The Drake versus Kendrick Lamar battle extended beyond Hip-Hop to become a global pop culture moment. During an interview with Big Boy’s Neighborhood, chart-topping rap star T.I. spoke about how that classic rivalry affected other recording artists.
“All this s### they saying can’t be true,” T.I. stated about the allegations presented on Drake and Lamar’s respective diss tracks. “I’m mostly listening for the double entendres, quadruple entendres, the metaphors and the skill in which they present their art.
“I think it’s good for the game. But I will say this. They done kinda f##### it up for some other people who were planning to drop in this period.”
The non-subliminal part of the Drake–Kendrick Lamar feud played out between March 22 and May 5.
Six additional diss tracks emerged from Kendrick Lamar and Drake. The general public scored the one-two punch of Lamar’s “meet the grahams” and “Not Like Us” as the knockout blows in the lyrical fight.
T.I. also has a history of beefing with other rappers. The Hustle Gang leader famously feuded with fellow Atlanta native Ludacris. Plus, many Hip-Hop fans credit Tip with ending Lil’ Flip’s music career following their conflict.
Lupe Fiasco is back on the music scene, ready to unleash his unique blend of lyrical prowess and soulful beats in his ninth studio album, Samurai.
Samurai symbolizes Lupe’s dedication to serving his community and the rap industry—a theme he elaborated on.
“The word ‘samurai’ means to serve. My relationship to that word has always meant that you need to be at the service of other people, either in the overall community or, in this instance, the rap community at large that I’ve been a part of for years,” Lupe Fiasco said.
The eight-track album, a testament to Lupe’s passion for emceeing, is a significant collaboration with his longtime partner Soundtrakk and manager Charles “Chill” Patton.
It marks their first studio session since Patton’s release from prison in 2023.
Reflecting on this reunion, Lupe Fiasco shared, “It felt great to be back in the studio again as a family.”
Beyond music, Lupe has been shaping minds as an MIT professor since 2022, with a course titled ‘Rap Studies,’ and as a fellow at Yale University, imparting his knowledge on Hip-Hop culture to new generations.
Alongside the album announcement, the rapper has unveiled the title track, a groovy, soulful piece backed by a crisp drumbeat and a lilting soprano saxophone.
The track sees Lupe embracing his battle rap persona, beckoning listeners with poetic flair and sharp wit.
Jelly Roll showcased his ongoing transformation this week while speaking to Entertainment Tonight at the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards, reflecting on his journey toward improved emotional, physical and mental well-being. The 39-year-old rapper-turned-country star detailed the joy he felt after running his inaugural 5K with pride.
“I’m just getting in better shape emotionally, physically, mentally, every way I can,” he shared with a smile. “I’m just trying to be a better person.”
The tale of Jelly Roll, who in 2015 tipped the scales at more than 500 pounds, offered a striking contrast to his current state.
A turning point arrived when comedians Bert Kreischer and Tom Segura challenged him to join their “5K By May” event on May 7 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. His journey began with a heartfelt video posted on Instagram in January, where he declared, “5K by May, baby. 5K by May. I mean it, Bert. I mean it, Bert.”
To meet the challenge, Jelly Roll committed to a rigorous training regimen that included daily walks and runs. The regimen has helped him shed around 70 pounds since January. His routine of covering two to three miles per day, four to six days a week, combined with sessions in the sauna and cold plunge, has been complemented by a nutritious diet.
“I feel incredible,” Jelly Roll said. “I’ve never felt more clear-headed, more level-minded, more present. It’s really cool, man. It’s like I’ve never been more present in anything I’ve ever done.”
Jelly Roll’s goals extend beyond the upcoming race. He remains driven to lose another 100 pounds before embarking on his tour later this year, and he’s celebrating his progress and newfound vigor.
Metro Boomin’s sound has dominated streaming services and radio stations in the first half of 2024. Singer/rapper Rod Wave could secure some of that hitmaking production for himself.
“Stop sending me dem sad ass beats dat s### ova I need some future type s###,” Rod Wave tweeted on Thursday (May 16). His post collected over 1.6 million views and 17,000 likes on the X platform.
