Billy McFarland promised paradise and luxury on Mexico’s Isla Mujeres but now faces fresh doubts about the legitimacy of his planned Fyre Festival 2 after local tourism officials declared ignorance of the event.
“We have no knowledge of this event, nor contact with any person or company about it,” Edgar Gasca, representing Isla Mujeres’ tourism directorate, bluntly told The Guardian. “For us, this is an event that does not exist.”
McFarland, the infamous entrepreneur behind the original catastrophic Fyre Festival, had confidently announced the sequel would take place from May 30 to June 2, 2025, on the idyllic Isla Mujeres near Cancún.
He touted extravagant packages ranging from the relatively modest “Fyre Ignite” at $1,400 to the jaw-dropping “Prometheus God of Fyre” experience priced at $1.1 million.
Marketing materials promised “world-class accommodations,” boundary-breaking adventures, exclusive beach-side concerts, skateboarding demos and MMA training sessions, all in a dreamy Mexican setting.
That fiasco left investors in financial ruin, losing a combined $26 million, while McFarland landed in prison for wire fraud.
Initially sentenced to six years, he served roughly four years behind bars before his early release in March 2022. The debacle also spawned multiple documentaries dissecting every detail of the disaster and nearly tanked the reputation of rapper Ja Rule, McFarland’s high-profile partner at the time.
Despite the skepticism, McFarland insists he’s learned from past mistakes and expressed confidence in the sequel before the Mexican officials’ statement, which has people thinking he is running another scam.
“I’m sure many people think I’m crazy for doing this again. But I feel I’d be crazy not to do it again. After years of reflection and now thoughtful planning, the new team and I have amazing plans for FYRE 2,” McFarland said last week. “The adventure seekers who trust the vision and take the leap will help make history. Thank you to my partners for the second chance.”
Without a confirmed lineup or even local awareness, the sequel risks repeating the original’s chaotic legacy.
Doja Cat hit the stage during the Academy Awards on Sunday night with a daring James Bond-themed performance alongside British sensation RAYE and K-pop superstar Lisa of BLACKPINK.
But she admitted afterward that nerves slightly dampened her delivery.
The “Paint the Town Red” artist took center stage at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles to perform a dramatic cover of “Diamonds Are Forever,” originally immortalized by the legendary Shirley Bassey for the 1971 film.
Social media quickly buzzed with mixed reviews, with some critics noting that Doja didn’t quite hit all the lofty notes the challenging song demanded.
Addressing the commentaries head-on, the 29-year-old Hip-Hop star took to Instagram to share her reflections, acknowledging that her nerves crept into the spotlight with her.
“Thanks to the Academy Awards and Vanity Fair for having me. I never get to sing like that and what I did was brave and scary as f**k for me,” Doja wrote openly. “I know a lot of people didn’t like it but a lot of people did and I feel good that I pushed myself.”
She elaborated, revealing the intense preparation she invested in the Bond classic and her eagerness to tackle similar challenges in the future despite the imperfections.
“The song is a classic and I put a lot of work into it but the nerves got to me and a b**ch hit some flats. I can’t wait to do something like that again. What a blessing that was. I feel amazing about the whole thing. Bye,” she humorously continued before enthusiastically praising her fellow performers: “ALL the girls chewed down last night. God BLESS them all. Absolutely gorgeous performances from everyone.”
Away from the pressure of live vocals and the scrutiny of critics, Doja Cat also revealed a lighter side of her Oscar night experience, sharing an unexpected highlight from the Vanity Fair after-party.
The singer-rapper delightedly recounted that she danced with Emmy-winning actress Sarah Paulson, and revealed a personal cinematic favorite.
“I danced with Sarah Paulson last night also Flow is my favorite movie of all time cuz it’s a story about friendship (sic),” she added, referencing the acclaimed Latvian fantasy-adventure film that took home the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
JAY-Z launched a blistering legal counterattack against the woman who previously accused him of sexual assault and her attorney, Tony Buzbee, filing a lawsuit in an Alabama courtroom that alleges a calculated scheme to extort millions.
Just weeks after the woman, known publicly only as Jane Doe, withdrew her accusations, the Hip-Hop mogul is striking back with allegations of malicious prosecution, abuse of process, civil conspiracy and defamation.
JAY-Z’s lawsuit contends that Doe and her lawyer concocted the allegations, costing him no less than $20 million in lost earnings and inflicting substantial reputational damage, a blow to his career and personal integrity.
In legal documents, the Roc Nation boss complaint pulls no punches, stating clearly that Doe and Buzbee “were soullessly motivated by greed, in abject disregard of the truth and the most fundamental precepts of human decency.”
The conflict started in December 2024, when Doe appeared in a televised NBC News segment with her identity concealed, publicly accusing JAY-Z of raping her at an MTV Video Music Awards afterparty in New York City in 2000, when she was just 13 years old.
The allegations sparked instantaneous controversy and widespread media coverage, placing the iconic rapper under intense scrutiny.
JAY-Z, in response, vehemently denied the allegations, stating that he was not even present at the mentioned afterparty. Doe eventually conceded publicly that her account contained “inconsistencies.”
“The false case against Jay-Z, that never should have been brought, has been dismissed with prejudice,” his lawyer Alex Spiro said after the lawsuit was dismissed. “By standing up in the face of heinous and false allegations, Jay has done what few can—he pushed back, he never settled, he never paid one red penny, he triumphed and cleared his name.”
“Today is a victory. The frivolous, fictitious and appalling allegations have been dismissed. This civil suit was without merit and never going anywhere,”* JAY-Z wrote on X. “The fictional tale they created was laughable, if not for the seriousness of the claims. I would not wish this experience on anyone. The trauma that my wife, my children, loved ones and I have endured can never be dismissed.”
JAY-Z’s lawsuit further alleges that Doe “voluntarily admitted” attorney Buzbee “pushed her towards going forward with the false story against Mr Carter” after an “extortionate demand letter failed to yield the financial windfall.”
