Digga D became the central figure in a high-stakes criminal trial unfolding at Kingston Crown Court, where prosecutors allege a group of Harrow Road Boys (HRB) gang members conspired to kill the U.K. drill rapper amid a violent feud between rival crews.
The trial, which began Tuesday (May 6), has drawn attention due to the involvement of high-profile names in the U.K. drill scene, including Digga D—real name Rhys Herbert.
Marvin Bailey, better known as rapper Fredo, is listed as a co-defendant but has not appeared in court. Fredo reportedly resides in Dubai after his release from prison on drug charges.
Eight men, including Fredo, stand accused of two serious charges: conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life between July and November 2022, and conspiracy to contravene the Prison Act by smuggling mobile phones into jails between September 2022 and May 2023.
Prosecutors claim the group attempted to acquire a firearm with the intent to target rival gang members, specifically naming Digga D as a potential victim.
Digga D & Fredo Alleged Embroiled In Turf War
The alleged plot is part of a broader turf war between HRB and CGM, the collective Digga D is affiliated with.
The courtroom has heard that rap lyrics, music videos and social media activity are being used as evidence to illustrate the animosity between the two groups. The prosecution also cited previous killings and retaliatory violence as part of the ongoing conflict.
All defendants have pleaded not guilty.
This is a retrial, expected to continue through July 2025, after a previous attempt to prosecute the case ended without a verdict.
Digga D, who is currently serving a prison sentence, was convicted in January for importing and distributing 45 kilograms of cannabis.
He was arrested in February 2024, during an Instagram Live session, when armed officers raided his home.
He admitted to two charges related to the drug operation but denied involvement with a larger 60-kilogram shipment. A Newton hearing concluded he played a key role in the supply chain.
Diddy lost his bid to toss out federal sex trafficking charges in New York after a judge ruled there was no proof prosecutors targeted him because he’s Black.
The Hip-Hop mogul argued that the government’s use of the Mann Act—a law with racist roots dating back to 1910—was racially motivated.
His legal team claimed the charges were part of a pattern of selective prosecution against Black men and pointed to white public figures like Eliot Spitzer and Jerry Falwell Jr., who were not charged under the same statute despite allegedly similar behavior.
In a February filing, Diddy’s attorneys wrote, “no white person has ever been the subject of a federal Mann Act prosecution for conduct remotely similar to the allegations here.”
However, the U.S. District Judge rejected that argument, saying Diddy failed to meet the high legal bar required to prove selective prosecution.
The court said Diddy needed to show both that similarly situated individuals of other races were not prosecuted and that the government acted with racial bias.
He did neither.
“Combs doesn’t point to any evidence that racial bias played a role in the Government’s actions, that the prosecution team was responsible for any leaks to the press, or that the way Combs’s homes were searched bespeaks a discriminatory purpose,” Judge Arun Subramanian said.
The judge found that the examples Diddy cited were not comparable, noting that those individuals were not accused of the same combination of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting alleged victims, not just sex workers, across state lines.
Federal prosecutors also pointed to other non-Black defendants, including Peter Nygard and Ghislaine Maxwell, who were charged under the same statute for similar conduct.
As for claims that the government’s press releases, search warrants and refusal to allow Diddy to voluntarily surrender were racially motivated, the court dismissed them as “mere assertions” without supporting evidence.
The judge also rejected Diddy’s argument that the Mann Act’s historical use against Black men should invalidate its modern application. The court ruled that “current enforcement” matters, and that the law is now applied in a race-neutral way.
Because Diddy failed to show “some evidence” of both discriminatory effect and intent, the court denied his request for further discovery into the government’s motivations.
The motion to dismiss was formally denied in a ruling issued this week.
Mathematics—DJ, producer, visual artist, and the man behind the iconic Wu-Tang “W” logo- talks to AllHipHop about his new project Black Samson, the Bastard Swordsman. This album could very well be the last full Wu-album that gives fans the vibes of old. And yet, Math gives new vibes infusing live instruments, samples and unlikely artists like Benny The Butcher, Kool G Rap, RJ Payne, 38 Spesh and singer Nicole Bus.
From the soulful, rugged origins to the surreal creation of one of Hip-Hop’s most recognizable symbols, Mathematics opens up like never before. He breaks down the evolution of his sound, shares personal stories about Wu-Tang Clan members, discusses how grief inspired one of his most powerful tracks, and gives his take on AI’s role in modern creativity. He even shares stories about how Wu-Tang pulled up on his job back when he was a carpenter. This isn’t just an interview. It’s a masterclass in Hip-Hop history, art, and legacy.
Chuck Creekmur: First off, Black Samson, the Bastard Swordsman is dope. You brought all the Wu members, plus heads like Benny the Butcher, G Rap, Kurupt, and even Uncle Ralph.
Mathematics: Appreciate it. It took a minute. I don’t make beats like I used to. Now I craft. I build songs. So when I bring it to the MCs, it’s already layered up. Cats like 38 Spesh, I pulled up on him. Kurupt, same. Uncle Ralph—had to pay homage.
DJ Thoro: Anybody ever say “nah” to one of your beats?
