Hip-Hop legend Kid Capri dropped a bombshell about one of the most beloved sitcoms of the ’90s while airing out his grievance with the celebrity comedian who created it.
During his recent appearance on the BagFuel podcast, the legendary DJ and producer revealed that his voice was sampled without permission for the iconic theme song of the classic TV series “Martin” starring Martin Lawrence. After decades of silence, Kid Capri broke down how the messy situation materialized during the hour-plus long episode.
“They took my voice from Def Comedy Jam, sampled it, put it on the Martin show,” Capri declared. “Never got no permission from me. Never asked for my rights, nothing.”
According to Capri, the unauthorized sample is the prominent “Martin” chant that opens every episode of the show. And while the series has aired on multiple different networks throughout the last 30 years, Capri alleges he has never seen a dime from it.
“If it was a money thing for me, I would have been like, ‘Yo, where’s my bread?’ Right? I ain’t never did that,” he explained.
However, his frustration boiled over after the Martin reunion special aired. Actress Tisha Campbell, who played Gina on the show, appeared on Fox Soul and speculated about the chant’s origins. What made matters worse was Lawrence himself doubling down on the confusion during the reunion.
“Martin went on the show and said, ‘Yo, that was a kid that such and such and such.’” he said.
Capri claims that was the moment he became furious. “You go on your f***ing show and say it ain’t me?” he said. “Now they got an issue.”
Despite his anger, Capri double down on the ideal that his frustration isn’t just about money—it’s about respect.
“They’re rewriting history in real time,” he fumed. “It’s not just about not giving me credit. Now you saying it’s somebody else that did it.”
He believes the reason behind the snub is simple: “He must have thought that Kid Capri wasn’t going to last all these years.”
The DJ is considering legal action, believing that it may be the only way to resolve the dispute.
“Paperwork can solve that,” he said. “That’s what lawyers do.” Capri also pointed out that blame doesn’t lie solely with Martin Lawrence, but also with the companies responsible for producing and distributing the show.
Martin originally aired on Fox from 1992 to 1997, quickly becoming one of the most celebrated sitcoms of its era. The show consistently ranked among the highest-rated sitcoms on television, drawing millions of viewers each week. Over its five-season run, Martin received numerous nominations and accolades, including NAACP Image Awards and a cult following that persists to this day. Now, with Kid Capri’s claims shaking up the legacy of the show’s iconic theme song, the truth behind Martin’s legendary intro may finally come to light.
The D.O.C. is so much more than a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, who helped usher in the West Coast G-Funk era with his work on N.W.A, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s catalogs. He’s more than one of the co-founders of Death Row Records, and he’s more than the pen behind songs like “Nuthin’ But A G Thang” and “Lil Ghetto Boy.” And he’s certainly more than his platinum-selling solo debut, No One Can Do It Better.
The D.O.C.—born Tracy Lynn Curry—is a survivor. He’s a fighter. He’s a philanthropist. He’s a father. He’s a perfect portrait of what perseverance looks like. In 1989, The D.O.C. was flying down a Los Angeles freeway after leaving a party when he fell asleep at the wheel, crashed his car into a tree and nearly died.
His life was spared, but the emergency responders who inserted a tube down his throat crushed his larynx. More than two weeks and 21 hours of plastic surgery later, he was faced with his new reality—not only could he not speak, his rap career was effectively over. But, as The D.O.C. tells AllHipHop, that accident ultimately led him to finding his purpose.
On Thursday (April 3), The D.O.C. welcomed hundreds of guests to The Kessler Theater in his hometown of Dallas, where he and partner Chris Gannett unveiled their plans for the Dream Experience Academy (DEA). The program aims to give 7th to 12th grade students in underserved communities opportunities in media, entertainment and technology fields while tackling chronic absenteeism alongside For Oak Cliff.
(Photo: Kyle Eustice)
Together with partners like Gamesquare, Bosque Ranch Productions and the T.D. Jakes Foundation (who presented the DEA a check for $250,000 during the event), the Dream Experience Academy will equip them with hands-on training in gaming, music and software development. It’s an ambitious undertaking, but they have the resources, dedication and ingenuity to pull it off.
