and immigration policy under Donald Trump’s leadership during a recent interview.

The former first lady unleashed on Trump during an appearance on the “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” podcast, joined by her brother Craig Robinson. Obama said she’s no longer worried about her own safety but lies awake at night thinking about the vulnerability of others.

“In this current climate, for me, it’s what’s happening to immigrants,” she explained. “It’s not the fear for myself anymore; I drive around in a four-car motorcade with a police escort. I’m Michelle Obama. I do still worry about my daughters in the world even though they are somewhat recognizable.”

Obama, who skipped Trump’s inauguration, described growing anxiety over the treatment of people of color across the country, especially under leadership that she says is making snap judgments about who belongs in America.

“So, my fears are for what I know is happening out there in streets all over the city. And now that we have leadership that is sort of indiscriminately determining who belongs and who doesn’t, and we know that those decisions aren’t being made with courts and with due process,” she continued. “Knowing that there’s so much bias and so much racism and so much ignorance that fuels those kinds of choices.”

Michel Obama’s remarks follow Trump’s hardline immigration agenda that includes mass deportations.

He’s also vowed to end birthright citizenship and has fast-tracked deportations without court hearings, with deportees sent to El Salvador’s notorious Cecot prison.

Beyond immigration, Trump has slashed federal funding for diversity and inclusion programs, banned critical race theory in schools, and eliminated the Department of Education. 

Michelle Obama Concerned For People Of Color Under Donald Trump

“I worry for people of color all over this country,” Obama said. “I don’t know that we will have the advocates to protect everybody. And that frightens me. It keeps me up at night. I see that when I’m driving around LA I am, I’m just looking in the faces of folks who could be victim.” 

She added, “And I’m wondering, how are you feeling? How do you feel standing on the bus stop? How do you feel comfortable going to work, going to school when you know that there could be people out here judging you and who could upend your life in a second? You know that’s who I worry for right now.”

Her comments follow reports that three U.S. citizen children, including one battling cancer, were deported to Honduras with their mothers last week, raising further concerns about the human toll of immigration enforcement.

Is Diddy Planning Insanity Defense As Federal Trial Nears?

The trial of the century should be Donald Trump and those felonies, but we have to settle for Diddy. And, my journalist friends are swarming to the court. Before we get into the hard news of it all, we need to discuss what a potential defense looks like for the Bad Boy.

First of all, things don’t look nearly as bad for the boy as they did a few months back. The RICO is gone, there were no drugs found in all that baby oil and Lil Rod is probably in hiding. He’s the one who accused Diddy of sexual assault, drugging, trafficking and racketeering.

READ ALSO: Diddy Hit With Major Court Ruling Over Sex Trafficking Allegations

According to recently surfaced court documents, the music mogul plans to argue that he was too impaired by drugs and alcohol to be held responsible for the brutal acts he’s accused of committing. Wait a second. I am in disbelief over this defense, but walk with me.

Diddy’s legal team has recruited a Columbia University professor to vouch for his state of mind. I wonder how this will play out legally, because the feds don’t seem to be down with this move.

Federal prosecutors seem to be pushing back hard, saying this sort of testimony is “irrelevant” and even “improper.” Most of the most sensational parts in the filing are redacted, Diddy’s team appears to be hinting his mental impairment (AKA heavy drug and alcohol use). This doesn’t mean he didn’t do it, it means he was incapable of forming the intent needed to commit criminal acts. I’m not lawyer, but I just don’t think this will work.

Diddy is facing very serious allegations, including claims that he drugged his victims during “freak-offs.” Per his defense strategy, he didn’t have the mental ability to knowingly orchestrate these horrible acts. Diddy won’t be testifying, but he’s a celebrity. Maybe he will get some “love” from the jury.

