Drake shared an uplifting message with his fans to get them through the “depressing” winter season as the NFL teased Kendrick Lamar’s upcoming Super Bowl performance with an ad featuring “Not Like Us.”
Earlier this month, the Toronto rap star filed a lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) over the diss track that brands him a pedophile, sparking speculation that the suit might be an effort to prevent or hinder Lamar from performing the song at the Super Bowl.
However, fans were buzzing after an NFL and Apple Music ad played during the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders NFC Championship game on Sunday (January 26) that suggested Kendrick Lamar would perform “Not Like Us” at the upcoming Super Bowl.
“He definitely performing ‘not like us,’” one fan responded, while another added, “This just got me so hype.” A third declared, “They know we don’t care who that song is about! We just want it played.”
While Drake didn’t react to the ad, he shared a post on his Instagram Story Sunday evening.
“Love to all the 6’ers,” he began. “Winter months are the toughest. S### can be depressing so take care of yourselves and try show love to each other.” He signed off by announcing he would be “Be back in a flash,” before teasing his upcoming PARTYNEXTDOOR joint album.
The revelation that Drake found the winter depressing comes as no surprise. In his lawsuit, the rapper’s attorneys claim Drake suffered “personal humiliation, mental anguish and suffering, emotional distress, stress, anxiety, lost earnings and other pecuniary loss,” following the release of Kendrick Lamar’s scathing diss.
Rapper Leaf Ward was sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to firearms-related charges earlier this week.
The 27-year-old Philadelphia native stood before U.S. District Court Judge Joel H. Slomsky and received a 46-month prison term, a $25,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
The charges stemmed from Ward’s unauthorized possession of firearms, particularly a machine gun, crimes compounded by his status as a convicted felon.
His latest legal troubles started after an arrest in August 2023 during a high-stakes encounter at the Bahama Breeze restaurant near the King of Prussia Mall in Pennsylvania.
Authorities say Leaf Ward caught their attention after arriving in a stolen vehicle. Law enforcement officers performing routine parking lot checks ran the car’s plates, discovering it had been reported stolen out of Philadelphia.
While preparations were underway to tow the vehicle, the rapper emerged from the restaurant with his girlfriend. Moments later, chaos unfolded.
Spotting officers in uniform near the scene, Leaf Ward bolted back into the restaurant and desperately attempted to dispose of evidence.
According to court filings, he was seen placing a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol, rigged with an illegal conversion switch to function as a fully automatic weapon, into a kitchen trash can.
Officers pursued him through the restaurant and ultimately apprehended him behind the building. The firearm, loaded and ready to fire, was recovered.
“Despite two prior gun convictions, Ward continued to wield these weapons, boldly displaying them in his videos and carrying them on the street,” U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero said in a statement. “This office will continue to work with the ATF and our state and local partners to get guns out of the hands of people not permitted to have them, to tamp down violent crime and make the public safer.”
Before his legal troubles, Leaf Ward enjoyed a measure of fame in the Hip-Hop scene, with hits like “Concrete” and “They Forgot 3,” the latter amassing over one million streams on Spotify and “Close Range,” which has garnered over 10 million YouTube views.
Danielle Bregoli, who became a viral sensation following her 2016 appearance on The Dr. Phil Show, reinvented herself as rapper Bhad Bhabie in 2017.
After her music career failed to take off, she pivoted to OnlyFans. But since she’s in the public spotlight, she still regularly faces scrutiny. Bhad Bhabie recently addressed the criticism she’s received for undergoing cosmetic surgery while battling a form of blood cancer.
In a candid livestream, she responded to those questioning her decision to have a nose job during her ongoing treatment.
“I’m going to top doctors,” she explained. “They’re not going to perform plastic surgery on a cancer patient without clearance from their cancer specialist. I had to get approval both times for my surgeries.”
Bhad Bhabie clarified misconceptions about her condition and revealed she has a type of blood cancer that raises her white blood cell count but doesn’t impact her physical strength.
“It’s not breast cancer or lung cancer, or anything like that,” she said. “It’s a blood cancer. It doesn’t affect me physically.”
Bhad Bhabie, a.k.a. Danielle Peskowitz Bregoli, says she has wanted to get a nose job since she was 16 years old. pic.twitter.com/MEZow3t63Q
Bhad Bhabie’s family confirmed the diagnosis last year but kept additional details private. She first mentioned her condition in passing while addressing fan concerns about her weight, explaining she was on medication for her cancer. Recently, however, she’s been more open about her journey, sharing updates on her cosmetic procedures and glimpses of her recovery.
Despite her openness, Bhad Bhabie has consistently faced backlash online, with some accusing her of prioritizing plastic surgery over her health. In response, she took to Instagram to defend herself, calling out critics for spreading misinformation and urging them to understand her situation before passing judgment.
TMZ filmed Bhad Bhabie at a local gas station and it was clear she had no qualms about flaunting her new nose in public—cancer and all. Check it out below.
Omar Gooding, actor-turned-rapper and younger brother to Cuba Gooding Jr., just dropped a diss track titled “Fix Ya Mouth,” targeting Hip-Hop artist Cam’ron.