Metro Boomin saw Wave’s “future type” tweet. Nearly three hours later, the St. Louis, Missouri-born music producer responded, “Let’s goooooooo [fire emojis].”
Stop sending me dem sad ass beats dat s### ova I need some future type s###
Rod Wave’s Nostalgia landed in September 2023. Adé, BeatsByTrain, Bsquared, Eelmatic, TnTXD, and others handled the project’s production. Longtime Metro Boomin collaborator 21 Savage appears on the album.
Metro Boomin and Future teamed up for March’s We Don’t Trust You. The producer-rapper duo also dropped We Still Don’t Trust You in April. Both albums debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Metro has five Number Ones, and Future has ten Number Ones.
Atlantic Records’ Twitter (X) account quote-tweeted a post from Rolling Stone on Thursday (May 16), highlighting Cardi’s cover story for the magazine. The Warner Music Group subsidiary added commentary about the Bronx-bred performer.
“Cardi B’s upcoming album is one of the most anticipated this year,” it read. “We can’t wait [to] put it out, even if we have to sneak into her studio and take it!”
Cardi B's upcoming album is one of the most anticipated this year. We can't wait put it out, even if we have to sneak into her studio and take it! 👀 https://t.co/VQXTut0OWM
— Atlantic Records (@AtlanticRecords) May 16, 2024
Cardi B’s solo debut, 2018’s Invasion of Privacy, came out via Atlantic Records and has since been certified 4x-platinum. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.
Since 2018, Cardi has released numerous singles. “WAP” featuring Megan Thee Stallion and “Up” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Enough (Miami)” peaked at No. 9 position in March.
Cardi B also teased recording a Spanish-language project in the near future. She told Rolling Stone, “My country (the Dominican Republic) they listen to merengue, they listen to típico, they listen to bachata. I’m really into that.”
.@iamcardib tells Rolling Stone she'd like to make a Spanish-language album in the near future.
"My country (she means the Dominican Republic) they listen to merengue, they listen to típico, they listen to bachata. I’m really into that."
Mother’s Day just passed on Sunday (May 12). Wiz Khalifa spoke about his close relationship with his mom while appearing on the May 17th episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show.
“Peachie’s a superstar,” the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native told Jennifer Hudson about the woman also known as Katie Wimbush. “If you meet her, you’ll fall in love with her. So every day is her day.”
In addition, Wiz Khalifa said, “Me and my mom do everything together. We go to strip clubs together. We went to Mexico. We went to Coachella together. We do everything. That’s my dog.”
Wiz Khalifa has been open about his family life in other interviews. In January, the “Black and Yellow” hitmaker admitted to attending his son’s parent-teacher conferences while high on marijuana.
“Hell yeah. I’m pulling up stoned. They expect it,” Khalifa stated. “They know what’s up. It’s not like back in the day where you’re considered a bad parent if you smoke weed. I’m pretty sure my son smells like weed.”
Fans of Wiz Khalifa can expect the weed aficionado to rap about the subject on his forthcoming full-length project. The 36-year-old recording artist already declared Kush and Orange Juice 2 will be a classic.
Lil Baby has joined forces with Central Cee, teasing a transatlantic drill collaboration just in time for the summer.
After his Atlanta video shoot erupted in gunfire earlier this week, leaving three men shot, the Georgia native flew to London for a link-up with the rising star of the U.K. rap scene.
Footage from the shoot on Thursday evening (May 16), shows Lil Baby and Central Cee on the steps of London’s Charing Cross train station, surrounded by a large entourage.
Central Cee x Lil Baby were shooting a video in London last night!
Back in March, Cench and Lil Baby were spotted cooking up in Miami’s House of Hits studio. No official word on when the collab is due, but fans are eagerly awaiting the drop.
It’s unclear how the collaboration came about, although Central Cee is a Lil Baby fan. Kai Cenat shared a video of him and the West Londoner singing along while Lil Baby performed at the Atlanta stop of Drake’s All A Blur Tour.
