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Signs: Man Eaten By Bedbugs In Jail; Attorney Ben Crump Gets On The Case

This is crazy. I cannot believe we are in a civilized society that still, somehow, allows for people to be eaten alive in jail. But this, sadly, is where we are.

Lashawn Thompson is the individual who tragically passed away while in custody at a county jail in Georgia last year. For me, this is a relatively new story. But, we are getting more and more details as the press and whatnot are digging deeper. We are seeing now that this poor man endured living conditions that resembled a “torture chamber.” The system denied him any sort of care that neglected of both his mental and physical health.

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During a press conference held on Monday, the family’s attorneys disclosed the findings of an independent medical review, which determined Thompson’s death at Fulton County Jail in September 2022 to be a homicide. Murder. The review uncovered the absence of medication in Thompson’s system, indicating that his “severe mental illness” had been left untreated leading up to his demise, as stated by Attorney Ben Crump. Crump further emphasized that this neglect constituted criminal negligence, asserting that Thompson, aged 35, was held in the psychiatric wing of the jail due to his mental health challenges. He had been incarcerated for a mere three months before passing away.

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At first, the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s office initially classified Thompson’s manner and cause of death as undetermined. That would soon change, thanks to the justice warriors that did not let this get swept under the racist rug. This new report said that Thompson suffered from schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and acute exacerbation (where the mental situation gets dramatically worse). Howard University came through for our dear brother. Howard’s Dr. Roger Mitchell Jr., a board-certified forensic pathologist and chair of pathology at HU did the most recent review.

Without going through the mess and details, Lashawn was left for dead even when he was alive. “Mr. Lashawn Thompson died due to severe neglect.” There was dehydration, rapid weight loss, malnutrition, and untreated schizophrenia… all preventable!

Thompson’s family wants a criminal investigation into their loved one’s death and has also called for the closure of the jail. So far, the “warden” of Fulton County Jail and two of his assistants have resigned. We do not know the names. They have put $500,000 to get rid of the freaking bed bugs, lice, and vermin that ate this poor man. 600 inmates have been moved to other facilities. Run the family their coins. But wouldn’t it be better to just not be racist trash?

Wyclef Jean, Teyana Taylor, Cam’ron, Coco Jones & More Announced For Harlem Festival Of Culture

Organizers for the Harlem Festival of Culture revealed the event’s official lineup of performers. The inaugural festival will feature appearances by several high-profile Hip Hop, R&B, and Dancehall acts.

The three-day HFC will take place on Randall’s Island in New York City. In addition, the weekend will also include intimate concert events at The Apollo as well as various activations throughout the Harlem neighborhood.

Harlem Festival of Culture attendees will have the chance to see Harlem-bred entertainers such as Cam’ron, Doug E. Fresh, Ma$e, and Teyana Taylor on stage. Hip Hop legend MC Lyte will serve as host for the festival.

“As a native New Yorker, I’m honored to host the very first Harlem Festival of Culture. HFC is definitely putting on for the city with this Festival and has planned something special that I think everyone – whether they’re from around the corner, across the country, or around the world – will enjoy,” expresses MC Lyte. “It is going to be a party and a celebration for the Culture like none other!”

Other scheduled HFC performers include Adam Blackstone, Bell Biv DeVoe, Coco Jones, Eric Bellinger, Fat Joe, Jozzy, MAJOR., Muni Long, Remy Ma, Ro James, Tink, and Wyclef Jean. Plus, British songstress Estelle will curate the Dancehall LinkUp with appearances by Lumidee, Max Glazer, Mr. Killa, Nadine Sutherland, Nina Sky, Rupee, Serani, and Wayne Wonder.

Wyclef Jean & Doug E. Fresh Are Part Of The Harlem Festival Of Culture’s Advisory Board

“Early on when we announced the formation of the HFC Music Advisory Board, the goal was to build a team of artists and creatives in the role of thought partners to help guide the festival-building process – which is an unheard-of approach in this space,” says Wyclef Jean, HFC’s Co-Chair of the Music Advisory Board.

The Fugees emcee adds, “Artists play festivals all the time so we have first-hand knowledge of what works or could work and offer a different perspective. In this case, I believe their input helped us to take things up another level with HFC and really cooked up a truly unique festival experience. I am excited for the people to come see and enjoy what we have created!”