READ ALSO: Da Band’s Dylan Dili Skewers Bad Boy Exec Days After His Death: “Lying Thief”

Prosecutors don’t love it at all. They are saying they didn’t get notice and they did not even get to examine Diddy. That’s a major no-no in my book. Being high or drunk doesn’t magically erase their criminal liability. I think he should do a Shaggy: it wasn’t me.

But, wait, there’s more and it includes Cassie Ventura. Apparently, there’s a forensic video expert, who’s supposed to dissect hotel surveillance footage connected to an alleged beatdown of Ventura. We all saw that one, at least some of it. Now, he copped to that in an apology, I guess court is a new world. Prosecutors want that blocked, too.

The judge has yet to rule either way. This trial is almost here. This is stressful for me, so I can’t imagine what it’s like for the players. Diddy’s empire is on the line. Whatever happens next, you better believe it’s going to be dramatic.

-illseed out

Cam’ron Drags Kanye West Over “Cousins” Revelations As Spat Intensifies

Cam’ron ripped into Kanye West during Monday’s episode of his “It Is What It Is” podcast after West clapped back at Cam’s claim that he was a “stain” on his hometown of Chicago.

The Harlem rapper didn’t mince words when addressing West’s online response.

“I don’t usually talk to n##### who suck dick,” he stated. “Once they suck dick, I don’t go back. I don’t wanna go back-and-forth once you admit you suck dick. That’s just me.”

The feud stems from Cam’ron criticizing West’s behavior and past controversies, grouping him with R. Kelly as a “stain on a good city” and damaging to Chicago’s image.

Cam’ron also expressed disgust over West’s recent online rant targeting JAY-Z and Beyoncé’s children, calling it “disgusting.”

West fired back on X, formerly Twitter, defending his legacy in his hometown.

He also insisted he has a love for Cam’ron but referenced his recent song “Cousins,” where he admitted to childhood sexual experiences with a male cousin, claiming he had hesitated to release the track because of people like Cam.

“How Cam say I’m doing anything bad for Chicago. Chicago loves me,” West wrote. “I love Cam. It’s n##### like you that had me shook to release the song but I ain’t scared of y’all n#####. And thank you for making dip set. You’re a God.”

He didn’t stop there. “And f### you by the way,” West added. “And I got on my 2 million dollar dipset belt as I tweet.”

Kanye West escalated the tension further, calling Cam’ron a “p#### ass n####” during a recent livestream and warning, “Don’t tell me s### about Chicago.”

AllHipHop’s 2025 Quarterly Power Rankings: The Heavy Hitters

Hip-Hop in 2025 stands as a mosaic of sounds, voices and cultures, all thriving once. It’s a sight to behold. From stadium anthems to the grit of the underground, rap music is flourishing because of its diversity. Bars are back and so are complex narratives that reflect personal struggles, political tensions and dreams.

Simultaneously, innovation is the order of the day. New sound continues to shatter boundaries. A new wave of underground heroes rises alongside seasoned legends, who refuse to relinquish the crown. Independent artists leverage technology to maintain creative freedom, while mainstream heavyweights dominate charts with surgical precision. Women are asserting greater power than ever in the culture.

Rap in 2025 isn’t just music. It’s a living, evolving universe. In these crazy times, we continue to celebrate survival, ambition, pain, love, rebellion and joy, all at once.

This year’s heavy hitters shape the culture with unmatched force. Kendrick Lamar remains the king, Doechii pushes the future forward with fearless creativity and Playboi Carti reinvents the soundscape with chaotic brilliance. Rumors of Drake’s demise are unfounded as he continues his reign as a global tastemaker. And The Alchemist acts as the anchor to the underground. Together, they embody Hip-Hop’s unstoppable evolution.

Kendrick Lamar – GNX

Kendrick Lamar’s surprise album GNX, released in November 2024, was critically acclaimed. His track “Not Like Us” won multiple awards at the 2025 Grammys, including Record and Song of the Year. He also delivered a record-breaking performance at the Super Bowl LIX halftime show in February. Now he’s on The Grand National Tour with SZA and killing it all over again.

