Trump Backs Nicki Minaj After Rapper’s Attack On Don Lemon Over ICE Church Protest

Donald Trump jumped into the beef between Nicki Minaj and Don Lemon by resharing calls for the journalist’s arrest.

The president amplified a Truth Social post demanding Lemon face 40 years in prison after covering an ICE protest at a Minnesota church on January 18.

Minaj had already gone nuclear on Lemon with a series of posts on X. She called him a homophobic slur and demanded his arrest after he livestreamed activists confronting a pastor during a church service.

The controversy began when protesters disrupted a service at Cities Church in St. Paul. They targeted David Easterwood, who serves as both pastor and Acting Director of ICE’s Saint Paul Field Office.

Lemon was streaming live on his YouTube channel when the confrontation happened. He told viewers the service stopped and many people left after the surprise protest.

“They’ve stopped the service and a lot of people, a number of people have left,” Lemon said during his livestream. “A surprise effort here, obviously, and the folks here are not happy about it.”

Minaj exploded on social media hours later. She shared a photo of a Chucky doll and wrote: “DON ‘C— SUCKIN’ LEMON IS DISGUSTING. HOW DARE YOU? I WANT THAT THUG IN JAIL!!!!! HE WOULD NEVER DO THAT TO ANY OTHER RELIGION. LOCK HIM UP!!!!!”

The “Super Bass” rapper doubled down with another post. She retweeted content slamming Lemon for his interracial marriage and other allegations, adding, “True or False? #ArrestDonLemon.”

Trump’s reshared post connected the incident to the FACE Act. The original poster claimed elderly women received 40-year sentences for protesting at abortion clinics under the same law.

Conservatives accused Lemon of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. The 1994 law makes it illegal to prevent people from obtaining reproductive health services or exercising religious freedom at places of worship.

The feud highlights the long-running animosity between Trump and Lemon. Trump has repeatedly called Lemon “the dumbest man on television” since 2018.

Their beef escalated in August 2018 when Trump attacked both LeBron James and Lemon after the basketball star criticized the president in a CNN interview.

“Lebron James was just interviewed by the dumbest man on television, Don Lemon,” Trump tweeted. “He made Lebron look smart, which isn’t easy to do.”

Trump continued targeting Lemon during his presidency. In May 2019, he mocked CNN’s ratings while attacking Lemon again.

Minaj’s transformation into a MAGA supporter shocked many fans. The Trinidad-born rapper once criticized Trump’s immigration policies, even rapping “Island girl, Donald Trump want me go home” in 2016.

But Nicki Minaj has embraced conservative causes in recent months. She appeared at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest convention in December, praising Trump and JD Vance as leaders she admired.

She accidentally called Vance “an assassin” during the event, but was quickly forgiven. “I love this woman,” said Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Minaj also collaborated with the Trump administration on awareness about Christian persecution in Nigeria. She delivered a speech at the United Nations in November about religious violence.

The rapper’s political shift has cost her support. Two online petitions demanding her deportation to Trinidad have gathered over 120,000 signatures.

Nicki Minaj came to America as an undocumented child and previously spoke out against Trump’s family separation policies.

Some speculate she wants Trump to pardon her husband, Kenneth Petty, a registered sex offender, though presidential pardons don’t cover state convictions.

Damn! Cardi B Spills Out Of Pink Latex & Has Everyone Going Crazy

Cardi B just dropped some damn fire behind-the-scenes shots that got the whole internet losing their s###.

The Bronx queen served up pure latex perfection for her upcoming Little Miss Drama tour shoot, and she looks absolutely bodacious.

The “WAP” rapper posted the steamy pics on her @littlemissdrama Instagram account. Cardi’s rocking a glossy pink latex crop top that’s hugging her curves just right.

She paired that bad boy with matching high-waisted latex briefs that show off her killer figure. It’s giving off futuristic Barbie-meets-dominatrix energy.

But wait, there’s more.

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This woman went all out with coordinating latex opera gloves, thigh-high boots, and a sleek choker. Her platinum blonde hair is flowing long and straight, while those dramatic lashes and sculpted makeup make her look like a damn goddess.

The shoot went down on a dreamy pink satin set that’s giving major editorial vibes. One pic shows Cardi sitting all statuesque and composed like the queen she is.

Another shot captures the behind-the-scenes chaos with stylists and crew adjusting her look.

The Little Miss Drama tour kicks off in just 23 days, and these latex shots are part of the creative rollout. Cardi’s been grinding hard in rehearsals, posting workout videos and behind-the-scenes content to build hype.

Cardi captioned the post: “The set up.. vs THE SHOTS 🎥 💕| Just some BTS of the #LittleMissDrama tour shoot as we continue the countdown! 23 days away! Are you as excited as we are?”

The Little Miss Drama tour represents Cardi’s return to major live performances after focusing on family and new music. She’s promised fans an unforgettable show with costume changes, special effects, and surprise guests.

The tour starts February 13 in Miami and hits 30 cities across North America.

Mary J. Blige Turned Down “Umbrella” Over “Aye Aye” Hook

Mary J. Blige just dropped some music industry info about one of the biggest hits she never recorded.

The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul revealed she had first dibs on Rihanna‘s monster hit “Umbrella” but walked away without looking back. Speaking on Carmelo Anthony’s 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, Blige explained exactly why she passed on what became a seven-week number one smash.

The story goes back to 2006, when Blige was riding high off the success of The Breakthrough album. Her single “Be Without You” was dominating charts and she had eight Grammy nominations under her belt.

That’s when producers The-Dream and Tricky Stewart walked into her world with a track that would change everything.