The Harlem Festival of Culture takes place July 28-30. Purchase options for the HFC include single general admission and VIP tickets. Weekend bundles for GA and VIP and a special discounted ticket for Harlem residents are also available. For more information, visit harlemfestivalofculture.com.

“Harlem is my home and home will always be where the heart is. It is in my DNA. There is no way I wouldn’t be part of such an epic moment in my hometown’s history,” states HFC Music Advisory Board member Doug E. Fresh. “It’s a no-brainer for me and I am excited to show the world how Harlem really brings it!”

OnPointLikeOP ft. Jim Jones – “Everything A Go”

Promoting his debut album My Brother’s Keeper that arrived last month, Brooklyn rapper OnPointLikeOP has released a new video titled “Everything A Go”. Directed by Reel Guerillas and Kay Dotti the record comes to life on film, with a special appearance from fellow New Yorker and Hip-Hop legend Jim Jones.

It is the project’s fifth official single, following “Stickup,” “Boom,” “High Class” and “Stay Dangerous” featuring Dusty Locane. Rah Swish, Bobby Shmurda and Rowdy Rebel also appear on the album. It’s clear OP is one of the best rising stars in NYC, and “My Brother’s Keeper” is just the beginning.

Mayor Ras J. Baraka Welcomes The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards Back To Newark

The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards will return to Newark, New Jersey’s Prudential Center on Tuesday, September 12. Newark will host the annual event for the third time in five years.

“Awarding Newark as host city for the 2023 VMAs echoes not only our selection by MTV in 2022 and 2019, but also reverberates our city’s historic vibe as a hotbed of musical genius,” says Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka.

The city’s 40th leader adds, “Starting with America’s first known composer in 1759, through the Jazz explosion in the 1920s, and up to today’s full spectrum of genres from Hip Hop to Opera, Newark has long served as America’s turntable for harmonic expression.”

Before becoming a politician, Ras Baraka served as an educator in the Newark Public Schools system. Baraka also contributed to Lauryn Hill’s Grammy-winning 1998 album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, as the narrator of interludes on the album.

“The relevance of the Video Music Awards rising up today from the same city that registered the film and video industry’s first nitrocellulose patent is not lost on me as Newark continues to sit squarely at the crossroads of motion picture and music,” states Mayor Baraka.

The 2023 Video Music Awards Will Broadcast Live To A Global Audience

MTV will air the 2023 Video Music Awards live in more than 150 countries. The network will announce this year’s host, nominees, and performers at a later date. Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well: The Short Film” won Video Of The Year in 2022.

“The return of the VMAs to the Prudential Center testifies to New Jersey’s enduring standing as a premier venue for large-scale entertainment events,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “As the home of some of the most internationally renowned names in the music industry, New Jersey is proud to once again partner with Paramount to showcase an array of exciting performances to a global audience.”

Governor Murphy continues, “By hosting this highly anticipated spectacle, our state and local economies will also benefit from the thousands of visitors who will shop, dine, and stay in our local communities.” New Jersey has produced VMA winners such as Lauryn Hill, Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, and Jonas Brothers.

Stand-up comedian/The Irishman actor Sebastian Maniscalco hosted the 2019 Video Music Awards at the Prudential Center. Jack Harlow, LL Cool J, and Nicki Minaj co-hosted the 2022 edition of the ceremony in the same venue.

Swizz Beatz: I Honestly Feel Like DMX Sent Scar Lip My Way

New York City has yet another rising female rapper gaining momentum at the moment. The Bronx native Scar Lip has already secured a co-sign from fellow New York-born musician Swizz Beatz.

Scar Lip’s “This Is New York” music video amassed more than 1.3 million views on YouTube since its premiere in early April. This week saw Scar unite with Swizz Beatz, Jadakiss, and Benny The Butcher for the “Take ‘Em Out” visuals.

Super-producer Swizz Beatz did an interview with Audacy’s Hip-Hop Made. The conversation included the Ruff Ryders Entertainment alumnus discussing his work with Scar Lip and how the late DMX may have made that connection from beyond the grave.