The court filing specifically cites Doe stating, “Buzbee brought JAY-Z into it.”
JAY-Z, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Hip-Hop, has taken a firm stance to clear his name and hold accountable those he claims maliciously targeted him.
British grime legend Chip is reigniting his feud with Stormzy after the U.K. rap icon won a BRIT award amid weeks of controversy.
Stormzy picked up the trophy for Best Hip-Hop, Rap & Grime Act at the 2025 BRIT Awards on Saturday (March 1), beating off stiff competition from the likes of Dave, Ghetts, Central Cee, and Little Simz.
The award sparked backlash online from those who had already labeled Stormzy a “sellout” over his recent partnership with McDonald’s, citing the fast-food giant’s perceived stance on Israel. The criticism escalated as detractors alleged he deleted a pro-Palestine post before securing the deal.
On Monday (March 3), Stormzy’s longtime rival, Chip, ignited controversy by unleashing a blistering social media rant aimed squarely at the “Vossi Bop” hitmaker.
Chip criticized Stormzy’s BRIT award victory, calling it a “mockery” since Stormzy’s recent work includes a gospel album and a drum and bass single.
“And had the cheek to say it’s done by votes,” he tweeted. “As if he beating Central [Cee] at that.”
Chip Claims Stormzy Should Have Declared Central Cee The Rightful Winner
Chip claimed that Stormzy made no contributions to grime and criticized the BRITs for grouping the genre with Hip-Hop and rap. He went further, stating that the “best” move Stormzy could have made was to acknowledge Central Cee as the rightful winner during his acceptance speech.
Chip also mocked Stormzy’s McDonald’s deal after previously promoting fitness.
“I see everyone cooking him,” Chip continued. “I just laughed in my head and said a man went from Men’s health to Mc Donalds all in one instagram row. Lol.”
He added, “But How do u win best HipHop, Rap & Grime act in BRITAIN… at a time when ur poster is being spray painted SELL OUT all over the country. Or are we not in Britain but in The Matrix.”
The rivalry between the two British rap stars intensified in 2020, with both exchanging jabs through a series of diss tracks. The feud escalated further when Chip released a video allegedly showing Stormzy and his friends attempting to confront him at his home.
Dub Pistols alumni Jason O’Bryan teaches a course at London’s Abbey Road Institute on sampling, the gentle art of incorporating somebody else’s work (voice, sound effects, melodies, etc.) into your project.
The artist-turned-lecturer claims sampling took off with J Dilla in the early 2000s. Yet, even back then, acts took sampling to its logical extreme, where the only newness was the order of previous things. Australian group The Avalanches used around 3,500 samples on their 2000 album Since I Left You. That kind of sonic recycling would eventually become its genre: plunderphonics.
New Depths
Sampling has touched all things by now. There’s an especially strong link between sampling and movies. Halsey sampled the 2009 horror movie Jennifer’s Body on her track “Killing Boys”, for instance.
A distinctly modern pastime – online slot machines – use samples on their licensed properties to maintain authenticity. The casino slots at Paddy Power include two games dedicated to The Goonies, complete with soundbites – “Goonies never say die!” – and pictures of the original cast.
Guns N’ Roses got in early with a sample from Cool Hand Luke (1967) on “Civil War”, while industrial metal band Ministry borrowed from Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket (1987) for their song “Thieves”.
The good news is that sampling’s star only seems to get brighter with age. Recent figures suggest that as many as half the songs that make the Billboard charts use the technique, although, its practitioners have found new depths to dredge for their samples.
One Vice writer’s favorite “weirdest” hip-hop samples includes Lil Wayne’s “Office Musik”, which uses exactly that – music from The Office TV show, and Charles Hamilton’s “Windows Media Player”. Hamilton’s song samples an old Windows start-up sound. It’s not quite a classic. Of course, we’ll never forget Jay-Z’s “Hard Knock Life”.
An Important Shift
The origin of samples moves with the years. Between 2022 and 2021, research from Tracklib revealed the number of snippets from the 2000s increased by 24%.
It’s an important shift. Tracklib claims that 2022 marked the first time the 2000s beat the 1990s for sampling dominance – and the arrival of Gen Z in the studio. Put another way, there’s been a change in what producers are growing up with.
Hiphop dropped its crown to R&B as the most sampled genre in 2022. Electronic music like dance got a boost. Overall, 17% of the songs on the Billboard Top 100 contained at least one sample, an increase of 14% from the previous year.
If we consider the album charts, the most recent data saw a push from 51% having samples to 54%. Tracklib notes that the latter figure hasn’t fallen below 50% in five years. Sadly, the previous source seems to have abandoned its research in 2022 and, with it, any collection of important sampling stats.
The BBC offered a different appraisal of sample usage in 2023, noting that 25% (one in four) of the songs in the UK’s Top 40 borrowed from another artist. This is a little higher than Tracklib’s 17% for 2022 – but still roughly consistent with previous figures.
Twenty-five years on from its heyday, the sampling spirit of J Dilla and co. lingers on.
50 Cent is not letting Joe Budden off the hook after the former Slaughterhouse MC suggested he needs therapy, doubling down with a throwback clip of Budden revealing his unconventional method for keeping his pet dog happy.
The G-unit founder has been relentlessly trolling the rapper-turned-podcaster for weeks. On Tuesday morning (March 4), 50 Cent took to Instagram to share an old clip from “The Joe Budden Podcast.”
In the footage, recorded in 2020, Budden playfully claims he plays with his dog’s genitals.
“Why do I always wanna make the dog feel good by playing with their f###### privates?” Budden jokes. “That’s how I know that he’s not a real animal lover. Anybody with a pet, you did a little something down there to make the dog feel good.”
50 Cent reposted the clip, taunting Joe Budden and claiming he should register as a sex offender.
“wait a minute,” he wrote in the caption. “Joe you need therapy something is not right. You touch your pet sexually, master bate so often you need travel lube and sleep walk naked out side of your home. You should have to register as a sex offender.”
