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EXCLUSIVE: Brian McKnight Says Jaguar Wright Is Ducking Him; Turns To Arizona Newspaper For Help

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: Exclusives

Brian McKnight is over chasing down Jaguar Wright in person and now he wants to take it to the press — literally.

The R&B vet is asking a judge for the green light to serve Wright through ads in The Arizona Republic after she allegedly ducked every attempt to hand-deliver his defamation lawsuit.

According to McKnight’s legal team, they’ve rolled up to her Phoenix spot six different times since May, and it’s been a whole lot of nothing.

Sometimes the blinds were cracked, but nobody answered. Another time, someone inside claimed no one named Jaguar lived there. Certified mail?

That flopped, too.

“It is apparent that [Wright] is evading service. Given that [McKnight] made reasonable attempts to serve [Wright] and [Wright] is evading service by refusing to answer the door or open the door, or to sign the return receipt, service by publication is necessary to provide notice of [McKnight’s] complaint,” McKnight’s lawyer Ryan Saba said.

Bryan McKnight slapped Jaguar Wright with the lawsuit back in April, accusing her of spreading absurd lies online. He says she made up serious allegations, like claims that he abused his ex-wife Julie McKnight and hired sex workers just to harm them as he was freaking off with them.

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The lawsuit calls her statements totally false and damaging, and says she launched the attacks on purpose to wreck his name.

Wright, who’s known for going off on Hip-Hop stars like Jay-Z and Beyoncé, has a rep for throwing out accusations.

In this case, she also claimed Julie McKnight was her cousin — something Brian says is made up, too.

Wright clapped back after the lawsuit hit, calling McKnight a “scumbag” and saying she’ll be a “nightmare” for him.

Now McKnight wants to serve her through the paper. Under California law, if someone’s ducking service and all other options fail, a judge can say, Cool, run an ad in a paper once a week for four weeks.

The judge will soon decide whether McKnight can hit publish on those legal classifieds. If so, Jaguar might see herself in the Sunday paper while sipping her morning coffee.

Kid Cudi Says Diddy Court Drama Part Of “Rock & Roll Life”

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Kid Cudi pulled up to court in jeans and a leather jacket after getting subpoenaed in the Diddy sex trafficking and racketeering case, and he says the whole thing felt like something out of a Hollywood movie.

On this week’s episode of Call Her Daddy, Cudi opened up about testifying against Diddy in New York, calling the whole experience “chaotic” and part of his “rock and roll life.”

The rapper didn’t hold back when talking about the incident that got him wrapped up in the case—back when he was dating Cassie Ventura and his world got turned upside down.

Cudi said things got really weird after Diddy found out he was seeing Cassie. He claims his Hollywood Hills crib was broken into in December 2011.

When he came home, his Christmas presents were torn open, his dog was locked in the bathroom, and all the security cams were messed with. Then two weeks later, his Porsche got torched with a Molotov cocktail. Cudi’s convinced Diddy was behind it.

That arson was one of the big charges Diddy beat during his Blockbuster trial, which ended with him being found not guilty on RICO charges, but guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

Even though he didn’t want to get involved, Cudi said he ended up on the stand after getting hit with a subpoena.

“First they asked, I said, ‘No,’ then again, I said, ‘No.’ Then I got subpoena, and I was like, ‘F###, s###. No,” he told Alex Cooper. He didn’t show up in a suit either.

“I was like, ‘Man, f### this s###. This is what I’m wearing today. I’m going to this f###### s### in this. I’m not dressing up for this s###.'”

Cudi said he only found peace being there because of his long-standing friendship with Cassie.

“Cassie is my friend, you know, and I love her and I wanna see her do well,” he said. “That’s what kind of gave me peace with it when I sat down in that chair.”

Even though Cudi and Diddy eventually met up and hashed things out in 2012, the case moved forward with Cudi as a key witness.

Cudi summed it all up like this: “Over years, I just thought about it as like, just some wild s### that happened in my rock and roll life.”

Beyoncé Snags First Emmy For Netflix’s ‘Beyoncé Bowl’ After 10 Nominations

By: London JennnCategory: News

Beyoncé finally clinched her first Emmy win Tuesday (August 12) for the Netflix special “Beyoncé Bowl,” a Western-inspired halftime spectacle that aired during the 2024 NFL Christmas Day matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans.

The award, for Outstanding Costumes for Variety, Nonfiction or Reality Programming, was shared with her creative team, including costume designers Shiona Turini, Erica Rice and Molly Peters, costume supervisor Chelsea Staebell and workroom head Timothy White.

The “Beyoncé Bowl” performance featured tracks from her country album “Cowboy Carter.”

The special included appearances by her daughter Blue Ivy Carter, Post Malone and Shaboozey. The show was Netflix’s first-ever live-streamed NFL halftime event and paid homage to Texas rodeo culture and Black Southern and Western history.