The shoot comes a week after Central Cee boasted about his international clout in a new freestyle. “They book me in L.A., they book you in Leicester,” he rapped, seemingly firing a shot at rival Digga D. “I’m the reason the U.K. valid/Flyin’ in girls from the USA ’cause I already f##### all these U.K. badders.”
The Central Cee collab isn’t the first time Lil Baby dabbled in London drill sounds. Last October, he joined U.K. grime veteran Flowdan on Skrillex’s “Pepper.”
Wack 100 claims Megan Thee Stallion will be exposed as a liar once as yet unseen evidence reveals the truth about the Tory Lanez shooting.
Despite a judge sentencing the singer to 10 years in prison for shooting the rapper in the foot, Wack 100 continues to profess Tory Lanez’s innocence.
During his recent appearance on The Jason Lee Show, Wack accused Megan of lying about the incident after being “antagonized” by Tory Lanez. He also implied she was being “vindictive,” and said her memory couldn’t be trusted because she was drunk.
“Meg’s a liar,” Wack declared before claiming evidence would soon vindicate Lanez. “Oh it’s f##### up, [the receipts] are coming out one way or another. They’re just delaying it cuz they’re trying to get it in court. If they can’t get it in court, it’s gonna hit the net. And when it hits the net, they’re gonna see that it’s an innocent man in jail.”
After touting conspiracies about “the star witness” switching sides during the trial, Wack 100 continued. “I believe that he antagonized her to a point to where she got upset,” he added. “And women can be vindictive and women can be evil.”
He also said, “I don’t think Megan remembers what happened that night. I think Megan was in that dark spot, [she was] intoxicated. I believe if Tory wasn’t antagonizing her, and those lies, it would have never got to this point.”
The music manager previously accused the DA of trying to suppress alleged video evidence of the shooting. Wack 100 insisted Megan Thee Stallion’s career would be over once the video surfaces.
An insult over “fake eyelashes” kicked off a row during a House Oversight Committee meeting that descended into chaos Thursday evening (May 16).
“Bleach blond, bad-built butch body” was trending online after a contempt hearing for Attorney General Merrick Garland went left, leaving lawmakers trading insults for over an hour.
Things spiraled out of control after Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Republican representative from Georgia, shaded her Democrat counterpart from Texas, Jasmine Crockett. “I think your fake eyelashes are messing up what you’re reading,” Greene told Crockett.
Outraged Democrats responded immediately, led by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.
“That’s disgusting,” she yelled, moving to strike Greene’s words from the record. “That is absolutely unacceptable,” Ocasio-Cortez added. “How dare you attack the physical appearance of another person?”
When Green mocked Ocasio-Cortez, asking, “Are your feelings hurt?” the New Yorker fired back with “Oh, girl? Baby girl. Don’t even play.”
The mayhem continued when Crockett seemingly sought clarification over Greene’s “fake eyelashes” remark, asking if a hypothetical comment would break Congressional protocol.
“I’m just curious,” Crockett began. “If someone on this committee then starts talking about somebody’s bleach blonde bad-built butch body, that would not be engaging in personalities, correct?”
Disorder erupted again, and a member yelled at Crocket to “calm down,” repeatedly.
“If I come and talk s### about her ya’ll gonna have a problem,” Crockett said.
“This is what happens when mentally deficient people who can’t read and follow rules or just don’t give a damn… somehow end up in CONGRESS!” she wrote in a follow-up post.
So MTG wanted to talk about my appearance in COMMITTEE?!
It’s against the rules to do…
She refused to apologize!
The chairman ruled that it was ok…
AND I asked for clarification about what qualifies as “engaging in personalities” & basically wanted to know if I could…
Perfecting Your Pre-Roll: Tips and Tricks for a Flawless Smoke Every Time
There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of lighting up a pre-roll after a long day. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or new to the scene, knowing how to smoke a pre-roll properly can make all the difference.
Let’s dive into the essentials, and a few extra tips, to ensure you get the most out of your experience.
What Exactly is a Pre-Roll?
A pre-roll is a pre-rolled weed joint or blunt that’s ready for smoking. These handy creations save you the hassle of grinding and rolling your own weed, providing a quick and easy way to enjoy your favorite strains. Pre-rolls can be bought online, at dispensaries or made at home, and they come in various sizes and types, from simple joints to infused blunts packed with extra goodies.