Joe Budden previously recommended 50 Cent get “therapy” in response to his reaction to Irv Gotti’s death, kicking off their feud.
Joe Budden Threatens 50 Cent With Legal Action
The entertainment mogul fired back, trolling Budden over his arrest last year with AI-generated images of Budden wandering around in public in his underwear.
Budden then threatened to take legal action if the jokes became problematic.
“50 been posting me for seven days in a row,” Budden said on his podcast. “If I have a problem with it, we getting lawyers involved.”
However, 50 laughed off Budden’s lawsuit threat and called him out for a face-to-face confrontation.
“You gonna sue me Joe,” he responded. “Hahaha I think you are mistaken me for someone else. I’m a get face to face wit you, so you can tell me about the therapy I need.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing a lawsuit from Kirk Burrowes, co-founder and former president of Bad Boy Entertainment, who accuses the mogul of a “deeply disturbing pattern” of abusive behavior.
In his explosive lawsuit, Burrowes accuses the disgraced mogul of sexual abuse, coercion, violence, intimidation, career sabotage and financial extortion spanning more than a decade.
The complaint details years of “predatory” actions and repeated sexual harassment, including unwanted sexual advances, nudity, sexual overtones, voyeurism and acts of exhibitionism.
In the filing, Burrowes details an incident in 1995 where Diddy allegedly demanded he watch him masturbate. Things escalated later that year when Burrowes claims Diddy pinned him “down onto a bed and [simulated] intercourse until he ejaculated.”
Diddy also allegedly asked his associate to “give him hand jobs, blow jobs and to use objects on him anally.”
Additionally, Diddy is accused of forcing Burrowes to watch him engage in sexual acts with others to reinforce “control through humiliation and intimidation.”
The complaint also alleges that Combs “stormed” into Burrowes’ office wielding a baseball bat, demanding that he “sign over his 25% stake in Bad Boy Entertainment, Inc. or face violent consequences.”
As a result, Burrowes relinquished his ownership stake “without receiving any financial compensation” in 1996, with Diddy reportedly taking deliberate actions to “erase” his legacy at the company.
Further, Diddy allegedly blacklisted Burrowes by warning industry executives against working with him as recently as 2022.
Burrowes requests a jury trial and seeks redress for the physical, emotional, and financial devastation inflicted upon him.
Burrowes Sues Diddy’s Mom Over Bad Boy Ownership Stake
Kirk Burrowes also filed a lawsuit against Diddy’s mom, Janice Combs, on February 26. He claims she unlawfully took control of his 25% stake in Bad Boy following her son’s alleged threat of physical violence.
The suit seeks $100,000 Burrowes asserts he is owed, along with additional damages. He is also asking for reinstatement of his 25% ownership stake, his annual share of profits and a full forensic audit of Bad Boy Entertainment’s financial records.
Teyana Taylor and Aaron Pierre’s appearance at an Oscars after-party sent social media into a frenzy with dating rumors, and the pair only added fuel to the fire—especially as many fans believe they just made their alleged romance Instagram official.
Speculation about the multi hyphenate singer and the Mufasa: The Lion King actor has been growing, as the two have been spotted together at multiple recent events.
However, Taylor’s latest Instagram post has only intensified the buzz, with many fans taking it as a subtle confirmation of their rumored romance.
On Monday evening (March 3), Taylor shared a series of black-and-white photos, seemingly taken at JAY-Z and Beyoncé’s Oscars Gold Party. In the images, she and Pierre strike several intimate poses, further fueling speculation that they’re a couple.
“Oscar night in black & white,” she captioned the post. “No grey area.”
Among the many fans speculating in the comment section, celebrity friends only added to the buzz.
Niecy Nash playfully urged everyone to “Mind ya business!” while SZA chimed in, writing, “Not y’all both fine and feline in the most mysterious way. Giving lion and lioness.”
However, former City Girls rapper JT wasn’t about to let the rumors slide, directly asking, “Sis, y’all go together? Please confirm!”
Although Neither Teyana Taylor nor Aaron Pierre have officially confirmed their relationship status, they were seen together at multiple events in February.
Taylor divorced basketball player Iman Shumpert in January 2023 after seven years of marriage, while Pierre has remained private about his past relationships.
Sean “Diddy” Combs is being sued by Sara Rivers, a former contestant on Making the Band 2 and member of Da Band.
Rivers filed a $60 million lawsuit against Diddy on February 28, accusing him of sexual harassment, assault, battery, career sabotage and creating an inhumane working environment during her time on the MTV reality show (2002-2004).
Rivers claimed Diddy sexually harassed her by backing her into a corner, touching her inappropriately, and making suggestive comments. She also alleged that Diddy controlled her eating and sleeping schedule, mocked her appearance (including her struggles with bulimia) and scrutinized her in a sexual and humiliating manner.
In her lawsuit, Rivers cited the infamous “cheesecake incident,” where she and her bandmates were forced to walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn to fetch cheesecake, as an example of public humiliation.
Rivers said she and other members of the group were subject to threats of violence. She claims the incarcerated mogul even threatened to kill one person.
Additionally, the complaint accuses Diddy of sabotaging Rivers’ music career by disbanding Da Band and blackballing her from the industry.
Rivers stated she was paid only $5,000 per episode during the show and received a one-time payment of $25,000 after signing a publishing contract under pressure.
Sara Rivers Speaks Out Against Diddy in New Documentary
Sara Rivers voiced allegations against Diddy in a recent Peacock documentary, Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy.
“I was by myself…and he touched me in a place that you shouldn’t have,” she stated. “That was inappropriate.”
The lawsuit also named MTV, Viacom, Universal Music Group, Bad Boy Entertainment officials (including Diddy’s mother, Janice Combs) and his former assistant, Fonzworth Bentley.
Rivers filed the lawsuit just before the expiration of New York’s Gender-Motivated Violence Act lookback window, which allowed survivors to bring claims regardless of when the incidents occurred.
Diddy’s legal team denied all allegations, calling them false and opportunistic. They argued that the claims were baseless and part of a rush to file lawsuits before the legal deadline.