The track, released on January 25, 2025, came in response to remarks Cam’ron made during an interview with 50 Cent on his popular show, It Is What It Is.
In the interview, which has amassed over a million views, Cam’ron suggested that Gooding and other Black actors depend on figures like 50 Cent to secure acting roles.
Cam’ron didn’t mince words in the interview.
“No disrespect to nobody I’m talking about like Ving Rhames, you sitting around, or Omar Gooding Jr., y’all n##### sitting around. I would have saved my money and shot my own s### by now, but the Black actor has to sit around for a 50 Cent or somebody in your lane to come pick them up to actually do a to put them in something,” Cam’ron said.
While Cam’ron appeared to frame his comments as more of an observation than a direct jab, Gooding felt attacked and decided to take the feud to the recording booth.
In his diss track, Gooding mimics Cam’ron’s distinct cadence and delivery, using the medium to defend his career and critique Cam’ron’s statements.
As an actor with a diverse résumé, Omar Gooding has had a career spanning decades, beginning with hosting Nickelodeon’s Wild & Crazy Kids in the early 1990s and earning critical acclaim for his role as “Sweetpea” in John Singleton’s 2001 drama Baby Boy.
More recently, he has starred in the Bounce TV sitcom Family Time since its debut in 2012 and appeared on Disney Channel’s Saturdays as Cal Johnson in 2023.
Excerpt:
Omar Gooding responded to Cam’ron’s comments about Black actors with a diss track titled “Fix Ya Mouth.”
Lizzo celebrated a personal triumph on social media this week, announcing that she has achieved her “weight release” goal—a holistic approach the Grammy-winning artist adopted to prioritize wellness and body neutrality.
Lizzo took to Instagram to share her milestone, posting a radiant photo of herself in a crop top and leggings. The caption?
A simple yet powerful “I did it!” followed by a deeper dive into what this achievement means to her.
“Today when I stepped on my scale, I reached my weight release goal. I haven’t seen this number since 2014!” she wrote, reflecting on her victorious return to a place of personal balance.
Far from being a traditional fitness journey, Lizzo explained her focus has been on embracing a nurturing relationship with her body.
“Let this be a reminder you can do anything you put your mind to. Time for new goals!” she added, expanding on her growth mindset.
Her celebratory post also contained details of her progress: a 10.5-point reduction in her BMI and a lowered body fat percentage by 16% since starting her wellness journey in January 2024.
Long a self-acceptance champion, Lizzo has spent years encouraging others to love their bodies.
However, during an interview with The New York Times last March, she revealed a shift in her perspective toward what she calls “body neutrality.”
“The idea of body positivity, it’s moved away from the antiquated mainstream conception,” she said at the time. “It’s evolved into body neutrality. I’m not going to lie and say I love my body every day. The bottom line is, the way you feel about your body changes every single day. There are some days I adore my body, and others when I don’t feel completely positive.”
What stood out most in Lizzo’s post, however, was her methodical approach to her transformation.
“I’ve been taking the time every day to put some love into my body,” she shared. “There is never a day when I regret taking a walk or doing some Pilates.”
Snoop Dogg is still in defense mode following his decision to perform at one of Donald Trump’s inaugural balls.
Many people are highly disappointed that the D-O-Double-G showed up for the most divisive president in American history, especially when he was so outspoken about how much he disliked him in the past.
But Snoop Dogg isn’t trying to hear it. On Sunday (January 26), he addressed his haters while driving around and smoking a joint.
“It’s Sunday I got gospel in my heart,” he said. “For all the hate I’m going to answer with love, I love too much. Get your life right, stop worrying about mine. I’m cool. I’m together. Still a black man. Still 100 percent black. All out ’til you ball out or ’til you fall out.”
The negative comments, however, aren’t stopping. The first one under in the comment section is from someone calling him a “sell out.” He continues to be called an “Uncle Tom,” among other derogatory terms.
Snoop Dogg joined Rick Ross and Soulja Boy at the Crypto Ball on Friday (January 17).
As the backlash started s########## on social media, Snoop Dogg took to Instagram to share a track titled “Unfollowed U,” seemingly created by A.I. from a group called “The Middle Fingers,” low-key expressing his stance on the ongoing Trump controversy.
Others also suggested Snoop Dogg was a hypocrite be drudging up Snoop’s previous about Trump in which he branded Black artists who performed at Trump’s inauguration “jigaboos” and “Uncle Toms.” In 2024, Snoop expressed “nothing but love and respect” for Trump, praising him for pardoning Michael “Harry-O” Harris, co-founder of Death Row Records.
President Donald Trump is relying on a “rapper defense” to dismiss allegations brought by Congress members in a lawsuit accusing him of inciting the January 6 Capitol riot.
The lawsuit, first filed in February 2021 by Rep. Bennie Thompson before he stepped away to lead the House January 6 Select Committee, alleges Trump and his followers violated parts of the Ku Klux Klan Act.