“I honestly feel like DMX sent Scar Lip my way,” said Swizz Beatz. “Because she’s too much of his energy. Like I’ve never seen an artist that just naturally has what I know DMX has. And they’re two different artists, two different levels, yes. But I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about in here.”

The Verzuz co-founder added, “That sister’s been through a lot like dog been through a lot. When you sit with her, she’s amazing and has a great heart, the same way X had a great heart. She just represents the have-nots, like X represents the have-nots. And for her to have gone through all those different things and still have a smile on her face. I’m like, man, she gotta win.”

In addition to the “Take ‘Em Out” and “This Is New York” singles, Scar Lip also dropped tracks such as “This Is Cali” featuring West Coast icon Snoop Dogg, “Suicide Awareness,” and “Glizzy Globber.” Scar is part of an up-and-coming crop of NYC-bred women that includes Ice Spice, Lola Brooke, and Maiya The Don.

GloRilla Channels Three 6 Mafia For “Lick Or Sum” Single

Memphis rhymer GloRilla taps into her hometown’s musical history by interpolating a southern rap classic. Tear Da Club Up Thugs, a subgroup of Three 6 Mafia, served as inspiration for Glo’s “Lick Or Sum.”

Three 6 Mafia member Juicy J and Philadelphia-born songwriter/rapper Derrick Milano produced “Lick Or Sum” for GloRilla. The track borrows from “Slob on My Nob” by Tear Da Club Up Thugs.

An official music video for “Lick Or Sum” premiered on YouTube yesterday. The visuals included GloRilla and her friends twerking to the Juicy J and Derrick Milano-created beat.

GloRilla’s latest song follows the Collective Music Group recording artist rapping on “On Wat U On” with Moneybagg Yo and “Ex’s (Phatnall Remix)” with Lil Durk. She also let loose “Internet Trolls” earlier this year.

Last November, GloRilla dropped her Anyways, Life’s Great… EP. The CMG/Interscope release hosted the Top 10 hit “Tomorrow 2” with Cardi B as well as the Gold-certified “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” with Hitkidd.

Fans will have the chance to see GloRilla perform live as part of Lil Baby’s “It’s Only Us Tour” over the summer. Hot 97 also tapped her for the Cardi B-headlining Summer Jam concert in New York.

Tear Da Club Up Thugs consisted of Juicy J, DJ Paul, and Lord Infamous. In addition to GloRilla, numerous other acts, like G-Eazy (“No Limit”) and A$AP Ferg (“Plain Jane”), sampled the trio’s “Slob on My Nob” throughout the years.

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Ari Fletcher Teases Setting Up OnlyFans Account If Moneybagg Yo’s ‘Hard To Love’ Goes No. 1

Memphis rapper Moneybagg Yo plans to drop a new mixtape, titled Hard to Love, this week. His girlfriend, Ariana “Ari” Fletcher, is helping to promote the project in an unconventional way.

Moneybagg Yo and Ari Fletcher reportedly called it quits last year after the couple suffered a miscarriage. Apparently, the Collective Music Group artist and the social media influencer got back together last fall.

“When Bagg drop his mixtape and go #1, I’m making my OnlyFans. I already got my first video ready… somebody tell him to hurry up!” tweeted Ari Fletcher on Tuesday night.

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Hard to Love will be Moneybagg Yo’s first solo body of work since 2021’s A Gangsta’s Pain. He also contributed to the Gangsta Art compilation by the CMG label roster which landed in July 2022.

A Gangsta’s Pain spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart. It debuted with 110,000 units in its first week. The studio LP became the first Billboard 200 chart-topper of Moneybagg’s career.

In preparation for Hard to Love‘s release, Moneybagg Yo teamed up with fellow CMG rapper GloRilla for the “On What U On” collaboration. He also released the “Quickie” and “Motion God” singles.

“This tape right here for my core fans, THE STREETS! Not the industry. 💔🖤,” wrote Moneybagg Yo on Instagram earlier this month. He also thanked his fans for supporting him while dealing with several tragic experiences in recent years.

Last year, Ari Fletcher joined the inaugural cast of the BET+ reality show The Impact Atlanta. The program also featured Jayda Cheaves, Dionte “Arrogant Tae” Gray, Destiny “Dess Dior” Bailey, and Lakeyah Robinson.

