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Living Legends MC Aesop The Black Wolf Has Died

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: NewsAugust 18, 2025

The Hip-Hop community is mourning after Aesop of the Living Legends crew died suddenly over the weekend. Fellow Living Legend Sunspot Jonz posted about Aesop’s death on Instagram Monday morning (August 18). He wrote, “What an amazing ride we had. I just can’t believe you’re gone. I am Completely crushed -when I heard this morning I burst into tears cursing God because it just ain’t fair. Too soon to go.

“Wanted to go off on a few people around you -and will-they know who they are-but for now I’m gonna concentrate on all the light you gave. Your charisma, smile, the talent, the love you brought to our hearts will never be forgotten. Love you forever my brother Derrick.”

Eligh also shared an Instagram tribute to his longtime friend and Living Legends crewmate, reminiscing on their early days.

“No one made me laugh till I cried more times in my life than you. We shared couches, we were young, broke, making music with a shared affinity for the supernatural. We smoked beedees in Japan, we were on stage together all over the world. You had a huge heart. Emotional. Hard headed, and wouldn’t let anyone walk over you. I don’t think many people loved harder than you. My kids never met you. And for that I grieve.

“Almost 30 years since we recorded ‘It was a mission’ in Grouch’s basement, in 1996. You said some of the most outlandish one liners that will forever echo in the collective crews memory of you. Again, having all of us cry laughing. I will miss you greatly my brother, but you are with your pops now. I know his passing devastated you. And your music will always exist on Earth, as long as Earth remains man! I will honor your memory by living my life with a child like vigor, which you always embodied. I love you man..If you can, hit me up in a dream, and tell me what it’s like to be free.”

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Aesop, also known as Aesop the Black Wolf, is a founding member of Living Legends. Originating in Los Angeles in the mid-1990s, Living Legends rose to prominence by embodying the indie rap ethos—recording, promoting and selling their music independently.

Aesop and the rest of the Legends—Murs, Luckyiam, Eligh, The Grouch, Sunspot Jonz, Bicasso and Scarub—helped pioneer the West Coast underground rap scene, building a massive grassroots following and influencing generations of independent artists. As part of Living Legends, Aesop contributed to critically acclaimed albums such as Angelz Wit Dirty Faces, Almost Famous and Creative Differences, each celebrated for its innovative lyrical content and collaborative spirit.

Aesop and Living Legends have been praised for their influential role in the indie-rap movement, earning accolades from publications like LA Weekly and maintaining a loyal fan base through continual touring and new releases, such as their 2023 album, The Return.

More recently, The Grouch announced his annual How The Grinch Stole Christmas Tour, which was expected to include all of the Living Legends, Cunninlynguists and Souls of Mischief. His cause of death has not been disclosed.

AllHipHop sends our condolences to Aesop’s loved ones.

Cardi B’s “Imaginary Playerz” Makes Underwhelming Spotify Debut—Despite JAY-Z Sample

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: NewsAugust 17, 2025

Cardi B dropped her latest single “Imaginary Playerz” last week, but the track barely made a dent on the Spotify U.S. chart, debuting at a modest No. 147—an underwhelming showing for the Bronx rapper known for chart-topping hits. In fact, it’s nowhere to be found on Spotify global either and crawled on to Apple Music at No. 56.

The track, which samples JAY-Z’s 1997 classic “Imaginary Players,” is the fourth single from her long-awaited sophomore album, Am I The Drama. On the song, Cardi flexes her wealth and status, drawing comparisons between herself and other women in rap. “Imaginary Playerz” leans heavily into braggadocio, but early numbers suggest it hasn’t resonated with listeners the way her past releases have.

The video, however, appears to be making quite the impression, with more than 1.8 million YouTube views in the past two days.

The original “Imaginary Players” appeared on JAY-Z’s In My Lifetime, Vol. 1—which has actually seen a bump in streaming due to the song—and Cardi’s interpolation of the track was expected to generate buzz. Instead, the song’s lukewarm reception has raised questions about the momentum behind her upcoming project.

It’s been more than six years since Cardi released her debut album, Invasion of Privacy, which arrived in April 2018. That album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and moved 255,000 equivalent album units in its first week, according to Nielsen Music. The project spawned multiple hit singles and earned her a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, making her the first solo female rapper to win in that category.

“Imaginary Playerz” follows a string of singles leading up to Am I The Drama, but its low placement on Spotify’s chart signals a rare misstep for Cardi, who’s typically a fixture in the top tier of streaming platforms.

As of Sunday (August 17), “Imaginary Playerz” has dropped off the Spotify U.S. chart completely.

50 Cent Says Goodbye To Starz After Terrible Ratings Report

By: Mike WinslowCategory: NewsAugust 16, 2025

50 Cent had a message for Starz after the network posted dismal subscriber numbers and a $42.5 million loss—he said “good bye” to the network.

The Hip-Hop mogul and executive producer took to social media to make his exit clear, writing, “It’s not that hard to say good bye. bye,” under a post about the network’s declining performance.

In addition to Fif constantly dragging the network that airs his shows, the second quarter of 2025 brought more bad news for Starz. U.S. streaming subscribers dropped from 13.04 million to 12.2 million, while total domestic customers fell by 410,000 to 17.6 million.

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A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent)

The company blamed the losses on its recent separation from Lionsgate and said it would no longer release international streaming figures.

Despite the downturn, Starz still leans heavily on programming tied to 50 Cent.

The network airs several of his shows, including the Power universe and BMF.

Power Book IV: Force is heading into its third and final season. In fact, Joseph Sikora, the star of the series, said season three would be worth the wait.

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But behind the scenes, tensions between 50 Cent and Starz have been simmering for years. He has repeatedly criticized the network for delays, inconsistent scheduling and stalled renewals.

