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Claressa Shields Says Laila Ali Was Scared To Fight Her—Even For $15M

Claressa Shields is calling game over on a long-hyped fantasy fight with Laila Ali, and she’s doing it with no hesitation.

The three-time undisputed world champion told TMZ that Ali’s camp flat-out rejected the bout, despite months of buzz and a big-money offer on the table.

“Laila and her representatives have told us no,” Shields said. “Like, the answer is ‘no.’ She doesn’t want to fight. And that’s fine. I have no problem with that. I’m not upset. I mean, I wouldn’t fight me either. You know what I’m saying? I understand that she’s scared. I’m moving on.”

The backstory goes like this: Ali once floated the idea that $15 million might get her back in the ring. Shields says she hustled up the money, expecting the deal to be done. Instead, she says Ali’s side pulled the plug.

“I thought that she was about all that talk. She wanted $15 million. I went and got the $15 million. And now it’s all this backpedaling. So, you know, congrats to her on whatever she’s doing. But I’m moving on with my career,” Shields said.

You might remember we interviewed Claressa five years ago. She was trying to get this fight done then, but nothing came out of it.

Claressa “The GWOAT” Shields: The Boxing Beast Wants All The Smoke: From Laila Ali To IG Trolls!

The fight-that-never-was sparked plenty of debate online. Some argued that the retired 47-year-old has nothing to prove, but she did name her price. Her nemesis went and got it. It just does not make a lot of sense for a retired champion to face another champ in her prime. Some have said Claressa Shields was out of line for framing Ali’s decision as fear.

“Laila is out the way and happy with her life. Go fight Mike Tyson,” one commenter wrote. Another said, “Scared? Girl, Laila is acting her age and wage. She’s a brand and has nothing to gain fighting you. Please, go somewhere.”

Not everyone disagreed with Shields’ confidence, but the consensus leaned toward Ali being done with boxing for good. Some people I know were really not happy with the daughter of Ali being treated that way. At the same time, it is boxing and trash talk is the norm.

Shields is OK. She went to social media to flash a nearly $90,000 diamond-encrusted watch. She also posted other stuff, but go to her social. I’m not going to show all her flossing when I live in a hovel!

Kirk & Rasheeda’s Daughter Pulled Into T-Hood Shooting Allegations

Kirk Frost and Rasheeda have had their share of reality TV blowups, but this latest drama isn’t playing out on VH1.

The ratings are higher in the real world. No pun intended.

The Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta stars, once one of the franchise’s solid couples, are now divorced and clearly not on the best of terms. Rasheeda even jumped in the booth recently to drop a rap track roasting Kirk, a diss that quickly went viral. People loved the energy—even if some of the live crowd reactions had folks online cracking jokes.

But the playful internet clowning took a back seat fast when word spread that one of their adult daughters might be tangled up in the killing of Atlanta rapper T-Hood. For those who don’t know, T-Hood wasn’t just another name—he was a respected figure in the city’s rap community, and his death hit hard.

Gwinnett County police confirm they’re investigating the shooting, which happened inside T-Hood’s own home. They haven’t named any suspects, but social media detectives are already pointing fingers. The talk online is that the daughter allegedly set him up and called her brother to “handle” something. This is SUPER DUPER EXTRA ALLEGED!

Alleged and messy can co-exist. A woman claiming to be the daughter’s sister has been unloading details on Facebook, adding even more fuel to the rumor fire. And now there’s chatter—still unverified and alleged—that Kirk may have helped their kids stay out of sight after the shooting.

Authorities haven’t confirmed any of that, and nobody connected to the couple has been charged. Still, with the internet running wild and the community grieving, this is the kind of situation where speculation spreads faster than the facts.

This is a couple used to controlling their own narrative on TV, but this is a whole different level of drama. If the rumors turn out to be false, it’s going to take a lot to clear the air. If they’re true, it is a nightmare. Either way, the Frost family’s reality just got way more complicated than anything in a reunion special. I bet they are recording every second.

Allegedly the daughter said the following:

Future’s Battle Over Unique LimoJet Rolls On As Trial Looms

Future is still knee-deep in a courtroom fight over that tricked-out “Limo-Jet” featured in his 2024 video “Arabi” and things aren’t cooling off anytime soon.

The Hip-Hop heavyweight, along with Egyptian star Mohammed Ramadan and Lebanese-Canadian singer Sari Abboud, is being dragged through legal hell by MIK Corporation, the Minnesota company that owns the flashy jet-turned-limo.

MIK’s beef?

They say the trio used the one-of-a-kind ride without permission, scratched up its paint job during filming and broke a deal that clearly said “don’t use footage without our okay.”

The “Arabi” video dropped in February 2024 and quickly racked up over 53 million views, but MIK says they never signed off on it and now they want damages.

The LimoJet, which literally looks like a private jet chopped onto wheels, is MIK’s pride and joy. The company claims it’s got full trademark rights and rents the thing out for events.