More than 500 performers took part, including dancers, cultural figures and a full African-American marching band.

The performance helped the game draw 27 million viewers at its peak, making it the most-watched NFL game since 2001. Within 10 days of release, Netflix reported over 50 million additional streams of the special.

Despite being nominated 10 times in the past, this marks Beyoncé’s first Emmy win.

With 35 Grammy Awards already in her collection, she now stands halfway to EGOT status—needing only an Oscar and a Tony to complete the elite quartet.

She’s also in the running for two more Emmys in 2025: Outstanding Variety Special (Live) and Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special, both for “Beyoncé Bowl.”

The Creative Arts Emmy Awards will be held in early September 2025, followed by the Primetime Emmy Awards later that month.

Finesse2Tymes Exposes Family Drama In New Song Over Mom’s Homeless Claims

By: London JennnCategory: News

Finesse2Tymes fired back at his mother’s public accusations with a new song preview and a string of alleged payment receipts on Tuesday (August 12), defending himself against claims that he left her homeless.

The Memphis rapper shared a snippet of an unreleased track on Instagram, using Teddy Pendergrass’ “Love T.K.O.” as a sample while venting about family betrayal and financial fallout.

“Got rich to help my folks, they hung me by a rope,” he raps. “Paid all momma bills, she turn around and called me broke/F##### up how this s### go.”

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In addition to the preview, Finesse2Tymes also shared a screen recording showing what appeared to be multiple money transfers to his mother, Pluria Alexander, totaling thousands of dollars over the past year.

Finesse2Tymes’ Mother Claims Rapper Splashed Millions On Friends & Women

The move came after Alexander publicly accused her son of cutting her off financially, claiming she was facing eviction in Texas.

Alexander, who launched a GoFundMe campaign asking for $6,000 to cover moving expenses, said this is the third time she’s been left without housing due to her son’s actions.

“You spent $4 million on n***as and b######… jewelry… You ain’t spent it on family,” she said in a video.

She also claimed the rift began after an argument, which led to him halting financial support. Alexander accused her son of “narcissistic abuse” and said she would no longer accept money from him, even if offered.

In response, Finesse2Tymes compared his strained relationship with his mother to Eminem’s well-documented issues with his own mom, using a freestyle to draw the parallel.

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He later posted, “Keep ya eyes open and ya mouth shut,” on Instagram, suggesting he preferred to handle the matter privately moving forward.

The drama caught the attention of 50 Cent, who advised the rapper to mend things with his mother. Finesse2Tymes dismissed the advice, pointing to 50 Cent’s own history of family disputes.

50 Cent Reacts After NBA YoungBoy Sparks Yaya Mayweather Pregnancy Rumors

By: London JennnCategory: Rumors

50 Cent addressed NBA YoungBoy’s pregnancy lyric about Yaya Mayweather by trolling Floyd Mayweather and offering support to Yaya.

50 Cent jumped into the latest NBA YoungBoy drama on Tuesday (August 12) after the rapper dropped a lyric suggesting his ex Yaya Mayweather might be expecting his child again—something she quickly denied.

The G-Unit mogul posted a screenshot of the pregnancy rumor on Instagram and took a subtle swipe at longtime frenemy Floyd Mayweather.

“Champ,” he wrote, “I’m not gonna say anything because nothing I say is gonna sound right.”

He followed that with a message to Yaya: “Love you baby chin up!”

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The speculation started after YoungBoy’s surprise mixtape Deshawn dropped Tuesday (August 12), featuring a track titled “This Month Confessions.”

In the song, he raps, “Now Yaya pregnant, gotta make her get rid of it / This ain’t the time, I told you, ‘No,’ / I made you cry, now I feel illiterate.”

The lyric immediately set off a wave of gossip online, prompting Yaya to post a video of herself lying in bed with YoungBoy on Instagram Stories. That only added fuel to the fire—until she shut it down.

“Idk where y’all getting this from but I’m not pregnant,” she wrote.

Yaya also posted a heartfelt message, seemingly to YoungBoy, praising his growth and resilience.

YoungBoy, who married Jazlyn Mychelle in 2023, has two children with her and is reportedly expecting another.

He and Yaya share a son, Kentrell Jr., born in January 2021, but have not been romantically involved for some time.

Kash Doll Teases Rekindled Romance With Za’Darius Smith As Tracy T Stirs Custody Drama

By: London JennnCategory: Rumors

Kash Doll reignited speculation about her relationship with Za’Darius Smith after hinting at a reunion, just three days after publicly announcing their breakup on social media.

On Tuesday (August 13), the Detroit rapper tweeted “I love my mannnn.”

She had previously confirmed the split from the NFL linebacker on Saturday (August 10).