Mathematics: Hell yeah! And I appreciate that. If you ain’t feeling it, don’t get on it. But sometimes, I push through and they’re like, “Yo, you were right.”
Chuck Creekmur: Talk to us about joining Wu-Tang.
Mathematics: I’m from South Side Queens. Not Staten or Brooklyn. That’s why I call myself the “Bastard Swordsman.” But I was down since day one. I designed the logo. I knew RZA since I was 15, from the Nation of Gods and Earths. That’s how I connected with him and GZA—Jus Allah to me. It took years before I even met GZA. I used to think he was like Mr. Snuffleupagus—heard about him but never saw him!
DJ Thoro: So the DJ bug hit you how?
Mathematics: Grandmaster Vic. Park jams in Queens. Saw him kill it—graceful, fly. I was like, “Yeah, I wanna do that.”
Chuck Creekmur: You made the jump from DJing to production. How?
Mathematics: Honestly, I didn’t even know I was producing. After things fell apart with GZA at Cold Chillin’, I just started sampling loops. Then I saw RZA cooking up Cuban Linx and Liquid Swords—mad layered. Inspired me. When I heard him make “Ice Cream,” I was knocked out on the couch but still catching the whole vibe. That night, I copped an ASR-10 the next day.
DJ Thoro: People confuse your beats with RZA’s. Ever bother you?
Mathematics: Sometimes. Especially early on. People give RZA credit for “Mighty Healthy.” That was me. But folks did their research over time.
DJ Thoro: Let’s run down a few of your joints.
Mathematics: “Mighty Healthy,” “Cobra Clutch,” “Publicity,” “Wu Banga 101” Man, there’s more, but that brain fog hit. [Laughs]
Chuck Creekmur: What track took you out of your comfort zone?
Mathematics: A jungle remix I didn’t even want to do. But I got paid! [Laughs] These days, I experiment more. Like “Dolomite” with Cap, U-God, and Masta Killa—very different, but still Hip-Hop.
Chuck Creekmur: Nicole Bus is a gem on this project.
Mathematics: Facts. My mom passed and I created “Claudine” that night. Needed a soulful voice. I remembered Nicole from when she flipped “C.R.E.A.M.”—blew my mind. Hit her on IG, she responded instantly. She added instrumentation. Then I got Ghostface on it—his verse was crazy. Meth came in and tied it all together. It’s one of my most personal joints ever.
DJ Thoro: You play instruments?
Mathematics: Piano. By ear. I can mess around on drums but Redman is nasty on drums. So is Chaka Khan.
Chuck Creekmur: The Wu logo. That’s generational wealth. How’d it happen?
Mathematics: It’s still surreal. I was in 40 Projects. RZA called me—needed the logo the next day. I got a 40, rolled a blunt, sat on the floor and drew it. Next morning, I handed it off at my construction job. He, Ghost, Power, and Divine looked at it and said, “This is it.”
DJ Thoro: It’s up there with the Nike swoosh or the Jordan logo.
Mathematics: Real talk. I still see people wearing it and they don’t even know I’m the one who made it. I’ll be like, “Nice shirt,” and keep it movin’.
Chuck Creekmur: What’s your take on AI?
Mathematics: I was skeptical. But for the Mandingo video, I couldn’t align everyone’s schedule, so I used AI. But I also got a real mini-movie dropping with actors and a director. Use both. Maximize your tools.
DJ Thoro: One artist, any genre, dead or alive. Who you doing a full album with?
Mathematics: Marvin Gaye. Musical genius. Plays instruments. That would be magic.
Chuck Creekmur: What’s next?
Mathematics: Let the album breathe. Let people digest the full body of work. People don’t do albums anymore—they drop singles. I still believe in vision, in art you can hold. That’s what I made.
50 Cent refuses to believe Diddy’s defense team’s allegation that the Bad Boy Mogul’s ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura was violent.
The outspoken rapper shared his thoughts on Instagram Friday (May 9), using AI to make him look like an attorney. He wrote in the caption, “Your honor this theory of Cassie kicking Diddy’s ass, I’m not buying it!”
50 Cent’s sentiments stem from Diddy’s trial, which began on Monday (May 5) with the jury selection process.
As jury selection concluded and opening statements approached, Diddy’s team offered a glimpse of their defense strategy during a courtroom exchange.
Diddy, who’s facing charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation for prostitution, is expected to have his attorneys argue that his turbulent relationship with Ventura was marked by violence from both parties.
In a detailed discussion on Friday, Diddy’s lawyers asserted their intent to cross-examine the individual identified as Victim-1, widely believed to be Ventura, regarding what they described as a “propensity for violence.”
They said their line of questioning would center on “other instances where she has been violent” in an attempt to illustrate her her character and nature for “getting into physical altercations with other people.”
Diddy’s attorneys are working hard to challenge the overarching narrative that he was solely responsible for abuse in his relationship Ventura-a narrative, which was reinforced by the 2024 release of hotel security footage showing Diddy throwing Ventura to the ground, kicking her and dragging her down a hallway.
The defense unsuccessfully sought to keep the video out of evidence, and many prospective jurors were questioned about whether they had seen the footage.