Back in April 2023, Ramadan’s people reached out about using it for shows and visited the vehicle in Des Plaines, Illinois. Everyone supposedly agreed not to shoot or scratch it. MIK says they did both.

The lawsuit accuses the artists of fraud, contract violations, negligence and jacking the LimoJet’s image for commercial gain. They’re also going after Future’s Wilburn Holding Co.

In a hearing on Friday (August 8), U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly shot down dismissal attempts from Abboud.

The judge told both sides to link up and work out a discovery and pretrial schedule, with another court date already in the works.

Pete Davidson Said Keke Palmer Showed Him Parenting & Acting Can Coexist

Pete Davidson admired Keke Palmer for seamlessly juggling motherhood and movie-making on the set of The Pickup, a heist comedy now streaming on Prime Video.

Davidson, who is preparing for fatherhood with model Elsie Hewitt, said watching Palmer care for her infant son while filming scenes left a lasting impression.

“What was cool is when we were doing The Pickup, Keke’s baby was just born and she had him on set the whole time, and she would go into a take and then run over, you know, play with the baby, and it made me realise it’s possible to co-exist in both worlds,” he told Extra. “You know? I was really impressed with her… the way she was parenting on set.”

Palmer gave birth to her son Leodis in February 2023 with her then-partner Darius Jackson. She joined Davidson and Eddie Murphy in the film, which blends crime and comedy.

Though Davidson didn’t receive direct parenting advice from his co-stars, he said Murphy offered a meaningful perspective.

“He actually, his advice was the best. He goes, ‘I have no advice.’ He goes, ‘Because you can’t really tell anybody how to raise their own kid. But it’s going to change your life and you’re going to love it, and I’ll know you’ll be good at it,'” Davidson recalled. “So, I mean, that’s a cool thing to get from your idol, you know?”

Murphy, who has ten children ranging in age from six to 36, has long balanced his career with family life. Davidson, 30, and Hewitt confirmed her pregnancy last month, marking a new chapter for the former Saturday Night Live star.

The Pickup became available for streaming on Prime Video in August 2025.

EXCLUSIVE: Salt-N-Pepa Claim UMG Holding Masters Hostage In Attempt To Ruin Rock Hall Induction

Salt-N-Pepa are accusing UMG of deliberately blocking access to their original master recordings and pulling their music from major U.S. streaming platforms in what they say is a calculated attempt to sabotage their upcoming Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.

The Hip-Hop trailblazers filed a lawsuit claiming UMG has refused to return the physical two-inch master tapes that contain the highest-quality versions of their albums and singles.

The tapes, which are stored in a secure facility, remain in UMG’s possession despite several formal requests, according to the complaint.

“Plaintiffs’ Master Tapes hold significant value and are incredibly rare. They are the original, highest quality, physical source material of Plaintiffs’ sound recordings,” the lawsuit states.

The legal battle comes as Salt-N-Pepa prepare to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on November 8, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The ceremony will stream live on Disney+, marking a significant milestone in their decades-long career.

The group alleges the conflict intensified after they attempted to reclaim their copyrights under Section 203 of the Copyright Act.

In response, UMG allegedly began removing their music from digital platforms in the United States, stripping them of streaming revenue and public exposure.

The complaint claims UMG “halted exploitation of the relevant sound recordings in the United States, thereby effectively demonetizing Plaintiffs’ catalogue—months before Plaintiffs are set to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.”

Salt-N-Pepa believe the label’s actions are a pressure tactic to force them to abandon their legal pursuit of ownership rights.

“UMG appears to take the position that it can unilaterally decide when and/or if a recording artist is entitled to termination. This is not the law, and UMG does not have this power,” said their attorney Heidi G. Crikelair. “This is an effort by UMG to pressure Plaintiffs into giving up on their effort to recoup their rights to their sound recordings.”

Despite the legal standoff, Salt-N-Pepa say they have no plans to retreat.

The lawsuit also notes that the removal of their catalog has erased access to iconic tracks like “Push It,” which the group says is “ubiquitous at weddings and other celebrations.”

The timing of the takedown, they argue, threatens to diminish their visibility and cultural impact just as they receive one of the industry’s highest honors.

Salt-N-Pepa are seeking damages and the immediate return of their master recordings, accusing UMG of conversion and violating federal copyright law.

The duo, along with Spinderella, made history as the first female rap group to go platinum in the U.S. and are only the second female Hip-Hop act to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Clear Up Three 6 Mafia Tour Cancelation Rumors

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony postponed their highly anticipated joint tour with Three 6 Mafia, pushing the full launch of the Thuggish Ruggish Mafia Tour run to April 2026 while teasing new music and select performances this year.

The Bone Thugs-N-Harmony—Krayzie, Layzie, Bizzy, Flesh and Wish Bone—shared the update through Instagram, making it clear the tour isn’t off the table—just delayed.