“I want to talk to you a little bit about purpose,” The D.O.C. told the crowd. “My purpose for being here tonight, what put me on stage here tonight in front of all you beautiful people…Chris likes to say I lost my voice in order to find my purpose. There is a truth to that. But we are all made in his image. And we all have a purpose. The reason you are here tonight, you was born for this purpose. That’s why you’re here. That’s why you can hear me talk right now. And I’m grateful that you are here.
“We are Dallas in here. We are the Marines in here. There are teachers and preachers in here. There are civic leaders and Civil Rights icons in here. There are mothers and fathers in here. There are children of the City of Dallas in here. If we share anything, it is a love for our city. We know how special we are and what we can be.
“The path I took to get here started about five years ago. I made a movie, where I was blessed to be able to serve and help others do well and I’m proud of that role. I’m glad to have served that, even in the depths of the pain I was suffering through, my mind was still focused on helping those that I love win.”
Luckily, or perhaps divinely, The D.O.C. has a small army of people in his corner, including the mother of his daughter Puma Curry, Erykah Badu, who co-hosted the event. Although Badu wasn’t able to attend in-person, she sent in a video statement, reconfirming her commitment to the DEA.
“I’m sixth generation Dallas and had the privilege of growing up in this amazing city, where I was afforded the opportunity to hone my gifts, my creative gifts,” Badu said. “Through Dallas Parks and Recreation, they offered a program called the Dallas Summer Music Course. I was able to travel all over the planet just by being a part of that group. It helped develop my understanding for authenticity. It helped develop my understanding of integrity. It helped develop my understanding of discipline. Those are the three things that we really need.
“I really wanted to be there with you. I promised, and I’m dedicated. I feel the children of this city deserve a safe environment where there is no food desert, where they are educated, they have proper nutrition for the body and for the mind, the spirit and for the heart. We hope to develop billion dollar thinkers who create opportunities for those who come after them. We hope to develop and create a world that we may not be here to enjoy. It’s that important.”
Badu also talked about her admiration for The D.O.C., which comes across in the film he mentioned, The DOC documentary expected next year. As co-parents and former partners, it’s clear the love and respect they share for each other never dissipated.
“Along with The D.O.C., we share the same passion for greatness, we share the passion for discipline, we share the same passion for art,” she said, before speaking directly to The D.O.C. “DOC said he was going to build me a school one day, and I am 100 percent ready to help develop and see your vision through.
“I believe in you. Puma believes in you. There are a host of creative artists, friends, in my network that are ready to lend finances, money, skills, instruments, books and love. Will you be a part of it is the question. Congratulations DOC. You did it again. You’re the greatest. Dallas, Texas. Are you ready? Dream Experience Academy, ’cause you deserve it.”
Following the event, AllHipHop sat down with The D.O.C. and Chris Gannett to further discuss the Dream Experience Academy. During the conversation, The D.O.C. said he once promised Badu he’d build her a school one day and when it was pointed out she said the same thing in the video, he replied, “She did!?” to which Gannett laughed, “I wish you could have seen the whole thing!”
AllHipHop (Kyle Eustice): We’ve talked about purpose before. Do you firmly believe you wouldn’t be here, in this moment, without that accident?
The D.O.C.: I think if I hadn’t had that accident, I wouldn’t be here, period. I was going so fast, doing so much and that is so out of my character, that I would have been out of there. I know that. That was part of my journey, was to go through that turmoil, so I could learn how to be me again.
Big Daddy Kane said right before the accident, the last time he’d seen you, you guys were racing down Highway 101, which is how you ended up crashing.
When I had those shows after the accident and they talked me into doing those lip syncing shows, Big Daddy Kane was on those shows and he would come in and talk to me and try to make me feel better. That’s my guy.
So you and Chris, you meet. What about each other made you want to work together? You must share the same philosophies on life.