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U.K. Rapper J Hus Hints At New Album With Cryptic Billboards: “Don’t Say Militancy”  

J Hus has finally listened to fans’ prayers for new music, teasing his highly anticipated new album with a series of cryptic messages. 

Earlier this week, social media users began sharing images of billboards plastered across London promoting the upcoming project. The Spotify-sponsored ads feature a U.K. phone number and police caution-style tape bearing the words “DON’T SAY MILITANCY.” 

Fans spotted the same caution tape outside London’s Stratford station, a stone’s throw from where the “Did You See Me” hitmaker grew up. J Hus associate Creepa shared the image on Snapchat, although he remained tight-lipped about any further details.  

When curious Londoners followed the clues and dialed the number printed on the billboards, they were met with a curious greeting, questioning if the rapper is back “outside again.” This was then followed by some instructions from J Hus himself.  

“Yo! All militarians, press 1 to leave a message. Press 2 to opt in to receive text updates. We’re back. Don’t Say Militancy,” J Hus added, seemingly hinting at the project’s title.  

Earlier this month, influencer Mimi The Music Blogger predicted J Hus would drop later this week. She shared a screenshot of a comment he made about releasing the new album before his birthday, which falls on May 26.  

Meanwhile, J Hus recently wiped his Instagram account, a surefire sign an artist has something planned.  

Back in February, the East Londoner promised a summer release for the follow-up to his U.K. No. 1 album, Big Conspiracy. However, he threw fans a curve ball by announcing his plans to spend the next 12 months working on a movie.  

Prosecutors Seek Longer Sentence For Tory Lanez, Citing “High Level Of Callousness” Towards Megan Thee Stallion 

Tory Lanez could end up facing more than 22 years behind bars if a judge concludes that there were aggravating factors in the Megan The Stallion shooting.  

Prosecutors filed a new motion seeking a longer prison sentence, according to journalist Meghan Cuniff. The filing states Tory Lanez “demonstrated a high level of callousness” in firing at Megan Thee Stallion “without any justifiable provocation or reason.” 

The five-page motion filed by Deputy District Attorneys Kathy Ta and Alex Bott states: “Victim was dressed in only a bikini, shoeless and on foot in a neighborhood completely foreign to her. It was late at night. She was unarmed and completely defenseless.” They say Tory Lanez “posed a significant danger to everyone (witnesses and neighbors) in the vicinity of this shooting.”   

“The brazenness of Defendant’s conduct is alarming but the conscious disregard for the well-being and safety of all those around him signifies a high degree of indifference for human life,” the motion continues.  

The Motion Cites Three Aggravating Circumstances

Prosecutors cite three circumstances they say aggravate Lanez’s crimes, justifying a longer sentence: The callousness Tory Lanez showed towards Megan Thee Stallion, and the great bodily harm he caused her; his use of a semi-automatic firearm; and Megan’s vulnerability as a victim.  

While prosecutors have not recommended a sentence, they are expected to do so in filings before June 6. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge David Herriford is due to sentence Tory Lanez on June 13. Earlier this month, the judge rejected Lanez’s motion for a new trial. 

“Victim went through physical therapy for several months, received stitches and was in significant pain,” prosecutors wrote. “Victim testified that she continues to suffer from nerve damage and experience soreness, particularly when she has to perform as part of her work.” 

The court filing also addressed the great bodily harm aggravating factor which can involve callousness.  

“As victim began to walk away from Defendant wearing only a bikini and no shoes, Defendant mocked Victim with ‘Dance B####’ as [he] opened fire in her direction. With no justifiable reason, Defendant fired not just one but up to five rounds in the direction of Victim in the middle of a residential neighborhood,” prosecutors wrote. 

With regard to the firearm aggravator, prosecutors stated, “immediately after the shooting, the gun was found at [Lanez’s] feet, warm to the touch and in a slide lock position, indicating Defendant had fired every round from that gun.” 

In addition, prosecutors point to Megan’s vulnerability as a victim and say she was unaware that Tory was armed with a loaded gun.  

“She was afforded no opportunity and was in no position to defend herself, find cover, or shield herself in anyway. Besides an argument in the car, there was no justifiable provocation or event that would have signaled to her that Defendant would have fired a gun at her, not just once but five times. Victims was taken entirely by surprise. Given the surrounding circumstances, she was particularly vulnerable,” the filing states.  