“Our Thuggish Ruggish Mafia tour has been postponed NOT canceled. We will be kicking off the Thuggish Ruggish Mafia tour in April of 2026. We are coming to a city near you!!!!” the group wrote.

While the full tour is on hold, one show is still locked in for this year. “There will be 1 Thuggish Ruggish Mafia show this year in Arkansas on August 21st,” they added.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony ™ (@btnhlive)

The Cleveland-bred group also revealed they’re working on a new album and plan to hit a few cities before the end of the year. “In the meantime, we will be hitting select cities for the remainder of the year while we are preparing this new album from them 5 True Thugs From The Double Glock!!!!!”

They then teased a fresh single dropping soon. “Are y’all ready for some new music????? We will be dropping a brand new single in the next few weeks. Be on the lookout!!!! As always, we appreciate your love and continued support for these 30+ years.”

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony earned their place in Hip-Hop history with their melodic flows, rapid-fire delivery and emotionally charged lyrics. Their 1995 album, E. 1999 Eternal, cemented their legacy, featuring hits like “Tha Crossroads” and “1st of tha Month.” The group’s ability to blend harmony with hardcore street narratives set them apart in the ’90s and influenced generations of artists that followed.

The Thuggish Ruggish Mafia Tour was expected to be a major moment in Hip-Hop nostalgia, uniting two of the genre’s most influential groups. While the delay may disappoint some, the promise of new music and a 2026 launch keeps the momentum alive.

The only confirmed show this year will take place in Arkansas on Wednesday (August 21).

Benzino Rebukes Fat Joe—Says Bronx Rapper Helped Tank BET Awards As Host

Benzino is coming for Fat Joe after the Bronx rapper blamed “gentrification” for BET canceling the Hip-Hop and Soul Train Awards—while conveniently ignoring his own role in the award show’s ratings nosedive.

Benzino didn’t hold back when he called out Joe for talking slick about BET’s moves, especially after hosting the BET Hip-Hop Awards in 2022.

According to Zino, Fat Joe’s time as host didn’t exactly help the brand—if anything, it dragged it down.

“Why Fat Joe said it’s gentrification, after they let his ass host the awards two years earlier?” he said. “And the ratings were the worst ever after he hosted it. Was it gentrification when you was hosting it, Joey? Stop, man. Joe, you’re putting out too much misinformation on the internet, bro. You gotta do better, man.”

Benzino was digging into Fat Joe’s recent claim that BET’s issues are tied to its shift away from Black ownership and culture, calling the cancellation of the shows “a form of gentrification.”

He also said the network’s been slashing budgets and quietly firing staff.

“Little by little over the years, quietly, they’ve been firing a lot of people behind the scenes in BET and everybody who has something to say, they’ve been firing them,” Joe said. “The budget, not for me, but the budget just kept getting chopped and chopped and chopped.”

According to U.S. TV data, the BET Hip-Hop Awards have seen a steady drop in viewership over the last three years.

In 2022, the show pulled in around 708,000 viewers. By 2023, that number slipped to 657,000. In 2024, just 333,000 people tuned in—less than half of what they had two years ago.

Benzino kept going at Fat Joe and made it crystal clear he thinks Fat Joe helped tank the show’s credibility and viewership.

“This was the Hip-Hop one of the worst award show ratings ever… it wasn’t gentrification when you was hosting it, right?” Benzino continued. “You gotta do better, bro. BET didn’t know how to put on the awards. Only the Source Hip-Hop Awards did it right for hip-hop. But when Fat Joe comes up here and says oh, it’s gentrification… Man, get the f### out of here.”

EXCLUSIVE: Diddy’s Assistant Wins Big As Six Accusers Drop Explosive Claims

Kristina Khorram secured a major legal win in New York after six of seven plaintiffs dropped their claims against her in a sweeping sexual abuse lawsuit tied to her boss Diddy.

AllHipHop has confirmed that Latasha Forbes, Billie Cummings, Ian Fearon, Amad Jenkins, Laquay Applewhite and a Jane Doe voluntarily withdrew their allegations against the former Bad Boy Records executive.

The move followed Khorram’s legal team submitting evidence that she did not begin working for Diddy until 2013—long after most of the alleged incidents reportedly occurred.

In some of the allegations, Khorram could not have been working for Diddy when they took place, because she would have been less than 10 years old.

The original lawsuit accused Diddy of orchestrating decades of sexual misconduct, coercion and physical abuse under the guise of his Hip-Hop empire.

Several accusers detailed graphic claims spanning from the mid-1990s through the early 2010s.

Forbes alleged she was 17 in 1994 when Diddy drugged and raped her at Bad Boy’s Manhattan office. Cummings said she was between 14 and 15 in 1995 when she was assaulted during a video shoot for The Notorious B.I.G. Fearon claimed he was forced into a sex act at 19 inside Diddy’s New York residence in 2003.

