A Maryland-based producer sued 50 Cent, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Scott Storch and more for copyright infringement.
According to court documents obtained by Music Business Worldwide, David W. Smith claimed 50 Cent’s “Candy Shop” and Terror Squad’s “Lean Back” were substantially similar to Smith’s song “WHACHACOM4?” Smith believed the defendants were “specifically aware” of his song, which dropped in 2003.
“Plaintiff authored the music in the Copyrighted Work in or about 2002,” Smith’s lawyer wrote. “Plaintiff subsequently collaborated with an individual named Molik S. Hippolyte, a rapper who performed under the name ‘Moe Wet,’ who authored the words and lyrics in the Copyrighted Work. In January 2003, Plaintiff and Molik recorded the Copyrighted Work on Plaintiff’s digital audio workstation. Plaintiff first published the Copyrighted Work on April 22, 2003.”
Smith cited “striking similarities” between his song and “Lean Back,” including the principal melodies and percussion effects. He dismissed the notion of Scott Scorch creating the beat based on a melody hummed by Fat Joe.
“[Fat Joe], [Remy Ma] and Defendant Storch copied substantial qualitative and quantitative portions of the sound recording and/or musical composition of the Copyrighted Work, including constituent elements that are original,” the lawsuit argued.
Smith reiterated many of the same allegations in his complaint against “Candy Shop.” He noted Fat Joe allegedly co-produced the 50 Cent single with Scott Storch.
“[Fat Joe] and Defendant Storch misappropriated compositional and structural musical elements that exist in the Copyrighted Work when co-producing the [50 Cent] Copyrighted Work,” Smith’s lawyer contended.
Smith asked for a percentage of the revenue from “Candy Shop” and “Lean Back” as well as damages. He listed 50 Cent, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Scott Storch and several record labels as defendants.
“Godfather of Harlem” tells a story inspired by infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson (Forest Whitaker) who in the early 1960s returned from 11 years in prison to find the neighborhood he once ruled in shambles.
Season 3 found Johnson continuing to battle for control of Harlem, with other aspirants to the throne, namely the Cuban Mafia from neighboring Spanish Harlem.
Bumpy taking on the Cuban mob put himself, his loved ones, and his community in the crosshairs of not only the rival Italians, but also the Latin assassins, and ultimately the CIA.
The series is also a collision of the criminal underworld and the civil rights movement during one of the most tumultuous times in American history.
Swizz Beatz has been the executive music producer for the series since inception, and the hitmaker certainly delivered some eargasmic records.
Swizz spoke with AllHipHop’s Rea Davis about working with Jadakiss on “Hustle, Repeat,” crafting music for the ’60s time period, episodes around the Civil Rights Movement that impacted him, and the future of Verzuz.
AllHipHop: What was it like working with your brother Jadakiss on that single [“Hustle, Repeat”]?
Swizz Beatz: Aww man. Get money, hustle, repeat. Working with my brother Jada, I mean that’s what he does. He gets money, hustle, repeat since ‘98, and to be able to have him be a part of “Godfather of Harlem” has just been like a dream come true to bring your family on the ride with you, and be a part of something so epic with Forest Whitaker. The show is the only thing like it on TV, and I had to bring my bro in, so it was an honor.
AllHipHop: You are such a creative. You’ve been doing this for so long. Did you face any challenges with crafting music that fits the ‘60s timeframe?
Swizz Beatz: I didn’t really have a problem making the music because I was allowed to do what I wanted to do. Because I was able to pick like songs to where you didn’t know what time period it was. You just know what you felt when you were watching the film, and that’s the thing. I may put an old school vibe in it, but it’ll have a new school person on it, or an unknown person on it. You know we didn’t really go for what’s the hits on the radio. We went for what made the film look amazing, and what made Bumpy Johnson look great.
AllHipHop: So each season, you get to change the musical landscape because of the year in which the show takes place, how did you change the landscape and push the envelope in Season 3?
Swizz Beatz: Well Season 3 had more of a Latin vibe with Jose Battle, which was a gangsta in the streets, also a C.I.A. agent. Then we were dealing with Cuba, and so we were able to mix a Latin feel into it, which we didn’t have in Season 2. So, I love these challenges to be able to like deal with the surprises. So it was like, okay, this season we are going to lean more towards the Latin vibe. Jade Herrera’s going to do the speech, and they are going to try to assassinate him. Malcom X… so this is going to be the vibe and the tone. Okay we got the notes; let’s deliver.
AllHipHop: Knowing what Black people have faced in this country, were there any scenes that made you emotional?
Swizz Beatz: Knowing what we dealt with in this country as African and African Americans, a lot of scenes, they really definitely touched me. Everything Malcolm went through touched me. Everything Ali went through touched me. Even the gangster himself, what Bumpy Johnson had to go through because when you look at what he really was doing, he was really trying to change his environment and change the community although he had to start off in a negative way. He was eventually trying to get to a positive way, but he just faced so many challenges getting to that way, and a lot of us we start from the negative, and we start from the poor and the weak because that’s the cards we were dealt. I look at myself as coming from the Bronx to racing camels in Saudi Arabia and to graduating from Harvard. You know um, we look at a person like Bumpy that we might can ridicule and say all of the negative things, but there were a lot of positive things that he did, so that was an educational point for me, as well. It’s not how you start; it’s how you end it, although his didn’t end all the way well, but I know that’s where he wanted to go.
AllHipHop: Who are your Top 5 favorite producers and Top 5 favorite rappers dead or alive?