Conway The Machine Denies Rumored Rifts With Shady Records And Griselda 

Conway The Machine has opened up about his exit from Griselda and Shady Records, admitting rumors of a rift arose because of his handling of the departure announcements.  

Last February, the Drumwork Music Group founder confirmed he was an independent artist after fulfilling his contracts with both Griselda and Shady Records. Despite initially stating they parted “on good terms,” a month after his exit, Conway revealed his Griselda contract “wasn’t in my favor,” leading to whispers of bad blood at the Griselda camp. 

However, in a candid interview with Math Hoffa on the My Expert Opinion podcast, Conway The Machine shared his regret over his past statements. He claims his comments were blown out of proportion but accepts accountability for fuelling the chatter.  

“It wasn’t nothing there, it just looked like it on the surface,” he said, referring to a Griselda beef. “Fans just ran with certain d####### s### I done said and did in interviews. Certain fan theories that just led to the assumption that them boys is fighting and at odds.”  

Nonetheless, Conway takes full responsibility for the confusion saying his fellow Griselda members deserved more from him.  

“Because honestly I operated out of my feelings. My brother ain’t deserve that s###, man West ain’t deserve that,” he said in reference to “the s### I was saying in them interviews.”   

Conway: “Nobody Owes Me A Penny”

He then cleared up the rumors of bad business dealings stating, “nobody” including Shady Records, “owes me a penny,” or “stole from me. My business was on the up and up.”   

The “Quarters” hitmaker also addressed his comments during the Breakfast Club interview about not reading his contract. Conway claims he wasn’t implying anybody took advantage of him. “It was out of loyalty I ain’t read that s###. That’s my brother. I ain’t got to read nothing, I know we good.”   

Conway admitted, “I acted out of my feelings” during the interview, “and that s### spread like hot fire,” which led to the conspiracy theories. Check out the clip below. 

Quavo Shares ‘Rocket Power’ Album Update: “This Is My Therapy” 

Quavo is using his upcoming album Rocket Power as “therapy” following the tragic loss of Takeoff last year.  

The Quality Control artist explained that he has been working through his grief on his sophomore studio album, using the project as fuel to keep him going. 

While he’s kept a relatively low profile in recent months, Quavo pays tribute to his late nephew and best friend at every opportunity, and his upcoming album will be no different. Details about the project are scarce, but Quavo took to Instagram Tuesday (May 23) with an update.  

He revealed the project, which he promised is “coming soon,” is a “reflection” of his state of mind. Quavo also believes listeners can use Rocket Power to help them “overcome” whatever life throws at them.  

“Rocket Power 🚀 The Album coming soon. This album is for the Rocket our true fans and also this is my therapy,” Quavo began his post. He also opened up about how he is coping in the wake of Takeoff’s passing. 

“This is album is a true reflection of how I feel right now. Sometimes I’m Good, sometimes I’m Down, sometimes I’m Disappointed, sometimes I fall apart,” Quavo admitted. “But then I ALWAYS find my strength again. I know everything might not be alright right now, but the rocket showed me a way to make it RIGHT!” 

He concluded, “Rocket Power keeps me going. Rocket Power gives me fuel. Rocket Power will help us all overcome whatever we’re going through.” 

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In a previous update last month, Quavo told fans not to expect a press run ahead of the project.  

“#RocketPower🚀 All My Emotions In This Album No Interviews ♾🔒,” he announced in April.  

Fat Joe Shares Concerns Over Rick Ross And DJ Envy Beef: “I Don’t Like It Where It’s Going” 

Fat Joe has seen the car show beef brewing between Rick Ross and DJ Envy, and he’s not impressed. 

The pair are feuding over their competing car shows, and while the beef began with friendly barbs, tensions have escalated. Both the radio host and the Maybach Music founder have shows in the upcoming weeks.  

DJ Envy is preparing for his “Drive Your Dreams” car show on May 28 in Memphis, with a second show in Houston on June 18, while Rick Ross is hosting his at his “Promised Land” megamansion on June 3.  

The pair have taken numerous shots at each other in an online war of words that has seen DJ Envy fat-shaming Rozay while Rick Ross dragged Envy’s relatives into the drama.  