Applewhite accused Diddy of groping and assaulting her at his Miami property in 2004. Jenkins said he was attacked at a Florida launch party for Bad Boy in the mid-2000s. Jane Doe alleged she was drugged and raped during a 2010 audition for Making the Band.

Khorram was named in the lawsuit for allegedly helping to cover up Diddy’s conduct. The complaint also targeted Sony, Universal and Warner Music, claiming the labels ignored red flags and enabled his wild behavior.

With six plaintiffs now out, only Matthews’ allegations remain. She claimed Combs assaulted her in Illinois in 2014 after a night of heavy drinking.

Khorram’s lawyers have filed a motion to dismiss Matthews’ complaint.

They argue the laws cited don’t apply retroactively, fall outside the statute of limitations and don’t cover incidents beyond New York City.

They also say the filing fails to meet the legal threshold for a sex trafficking claim.

If the court grants the motion, Khorram will be entirely removed from the case.

The six dismissals follow Diddy’s own courtroom victory on July 2, when a jury cleared him of federal sex trafficking and RICO charges but convicted him on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

His sentencing is slated for October 3.

Dr. Sebi’s Son Isn’t Here for Nick Cannon’s Documentary–Calls Out “Betrayers”

What’s up, my beautiful people? Illseed here, and I saw something that got my attention.

There was something spicy in a recent Victor Bowman interview. Bowman is the son of the late, great Dr. Sebi. Like five years back, Nick Cannon was trying to finish a doc on the holistic healer. Remember, Nick was picking up the baton for Nip The Great, who was working on this documentary. And then he was murdered.

In AllHipHop‘s exclusive convo with him, Victor kept it ALL the way real about that long-talked-about Dr. Sebi documentary. Not sure of Nick released it or if it’s permanently shelved. I know he’f been “working on it” for years. Now, a lot of us thought Nick had good intentions, but he may not have know the serious nuance in telling such a controversial figure’s story.

READ ALSO: Dr. Sebi’s Son Victor Bowman Talks Legacy, Nick Cannon And More 

“I’m loyal to my father, not the people in the documents,” Victor told us. “There’s a lot of wrong information in there. And some of the same people in that documentary? They’re the ones that betrayed my father.” A-YO!

Betrayed is a heavy word, folks. But Victor didn’t mince words. He said these so-called allies weren’t there when his father was in jail. They weren’t at the funeral. They weren’t putting in that work when Dr. Sebi needed them most. Powerful words.

So now, to see them popping up in this proposed doc, attaching themselves to the Sebi name? Victor isn’t having it. “Why are you doing something with the enemy of Dr. Sebi?” he asked of Nick. I don’t think he’s got beef with him, but wanted him to do more research.  Taking these people’s word was not it.

Like Left Eye and others, Nick brought new attention to Dr. Sebi’s life’s work. But if Victor’s not co-signing, then we ned to look a bit father. The “real ones” from Sebi’s circle might be the reason we never saw this documentary.

That has not stopped Doc’s youngest.

Victor is out here doing the work: running his Bolingo Balance stores in New York and Philly, helping people with herbal remedies, and even throwing a Dr. Sebi Day in Brooklyn on August 6. That “day” lasts this weekend, by the way.

I know Nick’s heart was in the right place on this one. Other celebs like Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar were in alignment, having already shown love to the Sebi legacy. I think Victor is just reminding everybody—it’s not about clout. I do not think Nick will respond, but if he does, it will be quiet, respectful and personal.

Nicki Minaj & Dez Bryant Make Nice After Threats, $10M Offer To Fight It Out

Nicki Minaj and Dez Bryant finally called a timeout on their back-and-forth after things got real ugly, real fast—including a $10 million fight offer and some personal jabs that hit way below the belt.

The whole thing blew up when Bryant, a former NFL wideout, clapped back at some comments from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones about his past deals with Roc Nation.

That’s when Nicki jumped in, dragging her beef with Jay-Z’s company into the mix and throwing shots in every direction.

Nicki tweeted, “Hey, it’s Nicki Minaj. How about we play a game? Every time you do a ‘Jerry Jones’ or ‘NFL’ story time, I’ll do a ‘story time’ of my own. All my stories will be about ROC NATION, JAY-Z & THE ALLEGED RACIST DESIREE PEREZ, ROC NATION CEO. I hope you fully understand the rules. It’s your turn.”

From there, it spiraled. Nicki brought up Dez’s 2012 domestic violence case involving his mom, which he’s always denied. Dez fired back by bringing up Nicki’s husband, Kenneth,Petty’s sex offender status.

Then Nicki took it all the way left by offering a $10 million cash prize for Dez to fight her man.

She posted, “$10 million cash to fight my husband \@dezbryant. Since you like fighting.” Dez didn’t hold back either, replying, “I’ll stomp that dude in front of you.”