“Dream and Tricky came to me with ‘Umbrella,'” Blige told Anthony during their conversation. “All I heard was [the vocalized refrain] ‘aye, aye,’ and I was like ‘Yo, my fans is gonna bug out on me if they hear me talking about ‘aye aye, aye.'”

The R&B legend trusted her instincts completely. She knew her audience inside and out after years of building that connection through her emotional music.

The catchy hook that would later become iconic just didn’t fit her brand at that moment.

“So I was like, ‘I got a lot going on. So I’m going to pass,'” Blige continued. Her decision came from confidence, not fear. She understood what worked for her sound and what didn’t.

The track eventually landed with Rihanna in 2007 as the lead single from Good Girl Gone Bad. Jay-Z jumped on the remix and the song turned into a global phenomenon.

It spent seven consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of Rihanna’s signature records.

But Blige has zero regrets about her choice. When she heard Rihanna’s version hit the airwaves, everything clicked into place for her.

“When I heard Rihanna do it, I was like, ‘See, it was for Rihanna. It wasn’t for me,” she explained. “I’m not afraid to pass on something that’s not for me. It got away, it got away, but it wasn’t for me in the first place.”

The song’s journey to Rihanna wasn’t straightforward either. The-Dream and Tricky Stewart originally wrote “Umbrella” with Britney Spears in mind.

When Spears’ camp declined, they offered it to Blige next. After her pass, the producers found their perfect match in Rihanna.

Big Boogie Explains Memphis Beef Rules: “Stay Out The Business”

Big Boogie opened up about navigating Memphis street politics while signed to Yo Gotti‘s CMG label.

The rapper explained his approach to staying out of the violence in a city that has witnessed the murders of high-profile rappers in recent years, notably Young Dolph and Sayso P.

“A lot of people put their self in position that they got to choose sides,” Big Boogie told Cam Newton. “They already know what side you on. They know what’s up. They know what chain you repping, right? Whatever. Whatever. For me, I’m not getting nobody business. Never speak on the business. Like, never.”

The Memphis native broke down what he calls the unspoken rules of his city. Big Boogie stressed that many artists create their own problems by getting involved in conflicts that don’t concern them directly.

Big Boogie’s comments come as Memphis Hip-Hop remains divided between two major camps.

Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group (CMG) represents one side, while the late Young Dolph’s Paper Route Empire (PRE) anchors the opposition even after his 2021 murder.

The CMG artist emphasized his business-first mentality when discussing potential conflicts. He made clear that being signed to Gotti’s label doesn’t automatically make him a target or require him to engage in public disputes.

“Of course, I’m CMG. So, a lot of people that do say anything about CMG, do I got the rights to open my mouth and get on the internet and try to take up for it? No. For what?” Big Boogie stated. “Y’all ain’t going to spit on me. Y’all didn’t take no chain. Y’all didn’t whoop me, beat me up, exchange bullets. We don’t even know each other, bro.”

The rapper’s approach reflects a calculated distance from Memphis street politics. Big Boogie explained that personal involvement should determine public responses, not label affiliations or neighborhood loyalties.

Young Dolph’s November 2021 murder intensified Memphis Hip-Hop tensions.

The conflict dates back to 2014, when Dolph publicly stated he had turned down an offer to join Gotti’s label. The rivalry escalated through diss tracks, shootings and public confrontations before reaching its deadly conclusion at Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies.

Prosecutors alleged that Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, Yo Gotti’s brother, placed a $100,000 hit on Dolph as part of the ongoing feud between CMG and Paper Route Empire.

Prosecutors revealed disturbing details during the Young Dolph trial. Cornelius Smith testified that he and Justin Johnson received $40,000 each for the hit. Hernandez Govan allegedly masterminded the plot for $20,000.

Johnson received life in prison. Govan was aquitted and Smith has yet to be sentenced.

Big Jook was murdered in January 2024 outside a Memphis restaurant in what appeared to be a targeted assassination.

Big Boogie distanced himself from the violence while acknowledging Memphis realities. He stressed that artists can succeed without engaging in conflicts that don’t directly involve them.

“If your name ain’t brought up or none of that s### like that, why voice your opinion? You know you going to stand on the brand. You ain’t you ain’t with you ain’t with these people for nothing.”

Big Boogie positioned himself as focused on building wealth rather than street credibility, emphasizing his role as a businessman first and rejecting the traditional “OG” mentality that often leads to conflicts.

“I’m too busy trying to be a CEO, not a OG,” he declared. “I’m trying to be a real I’m done daughter. You know what I’m saying? That what lane I’m in. F**k saying I’m big homie.”

Mistah F.A.B.’s Oakland Store Catches Fire, Rapper’s Response Is Shocking

‌A three-alarm fire ripped through downtown Oakland Monday morning, leaving Mistah F.A.B‘s Dope Era clothing store waterlogged and damaged.

The Oakland rapper’s business sits on the ground floor of the five-story residential building at 19th and Broadway.

Fire calls started coming in around 7 A.M. Monday as smoke and flames shot from multiple floors of the building. Oakland Fire Department crews battled the blaze for hours before getting it under control by 8:40 A.M.

Three residents were treated for smoke inhalation and went to the hospital. One firefighter also suffered minor injuries during the response. More than 50 firefighters showed up to fight the fire that gutted several floors.

“Heavy fire on every floor of the building,” Oakland Fire Chief Damon Covington told reporters. “Upon arrival we had heavy smoke and flames.”

The building houses 48 residential units total, with retail spaces like Dope Era on the bottom floor. Officials say the damage will take 12 to 18 months to repair completely.

Mistah F.A.B got calls from neighboring businesses about the fire. He rushed down to see his store hit hard by water damage from firefighting efforts.

“It’s tough to wake up like this and, you know, an arduous morning getting up, getting down here and seeing this and not knowing what to expect,” Mistah F.A.B said in an interview with ABC7 News.