Doechii – Alligator Bites Never Heal

Doechii’s mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal, released in 2024, also garnered critical acclaim and won Best Rap Album at this year’s Grammys, making her the third female rapper to achieve this feat. Doechii continues to evolve in real time as a media and rap darling.

Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR – $ome $exy $ongs 4 U

The collaborative album $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, released on February 14, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, tying the record for the most No. 1 albums by a solo artist. Drake’s streams tell no lies, as he keeps his crown as the most streamed rap artists both in the U.S. and globally.

Playboi Carti – MUSIC

Released on March 14, Playboi Carti’s album broke records as 2025’s most-streamed album on its first day. The project features collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, The Weeknd, Lil Uzi Vert and Future. We’ll continue to monitor how much Carti’s impact ripples for the rest of the year.

The Alchemist – Various Projects (2025)

The only producer on the list. As the underground’s most revered producer, The Alchemist has remained a cornerstone of Hip-Hop through this early phase of 2025. He’s already dropped collaborative masterpieces like Forensics with Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) and laced projects from artists across the spectrum.

On February 7, ALC dropped Life Is Beautiful, a collaborative project with Larry June and 2 Chainz. In December 2024, he and Roc Marciano dropped the acclaimed The Skeleton Key. He’s got a Mobb Deep project on deck and he’s producing the entirety of Erykah Badu’s next album, so he’s just getting warmed up. Alchemist continues to shape the underground’s aesthetic and his fingerprints are on some of the year’s most critically lauded records. He’s the rare modern producer whose name alone carries the same weight as top-tier rappers.

Diddy Hit With Major Court Ruling Over Sex Trafficking Allegations

Sean “Diddy” Combs will face sex trafficking allegations head-on in court next week after a federal judge ruled prosecutors can introduce key evidence tied to those claims in his upcoming criminal trial.

The decision, handed down just days before the May 5 start date, marks a significant blow for the embattled Hip-Hop mogul, who had pushed to exclude a large portion of the material, including references to alleged “Freak Offs.”

Diddy’s legal team argued the government submitted the evidence too late, leaving them without enough time to prepare.

Prosecutors fired back, telling the court Diddy had been aware of the evidence they intended to introduce at trial for months” and accused him of trying to stall.

They called the motion “a transparent attempt to narrow the scope of the proof against him at trial by any means necessary, and to yet again make a last-ditch effort to secure an adjournment of trial.”

Video Evidence Of Diddy Assaulting Cassie Ventura Will Be Shown In Trial

While the judge blocked prosecutors from presenting forced labor claims involving one of Diddy’s staffers, the court gave the green light to sex trafficking evidence, including a widely discussed surveillance video showing singer Cassie being assaulted. The person who recorded that footage is expected to testify.

Diddy has denied all allegations. His spokesperson previously stated, “Mr. Combs has never trafficked or abused anyone. We will vigorously defend these claims in court.”

The federal case paints a picture of a sprawling criminal operation allegedly run through Bad Boy Entertainment and Combs Enterprises. Prosecutors say Diddy used intimidation, weapons, and various forms of abuse to control victims and fulfill his sexual demands.

The original indictment, unsealed September 17, 2024, charged Diddy with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation for prostitution.

A superseding indictment filed on April 3 added two more charges, alleging he continued trafficking activity into 2024.

The trial is set to begin May 5, 2025, in federal court.

Beyoncé’s Daughters Steal Spotlight With Surprise Cowboy Carter Tour Performance

Beyoncé‘s daughters, Blue Ivy and Rumi Carter, stole the spotlight during the sold-out kickoff of her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin’ Circuit Tour at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Monday night (April 28).

Blue Ivy, 13, returned to the stage with her mother during “America Has a Problem,” executing the choreography with precision and confidence. 

Her polished performance echoed her earlier appearances on the original Cowboy Carter Tour, and the crowd responded with roaring approval.