We do. We use the same kind of sun tan lotion [laughs]. We got a lot in common in a lot of ways. We’re just good men, who want to do good things. This guy, he’s been in business as long as I have, so he knows the trials and the tribulations and he’s walked this path with me to a much better place than I was at Tribeca [Film Festival] even. It wouldn’t be as good without him.
Chris, you gotta follow that up!
Chris Gannett: It’s a privilege for me to do this. I’ve worked with talent, I’ve worked with content and managed large brands, but it wasn’t until we came together that my purpose and values found alignment. We were introduced by a mutual relationship at the Dallas Regional Chamber, who I was serving on a different board with and I had been vocal about my goal of helping Dallas in this arguable golden moment where within five years we’re going to have more financial services employees than New York City. So the growth of this region is meteoric, but my grave concern is that if all boats don’t rise with the tides that we don’t reach our potential here. This is my hometown, as well. We’re Dallas natives.
We had to leave Dallas at roughly the same age to do what we wanted and my path led me into music, television and talent. Being able to bring it all back around and bring a vision with heart to life, we’re both looking at this through the eyes of entrepreneurs that are not accepting of the way things have been built but the way they should be built with our user in mind just like any other startup—and that’s our kids, grades 7th through 12th in Dallas.
I had a teacher in 10th grade who really believed in me and encouraged me to get into journalism. I would not be sitting here talking to you without him. Here you are doing the same thing for countless kids. Why did you decide to get into this kind of work? Why is it all about the kids?
For me, we describe it as a school, but for me, it’s a time machine. I get to go back to that little kid that was me. I get to heal myself. Chris said the tide rises all ships. It doesn’t matter if you’re Black, white, brown or purple in this climate, today, we all need healing. We’ve had enough gangster, now we need to heal. So let me take my pain and share it in a way that not only can heal me, but can heal us.
You’ve been so honest about your story. To hear you rap again on the Codefendants single “Fast Ones” was incredible. What’s new on the music front?
The D.O.C. We have a call on Monday (April 7). I’m not at liberty to say who with, but the A.I. boom has caught up with me and it’s beginning to speak a language I understand, so I wouldn’t be surprised if I had a record out next year.
Chris: The secret that’s out in case nobody is paying attention is D.O.C. is singular in that he is a living catalog. Imagine if Frank Sinatra was alive to train his A.I. voice. Imagine if 2Pac was alive to train his A.I. voice. What he understands is something what most artists living don’t—he’s been training the model for 30 years, coaching Snoop Dogg, supporting Dre, being a creative collaborator with so many of these amazing artists and bringing out the best in them. He’s uniquely positioned to basically set the precedent for what A.I. can mean in Hip-Hop and music in general, down to the breath.
The barriers to entry to somebody starting a program that looks like this on paper are pretty low. The barriers to being great though is resonating in a genuine, truthful way with your constituents. Because of the way he’s lived his life, because of what he’s gone through, because of where he’s from, because he’s back, there isn’t anyone in North Texas that these kids will listen to. He embodies what not to do and their dreams simultaneously. How is that possible? The guy’s a conundrum.
Do NOT speed on Highway 101. And then please pursue your love of music.
Chris: Also, trees don’t move.
The D.O.C.: I couldn’t have said it any better.
What is your main goal for the kids who participate in the program?
The D.O.C.: One of the things that’s really important to me is community. In those communities, we have to learn to quit waiting on the outside force to be the savior. We have to rebrand, refocus and redevelop our own community, our own ways of thinking. Everybody gotta start thinking in terms of community. We need to take the robbing, stealing and killing out of these communities and replace that with love, laughter and healing. That’s what we’re doing now.
There’s no better person to have your back than Erykah Badu ’cause that’s what she’s all about. She has a song called “The Healer.”
I told Erykah when Puma was born that I was going to build her a school, so I’m just living up to my promise.
She said that in the video!
The DOC film, which originally premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2022, is expected to see a wide release in 2026.
Cardi B has clashed with a social media user over her recent Twitter Spaces broadcast, of all things.