The act was originally passed in 1871 and was initially designed to protect federal officials from conspiracies aimed at obstructing their duties.
The lawsuit accused President Trump and far-right groups such as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers of conspiring to prevent Congress from certifying the 2020 election through intimidation and violence.
Ten additional members of Congress later joined as plaintiffs, making the case a significant test of the Reconstruction-era law in a modern context.
After losing his initial bid to dismiss the case, where the Court ruled against his claim of presidential immunity, Trump is now challenging the ruling in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
“A rapper rockets to the top of the charts for his aggressive, provocative lyrics that become wildly popular nationwide, particularly among angsty teenagers. He is ranked as one of the most controversial lyricists of all time. Many of his lyrics describe explicit violent acts, including gun violence, rape, and a description of the rapper drowning his wife. While at times, the rapper’s lyrics suggest that his work is not intended to encourage or endorse actual violence, other lyrics suggest the contrary,” Shaw explained.
Shaw was drawing parallels between Trump’s rhetoric and the hypothetical scenario presented by rapper Eminem and his lyrics from his song “’97 Bonnie & Clyde.”
Em’s lyrics were used in a 2014 case against a Pennsylvania rapper named Tone Dougie, who was busted for writing a rap about killing his wife on Facebook.
The Court ruled that proving negligence wasn’t enough for a conviction under federal law, showing the uncertainty between artistic expression and free speech limits.
“Nothing in President Trump’s speech even came close to the far more incendiary language that the Supreme Court has held to be protected as a matter of law,” President Trump’s lawyer argued.
Trump’s lawyers specifically pointed to statements he made during the rally, such as urging his supporters to “peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard,” as evidence that his words did not constitute incitement.
“President Trump’s January 6 speech…is properly characterized as ‘strong protests against the government and prevailing social order’ – a context that demands the highest deference to speech and protection from censorship,” Shaw argued.
President Trump’s appeal also comes amid scrutiny of his use of presidential pardons for individuals involved in the January 6 riot.
On January 20, his first day back in office as the 47th President, Trump issued approximately 1,500 pardons for those charged in connection with the attack, fulfilling a key campaign promise.
His pardons, described as “full, complete, and unconditional,” extended to both violent and non-violent offenders, including individuals convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers.
The pardons also commuted the sentences of 14 high-profile figures, including leaders of extremist groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.
Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the Proud Boys who was serving a 22-year sentence for seditious conspiracy, was among those granted clemency.
Trump characterized the January 6 defendants as “hostages” and called for their immediate release, framing his actions as a stand against what he described as unjust prosecutions.
Unk’s wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, told TMZ Unk died peacefully in his sleep on January 24 following cardiac arrest, while also addressing circulating rumors about his death. She emphasized he didn’t die from a drug overdose, contrary to speculation.
A candlelight vigil is scheduled to take place on Sunday night (January 26) in his Atlanta neighborhood to honor his memory.
Long-Platt first announced the heartbreaking news on Facebook last Friday, writing, “Please respect me and my family. I just lost my husband, and my kids just lost their father. Our life will never be the same. I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER.”
Anthony Platt, better known as DJ Unk, was just 43 years old. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, he rose to fame in the mid-2000s, becoming a key figure in the Southern Hip-Hop and snap music movements. His breakout hit, “Walk It Out,” from his 2006 debut album Beat’n Down Yo Block!, became a dance-floor anthem and propelled him into the national spotlight. The track was further boosted by remixes featuring André 3000, Big Boi and Jim Jones.
Unk followed up with another hit, “2 Step,” that same year, solidifying his reputation as a pioneer of the snap music era. His work helped define the sub-genre, known for its minimalist beats and high-energy rhythms. Though his mainstream popularity peaked in the 2000s, DJ Unk’s influence on dance music and club culture remains significant.
Throughout his career, Unk remained active in his community, performing live and using his platform to spread positivity. In the early 2010s, he faced health challenges, including a previous heart attack, which marked a turning point in his life. Following that event, Unk made lifestyle changes, giving up weed and alcohol.
A statement from Big Oomp Records, his former label, paid tribute to the artist: “It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we announce the passing of a true ATL legend, Anthony Platt, better known as ‘DJ Unk.’ DJ Unk was not just a legendary DJ, rapper and producer but a cornerstone of our label. The global impact of his music will be cherished forever.”
Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and fans during this difficult time.
Diddy obliterated a $100 million lawsuit filed by a Michigan inmate, who claimed the music mogul sexually assaulted him nearly three decades ago.
The federal court shut down the case, labeling it untimely and without legal merit, delivering another courtroom win for Diddy amid a whirlwind of legal challenges.
The plaintiff, Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, alleged that Diddy raped him at a Detroit hotel in 1997 and orchestrated a cover-up to protect his reputation.
Representing himself in court, Cardello-Smith insisted his claims should bypass Michigan’s statute of limitations, citing intimidation and retaliation as reasons for his delayed filing.
However, Judge Judith E. Levy was unpersuaded.
“[Smith] filed this lawsuit in 2024, long after the applicable statute of limitations expired,” Judge Levy said.