Swizz Beatz: I’m bad with “Top 5’s.” I’m not gonna lie because l commend all of the producers, you know whether they were hot yesterday or hotter today. I just commend them for even giving their time to the craft and contributing to music. I could easily say Dr. Dre, this one, that one, but it was so many other producers that even inspired Dre, that even inspired me, that inspired so many producers. I just give my hat off to all of the producers that took their time out to do something positive and give our community and our culture some sh#t we could dance to.
AllHipHop: What’s next for Verzuz?
Swizz Beatz: Verzuz is coming back real soon. You know like um, sometimes you gotta take time out to regroup. What we built was phenomenal in the pandemic which lasted outside the pandemic, but the company got so big that we had to regroup. The way we are coming back…we’re coming back unexpected. We’re coming back new. We’re coming back fun. We’re coming back creative. The things that we were when we started. Just know that we are taking this time out to come back in a bigger and better way. [A way] that the people are going to love.
A couple allegedly exploited a Malibu doctor struggling with mental health issues until his death in 2018.
The Los Angeles Times ran a detailed report about how Anthony Flores and Anna Moore fleeced 57-year-old ophthalmologist Mark Sawusch. The couple allegedly drugged Sawusch and stole his money after befriending him in 2017.
Sawusch was bipolar and landed in jail or psychiatric hospitals on several occasions. He met Flores and Moore after a stint in a psychiatric hospital in 2017. He eventually invited them to come live with him, rent-free.
The couple moved in with Sawusch, promising to bring stability to his life. Sawusch kicked them out of his house weeks later.
“I just realized Anna and Anton are f###### white collar tax fraud criminals who tried to steal my Tesla and home,” he texted a friend. “OMG. I am sooo gullible.”
The couple regained Sawusch’s trust after he was arrested for throwing rocks at vehicles. Flores convinced the doctor to give him power of attorney to withdraw enough money to post bail.
Flores and Moore moved back in with Sawusch, who was grateful to get out of jail. But the couple now had direct access to the doctor’s bank accounts.
The couple arranged for Sawusch to get weekly ketamine injections and had him use LSD, mushrooms and other drugs. Flores and Moore embezzled roughly $3 million from Sawusch until he died in 2018.
A coroner ruled it an accidental death caused by ketamine and alcohol intoxication. But a pathologist determined the ketamine and alcohol didn’t “significantly contribute” to the doctor’s immediate cause of death.
After Sawusch died, Flores and Moore allegedly tried to take more of his money. The couple’s exploits eventually caught the attention of authorities, leading to an indictment.
Earlier this year, Flores and Moore were arrested for their scam. They were charged with conspiracy, wire and mail fraud, money laundering and aggravated identity theft. The two pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The DOJ also accuses Whitehead falsified bank records to help him get money to pay for his New Jersey mansion, far away from the storefront church he pastors in Brooklyn.
In the current complaint, filed on Friday, April 28 in a Brooklyn Supreme Court, he is accused of Whitehead falsified documents that said he was the owner of a church building whose congregation he evicted earlier in the year.
According to Michael Moses, the man suing him, Whitehead created fake papers that said he owned the property and then it was filed in the Office of the City Register of the City of New York.
“On or about April 25, 2023, a deed dated April 19, 2023, was recorded in the Office of the City Register of the City of New York (hereinafter, “the fraudulent deed“),” reads the lawsuit obtained by AllHipHop.com.
“The deed purports to convey the property from 5904 Foster Avenue Trust Lamor Whitehead Trustee to Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries Inc. 12. The fraudulent deed falsely states that the grantor is 5904 Foster Avenue Trust Lamor Whitehead as Trustee,” it continued.
Adding, “The fraudulent deed was fraudulently executed by Defendant Whitehead as Trustee of the 5904 Foster Avenue Trust.”
Now, Moses wants the courts to award him $3.5 million in damages from Whitehead and his church. He also wants to be declared the rightful owner and trustee and have the city void Whitehead’s deed.
Lastly, Moses is requesting the court award him any costs, expenses, disbursements, attorneys’ fees, and interest connected to the lawsuit— and any other relief it deems appropriate.
Whitehead says the lawsuit is baseless.
“That’s a frivolous lawsuit. That’s it,” he said in a statement on the claim to The City.
This lawsuit comes a week after the church that he evicted from this space sued the Hip-Hop preacher for $5 million in damages after he through their belongings out.
After the Man of God unexpectedly kicked the congregation out, he threw their stuff in the garbage. The church sued to get back in the building and a judge sided with them. They could not go back in immediately after the ruling because Whitehead had destroyed their sacred space. They’ve been in since April but want him to pay for messing up the spot, according to AMNY.com.
If you’re a true Hip Hop head, then you’re probably a fan of Thirstin Howl III. A legend in his own right, real name Victor DeJesus is a rapper, producer, author, and entrepreneur, best known for co-founding the Lo Lifes — the iconic Brooklyn street fashion gang that came into fruition in the 1980’s, and has now expanded to become a staple in all facets including fashion, rap, graffiti, film and literary works.
In describing himself, Thirstin Howl III states he’s “very driven. All Hip Hop is the best way to describe my entire life. Well-rounded, well-versed, and thirsty. The name speaks for itself.”
Previously rapping under the moniker Big Vic The Barbarian, eventually took on the name Thirstin Howl III because he was always thirsty on the battle rap scene. The name is also inspired by watching the 1964 sitcom Gilligan’s Island. He states, “I incorporated the millionaire and became the skillionaire.”
Now, Thirstin Howl III readies his forthcoming album titled Thoughts Skillustrated, slated to arrive on May 18th. Having remained independent from all throughout his professional career, Thirstin is walking proof that you don’t need a major label to make a positive impact on the world. He also currently owns his own label called Skillionaire Global Enterprises, continuing to make his mark on the culture in the best way he knows how: through the lens of Hip Hop and fashion.