On Friday (March 4), the New York rapper became enraged with a user on the platform, whose appears to go by the name Lex Symone, over their reaction to her recent Spaces conversation. When it comes to the aforementioned Twitter Spaces broadcast Cardi B hosted, she seemingly ruffled feather due to her claim she would no long hold anything back and would be taking special aim at female rappers who she feels slighted during her recent pregnancy and marital issues with Offset.
“I don’t even like saying, ‘Cardi is in her villain era,’ but I really do feel like I turned into a super villain deadass,” Cardi B said in part. “Like sometimes I would avoid certain things, I ain’t avoiding s###. You gone take this dick b####.”
Cardi B said she is done playing nice while reflecting on how people treated her in 2024 in her recent space.
Fans believe she whacked her opps mercilessly on CB2 which is the highly anticipated album this year. pic.twitter.com/b6DfPZ1Gb8
In a subtweet response to the clip from Cardi B’s conversation, the user appeared to criticize the “Bodak Yello” rapper for being concerned with the wrong things–suggesting she should be mad at Offset rather than other female rappers. Though she didn’t mention Cardi B, she quickly replied to the tweet, slamming the user for their assessment of the situation and accussing them of stalking her social media presence.
“I could worry about what ever the f### I want to worry about when it comes about ME…” Cardi B wrote in part. “You in the other hand b#### you don’t miss a space ,a tweet a ig post c###### b#### ….and hoe I already beat his ass and got my lick on him so now what ?Hoe you be on my p#### so much Elon throws u in the algorithm cause you a automatic fan page.”
When the user responded back with yet another jab, suggesting the rap star is too caught up in drama on the internet, Cardi B retaliated and began both insulting and wealth shaming the user.
“Literally replied in 30 seconds hungry ass b####,” she wrote. “As for the kids you see how chubby my baby is …well fed with 50K on her arm alone in bracelets ..I can sit all day rub my feet and argue if I want to cause I’m a MILLIONAIRE b#### you in your mid 20s and can’t even bring company to your momma house b#### …hoe don’t miss a beat on what happens over here.”
From there, the back-and-forth exchange quickly spiraled out of control, prompting Cardi B to flex a $500,000 purchase from a celebrity jeweler while also re-sharing old images from her days as a stripper, in an attempt to combat the user’s allegations that she is engagement farming.
See additional tweets from the bitter battle via the screenshots below.
Boss Locis stepping into 2025 with a mission—to make his mark in Hip-Hop, put his city on the map, and prove that he’s next up. With a relentless work ethic, a signature sound, and a growing fanbase, Boss Loc is gearing up for his biggest year yet, dropping new music, performing at South by Southwest (SXSW) and expanding his business empire.
Boss Loc’s connection to music runs deep. Raised in and around his father’s recording studios, he was immersed in the culture from an early age. He first picked up the mic as a teenager, sharpening his skills and later experimenting with production. Eventually, he decided to step away from beat-making to focus entirely on his artistry, ensuring his music had a distinct style that set him apart from the rest.
“I never wanted to sound like nobody else,” says Boss Loc. “I had to find my own lane, my own voice. Everything I do, I make sure it’s original and real.”
Unlike many artists who write lyrics in a notebook or phone, Boss Loc crafts his verses entirely in his head, allowing his music to flow naturally. This approach gives his songs an authentic, unfiltered energy that resonates with listeners.
Boss Loc’s next song, “Having My Way,” is set to make waves. A track all about grinding, winning and staying true to yourself, it’s the perfect anthem for those making their own lane in life. “This song is for everybody out there getting it, making moves and staying in control of their destiny,” he explains.
In addition, Boss Loc has been working on “QC,” a collaboration with Montana of 300 Entertainment, a song inspired by the powerhouse label Quality Control. The track’s infectious energy and sharp lyrics are expected to grab attention across the industry. Second is the “Customer Service ” remix featuring YTB FATT,” which he plans to follow up with a remix of his song “Off the Field.”