They also said they wanted to question Ventura regarding past violence to illustrate she was “a strong, capable person who does not shy away from confrontations,” therefore eroding prosecutors’ argument that she was “coerced” throughout their relationship.
Either way, 50 Cent isn’t convinced. Check out his post above.
Cam’ron pitched a sky-high lunch date and confessed his long-running crush on Nia Long, revealing he’s still holding out hope.
During a recent episode of his “Talk With Flee” podcast, the Harlem rapper said he’d “always” be into the actress, even if the odds of something real happening are slim.
“That ain’t ever gone’ go away,” Cam’ron said of his Nia Long crush. “Am I ever gone’ get with her? I don’t know. She be giving me little shouts out here and there.”
He admitted he was “tickled” when Long acknowledged him in an interview, and while he’s not banking on a romance, he hasn’t exactly given up either.
“I’m always gone’ have a crush on Nia Long,” he explained. “Will it be a realistic thing? Who knows, man.”
When asked what kind of date he’d plan if he ever got the chance, Cam didn’t hesitate.
“Probably do lunch on the jet,” he said. “I’d probably just hire a chef, we’d just fly around for an hour and a half while we watch a movie, eat on the jet.”
But even with the fantasy mapped out, Cam’ron said he’s cautious about bringing his lifestyle into hers.
“I wouldn’t just like to take her to dinner one day,” he said, joking that he wouldn’t want to bring “what I’ve got going on” into her life.
Cam’s pursuit of Long dates back to October 2022, shortly after her breakup with former Celtics coach Ime Udoka. That’s when he slid into her DMs with a poetic pitch.
“You’re a queen, and by the way I’m a king,” he wrote. “Together we can achieve the greatness we were both destined for as a couple. As I sit here sipping gazpacho and watching The Best Man, I was inspired to reach out because that’s what I am—the best man for you!! Hope to hear from you soon my Mi amor or should I say ‘Ni-amour.'”
Cam’ron Finally Links Nia Long
The message went unopened for over a year. However, Cam’ron and Nia Long eventually crossed paths at a public event.
Cam posted a photo with her and captioned it, “He want the scoop, she want the tea, I cannot talk, we keeping it street!! Nia Long aka Ni-Amore.”
I was browsing the internet last week and heard some rumblings from Cardi B about issues with her second album.
Can you believe it’s been all this time and she’s only released one full album? That’s wild to me. And by the way—she’s richer than all of us put together. Off one album. Granted, she’s been able to tour and build wealth in ways most artists can’t imagine, but part of me still wants her to work a little harder for it. (I’m kidding. Kind of.)
Anyway, Cardi’s been venting online about some trouble locking in features for this second project. Apparently, everyone’s out here grinding and focused on their own stuff, and they’re not taking time to stop and record with her.
That’s kind of shocking! Who wouldn’t want to work with Cardi B? I’d jump at the opportunity—not that anyone wants to hear me on a track. Still, I need to find the video of her complaining so we can try to figure out who’s ghosting her. And once we do, we’re calling them out! Let’s make sure they do right by good old Cardi.
Honestly, I wish she would just drop the album already. The drama and social media distractions always seem to overshadow the music—and yes, it is art, even if some people don’t treat it that way. I’d love to see if she still has it in her to make another strong album. Watching her grow and evolve musically would be amazing.
But I don’t know… it seems like she got another BBL, and that’s all people are talking about. They should really be talking more about the music.
Cardi B’s second studio album is still slated for release in 2025, but the exact date has not been announced. While initially expected in 2023 and 2024, the album was pushed back due to Cardi B’s feeling it was “missing a couple of things” and needing more planning. She has also mentioned that she is waiting on some guest features before releasing the album.
50 Cent threw another jab in his long-running feud with Benzino by accusing the former “Love & Hip Hop” star of snitching on his own nephew.
The G-Unit mogul reacted to a clip from Benzino’s recent appearance on “The Ghetto Report” podcast.
50 Cent shared a snippet of the podcast on social media, where Benzino appeared to respond to a court transcript allegedly tied to his nephew’s 2014 trial.
In the clip, the host reads a portion of the transcript in which Benzino reportedly said his nephew shot him and “almost” killed him.
“That’s the recordings,” Benzino said, pushing back on the idea that he testified. “That’s not me saying it on the stand.”
50 Cent Reacts To Benzino’s Claims
50 Cent wasn’t buying it. He posted the video on Instagram with a quote from the film “Scarface” to drive his point home.
“YOU WANT ME TO BELIEVE OMAR WAS A STOOLY BECAUSE SOSA SAID SO?” he wrote. “Yes if I say he ain’t right, HE AIN’T RIGHT!”
The incident in question dates back to March 2014, when Benzino was shot by his nephew, G## Scott, during a funeral procession for Benzino’s mother.
Scott later claimed he acted in self-defense and pleaded not guilty to armed assault with intent to murder.
During the podcast, Benzino expressed frustration over the lingering accusations.
“I take offense to being called a snitch still,” he added. “For people even thinking I’m a snitch, cuz I’m so solid and I’ve been in these Boston streets all my life.”
He also claimed it was Scott who contacted authorities after the shooting, not him.