“At this point of my life I just need to be single,” she wrote on X (Twitter). “Za’Darius a great guy but we can’t see eye to eye and with all due respect we decided to part ways.”

She added she would be stepping away from the internet. “I’m giving the internet a break also so I’m done with yall too right now,” she said.

Smith also appeared to confirm the breakup, posting a simple “Single” on his Instagram Story shortly after.

The couple’s breakup came on the heels of a public appearance together at Kash Doll’s best friend’s wedding, where they were photographed alongside her son, Kashton.

That image became the center of online drama when Tracy T, Kash Doll’s ex and Kashton’s father, posted the photo with the caption, “Kashton don’t wanna be there.”

Smith didn’t hold back in his response, writing, “N#### when you ready to buy school clothes and go half on that tuition let me know!!”

Tracy T fired back with another jab, posting, “Look like ima be paying that tuition by myself.”

Kash Doll then jumped in, replying: “Tuition and Tracy in the same sentence is something I’ve never seen before. I don’t care who I’m not with it’ll never be you p####!”

Tracy T Slams Kash Doll In Heated Rant

As the online back-and-forth escalated, Tracy T took things further in a video where he claimed he would soon have full custody of their son.

“My son finna be with me. He moving with me,” he said. “I ain’t playing.” He also added, “I don’t want him to be around no f### n####. That ain’t his daddy.”

Tracy T made it clear he had no interest in reconciling with Kash Doll. “F### her,” he said and accused her of being “laid up at that f### boy house.”

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T-Hood’s Mother Calls Out Self-Defense Claim After Fatal Shooting

By: London JennnCategory: News

T-Hood was shot and killed during a domestic dispute at his Snellville home Tuesday (August 8), and police are now investigating whether the fatal encounter was a case of self-defense.

The 33-year-old Atlanta rapper was allegedly involved in an altercation with a woman at the residence earlier that evening, according to Gwinnett County authorities.

Officers said the woman suffered injuries during the incident. The person who fired the gun remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. A witness present during the shooting is also assisting police.

Law enforcement has not filed any charges as of now, but detectives are treating the case as a potential self-defense situation due to the nature of the domestic conflict and the woman’s injuries, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

Son Of “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” Stars Named Prime Suspect In T-Hood Death

In a development drawing attention across Hip-Hop and reality TV circles, Ky Frost—the son of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta stars Kirk Frost and Rasheeda Frost—has reportedly been identified as the primary suspect. T-Hood had been romantically linked to the couple’s daughter, Kelsie Frost, and the dispute is believed to have involved her. However, Kelsie has publicly denied any direct involvement in the shooting.

T-Hood’s mother took to social media to challenge the self-defense narrative and reject claims that the incident happened during a party.

“He was walking away and got 5 shots in his back,” she wrote. “People this is serious. We will not let this ride. I need everyone to post up. We will not be defeated. I know you’re watching telling me to keep fighting for you. I love you my celebrity. Justice for THood”

Police have confirmed that no one outside the home was involved, and the investigation remains active. Authorities are continuing to gather information and have not ruled out additional developments.

T-Hood was known in Atlanta’s underground Hip-Hop scene for songs like “Perculator,” “Big Booty” and “Ready 2 Go.”

Conway The Machine Shut Down Benny The Butcher Feud Rumors, But “Something” Happened

By: IllseedCategory: Rumors

Conway The Machine Brushes Off Paris Altercation Rumors With Benny the Butcher

Conway The Machine is putting an end to the chatter about a supposed dust-up with Benny The Butcher in Paris. He’s now telling folks it was nothing more than a regular night with the crew.

The rumor mill had been in overdrive after whispers hit social media claiming the Griselda heavyweights got into it while overseas. Online “eyewitnesses” claimed tension was high and even painted the scene like a rap reality show. But according to Conway, there’s no beef to see here.

During an appearance on the Way Up With Angela Yee, the Buffalo lyricist admitted that something did happen, but it wasn’t the feud some were making it out to be. Allegedly. “People were drinking and stuff happened,” he explained, stopping short of giving specifics. “It was just another night with the fellas.”

That’s that ’90s type energy.

That’s a far cry from the blow-by-blow drama floating around the internet. If anything, Conway’s account makes it sound like a typical tour night, where too many drinks meet too much energy. No crews split and definitely no lasting friction between him and Benny. WHEW!

A few rumors aren’t going to derail the Griselda movement. If Conway’s calm delivery is any sign, this Paris “incident” is already in the rearview.

Griselda’s bond is too strong for a little late-night chaos.

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Swizz Beatz Shut Down Split Rumors With Romantic Alicia Keys Anniversary Post

By: Houston WilliamsCategory: Rumors

Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys aren’t letting social media rumors write their love story. For days, whispers have been bouncing around Instagram and TikTok claiming the power couple is headed for divorce — with one wild allegation suggesting Swizz fathered a child with a white woman.