But the road to success hasn’t been smooth. After initially releasing music last year, Boss Loc faced setbacks when his songs were flagged and taken down by streaming platforms—twice. Despite the obstacles, he remains focused.
“I had a song ‘Can’t Compete’ that was hitting 200,000 streams in the first few weeks, and then they took it down,” he recalls. “That was a setback, but it didn’t stop me. I’m coming back stronger.”
Coming from East Saint Louis, Illinois, Boss Loc knows firsthand the struggles of making it out. The city, often overlooked in the music industry, has yet to produce a major breakout artist since Nelly—and more recently, Sexyy Red from neighboring St. Louis, Missouri.
“People don’t understand East Saint Louis. It’s a small city, but it’s rough, reckless,” he says. “You gotta make your own way out. We got talent out here, but we don’t get the light. I want to change that.”
Armed with the right mindset, Boss Loc is focused on building a movement. He’s launching a street team to flood St. Louis and his hometown with flyers, posters and promo materials. His goal is clear: to bring attention to his music and his city like never before.
Boss Loc isn’t just focused on making hits—he’s building a legacy. In addition to his music career, he’s stepping into real estate, with plans to own multiple properties by the end of the year. He’s also relaunching his clothing brand, further cementing his presence as an entrepreneur.
“Ain’t no handouts where I’m from,” he says. “Everything I do, I make sure it’s going to work. Music, real estate, fashion—it’s all part of the bigger picture.”
With a performance at SXSW, Boss Loc is ready to showcase his energy and stage presence on a bigger platform. “I want my live shows to be unforgettable,” he says. “When I get off that stage, I want people to still be talking about it weeks later.”
For Boss Loc, 2025 is all about momentum. With new music, major collaborations and a strategic plan to grow his brand, he’s proving that he’s more than just another artist—he’s a movement
One of the most notorious members a part of Diddy’s 2000s era reality show, “Making The Band,” was reportedly arrested for his involvement in a physical altercation similar to a classic Dave Chappelle skit.
On Friday (April 4), TMZ Hip Hop reported that Dylan John, the Brooklyn rapper who famously butted heads with Diddy in the second season of “Making the Band,” was allegedly arrested over a dispute with another man. The altercation, which occurred in North Carolina, reportedly reached a boiling point when John allegedly slapped Paul Joseph Galullo across the face twice. According to the arrest warrant issued by the Apex Police Department, it all went down on on April 3 in Wake County.
Police responded to the scene and arrested John on a misdemeanor simple assault charge. He was booked, posted a $500 bond and was released the same day. His court date is set for July 1. Fans of the MTV series he once starred in may remember when Chappelle recreated the tense moment John became at odds with both Diddy and Wyclef Jean during a skit on his Comedy Central show, Chappelle’s Show.
A few of Dylan John’s other former Da Band members have also been wrapped up in the media as of late, due to their claims about the conduct of the incarcerated Bad Boy Entertainment music mogul. Chopper, who was also a former member of the “Making the Band” group Da Band, recounted an incident when he alleged he witnessed Puffy “tonguing down” a “powerful” male figure in the music industry back in January.
Also, former Da Band member Sara 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).
Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force’s impact on Hip-Hop can’t be overstated. In 1982—as the genre was still learning how to walk—they released “Planet Rock,” which featured a sample of “Trans-Europe Express” by German electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk. The song is widely credited as birthing electro-funk/Hip-Hop due to its amalgamation of multiple styles. It also introduced the Roland TR-808 drum machine, paving the way for electro-funk, dance music and EDM.
But sadly, the Soulsonic Force—comprised of Mr. Biggs, Pow Wow, The G.L.O.B.E and DJ Jazzy Jay—has lost one its members. According to veteran New York City promoter/producer Van Silk, Pow Wow died on Friday (April 4) after a long illness. AllHipHop reached out to Mr. Biggs, who confirmed his death.