In 2022, 50 Cent announced he would take his content elsewhere, encouraging viewers to boycott Starz until his shows returned.

Though he remains executive producer on multiple titles under G-Unit Film & Television, he chose not to renew his deal with the network in 2022.

With subscriber losses mounting and 50 Cent walking away, the network’s future remains uncertain.

Lil Nas X Stuck In Jail After Prancing Hollywood Street In Underwear

By: Mike WinslowCategory: NewsAugust 22, 2025

Lil Nas X found himself locked up this weekend after wildin’ out on the streets of LA in nothing but his drawers and some cowboy boots.

Cops say they rolled up on the rapper around sunrise on August 21 after folks started calling about a dude strutting down Ventura Boulevard half-naked rocking only underwear and boots.

But things didn’t stay cute for long. LAPD says when they pulled up, Nas didn’t chill.

According to officers, he came at them swinging and clocked one in the face not once, but twice.

That move earned him a ride straight to the hospital for a check-up and possible overdose treatment before he got hauled to Van Nuys Jail.

He ended up getting slapped with a misdemeanor battery charge for allegedly attacking the officer. Cops booked him around 11:22 a.m. and he’s still sitting behind bars with no bail set.

No word yet from his team. They’ve been silent since the whole thing popped off and haven’t dropped a statement or even a tweet.

As of August 22, the “Old Town Road” hitmaker is still locked up waiting to see what happens next.

The arrest, the hospital pit stop, the no-bail situation — it’s all stacking up to a rough weekend for the chart-topper who’s usually more at home on red carpets than jail floors.

Snoop Dogg & D Smoke Announce Death Row Records Partnership With Tour

By: Houston WilliamsCategory: NewsAugust 22, 2025

D Smoke made a huge move and joined forces with the Snoop Dogg-owned Death Row Records. The pair confirmed this exciting new partnership with a joint post on Instagram.

The pair have had long-standing ties going back to 2019’s Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow. Snoop was a judge and D Smoke emerged victorious in rap contest. The Inglewood native used the prize money to finish his Grammy Award-nominated debut Black Habits.

READ ALSO: Snoop Dogg Sells His Burned Blunts For $148K

Smoke’s decision to align with Death Row is a bold move in an era of no rules and chaos.

Smoke hasn’t been idle, even thought it has been over three years since his last album. He landed a role on Paramount Plus’ Mayor of Kingstown. Now he has Wake Up Supa on the horizon with the accompanying tour.

The Wake Up Supa Tour kicks off October 28 in Vancouver and will travel through major North American markets like Los Angeles, Atlanta, Brooklyn, Toronto and Chicago. It wraps on November 24.

D Smoke 2025 Wake Up Supa Tour Dates

10/28 — Vancouver, BC @ Hollywood Theatre
10/29 — Seattle, WA @ Neumos
10/30 — Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
11/02 — San Francisco, CA @ August Hall
11/04 — Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
11/06 — Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar
11/08 — Denver, CO @ Cervantes’ Other Side
11/10 — Dallas, TX @ The Studio at The Factory
11/11 — Houston, TX @ House Of Blues Houston
11/13 — Atlanta, GA @ The Loft
11/14 — Charleston, SC @ The Charleston Pour House
11/15 — Charlotte, NC @ The Underground
11/17 — Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair
11/18 — Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
11/20 — Washington, DC @ Union Stage
11/22 — Detroit, MI @ El Club
11/23 — Toronto, ON @ The Mod Club
11/24 — Chicago, IL @ Metro

BigXthaPlug Arrested Just Hours Before “I Hope You’re Happy” Album Release

By: Mike WinslowCategory: NewsAugust 22, 2025

BigXthaPlug got hit with a weed and gun charge at the worst possible time—right before his album release party. The Dallas-bred rapper was pulled over Thursday night (August 21) at a street takeover event.

Cops say they stopped him for not having a front license plate, but things escalated fast. According to Arlington PD, once they ran his name—Xavier Landum—a gang database flagged him as a documented member.

Officers asked if he had a weapon, and BigX reportedly told them a gun was stashed under the armrest of his Dodge Ram TRX.

Naturally, the responding officers searched the truck and said they found 3.4 grams of suspected marijuana and the firearm he mentioned.

That earned him a couple of misdemeanor charges—one for carrying a gun and another for possession of less than two ounces of weed.

According to WFAA, he was booked into Dallas County jail at 2:20 a.m. Friday (August 22) was literally hours before his new project, I Hope You’re Happy, dropped.

This isn’t BigX’s first legal run-in this year either. Back in February, he caught a similar charge for marijuana in Arlington, according to police records.

I Hope You’re Happy bridges country, rap, and soul into an innovative country-trap blend. The Dallas rapper, known for his gritty storytelling and genre-blurring hits, assembles an impressive lineup of country stars and songwriters, including Darius Rucker, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Bailey Zimmerman and Thomas Rhett.

Standout singles like “All the Way” with Bailey Zimmerman have already made waves on both Hip-Hop and country charts, highlighting the album’s crossover appeal. Signature tracks such as “Box Me Up,” “Hell At Night” and the title track with Darius Rucker) showcase both BigXthaPlug’s lyrical depth and the emotional resonance of his collaborators.

But for now, he’s got bigger problems—no pun intended.

Claressa Shields Trains Diamond The Body For “Baddies Africa Reunion” Blowups

By: London JennnCategory: NewsAugust 22, 2025

Claressa Shields turned up the heat in the ring with Diamond The Body as the rapper and reality star preps for what’s expected to be a volatile “Baddies Africa Reunion” this September.