But the Oakland native kept his focus on the people affected rather than his business losses. His store has operated since 2011 as part of his Dope Era lifestyle brand.

“The heart that I have and the person that I am retail is, is not the detail, you know what I mean?” Mistah F.A.B explained. “It’s the least of my worries, man. My main thing is all the people. Okay?”

Instead of anger or disappointment, the veteran rapper spent Monday morning checking on displaced residents and offering help. Dozens of people lost their homes in the fire that left multiple floors completely gutted.

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“Is there anybody that has been affected by this that may not see tomorrow, or may not see the rest of the day?” Mistah F.A.B asked. “We have an opportunity to see today and I’m okay. I’m great. I’m thankful.”

Mistah F.A.B built his Dope Era brand into a community cornerstone over the past 13 years. The clothing company specializes in men’s, women’s and children’s streetwear that honors Oakland culture.

The fire happened on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which reduced traffic and made it easier for emergency crews to respond. Chief Covington said the holiday timing helped prevent worse complications.

Mayor Barbara Lee said the city is working with the Red Cross and other organizations to help fire victims.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Oakland Fire Department.

Jadakiss Reveals J. Cole / Lox Mixtape Plans Alongside “The Fall-Off”

Jadakiss is spilling rumors now.

The Fall-Off and a surprise mixtape are on the way. I guess that is no longer a surprise, eh? Hip-Hop purists are leaning forward. During a recent episode of the Joe & Jada podcast, Jada casually tossed out a detail that landed like a brick of raw in a church. According to him, J. Cole has more than one thing loading and one of those things involves rapping over classic Lox instrumentals.

READ ALSO: J. Cole Breaks Silence With “The Fall-Off” LP

Speaking with Fat Joe, Jadakiss said, “He’s got a project coming out called The Fall-Off, and he’s got a mixtape where he used some of The Lox [beats]. He rhymed over ‘Money, Power Respect,’ and he rhymed over ‘Can I Live.’ Killed them sh#ts. Cole is coming back in a major way.” Yeah, Cole!

Naturally, Joe brought up the elephant in the room.

Cole’s 2024 lyrical standoff-turned-back off with Kendrick Lamar left some fans underwhelmed. Some are still upset like Fat Joe. He’s not “upset” like a fan, but he’s saying you suck for backing out of a battle. Jadakiss was not moved.

He responded, “Once you hear his bars, all of that sh*t don’t matter. He’s coming crazy… It’s all about the music. You’re going off the internet.” Jada also went a step further and suggested that The Fall-Off could put Cole right back into the Big 3 conversation. I did not think. he left. Who replaced him?

EXCLUSIVE: Lawyer Repping Fat Joe’s Former Hypeman Claims They Are Too Terrified To Come To Court

Cole World did not confirm the existence of an additional mixtape or anything involving Lox beats. People are excited. Maybe this is Cole’s year? I hope so.

If this really comes to pass, we can give him a pass.

EXCLUSIVE: Drake Gets Huge Win In “What Did I Miss” Lawsuit Claiming Theft

Drake scored a legal victory as photographer Gabriele Galimberti dismissed his federal copyright lawsuit over the “What Did I Miss” music video.

Galimberti filed court papers stating he’s dropping the case “with prejudice,” and the photographer will even pay his own legal fees and costs from the lawsuit.

There’s no mention of a settlement, although it’s possible the rapper and Galimberti reached some sort of agreement, prompting the sudden legal action.

The Italian National Geographic contributor originally sued Drake in November 2025. He claimed the Toronto rapper’s video team copied his acclaimed “Ameriguns” portrait without permission.

EXCLUSIVE: Drake Accused Of Stealing Acclaimed Portrait For “What Did I Miss Video,” Subliminal Messaging Backfires

Galimberti’s lawsuit targeted the video’s pool scene, in which Drake posed beside arranged weapons. The photographer argued the composition matched his geometric gun portraits too closely.

The “Ameriguns” project features American gun owners surrounded by their personal arsenals in precise patterns. Galimberti said Drake’s team recreated the lighting, architecture and weapon arrangement from his work.

Social media users started tagging Galimberti before he knew about the video scene. The photographer claimed this suggested viewers thought he collaborated on the project.

Drake released “What Did I Miss” on July 4, 2025, during his beef with Kendrick Lamar. Galimberti’s lawyers argued that the timing of Independence Day linked the video to his gun-themed photography.

The lawsuit also referenced Galimberti’s past legal troubles with a Balenciaga advertisement. False pedophilia claims circulated about the photographer before he won a defamation case overseas.

Galimberti’s attorney, Heather Blaise, suggested Drake used the imagery to imply he’d be “publicly exonerated” like the photographer. This is connected to Kendrick Lamar’s pedophile accusations against Drake in their rap battle.

While Drake might be celebrating this dismissal, he still faces two major federal lawsuits that could prove more challenging.

Rapper RBX filed a class-action suit against Spotify in November 2025, accusing the platform of allowing fraudulent Drake streams. The lawsuit claims that at least 250,000 streams of Drake’s “No Face” appeared to originate from Turkey but used VPNs to mask their location.

RBX argues artificial streaming inflation hurts other artists’ revenue. The Long Beach rapper worked on Dr. Dre’s The Chronic and Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle albums.

The second case involves a RICO lawsuit filed on December 31, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Plaintiffs accuse Drake, streamer Adin Ross, and accomplice George Nguyen of using Stake.us gambling platform proceeds to artificially boost Drake’s streaming numbers.

The RICO suit claims Drake earned $100 million annually from his Stake promotional deal. Plaintiffs argue he used the platform’s tipping system to move money and fund streaming manipulation schemes.