Neither star has directly addressed the chatter, but instead of clapping back with words, they responded with a visual that said everything. Swizz shared a serene clip of Keys gliding through the ocean, looking peaceful and unbothered, in honor of their 15th wedding anniversary. His caption was aimed at those quick to believe gossip, telling people to spread that same loving moment as fast as they’d spread the lies.

READ ALSO: Swizz Beatz Reveals Surprising Secret Behind His Marriage To Alicia Keys

It was a pointed yet classy way to acknowledge the noise without fanning the flames. And honestly, some of the TikTok “tea” about their marriage has been so over the top it could pass for bad reality TV. The speculation almost sounded believable — almost.

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The truth is, marriage, especially one in the public eye, comes with many ups and downs. Fifteen years together means Swizz and Alicia have weathered more than a few rough patches. Celebrating love is the best way, instead of letting the internet dictate their narrative.

For those keeping score, the couple tied the knot in 2010 and share two sons. They’ve always said they keep each other’s careers and keeping their family life strong. If this anniversary post is any indication, they’re far from throwing in the towel.

In a culture quick to turn celebrity marriages into public entertainment, their quiet message says “The best response to rumors is simply living your life.” That’s louder than the lies!

CONGRATS!

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Drake Targets UMG Boss Lucian Grainge Over Alleged Role in “Not Like Us” Defamation

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Drake is pushing a federal court to compel Universal Music Group to hand over internal files from its CEO/chairman, Sir Lucian Grainge, accusing the executive of personally approving and promoting false claims in Kendrick Lamar’s monster diss track “Not Like Us.”

In a legal filing submitted Tuesday (August 12), attorneys for the Canadian rapper argued that Grainge played a direct part in circulating material that portrayed Drake as a sexual predator and exposed his home address.

The lawsuit, filed earlier this year, claims UMG’s actions not only damaged Drake’s reputation but also endangered his safety.

Grainge’s involvement, according to the filing, could reveal “actual malice”—a legal threshold Drake must meet to prove defamation. His lawyers say Grainge’s communications could show he knew the claims were false and pushed them anyway.

UMG initially tried to shield Grainge from discovery by labeling him an “apex” executive, a term used to argue that high-ranking officials shouldn’t be subject to routine document production.

That argument has since been dropped, but the label now insists Grainge had “no meaningful involvement” and that any relevant material would simply duplicate what’s already been collected from other executives.

Drake’s legal team isn’t buying it. They argue that even overlapping documents are essential to show what Grainge knew and when. “Plaintiff never agreed to delay requesting Grainge’s files,” the filing states.

To minimize the burden, Drake’s attorneys proposed using agreed-upon search terms to comb through Grainge’s records.

The dispute stems from Drake’s January 2025 lawsuit against UMG, which alleges the label deliberately promoted “Not Like Us” to damage his image and apply pressure during contract negotiations.

The track, performed by Kendrick Lamar, included lyrics calling Drake a “pedophile” and featured cover art showing his Toronto address.

Drake says the fallout included multiple break-ins at his home and the shooting of his security guard. He also accuses UMG of launching a viral campaign using influencers and bots to amplify the song’s reach.

UMG has denied the claims, calling the lawsuit “misguided” and “baseless.”

The company argues it would be “illogical” to harm one of its most profitable artists. The court has not yet ruled on whether UMG must produce Grainge’s documents.

EXCLUSIVE: Missy Elliott’s Wealth Muted In Long-Running Songwriting Dispute

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

Missy Elliott is in the thick of a legal mess in Philly, where her old songwriting buddy Terry Williams is trying to cash in on songs from their 90s girl group days with SISTA—and a judge just told him to leave her bank account out of it.

Williams claims he helped write a bunch of tracks for SISTA’s album 4 All The Sistas Around da World and says he’s owed credit and a cut of the money.

Missy’s not having it and says she wrote those joints solo. The legal back-and-forth has been dragging on for years and now it’s landed in federal court.

But here’s where it gets spicy—last week, Judge Nitza Quiñones Alejandro told Williams he can’t use Missy Elliott’s fame or money to try to beef up his case.

The court said talking about her celebrity status or other music work that’s unrelated to the songs in question could mess with the jury’s judgment and is mostly off-limits.

The judge spelled it out.

“References to Elliott’s wealth, fame, and other works have little to no relevance to this case, and that the probative value of this evidence is outweighed by a danger of unfair prejudice,” Judge Alejandro said.

Williams tried to argue that since Missy talked about her career publicly, her success should factor into the trial. The judge wasn’t buying it and said that still doesn’t make it fair game.

“Williams cannot use Elliott’s wealth to unfairly inflate his compensatory damages claims. References to Elliott’s wealth, fame, and other works are generally inadmissible,” Judge Alejandro ruled.