Rivers’ lawsuit is one of several recent legal challenges against Diddy. Over a dozen individuals have accused him of sexual misconduct, including 14 new lawsuits filed on February 28.
Diddy allegedly assaulted a woman inside Jay-Z’s famed 40/40 Club in New York City after reportedly drugging her drink, according to an explosive new lawsuit filed by Jane Doe.
The unsettling allegations date back to 2006, when Doe, a young Pennsylvania woman in her twenties, visited Manhattan with her sister to spend time with their cousin.
Eager to partake in New York’s glamorous nightlife, they headed to the popular 40/40 Club, a high-profile celeb hotspot known for drawing A-listers from the Hip-Hop world and beyond.
Shortly after arriving, Doe and her companions noticed Diddy, born Sean Diddy, strolling into the club with his entourage.
It wasn’t long before the music mogul set his sights on Doe and her party, sending them complimentary rounds of expensive champagne, tequila shots, and what Doe believes was his own vodka brand, Ciroc.
After consuming just two drinks provided by Diddy, Doe reportedly began experiencing dizziness and disorientation. Hoping to regain her composure, she excused herself to the women’s restroom.
Moments after entering a stall, Doe heard the bathroom door reopen. Initially dismissing it as nothing unusual, she quickly realized she was in danger when the stall door abruptly flew open.
Standing before Doe was the Bad Boy founder himself, his genitals exposed as he aggressively approached her.
Paralyzed with fear, Doe alleges Diddy violently grabbed her neck with one hand, forcibly directing her head toward his groin while simultaneously reaching under her dress to g#### her breasts with the other hand.
Terrified, Doe began screaming for help.
According to the complaint, Diddy became enraged, reportedly shouting, “I’m Puff Daddy,” “I get what I want,” “I have the keys to the city,” and “I know you want it.”
Doe continued to struggle, screaming “No!” and “Help!” but the club’s booming music drowned out her cries.
The alleged assault ended abruptly when another patron unexpectedly entered the restroom, momentarily distracting Diddy. Seizing the opportunity, Doe pushed Diddy aside, escaping the restroom in panic.
Outside the door, she saw one of his bodyguards, whom she recognized as an associate often involved in dubious activities. Doe fled the club, traumatized.
The lawsuit does not name JAY-Z or the 40/40 Club as defendants, focusing solely on allegations against Diddy.
Young Thug appears to be utilizing his experience navigating life following the end of his contentious YSL RICO trial as material to incorporate in his upcoming music.
On Monday (March 3), an unreleased snippet clocking in at roughly 15-seconds captured the Atlanta rapper seemingly delivering bars conveying his frustration with the forfeiture of his property to the authorities following a police raid on his home in 2022. Though Thug recently successfully retrieved several pieces of valuable jewelry seized during raid as part of a racketeering case there appears to be one major prized possession in particular he is missing badly at the moment.
“I’m in a jiggity-jam, i lost a g####### lamb/She got a question for me.. Daddy – i’m him? Yes ma’am!” Thug raps in part in the snippet.
While Thug doesn’t appear to go into any detail about whether or not the Lamborghini was seized during the raid on his home nearly three years ago, his bars seem to infer the entire ordeal has become somewhat of a thorn in his side— not to mention a whole in his wallet.
In addition to fumbling his Lamborghini, Thug lost several other vehicles during the raid, including a Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz GLS Maybach and two Mercedes-Benz AMG GTs. It’s estimated the total sum of the items seized during his arrest, which he is currently going through the process to reclaim, was worth an estimated $2 to $3 million.
Adding another level of complexity to this situation is the matter of the highly specific and strict terms of Thug’s probation. In October 2024 Judge Paige Whitaker slapped Young Thug with a 40-year sentence, with the first five years commuted as time served. She also sentenced him to 15 years of probation and thousands of dollars in fines.
Even though Thug’s allowed to continue recording music and performing, he must stay compliant with the terms of his probation. Of those aforementioned terms, Thug can only continue making music so long as he doesn’t reference any gang activity. Through rapping about his case, similarly in the same way A$AP Rocky was rumored to recently rap about his acquittal in his gun assault trial last month, things could get tricky should Thug reference YSL or any other defendants of the indictment he faced.
Additionally, he must complete 100 hours of community service each year, including delivering four annual presentations on gang and gun violence at a school or boys or girls club.
The “Just How It Is” rapper is barred from the Atlanta Metro area for the first 10 years of his probation, save for attending a funeral, wedding or such event of a close family member. Thug accepted a non-negotiated (or blind) plea deal after agreeing to plead guilty or no contest to multiple charges, including possession of a machine gun, the RICO count and gang leader count.
Chris Rock returned to the spotlight to address the infamous Oscars slap and his willingness to host Hollywood’s biggest night again, revealing a refreshing perspective rooted deeply in forgiveness.
In an exclusive new chat with E! News, the renowned comedian and actor reflected candidly on the unforgettable moment from the 2022 Oscars, when actor Will Smith stormed the stage and slapped him after Rock made a quip comparing Smith’s then-wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, to “G.I. Jane,” referencing her shaved head due to alopecia.
The controversial slap quickly went viral, sparking widespread debate and resulting in a decade-long ban for Smith from all Academy events, including future Oscar ceremonies.
At the time, Smith famously shouted from his seat, “Keep my wife’s name out your f**king mouth!” But now, more than a year later, Chris Rock appears to have risen above the drama.
Speaking openly, the “Grown Ups” star shared his philosophy on forgiveness and hinted that he might be open to hosting duties at the Oscars again someday.
“This is what I would say, the most miserable people on earth are people that can’t forgive,” Chris Rock said. “And not just people, you have to forgive yourself sometimes. So, hey, you never know.”
Rock further emphasized the importance of moving forward, adding, “I live in forgiveness. True love starts at forgiveness.”
Nick Cannon is apparently not only interested in breaking Elon Musk’s record for number of children, but also in possibly shattering the ideologies behind the construction of the family tree.