Attempts to stretch legal doctrines to fit his narrative were also dismissed as irrelevant or unsupported by Michigan law.
The battle $100 million battle for Diddy started in Michigan state court, where Cardello-Smith initially secured a temporary restraining order and a default judgment, which immediately drew headlines around the world.
However, the rulings were overturned when the court determined the music mogul had not been properly served.
Once the case transitioned to federal court, Diddy’s legal team dismantled the allegations, describing them as implausible and contradictory.
Cardello-Smith’s litigation history only added to the court’s skepticism because the inmate has been repeatedly flagged by courts for abusive legal tactics.
Judge Levy pointed out his pattern of duplicative filings and noted the undue burden such actions place on the judicial system.
Although Diddy’s attorneys sought sanctions, the court issued a warning instead, cautioning Cardello-Smith against further misuse of the courts.
While this victory clears one legal hurdle for Diddy, he remains incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, awaiting trial on separate charges involving RICO and sex trafficking.
Akademiks is trying to move on from the controversy currently enveloping him, but the internet won’t let that happen.
Hours after a clip of him allegedly “grooming” a 15-year-old streamer went viral, he’s being ridiculed all over his own Instagram page. The dogmatic media personality is back to sharing his usual posts about mostly inane subject matter on social media, but comments about the incident involving the teen litter several of them.
“AK stands for ‘assaulting kids,'” one person quipped, while another wrote, “AK & Drake collab the song is called Kindergarten” and “Akademiks grooms.” Another post about Luh Tyler has comments like “I heard u like em young ak” and “Back to posting minors after getting exposed?” The next post about OhGeesy’s next album is getting hit with remarks like, “Why you talking nasty to lil kids?” and “You spiraling AK your career done son.”
Needless to say, it doesn’t seem like people are willing to let this go. On yet another post, someone wrote, “Why don’t you go ahead and cover the breaking news of you grooming a 15 year old?”
Akademiks became a trending Twitter topic on Saturday (January 25) after he was accused of grooming the teen, who goes by NourGxd. Apparently, Ak and Tory Lanez’s alleged manager, WrittenByRay, were recorded making inappropriate sexual comments to the teen boy on a livestream.
One clip found Akademiks engaging with NourGxd during a Fortnite livestream. In the 30-second clip, Akademiks asked, “Yo, if Max said he wanted to try f###### a dude, will you let him f### you?”
NourGxd insisted he was “not gay” as the uncomfortable conversation continued. Akademiks responded to the backlash during a recent a live-stream and admitted he’d provided financial and emotional support to NourGxd during a rough patch in the teen’s life, which only made things worse.
NourGxd responded to the outrage in a call with streamer ImDontai, in which he called Akademiks’ behavior “truly uncomfortable” and “disgusting.”
Soccer is a sport that is both very technical and, at the same time, very demanding in terms of the physicality of any given player. Whether the player needs to outmuscle another player, sprint a crucial distance or dribble through the defenders, a player should always give their utmost, even physically. Agility and strength are both equally important, but the question comes forward: what does a player really need? It’s not an either-or question because all are rather important attributes that the player possesses. Let us learn more about strength and agility training and what they bring to the field.
Why Physical Training is Key in Soccer
Football is not only a tactical sport but also one that is physically demanding. Players have a total distance covered of around 10-12 kilometers in a game, which includes a lot of sprinting, tackling, and changing directions. Physical training plays a very important role in increasing a player’s stamina, resilience against injuries and performance during a game. Explosive strength training takes care of building the muscle ability to do a powerful action, whereas muscle and balance agility drills help in training, triggering fast movements. Collectively, these are the basic traits that prepare the player for dealing with intense pressure and performing well on the pitch.
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Strength is not only measured by the muscle mass of an individual but also by the strength that is functional, making sense in the game of soccer. A stronger player wins physical confrontations, jumps higher than opponents and possesses more power in their shots. Advantages of strength in soccer games:
Winning duels: They are able to maintain possession of the ball in tackles and during aerial throw-ins.
Explosive sprints: Strong legs provide more power for faster sprints.
Powerful shots: The strength of the upper body and the lower body aids in making harder and more accurate shots.
Injury prevention: The muscles help stabilize the joints, thus preventing the risk of spraining.
Endurance support: Muscles support more than the average strength of a person, which in turn helps in fighting fatigue during longer durations of games.
There is a massive difference when it comes to maintaining control over the game. Power in this situation is essential. And if you are a fan who makes bets through MelGet, you simply have to take this into account in the analysis before betting. After all, the analysis will allow you to win more often and the bonuses more!
How Agility Impacts Performance
Soccer success is all about having the ability to change direction quickly and efficiently – agility. Agility means players can weave past defenders or track back on defense and react instantaneously with the game’s constantly evolving flow.
Agility is essential for forwards to make space and slip past defenders and for defenders to time their positions to meet the movements of an attacker. Agility training helps improve reaction time, footwork, and coordination. Speed isn’t everything – it’s about control. Sharp agility only gets you so far. It is also the keenest awareness that gets you to that one step ahead.