The Terror Squad leader caught wind of the escalating tensions and has weighed in to share his concerns over the feud. According to Fat Joe, Rick Ross and DJ Envy are “beautiful people” who need to quit beefing.  

He took to Instagram Live Tuesday (May 23) to offer his take. “Don’t like what’s going on with Rick Ross and DJ Envy,” Fat Joe declared. “Don’t like it. I love ’em both. Beautiful men in their own right, successful, do their thing. I don’t like where it’s going.” 

While Fat Joe acknowledged his own past beef, he doesn’t want the pair at odds with each other. “I know I’ve had my share of beefing with people,” he added, “but I don’t like it because they’re both beautiful, beautiful people.”  

Check out the clip below or click here to watch the Instagram Live. 

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Earlier this week, DJ Envy dressed in a correction officer uniform while mocking Rick Ross. Rozay then fired back by offering Envy’s father a job working for him.  

Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford Are Set To Fight!

I am putting this in the rumors section until they are in a press conference or a weigh-in! These guys have been going back and forth for far too long! But it looks like…at long last, we have a fight!

The highly anticipated mega showdown between Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford is set to become a reality. Ring Magazine disclosed that Spence and Crawford are likely to face off this summer. The fight is set for July 29, with August serving as a backup option. We don’t want any “back ups.” Make the date and we’ll be there!

Mike Coppinger of ESPN also confirmed this news, stating that the epic clash will indeed take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. According to Coppinger’s report, a rematch clause will be included, allowing the losing fighter 30 days to activate the clause.

Moreover, Crawford has signed a two-fight agreement under the Premier Boxing Champions banner. Showtime PPV will broadcast the Spence vs. Crawford fight live in the United States. The collaborative efforts of Al Haymon from PBC, representing Spence, and Ishmael Hinson from CAA, representing Crawford, have made this extraordinary super fight possible. Whoo Whoo!

Currently, Spence holds the welterweight titles for WBA, WBC, and IBF, while Crawford possesses the WBO welterweight championship. Boxing enthusiasts are well aware that this monumental bout will determine the undisputed welterweight champion of the world.

But why now?

Personally, I think Tank and Haney lead the way for this to happen.

There are several OTHER factors that have contributed to the delay in a fight between Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford. Errol Spence Jr. has been represented by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC and Al Haymon) and Terence Crawford was promoted by Top Rank (Bob Arum). These guys have different networks and platforms aka Big Money. There are also pretty detailed financial terms, splits, and other contractual details. I thought they had it together earlier this year, but it was everything but the truth.

The stars have aligned to make the bout a reality.

Halle Bailey Says DDG Relationship Critics View Her As “Innocent, Untouchable Thing”

Halle Bailey noticed people infantilizing her when they criticized her relationship with DDG.

The 23-year-old actress/singer discussed the social media chatter about her dating DDG in an interview with Glamour. She realized a lot of fans were unwilling or unable to treat her like an adult.

“It’s really funny how people look at you [as] still being this young girl, still being this innocent, untouchable thing,” Halle Bailey said. “I appreciate that as I venture into adulthood, I’m able to make my own decisions.”

Halle Bailey began dating DDG in 2022. The Little Mermaid star told Glamour she tries to keep the details of their relationship private for her peace and sanity.

Privacy often proves to be difficult for the couple. Halle Bailey gained fame at a young age as one half of the musical duo Chloe x Halle. She received even more recognition when she landed the lead role in Disney’s live-action version of The Little Mermaid.

DDG made a name for himself as a YouTuber. He also embarked on a rap career and scored a deal with Epic Records.

Fans can see Halle Bailey in The Little Mermaid when it hits theaters on Friday (May 26).

Check out a trailer for the new film below.

Lil Durk Denies Beefing With NBA YoungBoy To Promote New Album

Lil Durk insisted he’s not trying to antagonize NBA YoungBoy to boost album sales.

DJ Akademiks asked Lil Durk about the rapper’s feud with NBA YoungBoy on the Off the Record podcast. Durkio dismissed the idea he’s using NBA YoungBoy for promo. The Alamo Records artist claimed he was surprised to see his rival lash out at him on social media.

“I promise you, I don’t think about that man,” Lil Durk said. “Zero! I was shocked when I woke up to that s###. I’m like, ‘What the f###? Gotta be a fake page.’”