AllHipHop spoke with Thirstin Howl to discuss his roots, getting every era of Hip Hop, his name, starting the Lo Lifes, the new project, linking with Eminem, why he doesn’t have a Top 5, and more!
AllHipHop: What was the reality of growing up in the Marcus Garvey Village projects?
Thirstin Howl III: Growing up in Marcus Garvey Village is real serious. Brownsville is definitely a dangerous neighborhood. It was pretty rough growing up, but it was also very rich: culture, friendship, and things like that. It was dramatic more than anything, but it made me the person who I am today. I’m glad for all those experiences growing up in Marcus Garvey in the 80’s. It was a beautiful experience. It might be harsh to somebody else in the world, but without that, I probably would’ve never been who I am today.
AllHipHop: What was the moment you first discovered hip Hop?
Thirstin Howl III: I was born before Hip Hop, so I’ve lived it the entire time. Just all the early records, but more the style of fashion and streets. My whole life was always Hip Hop, I was always influenced by it from day one. I got a chance to see everybody come through the gate. That’s one of the biggest blessings ever to have experienced it all. Not many can say that.
AllHipHop: You started out doing graffiti and breakdancing, when did you start rapping?
Thirstin Howl III: I didn’t start rapping until ‘96 I mean, I was always a fiend for the music. I collected everything and studied it, but I never really considered being a rapper before. One day I was freestyling and I seen I had the natural talent. From that one day, it was nonstop after that.
AllHipHop: Why’d they call you Big Vic The Barbarian?
Thirstin Howl III: Because I was knocking n*ggas out. [laughs] I’m a knockout artist, on the ignorance street stuff. The Barbarian came from being a brawler in the streets, being big and muscular and working out. But for the wrong reasons. I never knew I’d become a barbarian on the mic after that, that was my rap name in the beginning as well.
AllHipHop: Being the co-founder of the Lo Lifes, do you feel like Hip Hop today matches the energy that you guys had in that group?
Thirstin Howl III: I mean, evolution man. There’s so much evolution going on, I never look at it and no other way but evolution. It’s not supposed to match. It’s supposed to take it to another level, it’s another dimension with things. I never tried to compare the two, this don’t go or that doesn’t fit. It’s just a different time, a different era, a different way of doing things. But I also learn to respect evolution. I don’t look down upon anything that’s different today. It might not be what my cup of tea was, but I know it’s what evolution is supposed to be.
AllHipHop: Talk about the moment you guys co-founded Lo Lifes.
Thirstin Howl III: I came up with the title Lo Life. I was called a low life by someone, and it fit. Because I was wearing Polo all my life, so it went hand in hand. It wasn’t a specific moment, it was also an evolution that happened for us becoming Lo Lifes and wearing Polo.
AllHipHop: Did you guys get arrested for stealing? What happened with that?
Thirstin Howl III: There were many things we were arrested for, way more than stealing. Stealing was one aspect of what we were doing on the street, but there was a lot more harsh things we were involved in besides stealing.
Thirstin Howl III: As Lo Lifes, there was definitely a strong street thing happening, where anything that’s happening on the streets we were involved in. And there was a lot of jail. A lot of jail was involved, a lot of jail time for many, many of the members. Same with a lot of deaths. Many were killed, a lot of wars. All that led up to us suffering many, many consequences to become the men we are today.
AllHipHop: What was it about Polo? How did it evolve into such a movement?
Thirstin Howl III: Like I said before, it was an evolution. There were many brands, especially me that I was wearing way before Polo, but we were wearing it in the same style of fashion. I’m a b-boy, I’m a breakdancer so I rocked the b-boy’s style of fashion. Like the adidas suits, the Puma suits, the FILA suits, everything evolved into what Polo started doing. Once we got our hands on Polo, then he was the dominant brand for myself and everyone else.
The colors, the big logos, being seasonal and coming with so much variety. In the hood, you want to outdo everybody else. You want to show up with something nobody’s seen or had. That’s how Polo was the dominant one when it came to that, giving you stuff seasonal and so much variety. That’s what made Polo the king of the castle.
AllHipHop: Going from stealing Polo to now working directly with the brand, that’s incredibly full circle. What does that mean to you?
Thirstin Howl III: I don’t think anyone thought that would ever happen. I was probably the most impossible thing that anyone could ever imagine, but I just feel blessed. I feel like it was destiny. It was long overdue. I’m also appreciative that they did acknowledge our contributions, as well as my contributions for the brand. To be recognized, it’s a big thing. To be so associated now and attached, people put me and Ralph Lauren in the same sentence. It’s crazy.
AllHipHop: How did you end up working with the brand? They just hit you up?
Thirstin Howl III: There were many different ways, through the modeling stuff. I was called upon to model, the same way I was called upon by directors from Ralph’s documentary. They wanted to include me in his life story. That led to me doing more with the brand and the company: more modeling gigs, advertisements. I was part of that big global campaign that was really major. Me myself, I think that’s the biggest campaign I’ve seen in my life. To be all over the world on giant billboards everywhere, that was amazing to me. And I was included with my son, so that was even lit.
AllHipHop: How old is your son?
Thirstin Howl III: At the time, he was 11 or 12. Now, he’s 16. He’s 6 feet . He wasn’t so big back then.
AllHipHop: Is he a rapper or nah?
Thirstin Howl III: He’s a producer. Produces music.
AllHipHop: You’re dropping a new album titled Thoughts Skillustrated on May 18th. What is the meaning behind the title?