Not to be outdone, 7-year-old Rumi Carter made her stage debut during “Protector,” joining Beyoncé and Blue for a tender moment that lit up the arena. 

Rumi waved to the audience, danced beside her sister and mother, and beamed as the crowd cheered her on.

Blue Ivy later owned the spotlight with a show-stopping dance solo to Beyoncé’s 2006 hit “Deja Vu.”

The nearly three-hour show, packed with about 40 songs, also featured a career-spanning video montage chronicling Beyoncé’s journey from her Destiny’s Child days to her recent Grammy win for Album of the Year for Cowboy Carter. 

Other highlights from the electrifying show include Beyoncé riding a mechanical bull while performing “Tyrant.”

The footage included rare glimpses of her family life with JAY-Z and their children.

Though fans have long called for official music videos, Beyoncé has continued to share visuals through curated montages at her concerts and documentaries.

Despite rumors of low ticket sales, Parkwood Entertainment confirmed via social media that the opening night was sold out.

EXCLUSIVE: Shedeur Sanders Celebrates With Hip-Hop Stars After NFL Draft Snub

Shedeur Sanders celebrated his NFL draft selection with a celebrity-filled party in Los Angeles after a headline-making fall to the fifth round and a bizarre prank call that stirred controversy across the league.

The Cleveland Browns’ newest quarterback recruit didn’t let the draft-day drama dim his moment.

Instead, he threw a private bash powered by Meta Quest, surrounded by a mix of Hip-Hop royalty, NFL talent and longtime friends.

The guest list included Shenseea, Yung Miami, Kodak Black, Loe Shimmy, Dallas Cowboys wideout CeeDee Lamb and Browns cornerback Tony Brown.

Footage obtained by AllHipHop captured the athlete dancing and vibing with his circle, clearly soaking in the celebration. Clips of Shedeur Sanders partying with Yung Miami and Shenseea quickly went viral, adding even more buzz to an already headline-heavy weekend.

Inside Shedeur Sanders Star-Studded NFL Draft Party

The 22-year-old quarterback had been widely projected as a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, with analysts calling him “one of the most talented quarterbacks in the class.”

But when draft day came, Sanders slid all the way to pick No. 144 in the fifth round, where the Browns finally called his name.

The unexpected drop sparked debate across sports media, with many questioning how a player with his resume could fall so far.

Sanders, however, kept his cool. “We all didn’t expect this, of course,” he stated. “But I feel like with God, anything’s possible, everything’s possible. I don’t feel like this happened for no reason. All this is of course fuel to the fire.”

Adding to the chaos, Sanders received a prank call during the draft. The caller pretended to be New Orleans Saints GM Mickey Loomis.

However, Sanders brushed off the incident. He called the prank “childish” and added, “It didn’t really have an impact on me… I don’t feed into negativity or I don’t feed into that stuff.”

The NFL has launched an investigation into how Sanders’ private draft phone number was leaked.

The number was supposed to be used exclusively for official team communications. The prankster, later identified as Jax Ulbrich, publicly apologized.

Sanders’ father, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, stood firmly behind his son through it all. “God don’t make mistakes. He’s right where he’s supposed to be,” he said.

EXCLUSIVE: Damon Dash Ditched By Lawyers As Bankruptcy Looms In $4 Million Legal Battle

Damon Dash is preparing to file for bankruptcy and will have to find a new legal team as his financial feud with filmmaker Josh Webber intensifies in federal court.

Court documents obtained exclusively by AllHipHop reveal Dash’s attorneys submitted a letter to the U.S. District Court on Monday (April 28) asking to withdraw from the case, citing his refusal to cooperate with court-ordered asset disclosures.

The letter says Damon Dash told them that since he’s planning to file for bankruptcy, “responding would be futile” and everyone should “wait for the bankruptcy process.”