For a minute, it looked like things might get uglier. But surprisingly, Dez hit the brakes and came with an apology on X.

“On some G s###.. \@nickiminaj, I really don’t like the misunderstanding we had between each other.. I apologize for bringing up your husband’s past..it’s a shame only negative things make headlines between two black people who have much influence on our community. I’m at war every day with myself to better myself for my kids and the kids who are watching me, and the last thing I wanna do is argue over some stupid s**t. I pray for peace and positivity your way.”

Nicki kept it cool and classy with her reply: “Apology accepted, Dez. Let’s keep it positive. Wishing you and your family well.”

Both sides are back in their corners and trying to keep things peaceful—for now.

No, J. Cole Didn’t Sell Dreamville Records—Manager Snuffs Out Recent Rumors

J. Cole handed out sizable checks to his Dreamville roster after cutting ties with Universal Music Group, but according to his longtime manager Ibrahim “Ib” Hamad, the label wasn’t sold—it was just a payday from a closed chapter.

The payout, first mentioned during a Bas interview with Elliott Wilson and later discussed on The Joe Budden Podcast, sparked speculation that Dreamville had been sold. But Hamad quickly shut that down on social media, saying the windfall was simply a result of ending their deal with UMG.

“For those that misunderstood, we did not sell Dreamville lol,” Hamad posted on Twitter. “Never will, never would. We ended our Dreamville partnership with umg and some blessings came with that. and When blessings come your way it’s only right to share those blessings with the family. Just some clarity.”

J.I.D, one of Dreamville’s standout artists, praised J. Cole for his generosity and leadership during the transition.

“Cole looked out for everybody that was a part of Dreamville,” J.I.D said. “That’s one of the most beautiful things in hip-hop right there. That never f_ing happens. And it happens to the regard where, if n_as on Dreamville that was a part of it don’t want to do music and they just want to move on with their life, they would be good. Be straight. You do it because you love it.”

He continued, “I’m just saying. If we want to speak to real s**t in the industry, if we want to talk about an apology, apologize 30 more times. That is the greatest n#### on f###### Earth. In this predatory ass industry. N#### was blessed in the most unimaginable, selfless… You ain’t have to do that. I know hella n##### who sold their subsidiaries or whatever and… Huh… For sure. That’s one of the greatest things I’ve ever seen in music.”

Dreamville’s split from UMG had not been officially announced prior to these interviews, but the label’s internal moves and public praise from its artists have made it clear that the transition was handled with care and loyalty.

The label’s partnership with UMG officially ended earlier this year.

Eminem Broke Down In Tears After Missing Daughter’s Recital Following Overdose

Eminem revealed the emotional aftermath of his 2007 overdose and the guilt that followed after missing his daughter’s music recital during his recovery.

In the new documentary STANS, the Detroit rap icon recounted the moment he realized the toll his drug addiction had taken on his family life.

The film, which explores the complicated bond between Eminem and his audience, features a raw account of the rapper’s near-fatal experience with methadone in December 2007.

“I got into this vicious cycle of, ‘I’m depressed so I need more pills,’ and then your tolerance gets so high you end up overdosing,” he said in the film. “I woke up in the hospital and I didn’t know what the f### happened. It seemed like I fell asleep, and I woke up with tubes in me and s###. I wanted to get up. I couldn’t move. After the overdose, I came home going, ‘Yo, bro, I need something.’”

The turning point came when he discovered he had missed his daughter Hailie Jade’s first guitar recital. Hailie, now 29, has since built a career as a social media personality.

“The amount of guilt that I felt, I cried when I saw it because I was like, ‘Oh my God, I missed that,’” Eminem said. “Do you want to miss everything? If you can’t do it for yourself… then at least do it for them.”

The Hip-Hop legend has remained sober since April 2008, a milestone he has acknowledged publicly over the years.

Directed by Steven Leckart, STANS is currently screening in select theaters and will be available to stream on Paramount+ later this year.

The film takes its title from Eminem’s 2000 hit “Stan,” which has since become cultural shorthand for obsessive fandom.

Hip-Hop’s Media OG Ebro Darden Talks Power Moves, Apple, Hot 97 & Rappers As Media

Ebro Darden isn’t just a recognizable voice in Hip-Hop—he’s a force behind its evolution across platforms. From his early days behind the mic to shaping culture through Apple Music and Hot 97, Ebro has walked a path few could navigate. His dual roles in both terrestrial radio and digital streaming are almost unheard of, especially in a media landscape marked by consolidation, layoffs, and influencer chaos. But Ebro? He bet on himself.

In this AllHipHop exclusive, Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur reconnects with his longtime peer and friend to talk shop. They reflect on how Ebro went from programming Hot 97 to commanding boardrooms at Apple. The conversation touches on Hip-Hop’s fragmented media climate, the line between hype and substance, and why artists now court controversy. This isn’t just an interview. It’s a masterclass in surviving and thriving in the modern music industry.