Thirstin Howl III: If you ever got familiar with my catalog, this is my 20th, 30th album. All my albums have a Skill title. Within Hip Hop, I always believe in the skills first. I’m not a copy kind of guy, or commercial dude. I like skills, raw Hip Hop. Skills define everything. My first album was Skillionaire, my second album was Skillosopher. Then I made Serial Skiller, Skilligan’s Island, Skillitary, Licensed to Skill, Skilluminaty.
I have several several skill titles, every album almost has a Skill title. Thoughts Skillustrated is the one I thought it was time for right now. I still have a whole list of Skill titles for albums as we go along. Skilimanjaro? is ready for next year also. That’s the next one, but I’m just sitting on it.
AllHipHop: The project is produced by Matteo Getz, you met him when he was a teen in Massachusetts?
Thirstin Howl III: He’s another guy I met in Massachusetts, really dedicated to Hip Hop. His life is all Hip Hop man. He loves production. He’s been my friend for a long time. He’s always produced music for me. We continuously worked together for years, but this was our first full-length project together. Knowing that, it was honor.
AllHipHop: What can fans expect from the project?
Thirstin Howl III: You can expert hardboy music, hardbody beats, massive lyrics, and a lot of features on this album. Since Matteo was a producer, I wanted to flood this album with as many names as possible. To put him more in the spotlight as the producer, than me being the artist or this being my album. It’s more Matteo highlight time.
AllHipHop: How do you decide who to feature on the project?
Thirstin Howl III: I holla at my friends man. Everybody’s my friends. Sometimes I think about who would fit on this track, then I’ll hit them up and see if they with it or not.
AllHipHop: Bring us back to when you made “Watch Deez” with Eminem?
Thirstin Howl III: I remember we both broke. [laughs] We broke that day. Eminem had a check he was trying to cash. I remember we were in Brooklyn, going to DJ Spinna’s house to record the song. We went to a liquor store and they wouldn’t cash the check. We’re just trying to buy a bottle of liquor so we could enjoy ourselves.
AllHipHop: Why wouldn’t be cash the check?
Thirstin Howl III: I think it was an out of town check. He was in New York with me in Brooklyn, but we wound out getting the bottle anyway. Went back, knocked out the track and got busy. The rest was history.
AllHipHop: What is your guys’s relationship now?
Thirstin Howl III: I really haven’t heard from him. I could imagine what his life is like now, how many people are trying to talk to him or get in touch. Even after he blew up, he stayed in contact a little bit. He let me open up some shows. If I went to Detroit to perform, he would come out and rock with me. Definitely proud of his success, it’s well-deserved. He really is the truth.
AllHipHop: Who is your Top 5 all-time?
Thirstin Howl III: No such thing baby! I’m from every era. I could never call a Top 5 because they’ve been so many throughout the years. Every era or every year should have aTop 5, but there’s no such thing as a Top 5. Not in my book, there are too many greats out there.
AllHipHop: What about top 5 artists you’re listening to right now?
Thirstin Howl III: I got my personal favorites, but I wouldn’t say who was top or above each other. I like many artists for different reasons. Trugoy was one of my favorites for a long time, he was very poetic in his music. His lyrics were something that you had to come to your own conclusion about what it meant, the way he laid his poetry down. So was Brother J from the X Clan. These were true poets within their music, where it wasn’t your average rap. Or your average braggadocious or egotistical stuff. It was very much poetry that you had to decipher the meaning. It can mean something different to everyone.
But there’s many. I always loved the artists that nobody could ever emulate their style. It’s impossible to emulate certain people. I consider myself one of those artists as well, where it’s almost impossible to emulate me. My style is so original. Like Sadat X, his style is so original. You’ll never hear another one like him. Like a CL Smooth, there’s so many. I’m a fan first of the culture, of the art, of the music. I love so many of them. I have a little bit of everybody, within my spirit. That’s what helps me to be so original.
AllHipHop: What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Thirstin Howl III: I’m always working baby! I love to work, so I don’t consider it work. I’m very passionate about it. The way I take a break, I paint things like that. You know how they say paint houses? I paint houses for real, it’s therapeutic for me. I love to paint houses, I love to see things transform. I love to see the ending result. To me, it’s still part of the creativity. And I’m not talking about painting portraits, I’m talking about painting the walls and cutting and the ceilings. I’m very decorative.
AllHipHop: You’ve accomplished a lot throughout your career, but do you have any goals for yourself?
Thirstin Howl III: Right now, my goal is to stay alive and be happy. Make sure my children prosper, and I could feed them all the information and knowledge they need. My goals are pretty simple.
AllHipHop: Anything else you want to let the people know?
Thirstin Howl III: Make sure they cop the album, cop all the albums while you at it. I got a huge catalog, so there’s so much there. A lot of people are still not in tune with everything I’ve done because I’m so consistent, so not many people are aware. I don’t have a major machine behind me or anything, I’ve never been signed to a record label. I’ve been 100% independent. Sometimes I just made an album, I throw it in the air and hope the wind catches it. But I’ve always had some results within the culture. I’ve always fed the culture. I’ve always helped push it forward, and it is acknowledged at this point.
The Writers Guild of America strike is impacting everyone, including some of your favorite shows on television.
While you might think the writers are for traditionally scripted movies, television dramas, and sitcoms, it also impacts late-night talk and variety shows like “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
It is also impacting “Saturday Night Live,” America’s longest-running sketch show, according to Forbes.
It has been announced that the scheduled episode of SNL, hosted by Pete Davidson with Lil Uzi Vert as a musical guest< has been canceled.