Drake faces similar gambling-related lawsuits in Missouri and New Mexico courts. Both cases allege he promoted illegal online gambling operations through his Stake partnership.

DaBaby Ready – 2026 May Bring His Biggest Career Reset Yet

DaBaby might be a master of timing and opportunity. There are early signs that 2026 is a new chapter of a real comeback. The chatter feels different this time. It feels like an understands the moment and is finally aligned with it.

READ ALSO: DaBaby Drops News Video With His Daughter & Announces New LP “Be More Grateful”

DaBaby has taken his lumps in public. The mainstream conversation around him faded away for reasons we do not need to relitigate. Some of it was outside forces, but a lot of it was self inflicted. That part of the story is old news. What matters now is momentum, and that he may be sitting on a song that reconnects him with the audience that once made him unavoidable.

Hip-Hop is quietly looking for a new centerpiece. We still have heavyweights like J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake, but they are veterans of long campaigns. Beef, fatigue, and overexposure have taken a toll on that whole situation. What feels missing is a star who can rap rap, perform…and entertain. We don’t need those old wars.

That is where DaBaby oddly fits.

He has the skill. Nobody questions that. He also has personality, the kind that translates beyond playlists, beef or rhetoric. We get somebody that is media trained in interviews and viral moments. Most importantly, he does not feel manufactured. You cannot call him a plant. He already survived the industry once, which makes this more believable than a brand new rollout.

Check this out:

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What is intriguing about the new music is the reported musicality. It does not sound like chasing trends or screaming for attention. It sounds like growth. Like someone ready to wear the big boy suit and still dance in it. There is a maturity in restraint that suggests lessons were learned the hard way.

Nothing is guaranteed, of course. Hip-Hop loves a comeback story, but it demands proof. Still, if timing really is everything, DaBaby could be stepping into a lane that is wide open. And if he sticks the landing, this could be the version of him that finally matches talent with clarity.

Don Lemon Weaponizes Mariah Carey Against Nicki Minaj As Feud Continues

Don Lemon fired back at Nicki Minaj today (January 20) by dragging Mariah Carey into their savage feud.

The former CNN host used Carey’s legendary Watch What Happens Live appearance to contrast what he called class with Nicki Minaj’s “vile” behavior. Lemon posted his latest Instagram rant after Nicki Minaj called him a “c###” sucker over his coverage of Minneapolis ICE church protests.

“Time and time again, this vile woman shows her true colors,” Don Lemon said about Minaj. “She shows what really animates her and that is cruelty, it’s viciousness, it’s insecurity, it’s ignorance, lack of intelligence.”

The media personality then pivoted to praise Mariah Carey as the perfect example of how real stars handle conflict. He specifically referenced Carey’s 2016 Bravo appearance, where she addressed her beef with Nicki Minaj.

“So someone that I love and I think is really talented, one of the most talented people out there, is the ultimate diva who doesn’t have to put people down, Ms. Mariah Carey,” Lemon continued before cutting to Mariah Carey’s Watch What Happens Live episode.

When Andy Cohen asked Carey to say three nice things about Minaj, the songstress took the high road instead of throwing shade.

“You know, I always felt it was more important with that situation to not play the fifth, but to just stay above the fray because you don’t want to be declasse,” Mariah Carey said, throwing shade at Minaj.

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The Carey-Minaj tension dates back to their explosive 2013 stint as American Idol judges. Their on-camera fights became legendary television moments that season.

During one heated audition in North Carolina, Nicki Minaj allegedly told Carey, “If I had a gun, I would shoot that b####” after cameras stopped rolling. Carey later told Barbara Walters the threats created an “unsafe work environment.”

The American Idol drama started small but escalated quickly. Nicki Minaj called Carey a “b####” on camera when a contestant praised Carey’s Christmas classic “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”

Carey shot back immediately, saying, “If she’s calling me something that begins with a b, I rebuke it.”

Carey hired additional security during filming due to Minaj’s behavior. The season premiere drew 17.8 million viewers, down from the previous year’s 21.9 million despite all the drama. Nicki Minaj denied making gun threats, calling Carey’s claims a “fabrication.”

But their feud became one of reality TV’s most talked-about conflicts that year.

The current Lemon-Minaj beef started when protesters disrupted a St. Paul church service on January 18. The activists targeted pastor David Easterwood, who also serves as the acting director of the local ICE field office.

Lemon covered the protest on his social media, sharing footage of demonstrators chanting “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good.” Good was a 37-year-old mother killed by an ICE agent earlier this month.

Minaj exploded on Twitter, writing, “DON ‘C### SUCKIN’ LEMON IS DISGUSTING. HOW DARE YOU? I WANT THAT THUG IN JAIL!!!!! HE WOULD NEVER DO THAT TO ANY OTHER RELIGION.”

The rapper included a Chucky doll image with her homophobic attack. She later doubled down, saying she “purposely wrote it that way” to force media coverage of the church incident.

Nicki Minaj has recently embraced MAGA politics, earning the nickname “MAGA Minaj” from critics. Her support for Trump’s policies puts her at odds with many Hip-Hop artists.

Meanwhile, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon announced federal civil rights investigations into the demonstrators who “desecrated a house of worship.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi promised prosecution for any federal law violations. The Trump administration is weighing criminal charges against the church protesters who interrupted the Sunday service.

Pharrell Williams’ Gospel Project Gets Global Release

Pharrell Williams just dropped his biggest gospel move yet. The producer and Voices of Fire officially released “THE ONE” on all streaming platforms for the first time ever through Warner Records.

This marks a major shift for Pharrell, who hasn’t released a solo album since Girl dropped 10 years ago in 2014. That album hit number two on the Billboard 200 and spawned the massive hit “Happy.” Now he’s channeling that same energy into faith-based music.