That said, the judge left a little wiggle room.

If Missy’s background connects directly to the songs they’re fighting about, it might come up—but only if it actually matters to the case.

Whether that makes it into trial is still TBD.

This drama also includes a stash of 34 unreleased tracks that Williams says he worked on. Missy says she wrote them all herself.

Back in August 2024, Missy scored a win when the judge threw out Williams’ lawsuit over Aaliyah’s song “Heartbroken,” saying he waited way too long—22 years—to claim he helped write it.

That part of the case is dead, but the SISTA fight is still going.

Hip-Hop Film Festival’s 10th Anniversary Brings Back Master Cyphers & Top Cinema Creators

By: Houston WilliamsCategory: Exclusives

The Hip Hop Film Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary by bringing the heat back to Harlem with its signature Master Cyphers — three days of high-energy, TED Talk-style sessions designed to school independent creators on everything from film business strategy to Afrofuturism.

Running August 21–23 at the Harlem Film House headquarters, the Master Cyphers promise a lineup of award-winning alumni and innovators ready to share the kind of insider knowledge that doesn’t come from textbooks. Each 60-minute session blends a 45-minute talk with a 15-minute Q&A, giving attendees a direct line to the minds shaping the future of independent film and Hip-Hop culture.

“The Master Cyphers offer a front-row seat to the real-world experiences of creators who are changing the game. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker, an emerging storyteller, or a curious fan of hip hop and cinema — this is where knowledge drops, minds open, and creativity levels up,” said CR Capers, founder of the Hip Hop Film Festival.

The Hip Hop Film Festival represents the spirit in which its namesake came from — truth in storytelling and the culture at the heart of neighborhoods across the world. From its origins, hip hop has always been about giving voice to the people, telling the stories of our lives, our struggles, and our dreams when no one else would. What I want to bring to the festival is an expansion of that service — helping fellow filmmakers gain the tools they need to grow their craft and share their stories. By offering my own experience and guidance, I can provide the tips and insight to help them navigate this industry, so the festival not only showcases our voices, but strengthens them for the future.

The programming spans three rooms daily, with each night capping off in style — think immersive keynote events, networking mixers, complimentary food, and open bars.

Opening Day — Thursday, August 21 (4 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
The festival kicks off with sessions like Falling In Love With The Word “No” by Jermaine William, From Grind to Greenlight with Cylla Senii, and Film Business Ain’t Solo Dolo! led by A.A. Gajadhar. Artie Brennan’s The No Ends Theory closes out the regular schedule before the night’s main event, Script to Screen with Bobby Yan, complete with dinner and drinks.

Day Two — Friday, August 22 (1 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
Friday’s spotlight includes Escape: Resilient Minds by Jonathan Green, This Really Happened: Turning Real Life Into Reel Life from Alyscia Cunningham, and Danny Danielson’s Hustle Hard! — all served alongside brunch and an open bar.

Final Day — Saturday, August 23 (7 p.m. – 10 p.m.)
The finale jumps off with Indie Movies: The New Rap Game from Sleepyeye Freeman, Daniel Osorio’s Scenes & Sounds: Storytelling Through Music Videos, and Taquan Pugh’s The Power of DIY Filmmaking. At 9 p.m., Jamal Hodge takes the mic for Afrofuturism Meets Afrohorror, closing the series with dinner and drinks.

Tickets and the full festival schedule are available at www.hiphopfilmfestival.org.

Brooklyn Rapper Rowdy Rebel Allegedly Arrested In L.A. For Gun Violations

By: IllseedCategory: Rumors

Rowdy Rebel and Los Angeles just can’t seem to coexist without drama. Things have taken a serious turn. The Brooklyn rapper was reportedly arrested in L.A. after allegedly being caught with a firearm. The full details are still developing, but sources claim pictures show police removing his chains and bagging his property. I saw some of these images and Rowdy looked worn out. And then some.

This wasn’t just a random stop in sunny California. Rowdy’s time in L.A. is layered with serious history and a backstory full of tension. Last time he left the city, he had some choice words for the Hoovers, saying “SMD” and “F them” on his way out. You remember that, right?

If you know street politics, you know that type of talk has a way of echoing—loudly. It’s no secret the Hoovers’ name has been linked to the tragic loss of Pop Smoke. And that brother was a close friend of Rowdy’s.

READ ALSO: Pop Smoke Case Wraps Up, Judge Gives Killer Lengthy Sentence

Some reports say he’s on parole, but others suggest his parole ended in December 2024. That detail matters big time. If he’s still on parole, this could mean an automatic hold and possibly no bail. If he’s not, he might have a shot at bonding out. Either way, as a felon allegedly caught with a gun is not a great look!