“The previously announced ‘Saturday Night Live’ hosted by Pete Davidson and musical guest Lil Uzi Vert is canceled due to the writers’ strike. ‘SNL’ will air repeats until further notice starting Saturday, May 6,” the press release reads.
The strike is stable after WGA has tried to reach an agreement for six weeks with Amazon, Apple, Discovery-Warner, Disney, Paramount, Sony, NBC Universal, and Netflix regarding the benefits of its rights like fair pay and protections. But have not been successful in their negotiation.
“Over the course of the negotiation, we explained how the companies’ business practices have slashed our compensation and residuals and undermined our working conditions,” the guild’s statement said.
Adding, “We are determined to achieve a new contract with fair pay that reflects the value of our contribution to company success and includes protections to ensure that writing survives as a sustainable profession.”
In New York, there is one name that has the city talking: Scar Lip. While The Bronx native is not yet a nationwide sensation, she has captivated the surrounding area and many of the Hip-Hop legends that have fallen in love with her. Scar had long garnered attention on TikTok, but it was “This Is New York” that made her pop, following “Glizzy Gobler.”
What has made the 22-year old neophyte so appealing to Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss, Cardi B and more is the raw, pure energy that emanates from the lyrics she spits and the visuals she projects. Scar has admitted that DMX is her muse, but she has channeled a number of acts, including Onyx.
In a recent interview with Chuck Creekmur and Rose D for the Amazing AllHipHop podast, the rising discussed her journey to success, her music, and what it means to be a true New Yorker.
One topic that came up quickly was Scar Lip’s apparent disdain for giving or receiving “good morning.” When asked about it, Scar Lip restated her dislike for “all that sweet, heartwarming sh#t,” stating that people in the gritty city don’t have time for it. She did admit, with a smirk, that she likes coming from the right person. Rose D pressed for what Scar Lip meant by “the right person,” to which she replied that it depends on the situation.
Part of Scar Lip’s allure is her representation of what a true New Yorker is. She embodies it. These things include representing the city properly, being authentic, and not “d#ck riding.” Also, she stressed being oneself and not trying to be something you’re not. New York Hip-Hop as been plagued by outside influences more than the rich cultural representation inside (and beyond the five boroughs). Scar Lip’s considers herself as an open book that has played out on social media, her music and in this interview.
“This is New York,” has been a game-changer for her, propelling her to heights once imagined. The nod by Cardi B was like winning a Grammy for Scar. And like her Bronx sister, Scar Lip’s message is clear: be yourself, represent your city properly, and work hard to achieve your goals. Her success story is just beginning and yet it already isan inspiration for aspiring artists and anyone looking to achieve their dreams.
Embattled R&B singer Trey Songz has taken a plea deal in one of the open cases he has.
The chart-topper was accused of punching a woman in the face while hanging out in a New York bowling alley bathroom. The abuse, according to the woman, not only included fist to face but him pulling her by her hair in agony.
On Tuesday, May 2, he pled guilty to one count of disorderly conduct.
Now, TMZ reports, his lawyer Mitchell Schuster has negotiated a plea deal for his client where 10 of the most severe charges (like assault and aggravated harassment) are dismissed in exchange for his enrollment into 12 anger management classes by August.
“We appreciate the New York law enforcement and the District Attorney’s office for their comprehensive investigation and careful consideration of all evidence, which ultimately confirmed what we had known all along and resulted in the District Attorney’s office choosing not to pursue any of the original charges against our client,” the attorney said.
Adding, “With each and every one of the 10 original charges now dismissed by operation of law, Trey looks forward to putting this matter behind him.”
This Jane Doe alleges TS viciously abused and sexually assaulted her. She says the 38-year-old anally raped her at a party in March 2016. She also admitted that the two allegedly had a history of consensual sex prior to the sexual assault.
Like the other cases, he maintains his innocence in this case also.
Something was in the air at Something in the Water 2023. The popular festival, founded by musical and conceptual genius Pharrell Williams, returned to Virginia Beach for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic. The swirling rainstorms , thunderstorms and tornados disrupted much of the weekend that still managed to bubble over with with iconic moments. The festival also highlighted local businesses and state-grown talent.
Day one of the festival, a Friday, started later in the evening due to the aforementioned weather. When things did clear up, fans were blessed with performances from Babyface Ray, Jazmine Sullivan, Polo G, Wale, Kehlani, Skillex, Kennybeats and etc. Jasmine Sullivan sonically sounded amazing with her band and received praises from the adorning crowd. Wale’s performance was dope, highlighting his Go-Go roots , and he also bought out his D.C. brother Fat Trel. Technical difficulties temporarily detracted from Kehlani’s set, but once they were resolved, it was all good. On top of that, the Oakland, California native had a number of medical emergencies with fans during her set. She stopped her performance every time they happened.
EDM artist Skrillex had a very energetic and hype-beast set, but he wasn’t even there. He defaulted to Kenny Beats because of the weather. Kid Cudi brought out Pharrell Williams, but that did not stop attendees from leaving early on the first day.
The second day was tough and the weather was more agreeable. The most best performances came SWV, Coi Leroy, Latto, Machine Gun Kelly, Kaytranada, Lil Wayne , Umi and Pharrell’s and Friends set.
Some of the best, most interesting moments came outside of the actual performances. Coi Leray gave a motivational speech at the end of her set, effectively engaging with the crowd. Rumors started that she was sneak dissing Latto. Latto reportedly returned fire and rumors quickly spread that there was a fight backstage. Whatever happened, did not metastasize publicly.