AllHipHop: First off, can I call you a legend?

Ebro: (Laughs) I don’t know, bro. We came up together!

AllHipHop: You’ve shifted from programming director behind the scenes to becoming a front-facing media force. How did that transition happen?

Ebro: I actually started on the air at 15. I moved to New York to get away from it and learn the business side—promotions, marketing, managing. I knew I wouldn’t be on the mic forever, so I made sure I understood every part of the radio game. When the opportunity came to go back on-air in 2012, I took it. But it was also a standoff. I was VP of the market, and new management didn’t want me holding influence across multiple stations. So I bet on myself.

AllHipHop: Respect. But they let you work with Apple too?

Ebro: They couldn’t stop me. (Laughs) Apple isn’t in the terrestrial radio business. My job there is more managerial. I run a team. I also host shows, but that’s just part of it. My primary job is Apple. They allow me to do Hot 97, which is rare. It’s about understanding business and how to provide value across platforms.

AllHipHop: That’s a flex.

Ebro: It’s just configuring things right. I’ve been doing this for over 30 years. It’s about staying useful and finding your lane, even when the lanes change.

AllHipHop: Speaking of change, media is a whole new beast. How do you feel about where Hip-Hop media is today?

Ebro: It’s layered. I love that people still want to make Hip-Hop, even if we don’t love every sound. The culture is alive with different subgenres and people still care enough to argue and fight for positions. But here’s what’s bugging me: there’s a lot of talk about the music, but how much time are people actually listening to the music?

AllHipHop: That’s real.

Ebro: Artists aren’t getting streams, so they chase attention in other ways. The drama becomes marketing. It’s not just about the music anymore. It’s about the moment, the headline, the click. That’s how the system rewards you. But I get it. People are trying to feed their families.

AllHipHop: Fat Joe, Jim Jones, Jadakiss…they’ve all been in the headlines. But it’s hard to know if it’s about the music or the media storm.

Ebro: Exactly. Sometimes it feels like troll behavior, but that’s the attention economy. Content about Hip-Hop is thriving, but playing Hip-Hop? That’s another story. There’s more arguing than listening.

AllHipHop: Do you think that pendulum will swing back?

Ebro: I hope so. Maybe people will crave real music experiences again. Right now, clicks run the culture. But artists are leaning into things they care about—passion, conversation, debate. And I think that still matters.

AllHipHop: You’ve always been standup. We appreciate you, bro.

Ebro: Always love, man. We’ve been solid since day one.

T-Hood’s Final Instagram Post Before Shooting Death Haunts Followers

T-Hood was shot and killed on Friday (August 8) after being shot during a dispute at his home in unincorporated Snellville according to Gwinnett County police.

The 33-year-old Georgia rapper, born Tevin Hood and known in the Southern rap scene for tracks like “READY 2 GO,” “Big Booty” and “Perculator,” was found with gunshot wounds at a residence on Lee Road around 7 p.m. local time. Officers administered first aid before he was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

Police confirmed one person has been detained in connection with the shooting. Investigators are still interviewing witnesses as part of the ongoing homicide case.

Hood’s mother, Yulanda, confirmed her son was the victim and pushed back on online speculation that a party was underway at the time of the incident.

The rapper’s final Instagram post came just a week before his death. In it, he wore a white sheet with red paint around the eye holes, resembling blood, while standing in a cemetery to promote his song “Grave Diggerz.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tevin Hood (@hatershatethood2)

T-Hood joked in the video, “Hello, are you still alive? We are dead down at the cemetery. come down to the cemetery I have a spot for you.” He added, “All you have to do it die. Just die today. You die today you get to come and play – come on down.”

The post has since drawn emotional responses from followers, many of whom expressed disbelief and grief. “I just woke up to the news man I do not want to believe it,” one user wrote. Another commented, “They always take the best ones, your light was too m### bright for this lame a** world.” A third added, “We never gon stop pushing your legacy.”

Music producer Deddotwill also paid tribute on social media, writing, “We was just on the phone all day I cant believe you are gone. REST IN PEACE T-HOOD I LOVE YOU BROTHER.”

Authorities have yet to release the name of the individual detained.

Ice Cube Calls Out ICE For Terrorizing Immigrant Communities In L.A.

Ice Cube called out federal immigration authorities for what he described as aggressive and dehumanizing tactics during recent raids in Los Angeles targeting immigrant communities.

The Hip-Hop icon voiced his outrage during an appearance on REAL 92.3 LA’s The Cruz Show, where he criticized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for storming places of worship, schools and family events.

“To see people disrespected like that, and federal government just being too heavy-handed and disrespectful, going to churches and weddings and grabbing people out of those schools,” he said. “It’s like, ‘Come on man, y’all just overdoing it.’”