“THE ONE” lives on the OPHANIM album, which already hit number 16 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart after its limited September rollout.

The project features an insane lineup including Quavo, John Legend, Teddy Swims, Tori Kelly, CeeLo Green and Zacardi Cortez.

Pharrell’s been on a serious production tear lately. He executive-produced Clipse’s comeback album Let God Sort Em Out in July 2025, their first project together in 15 years. That album was recorded entirely at Louis Vuitton’s Paris headquarters, where Pharrell built his own recording studio.

Similarly, the OPHANIM album was recorded between Virginia Beach and Paris, reflecting Pharrell’s global perspective.

The Virginia Beach native became Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director in 2023 and immediately installed professional recording equipment at the fashion house’s offices. He’s been bouncing between designing clothes and producing music in the same building.

Voices of Fire performed “THE ONE” at the Louis Vuitton 2026 Fall-Winter Men’s Collection Show at the Louvre in Paris. The performance brought together fashion, sound and spirit on one of the world’s biggest stages.

The Virginia-based collective rose to fame through their Netflix series Voices of Fire, led by Bishop Ezekiel Williams. They’ve been redefining faith-inspired music with standout releases like “Hit the Refresh” and 2023’s “JOY (Unspeakable).”

Their momentum keeps building. Voices of Fire sang the American and Canadian national anthems for Game 1 of the 2025 World Series, broadcast to more than 200 countries worldwide.

The full OPHANIM album will debut on all streaming platforms soon, expanding beyond its initial vinyl, CD and iTunes release.

YNW Melly Gets Massive Win, Prosecutors Drop All Charges Against In Tampering Case

Florida prosecutors just handed YNW Melly a massive legal victory.

The state dropped all witness-tampering charges against the rapper on Monday (January 20), just one day before jury selection was scheduled to begin.

Broward County State Attorney’s Office dismissed four separate charges against YNW Melly. The charges included witness tampering, directing criminal gang activities, criminal solicitation to commit murder, and conspiracy to tamper with a witness in a capital case.

Melly’s new legal team celebrated the decision immediately. Attorneys Drew Findling and Carey Haughwout released a statement to TMZ about the dismissal.

“On behalf of Jamell Demons, we welcome the dismissal of the alleged tampering and gang related charges in court this morning,” the lawyers said. “As his newly retained legal team, it became immediately apparent to us that no crimes had occurred.”

The attorneys criticized the length of time the case dragged on before prosecutors reached this conclusion. They pointed out that Melly spent 652 days in custody while these charges were pending.

“Unfortunately, for 652 days while these charges were pending, the State did not reach the same conclusion until the cusp of trial,” Findling and Haughwout stated.

Prosecutors originally claimed Melly tried to stop a witness from testifying in his 2023 double murder trial. The state alleged he worked with co-defendant Cortlen Henry and another inmate to pressure his ex-girlfriend not to take the stand.

That murder trial ended with a hung jury after three days of deliberations. The case involved allegations that Melly shot and killed two childhood friends in October 2018.

Christopher “YNW Juvy” Thomas and Anthony “YNW Sakchaser” Williams died in what prosecutors called a staged drive-by shooting. The state claimed Melly and Henry fired at Henry’s Jeep to make it look like they were also targets.

Henry reached a plea deal with prosecutors in September 2025. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison on witness tampering and accessory after the fact charges.

The witness tampering trial was scheduled to begin on Tuesday with jury selection. Now Melly’s legal team can focus entirely on preparing for his murder retrial.

“We now look forward to seeking Mr. Demons’ release from custody, where he has been held under extraordinarily restrictive conditions for far too long based on premises the state has now abandoned,” the attorneys said.

Melly has been in custody for a total of 2,202 days since his arrest. His double murder retrial is scheduled for January 2027, which would mark eight years since his initial arrest.

The “Murder On My Mind” rapper still faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted on the murder charges.

Melly’s defense team says they will now push for his release from jail pending the murder retrial. They argue the restrictive conditions he’s been held under are no longer justified.

EXCLUSIVE: Lawyer Repping Fat Joe’s Former Hypeman Claims They Are Too Terrified To Come To Court

A former hype man for Fat Joe and his lawyer say they’re too scared to show up in person for the rap star’s lawsuit, claiming threats have them dodging court and pushing for Zoom instead.

Attorney Tyrone A. Blackburn says he and his client, Terrance “T.A.” Dixon, will only do depositions remotely because of what he calls “endless death threats and harassment” that he blames on Fat Joe and his alleged “thugs” and “goons.”

“Mr. Dixon has received endless death threats and harassment from [Fat Joe] and [Fat Joe’s] thugs and goons. These threats are very serious, and Mr. Dixon and I have taken many steps to ensure his
safety.”

Blackburn claims Dixon is getting hit with disturbing Instagram messages, including one that allegedly shows Dixon’s elderly grandmother walking out of her building alone.

He says other messages carry lines like “You Food we gonna eat” and “Im giving a buck 50 thats my word,” street language he frames as serious threats, not just online trolling.

Fat Joe is already suing Dixon, Blackburn and Blackburn’s firm for extortion, defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress over explosive claims they’ve made about him.

According to Joe’s suit, filed in 2025, Blackburn tried to muscle him for millions by spreading what the rapper calls “disgusting lies,” including that he abused Dixon for years and paid for sex with minors.

Joe says they went public with the allegations in interviews, social posts and podcasts when he wouldn’t pay up and he insists the stories are completely false and meant to smear his name.

Dixon fired back with his own federal case in June 2025, asking for at least $20 million and painting a very different picture of their relationship.

In that lawsuit, he claims Fat Joe forced him into more than 4,000 sex acts over 16 years, stiffed him on pay and royalties.