Combining Strength and Agility
Strength and agility are not opposing forces but are interdependent in making a complete athlete. A powerful player may be slow to react, but an agile player may not be too effective in a physical game because of the lack of strength.
When strength training is combined with agility training, the result is explosive power with great control. For instance, while box jumps are a form of plyometric exercise, they also help target the lower regions and improve reaction speed. Designed alongside agility ladder drills, resistance training prepares muscles for quick direction changes. It is evident that strong and agile soccer players outperform others.
Training Tips for Balanced Development
Strength and agility are essential assets in a player, and balanced training maximizes both without compromising. A more structured approach allows one to include exercises that would be aimed at increasing power output and quickness at the same time. Some key training tips include:
Plyometrics: Jump squats and other squats increase explosive power and improve agility.
Agility ladders: Use quick and precise steps to enhance your footwork and step coordination.
Resistance sprints: Employ bands or sleighs when sprinting to help with speed and power development.
Core training: Preparing the core helps stabilize movements, which leads to improvement in balance.
Functional drills: Increase both power and agility through soccer-specific movements.
Focusing on these areas helps players be versatile and dominant in every aspect of the game.
A player’s position has a role to play in determining the requirement of strength or agility. In strikers and wingers, agility is important to make quick twists and space creation, whereas defenders and midfielders need strength to withstand tackles and control the ball.
A center-back, for instance, requires greater strength for aerial and shoulder-to-shoulder tussles. Likewise, for a winger, it is almost vital because speed defines their capability to swiftly change directions and outrun opponents. A goalkeeper needs both strength for diving and agility for strong but quick reactions. It is true that every position in soccer has its specific set of physical requirements. However, every great player has good muscle and good speed.
Finding the Perfect Balance
In football, strength and agility do not oppose each other – they complement each other. An agile and powerful athlete can easily outsmart rivals, defeat opponents in important duels and respond in any manner required on the pitch. It is not a case of prioritizing one over the other but rather an issue of creating an appropriate equilibrium. Versatility is crucial in football, and the most accomplished players are the ones who have the power and the shot. Power gives the foundation, agility brings the polish and altogether, they make champions. Do you want to train like one? The pitch is ready and waiting for you.
Tennessee Representative Tim Burchett has taken the trending extraterrestrial conversation to the depths of Earth’s oceans.
According to a report from WREG Memphis News Channel 3 (via The Hill), The Republican congressman has openly declared his belief that aliens might be operating secret underwater bases right here on our planet. Burchett’s claims are now making waves in Washington and beyond due to the interesting intersection between religion and science that his beliefs clash on.
During a recent appearance on former Rep. Matt Gaetz’s One America News show, he clearly states that he arrived at this point base on his thought process of the unlimited power of the most high. “I just think travelin’ light years, I think it happens,” Burchett said. Burchett also pondered the unimaginable distances aliens might travel to reach Earth.
“The light from those stars that we see at night left there before the time of Christ,” he added, mixing astronomy and theology in his explanation.
Burchett’s fascination with the unknown isn’t new. Last year in April, following a classified briefing on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), he hinted that the U.S. government is deliberately withholding information about these mysterious occurrences.
“I think there’s a cover-up,” Burchett alleged. “We’ve had departments tell us that they have recovery units, but they won’t release full reports. Everything’s covered up.”
The congressman’s interest in aliens gained momentum in the summer of 2023, when whistleblowers came forward during a series of UAP hearings. These insiders alleged that the government has long concealed evidence of advanced crafts of either foreign or extraterrestrial origin.
Burchett took action by requesting the intelligence community’s inspector general investigate these shocking claims. Burchett described one case that had him particularly spooked. “When they tell me something’s moving at hundreds of miles an hour underwater, and our capabilities…and these things, this one was, it was large as a football field underwater,” he said. “And this was a documented case, and…and I have an admiral telling me this stuff.” he said.
Burchett has even led efforts to establish a UAP caucus in the House, joining a bipartisan group of lawmakers demanding greater transparency from the military on all things alien. With tens of millions spent on mysterious investigations, Burchett believes Americans deserve the full story—even if it means unearthing secrets that sound straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Interestingly, Burchett isn’t the first U.S. lawmaker to explore the outer edges of plausibility. One prominent example of recent congressional conspiracy theories involves Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.). In 2018, she speculated about a secretive “space laser” potentially being used to start wildfires in California.
The theory, which linked wildfires to a powerful and shadowy elite, was widely debunked and criticized but highlighted her willingness to amplify far-fetched claims. Her comments about various conspiracy theories, including QAnon, have sparked national debates and raised concerns about the influence of such ideas within government institutions.
Canadian rapper Top5, who was released from jail in September 2024, is apparently headed back. According to CP24 Toronto, Top5 was arrested on Friday (January 24) in connection to a recent firearm investigation.
Toronto police said they executed a search warrant in the Enterprise Boulevard and Birchmount Road area, where they discovered several weapons inside his home. He now faces numerous charges, including unauthorized possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm while prohibited.