“Respect and condolences to the family of our Hip Hop brother Pow Wow from the legendary group Soulsonic Force,” Silk tells AllHipHop. “From the beginning of this culture as Pow Wow being a B-Boy to becoming a MC with Mr. Biggs, MC G.L.O.B.E. along with Afrika Bambaataa and DJ Jazzy Jay, you helped revolutionize Hip-Hop with ‘Planet Rock.’ My relationship with Pow Wow was like that of a little brother, who always stood 10 toes down. You will be missed and remembered.”
Cholly Rock, one of the original 11 Zulu Kings, spoke to AllHipHop and estimated Pow Wow was around 64 at the time of his death. He had suffered from emphysema and the complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
“That was my boy,” Cholly says. “We are original members of the Soul Sonic Force. We are first generation b-boys. We are two of the original 11 Zulu Kings. There were only 11 of us in the beginning. I was just 16 when we first met. If I could say anything to him right now it would be, I love you brother. You’re not suffering anymore. I know you were suffering and you’re not anymore. May your journey be a beautiful one and the transition to the after life be a blessed one. We’re pioneers, son.”
If not a funeral, Cholly Rock says there will be some kind of memorial in the near future.
“Planet Rock” not only introduced electro-funk but also laid the foundation for the Miami bass movement and continues to influence early electronic dance music. Beyond their musical innovations, Afrika Bambaataa and the Soul Sonic Force extended to cultural impact through the Universal Zulu Nation, promoting peace, unity and social awareness within Hip-Hop culture. As pioneers, they inspired generations of artists and solidified Hip-Hop as a global cultural force.
Pow Wow’s death, however, highlights a bigger issue—the lack of health care and funding for our aging Hip-Hop legends. There are far too many dying in their 50s and 60s, including DJ Clark Kent, Mister Cee and Rico Wade. The Paid in Full Foundation and Hip Hop Alliance are actively working to change that.
Sean “Diddy” Combs slammed fresh federal sex trafficking charges in Brooklyn after prosecutors filed a third superseding indictment, adding new allegations and another accuser.
The Hip-Hop mogul now faces five criminal counts after two additional charges were filed on April 4.
The latest indictment includes one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and one count of transportation to engage in prostitution. These new claims center on alleged conduct involving a second victim between 2021 and 2024.
Prosecutors say Diddy transported Victim-2 and others across state lines for prostitution and used coercion to control them.
The charges build on previous accusations that paint a picture of a years-long pattern of abuse, including physical violence, blackmail and threats.
The new indictment was also updated to include allegations that Diddy kidnapped, carried and displayed a firearm to a female victim and that he dangled a female victim over an apartment balcony
The government also alleges Diddy orchestrated events known as “Freak Offs,” where women were allegedly drugged and forced into sex acts with male escorts while being filmed.
His legal team pushed back hard on the latest filing, calling the allegations recycled and consensual.
“These are not new allegations or new accusers. These are the same individuals, former long-term girlfriends, who were involved in consensual relationships. This was their private sex life, defined by consent, not coercion,” the defense said in a statement.
The new charges come ahead of Combs’ arraignment, which is scheduled for April 25 during a pretrial conference.
His trial is set to begin May 5 in federal court. He remains in custody at a detention facility in Brooklyn.
Blueface lost a defamation lawsuit after failing to respond to claims he falsely said he fathered a child with Soulja Boy’s ex-girlfriend.
Jackilyn Martinez filed the suit in December 2023, accusing Blueface of spreading lies on social media that she had slept with him the day before her baby shower and implying he could be the father of her child.
The posts, made during an online feud between Blueface and Soulja Boy, triggered a wave of harassment against Martinez, including death threats.
According to court documents obtained by In Touch, Blueface never responded to the lawsuit or appeared in court, leading a Los Angeles Superior Court judge to issue a default judgment.
The judge granted Martinez $123,243 in damages at a hearing earlier this week.
The total award includes $100,000 in general damages, $18,000 in special damages, $3,070 in attorney fees and $2,173 in court costs. The judge did not award punitive damages.
Martinez said the false claims caused her severe emotional distress. She reported the threats to the police and described suffering from panic attacks, anxiety, depression, nausea and insomnia.