On Thursday (August 21), Diamond posted a video of herself getting a crash course in boxing from the two-time Olympic gold medalist.

“Listen, reunion is going the f### down, okay?” Diamond declared. “I just got my lessons from Claressa Shields, the great, the boxing legend, the muthafuckin gold medalist.”

Shields responded with a nod of approval: “Listen, you’ve got the goods. All you have to do is let the goods go.”

The rapper captioned the video, “Trained by the GWOAT herself! Honored and grateful for the lesson from the gold medalist @claressashields. I’m ready for whatever now !!”

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A post shared by DiamondtheBody Aka DTB 💎🇯🇲 (@diamondthebodyy)

The training session wasn’t just for show. Shields has been working with Diamond to sharpen her boxing fundamentals, including proper punching technique and footwork.

The goal? To make sure Diamond is ready for any physical confrontations likely to erupt during the reunion taping.

Physical altercations are a regular part of the “Baddies” franchise, and “Baddies Africa” has been no exception.

Diamond has already been involved in several on-camera fights during the season, even claiming she squared up with seven castmates during filming.

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The reunion, scheduled for late September 2025, is expected to be a pressure cooker of unresolved drama and face-to-face confrontations. With tensions running high, Diamond’s decision to train with a world-class boxer like Claressa Shields appears to be a strategic move.

Country Music Star Defends Beyoncé, Shades Morgan Wallen While Calling Out Genre’s Double Standard

By: London JennnCategory: NewsAugust 22, 2025

Charley Crockett fiercely defended Beyoncé and her genre-bending album Cowboy Carter, calling out the country music world for what he sees as years of hypocrisy and selective outrage.

In a pointed Instagram post earlier this week, the Texas-born singer addressed the backlash Beyoncé has faced from parts of the country music community.

“Hey country folks,” he began. “Beyoncé ain’t the source of your discontent. It was 25 years of bro country.”

Crockett, who has built his career blending traditional country with blues and soul, didn’t name names directly but appeared to take a swipe at Morgan Wallen, one of the genre’s biggest stars.

“#1 country artist on earth listens to nothing but rap,” he said. “Openly says he doesn’t really know any country music. Gotta respect his honesty,” he wrote.

He went on to criticize the industry’s treatment of Beyoncé, who became the first Black woman to win Best Country Album at the Grammys in 2025 but was notably left out of the Academy of Country Music Awards.

“The machine points to a black woman who’s making a statement about marginalized people being removed from the conversation altogether,” Crockett wrote. “And somehow we all act like the entire pop industry didn’t just ambush roots music.”

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He also took aim at the genre’s evolving sound, noting that many male country artists have long borrowed from Hip-Hop production styles. “These ‘country boys’ been singing over trap beats for years. So what’s different now? Authenticity,” he added.

Crockett shared his own experience with the Nashville music business, claiming industry insiders once tried to mold him into a prefabricated act. “Many of those business folks called me early on. They had whole albums pre-written and recorded, ready to just plug me in. I have receipts,” he wrote.

He made it clear he wouldn’t tear down another artist—especially a Black woman—to get ahead.

“I don’t need to put down a black woman to advance my music. That’s just embarrassing to the idea of America and I got no respect for it,” he said.

Crockett also praised Texas rapper BigXThaPlug, calling him “genuine” and “a true story teller,” adding, “The best Hip-Hop sound to come out of Texas in this century.”

He ended his post by pushing back against the industry’s tendency to box artists into narrow categories. “I don’t have a problem with Americana. I have a problem with being compartmentalized by the music business.”

The post drew both praise and pushback.

One of the more vocal critics was Gavin Adcock, who previously dismissed Beyoncé’s album by saying, “It just ain’t country,” and argued that lifelong country artists shouldn’t have to compete with a global pop icon.

Cowboy Carter debuted in 2024 and has remained a lightning rod in country circles, with some praising its innovation and others questioning its place on country charts.

Acquitted Young Dolph Murder Suspect Flees Memphis After Trial & Death Of Rapper Daughter

By: London JennnCategory: NewsAugust 22, 2025

Hernandez Govan walked out of a Memphis courtroom Thursday (August 21), cleared of all charges in the Young Dolph murder trial and declared he’s done with the city that, in his words, nearly broke him.

Acquitted of first-degree murder and conspiracy in the 2021 ambush that left the rapper dead inside a cookie shop, Govan didn’t celebrate. Instead, he spoke of grief, regret and a desperate need for a new beginning—especially after losing his daughter, rising rapper Lotta Cash Desto, in a fatal shooting just weeks before he was indicted.

“Leave Memphis,” Govan told reporters outside the courthouse when asked what advice he had for others.

When pressed if he planned to follow his own advice, he replied, “Of course.”

Govan said he’s been “nervous for four years” and now feels like he’s been “born again” with a chance to “restart my life and do some positive things.”

The jury took only about three hours to reach a verdict, rejecting prosecutors’ claims that Govan orchestrated the hit on Young Dolph, who was gunned down on November 17, 2021.

Though Govan was accused of planning the attack, he was never alleged to have pulled the trigger.

Two other men were charged in the case. Justin Johnson was convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 2024. Cornelius Smith cooperated with the state and testified against Govan.

Lotta Cash Desto Fatally Shot Months before Father Hernandez Govan Indicted

But Govan’s pain runs deeper than the courtroom. His daughter, Lotta Cash Desto—born Destinee Govan—was shot and killed on September 24, 2022, in Houston, amid speculation that her death was retaliation for Young Dolph’s murder.

She was sitting in her car at a traffic light when two men got out of another vehicle and opened fire. A friend in the car survived. Govan was indicted in the Dolph case less than two months later.

The loss of his daughter haunts him, and he blames his “lifestyle” for her death.