Benzino has long denied cooperating with law enforcement. In a 2016 interview, he said, “My nephew confessed to shooting me at my mother’s funeral, but I didn’t snitch on him.” He added, “I didn’t want to be around them… I felt like I didn’t want any problems. I can love my mother and there doesn’t have to be any problems with family.”
Summer Walker has officially ended her relationship with Chicago rapper Rico Recklezz, announcing the split on May 9 and declaring she’s had enough of dating altogether.
“I’m literally honestly & truly over men like that’s it for me, I find more peace in being alone, but let’s normalize moving on with out mess. No disrespect, No hard feelings, No bad mouthing each other. Everything copestetic on my end, it’s all lessons n love,” Summer Walker wrote on Instagram.
The breakup comes months after the pair made their romance public in December 2024. Walker clarified there was no infidelity involved and said she still has love for Rico, calling him “a sweet man when he wants to be.”
She added, “Yes I’m single but don’t be weird now yall. I can’t even think about f##### w another man. I love Rico he really is a sweet man when he wants to be… that’s my Pumkin for life, things just didn’t align how we wanted cause we from two different worlds. Let’s move on now n not create false narratives.”
Rico Recklezz, known for his work in Chicago’s drill scene, had pursued Walker for nearly eight years before they finally connected.
Their relationship played out on social media and in public at various appearances together.
Earlier this year, Recklezz even hinted at a possible marriage, but that’s obviously not going to happen now that they have officially broken up.
Walker’s announcement made it clear the split wasn’t messy—just a matter of incompatibility.
Now she’s single and, by her own words, content staying that way.
Al B. Sure! said he believes Diddy was behind a “bounty” on his life and suggested the entertainment mogul played a role in his near-fatal health collapse and mysterious death of Kim Porter, the mother of Diddy’s children.
In a recent interview with Fox 5 New York, the R&B singer and radio host made explosive claims, stating, “If you actually knew what they did to me, there was a bounty on my head.”
Al B. Sure! was placed in a medically induced coma for two months in 2022 after suffering multi-organ failure.
He experienced kidney failure, underwent a tracheotomy, was intubated, and was nearly placed in hospice care. Doctors later performed a liver transplant, which he credits with saving his life.
Despite surviving the ordeal, the 55-year-old artist believes his health crisis wasn’t random. He implied that Diddy or people connected to him may have had something to do with it.
“I believe this to be the case. Yes. Absolutely. My first time saying it,” he Al B. Sure! revealed. “Remember, I’m the only one who spoke up and I’m the only one left alive,” he said.
Al B. Sure! also raised questions about the 2018 death of Kim Porter, who died at age 47 from lobar pneumonia. Porter was found unresponsive in her Toluca Lake home on November 15, 2018.
She had flu-like symptoms for several days and despite testing negative for influenza and strep, her condition worsened.
An autopsy confirmed lobar pneumonia as the cause of death on January 25, 2019. The Los Angeles County Coroner ruled her death natural, with no signs of trauma or foul play.
Still, Al B. Sure! said he doesn’t believe the official explanation.
When asked if he thought Porter died of pneumonia, he responded, “Absolutely not.”
He said Porter appeared healthy just days before her death. They had recently celebrated their son Quincy Brown’s Netflix Christmas special together, and he said she showed no signs of illness.
“She warned me all along the way to watch your back,” he said, referring to warnings Porter allegedly gave him about Diddy.
Al B. Sure! is preparing to release a memoir titled Do You Believe Me Now?, in which he plans to detail his suspicions and experiences.
His full interview with Fox 5 can be viewed below.
Druski brought receipts and time-stamped records to court in California to prove he was working as a waiter in Georgia, not partying with Sean “Diddy” Combs, on the night he’s accused of sexually assaulting a woman during a 2018 “Freakoff” gathering.
The comedian is demanding the case against him be thrown out and is seeking sanctions against the plaintiffs and their attorneys, calling the allegations “factually impossible.”
Druski’s legal team submitted phone logs, debit card activity, and employment records to show he was over 2,000 miles away from the alleged incident in Orinda, California.
“Mr. Desbordes’s debit card records show that he made a purchase at a gas station in Loganville, Georgia, on March 23, 2018,” his lawyer, David Grossman, said. “Just two days after Plaintiff claims Mr. Desbordes was in Orinda, California, he started that new job,” referring to his start date at LongHorn Steakhouse on March 25, 2018.
Parham alleges she was drugged, kidnapped, and raped by multiple men, including Druski and NFL star Odell Beckham Jr., during a party hosted by Combs.
The complaint claims Druski poured oil or lubricant on Parham, then jumped on her “treating it like a slip and slide,” before allegedly raping her while Diddy watched and recorded the act.
Druski’s attorneys say the claims are false and physically impossible.
“He was working as a waiter in local restaurants with little social media presence. Mr. Desbordes certainly did not fly across the country with people he had not met, to violently attack a woman he does not know, in a town he has never been to. Yet, despite being provided with the evidence clearing Mr. Desbordes’ name, Plaintiffs and their attorneys continue to assert horrific claims against him,” Grossman added.
The motion also points to inconsistencies in Parham’s original police report, where she described being attacked by two men, neither of whom matched Druski’s appearance. One of the alleged assailants was described as a “white male adult approximately 35 to 40 years old.”