Latto set was very interactive, but her raunchy performance almost gave fans several wardrobe malfunctions. Nevertheless, she utilized props, and her own energy to overcome any adversity. The Georgia rep also took a political stance for black women bodies during her set. When’s he stepped down from the stage, she graciously took pics with fans and signed autographs.
Pharrell and Friends was the best set of the night. P-Real brought out all of the heavy hitters like Busta Rhymes, P Diddy (who managed to go viral with his clothing) and son King Combs, Coi Leray, Pos of De La Soul, Lola Brooke, Chris Brown and more. All praise was due to the Neptunes King. Coi Leray thanked Pharrell and told crowd we need to respect our legends more. Similarly, Diddy forced the more-than-willing crowd to give Pharrell his props for the putting the festival together.
Photo Credit: Michael Oberlies For Combs Global
Day 3 was delayed for several hours and then cancelled. Fans missed Grace Jones, the Clipse, Wu-Tang Clan, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Lil Uzi Vert, 100 Gecs, Aminé, Flo Milli, Lil Durk and more thanks to a looming tornado
Immediately, “what’s going to happen next?” queries began to float around.
Pharrell revealed that next year’s date for the festival would be different to address the changes in weather. The festival also suffered in 2019 due to the weather. We’ll be here for the next one!
Dearest Virginia, We are the best. These past few days @sitw#sitwfest have been the best. Even during this Tornado Watch and Lightning Storm right now as I type, we are the best. Thank you for giving the folks that travel here that energy and that LOVE that only we can give.… pic.twitter.com/pTGwbUY562
German singer/songwriter Kim Petras joined forces with Hip Hop superstar Nicki Minaj for the “Alone” single.
“Alone” dropped on April 21. The Rocco Did It Again! and Dr. Luke-produced Pop track debuted at No. 55 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 2 on the Billboard Digital Song Sales chart.
An official music video for the Kim Petras and Nicki Minaj collaboration arrived on Tuesday. The Arrad-directed visuals racked up 633,000 YouTube views in its first 15 hours of release.
Kim Petras scored a No. 1 hit on the Hot 100 chart in 2022. “Unholy” with English singer Sam Smith spent one week atop the Hot 100. The song also won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
Nicki Minaj currently has 129 career entries on the Hot 100. That number puts the Queen album creator in eighth place on the all-time list of music acts with the most Hot 100 songs. Drake leads with 294 entries.
“She just changed my life in so many ways with that verse, and that verse rips. I love her and I’m so inspired by her always, it’s crazy to me,” said Kim Petras about Nicki Minaj. “I don’t know how she does it, but she’s just the greatest ever.”
Virginia-raised recording artist Missy Elliott will be the first female rapper inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation tapped LL COOL J to announce the members of the Class of 2023 on Wednesday (May 3). Missy Elliott joins Kate Bush, George Michael, Sheryl Crow, Rage Against the Machine, The Spinners and Willie Nelson in the performer category.
Hip-Hop pioneer DJ Kool Herc will receive the Rock Hall’s Musical Influence Award, while R&B singer Chaka Khan will receive the Musical Excellence Award. Soul Train creator Don Cornelius will be honored with the Ahmet Ertegun Award. Other 2023 honorees include Link Wray, Al Kooper and Bernie Taupin.
“This year’s incredible group of Inductees reflects the diverse artists and sounds that define rock & roll,” Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation John Sykes said. “We are honored that this November’s Induction Ceremony in New York will coincide with two milestones in music culture; the 90th birthday of Willie Nelson and the 50th anniversary of the birth of Hip-Hop.”
Missy Elliott Cultivated A Legendary Career In The Music Business
Melissa “Misdemeanor” Elliott broke out in the music industry as a songwriter for acts like Raven-Symoné, Jodeci and Aaliyah. The former member of the girl group Sista began releasing her own music as Missy Elliott in the late 1990s.
Supa Dupa Fly arrived in 1997 and was followed by 1999’s Da Real World, 2001’s Miss E… So Addictive, 2002’s Under Construction, 2003’s This Is Not a Test! and 2005’s The Cookbook.
After taking a hiatus from releasing projects, Elliott returned with a new body of work in 2019. The Iconology EP came out in August of that year. Teyana Taylor appeared in the music video for the Iconology track “Throw It Back.”
Elliott’s catalog contains numerous platinum and gold-certified songs. Both “Work It” as well as “Lose Control” featuring Ciara and Fatman Scoop earned 2x-platinum plaques from the RIAA.
“All of the other artists look to her as a leader,” CEO of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Greg Harris said. “She’s an amazing songwriter, amazing performer, and she also produces her own stuff. She’s the full package, and it would be fitting if she’s the first female Hip Hop artist to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.”
The MTV network announced the Season 11 premiere of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta will debut on Tuesday, June 13 at 8 pm ET/PT. Texas-bred rapper Erica Banks has joined the program’s cast.
Carl Crawford’s Houston-based 1501 Certified Entertainment backed the former Texas A&M University–Commerce student. Erica Banks also signed a record deal with Warner Records.
“My gift for recognizing talent put Erica Banks on my radar, and I knew I wanted her to be a part of what we’re building at 1501 Certified Entertainment,” stated Carl Crawford in 2021.
Erica Banks will be part of a Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta show that also includes Spice, Erica Mena, Rasheeda Frost, Yandy Smith-Harris, and more. Model Jessica White and social media influencer Amy Luciani are also the newest cast members.
“I’m excited. It’s not my first time on TV, but it’s my first time being a part of the cast. I’m excited. You gotta tune in and watch the show,” said Erica Banks in a recent interview with Sheen Magazine.