In a Facebook post shared weeks after her passing, Govan wrote, “I think I cursed U Destinee with my lifestyle. I apologize baby.”

Two men—Christian Isaiah Williams, 24, and Jeremyah Smith, 19—were charged in her murder. Williams was also injured during the shooting and treated at a hospital.

Now, with the trial behind him and his daughter gone, Govan says he’s focused on moving forward, starting with leaving Memphis.

Cardi B Fuels Pregnancy Rumors With Cryptic Tweet After Viral Video Sparks Buzz

By: London JennnCategory: RumorsAugust 22, 2025

Cardi B reignited pregnancy buzz with a cryptic tweet after a video of her lip-syncing to “Imaginary Playerz” went viral for what many believed was a baby bump peeking through her designer coat.

The brief clip, which spread quickly across social media, had users convinced the Bronx rapper might be expecting again—despite her previous denials.

lol ppl thought i was trippin when i said she was pregnant weeks ago https://t.co/PVqpVC8faF
— 🫶🏽PINK💓PUNK🫶🏽 (@Like_the_stone_) August 21, 2025

The speculation hit a nerve with some who’ve been eagerly waiting for her long-teased tour.

“Dear Stephon I will tear you every which way but! Loose if Cardi B is pregnant again before she goes on tour thank you bye,” one user wrote.

Dear Stephon I will tear you every which way but! Loose if Cardi B is pregnant again before she goes on tour thank you bye 😘 ps I’m dead ass pic.twitter.com/Ha7uuk1QBk
— CalisNation (@Getagrammysis3) August 21, 2025

Another chimed in, “lol ppl thought i was trippin when i said she was pregnant weeks ago.”

Cardi B appeared to lean into the gossip with a teasing tweet, Thursday night (August 21): “But AM I?…”

But AM I?… pic.twitter.com/lQyaRmg8V9
— Cardi B (@iamcardib) August 21, 2025

That one-liner only fueled more responses from her followers, including one pleading,

“Belcalis please. I need just one tour… just one!!! And I’ll be front row.”

The Grammy winner previously addressed similar rumors during an Instagram Live earlier this month, where she fired back at a comment suggesting she was far along in a pregnancy.

“‘You’re thirty weeks pregnant’? No, you stupid b####,” she said. “I’m just f###### out of breath ’cause I have asthma… Stop f###### being f###### funny in this b#### before you get m############ blocked, b####.”

She followed up with, “Don’t put that s### on me.”

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Cardi previously shut down similar talk earlier this year and has consistently stated that while she’s not against having more children in the future, now is not the time.

Adding to the tension is the growing anticipation around her sophomore album, Am I The Drama?, set to drop September 19.

Cardi has hinted that a tour will follow the release, which would be her first global headlining run since 2019.

Offset Drops Emotional Bombshells About Cardi B On New Album “KIARI”

By: London JennnCategory: NewsAugust 22, 2025

Offset laid bare the collapse of his marriage to Cardi B on the final track of his new album KIARI, using “Move On” to deliver a blunt farewell and emotional reckoning over their split.

“I’m tryna move on in peace,” he sings on the song’s opening line, later adding, “Happy for you, why you ain’t happy for me?”

The track, which closes out the 18-song project released Friday (August 22), serves as a lyrical sendoff to a relationship that spanned nearly a decade and weathered multiple public breakups.

Offset takes accountability for the split, rapping, “I take the blame, I take the shame.”

He calls out the dysfunction directly: “We look like some fools,” and “When you lie, see the pain in your face (Okay).”

The track also hints that he’s moved on romantically, rapping, “Peace out, I done found me a mate.”

But it’s not just about closure—it’s also about accountability and frustration. In one of the more pointed verses, Offset appears to explain what went wrong from his side:

“You never listen to no rules/You never cook n##### no food/You just want go out to Nobu/Telling me s### that you don’t do/Telling me s### that you won’t do/You f##### around with the wrong dude/Hope your next n#### be great.”

Offset Closes Chapter On Marriage To Cardi B

Earlier this week, Offset explained why he chose to end the album with “Move On,” saying, “It’s about moving on peacefully… It’s all love and peace. I just ended the album with that, just to end that chapter because it’s time to move on. It’s over and done with.”

He added, “It was great while it lasted. That shouldn’t be the topic for either one of us no more.”

Offset and Cardi B married in 2017 and had a turbulent relationship marked by cheating scandals and multiple divorce filings. Cardi filed for divorce in 2020, then again in August 2024.

The couple shares three children: Kulture, 7, Wave, 3, and Blossom, who is 11 months old.

Offset’s third solo album, KIARI—named after his first name—is his most personal work to date.

The project features collaborations with J.I.D., Gunna, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, John Legend, Ty Dolla $ign, Key Glock, YFN Lucci and Teezo Touchdown.

Doja Cat Explains How Going To Intense Therapy Sessions Shaped New Album “Vie”

By: Mike WinslowCategory: NewsAugust 21, 2025

Doja Cat is pulling double duty at therapy and the studio and it’s all coming together on her next album Vie, which she says was heavily shaped by her twice-a-week mental health sessions.

In a sit-down with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, the rapper-turned-pop-star got honest about how therapy gave her the clarity to switch up her sound and mindset.

“I think therapy has been my main [source]. This album really grew from my sessions in therapy and being so gung-ho on being there twice a week and doing it and learning about the human experience and how our brains function subconsciously and consciously,” she said during the chat.

Vie, her fifth studio album, is set to drop September 26, 2025 and marks a return to a pop-heavy vibe after her last rap-focused project, Scarlet, in 2023.

She’s leaning into themes like love, lust and relationship chaos, with lighter themes. Think ’80s pop.