At the time of the alleged assault, Druski had not yet gained notoriety online and was still living with his mother in Duluth, Georgia. His team emphasized that he had “never met Mr. Combs” or any of the other defendants in the lawsuit.
Druski is asking the court to dismiss the claims against him entirely and is seeking over $50,000 in legal fees from the plaintiffs and their lawyers, Ariel Mitchell and Sean Perez, for what his team calls a “salacious, fabricated” lawsuit.
The hearing on the motion is set for June 17, 2025, before Judge Rita F. Lin in San Francisco.
Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras Baraka walked out of jail Friday afternoon after being arrested earlier in the day for refusing to leave a protest outside the Delaney Hall Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Newark.
Baraka was arrested as he and his supporters were demonstrating against the reopening of a privately run detention center.
“It was definitely a humiliating experience and uncomfortable for me overall but in the end those guys did the best they could to make me feel comfortable and I appreciate that,” Ras Baraka told CNN.
The mayor, who has held office since 2014 and is currently campaigning for governor, was taken into custody by federal agents after allegedly ignoring repeated orders from Homeland Security to vacate the premises.
The protest, which drew several Democratic lawmakers, was aimed at blocking operations at the newly reopened ICE facility operated by GEO Group, a private prison company.
Baraka has long opposed the facility, citing safety violations and the lack of proper permits. His office released a video showing him being led away with his hands cuffed behind his back.
Former Newark mayor and current U.S. Senator Cory Booker came to Baraka’s defense, calling the arrest “disturbing” and criticizing the federal response.
As mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka has a responsibility to ensure that facilities operating in the city are adhering to laws that protect the safety and wellbeing of occupants and residents. ⁰This incident is disturbing, unnecessary and indicative of tactics that are undermining the…
“This incident is disturbing, unnecessary and indicative of tactics that are undermining the safety and security of our communities, not adding to it,” Booker said. “Law enforcement officers should have deescalated this situation. Mayor Baraka should be immediately released.”
Baraka was protesting the reopening of Delaney Hall, a facility with a troubled past.
GEO Group, the second-largest private prison operator in the country, signed a 15-year, $1 billion contract with ICE to run the site, which can hold up to 1,196 detainees.
The building, located near the Essex County Correctional Facility, had previously served as a halfway house and was used by ICE from 2011 to 2017.
The facility reopened in May despite legal challenges and public outcry. City inspectors flagged multiple safety issues, including problems with plumbing, electrical systems and fire code compliance.
GEO Group reportedly spent $5 million on renovations before reopening.
Baraka has filed legal action against GEO Group, arguing that the company failed to meet local requirements and that the facility’s presence harms the surrounding community.
He has also criticized the profit-driven nature of the detention center.
“As mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka has a responsibility to ensure that facilities operating in the city are adhering to laws that protect the safety and wellbeing of occupants and residents,” Booker added.
Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba defended the arrest, saying Baraka “consciously chose to defy the law.”
“The Mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations to remove himself from the ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey this afternoon. He has willingly chosen to disregard the law. That will not stand in this state. He has been taken into custody. NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW,” Habba said.
I am outraged by the unjust arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka earlier this afternoon outside of Delaney Hall in Newark.
Delaney Hall is an ICE prison in Newark that opened without permission from the city. Members of Congress attempted to tour the facility, and Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested. This Administration loves to arrest every government official except Trump.
The ICE “GOON” in the Blue jacket is the FUCKEN CRIMINAL THAT ARRESTED MAYOR RAS BARAKA and the “ICE GOON” FALSELY Accused Mayor RAS BARAKA of Trespassing—The ICE “GOON” Should be ARRESTED!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/1HgjBV813o
In today’s music industry, hip hop artists aren’t just using their ears—they’re using analytics. With streaming platforms offering detailed listener data, independent rappers can now approach music releases with the precision of a marketing team. Understanding the who, where, and when behind your fanbase allows artists to make better creative and business decisions. From choosing the right drop date to booking a show in a hot market, data is becoming a crucial driver of success in modern hip hop.
Leveraging spotify promotion to target the right audience
One of the most effective ways hip hop artists are building early momentum is through spotify promotion, particularly via genre-specific playlists. But the value goes far beyond just racking up streams. When a track gets added to a curated playlist—whether it’s algorithmic, editorial, or user-generated—it opens the door to powerful insights about the audience engaging with that song.
Let’s say a rising artist releases a trap anthem that starts getting attention on a few regional hip hop playlists. Within days, Spotify for Artists provides data on which cities the song is being streamed in most, how often it’s being saved, skipped, or shared, and which demographics are engaging most. This kind of feedback loop gives artists the ability to make real-time decisions: schedule shows in strong markets, double down on the sound that resonates, and fine-tune promotion strategies accordingly.
For example, if a melodic drill single gains traction in Chicago and Toronto, those become key locations to target with localized content, collaborations, or even merch drops. Instead of guessing, artists can now make moves backed by actual listener behavior—and that’s a serious advantage.