She also clarified the timeline of her relationship with Blueface, stating they had a single protected sexual encounter in 2018, years before her child was conceived. Martinez told the court that DNA testing confirmed Soulja Boy is the biological father.
Despite being served legal papers in January 2024 while performing at a nightclub, Blueface ignored the lawsuit and refused to take down the posts. He is currently serving a four-year prison sentence for violating probation in an unrelated case.
Wale ignited a digital war with Azealia Banks earlier this week after a cryptic tweet about authenticity in the music industry triggered a barrage of personal attacks and controversial remarks.
The rapper tweeted, “I’m not sellin my soul. I’m not playin them other games either .. ain’t no ‘era’ I ain’t never stopped…hope this helps wit the nostalgia bait.”
However, Banks took the post as an opportunity to tear into Wale’s career and persona.
She responded with a blunt dismissal of Wale’s catalog. “N#### the only hot song you ever made is ‘ridin in that black joint,'” she began. “It’s no shade.”
Banks didn’t stop there, adding, “But ur rap swag and delivery and persona got something off in a very generic type of way. It’s highkey cause u African no shade. U shoulda been African T-pain.”
Wale fired back with sarcasm, referencing a festival lineup featuring T-Pain and poking fun at her critique. “The chicken butcher lady sayin my only hit is off a video game I never played before is funny af,” he joked. “I don’t even think that song is on dsp. We Stan.”
He continued, “My favorite thing on this app is you tellin everybody what they should be doing…life is hard af and yet you find time to tell everybody everywhere all the time how to do things … you are way too kind to us.”
Azealia Banks Claims Wale Is “Jealous” Of Her
That only fueled Banks further. She accused Wale of having a “period panty fetish” and called him a “dumb colonized Nigerian,” claiming his music lacked impact because he tried to appear non-threatening to white producers.
She also said he was “jealous” of her and labeled him an “obligatory black rap sidekick doing trash remixes” for pop stars like Lily Allen and Lady Gaga.
The feud took a darker turn when Banks used a homophobic slur, calling Wale a “flaming homosexual,” a comment that quickly drew backlash and reignited criticism over her long history of making anti-LGBTQ remarks.
Wale wrapped up the exchange by brushing off her tirade, saying her commentary sounded like “if chat gpt and pitchfork had a baby.”
Flavor Flav has admitted that he briefly relapsed after more than four years clean, calling it a mistake and recommitting to sobriety.
The Public Enemy hype man, 64, used his Instagram Stories on Thursday (April 3) to break the news to his followers, saying he wanted to be transparent about his misstep.
“I remain authentic to who I am and a large part of the past 4.5 years for me has been my sobriety journey. I think I’ve been an inspiration to many that if I could get sober, anyone can do it,” Flav wrote.
“But just when you think it’s easy, it ain’t. I briefly relapsed. I say this to admit my mistake and publicly hold myself accountable.”
Flav said he’s now back at “Day 1” and plans to keep moving forward. “Time didn’t stop, my journey continues,” he added.
The Hip-Hop icon has spoken openly in the past about the depths of his addiction, revealing in interviews that he once spent almost $1 million a year on drugs.
“There was a time that I was spending $2,400 to $2,600 a day… for six years straight,” Flavor Flav admitted in 2023. “You do the math. That’s how much I spent on drugs.”
Flavor Flav said he kept his substance use hidden from the public for years. He considers his survival a second chance to help others avoid the same path.
“I am a human being who makes mistakes,” he wrote in his post. “It doesn’t make me a bad person. I hope those who are around me support my choice to be sober.”
Doja Cat put an end to a growing online argument over her and Doechii with a single tweet that made her stance crystal clear and shut down comparisons.
On Thursday night (April 3), Doja Cat declared, “Doechii is MY inspiration. Doechii is here to STAY.”
The post came after a wave of social media chatter, where some users claimed Doechii had replaced Doja Cat in the Hip-Hop space, while others accused Doechii of copying her style and delivery.
The back-and-forth quickly escalated, with many chiming in to defend both artists and call for an end to the comparisons.