During a recent interview, adult film actress Brandi Sheri opened up about her experience dating Nick Cannon at the same time as her identical twin sister, Brittany. Sheri explained the details of their time as a blissful throuple during an appearance on the Plug Talk Podcast last month. While discussing the trend of men attempting to “rescue” her from the lifestyle of the p### industry, Sheri revealed how her relationship with Cannon and her sister was particularly unique.
More specifically, when asked if Cannon attempted to “save” her, Sheri replied, “Uh, he’s the only guy that was able to properly date me and my sister together.”
Considering Nick Cannon has made it very well known that he plans to spread his seed and procreate with as many able bodied partners as his heart desires, Sheri was asked if they had discussions about having a babies together.
“We had that discussion, but who wants brother cousins or sister cousins or daddy uncle?” Sheri replied before adding, “How do I explain that to everybody?”
As the exchange continued, the conversation shifted to the particulars of their relationship, which Sheri confirmed lasted for at least a year and a half. During that time frame, Sheri admitted that they all lived together and shared nearly everything amongst each other, including sexual intimacy.
”Unless I wake up and he was like f*cking her in the bathroom, but I wouldn’t care,” she said.
Coincidentally, around the same time Sheri’s interview aired last month, Cannon congratulated Musk for welcoming his 13th child into the world—though it has since been revealed that he has fathered 14 children to date. In 2023, 50 Cent trolled Cannon for being the father of 12 during an interview promoting his G-Unit TV and Films endeavor.
“If I had Nick Cannon’s 12 kids or s### like that, you could put them all in a bedroom,” 50 Cent said. “Everybody’s here. Putting everybody together, then it would make sense. But I’m not going to have kids like that. I don’t want the responsibility of that many women that you got to deal with emotionally, especially after they don’t feel like your friend anymore.”
He continued, “I don’t know what the f### is wrong with Nick Cannon. This s### is just different. I have to work on that part right there when it slips out. That’s the old 50 Cent. I am the new 50.”
Angie Stone: The Hip-Hop Soul Pioneer Who Helped Shape the Game
In 1981, after she had a hit song, Angie B was backstage at Disco Fever in the Bronx with the first female rapper, a young MC Sha-Rock. By this time, the pair are rap stars at the forefront of the explosion of Hip-Hop. And Disco Fever was the spot that jumped off as Hip-Hop took hold of the city.
Disco Fever was in the South Bronx, considered one of the most blighted urban areas in the United States. The widespread poverty, abandoned buildings and crime were highly publicized. On that particular day, Sha and Angie—neither old enough to drink—posed for a picture, not knowing what was about to happen.
“My fondest memory of Angie is this night back in 1981 at Disco Fever in the Bronx,” Sha-Rock told AllHipHop. “Right after we’d taken this pic together,” she recollects. “Someone shot off a gun. People began to run and trample over each over. I fell and Angie covered me with her body; until we were able to get from under the chaos and get to safety.”
This was Angie Brown—a child of the deep South and Black church, she had ventured far from home to make her mark on music. After hit songs on Sugar Hill Records and after Sha-Rock made a historic performance on Saturday Night Live as a member of the Funky 4 + 1, her character stood tall wherever she was. Unbeknownst to her, her talents, heart, soul and nerve would go on to impact the course of history.
Angie Brown, who started going by Angie Stone, was part of one of Hip-Hop’s first all-female rap groups, The Sequence, way before Salt-N-Pepa, MC Lyte or Queen Latifah. Alongside Cheryl “The Pearl” Cook and Gwendolyn “Blondy” Chisolm, Stone broke barriers when they signed with Sugar Hill Records in the late ’70s. How? The teens, hailing out of South Carolina, auditioned for legendary music mogul Sylvia Robinson at a local event. The Sugar Hill boss quickly signed the three high school students, who performed a game-changing cheerleading routine as their last song.
That routine was eventually recorded as the hit “Funk You Up” (1979), which came out right after Sugar Hill Gang’s smash “Rapper’s Delight.” This jam was one of the earliest rap songs ever recorded and the first for a female rap group. The song, a Top 15 hit, resonated for decades. Dr. Dre used parts of the song for his record “Keep Their Heads Ringin’” in 1995.
“When The Sequence hit the [New York] Hip-Hop scene and released “Funk You Up,” both the legendary Frankie Crocker of WBLS and Mr. Magic of WHBI, put the record in rotation,” Hip-Hop Matriarch” MC Debbie D says.
Growing up in Harlem and The BX, she lived the early days of the culture and recognized that what the group was doing was expanding beyond the streets.
“Their [The Sequence] faces were on the cover [of their songs] and back then, nobody’s faces were on the cover. We were in the Bronx and Harlem, but they were on tour,” she explains. “They were doing stuff. It’s unfortunate Angie Stone’s death happened for these stories to come out.”
The Sequence’s impact was undeniable, even though most narratives continue to pontificate as if they didn’t exist. They brought an authentic, Southern-fried funk to the culture, bridging the gap between R&B, funk and rap’s raging bravado.
“Angie was a passionate person when it came to the Sequence’s contributions to Hip-Hop Culture, as she should,” Sha-Rock says. “We went through a lot of things together in the early 80’s; from going on the first Hip-Hop tour with the Sugar Hill Record Label in 1981 with Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5 to Funky 4+1 More, The Gap Band, Wayne & Charlie and Skyyy.”
A child of the Deep South, Stone was born inColumbia, South Carolina, in 1961. She was steeped in gospel music from an early age and applied that soul to rap. Her soul voice—both literally and figuratively—became a powerful force in an emerging sound that would change the world. And then she applied it to another trend that would alter how we heard music.
The Evolution of Angie Stone
By 1985, The Sequence had broken up, making way for the explosion of Hip-Hop culture.
Unlike many of her peers who faded into the background as Hip-Hop evolved, Angie Stone reinvented herself. She took a pit stop with the group Vertical Hold, which yielded the hit song “Seems You’re Much Too Busy.” She did not stay there. Her roots were in rap, so she brought that swagger to the rich, emerging world of R&B and Neo-Soul. By carrying Hip-Hop’s energy into the realm of melody and deep storytelling.