Pre-rolls are particularly popular because they offer consistency and convenience. Whether you’re picking up a single joint for a solo session or a pack to share with friends, pre-rolls make it easy to enjoy weed without the mess and effort of rolling your own. Plus, with the wide variety of strains available, you can always find something new and exciting to try.
Avoiding the Dreaded Canoe
One of the top issues when smoking a pre-roll is preventing it from canoeing.
Canoeing happens when one side of your joint burns faster than the other, leaving you with a lopsided mess. To avoid this, make sure your pre-roll is packed evenly. Give it a gentle massage to distribute the weed before lighting up. And when you light your pre-roll, rotate it slowly to ensure an even burn all around. Remember, patience is key – rushing can lead to uneven burning.
A common cause of canoeing is uneven packing. If your pre-roll is too tightly packed in some areas and too loose in others, it will burn unevenly. To fix a canoeing pre-roll, you can use a lighter to gently re-light the side that’s burning slower, or simply rotate the joint to even out the burn. If you’re making your own pre-rolls, take extra care to pack them evenly to prevent this issue.
Grinding Your Flower Just Right
Grinding your weed correctly is crucial for a smooth burn. Too coarse, and you’ll end up with chunks that burn unevenly, creating hotspots; too fine, and the pre-roll can become harsh and difficult to smoke. A consistent medium grind is ideal. Investing in a good grinder can make a big difference, helping you achieve the perfect texture every time.
When grinding your flower, aim for a consistency like coarse salt. This allows for an even burn and a smooth smoke. Avoid grinding your flower too finely, as this can clog the pre-roll and make it difficult to draw. On the other hand, large chunks can cause uneven burning, lead to canoeing and waste valuable weed. A high-quality grinder with sharp teeth can help you achieve the perfect grind.
The Harshness Factor
The harshness of a pre-roll can vary based on several factors, including the type of paper, the grind of the flower, and the packing technique. Thinner papers tend to burn more smoothly, while thicker papers can sometimes add to the harshness. If you find your pre-rolls too harsh, try using a different paper or ensuring your flower isn’t ground too finely. Also, take slow, gentle puffs to avoid overwhelming your lungs.
The strain you use can also affect the harshness. Some strains are naturally smoother and less harsh, while others can be more potent and intense. Dryer strains may also burn hotter. Experiment with different strains to find one that provides the desired effect without too much harshness.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Smoke a Pre-Roll
Before lighting, gently press your pre-roll to evenly distribute the weed. This helps prevent canoeing and ensures a smoother burn.
Toast the Tip: Hold the flame to the tip of the pre-roll without inhaling. Rotate it to toast the tip evenly. This step dries the paper and prepares it for an even burn.
Light the Pre-Roll: Once the tip is toasted, take a gentle puff while applying the flame. Continue to rotate the pre-roll to ensure an even burn. Avoid inhaling too hard as it can cause uneven burning.
Start with Small Puffs: Begin with small, gentle puffs to ease into the experience and prevent the pre-roll from burning too quickly. Small puffs help maintain an even burn and a smooth smoke.
Rotate as You Smoke: Continue to rotate the pre-roll as you smoke to keep the burn even. If you notice any uneven burning, a gentle puff or two can often correct it.
Enjoy the Experience: Take your time and enjoy the session. If you need to pause, let the pre-roll cool before relighting it to avoid harsh smoke.
Smoking a pre-roll is an art that involves patience and practice. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience every time. Remember to take your time and savor each puff, as rushing can lead to uneven burning and harsh smoke.
Experiment and Enjoy
Part of the fun of smoking pre-rolls is experimenting with different strains, papers, and techniques to find what works best for you. Whether you prefer a mellow joint for a relaxing evening or an infused blunt for a more intense experience, there’s a pre-roll out there that’s perfect for you.
Soulja Boy is threatening to sue a man who claims he had sex with the rapper.
On Thursday (May 16), controversial blogger Tasha K posted an interview with reality TV star William the Baddest, who he was intimate with Soulja Boy after meeting him as a fan. He shared explicit details about the alleged encounter and gave a very graphic description of Big Draco’s manhood.