The 24-year-old Diary of the Flow Queen album creator also added, “I might have a boyfriend on here, I may not. I don’t know. We gon’ see, but I’m excited about the show.”
In addition to releasing music and starring on reality television, Erica Banks has garnered a lot of attention for her public comments. Banks sparked some controversy last year when she suggested Nicki Minaj only “entertains girls who really can’t rap.”
Belcalis “Cardi B” Cephus was one of the standout celebrities to attend this year’s Met Gala on Monday. Black Mafia Family actress La La Anthony served as Vogue‘s special correspondent for the event.
At one point, Cardi B stopped on the Met Gala red carpet in order to talk to La La Anthony. The interview included the Bronx-bred recording artist discussing her different outfits for the evening.
Footage of the conversation between Cardi B and La La Anthony made its way to social media. One Twitter user retweeted the clip and added, “It’s so obvious that she can’t stand her😭💀.”
Cardi directly addressed the person’s comment. She tweeted, “Not true… I talk to La La more [than] any celeb… She knows everything!!! (If [you] ever need [something] she knows all the contacts). She has helped me A LOT!!!!”
Not true …..I talk to Lala more then any celeb …She knows everything !!!( if your ever need some she knows all the contacts) She has helped me ALOT !!!!
Vogue‘s Emma Chamberlain also spoke to Cardi B outside the Met Gala. For that interview, Cardi talked about the pressure associated with trying to impress the world on “Fashion’s Biggest Night.”
Vogue also tapped Cardi B for a special behind-the-scenes mini-documentary highlighting her preparation process for the 2023 Met Gala. Director Jillian Iscaro filmed the 3-minute video at The Mark Hotel in NYC.
R&B singer Brent Faiyaz enters the next chapter of his music career by signing a partnership deal with Steve Stoute’s UnitedMasters company.
According to a press release, Brent Faiyaz’s association with UnitedMasters includes starting a new creative agency as a home for his independent endeavors.
“Brent Faiyaz is one of the most prolific independent artists today and we are extremely excited to embark on this new partnership with him,” states UnitedMasters CEO/Founder Steve Stoute.
The record industry veteran adds, “It’s been inspiring to watch his journey as an artist over the years and with this partnership we look to further amplify his creative vision and support his entrepreneurial ambitions.”
Brent Faiyaz broke out on a mainstream level as a guest vocalist on GoldLink’s “Crew” which also featured Shy Glizzy. The RIAA certified “Crew” as 6x-Platinum in November 2022.
So far, Faiyaz has released two studio albums – 2017’s Sonder Son and 2022’s Wasteland. The latter project peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and earned Gold certification.
Brent Faiyaz also collected a Gold plaque for 2020’s F### the World EP. He will embark on the “F*ck The World, It’s a Wasteland” tour beginning July 16 in Washington, DC. Faiyaz was raised in the DMV region.
Jamie Foxx is still in hospital three weeks after suffering “medical complication” last month, according to a new report.
Although the family is keeping his condition private, insiders told TMZ the “Ray” actor remains in a medical facility. The outlet claims “those closest to him,” are asking for prayers for the multi-talented entertainer while remaining tight-lipped about his condition. “Pray for Jamie,” sources told TMZ.
Previous reports stated Jamie Foxx was undergoing tests after he was taken to hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 11th.
“They are running tests and still trying to figure out what exactly happened,” an insider told CNN on Apr. 17.
Meanwhile, fellow actor and comedian Nick Cannon claimed that Jamie Foxx is “doing so much better” in an interview last month.
“Man, I’m praying,” Nick told Entertainment Tonight on Apr. 24. “You see, I posted on Instagram. I literally have been saying prayers out loud.”
Nick also confirmed, “I know he’s doing so much better,” and said he was “about to do something special for him and doing him a favor.”
The “Masked Singer host added, “I was reluctant to go all the way there, and even talk about it, but he gave me the blessing, so it’s a beautiful thing. He’s awake. They say he’s alert, so we love it.”
Jamie Foxx’s daughter Corinne broke the news last month on Apr. 12 that her father had suffered an undisclosed “medical complication.” She assured fans that he was “already on his way to recovery” thanks to “quick action and great care.”
AllHipHop.com extends prayers to Jamie Foxx and his loved ones.
After confirming he completed his upcoming album, Lil Durk is gearing up for release with a J. Cole collab.
Earlier this week, Durkio teased an upcoming feature from the Fayetteville, NC rapper with a series of behind-the-scenes photos of their video shoot. “I’m sorry for the wait I’m still healing s/o my dawg Jcole #almosthealed 🤲🏾,” he captioned the post.
Then on Tuesday evening (May 2), Lil Durk shared a snippet of the track on Instagram. He also promised to announce a release date and unveil the cover art when he gets enough comments on the post.
“100k comments I’m dropping album cover and date,” he wrote before teasing, “call my bluff.” Lil Durk also gave a shout-out to J. Cole and hyped his fans, adding, “Goooooooooooooo IM BACK!!!!!!”
From the snippet, the track sounds like an uplifting anthem that will hopefully arrive in time for summer. Listen to it in the clip below.
Back in April, Lil Durk confirmed his highly anticipated album is ready in a series of updates on social media.
“This bi$ch done without half the help I been asking for,” he wrote on Apr. 13. “Let’s goooooo sorry I ain’t been connecting to fans I’m almost healed.”
Then on Apr. 13 he tweeted, “I’m back sooon as the album drop anyday.”
While the J. Cole feature is confirmed, Lil Durk really wants a SZA feature. Durkio reached out to the “Kill Bill” hitmaker via Instagram last month, asking fans to urge her to get on the album.