Rowdy never hung up his flag like Bobby Shmurda. He’s still considered active, from what I’ve heard. This means L.A. County Jail won’t a vacation. People tell me it is the land of the Crips, and if the alleged comments toward the Hoovers still linger—pray. Rowdy’s got a rep for holding his own, but this is one of the worst case scenarios. Maybe he can earn him some alliances inside there.

We are asking: what the hell brought him back to L.A. in the first place? Business? Music? Family? Some say new ops were actively looking for him. Whatever the reason, moving around that city with beef and a gun is not what’s happening. And yet: it was. He was gambling.

There’s still no official word on exactly how the arrest went down, but talk of a possible car stop is floating around. For now, Rowdy’s locked up, the charges are confirmed! But you did not hear that from me. The notorious L.A. County system is beyond infamous!

Good luck!

Tems Confronts Industry Sexism In Lagos, Launches Empowerment Program For African Women

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Tems, the Nigerian Afropop sensation and two-time Grammy winner, launched a bold new initiative in Lagos aimed at uplifting women in the music industry while calling out the systemic disrespect she says women routinely face.

“People don’t really respect women in my industry,” she told the BBC’s Olawale Adekola and Wedaeli Chibelushi in a recent interview.

That blunt truth frames the mission behind her new project, The Leading Vibe Initiative, which debuted on August 8 in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

The program is designed to provide mentorship, workshops and networking opportunities for young women pursuing music careers.

Tems said she created the initiative to make it easier for women to break into the business without compromising their values.

“I promised myself that if I get to a place where I can do more, I will make this initiative for women like me and maybe make it easier for women to access platforms and access a wider audience and success.”

Tems, who rose to global prominence with her soulful voice and genre-blending sound, spoke openly about the personal costs of staying true to herself.

“There’s always a cost. There’s always a price that you pay. And a lot of those prices I wasn’t willing to pay, and there wasn’t a lot of options.”

She also shared how her love for music goes beyond fame.

“It’s not everybody that sings that loves music. If I wasn’t famous, I would still be doing music. I would be in some kind of jazz club… randomly on a Friday night.”

Despite industry pressure to conform, Tems said she stood firm in her identity.

“Even when people tell you to change your sound, change your style, you look at them and you say: ‘No’. If it meant me not being signed, I was okay not being signed.”

Her refusal to compromise has paid off.

In addition to her Grammy wins, she’s set to open for Coldplay next month at Wembley Stadium, a major milestone in her career.

Raekwon & Mobb Deep Announce 19-Date Tour Run In Celebration Of Two Iconic Albums

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Raekwon and Mobb Deep have announced a 19-city trek this fall, a toast to three decades of two of the coldest Hip-Hop records ever—Only Built 4 Cuban Linx and The Infamous.

The tour, put together by Live Nation and LOUD Live, kicks off November 13 in Portland, Oregon and wraps up December 15 in Miami Beach.

The legends will hit big cities like New York, Chicago, Toronto and L.A., bringing that raw ’90s flavor back to the stage. But it’s not two separate sets; this tour is different.

Raekwon and Havoc are blending it together, jumping in and out of each other’s tracks for a full-on, non-stop performance.

Raekwon hyped it up, saying, “Me and Havoc from Mobb will be pure Hip-Hop at its finest. This is gonna take rap shows to the next level—guaranteed!” Havoc added, “The fans can expect nothing less than pure, raw, unfiltered energy on stage. I’m excited to celebrate these two legendary albums—the world doesn’t exist to me without that purple tape in it. This will be a tour the fans will never forget.”

Steve Rifkind, CEO of LOUD Live, made it clear this isn’t some quick cash grab.

“This tour defines what Hip-Hop means to the culture—30 years of greatness, and two Top 10 hip-hop albums of all time. Raekwon and Mobb Deep have supported each other for over three decades,” he said. “The Loud Wu-Tang family and Mobb Deep family have been through it all together. When this tour comes to your city, you’re definitely going to witness greatness at its best—with a ton of surprises.”

On top of the music, there’s a VIP package for the real heads. You’ll get early entry, a meet-and-greet with both Raekwon and Havoc, a photo op, merch, and access to exclusive pre-show shopping.

Tickets go live with artist presales starting August 13 at 10 A.M. local time. General sales kick off August 15 at 10 A.M. on LiveNation.com.

Thu, November 13 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom

Sat, November 15 – Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre

Mon, November 17 – San Diego, CA – SOMA

Tue, November 18 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern

Fri, November 21 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium

Mon, November 24 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center

Tue, November 25 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom

Fri, November 28 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre

Sat, November 29 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit

Mon, December 1 – Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale Theatre

Tue, December 2 – Toronto, ON – HISTORY

Wed, December 3 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia

Sat, December 6 – Boston, MA – Citizens House of Blues

Sun, December 7 – New York, NY – Brooklyn Paramount

Mon, December 8 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring

Wed, December 10 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte

Thu, December 11 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle

Sun, December 14 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live (Co-Pro)

Mon, December 15 – Miami Beach, FL – Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theatre

Finesse2Tymes Brutally Checks 50 Cent After He Mocked His Mother

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Finesse2Tymes fired back at 50 Cent on social media Tuesday (August 12) after the rap mogul publicly mocked the Memphis rapper’s mother and offered unsolicited advice about their fractured relationship.