However, Soulja Boy vehemently denies the claims. After watching clips of the interview, Big Draco took to Instagram Live to deny the allegations. He insisted he doesn’t know William, describing him as a fan he once took a photo with.
“On my life, God strike me down. Send me to hell right now,” Soulja Boy declared. “On my soul, on everything I love, that dude is lying. I could die right now today; God strike me down. I put in on my life.”
Soulja Boy then announced his plans to sue Tasha K before calling his lawyer while livestreaming.
“We suing the f### out this n####. She gone have to pay me,” he said. While on the phone, Soulja’s lawyer added, “I’m doing the research and putting it all together right now. Cease and desist and getting sued, all of it.”
Soulja Boy said the allegations put him off taking photos with fans, fearing they might “make up a story” about him afterward.
The “Crank That” hitmaker made headlines recently after going off on Metro Boomin before turning to 21 Savage and Meek Mill when they called him out for his disrespectful comments about the producer’s late mother.
Although he apologized to Metro, Soulja Boy still has smoke for his fellow rappers and even joked that Meek Mill paid William The Baddest to invent a story about him.
Will Smith’s admiration for his estranged wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, remains steadfast despite their 2016 separation, which was concealed until last year.
During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, the 55-year-old actor branded Jada his “ride or die” while promoting his latest film, “Bad Boys: Ride Or Die.”
When asked about the term’s significance, Will responded, “It’s funny, I was just talking about this. I have always been blessed that there has never been a time in my life when I didn’t look to the side and have a ride or die right there. Jada is one of the most gangsta ride-or-die’s I’ve ever had.”
The couple’s union, once hailed as one of Hollywood’s strongest, has seen its share of turbulence.
In 2020, Jada admitted to an “entanglement” with singer August Alsina, 21 years her junior, which occurred four years prior. Seven months ago, while promoting her autobiography, Worthy, Jada stunned fans by revealing that the couple had been living separately since 2016.
In a conversation with NBC News, Jada discussed the reasons behind their separation, saying, “We’re still trying to figure out between the two of us how to be in partnership and how do we present that to people? We hadn’t figured that out. Why it fractured? That’s a lot of things. I think by the time we got to 2016, we were too exhausted with trying.”
Despite the split, the former couple’s bond shows resilience. Will’s recent comments reveal an enduring respect and commitment to Jada, shedding light on a complex yet strong connection that persists even in separation.
Their 1997 marriage was once considered a model in the film industry, admired for its endurance amid Hollywood pressures. The revelation of their split and details of their personal struggles provided a startling contrast to their public image.
The couple has continued to navigate their relationship while maintaining a solid front in the eyes of the public and their children, Jaden and Willow.
Berner just went off on Instagram and its CEO, Adam Mosseri, for what he feels is mistreatment after a repost of Conway The Machine spitting bars came back to bite him.
On Thursday (May 16), Berner jumped on the ‘Gram to issue a PSA to Mosseri and the company in general, claiming his account was restricted shortly after he reposted a video of Conway’s recent freestyle on his Story. In the lengthy post caption, Berner claims Instagram and Mosseri will never give him a “fair” shot at reaching his target audience, while also inferring the platform is becoming “laughable” among other things.
“@instagram @mosseri I accept that my page is always going to be attacked and I’ll never have a fair shot at reaching people on this platform, but this is getting laughable and embarrassing,” he said in part. “The other day I reposted a video of @whoisconway free styling on @hot97. How is this violating anything at all? why did it fully shadow ban me? take away the ability to go live and make my content not able to be shared ?”
He continued, directing his frustrations directly at Instagram’s parent company for hurting his business dealings.
“@meta really needs to start looking into the unfair attacks on people of status and understand how bad this truly hurts all my business,” he said. “I’m well aware of the rules and follow them, but the fact this was reviewed and considered a violation is a complete joke and super disappointing.”
Berner recently collaborated with Conway The Machine last month, along with Paul Wall and Jay Worthy on his 4/20 record, “Cases.” The record appeared on Berner’s Farmer’s Market album, which also included guest features from Curren$y, Devin The Dude, Drodi and G Mainey, among others.