“@Sza the goat y’all better not sleep or get blind every female every car every sale she really her… I need you on my album ASAP a hit not a regular song. Go tag SZA blow her s### down tell her Smurk need her,” he wrote.
Snoop Dogg is celebrating the 30th anniversary of his classic debut album Doggystyle with pair of orchestra-backed concerts at the Hollywood Bowl this summer.
On Tuesday (May. 2), the West Coast legend announced the shows, revealing Doggystyle producer Dr. Dre will also produce the concerts. Snoop Dogg also hinted at some special guest appearances without revealing any names.
The Los Angeles Philharmonic announced “Snoop Dogg & Friends: 30th Anniversary of Doggystyle” takes place on June 27 and 28. Snoop and the rest of the special guest performers will be backed by the ReCollective Orchestra led by conductor Derrick Hodge.
Snoop Dogg scored a No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart with his debut album Doggystyle back in 1993. The project, which features the No. 1 hits “Who Am I? (What’s My Name?)” and “Gin and Juice,” sold 806,000 first-week units, becoming the fastest-selling hip-hop album ever at the time. It would top the chart for three weeks, and the RIAA certified the album as 4x-Platinum in May 1994.
Earlier this year, Snoop Dogg issued a limited-edition box set on cannabis appreciation day, April 20th. Doggystyle: The 4/20 Vinyl Box Set was released as a limited run of only 420 numbered copies and featured a booklet with singles art from Joe Cool and exclusive Death Row rolling papers.
Tickets for Snoop Dogg & Friends go on sale this Friday (May 5), at 10 A.M. PT. Check out the Hollywood Bowl’s website for more information.
Meanwhile, Snoop Dogg announced he and Dr. Dre are working on a new album titled Missionary, 30 years after the success of Doggystyle.
Meego Daigotti, has just released his new single “Dat Yea Yea” and wants DJ Khaled to be on it. He has been trying to get in contact with DJ Khaled but has not been successful. In an interview, Meego says: “I really believe that my track has what it takes to be a hit, and I would love for DJ Khaled to be a part of it. I’m going to keep trying to get in touch with him and hopefully, he’ll hear the track and like it.”
The original “Dat Yea Yea” is a banger, and with DJ Khaled on the remix, it could be an even bigger hit. So far, Meego’s campaign to get DJ Khaled on the track has been gaining momentum, with the hashtag #GetKhaledOnDatYeaYea trending on Instagram and other social media platforms. Meego has been working hard to make a name for himself and he’s finally starting to get some recognition.
His upbeat personality and creative marketing skills are quickly making him a rising star in the music industry. To follow his latest news and releases, be sure to follow him on Instagram at @MoneyMakinMeego.
Yung Miami is shooting her shot at Megan Thee Stallion, declaring the H-Town Hottie can get it “for a lifetime.”
The City Girls rapper opened up about her sexuality during a recent appearance on The Jason Lee Show, claiming she is bisexual and has a thing for Megan Thee Stallion. Her name came up while playing a game of “smash or pass’ and Yung Miami didn’t hold back.
“I’m a smash all day and tomorrow,” she replied before adding that Megan looks like she can “take me up and throw down.” Yung Miami confirmed she has been intimate with a woman before and that “I love it.”
Jason Lee then pointed out Yung Miami already admitted to saying things she doesn’t mean, but Yung Miami doubled down. “I really do like girls,” she claimed, although she said she doesn’t want to be in a relationship with a woman. Check out the clip below.
It isn’t the first time Yung Miami expressed her feelings towards Megan Thee Stallion, in fact, she did it in person. The pair shared a very flirty exchange last year during an episode of Miami’s podcast Caresha Please.
Both women admitted their sexual attraction to the other in a pretty heated exchange. After complimenting each other, Megan admitted she likes how submissive Yung Miami is with her. “You be very girly every time I see you and I be like, ‘That’s why I like her. She be ready to just come sit in my lap. That’s what I like,” Meg shared.
Meanwhile, Yung Miami went viral after stepping out hand-in-hand with Diddy at the Met Gala earlier this week. Red carpet host La La Anthony had Diddy sweating buckets after asking the couple their relationship status.
“We definitely go together real bad!” he said before adding, “She’s my date for the night. We don’t put titles on it. Everybody wants us to put a title on it, we don’t put titles. This like my best friend in the world, one of the most beautiful people God has blessed me with. And I’m blessed that she’s my date tonight.”
A public defender claims she is being paid so poorly to represent one of the defendants in the YSL RICO trial that she joked about starting an OnlyFans page.
“This case is slated to last for about a year, and if you were to do the math, it would be six dollars an hour,” defense attorney Angela D’Wiliams said per WSB-TV. She added, “I can’t take any new cases. I can’t close any cases. I need something to survive off of.”
Back in March D’Wiliams submitted a motion requesting to withdraw from the case. She described the pay as “egregiously low for the amount of work and attention this trial requires.” One of her fellow public defenders in the case claimed, “I could make more money working at Chick-fil-A as a cashier.”
Now, D’Wiliams is demanding answers from the Georgia Public Defender Council that appointed her.
“We were under the impression that GPDC was advocating for us, and once they put those walls up, I’m thinking I need to start an OnlyFans,” D’Williams said.
“I asked for additional funds back in March, and that was met with a letter from the director saying she doesn’t need to meet with me anymore,” D’Williams said. “I need to know what she has done to advocate for the appointed counsel in this case.”
D’Wiliams met with GPDC, who are reportedly seeking to find additional funds for the public defenders – currently paid $15,000 for the entire YSL case. Both parties agreed to meet again within the next two weeks.