Her work with D’Angelo, who would eventually father her son, on his 1995 classic “Brown Sugar” was pivotal. (It should be noted the pair collaborated in ’94 on Vertical Hold’s powerful ballad “Pray.”) D, a native of Richmond, Virginia, looked like he could be a 90s emcee. Instead, brought that to deep soul to the world with help from Angie Stoneo. She co-wrote and provided background vocals on severalf his tracks, helping to bolster what would be coined the Neo-Soul Movement. This version of R&B was raw, organic, and undeniably connected to Hip-Hop.
Hip-Hop Collaborations: Angie’s Unbreakable Connection to Rap
Though Angie transitioned into a soul singer, her bond with Hip-Hop never wavered. She seamlessly blended both genres in ways that many artists today take for granted.
“Brotha” (2001) became an anthem for Black men and featured a remix with Eve and Alicia Keys.
She has also collaborated with Musiq Soulchild, Guru, Talib Kweli, and Raphael Saadiq, artists who each embrace the intersection of Hip-Hop, Jazz and soul.
She even “collaborated” with Rodney Stone, better known as Lil Rodney C, a group mate in the Funky Four + 1 with Sha Rock. Their marriage produced their daughter Diamond in 1985. “They were the first ‘Love and Hip-Hop’ relationship,” Debbie professes.
Angie Stone Matters in Hip-Hop
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur and Angie Stone
Angie Stone’s name is often overlooked when the history of Hip-Hop is told, but her fingerprints are everywhere. Be clear, her impact to this thing of ours cannot be quantified. As a rapper, she was a trailblazer; as a singer, she helped shape the modern sound of Hip-Hop-infused R&B.
At a time when female voices were rarely given the credit they deserved in rap’s early days, The Sequence helped lay the foundation for future generations. Their influence is still heard in today’s music, whether through samples or in the careers of artists who stand on their shoulders.
“The Sequence were proof that women in Hip-Hop were marketable. National tours, TV and radio appearances, countless performances,” Debbie D said. “The Sequence is Hip-Hop’s first female rap and Angie Stone, songwriter and Neo Soul recording artist, has always been a beast on the mic!”
At the time of her death, Angie Stone remained a respected elder of the culture, a reminder that the bridge between Hip-Hop and soul has always existed. Long before the industry truly acknowledged it, Her work embodied the heart of both genres.
So, put some respect on Angie Stone’s name, because without her, the sound of today might have been very, very different.
EPILOGUE
Before the terrible car crash, Angie Stone continued to work hard, in the spirit of love, legacy and – possibly survival.
Mali Hunter, the famed Atlanta studio owner, recently returned to her roots of singing. She and Angie announced a tour a few short days ago, February 27.
“My body aches as I write this. My Big Sister, Mentor, and prayer warrior – Angie Stone,”You gave God all the glory, all the time. We had plans to tour together this spring. Our 20-year bond was sisterhood, love, and uplift. At times you were my rock, at others I was yours. Your surprise quote in Thursday’s press release for my EP will forever be etched in my heart. I’ll carry your legacy with me, and I know you’ll be shining your light on me as you always did. Until we meet again, dear one praying this 1st Sunday of the month that God blesses your children, family, and friends with peace beyond all understanding! Rest now️ for a job well done.”
Similar to Sha-Rock, Stone was also fighting for her “coins,” as she posted a revealing condemnation of Universal Records in an Instagram post just before that fatal car crash. The circumstances surrounding her passing have reignited discussions about the financial struggles many artists endure. A grandmother, she worried about being able to retire and what monies her heirs would receive. In the clip, she voiced concerns over her royalties, implying that Universal Music Group had not been properly distributing the funds she was owed.
“End of the day, after 40 something years in the business, I’m like, well, why…where are my royalties going?” she questioned. Stone suggested that her earnings had been mismanaged, hindering her financial stability throughout her career. She further referenced unresolved class-action lawsuits and hinted at betrayals from those within her inner circle.
“I’m only now discovering that they were not properly registered by the companies I entrusted them to,” she said, expressing frustration over the negligence of those responsible for protecting her interests.
Angie Stone fought until the very end and there is nothing more Hip-Hop than that.
May she rest, knowing she was loved, appreciated and changed the world for the better.
actually very sad bc angie stone just uploaded this video not too long ago calling out universal music group for basically mishandling all of her royalties. 💔 pic.twitter.com/un48w4cza8
Kendrick Lamar’s blood cousin, rapper Hitta J3, has called out Rubi Rose over her recent remarks about Drake.
On Sunday (March 2), Hitta J3 targeted Rose in a series of tweets in which he criticized her statement regarding Drake and Kendrick’s brutal rap feud. More specifically, Hitta J3 pushed back on Rose’s judgmental rhetoric regarding the shift in public opinion seemingly favoring Kendrick.
“Remember when ppl tried to say Kendrick over Drake lol wtf,” Rose wrote on February 28.
Though he didn’t catch wind of her words until March 2, Hitta J3 didn’t allow Rose to get away with her tongue-in-cheek tweet and proceeded to call her out for allegedly switching sides. In fact, according to his word, Rose was actually a key member in attendance during Kendrick’s Juneteenth concert last year at the height of the West Coast lyricist’s battle with Drake.
“Tell @RubiRose stop faking like she wasn’t pullin up to dot concert in LA she know she been A Fan of Gang too,” Hitta J3 wrote in a tweet he tagged Rose in.
In a follow up remark, Hitta J3 further picked on Rose, putting her down over her dating history in a tweet he wrote, “How you go from f##### with carti [Playboi Carti] to Druski lol.”
Rose’s words falls on the heels of Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR’s $ome $exy $ongs 4U album debuting at the number one spot on the Billboard 200 Album chart mere weeks after Kendrick Lamar performed his “Not Like Us” diss track aimed at Drizzy during his performance at the Super Bowl LIX halftime show.