Hopefully Berner won’t experience similar issues in resharing content from his frequent collaborators, because he has both his collaborative mixtapes with OHGEESY and Drodi to promote in the coming months along with other joint-effort releases.
Meek Mill has sparred publicly with social media, particularly Twitter, navigating a maze of feuds, erratic behavior, and sometimes dubious claims.
Notably, he ignited a well-known beef with Drake in 2015 through a slew of tweets, which led to the rapper being dubbed “Twitter Fingers.”
From defending controversial friendships to posting drunken selfies, Meek’s Twitter habits have continuously attracted digital firestorms and prompted him to deactivate his account multiple times.
In an era marked by growing concerns around mental health, especially within marginalized communities, Meek Mill recently voiced a compelling concern.
“The black community needs therapy over social media point blank… the points we be trying to make don’t lead to anything… just a bunch of people pointing fingers all day,” Meek tweeted.
The black community needs therapy over social media point blank … the points we be trying to make don’t lead to anything … just a bunch of people pointing fingers all day …I talk because I see a generation run by computers … computers don’t suffer but people do!
His comments come during May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to spotlighting mental health issues and advocating for improved mental well-being.
Mental Health Awareness Month began in 1949 by Mental Health America to raise awareness about mental illnesses and promote strategies for mental wellness. However, disparities in mental health care remain glaring, particularly within the Black community.
According to recent statistics, only 25% of Black Americans seek mental health treatment when needed, compared to 40% of White Americans.
This gap is exacerbated by unequal access to healthcare and higher rates of uninsured individuals among Black Americans.
Nonetheless, Meek Mill’s perspective isn’t the only lens through which to view social media’s impact on mental health.
Professor David Stamps of Bentley University offers an alternative narrative. He posits that social media has the potential to empower and uplift, especially for Black Americans.
In research published in Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, Stamps asserts, “The existence of social media has allowed Black individuals to share their grievances, celebrate their successes, call attention to injustice, and build awareness around cultural issues.”
Studies support Stamps’ views. Black Americans are more engaged in online activism than other racial groups, and social media serves as a crucial platform for raising awareness and sparking change.
A 2018 Nielsen report found that although Black Americans comprise 14% of the U.S. population, they make up 28% of Twitter users.
This widespread presence has given rise to “Black Twitter,” a digital space where voices from the Black community converge to discuss pivotal issues and experiences.
Meek Mill’s call for therapy in response to social media-induced stress resonates deeply with ongoing concerns about mental health.
However, the landscape is multifaceted, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the Black community.
As May progresses and Mental Health Awareness Month continues, the conversation around mental wellness in the digital age remains more important than ever.
Vince Staples is gearing up to deliver new music and it’s all because of the relentless zeal of Earl Sweatshirt’s fans.
Well, partially, that is, considering Sweatshirt’s fanbase rallied together recently, and in doing so, were able to gain Staples’ attention. It all started earlier this month when a Twitter (X) user rehashed an old tweet from Sweatshirt himself in which he praised Staples’ verse on their fan-favorite collaboration, “Hive.” The tweet has aged well, given the former Odd Future MC authored it more than 10 years ago in March 2013.
“THIS N#### VINCE STAPLES HAS BEST RAP VERSE OF THE YEAR ON HIVE ITS 32 BARS OR SOME S### IT TOOK THAT N#### 15 MINUTES TO WRITE HES THE BEST,” Sweatshirt wrote in the tweet.
Another user took it upon themselves to add the clip from the official music video for the record along with the screenshot of the tweet to further reiterate how tough Staples’ verse was. And with over three million views on the tweet, it’s safe to say that this user isn’t the only individual who felt that way about the verse.
Not to mention the powers that be, aka the algorithm, boosted the visibility of the tweet and coinciding conversation enough to reach Staples’ timeline. And he acknowledged the love and respect accordingly in a tweet announcing new music, which is set to arrive sooner than you’d think.