“@50cent when you call marquise, I’ll call her,” Finesse2Tymes wrote on Instagram Stories, referencing 50 Cent’s own long-standing estrangement from his son, Marquise Jackson.

The response came hours after 50 Cent posted a video of Finesse2Tymes’ mother, Pluria Alexander, who claimed in an emotional clip that her son had cut her off financially and ignored her calls.

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In the video, Alexander said she was facing eviction and had nowhere to go. She also launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking $6,000 for moving expenses, saying she had been left homeless by her son for the third time.

50 Cent didn’t hold back in the caption, writing, “Hey Finesse you look just like yo momma man just call her. I said what the f### do you do when that happens, nothing look at her and say you want some of this money or not. Stay yo ass off the phone Ma, who showed you how to make a video anyway? @1finesse2tymes please don’t say nothing crazy.”

Finesse2Tymes didn’t directly address the comments but posted a cryptic message shortly after: “Keep ya eyes open And ya mouth shut,” alongside a photo of himself.

Earlier this week, the rapper released a freestyle where he likened himself to Eminem and referenced his strained relationship with his mother. Meanwhile, Alexander said the ongoing rift has caused her anxiety and depression, which she described as “narcissistic abuse.”

The online back-and-forth also drew attention to 50 Cent’s own troubled history with his son, Marquise. Their relationship has been publicly strained for years, with Marquise previously accusing his father of being absent and emotionally unavailable. In 2022, Marquise offered $6,700 to spend a day with 50 Cent, mocking the monthly child support he once received. 50 responded with sarcasm and dismissed the gesture entirely.

The latest exchange between 50 Cent and Finesse2Tymes adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about fractured family ties in Hip-Hop, especially when played out in public.

Alexander’s GoFundMe campaign remained active as of Tuesday (August 12).

War Breaks Out Between Erica Banks & Label Boss Over BBL

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Erica Banks is coming for Carl Crawford and denying his story that portrayed him as the savior of BBLs for his recording artists.

During an interview with RealLyfe Productions, the “Buss It” rapper let it fly, saying Carl’s not only lying about funding her surgery but calling him “a terrible businessman” and “a liar.”

She didn’t sugarcoat a damn thing either. Erica cleared the air, saying Carl didn’t shell out the full price for her Brazilian butt lift like he claimed.

According to her, he only fronted $5K of the $20K total, and she paid the rest — plus gave him his money back.

“He only loaned me $5,000 of the $20,000 it actually cost,” she said. “I paid for this. I paid too much money for this!… But honestly, I’m really happy with it, so I wouldn’t go back and get a reduction.”

Carl’s side of the story?

He’s telling folks he paid for the whole procedure and even started budgeting $20K for cosmetic surgery in artist development after seeing how much it “boosted” Erica’s confidence.

“Getting a BBL seem to bring a lot of confidence to these girls…when Erica went through the procedure, her confidence just shot through the roof. It was an investment in her,” Carl Crawford claimed.

He added, “Now I put 20 bands aside for any artist that I have to, you know, to basically have a BBL or anything that they need to get done.”

But Erica’s not here for the revisionist history. She said their relationship fell apart once she blew up off “Buss It,” and she wasn’t about to let him control her or take credit for things he didn’t do.

“He is a liar. He does not take care of his artist. Okay? And who wants to sit around and deal with that? We would bump heads because he couldn’t control me,” Banks said.

Lil Wayne Cancels Toronto Show Over “Unforeseen Illness” Moments Before Stage Time

By: London JennnCategory: News

Lil Wayne canceled his Toronto concert at Budweiser Stage on Monday (August 11) just an hour before showtime due to what was described as an “unforeseen illness,” leaving a packed venue stunned and disappointed.

The abrupt announcement was shared on social media by the venue and flashed across screens inside, catching concertgoers off guard after doors had already been open for nearly two hours. Many had already taken their seats when the news broke.

“As his fans know, he loves putting on nothing short of the best performances for those who come out, and he was so excited for this one,” the venue posted. “Please stay tuned for the new date coming soon. All previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new date once announced.”

The Hip-Hop icon was slated to perform as part of his ongoing tour, which is still scheduled to continue on Friday (August 16) in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

The Toronto cancellation came just days after several of Lil Wayne‘s classic mixtapes—including all three volumes of Da Drought and Dedication—unexpectedly landed on streaming services earlier in August. The surprise drop caused a stir online, but also raised questions about the legitimacy of the uploads.