Hitta J3’s response to Rose isn’t necessarily shocking, given he’s been tweeting negative things about Drake and his associates for months now amid the Toronto MC’s conflict with Kendrick. Days before he singled out Rose, he indirectly sent a shot in Drake’s direction via a tweet inferring that Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” lyrics about Drizzy being a pedophile were true.
“It’s funny because he got exposed for liking little girls now they tryna say everybody else like little girls let him hold his title proudly lol,” he tweeted.
As for Rose, several users appear to side with Hitta J3 and tweeted proverbial receipts of her support for Kendrick, including a previous interview in which she spoke about how Baby Keem introduced them along with videos of her recently, Vibing out to his GNX chart-topper “Luther” featuring SZA.
Hoodfame rapper G$ Lil Ronnie and his daughter have been identified as the two people shot and killed at Slappy’s Express Car Wash in Forest Hill, Texas, although their names weren’t immediately released. The two deaths were confirmed by Tarrant County ambulance service MedStar, according to CBS News.
Video from local news crews on the scene shows Forest Hill Police, MedStar and the Fort Worth Fire Department responding in the 6500 block of Forest Hill Drive. The harrowing scene unfolded on Monday (March 3) with witnesses describing hearing what sounded like gunshots in the area.
A nearby resident April Tarpley heard what sounded like a “bunch of gunshots.” She added, “I was laying in my bed, and I heard a bunch of gunshots. Initially I thought it was them working in the street. It was loud. I wish they hadn’t put that car wash right there because, yeah, it’s just been like issues upon issues. Mainly with traffic getting out of my neighborhood.
Another neighbor Becky Johnson said she also heard what sounded like gunfire. She told WFAA, “I heard six — one, two, three, pop, pop, pop, pop, pop — then about a few seconds later, I heard another six.”
Lil Ronnie hailed from Fort Worth, Texas, and was known for his contributions to the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) rap scene. His music blended classic Hip-Hop elements with contemporary production techniques, creating a sound that is both innovative and grounded in tradition.
With chart-topping singles like “Red Roses” and critically acclaimed albums often branded with “Best in Texas,” he established himself as a leading figure in the region’s rap renaissance. His lyrical style, characterized by introspection and relatability, explored personal struggles, empowerment and triumph.
Beyond his music, Lil Ronnie was deeply connected to the culture of vinyl records, which influenced both his artistry and his appreciation for music’s tangible history. His collaborations with other DFW artists, such as Go Yayo, highlighted the collaborative spirit of the local scene and its growing influence in Southern Hip-Hop.
Ronnie’s Instagram is blowing up with tributes. AllHipHop sends its condolences to their loved ones.
Blacc Sam confronted Crip-affiliated blogger Rocstar2800 during the grand opening of Marathon Burger on Saturday (March 1), making it clear that certain individuals weren’t welcome at the establishment. Sam reportedly told the blogger to “go ride” on those who have disrespected his late brother, Nipsey Hussle, rather than appearing at a venue created in Nipsey’s honor.
There were rumors that this blogger might have been gathering information for Wack 100. However, the veteran music manager (and Blood affiliate) quickly denied these claims, stating that he didn’t send anyone to observe Blacc Sam or the Marathon Burger launch. Wack 100 also mentioned that he supports the new business and was unhappy about being connected to the situation.
Interestingly, the blogger was apparently collecting information and then sharing it with Wack 100 voluntarily. Wack responded by publicly calling out the blogger for this behavior, creating an unusual situation where the information-gatherer was himself exposed.
Wack 100 goes off on Rocstar2800 for mentioning his name during his altercation with Blacc Sam:
Nipsey’s legacy continues to attract attention, and some speculate this might have been an attempt to test how close someone could get to Blacc Sam and the Marathon brand. But that’s just me.
Hopefully, this situation won’t escalate further. Blacc Sam has worked hard to preserve his brother’s legacy, and Marathon Burger should be a place to celebrate that achievement rather than a venue for controversy.
Wishing peace and protection for all involved.
Please support Marathon Burger at 7507 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046.
Sampling has become one of the most influential strategies in modern music production, shaping genres from hip-hop to electronic sounds. It involves repurposing snippets of existing recordings into new compositions.
Producers can blend the past and present to create new sounds, whether with a drum break, instrumental loop, or vocal phase. However, the art of sampling involves more than cutting and pasting audio. Read on to discover everything about the subject.
What Are the Basics of Sampling?
Sampling involves reusing parts of music recordings to create different songs. This repurposed sample, usually called the sample, can be a rhythm, a speech snippet, ambient sounds, or a melody.
Sampling, an old practice, has become popular because it helps to give new life to old songs, sometimes changing them into completely different songs. It isn’t just lifting parts of other songs. Like other intellectual property, strict copyright laws also come into play.
Before using a sample, you must get the required clearance from the original holders of the copyright. Even so, there is a line between inspiration and plagiarism. In some cases, this clearance may involve licensing agreements and financial compensation. Failure to meet this requirement can lead to legal disputes and substantial fines, so copyright considerations are important in music sampling.
While there are several classic hip-hop samples you need to know, other music genres have also recently become popular. Sampling is a foundational strategy in music production, allowing artists to use existing sounds in fresh creative work. The huge number of sounds available for use has made it an essential aspect of music creation.
What Are the Different Music Sampling Techniques?
You can use multiple techniques if you’ve decided on the sounds to sample. These techniques differ in difficulty, with some being more advanced than others. For instance, chopping involves slicing the sample at different points.
With looping, you create repetitions with the snippet while adding other elements. Using rearranging sampling, you’ll place the snippets into new sounds. Other types of music sampling include:
Transposing
Resampling
Sample mixing
Reversing
Time stretching
How to Use Sampling in Music Production
Sampling is an intricate journey that requires a keen ear for potential. It allows you to create new and original sounds. Choosing a sound for sampling can be tricky, but adjusting it to fit your music can be more challenging. Here are the steps for using sampling in music production.