“It’s truly, for lack of a better word, fun. And I think that’s what people need right now is to remember that life can be fun and that it’s not always so serious all the time,” Doja said.

She added that while serious topics matter, she wanted to make something people could vibe to without needing a therapy degree to decode it.

The lead single, “Jealous Type,” dropped on Thursday (August 21). The album’s whole rollout is giving French chic, with a Paris-shot trailer and a glam album cover revealed on August 20.

Even the title Vie is French for “life.”

“I feel sexy and I feel inspired, and I feel like I’ve learned a lot in therapy and I can convert that into something positive,” Doja added.

She’s kicking off the Ma Vie World Tour later this year, starting in Asia and Oceania with 11 shows already on the schedule.

EXCLUSIVE: T.D. Jakes Could End Tyrone Blackburn’s Career With $76K Fine, Lawyer Begs Judge For Help

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: ExclusivesAugust 21, 2025

Tyrone Blackburn is staring down a $76K penalty in federal court over bogus citations tied to artificial intelligence mix-ups in a lawsuit involving T.D. Jakes and if the judge signs off, it could wreck his legal practice.

The Brooklyn-based lawyer is begging a Pennsylvania judge not to slap him with a massive attorney’s fee bill after court documents he submitted were loaded with AI-generated nonsense.

The case stems from a messy defamation war between T.D. Jakes and Duane Youngblood, where Blackburn repped Youngblood for free.

Jake’s sued Youngblood after he went on “Larry Reid Live” in 2024, claiming the Bishop groomed and tried to assault him decades ago.

Jakes fired back with a defamation suit, saying the story’s a lie and accusing Youngblood of trying to squeeze him for $6 million in hush money.

Blackburn already admitted he screwed up the citations, blaming new AI features in LexisNexis and Westlaw for the mess. He says he started fixing the errors before he got booted from the case in June.

“I made no excuses then, and I make none now,” he wrote in a court filing.

Blackburn told the judge that he does a ton of free work for low-income and abuse survivor clients and that a burdensome sanction could easily put him out of business.

“My representation of Mr. Youngblood was entirely pro bono. I do not possess the resources to pay $76,197.63, or any amount, without jeopardizing my practice and my client,” he said.

He also pointed out that he’s done over 11 hours of continuing legal education on AI, ethics and compliance since the incident, trying to clean up the damage.

Blackburn is asking the court to go easy on him with the punishment and go with something like more CLE hours or a warning instead of a financial gut punch.

“My Dad is a Marine, my uncles are Marines and now my nephew is a Marine. Service to the least of these and unequivocal accountability when wrong is how I was raised,” Blackburn said. “I have taken full ownership of those citation errors.”

Meanwhile, Jakes’ lawyers say they spent more than 140 hours fixing the AI-fueled blunders, which they claim were filled with fake case law and phony legal info.

They want Blackburn or his client to cough up the full amount within 30 days if the judge agrees.

Serena Williams Confirms She’s On Weight-Loss Drug After Fans Express Worry Over Her Looks

By: Mike WinslowCategory: NewsAugust 21, 2025

Serena Williams dropped the curtain on her weight-loss journey and revealed she’s been using Zepbound injections since early 2024 to help shed pounds after giving birth to her second daughter, Adira.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion told People she turned to the medication after struggling to lose weight post-pregnancy, despite sticking to a strict workout and nutrition routine.

“I never was able to get to the weight I needed to be, no matter what I did, no matter how much I trained,” she said. “It was crazy because I’d never been in a place like that in my life where I worked so hard, ate so healthy and could never get down to where I needed to be at.”

Williams, 43, said her weight concerns began after having her first daughter, Alexis Olympia, in 2017. The same issue returned after she gave birth to Adira in August 2023.

She told Vogue, “I would always get to a certain point on the scale, but I could never get below that. That’s when I decided that it was time to try something different and got on the GLP-1 with Ro.”

Since starting the once-a-week injections, Williams has dropped 31 pounds. Zepbound, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is typically prescribed for type 2 diabetes but has become increasingly popular for weight management.

The medication was approved by the FDA for weight loss in late 2023.

Williams emphasized that the medication didn’t replace her healthy lifestyle. She continues to work out and eat clean, crediting the injections for helping her break through a plateau.

“I feel like my old self,” she said, adding she feels “sexier” and “more confident.”

Wanting to be upfront about her transformation, Williams said she went public to challenge the criticism surrounding GLP-1 medications.

“I feel like a lot of people have this stigma on GLP-1s and say things like, ‘Oh, lazy people do it,’ or ‘If you’re working hard enough, you don’t need that,’” she said. “I know for a fact from my experience that it’s simply not true. Sometimes you need help.”

Now serving as a celebrity patient ambassador for Ro, the telehealth company that prescribed her Zepbound, Williams appears in a new campaign where she self-administers the injection on camera.

Her partnership with Ro began after she finished breastfeeding Adira in early 2024.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner Once Auditioned for “Lee” Role In Classic Movie “Beat Street”

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur)Category: ExclusivesAugust 21, 2025

Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Robert Taylor could’ve swapped destinies in 1984, if only a casting choice had gone differently. Taylor, forever etched into Hip-Hop history as “Lee” in Beat Street, recently revealed that that the late Warner auditioned for the same role.

“Funny part is—God rest his soul—but Malcolm-Jamal Warner auditioned for my part as Lee,” Taylor told AllHipHop. “And you know who else? Emmanuel Lewis, ‘Webster.’ He auditioned for Lee, too.”