He continued, “Why would I use you for promo when I know I’ma outsell you? A m########### sit up and be like, ‘You gon’ outsell him, but he have a bigger …’ Well, who using who for promo?”

Lil Durk’s Almost Healed album and NBA YoungBoy’s Richest Opp project were originally scheduled to drop on the same day. Durkio decided to delay his album but still faced the wrath of NBA YoungBoy on Twitter.

“@lildurk you a b#### & yo nasty ass hoe and it’s shown and @Akademiks you a pure Fat hoe who mouth gone be the reason,” NBA YoungBoy wrote in a since-deleted tweet. “you from now on (‘invalid’).”

He added, “@lildurk lol you ever realized you only get a buzz when one of your friends die.”

Lil Durk’s Almost Healed will be released on Friday (May 26). The lead single “All My Life” featuring J. Cole debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

FBG Duck’s Mom Asks Lil Durk To Meet With Her; Praises Rapper’s Efforts To Stop Violence

FBG Duck’s mother LaSheena Weekly invited Lil Durk to meet with her to help unite the city of Chicago.

Weekly reached out to Lil Durk in an Instagram Stories post on Tuesday (May 23). FBG Duck’s mother commended Lil Durk for trying to help bring peace to Chicago but urged him to do more.

“@LilDurk as a mother that’s lost her son to this senseless war that’s divided Chicago, I’m proud to see that you are taking steps to bring our city together and stop the violence,” she wrote. “You met with @ChicagosMayor @Brandon4Chicago, now I’m asking that you meet with me and the @MothersOfPeace to take further steps to unite our city. More information on this coming soon.”

Earlier this year, Lil Durk spoke with Chicago’s former mayor Lori Lightfoot and its current mayor Brandon Johnson at a dinner to discuss the city’s future with high school students. The event was organized by the rapper’s Neighborhood Heroes Foundation.

“If I haven’t been picking up my phone I been busy being a neighborhood hero!” he wrote on Instagram in February.

Last year, Lil Durk expressed his desire to end gang violence in Chicago. He vowed to stop “speaking on the dead” in an interview with Rolling Stone.

Lil Durk mentioned the late FBG Duck in a song titled “Should’ve Ducked.” It appeared on The Voice deluxe edition, which dropped in 2021. FBG Duck was shot and killed in 2020.

Gap Slaps Kanye West With Lawsuit After Company Gets Sued Over Yeezy Store

Gap added to Kanye West’s growing list of lawsuits by suing him for $2 million.

According to TMZ and Radar Online, Gap blamed Kanye West for the company’s involvement in a separate lawsuit over modifying a Yeezy store in Los Angeles. Art City Center sued Gap for breach of contract in 2022.

Art City Center leased a building in downtown Los Angeles to Gap, which used the location for a Yeezy store from 2021 to 2022. Gap wasn’t allowed to make alterations to the building without approval.

Gap faced legal action after it allegedly “completed numerous, significant, unapproved modifications.” Art City Center claimed the building hasn’t been restored to its original condition in a lawsuit against Gap.

Art City Center sought $1.5 million in damages. Gap responded by suing Kanye West, accusing him of making all the changes to the building.

Gap argued it was wrongly sued by Art City Center. The retailer said it’s not responsible for what Kanye West did to the building and requested $2 million in damages from its former partner.

Kanye West partnered with Gap in 2020. He terminated his deal with the company in 2022. ‘Ye left Gap a month before he was dropped by Adidas.

YNW Melly Trial Set To Kick Off In June

Rapper YNW Melly will have his day in a Broward County court in a couple of weeks.

The South Florida rapper, whose big song was “Murder on My Mind,” will face charges for the double murder of his former friends  Anthony “YNW Sackchaser” Williams and Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas Jr. in Oct. 2018, according to Local 10.

Cortlen Henry, 24, is also being charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the two men’s killings.

As AllHipHop.com reported, YNW Melly was 19, when he allegedly killed YNW Sackchaser (21) and YNW Juvy (19) five years ago.

Henry was 19 also at the time of the killings.

Pictures emerged at the top of the month, showing the rapper all smiles in the courtroom— even though he is accused of killing his besties.