Joe has flatly denied everything, calling the filing retaliation and another move in what he says is a calculated shakedown.

Blackburn told the judge there’s no way it’s safe for him or Dixon to sit for in‑person questioning in New York, and says they’ll only appear by video.

The court hasn’t ruled yet on whether the depositions will go down on Zoom or in person, but for now, both sides are locked in a messy, high‑stakes back‑and‑forth that mixes court filings with some very ugly allegations and claims of real‑world danger.

Hotties Get Update: Megan Thee Stallion Drops Music News

Megan Thee Stallion dropped major news for her fans this week.

The Houston rapper confirmed she’s actively working on new music and plans to release it sometime this year. The announcement came during a recent interview with People magazine. Megan explained she’s been keeping a low profile on purpose to focus completely on her craft.

“I’m definitely in the studio,” she told the publication. “I’m kind of hiding from everybody right now because I really just want to work.”

The Grammy winner revealed she’s currently “completing act three” and assured fans the wait will be worth it. She directly addressed her supporters, known as Hotties, with a message about patience.

“The hotties just need to give me a little time,” Megan said. “I’ll be in the gym and the studio- the gym and the studio.”

Her fans went nuts over her untitled fourth project. Her last major release was her third studio album, MEGAN, which dropped in June 2024. The project peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 chart and moved 64,000 equivalent album units in its first week.

The album became the best-selling female rap release of 2024 in the United States. It also marked the first top 10-charting album by a female rapper that year, accumulating over 62 million on-demand streams.

Her single “Hiss” from earlier in 2024 debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The track generated 29.2 million streams and 104,000 digital sales in its opening week.

While working on new music, Megan has been expanding her business portfolio. She opened her first Popeyes franchise location in Miami Beach in late 2025, transitioning from brand ambassador to franchise owner.

Megan also strengthened her partnership with Fanatics Sportsbook throughout 2025. The collaboration includes the “Thee Million Dollar FanCash Drop” promotion, offering up to one million dollars in prizes to fans.

And, her Dunkin’ partnership launched in early 2026 with a new commercial campaign for her own protein drink, Megan’s Mango.

Megan’s business ventures extend beyond food and gambling. She continues working with her nonprofit organization, The Pete and Thomas Foundation, which focuses on education and community support.

Minnesota Labor Leaders Call Statewide Shutdown Over ICE Crackdown

Minnesota labor unions are pushing for a complete economic shutdown across the state this Friday.

The move comes after federal immigration agents killed a Minneapolis mother during enforcement operations that have rocked the Twin Cities.

The “Day of Truth and Freedom” protest targets what organizers call an unprecedented federal crackdown. Multiple unions are backing the Friday action, including the Minneapolis Federation of Educators, St. Paul Federation of Educators, Unite Here Local 17, and transit union ATU.

Greg Nammacher, president of SEIU Local 26, announced that over 20 union members have been detained by federal agents. His union represents 8,000 workers, including janitors, security officers and window cleaners across the metro area.

The protest stems from the January 7 death of Renee Macklin Good. The 37-year-old poet and mother of three was fatally shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross during an immigration operation in south Minneapolis.

Good was monitoring the federal agents with whistles when Ross fired through her car windshield. Becca Good, Renee’s wife, described her partner as someone “made of sunshine” who believed in showing kindness to everyone. “We had whistles,” she said in a statement. “They had guns.”

The Trump administration has labeled Good a “domestic terrorist,” though eyewitness accounts and video evidence contradict claims she tried to harm federal agents.

Faith leaders are joining the economic boycott. Auxiliary Minister JaNaé Bates Imari of St. Paul’s Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church called for Minnesotans to “leverage our economic power, our labor, our prayer for one another.”

Businesses across the Twin Cities are closing Friday in solidarity.

The federal immigration surge has created chaos across Minnesota. A U.S. citizen was detained at gunpoint in his St. Paul home without a warrant and led outside in his underwear during subfreezing temperatures.

ChongLy “Scott” Thao said masked agents forced their way into his residence Sunday afternoon.

“I was shaking,” Thao recalled. “They didn’t show any warrant; they just broke down the door.”

A Nicaraguan man arrested by ICE in Minneapolis died in federal custody at a Texas detention facility. Victor Manuel Diaz, 36, was found unconscious at the El Paso camp on January 14.

ICE claims the death was suicide, though conflicting reports suggest an altercation with staff.

Organizers plan a march and rally in downtown Minneapolis on Friday at 2 P.M. The economic boycott calls for no work, no school and no shopping across Minnesota.

The Day of Truth and Freedom represents the largest coordinated response to federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota history.

Skai Jackson Baby Father Prison Sentence Rumor Explained

Skai Jackson is still a Disney start with a smart mouth to me. But babies and prison rumors say I need updating.

Viral posts claim her child’s father was just handed a staggering 21 to 26 year sentence. His name is Deondre Burgin, known online as Yerky Yerky. His past arrests are turn are turning into convictions in the rumor world. The narratives and allegations to not equal truth, however much smoke there’s present.

Social media blogs say Burgin had been found guilty of three aggravated robbery charges along with an additional fatal incident charge. He definitely was accused of pistol-whipped a victim while stealing their car. Some posts framed it as a done deal, but we cannot find this info.

Despite how confidently these claims are being circulated, there are currently no verified court records we can find at this moment. Again: there is no public documentation confirming a conviction or a decades long prison sentence tied to those cases.

Skai Jackson has largely stayed out of the chaos and is not dating Yerky Yerky anymore. Their child is still basically a newborn. I am sure she could fix this misinformation, but why go there. That dude seems to be a mess based in what I see.

AllHipHop will continue scratching and scraping for accurate updates.