The interview, posted Friday (August 7), came just one day after Border Patrol agents reportedly leapt from a rented truck and detained individuals outside a Home Depot in Los Angeles. The operation, referred to by one official as “Operation Trojan Horse,” has drawn backlash from civil rights groups and local leaders.

“It hurts, because it’s all kind of different situations been going around, as far as immigration,” Cube said. “Nobody’s safe, man. They don’t care who they grab. It’s sad. They come in and disrespect everybody. They want to traumatize people, too.”

The N.W.A legend didn’t hold back when describing the emotional toll these raids are having on the region’s Latino population. “It’s just sad, man,” he added. “I can’t wait ’til this period is over. I don’t know how we’re going to get to the end, but it’s crazy to see people dragged out of their spots of refuge.”

Tensions in Los Angeles have been rising since June, when protests erupted in response to Donald Trump’s mass deportation push. The administration deployed the National Guard to assist ICE in its enforcement efforts across the city. Despite a federal judge’s order—upheld by a federal appeals court—blocking indiscriminate arrests, raids have continued.

Cube joins a growing list of artists speaking out against the immigration crackdown, including Tyler, The Creator, Olivia Rodrigo, Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong and Kehlani.

ICE has ramped up operations in Southern California in recent months, often targeting locations where undocumented individuals are likely to gather. According to local reports, agents have conducted arrests outside schools, workplaces and even during religious ceremonies. Community advocates have accused the agency of using intimidation tactics to instill fear, even among legal residents.

Ice-T Takes On Fentanyl In New Documentary

Ice-T is stepping behind the camera with Fame and Fentanyl, a two-hour A&E special airing August 25 at 9 P.M. ET, spotlighting the deadly grip of fentanyl across America and the lives it continues to steal—including those of Prince, Mac Miller, and Coolio.

The Hip-Hop icon serves as both host and executive producer of the documentary, which weaves together harrowing stories from grieving families, law enforcement officials and the music industry’s most tragic losses.

The project aims to expose the scope of fentanyl’s devastation and educate viewers on its lethal presence in the drug supply.

“Fentanyl, for me, came out of nowhere. By the time I learned about the drug, I had already lost people to it. It’s a poison in the drug world, and I wanted to do everything that I could to make people aware of its danger,” Ice-T said in a statement about the project. “Everyone knows someone who has fallen victim to fentanyl.”

The film arrives as the U.S. sees a sharp decline in overdose deaths.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drug-related fatalities dropped from 110,037 in 2023 to 80,391 in 2024—a 27% decrease.

Opioid overdoses, including those involving fentanyl, fell from 83,140 to 54,743 during the same period. Still, fentanyl remains the leading cause of overdose deaths, accounting for nearly 70% of all drug fatalities.

“These are the stories that everyone needs to hear,” Ice-T added.

Among those stories are the high-profile deaths of artists who unknowingly consumed fentanyl-laced substances. Prince died in 2016 after taking counterfeit painkillers containing the synthetic opioid.

Mac Miller passed away in 2018 from a mix of fentanyl, cocaine and alcohol.

Coolio, best known for “Gangsta’s Paradise,” died in 2022 with fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine in his system.

The list continues with Rich Homie Quan, who died in 2024 from a combination of fentanyl, codeine, alprazolam and promethazine.

The documentary dives into how fentanyl is often consumed unknowingly, as it’s frequently mixed with other substances.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, 5 out of 10 pills tested in 2024 contained a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl—down from 7 out of 10 the year before.

The CDC also reported that overdose rates are still disproportionately high among Black, Hispanic, American Indian and multiracial populations, with the highest death rates among adults over 55.

Doechii Lost It Over Lady Gaga Love

Doechii reacted with disbelief and gratitude when Lady Gaga called her “immediately legendary” in a recent British Vogue interview, a moment the rising Hip-Hop artist described as both validating and surreal.

The “Denial is a River” performer told People she was utterly taken aback when she learned about the praise from the pop icon.

“I audibly gasped, literally,” she said. “I’m the biggest Lady Gaga fan, and she is so dedicated to her creativity and pushing the limits, so for a legend like that to say that about me, it really, really validated me in a humbling way.”

Gaga, in her British Vogue feature, didn’t hold back her admiration.

“You don’t often see someone come out of the gate with a pen that feels immediately legendary,” Gaga said. “That’s Doechii to me.”

Despite the admiration being mutual, Doechii explained why she hasn’t sought advice from the “Abracadabra” singer.

“I think when you meet Lady Gaga, she naturally has an essence about her,” she said. “You just kind of listen, and you don’t even have to ask her for anything. I think she just pours herself naturally onto people.”

Known for her genre-blending sound and lyrical edge, Doechii has already collaborated with artists like Lauryn Hill and Tyler, the Creator.

But when asked who she’d love to work with next, she didn’t hesitate.

“Let’s see. I mean, at this point, Beyoncé,” she said. “She’s the standard. Yeah, I’m going to say Bey.”