A soundcampaign review shows how direct-to-curator tools boost visibility
Organic growth is powerful, but artists often need a little push to get their songs in front of the right ears. That’s where playlist-pitching services come in. A solid soundcampaign review reveals that platforms like these act as a bridge between musicians and playlist curators who already cater to specific styles and moods—an essential strategy in the fragmented world of hip hop subgenres.
What makes these tools particularly useful is the level of transparency and feedback they provide. Artists can pitch a track, see which curators respond, and even read comments from those who reviewed it—whether they accepted it or not. This not only gives artists exposure but helps them understand why a track is or isn’t hitting with certain audiences.
Imagine you’re pushing a lo-fi conscious rap single and it gets picked up by chill study or underground boom bap playlists. Now you’re attracting listeners who value lyrics and vibe over hype. And if a high-energy trap song is repeatedly placed on workout or street anthems playlists, that signals where your music thrives best. These insights help hip hop artists of all styles get sharper about who they’re making music for—and how to reach them more efficiently.
Translating data into real-world strategy
Beyond playlists, streaming data is reshaping how artists approach everything from release timing to tour routing. If a track consistently spikes on weekends or after 9 PM, artists can align their drop schedules to maximize impact. If a song suddenly blows up in Atlanta or Miami, those markets become top priorities for bookings and collaborations.
Even merchandise can be tailored based on listener insights. If an artist’s core fanbase skews young and urban, merch designs, pricing, and styles can reflect that demographic. And when playlist analytics show consistent performance in specific moods—say, high-energy or late-night chill—that vibe can inform everything from cover art to the aesthetic of future releases.
Data isn’t just numbers; it’s a story about your audience—and smart artists are reading that story carefully.
Social media completes the loop
To take it one step further, social media data can reinforce what you’re learning from streaming platforms. Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube metrics help artists understand how fans engage with their image and story, while also serving as real-time testing grounds for new material. If a snippet goes viral on TikTok but the full song underperforms on Spotify, that’s a sign to tweak the rollout strategy or even remix the track for better impact.
When combined, these digital tools create a complete picture. You’re not just reacting to trends—you’re strategically moving based on actual fan behavior. Some of today’s most successful indie rappers have built cult-like followings not through massive radio play or label funding, but by understanding the data and delivering exactly what their listeners want.
The data-driven artist is the future
The bottom line is this: creativity will always be at the core of hip hop, but in the current landscape, the artists who blend passion with precision are the ones rising fastest. Tools for spotify promotion and services evaluated in any honest soundcampaign review show just how many opportunities artists now have to connect directly with the right fans.
If you’re serious about turning streams into a sustainable career, data isn’t just a bonus—it’s the blueprint. Study your metrics, watch your audience, and let the numbers amplify the moves you already want to make. In this era, the smartest hustler wins.
A$AP Rocky confirmed he and Rihanna will keep the “R” name tradition alive for their third child during a lighthearted exchange onLate Night with Seth Meyers.
Rocky appeared on the NBC talk show, where host Seth Meyers asked if the couple’s next baby would follow the same naming pattern as their sons Riot and RZA.
“So, your first two kids have ‘R’ names. Obviously, you and Rihanna have ‘R’ names. Is this a lock that the third will have an ‘R’ name, do you think?” Meyers asked. Rocky didn’t hesitate: “For sure.”
The couple, who began dating in 2020, made their growing family public during the 2025 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where Rihanna debuted her baby bump on the red carpet.
The 37-year-old singer and the 36-year-old rapper already share two sons—Riot, who is 21 months old, and RZA, who turns three this month.
Rocky also served as a co-chair for this year’s Met Gala, themed “The Garden of Time: Tailored for You,” and addressed a long-standing rumor about Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour’s influence over celebrity attire at the event.
“Well, she told me exactly what to wear,” Rocky said when asked if Wintour had the final say on his outfit. Meyers followed up:
“When you heard what she wanted you to wear, did you agree that it was a good look? Were you happy with it?” Rocky responded, “She told me to wear mine, so yeah.”
For the high-profile evening, Rocky wore a custom ensemble crafted by his AWGE creative team.
Finesse2Tymes walked away from a criminal case in Texas after prosecutors dropped charges tied to an alleged threat made against the guardian of 12-year-old Hip-Hop artist FNG King, citing a lack of evidence.
The Memphis rapper had been facing allegations that he displayed a firearm during a heated encounter with the child rapper’s guardian earlier this year. The incident reportedly violated the terms of his supervised release from a previous federal weapons conviction.
But on May 9, prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss the case, admitting they couldn’t prove the claims beyond a reasonable doubt. A judge signed off on the dismissal.
The case stemmed from a long-simmering feud between Finesse2Tymes and FNG King, a viral child performer who once had close ties to the rapper’s circle and is believed to be his godson.
Their relationship deteriorated over the past year, with both parties trading accusations online and in the media. At the center of the now-dismissed case was an alleged confrontation in which Finesse2Tymes was accused of threatening the boy’s guardian with a gun.
In addition to the alleged threat, Finesse2Tymes was accused of violating his release terms by failing two drug tests—one in 2022 and another in 2024—and getting into a physical altercation with his girlfriend’s mother.
Finesse2Tymes has been under federal supervision since July 2022 after serving more than three years of a five-year sentence for illegal firearm possession.