The court was conducting jury selection started on April 11, according to TCPalm.com, but was temporarily stop it for an undisclosed reason. Selecting those jurors that will serve on this case will resume on June 5.

Prosecutors are going for the ultimate penalty should they get a conviction. They are seeking the death penalty.

The death penalty is new in Florida. Ron DeSantis signed it into law on April 20 this year.

His lawyers tried to fight against it saying, “Applying the new law on a retroactive basis would be changing the rules after the game has begun, thereby violating (Demons’) right to procedural due process.”

Still, the prosecution is not distracted on its goals.

The actual trial, provided 12 jurors are selected, should begin as early as June 7.

Crypto MC Spottie WiFi Talks His Unique Journey With Snoop Dogg, Bun B And Jim Jones

Thee BEST crypto-punk rapper alive,” Spottie WiFi says after wrapping up an interview with AllHipHop. About 40 minutes before this moment, he walked into WonWorld studios solo, after a bout with New York City Traffic. Unaffected by Times Square’s madness, he’s cooler than one would expect. And yet, in 2023, he’s exactly what one would expect from a rapper rooted in technology.

Spottie has garnered widespread support as enthusiasts rally behind him, particularly in the world of tech. His latest album, The King’s Alpha, changes his sphere of influence. The opus has earned him the endorsement of prominent figures in the world of Hip-Hop.

With his new project, Spottie WiFi has gained the support of influential names like Snoop Dogg, Jim Jones and Bun B, among others, who proudly champion his music. The album boasts exciting collaborations with other artists such as Gold-Rilla, DJ Mal-Ski, Champ Medici, October London, We$, Alan Kingdom, Alec King, Bart Oatmeal, and Psalm One.

It was all a dream in the meta verse. In 2021, Spottie WiFi sold 2,000 NFT albums in less than a minute, generating an impressive $192K. This feat solidified his status as an independent artist with a strong following. It was only right that he took his brand and the messaging to the masses. Spottie pushes the convergence of rap and cryptocurrency, a focal point for for the Florida-based emcee.

Bun B, in one of the tracks, delivers a powerful verse where he shares his perspective on NFTs, boldly stating, “To me, an NFT means Nobody F#####’ Triller.” Dope bars aside, Spottie also shares his own financial ventures within the cryptocurrency realm. The album is educational but never corny. Jim Jones could never involve himself with anything wack. “Buy The Dips” is not Spottie trying to purchase the Harlem collective. To find out more, check out this interesting, introspective conversation between Spottie and Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur. He talks his strategic moves and how his virtual base is more solid that some rappers’ foundation in the concrete.

Dirty Ex-Atlanta Cop Sentenced To Decade In Prison For His Role In Bankroll Freddie’s Robbery

The former dirty cop, who resigned because he was under investigation after being suspected of making warrants go away for street guys, will spend the next decade in jail for his role in a crime against a local Atlanta rapper.

Earlier in the month, Justin Mikale Thorne, 26, pled guilty to multiple felony charges related to the 2019-armed robbery of rapper Bankroll Freddie (Freddie Gladney III).

According to WSB-TV, Thorne once alleged the reason why he was wrangled into the robbery was because someone had threatened his family.

The robbery took place on the morning of Oct. 17, 2019, at the Comfort Inn and Suites, near The Battery in Cobb County. Thorne is seen on surveillance parking at the motel and at some point, talking to two men inside of a Toyota Camry.

An investigation into the robbery discovered damning evidence, such as surveillance photos and videos of Thorne in his Atlanta Police Department uniform playing lookout for the same men from earlier— who eventually rob Bankroll Freddie and his cousin.

Before the robbery, the ex-cop was rocking his badge and his gun and appeared to be patrolling the fourth floor.

This was enough to secure an indictment, which led to the ex-APD officer admitting to his role in the crime.

Outside of the robbery, Bankroll Freddie seems to keep finding himself in the news.

Currently, according to AllHipHop.com,  the rapper, his father, Freddie Gladney, Jr., brothers, and a sister, are at the center of an FBI investigation into gang violence and drug trafficking in Arkansas.

In February, the father was allegedly overheard on wiretaps discussing drugs and guns with three of his sons and arranging drug sales through a daughter.

They are all now considered co-defendants.