According to Rolling Stone, a source close to the rapper said the mixtapes were “not legal [or] legitimate uploads.”

As of Tuesday (August 12), no rescheduled date for the Toronto show has been announced.

Dr. Danielle Spencer—Better Known As Dee From “What’s Happening!!”—Dies At 60

By: Houston WilliamsCategory: News

Dr. Danielle Spencer, the actress who won over television audiences as the sharp-tongued kid sister Dee Thomas on the hit 1970s sitcom What’s Happening!!, has died at 60 after a long fight with cancer.

The sad news was confirmed by her longtime friend and former co-star Haywood Nelson, who played Dwayne Nelson on the beloved series.

Nelson shared the loss in a heartfelt post on social media Monday, making sure to note she was more than a TV star.

“We have lost a daughter, sister, family member, What’s Happening cast member, veterinarian, animal rights proponent and healer, and cancer heroine,” Nelson wrote. “Our Shero. Danielle is loved. She will be missed in this form and forever embraced.”

Millions remember Spencer for the quick comebacks and side-eye she delivered as Dee from 1976 to 1979 on What’s Happening!! And she later starred in the sequel series What’s Happening Now!! Spencer carved out a second act far from Hollywood lights. She became a veterinarian, dedicating her life to the care of animals.

Spencer’s devotion to veterinary medicine began early. In a 1985 interview with the Amsterdam News during her college years as a pre-veterinary major, Spencer explained, “I’ve always had a knack for caring for animals and I’ve always been interested in chemistry, bacteriology and about the body.”

What’s Happening!! aired on ABC for three seasons, chronicling the lives of three Black teens—Raj (Ernest Lee Thomas), Dwayne (Nelson) and Freddy “Rerun” Stubbs (Fred Berry)—growing up in Los Angeles. Spencer’s Dee was Raj’s whip-smart younger sister, known for keeping the boys in check with perfectly timed zingers.

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The 1985 sequel What’s Happening Now!! brought the cast back together as adults navigating new challenges, with Spencer reprising her role until the series ended in 1988.

Spencer’s death marks the end of an era for fans who grew up watching her on primetime TV, but her legacy stretches well beyond the screen. She stood out as a child star who transitioned into a career of service, blending compassion, intellect and determination in every chapter of her life.

For those who loved her work, whether on television or in the clinic, Danielle Spencer leaves behind not only memories of her wit and charm but also a reminder that reinvention is possible, and purpose can be found in many forms.

Cam’ron Tricks Omar Gooding Into Filming Fake Movie & Drops Proof, Actor Reacts

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Cam’ron pulled a crazy stunt on Omar Gooding in Miami, setting him up with a fake film shoot then clowning him for it on Instagram.

Cam’ron revealed he paid Omar to star in a movie that never existed and posted behind-the-scenes footage to prove it. The whole thing was part of a revenge prank after the two traded shots over comments Cam made about Black actors relying on others—like 50 Cent—for work.

“So you know me, I got a new way to play with n#####. I’m gonna start booking n#####. Cause y’all broke. A lot of n##### is broke,” Cam said in a video posted online. “I booked a n#### to do a movie that’s never coming out. Like three weeks ago. Yeah Omar. That movie you flew to Miami for? It ain’t no movie coming out.”

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He added, “I booked you. And I was laughing at you behind the scenes. I was there. I was sitting there laughing at you. And you know what? Now you’re coming on Revolt tonight. Cause you signed the paperwork saying I can do whatever with the footage.”

Cam’ron even posted clips of Omar on set, shirt off, doing push-ups while Cam cracked jokes off-camera.

Then he broke it all down further: “You thought them n##### was real movie producers? They are real movie producers. But them was my n#####. You was in a room full of n##### that was my n#####. Check it out y’all. Look at this.”

The beef started months back when Cam’ron criticized actors like Omar on his show It Is What It Is, saying dudes were sitting around hoping for 50 Cent to bless them with roles instead of making their own moves. He even called him “Omar Gooding Jr.” which clearly hit a nerve.

Omar fired back with a diss track called “Fix Ya Mouth” in January, dragging Cam’s rap career and persona. Then it turned into a full-on back-and-forth with Cam trolling Omar with old photos and Omar calling him out for a rap battle.

Omar played it cool after the prank surfaced, posting his own response.

“First of all, thank you, brother Thank you. You are next level. A free trip to Miami? $2,500 in my pocket to do some push-ups with my shirt off? Thank you…show it on your little show all you want if you need ratings that bad, I’m almost 50 n####…I never said I was in shape. Who gives a s### about that n####? I’m a grown-ass man n####. I’ve been laughing all morning,” Gooding said.

The whole thing might’ve been a joke to Cam, but Omar promised a vicious response is on the way.

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