His past legal troubles include a robbery charge in Tennessee and a nightclub shooting at the Power Ultra Lounge in Little Rock, Arkansas, where 28 people were shot.
Despite the dismissal of the terroristic threat case, the rapper remains in federal custody as of press time, pending further review of his supervised release violations.
Kanye West has accused Kim Kardashian of violating their custody agreement after she allegedly left their daughter North alone in a car during the 2025 Met Gala in New York City, according to a cease and desist letter obtained by TMZ.
The letter, sent by West’s attorney Kathy Johnson, outlines multiple grievances, including claims that Kardashian endangered their 11-year-old daughter by leaving her unattended during the high-profile fashion event.
West also alleges Kardashian has repeatedly ignored his objections to North’s presence on TikTok, posting videos and images of their daughter despite his explicit opposition.
West and Kardashian finalized their divorce in November 2022 and share joint legal and physical custody of their four children: North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm.
However, West claims Kardashian has been denying him “meaningful access” to the kids, violating their agreement.
In the letter, Kanye West states he has not seen Saint in 2025 and that his time with North, Chicago and Psalm has been “unreasonably restricted.” That claim has been partially contradicted by photos showing West with his three youngest children during a January trip to Japan.
Without West’s consent, the letter also accuses Kardashian of exploiting North for “personal or commercial gain” by allowing her to appear in public-facing content, including events and online platforms.
He argues this disregards his joint custodial rights and repeated requests to keep their children out of the spotlight.
West has long voiced frustration over the custody arrangement, once describing it as “like jail.”
He’s said he feels excluded from decisions about their children’s education, social lives and public exposure. He has also accused Kardashian and her family of controlling their children and limiting his parental role.
Kardashian, who receives $200,000 per month in child support from West, has reportedly considered seeking full legal custody due to concerns over West’s behavior and online presence.
She has previously said she tries to protect their children from his controversial and antisemitic posts, while still encouraging their relationship with their father.
Meanwhile, West has continued pushing boundaries, including releasing a song featuring North’s vocals despite Kardashian’s objections and a prior agreement not to do so.
Currently, Kardashian has not publicly responded to the cease and desist letter.
Gloria Estefan flatly denied claims tying her to an alleged 2015 “freak-off” party at her Miami home involving Diddy, calling the accusations “completely fictional” and the man behind the lawsuit “not well in the head.”
The Grammy-winning singer responded after a civil lawsuit surfaced alleging a man was drugged and brought to a sex-fueled gathering on Star Island, supposedly held at the Estefans’ mansion and connected to Diddy’s property by a hidden tunnel.
Estefan, 66, said she had no knowledge of any such event and firmly rejected the idea that her home was ever used for such purposes.
“Nothing happened at my house, ever,” Estefan told TMZ. “That guy is not well in the head if you look at his history. He’s just throwing everybody in.”
The lawsuit, filed by an unnamed plaintiff, claims the man was taken to a party in April 2015, where he was allegedly assaulted.
The complaint also names Emilio Estefan, Gloria’s husband, as a defendant. Gloria and LeBron James were mentioned in the lawsuit but are not defendants. Beyoncé and Jay-Z were initially named but later removed.
Estefan said she was stunned to see her name brought into the case and emphasized that she has no connection to the accusations against Combs, who is currently facing a federal sex trafficking investigation.
“Diddy was a neighbor and was always very kind to us,” she said. “His mom’s spectacular. But we were never in his house, or him in ours.
The lawsuit also alleges that Gloria witnessed the victim’s condition and requested an ambulance. She dismissed that claim entirely.”
LeBron James, also mentioned in the filing, has denied being at the party. Public records and travel logs reportedly confirm he was not in Miami at the time.
Diddy’s legal team has called the lawsuit “false and sensationalized,” denying all allegations. The lawsuit was filed in 2024 and remains ongoing.
Klondike Blonde is back & better than ever! The buzzing rapper and singer makes her long-awaited return with the electrifying new single titled “Live Forever,” a bold, feel-good anthem that signals a powerful new era for the genre-blurring artist.
Klondike explains: “‘Live Forever’ sonically was inspired by 2018 Klondike and finding that sound again. The subject and title of the song came from me jotting down potential song names and ideas, in which I had wrote down ‘whatever, forever’. So when I played the beat, I kept that phrase in my head as I freestyled the song. Regardless of what life was throwing at me, it’s whatever! I’ma have fun with this s### regardless and keep it moving.”
In the song, Klondike croons: “There’s too much s### going on, I made too many sad songs. Yeah, so I turn up cause I need to. And I left cause I don’t need you.”
The takeaway? Klondike wants her fans to find the joy and beauty in any situation. Don’t take life too seriously, because it’s short and we must enjoy it! Alongside the single, Klondike releases her highly anticipated EP, Planet Klondike, displaying the realest, rawest, and most authentic version of herself.
Written and produced solely by Klondike, she states, “I wanted to tap more into my emotions and get vulnerable, while still keeping it turnt. I’m bringing fun rap back.”
ABOUT KLONDIKE BLONDE:
Born in Raleigh and raised in the Bay Area, Klondike Blonde’s perspective can reach listeners everywhere. Breaking boundaries with her sound, innovative sense of style, and “Big Gang” movement, she brings a much-needed energy to hip-hop and pop culture.