Malcolm-Jamal Warner would soon become Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, as the hit show debuted the same year as the Harry Belafonte-produced Beat Street. The movie is one of the first major films to showcase Hip-Hop culture on the big screen. Set in the Bronx, the movie follows a group of young friends chasing their dreams through breakdancing, DJing, graffiti and rap. Each individual must navigate the struggles of poverty and survival in New York City. Lee was one of the main, attractive characters.

The revelation reframes the beginnings of both stars. Warner was just a teenager with acting chops and a sitcom pilot under his belt. He was Hip-Hop adjacent, appearing in rap videos by Whodini. Taylor, by his own admission, was simply a kid who wanted to dance. He told AHH‘s DJ Thoro and Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur he had no clue the audition involved dialogue at all.

“I was only focused on the dancing,” he said. “That’s all I wanted to do. They said, ‘Congratulations, you guys are the cast of the movie. Robert, you’re a big part of the film. You’re going to play the little brother. Your character’s name is Lee.’”

See The Full, Exclusive Interview With Robert “Lee” Taylor Below. He Talks Being A Reluctant Star, How He Got The Role Of “Lee” And The Ups And Downs Of Being A Child Star.

That name, Lee, wasn’t just a character. His performance became the emotional heartbeat of Beat Street. Even decades later, fans ink his image on their skin and recite his lines as part of Hip-Hop’s cinematic canon.

Meanwhile, Warner didn’t get a role in Beat Street, yet he was on the verge of his own breakthrough. The Cosby Show debuted later that year, propelling him into history. Yet Warner’s ties to Hip-Hop run deeper than guest appearances in rap videos

He built a career as a poet, spoken-word artist and MC with his band Miles Long. His art channelled the influence of early Hip-Hop pioneers, speaking truth to power. His audition for Beat Street is definitely a massive “what if” moment.

READ ALSO: “Beat Street” : Honoring Mr. Harry Belafonte With Pioneer MC Debbie D And Break Dance Icon Mr. Wave

Robert Taylor still embodies Hip-Hop on the big screen and Lee is a character that resonates with fans more than 40 years since the release date. Looking back, Taylor credits another legend for making it all possible.

“Hip-Hop owes Harry Belafonte for producing Beat Street,” Taylor said. “If it wasn’t for him, who knows where we’d be. That movie made us all part of history.”

Malcolm-Jamal Warner died in July, a victim of a tragic riptide in Costa Rica. Both he and Robert Taylor are heroes in the global rise of Hip-Hop culture.

Lil Nas X Arrested After Naked Street Incident Allegedly Turned Violent

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: NewsAugust 21, 2025

Lil Nas X was arrested on Thursday (August 21) in Van Nuys after a bizarre early morning incident involving an alleged assault on a police officer, AllHipHop can confirm.

According to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department records, the 26-year-old rapper was booked at 6:10 a.m. local time and is currently being held without bail on a misdemeanor battery charge against a peace officer.

Authorities say the “Old Town Road” artist was seen walking in the middle of a street wearing only white underwear and cowboy boots. Witnesses told police he then removed the remaining clothing and lunged at an officer. Law enforcement sources also stated he was transported to a hospital shortly after the arrest due to concerns he may have overdosed.

The incident began when bystanders spotted Lil Nas X in his underwear and cowboy boots strolling down the middle of Ventura Boulevard, prompting calls to emergency services. He was initially spotted around 4 a.m. in Studio City, where he appeared disoriented and placed an orange traffic cone on his head.

According to video obtained by TMZ, he pointed at a passing car and mumbled about going to a party.

“Hey don’t be late to the party tonight,” he says, to which the person recording him says, “Where at?” Lil Nas X thens stars signing and says, “Didn’t I tell you to put your phone down? I am serving you and you better be at the f###### party tonight. Get my good side. Every side.”

Police responded to the scene, where the situation escalated. No further details have been released regarding the officer involved or the outcome of the hospital evaluation.

The Grammy Award winner, known for his bold public persona and headline-grabbing performances, has not commented publicly on the arrest.

As of late Thursday afternoon, Lil Nas X remained in custody.

EXCLUSIVE: Young Dirty Bastard Brings Wu-Tang Energy To SEGA’s “Shinobi”

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: ExclusivesAugust 21, 2025

Young Dirty Bastard merged Hip-Hop and gaming culture in a bold new move on Thursday (August 21). His latest single, “The Path Just Begun,” created in collaboration with SEGA, marks the first time the gaming giant has tied an official rap release directly to a major game launch.

The track, co-produced by Young Dirty Bastard and Danny “Dano” Hamilton, arrives just eight days ahead of SEGA’s relaunch of Shinobi, set to hit shelves on August 29. The partnership brings together two worlds that thrive on precision and timing—qualities that define both the legendary ninja Joe Musashi and YDB’s approach to music.

“This is not a menu loop,” YDB tells AllHipHop. “It is an official single moving in lockstep with the launch. One story, one moment.”

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The connection between the Wu-Tang Clan legacy and Shinobi runs deep. The group famously referenced the ninja franchise on their 1997 track “Triumph,” and now the next generation is carrying that energy forward. For YDB, the bond is personal.

“Shinobi shaped my taste when I first played The Revenge of Shinobi on Dreamcast,” he says. “The new chapter looks and plays right, so the timing was perfect.”

YDB’s first brush with the franchise came through the SEGA Smash Pack Vol. 1 in 2001, and it left a lasting impression. That early exposure helped shape his musical style—disciplined, raw and unfiltered.

“Real work over polish,” he adds. “Power in imperfections. Discipline and creativity under pressure. That is Joe Musashi. That is me.”

YDB isn’t just a rapper who plays games—he’s immersed in the culture. “I play. I talk to creators. I study how records live in play. I want to fuse gaming and music so fans do not have to choose which culture they belong to.”