Miami Club Fires Staff After Incels Invade & Play Kanye’s Ode To Hitler

A South Beach nightclub fired three employees for letting right-wing influencers turn their venue into a Nazi celebration by playing a controversial song by Kanye West.

Vendome nightclub became ground zero for outrage when a video surfaced showing Andrew Tate, Nick Fuentes, Sneako, and other controversial personalities partying to Kanye West‘s banned track Heil Hitler during Saturday night’s bottle service.

Mayor Steven Meiner didn’t hold back his disgust. The Orthodox Jewish mayor called the influencers “sick, demented people” and demanded answers about how they gained access to the club.

“I am deeply disturbed and disgusted by these videos of twisted individuals glorifying Hitler and the murder of millions,” Meiner said in a statement. “Adolf Hitler and his Nazi regime murdered six million Jewish people with a mission to exterminate the entire Jewish nation.”

The footage shows the group arriving at Vendome while blasting the Kanye antisemitic anthem. Inside the club, several influencers made Nazi salutes and chanted along to lyrics that include “All my n##### Nazis, n####, heil Hitler” over orchestral production.

Kanye West released the controversial track in May 2025. The song samples a 1935 Adolf Hitler speech and has been banned by major streaming platforms worldwide. Germany blocked the track entirely under laws prohibiting Nazi symbolism.

Meiner revealed that other Miami Beach club operators told him they actively ban these influencers from their venues. He questioned how Vendome allowed them entry and why the staff played the requested song.

“What I also found disturbing is I spoke to a lot of other club operators today, and they told me they know these influencers try to get into clubs,” Meiner explained. “They ban them. They do not allow them in their club. How did they get in here and seemingly be welcomed into the club?”

The incident appeared orchestrated rather than accidental. DJ Vybz was working the booth when the song played during what the club calls a “bottle parade” moment.

Vendome issued an apology Sunday night, acknowledging the “deeply offensive and unacceptable” video. The club stated it does not condone antisemitism, hate speech or prejudice of any kind.

“We want to be unequivocally clear: Vendome and our hospitality group do not condone antisemitism, hate speech, or prejudice of any kind,” the nightclub posted on Instagram. “These values are fundamentally opposed to who we are and the environments we strive to create.”

By Monday afternoon, the business announced concrete disciplinary steps. Vendome fired three employees involved in the incident, implemented updated security procedures, and permanently banned all influencers seen in the videos from the venue.

The Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation issued a sharp condemnation of the incident. The Holocaust education organization called it “a deliberate act of hate” and warned about the normalization of extremist ideology.

“This was not accidental. It was not ironic. It was not misunderstood. It was the deliberate performance of hatred,” the Foundation stated. “Video footage of this spectacle is not merely offensive. It is a chilling reminder of how extremist ideology is being repackaged as entertainment and social currency in 2026.”

StopAntisemitism, a Jewish advocacy group, also blasted the venue on social media. The organization called the influencers “modern day Nazis” and criticized Vendome for not only permitting their entry but also playing the requested song.

The Tate brothers attempted to distance themselves from the controversy through their lawyer, Joseph McBride. He blamed the venue for playing the song and claimed his clients condemn antisemitism.

“If anyone wants to be angry, that anger belongs with the people who chose to play it and the people who chose to sing it,” McBride said in a statement. “Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate condemn antisemitism and any glorification of Adolf Hitler.”

However, Sneako and Fuentes showed no remorse. In a 15-second video posted Monday night, they made crude jokes about the incident without apologizing for their actions.

“We’re just a couple n##### hanging out,” Sneako said. “N##### going hard as f###. Society can’t handle it,” Fuentes added.

A$AP Rocky Announces 42-Date “Don’t Be Dumb” World Tour

A$AP Rocky just dropped the news Hip-Hop fans have been waiting eight years to hear.

The Harlem rapper announced his Don’t Be Dumb World Tour today (January 20), bringing his first album since 2018 to 42 cities across North America and Europe

The massive tour kicks off May 27 at Chicago’s United Center. Rocky’s hitting major markets including Los Angeles, Toronto, Houston, and wrapping the North American leg on July 11 at Newark’s Prudential Center.

Then he’s crossing the pond for European dates starting August 25 in Brussels, hitting London, Milan, Stockholm, and ending September 30 in Paris.

This tour announcement comes right after Don’t Be Dumb dropped last Friday. Industry projections show Rocky’s fourth studio album moving over 200,000 units in its first week.

That breakdown includes 70,000 to 90,000 streaming equivalent units and more than 100,000 physical sales. The numbers make sense, since Rocky had already sold 130,000 vinyl copies before the album even hit streaming platforms.

Those first-week numbers would crush Rocky’s previous best debut. His 2015 project AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP moved 146,000 units, while 2013’s LONG.LIVE.A$AP did 139,000.

If projections hold, Don’t Be Dumb becomes Rocky’s biggest commercial success yet. The album’s pre-release hype was insane. It became Hip-Hop’s most pre-saved album on Spotify with over one million saves.

That momentum built through Rocky’s massive 2025, where he starred in two A24 films, co-chaired the Met Gala, and became creative director for Ray-Ban.

Tickets go on sale January 27 at 9 A.M. local time through ASAPROCKY.COM.

Gucci Mane Attacked By Pooh Shiesty? Tasha K Spills With No Clean Up

Tasha K is not somebody we take a lot of time listening to, but this one made my ears itch. Gucci Mane seems to be in a good space, but there is this rumor that includes Death Row Records 2.0, Pooh Shiesty and even Yo Gotti.

Now before anybody starts packing for court, let’s remember this is just internet chatter. All speculative and alleged. By the way, I am not educated on this whole thing so if there are errors in this rumor, correct me in the comments. According to Tasha K, the story goes something like this. Gucci Mane was supposedly confronted and pressured into signing a contract release connected of Pooh Shiesty so he could sign freely with Yo Gotti and his CMG camp. There’s no police report, but apparently there was a standoff that allegedly involved a firearm.