Choosing a Sample
The first step to using sampling in music production is to choose a sample. Look for sounds that complement your track’s mood. Consider the tempo, texture, and key to ensure smooth integration. A well-chosen sample can define your track’s character.
Manipulating the Sample
Manipulating a sample can transform it into something unique. Techniques like chopping and reversing can reshape the sound to fit your track. Adding effects like distortion and filtering can improve creativity. However, experiment with innovative sounds while maintaining a personal touch.
Adding the Sample to Your New Composition
The final step is adding the manipulated sample into your new composition. In this case, you must ensure that all the elements complement each other. The producer must also consider the rhythm, melody, and overall structure.
Endnote
Sampling has become a huge part of music production. However, you must choose a sample that matches other aspects of your song. You must also manipulate the sample to transform it into a unique sound before adding it to your new song.
Diddy allegedly hid in the trunk of an LAPD cruiser to secretly escape Los Angeles moments after the murder of famed rapper Notorious B.I.G., according to explosive claims made by former Bad Boy Entertainment co-founder Kirk Burrowes.
The stunning allegation surfaced in a new lawsuit filed by Burrowes against Sean “Diddy” Combs, accusing the mogul of a sustained pattern of abuse, manipulation and intimidation spanning over a decade.
According to the lawsuit, Burrowes documented Diddy’s immediate actions following the tragic March 9, 1997, shooting death of Christopher Wallace, better known as Notorious B.I.G.
Burrowes claims that Diddy, unharmed but reportedly panicked, wasted no time fleeing the city after Wallace was fatally shot in a drive-by attack.
The lawsuit asserts that Diddy quickly reached out to veteran music industry fixer Clarence Avant rather than staying in Los Angeles to comfort Wallace’s grieving family or assist the Bad Boy staff through the traumatic event.
Avant, utilizing his considerable influence with high-ranking LAPD officials, allegedly arranged for Diddy’s covert escape from Los Angeles.
In a particularly striking detail, the lawsuit alleges he was “reportedly transported to a private airport via the trunk of a police cruiser, allowing him to leave the city undetected as local gangs searched downtown Los Angeles for him.”
The filing harshly criticizes Diddy for what it describes as “false, performative grief” publicly displayed in the aftermath of Wallace’s murder.
While he vowed publicly to spare no expense in honoring his slain friend, behind closed doors, Burrowes alleges that Diddy and his attorney, Kenneth Meiseles, pressured him to hand over Wallace’s final business contract, which had been carefully negotiated to provide Wallace greater financial autonomy.
According to the suit, Diddy instructed Burrowes to alter the agreement to grant the Bad Boy founder “a 100% interest in Wallace’s works.” Burrowes says he refused to alter the document but was forced to hand it over.
When the contract was returned, the lawsuit claims, only the cover page and signature page remained untouched — the critical financial terms had been completely rewritten.
Further, Burrowes alleges that Diddy reneged on public promises to cover Wallace’s funeral expenses, instead charging the entire cost to Wallace’s artist expense account, saddling his estate and family with the financial burden.
The suit argues that his actions ultimately deprived Wallace’s mother, Voletta Wallace, and his children of the wealth and security Wallace had worked diligently to secure.
The lawsuit, however, extends far beyond financial allegations, accusing Diddy of a decade-long pattern of sexual harassment, coercion, intimidation and violence against Burrowes himself.
It contends that Diddy weaponized his power at Bad Boy Entertainment to subject Burrowes to repeated unwanted sexual advances and physical aggression, ultimately forcing him to relinquish his 25% ownership stake in the company under threat of violence.
Once Hip-Hop royalty, the legacy of Bad Boy Entertainment now faces scrutiny as Burrowes’s lawsuit pulls back the curtain on alleged dark dealings behind the scenes.
As the accusations unfold, the story of Notorious B.I.G.’s tragic death continues to cast a long shadow over the Hip-Hop industry he helped define.
Snoop Dogg has become a grandfather again after his daughter Cori Broadus welcomed her little girl three months before her due date.
The West Coast icon’s youngest child announced the news in a joint Instagram post with her fiancé Wayne Deuce, on Friday (February 1), sharing a black and white image of their daughter’s foot.
“The princess arrived at 6 months,” Broadus wrote in the caption. “I’ve cried and cried, I’ve compared and compared, blaming myself because I wasn’t able to give her all that she needed. But no matter what God always shows me that He got me!”
She added, “Baby girl came at 25 weeks today and she’s the best!! Thank You God for getting me this far.”
Broadus, Snoop Dogg’s only daughter, opened up about the birth on her Instagram Stories.
“1st c-section was a success,” she wrote on a photo of her lying on the operating table. “s/o to the man up above.”
In a follow-up post, the first-time mom revealed that she went to the doctor thinking she “just had a bad case of gas,” but was later diagnosed with HELLP syndrome.
According to Yale Medicine, HELLP syndrome is a rare, life-threatening condition that stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzyme Levels, and Low Platelet Levels. It typically occurs in the third trimester but can also develop during or after childbirth, leading to serious complications like hemorrhage or excessive bleeding.
Broadus explained that the syndrome “is very severe and can even cause death if untreated.” She added, “[The] doctors told me thank you for coming and if I would’ve waited a few more days it would’ve been really bad.”
She also offered a crucial reminder to other expectant mothers, urging them to trust their instincts.
“Ladies please listen to your bodies,” she stated. “Don’t believe everything you see on TIK TOK( talking to myself lowkey).”
Snoop Dogg Opens Up About Cori Suffering A Stroke In 2024
Last year, Cori Broadus revealed that she suffered a severe stroke in January 2024, a life-threatening event that changed her perspective.
“I was celebrating at a party, and then the next day, I’m in the hospital,” she shared. “I think it really scared everyone… You know, a stroke is no joke. It brought me and my family closer, [realizing] that anything can happen in the snap of a finger.”
Snoop Dogg also opened up about the terrifying experience.
“It’s hard for me to revisit that day,” he admitted. “Anyone who knows me knows my daughter is my kryptonite.”