The single’s production reflects that ethos with its “sharp drums, cold focus, and a hook that refuses to move aside.”

To round out the release, YDB will also release a fashion capsule by his brand, Dirty Magic. The limited-edition collection features combat-inspired design elements and was created for movement and style.

“Dirty Magic drops a limited capsule in the window,” he says. “Clean lines, combat inspired details, built for movement.”

A larger body of work inspired by Shinobi is expected to arrive in November. The game will be available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam), with a Nintendo Switch version coming later.

“The precision…when you respect timing, you get rewarded,” he concludes. “That is how I make records.”

YDD recently wrapped up the Wu Tang Clan’s Final Chamber Tour, where he filled in for his famous father, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, on several dates. He’s ready to embrace the next chapter—and his SEGA partnership is an incredible start. Find the single below.

Jaylen Brown’s Father Charged With Attempted Murder Over Door Ding Dispute

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: NewsAugust 21, 2025

Jaylen Brown’s family life took a turn after his father, Marselles Brown, was arrested in Las Vegas for attempted murder following a violent altercation over a parking space that left a man hospitalized in critical condition.

The incident unfolded on Wednesday (August 20) at All American Park, where police say Brown, a former professional boxer, stabbed a youth football coach multiple times during a dispute sparked by a “door ding.”

According to authorities, the confrontation escalated after Brown allegedly struck the victim’s vehicle while exiting an SUV, leading to a heated exchange that turned physical.

Witnesses told police they saw Brown chase the man and stab him repeatedly. One bystander reported Brown swung the knife “25 times.”

The victim’s girlfriend also said she saw Brown stab the man in the back. The victim suffered wounds to his back, clavicle and hands, and sustained a broken rib, according to a medical report.

Brown fled the scene but was later found by officers with visible injuries to his face. The victim was later rushed to a Las Vegas hospital for emergency surgery.

Court records show Brown was charged with attempted murder with a deadly weapon. He was booked into custody on August 21 and is scheduled to appear in court the same day.

The 54-year-old is the father of Jaylen Brown, the Boston Celtics guard who helped lead the team to an NBA title during the 2023-24 season.

TMZ reported the younger Brown “doesn’t have a close relationship with his father and was unaware of the arrest or incident.”

Monie Love Salutes Lady Leshurr: “Living Proof” Of Women’s Lyrical Excellence

By: London JennnCategory: NewsAugust 21, 2025

Monie Love gave Lady Leshurr a heartfelt salute during a touching conversation that united two generations of British Hip-Hop, calling her “impeccable” and “living proof” of lyrical excellence among women in rap.

In a video shared by Lady Leshurr on social media on Wednesday (August 20), Monie Love — a trailblazing emcee and two-time Grammy nominee — didn’t hold back her admiration.

“This girl is impeccable,” Love said. “Her cadence is insane. Her pronunciation is insane. We’re so grateful for you. We’re so grateful that you exist.”

She added, “Because for a lot of people, especially people that listen to women, many of them feel that we’re not as lyrical… we do, and you are living proof.”

Visibly moved, Leshurr responded with “my heart right now,” adding that the praise was “so overwhelming to hear.”

The moment resonated deeply with Leshurr, who returned the love in her caption:

“IF YOU DONT KNOW WHO THIS IS YOU TOO YOUNG,” she began. “DO YOUR RESEARCH!!”

She went on to highlight Love’s legacy, adding, “NOBODY FROM THE UK WAS DOING LEGENDARY THINGS LIKE THIS DECADES AGO. WE MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER THE PEOPLE THAT MADE THINGS HAPPEN BEFORE US BECAUSE THEY WILL FOREVER MATTER!! SHE EXPANDED THE GENRES SPACE FOR WOMEN ESPECIALLY FROM THE UK TO BE HEARD RESPECTED & CELEBRATED & SHE DESERVES HER FLOWERS EVERYDAY!!!”

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Fans Demand Monie Love & Lady Leshurr Collab

The exchange sparked calls for a collaboration between the two. One commenter wrote, “You def need a monie love collab even if she just sings the hook.” Another added, “We (the innumerable hip hop fans) absolutely need a Monie Love & Lady Leshurr collaboration.”

Love, rose from London’s Hip-Hop scene in the late ’80s before relocating to New York City. She became a key member of the Native Tongues collective alongside Queen Latifah and De La Soul.

Her work on tracks like “Ladies First” and “Buddy” helped cement her place in Hip-Hop history.

Leshurr, known for her rapid-fire delivery and witty lyricism, has faced recent challenges.

In October 2022, she was accused of assaulting her ex-girlfriend’s partner, including an allegation of biting that allegedly caused nerve damage.

A jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court found her not guilty on two counts of actual bodily harm in November 2023.

Despite the acquittal, Leshurr said the legal ordeal “ruined her career,” noting she lost brand deals, income and industry support during the process.

She described the experience as one of the darkest periods of her life, including spending time in a cell on the anniversary of her sister’s death.

She maintains she was the victim in the incident, claiming she was attacked and bitten by a dog, but was portrayed as the aggressor in court.

Lil Nas X Hospitalized After He’s Found Wandering L.A. Streets Nearly Naked

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: NewsAugust 21, 2025

Lil Nas X was taken to a Los Angeles hospital early Thursday (August 21) after police encountered him sauntering down the middle of Ventura Boulevard nearly naked, prompting multiple 911 calls from concerned residents.

The 26-year-old rapper, wearing only underwear and cowboy boots, was spotted around 4 a.m. in Studio City, where he appeared disoriented and placed an orange traffic cone on his head. According to video obtained by TMZ, he pointed at a passing car and mumbled about going to a party.