The People interview was published on May 31.

Kodak Black’s Ex Details Shocking Abuse, Says He Dislocated Her Jaw

Kodak Black is getting dragged by his ex and baby mama, Maranda Johnson, who claims the rapper put his hands on her and left her with a busted jaw—while he’s out here whining about child support.

Johnson went off online, airing out years of alleged abuse and calling out Kodak for ducking his responsibilities.

“You knocked me out and dislocated my jaw,” she said. “Police came to the house. I protected you. I’m always protecting you, I’m just always protecting your image, period.”

This comes after Johnson filed for over $56k a month in child support, based on Kodak’s reported income.

A judge didn’t give her that much, but ordered him to cough up $8,500 a month for now. Kodak clapped back, telling her to “get a job” and calling the amount wild.

But Johnson isn’t backing down.

“I never requested $56,000. Based off his income, that’s how much his children are entitled to an I’m still not even asking for half of that,” she said. She also said she’s been doing everything solo when it comes to taking care of their kids. “It’s like pulling teeth getting him to try to do anything for his kids,” Johnson said.

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Things between them got even messier after a birthday bash for one of Kodak’s kids at The Manor nightclub in Wilton Manors, Florida. Kodak invited all three of his baby mamas, and surprise—chaos broke out.

Johnson allegedly popped off, yanked another woman’s wig off and threw punches.

It didn’t stop at fists either. Cops say property inside the club got wrecked—think busted toilet, smashed monitor, broken printer.

Johnson got picked up later at the courthouse and slapped with five felony counts of criminal mischief. She’s now locked up in Broward Main Jail with her bond set at $12,500.

This isn’t her first rodeo either. Johnson had previous run-ins with Kodak’s other baby moms that also ended in cuffs. She’s due back in court on August 18 for this latest mess.

Johnson says she’s been holding Kodak down for years, even shielding him from legal trouble.

“You always put your hands on me, and I never sent you to jail. I never played police games with you, bro. Like, this s### is lame. Like, you’re lame for that.”

Diddy Wants To Counsel Abuse Victims, Cassie’s Lawyer Isn’t Having It

Diddy thinking he can coach domestic abusers after being convicted himself is not going over well—his accusers and their legal teams are calling BS on the whole thing.

The Hip-Hop mogul is reportedly pitching a redemption arc that involves him mentoring others who’ve committed abuse, which his lawyers are using to try and snag a lighter sentence.

But the folks who’ve accused him say this whole “counselor” gig is a joke—and not a funny one.

Douglas Wigdor, who represents Cassie Ventura, told Rolling Stone, “This is utterly preposterous. How are you going to counsel someone else when you haven’t done the work on yourself? This is manipulation at its best.”

Let’s back up—Diddy was hit with a guilty verdict in July for violating the Mann Act, which means he crossed state lines with people for illegal sex acts.

That conviction came after a long list of lawsuits and a video from 2016 that CNN dropped last year, showing him beating on Cassie at a hotel in LA.

He apologized after the video came out, but critics say it’s way too little, way too late. His sentencing is locked in for October 3, and his team’s trying to spin this “I want to help others” angle hard.

But Wigdor isn’t buying it.

“It’s a mockery of the system. It’s a mockery of everyone he’s harmed. He needs intensive therapy,” he told Rolling Stone.

DJ Hurricane Leads Star-Studded JMJ-MCA Day Honoring Jam Master Jay & MCA

DJ Hurricane will lead a star-studded tribute to two Hip-Hop pioneers—Jam Master Jay and MCA—during JMJ-MCA Day on Sunday (August 10) at the Coney Island Aquarium Mural Boardwalk in New York City, where the music will run from 12 to 6 p.m. ET.

The event, presented by Together Forever and backed by Category 6, Hurricane’s upcoming album, will feature performances from a lineup of Hip-Hop royalty.

Jam Master Jay’s son, DJ Jam Master J’Son, the Juice Crew’s Craig G, House of Pain’s Danny Boy, Kool Rock Ski of the Fat Boys, T La Rock, Schoolly D and Chief Rocker Busy Bee are all set to take the stage alongside DJ Hurricane, who rose to fame as the longtime DJ for the Beastie Boys.

The celebration honors the legacies of two foundational figures in Hip-Hop history. Jam Master Jay, the influential DJ of Run-DMC, helped bring turntablism into the mainstream and played a key role in merging rap with rock. He was shot and killed in a Queens recording studio on October 30, 2002. His death remained unsolved for years before two suspects were indicted in 2020.

Adam “MCA” Yauch,  a founding member of the Beastie Boys, was known for his gravelly voice, activism and vision that helped steer the group from party anthems to more socially conscious material. He died on May 4, 2012, after a three-year battle with cancer of the parotid gland.

JMJ-MCA Day aims to honor their contributions through music, community and celebration. The event is free and open to the public.