The legal team said their ability to represent Dash has been “frustrated” by his lack of communication and similar behavior in other unrelated matters.

They asked the court for a 30-day pause in proceedings so Dash could find new representation and finalize his bankruptcy filing.

Dash and his company, Poppington LLC, were notified of the withdrawal request. Webber’s attorneys were also consulted, according to the filing.

The court document also references Dash’s previous claims that he owns no personal jewelry and that any jewelry seen in social media posts doesn’t belong to him. He also denied having any interest in several entities listed in the discovery demands.

This is the latest turn in a years-long legal dispute between Damon Dash and Webber over the film Dear Frank.

Damon Dash’s Roc-A-Fella Records Ownership Stake Auctioned

In 2022, Dash was ordered to pay $805,000 to Webber and Muddy Water Pictures after falsely claiming ownership of the project.

The situation worsened in 2024, and the judgment ballooned to over $4 million when Dash publicly accused Webber of misconduct, triggering a defamation lawsuit.

After Dash ignored mediation and failed to submit the required documents, a judge issued a default judgment against him.

To help cover the debt, Dash’s one-third ownership in Roc-A-Fella Records was auctioned off in December 2024.

But he still owes over $823,000, and Webber’s legal team is now pushing to seize Dash’s film catalog, including titles like State Property.

The court previously warned Dash that continued non-compliance could lead to sanctions and the forced sale of his intellectual property.

He was ordered to explain his lack of cooperation by April 28, 2025—the same day his lawyers filed to walk away.

Black Smith Embodies Hustle and Legacy on New Anthem “Wit It”

Black Smith doesn’t just rap about the grind—he lives it. A fixture in hip-hop since the late ’90s, the Newark-born, Delray Beach-raised MC returns with a powerful statement on his latest single “Wit It” featuring Do Brown. Equal parts motivational street anthem and personal declaration, the track is a bold reminder that longevity in this game is earned, not given.

Emerging in 1998, Black Smith has carved his own lane through raw authenticity and street-smart lyricism. Long before social media co-signs and viral moments dominated the culture, Smith was building his name in Florida’s underground—throwing events, packing clubs, and establishing a reputation rooted in hustle. That grassroots energy evolved into Murk Squad, a crew known for their unfiltered bars and dedication to the grind. Their breakout mixtape Young & Hustlin Vol. 1 became a regional classic, cementing Smith’s presence as both a rapper and a cultural contributor.

Despite early setbacks—including delays surrounding Murk Squad’s official debut album Streets Motivation—Smith never folded. Instead, he doubled down. Alongside his brother and longtime collaborator DJ C Money, he co-founded a recording studio that would become a launchpad for Florida talent and a headquarters for independent creation. This new direction led to a major career milestone: contributing to LL Cool J’s “The Hustler” (featuring Mavado), produced by the legendary Jerry Wonda. It wasn’t just a feature—it was validation.

Wit It” picks up where that momentum left off. Fueled by a polished beat and driven by Smith’s sharp delivery, the song exudes triumph. From the opening lines, he makes it clear this is more than music—it’s a mantra. The accompanying video—equal parts cinematic and street-level—captures Smith in his element, navigating city lights in a luxury whip, surrounded by symbols of success. But the glitz isn’t just for show—it’s a reward for decades of work.

“Every bar I spit comes from a place of experience,” says Smith. “The wins, the losses, the lessons—I pour all that into the music. ‘Wit It’ is about staying committed, even when the road gets rough. It’s about building something real.”

Released under his own imprints—Black Smith Entertainment Inc and Music Moves Money LLC—Wit It recently cracked the Top 60 on the Hip-Hop/Rap charts, peaking at #59. For an independent artist navigating the game on his own terms, that kind of success hits different. It’s not hype. It’s legacy in motion.

As Smith’s influence continues to grow, one thing remains clear: he’s not here for fleeting trends. He’s here to uplift, to inspire, and to prove that with enough perseverance, anything is possible.