Top 5 was last arrested in October 2023. Prosecutors allege that Top5 played a key role in orchestrating the murder of 20-year-old student Hashim Omar Hashi. He was initially on the run and evaded capture by fleeing to Los Angeles before being extradited back to Canada to face the charges.
Top5 maintained his innocence, claiming that the accusations against him were false. The trial raised questions about the use of Top5’s public persona and music in the courtroom. Prosecutors referenced his lyrics and social media posts, which often touched on street violence, as evidence to support their claims.
Ultimately, Top5 was released from jail after his charge of first-degree murder was stayed by the Crown in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice following the dismissal of some social media evidence.
After the charges were stayed, Ali shared his prison experiences during an online stream. He claimed to have obtained a knife, cellphones and even a cheeseburger while incarcerated. In 2023, Ali used one of the cellphones to film a music video while in custody at the Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton, Ontario. He alleged that he paid $10,000 to acquire the phone.
The incident prompted Ontario’s solicitor general to launch a comprehensive investigation. Although Ali’s charges have been stayed, the Crown retains the ability to reinstate them in the future.
Police are encouraging anyone with information related to the firearm investigation to contact them at 416-808-5300 or to provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Akademiks became a trending Twitter topic on Saturday (January 25) after he was accused of grooming a 15-year-old streamer who goes by NourGxd.
The divisive media personality and Tory Lanez’s alleged manager, WrittenByRay, were recorded making inappropriate sexual comments to the teen boy on a livestream. At one point, the 35-year-old Akademiks asked NourGxd if he would let another person “f###” him, despite the teen’s clear discomfort.
Another clip from the same day found Akademiks engaging with NourGxd during a Fortnite livestream. In the 30-second clip, Akademiks asked, “Yo, if Max said he wanted to try f###### a dude, will you let him f### you?”
Despite NourGxd saying he was “not gay” and was uncomfortable with the conversation, Akademiks continued to needle him about the topic. FaZe Clan member PlaqueBoyMax, a Discord mod for NourGxd, was one of the first to publicly call out Akademiks but eventually decided to distance himself from the controversy.
DJ Akademiks UNDER FIRE for talking inappropriately with a 15 year old on stream.pic.twitter.com/nnEY0BF3nL
A video of the interaction started making the rounds and automatically put Akademiks on the defense. During another one of his livestream rants, Akademiks claimed he was simply trying to support his fellow streamers, even though he doesn’t “need” to.
Akademiks also admitted he’d provided financial and emotional support to NourGxd during a rough patch in the teen’s life.
Akademiks admits to sending the 15 year old boy money (love bombing) and says him speaking sexually towards him was just “trolling” pic.twitter.com/EqdIGwJYQ1
NourGxd responded to the outrage in a call with streamer ImDontai, in which he called Akademiks’ behavior “truly uncomfortable” and “disgusting.”
The teenager also revealed that Akademiks, WrittenByRay and the others on the call in question knew that he was live-streaming at the time, and that they deleted some direct messages to him addressing the situation and trying to downplay it. They also allegedly requested that he delete stream VODs (recordings of the stream).
Of course, Twitter isn’t having it and are celebrating what they hope is the “cancelation” of Akademiks. One person wrote, “Akademiks has no morals. He has shown yall time and time again who he is. That man has spread misinformation, disrespected women, disrespected rappers, disrespected regions, and is all around a horrible person. The universe will deal with him accordingly,” while another said, “Akademiks is angry at other people because he got caught talking sexually to a minor… this man is guilty as f###.”
Akademiks is angry at other people because he got caught talking sexually to a minor… this man is guilty as f### pic.twitter.com/osZsd38SXu
Rick Ross is facing some heat from the State of Georgia over an alleged unpaid tax bill.
In Touch reports court documents obtained by the outlet reveal the Georgia Department of Revenue claims Ross owes $64,995.21 in back taxes from 2021. The original amount was $29,043, but interest, penalties, and fees ballooned the total.
Ross has yet to resolve the matter and the state has filed a tax lien listing a Florida address tied to the rapper. The property listed is the one Ross purchased from ex-NBA star Amar’e Stoudemire for $3.5 million in 2021—and he also owns property in Georgia. The timing of the exclusive report reaching the light of day is somewhat messy, considering they follow Rozay’s recent performance at the Crypto Ball in honor of President Trump’s inauguration.
Though the amount Ross was paid for his performance has yet to be disclosed, it’s being speculated that performers including Snoop Dogg and Soulja Boy were paid handsomely. Tickets to the event were reportedly $2,500 for general admission and reached upwards of $100,000 for VIP packages.
Trick Daddy also recently claimed that Nelly made $1.5 million for his performance during the inauguration. Not to mention that the Trump family generated billions of dollars over the weekend following the crypto ball as both the $Trump and newly introduced $Melania meme coins surged to billions in market value.
This apparently isn’t the first time Ross has faced tax issues over properties that he owns. The U.S. Department of the Treasury released a tax lien on the rapper’s property that was first issued in 2012 and 2016. To avoid asset seizure, Ross paid $4,617,370.86 to the IRS. The debt was discharged in 2018. This isn’t the only legal issue Ross has been dealing with lately. He’s also battling a lawsuit from Darris Straughter, a paraplegic man who claims Ross’s 2024 Car & Bike Show in Florida wasn’t wheelchair accessible—despite promises that it would be.