READ ALSO: Deb Antney Says Gucci Mane Looked “Drugged” During “Breakfast Club” Interview, Slams Keyshia Ka’oir

Gucci Mane took down his “Welcome Home” post for Pooh Shiesty, which fans noticed. And now the internet is talking. Most people I have seen are wondering if the 1017 chapter is closed of if this is some high-powered business move. 👀

Tasha K said she was going to drop more on MLK Day, but didn’t. Maybe she had more respect for the slain Civil Rights leader than to drop some mess on his day. Or maybe it’s BS?

Pooh Shiesty is on home confinement status at a RRC (Halfway House) for those that do not know. The last rumor was that he was back in jail. As it relates to this rumor, he’s definitely on electronic monitoring and probably has to report to the RRC once a week. I am certain he has to go in for alcohol/drug urinalysis too. If he committed this or any crime, he’d be back in prison.

Gucci Mane is a veteran who has survived label wars, industry politics, and personal reinvention. He has not addressed the claim publicly. Allegations are not convictions.

It seems like Gucci did send a message to anybody that says he was relieved of any jewelry. And promoted as well.

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Wiz Khalifa Discovers Fifth Great-Grandfather Was Enslaved

Wiz Khalifa got hit with some heavy family history when PBS cameras rolled for Finding Your Roots.

The Pittsburgh rapper sat down with host Henry Louis Gates Jr. and learned that his fifth great-grandfather, Howard Williamson, lived as an enslaved person in Alabama back in 1870. Gates dropped the news during the January 13 episode, explaining how Williamson lived right next door to the white family that owned him.

“I think I’m programmed to feel a little bit p#####,” Wiz said about Thomas J. Williamson, the man who enslaved his ancestor. “But just him owning my family just sounds crazy. That sounds wild. I feel some type of way about that.”

Gates showed Wiz documents that really drove the point home. Thomas J. Williamson kept what historians call a “slave schedule” – basically a list of human beings treated like property. The records listed enslaved people by their skin color, gender and age instead of using their actual names.

“It’s crazy to see him as a nameless person on a grid,” the “Khaotic” artist said. “And to know how valuable that property is because it’s a life and it’s not actually property, it’s a person. No name, just a color and an age and what sex you are.”

The 38-year-old rapper called the whole experience a “reality check.”

But Howard Williamson’s story didn’t end with slavery. After gaining freedom, he worked as a tenant farmer and made some moves that impressed his famous descendant. Williamson registered to vote during Reconstruction, even though Black voters faced serious threats and violence after the Civil War.

That took real courage back then. The “Black and Yellow” hitmaker got emotional as he talked about feeling connected to ancestors he never knew existed.

“Even I feel all of them around me. I just don’t know who they are. So now I’m able to say their name. So that just makes it even better,” he explained.

Gates also revealed another piece of Wiz’s family puzzle during the episode. The rapper’s grandfather, Willie Wimbush Jr., made the journey from the South to Pittsburgh around 1955 as part of the Great Migration.

Millions of Black families moved north between 1910 and 1970, seeking better opportunities and escaping Jim Crow laws. Wimbush settled his family in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, the city’s historically Black neighborhood.

That decision shaped Wiz’s entire life path, since he grew up in the Steel City and built his career there.

“It’s really good to learn it,” Wiz said about discovering his grandfather’s migration story. “Just to know, just to feel Papa Bush’s ambition through his story. That’s what I could feel.”

The episode, titled “Great Migrations,” also featured actress Sanaa Lathan exploring her own family history.

Finding Your Roots has been running for 12 seasons, helping celebrities trace their ancestry using DNA testing and historical records. This season’s guest list includes heavy hitters like Lizzo, Spike Lee, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, and basketball star Chris Paul.

The show airs Tuesdays at 8 P.M. on PBS and streams on PBS.org and the PBS app.

Angela Simmons Gets Wet Massage In Barely There String Bikini

Angela Simmons turned up the heat on social media with a steamy massage video that left fans thirsty for more content from the Hip-Hop entrepreneur.

The daughter of Run-DMC legend Rev Run posted footage of herself getting a full-body treatment while wearing nothing but a pink string bikini that showed off her flat stomach and toned legs.

The masseuse drenched her body with water before rubbing down every inch of her frame in the sensual clip.

Simmons flipped over during the session while the spa worker lathered her entire body in bubbles. She walked toward the camera afterward in a way that left absolutely nothing to the imagination for her millions of followers.

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The Growing Up Hip Hop star revealed earlier this week that she completed an intense spiritual and physical reset to prepare for 2026. She shared details of her transformation journey in a social media post.

“I encourage everyone spend time with yourself! Reset yourself! Shed dead weight literally and figuratively,” Simmons wrote. “I did a 7 day reset and 3 day water fast. No social media, no bad foods, no alcohol, stayed in my word, and in my bible! Feeling 2026 ready.”

The 37-year-old entrepreneur has built a business empire valued at an estimated $8 million through various ventures, including her partnership with the shapewear brand Popilush.

She recently appointed her son, Sutton Joseph Tennyson Jr., as CEO of the Little Giants clothing brand, founded by his late father.

Fans flooded the comments section of her massage video with fire emojis and thirsty responses to her revealing spa day content. The post generated thousands of likes within hours of being shared across her social media platforms.

@angelareneesimmons A win is a win 💪🏽 Schmedium summer body goal achieved with some help. Click 🔗 in bio Use code “Angela10” for $10 off the GLP boost #motivation #fyp #weightlossprogress #slimthick ♬ original sound – Angela Simmons