She began her musical career in high school as a way to escape a not-so-positive experience—she endured verbal bullying regularly.
Shortly after graduating high school in 2017, Klondike relocated to Atlanta, where she released her first two songs on Soundcloud, “Big Gang Glocks” and “Love Letter.” The arrival of these two tracks built her a nice buzz and solid social following on Instagram.
In 2018, she unveiled her first music video for “Drip,” which garnered 2 million YouTube views in a month.
This caught the attention of established artist and producer Jazze Pha, who quickly took her under his wing. Fast forward to 2025, she’s now signed to Nick Cannon’s Ncredible imprint, returning with her newest EP, Planet Klondike.
Young Thug pulled a surprise appearance in New York City this week—and almost no one saw it coming. While the paparazzi were busy chasing the Diddy trial, Thugger was quietly spotted at an exclusive event that had fans buzzing. According to our sources, the Atlanta rapper was promoting a new fashion line—called Sp5der. But there’s a twist: Spyder already exists as a brand, so I was initially confused! There is no confusion here! Shout out to the homie Thugger for advancing his business interests!
What is clear is that Thug was in great spirits. He was surrounded by fans, his family, and he was gracious to all. Even in a private, exclusive setting, he made time to connect with supporters without a hint of ego.
And here’s the real deal, Thugger finally gave fans a clue about his long-awaited album. In a casual moment on IG, he revealed that it will come out sometime in June. No specific date yet, but that’s enough to set social media on fire. This summer’s about to be hot. Streets is watching!
The upcoming album, Uy Scuti, is already building momentum thanks to its lead single, “Money on Money” featuring Future. With the music heating up and a fashion play, it looks like Young Thug is gearing up for a full-scale takeover this summer. And the feds are off his back, thankfully!
By the way, a red super giant star located in the constellation Scutum, known for being one of the largest stars in the Milky Way. OK! I hear. you, big dog!
Jury selection in Diddy’s federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial has been postponed until Monday (May 12), following several days of intensive questioning of prospective jurors by both prosecutors from the Southern District of New York and Diddy’s defense team.
The attorneys spent much of the week grilling potential jurors about their backgrounds and any prior knowledge of the case.
The delay raised concerns from U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian and Diddy’s lawyers, who believe some jurors will get “cold feet” over the weekend, given the high-profile nature of the case.
In response, the remaining pool of 43 candidates will be narrowed down on Monday morning to a final panel of 12 jurors and six alternates, who’ll decide the Bad Boy Records mogul’s fate. Opening statements are scheduled to begin immediately after the jury is sworn in, around 9:30 a.m. ET.
Judge Subramanian has emphasized his expectation that the trial, projected to last about eight weeks, will proceed according to schedule. Prosecutors have highlighted the urgency of calling a key witness, referred to as Victim-1, early in the proceedings.
While court documents don’t name the person, it’s widely understood that Victim-1 is Diddy’s ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura.
The identities of the jurors will remain confidential, with their names withheld from the public. However, the jury won’t be sequestered, so members are expected to avoid media coverage and refrain from discussing the case outside the courtroom.
Diddy was actively involved in the jury selection process. At one point, he shook his head when a potential juror admitted to watching a recent documentary about him, laughed when one man admitted he’d have a tough time forgoing marijuana for the trial and nodded when he appeared to approve of certain people, including a woman who was arrested for shoplifting a wand from Harry Potter World.
Diddy has been locked up at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his September 2024 arrest and hasn’t been heard from until earlier this week, when he admitted he was a “little nervous” as proceedings began. He faces 15 years to life in prison if convicted on five felony charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. He pleaded not guilty.
Champtown — the hip-hop trailblazer who gave Eminem his first shot by putting him on his Straight Jacket record label and taking him to record at Prince’s Paisley Park — is back and this time he’s armed with amps and attitude.
The rapper just released the teaser for “Hasbulla,” a bold preview of his upcoming m### EP Rocker at Heart, dropping July 4th, 2025.
After decades of rocking stages with Ice-T, Public Enemy and more, Champtown linked up with rock god Sammy Hagar, who handed him his own beer (Champtown Big & Stout) and told him: “You’re more than a rapper — you’re a rocker at heart.”
Champtown took that advice and built The Big & Stout Band — an all-female Nashville trio who shred, slam, and redefine what a backing band can be.
They’ve opened for Hagar. They’ve blown away sold-out crowds. And now, they’re hitting stages across the country.
Rocker at Heart is executive produced by Ice-T and produced by Champtown along with Prince’s legendary drummer, Michael Bland. The album fuses raw Hip-Hop edge with full-throttle rock energy.
It’s loud, it’s bold, and it’s 100% real. As Metro Times’ Jason Webber put it: “Champtown is the real deal and a Detroit musical treasure… f### with him at your own peril.”
Watch the “Hasbulla” teaser now. Catch them live. And be ready when Rocker at Heart drops July 4th.
Champtown’s Champtown Big & Stout beer also drops later in the year as well as his book and double Hip-Hop album Perpetual.