The irony of it all, though, is that Ross recently criticized Trump after droves of people expressed their belief that the country collectively made more money during his presidency compared to Joe Biden’s term.
“I just don’t want nobody to be delusional,” Ross said in his critical remark. “You can’t be a delusional [expletive]. Did he [Donald Trump] have you eating, or was it a nationwide, worldwide pandemic and you [expletive] stole the money?”
Sean “Diddy” Combs has been portrayed as a rule-breaker during his time at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), but his legal team says the facts tell a different story.
According to documents obtained by AllHipHop, Diddy’s defense argued that the government was using a “materially false narrative” about his jailhouse conduct to justify intrusive surveillance and searches that violated his constitutional rights.
Diddy’s attorneys are pushing for a court-ordered evidentiary hearing to determine the extent of alleged government misconduct, including using privileged communications and defense materials.
“The truth will only be fully revealed if the government’s claims can be tested through cross-examination of witnesses who have actual knowledge of the material facts,” Diddy’s lawyer, Alexandra A.E. Shapiro, wrote.
At the center of the controversy is an October search of his unit, which the government initially claimed was part of a routine sweep to ensure prison security. Diddy’s legal team countered that the search was anything but routine.
“The search of Mr. Combs’s unit…was conducted not for legitimate institutional security reasons, but because [prosecutors] were interested in searching Mr. Combs,” Shapiro said.
Shapiro contends that prosecutors staged the operation to collect evidence tied to Diddy’s defense strategy, a move his lawyer called a blatant violation of attorney-client privilege.
The filing further alleges that the government’s actions extended to monitoring Diddy’s legal communications.
“Investigator-1 admits he listened to Mr. Combs’s calls, including with his counsel, and that all those recordings, including the ones with attorneys, are being furnished to the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” the disgraced mogul’s attorneys stated.
Prosecutors also claim Diddy misused other inmates’ phone access, engaged in unauthorized messaging, and orchestrated a social media campaign with the involvement of his children.
Despite offering a $50 million bail package with strict conditions, including 24/7 surveillance, his release was denied due to concerns about potential witness tampering and his ability to interfere with ongoing investigations
Despite months of surveillance, the filing notes, “To this day, the BOP has not taken any actions to discipline Mr. Combs for any purported violations of MDC policies.”
Diddy’s attorneys are asking the court to direct the government to cease its alleged violations of his rights, including monitoring his legal notes and communications.
They also want the feds to cough up evidence they believe will expose the full scope of the misconduct, including emails and surveillance footage related to the October search.
With the trial set for May 2025, Diddy’s lawyers are urging the court to act swiftly to address what they describe as “grave violations” of his constitutional rights.
YFN Lucci has been behind bars since January 2021, charged with multiple offenses, including felony murder, aggravated assault and participation in criminal street gang activity following a fatal shooting the month before.
But according to a tweet from former TMZ reporter Loren Lorosa, the rapper is expected to be released from jail this month.
“YFN LUCCI IS SET TO BE RELEASED FROM PRISON THIS MONTH.. Jan 2025 .. I’ve confirmed the reports,” she wrote. “A source close to the rapper tells me, Lucci will be released ANY DAY NOW. His teams literally checking their phones daily for the call.”
Lorosa added that YFN Lucci will be monitored closely after he’s out. She noted, “He’ll be under set conditions or rules he has to follow at the time of his release (which is standard), but I’m told the conditions aren’t too crazy.. they’re the same conditions that were set forth at the time of his plea.”
YFN LUCCI IS SET TO BE RELEASED FROM PRISON THIS MONTH.. Jan 2025 .. I’ve confirmed the reports.
A source close to the rapper tells me, Lucci will be released ANY DAY NOW. His teams literally checking their phones daily for the call.
YFN Lucci and Reginae Carter, the daughter of Lil Wayne, had an on-and-off relationship that lasted approximately two years, from early 2018 to 2020.
Their relationship faced public scrutiny and challenges, partly due to their age difference (Lucci is about eight years older than Carter) and controversies surrounding Lucci’s lifestyle. They broke up multiple times, with Cater citing issues related to trust and maturity. By mid-2020, the couple appeared to have ended things for good.
And it looks like Carter is at peace with that. During a recent appearance on The Morning Hustle Show, Carter was asked if she would rekindle her romance with Lucci once he’s out and she replied, “Ain’t no spinning the block.”
She did go on to say she’s happy for his children and his family, and that there’s “no bad blood” between them. “But spinning the block and being back together, that’s not going to happen,” she concluded.
Carter, who appeared on the show with her mother, Toya Johnson, is plugging their WEtv show Toya & Reginae. The new season premiered on Friday (January 24).
Will Ferrell brought his signature humor to an unexpectedly serious setting: the O.J. Simpson trial.