“I’ve seen the love for the Hive verse, amongst other things, over the last few days, and I appreciate it,” he wrote in part before adding, “And I’m still on that. That said, there will be new Vince Staples music next week.”
I’ve seen the love for the Hive verse, amongst other things, over the last few days, and I appreciate it. And I’m still on that. That said, there will be new Vince Staples music next week.
But the good news doesn’t end there, thankfully. A day before his remarks on “Hive,” Staples hinted at an upcoming tour, which he revealed will start next month. He also shared a stand alone tweet that same day, which simply reads, “Hella raps.”
Judging by the looks of things, Staples is gearing up to pop outside and it appears as though the plans he already had set in motion were solidified by the support he received from Sweatshirt’s fanbase.
Tour starts next month & I'm coming James Brown dead homies
In a somewhat expected turn of events, the feverishly hyped portal art project linking Dublin and New York via live video has been slammed shut after less than a week.
Thanks to a wave of scandalous antics, “The Portal” designed to bridge the gap between the two cities via a continuous live stream displayed on circular screens, is currently inactive. Mainly because what should’ve been a beacon to foster unity through connection quickly turned into a cesspool of chaos.
At first, reports surfaced of portal users unleashing a barrage of swear words and even transmitting NSFW footage via the feed. Then, earlier this week, reports of a user flashing images of the tragic 9/11 terrorist attacks from Dublin to New York viewers went viral. To add insult to injury, a salute to the deceased rapper Pop Smoke was presented on the screen immediately before the incident occurred.
The scandalous incident involving footage of the 9/11 attacks, captured by a Dublin user and broadcasted in New York, has sent shockwaves across social media, racking up millions of views. However, in the grand scheme of things, it’s a minor scandal compared to the epic debauchery that has since unfolded.
In another occurrence, a man in Dublin dropped his pants and exposed his rear end in the portal. And this followed an incident in which another male individual showed pornography in The Portal. However, it appears as though the final straw may have been an OnlyFans model unleashing her breasts on the stream.
Dublin City Council and the Flatiron Nomad Partnership in New York were left scrambling, forced to hit the emergency shutdown button. They’ve vowed to implement stricter measures to curb this wild behavior, but can they really contain the chaos? Both cities are now on high alert, with Dublin City Council promising technical solutions within 24 hours and the Flatiron Nomad Partnership beefing up security with more staff and barriers.
Originally slated to run until autumn, The Portal’s future now hangs in the balance. Will it reopen, or is this the end of the line for Dublin and New York’s digital connection?
It looks like the fairytale might be coming to an end— “Bennifer” is reportedly done. The couple, who tied the knot in July 2022 after getting back together in 2021, haven’t been seen together publicly since a lunch date in New York seven weeks ago.
According to the Daily Mail, the absence hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans and media alike. Speculation about trouble in paradise started gaining momentum when Affleck was conspicuously missing from the Met Gala, an event Lopez co-chaired.
An insider told Yahoo! that “the writing is on the wall — it’s over,” suggesting that the couple is heading for a divorce. Interestingly, the source emphasized that this time, the blame doesn’t lie with Affleck.
The signs of a split have been subtle. Affleck has reportedly moved out of the home they spent two years searching for, and Lopez has been spotted house hunting in Beverly Hills solo. The couple’s rare public appearances and Affleck’s focus on his work and kids are further indicators of the growing rift.
“They’ll never stop loving each other, but she can’t control him — and he can’t change her,” the alleged source said, highlighting the inherent challenges in their relationship dynamics.
The tension between them was also evident at the February premiere of Lopez’s Amazon Prime Video documentary, The Greatest Love Story Never Told. The documentary dives into their love story from the early 2000s and their reunion. Lopez herself acknowledged that Affleck wasn’t entirely comfortable with the project. “I don’t think [Ben] is very comfortable with me doing this, [but] he doesn’t want to stop me,” she said.
Despite the romantic highs and lows, it appears that their differences have finally caught up with them. While fans hoped for a lasting Bennifer 2.0, it seems this chapter might be closing for good. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
Doja Cat aired out her frustrations with the popular video game Fortnite on X (formerly known as Twitter). The RCA Records artist was annoyed with other players using the Chains of Hades in the game, complaining about the weapon on Wednesday (May 15).