“Hey don’t be late to the party tonight,” he says, to which the person recording him says, “Where at?” Lil Nas X thens stars signing and says, “Didn’t I tell you to put your phone down? I am serving you and you better be at the f###### party tonight. Get my good side. Every side.” He then strikes a pose and starts to dance.

Several people in the area contacted authorities, fearing a possible overdose. When officers arrived, they found Lil Nas X still in the street. Law enforcement sources said he charged at officers, who then restrained him and placed him in handcuffs before calling paramedics.

He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains under medical care. Police said charges may still be filed depending on the outcome of the investigation.

The Atlanta-born artist, born Montero Hill, rose to fame in 2019 with his viral hit “Old Town Road,” a genre-blending track that broke records and redefined the boundaries of rap and country music. The remix featuring Billy Ray Cyrus spent 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the longest-running chart-topper in history at the time.

As of Thursday afternoon, no further updates on his condition have been released.

Bun B Launches Hip-Hop Driven Podcast Network Merrick Studios

By: London JennnCategory: NewsAugust 21, 2025

Bun B has stepped into the podcasting world with Merrick Studios, a new audio platform rooted in Hip-Hop and built to elevate authentic voices across culture, music and media.

The Grammy-nominated rapper and entrepreneur co-founded the network alongside music industry veteran Jeffrey Sledge and Tom Frank, blending creative storytelling with a business model that puts creators first.

The trio launched the network through a partnership with Merrick Creative, aiming to provide a space for “smart, soulful and unfiltered conversations.”

“At Merrick Studios, we’re not just building a network of shows—we’re building a family of creators,” Bun B said in a statement, highlighting the network’s collaborative spirit and focus on cross-promotion to help hosts grow their audiences.

The network debuted with several shows already live, including Unglossy, co-hosted by Bun B, Frank and Sledge. The series features interviews with cultural leaders from music, fashion, food and beyond.

Another standout is the Pendulum Podcast, a lecture-style show developed by Pendulum Ink founder Mickey Factz, spotlighting elite lyricists and their craft.

In a video posted to promote the launch, Bun B explained his motivation behind the project: “I don’t want to die with the game I’ve been given,” he said. “So I need some kind of outlet to get out here and get this game. And at the same time, I’m in new spaces so I still got some game I need to learn. We’ve got to have these conversations in order to give and to get.”

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This move into digital media is the latest in a string of ventures for Bun B, who also runs the Houston-based burger brand Trill Burgers.

The first episode of Unglossy is currently available, with more shows and guest appearances expected to roll out in the coming weeks.

Young Dolph’s Alleged Murder Mastermind Acquitted On All Charges

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: NewsAugust 21, 2025

Hernandez Govan walked out of a Tennessee courtroom a free man Thursday (August 21) after a jury found him not guilty of organizing the 2021 killing of Young Dolph, the acclaimed rapper gunned down in his hometown of Memphis.

The verdict was read by Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Jennifer Mitchell as Govan stood beside his legal team, visibly emotional. He hugged his attorneys and wiped away tears as the courtroom watched in silence.

Jurors reached their decision after nearly two hours and 47 minutes of deliberation, following three days of testimony and closing arguments. Govan, who faced charges of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, didn’t testify during the trial.

“We have to respect a jury’s decision even if we disagree with it,” Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said during a press conference after the verdict. He added that while Dolph’s family was emotional, they didn’t fault the jury for the outcome.

Govan addressed reporters briefly after the ruling, thanking his attorney Manny Arora and the jury. “He took my case when I didn’t have anything,” Govan said of Arora. When asked when he believed he had a shot at acquittal, Govan replied, “I always knew I had a chance because I was always confident in my innocence.” He also credited his disabled son as his motivation to keep fighting.

A court official cut the impromptu press gathering short, reminding Govan and reporters that interviews inside the courtroom were not allowed, although court reporter Meghan Cuniff shared the closing arguments on Twitter (X) as well as the moment the verdict was read.

Young Dolph, born Adolph Thornton Jr., was shot and killed on November 17, 2021, while visiting Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies, a bakery in South Memphis he often supported. He was only 36 years old.

Justin Johnson was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for directly participating in the shooting, Cornelius Smith, accused as a shooter, testified against Johnson at trial after pleading guilty. Jermarcus Johnson pleaded guilty in June 2023 as an accessory after the fact, having helped coordinate communications for Smith and Justin Johnson while they were on the run after the crime.

Kanye West’s YZY Coin Crashes Hard After $3 Billion Hype

By: London JennnCategory: NewsAugust 21, 2025

Kanye West watched his freshly minted YZY coin nosedive more than 60% just hours after its debut on the Solana blockchain Wednesday (August 20), following a brief surge that pushed its market cap near $3 billion.

The token, part of West’s newly announced Yeezy Money ecosystem—which also includes the Ye Pay processor and a YZY Card—initially skyrocketed nearly 1,000% in value, peaking above $30 before tumbling to under $1.

At one point, the coin was trading around $0.98, reflecting the kind of wild price swings that have become standard in celebrity-backed meme coins.

Despite the dramatic drop, the official Yeezy website listed YZY as a valid payment method.

Still, the abrupt pivot into crypto left some observers scratching their heads, with speculation online that West’s account may have been compromised.

The YZY Money site tried to temper expectations, stating the coin is “not intended to be an investment opportunity” and should be seen as a symbolic “expression of support.”

It also warned buyers of the “inherent risks and potential for complete loss.”

West’s move into the crypto space marked a sharp reversal from his previous stance.

Back in February 2025, he publicly criticized meme coins and the speculative frenzy surrounding them.

He even shared that he once turned down a $2 million offer to promote a fake Ye-themed cryptocurrency, and said, “I wouldn’t scam my community” and warned that “coins prey on the fans with hype.”