The celebrated comedian and actor revealed on The Graham Norton Show how he and his improv troupe were enlisted to perform skits for the jury during the 1995 trial, which captivated the nation as Simpson faced charges of murdering Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.
Ferrell described the surreal experience of entertaining the sequestered jurors, who had limited exposure to the outside world over the grueling months-long trial.
“I was doing improv at the Groundlings Theatre in LA at the same time the O.J. Simpson trial was going on,” Ferrell shared with Norton. “The jury was sequestered for a long time and couldn’t go anywhere, so someone came up with the idea of performing our sketch show for them in the court to lighten the mood.”
The Anchorman actor confessed that while it was a rare opportunity, the situation wasn’t exactly comedic gold for the performers.
“It was just us and the jurors,” Will Ferrell said. “They seemed mildly entertained, but it was very bizarre.”
Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon are promoting their upcoming comedy “You’re Cordially Invited,” set to release on January 30. As the pair reflected on their past brushes with the judicial system, they revealed a lighthearted yet meaningful connection between real-life moments and their on-screen personas.
Anthony Platt—better known by his stage name DJ Unk—has died. On Friday (January 24), Platt’s wife, Sherkita Long-Platt, confirmed his death via Facebook.
“Please respect me and my family,” she wrote. “I just lost my husband and my kids just lost their father. Our life will never be the same. I LOVE YOU ANTHONY FOREVER.”
The Atlanta artist, who was just 43 at the time of his death hailed from Atlanta, Georgia. He was best known for his contributions to the Southern Hip-Hop and snap music scenes during the mid-2000s. He gained widespread fame with his 2006 breakout hit, “Walk It Out,” an anthem that eventually became a dance-floor staple.
The single, from his 2006 debut, Beat’n Down Yo Block!, showcased Unk’s knack for creating infectious hooks and danceable beats. The song’s success propelled him to national prominence, earning chart-topping spots and several remixes featuring artists like André 3000, Jim Jones and Big Boi.
Unk’s follow-up single, “2 Step,” further cemented his reputation after it became another hit that same year. Although DJ Unk’s popularity peaked in the 2000s, his influence on dance music and club culture remains evident. His tracks helped define the snap music era, a sub-genre characterized by its minimalist beats and energetic rhythms.
Beyond music, Unk continued engaging with his community, performing live and using his platform to promote positivity. He also faced health challenges in the early 2010s, including a heart attack, which he overcame and later credited as a turning point in his life. As a result of the cardiac event, he gave up weed and alcohol.
Unk’s legacy lies not only in his contributions to the rap scene but also in his ability to create music that brought people together on the dance floor, inspiring countless DJs and artists in the process.
A representative from his former label Big Oomp Records also confirmed the news on social media.
“It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we announce the passing of a true ATL legend, Anthony Platt better known as ‘DJ Unk,’” a statement read. “DJ Unk was not just a legendary DJ, rapper and producer but a true cornerstone of our label and the imprint that he left globally will be cherished forever.”
A cause of death has yet to be revealed. AllHipHop sends our condolences to his family.
Los Angeles-based record label Leaving Records released a new digital compilation titled Staying to support artists affected by the recent California wildfires.
The album features contributions from Samantha Urbani, Eddie Chacon, Sam Wilkes, Laraaji, Reggie Watts, André 3000, Samiyam, Brijean, Julia Holter, Total Blue and others.
Curated by the label’s founder, Matthew David McQueen, with assistance from Carlos Niño, Staying aims to provide relief to those impacted by the fires. Vinyl and cassette editions of Staying: Leaving Records Aid to Artists Impacted by the Los Angeles Wildfires are forthcoming.
“To supplement the numerous GoFundMes and mutual aid efforts currently aiding recovery, and rather than donating to a third-party organization, all proceeds will go directly to those affected,” Leaving Records’ Emmett Shoemaker of Leaving Records shared in a statement. “Fifty percent will be allocated to Los Angeles artists and music colleagues in need, distributed as equitably as possible through community aid spreadsheets and internal lists. The remaining 50 percent will support displaced Black families and communities impacted by the fires, again distributed equitably.”
Since the wildfires began on January 7, fundraising efforts have been launched for individuals such as Diiv’s Zachary Cole Smith, rapper Fat Tony, Ought and Cola’s Tim Darcy, Madlib and more. Organizations like BeyGOOD, the Recording Academy and MusiCares have also contributed to wildfire relief.
Additionally, a benefit concert dubbed FireAid is scheduled for Thursday (January 30 featuring performances by Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Joni Mitchell, Red Hot Chili Peppers and others. It will be held at two venues: the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum.
Meanwhile, Nicholas Pedroza of Astro Nick and Bedridden has organized another benefit compilation, 2025 LA Fire Relief Comp, to support the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. The album includes tracks from They Are Gutting a Body of Water, Computerwife, Shower Curtain, Sleep Habits and more.
Despite the devastating fires engulfing the area, the 67th Grammy Awards are moving forward as scheduled on February 2. André 3000 is up for Album of the Year and Best Jazz Album for his experimental jazz project, New Blue Sun.