“If you’re horrible and garbage at Fortnite make sure you grab a Chains of Hades whip to pass the time,” she wrote. “Dumb c####.”
She added, “If Fortnite knew what was good for them they’d get rid of Chains of Hades.”
Doja Cat’s public griping appeared to work as Fortnite developers removed the weapon, per Dexerto. The rapper/singer embraced her influence on the game by voicing more concerns on Thursday (May 16).
“FORTNITE WOULDN’T BE SO F###### EMBARRASSING IF THEY MADE LOBBIES WHERE PEOPLE WITH ACTUAL AIM SKILLS AND FPS EXPERIENCE DIDN’T DEAL WITH LOSERS USING F###### WATER BENDING AND CHAINS OF HADES,” she wrote.
She continued, “WATER BENDING IS A F###### CRUTCH YOU ARE NOT GOOD AT THE GAME BECAUSE OF WATER BENDING, I WOULD BECOME SEVERELY DEPRESSED IF I HAD TO RELY ON ANY OF THESE STUPID NON F###### WEAPONS.”
Doja Cat occasionally livestreams on Twitch. Fortnite is one of the games she’s played during past broadcasts.
Brendan Paul, the man accused of being Diddy’s drug mule, managed to avoid jail time for a cocaine possession charge in Florida. According to multiple reports, Paul accepted a deal to enroll in a drug diversion program.
Prosecutors offered Paul the deal since he is a first-time offender. The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office said Paul was not found with a “trafficking” level of cocaine, per Rolling Stone.
“Brendan accepted the prosecutor’s offer to permit his entry into the diversion program which, after completion, the case against him will be dismissed in its entirety,” his lawyer Brian Bieber said.
Paul was arrested for carrying cocaine and marijuana-laced candy at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport in March. Police took the 25-year-old man into custody the same day Homeland Security raided Diddy’s homes in a sex trafficking investigation.
Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura accused him of rape and sex trafficking in a lawsuit filed in November 2023. The two quickly settled the case out of court, but Diddy faced more sexual assault and trafficking allegations in subsequent weeks.
Three women sued Diddy after his settlement with Cassie. Two of his accusers claimed he sexually assaulted them when they were minors. He denied the allegations in December 2023.
“Enough is enough,” he wrote. “For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watch people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy. Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday. Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.”
Producer Lil Rod sued Diddy in February 2024. The lawsuit said Diddy was the leader of a “widespread and dangerous criminal sex trafficking organization.” Lil Rod identified Paul as Diddy’s drug mule.
Attorneys representing Young Dolph’s alleged killers received more time to prepare for their murder trial. According to localreports in Memphis, a Tennessee court granted a joint motion to move Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith’s trial to September. It was originally scheduled to begin on June 3.
Prosecutors and defense lawyers said they needed more time to litigate the admissibility of expert opinions on “Timing Advance records.” Both sides agreed they would not be able to complete the process before the original start date of June 3.
“While both parties are on path to proceed to trial, this issue is a highly technical and novel issue that requires expert testimony and hearing,” they wrote in the joint motion. “As such, the parties submit that the present trial date cannot accommodate expert review, scheduling and hearing.”
They continued, “When this issue became apparent, both counsels met with each other, immediately began securing secondary experts on the technical issues regarding Timing Advance and met with this Honorable Court. This Joint Motion follows that meeting and seeks to continue this litigation on a path to trial but on a schedule that accommodates litigation of this necessary issue. It is expected that litigation of this issue, consistent with this Court’s calendar, could be resolved within the next 60 days.”
The prosecution and defense confirmed they were available for a September trial. An exact start date has not been scheduled.
Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr., was shot and killed at a Memphis bakery in 2021. Four men were arrested in connection to his murder.
Johnson and Smith were indicted on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, for allegedly carrying out the deadly attack. Both men remain in jail.
Hernandez Govan, the man accused of ordering the hit on Young Dolph, was indicted for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Govan was placed on house arrest after posting a $90,000 bond.
A fourth suspect, Jermarcus Johnson, pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact. He awaits sentencing.