One user wrote, “I wish these other female rap girls would do what Doja did in the beginning of her career and let people know that comparing her to her peers s### is lame as hell, Doechii and Doja literally adore each other so for people to keep tryna put these 2 against each other is weird asf.”
Another added, “Doechii and Doja cat can coexist. this is how black female artists get dragged.”
Doja’s support for Doechii isn’t new. Back in 2022, she named Doechii one of the rising artists she wanted to collaborate with.
Mind you, at this time working with Nicki Minaj was only a dream and even then Doja Cat knew Doechii was that girl! pic.twitter.com/ibVfzTiZQx
That admiration turned into action when Doechii joined her as an opening act on the Scarlet Tour, which kicked off in 2023.
Before the tour began, the “Anxiety” hitmaker shared how the opportunity came about.
“I got a call from my agent saying that Doja Cat requested me,” Doechii told REVOLT. “It was amazing to get that call. I actually wanted to ask her for a feature; God had bigger plans with a tour, so it’s amazing.”
Lizzo has sparked heated backlash online after claiming Britney Spears is “doing a Janet [Jackson] impression” during a recent interview.
The “Truth Hurts” hitmaker made the remarks during an appearance on the “Sibling Rivalry” podcast. The comment quickly went viral and stirred up intense reactions across social media.
Nobody thinks of THE Britney Spears as a Janet Jackson impersonator. She literally crafted her own sound and imagery at 16 and became the blueprint for every new pop girl.
Clips from the episode began circulating shortly after it aired, with many calling out the Grammy winner for minimizing Spears’ legacy and individuality.
Critics pointed out that while Spears has openly praised Jackson as a major influence, her sound and style have long stood on their own.
The remark came as Lizzo attempted to defend herself from earlier criticism for calling Janet Jackson the “Queen of Pop.”
In her full explanation, Lizzo said, “I have to really clear up some s### up because people came for me on the internet because I said Janet Jackson is the Queen of Pop.
She added, “Here is why I said Janet is the Queen of Pop. Britney Spears is doing a Janet impression, and she said it. Janet is her diva. There were no such things as Pop Divas before Janet. Janet was first. She was famous when Madonna was a kid watching her on television.”
Britney Spears Fans React To Lizzo’s Remarks
Online reactions were swift. Many users defended Spears, noting her decades-long career and her own influence on pop culture. Others accused Lizzo of pitting women against each other and downplaying Spears’ originality.
Hey @lizzo Britney being “inspired” by Janet Jackson isn’t doing an “impression” of Janet Jackson! Just like all the younger pop girls now have all said they are “inspired” by Britney but they are bringing their own creativity and talent to the table as well#BritneySpears
lizzo is soooo lame like ????? wtf girl britney’s music stood the test of time, the kids not gonna remember your s### in 20 years https://t.co/ceBiyjKQlx
You can’t be serious 😭 Britney rose to fame with a bubblegum pop song produced by a then-unknown Swedish man and a music video she came up with herself—where she plays a sporty schoolgirl. And that was bigger than anything your fave ever did. https://t.co/1O5Bx009Tspic.twitter.com/rf62mFNFHk
Spears, who has never hidden her admiration for Jackson, paid tribute to her in February 2024 with a heartfelt Instagram post.
“Thank you to this beautiful lady for keeping my dreams and heart alive,” Spears wrote alongside a photo of Jackson’s 1993 Rolling Stone cover. “She’s always been the deepest and brightest woman at the same time. She went through so much but I feel she is someone I will look up to for the rest of my life.”
Wendy Williams has retained high-profile attorney Joe Tacopina as her personal lawyer to fight to end her court-ordered guardianship.
Tacopina is known for representing notable figures, including A$AP Rocky during his gun assault trial last February and Meek Mill in his epic probation battle.
In an interview with TMZ on April 3, the lawyer confirmed that he is actively working to gain entry into the legal proceedings overseeing Williams’ guardianship.
Tacopina emphasized that his primary goal is to secure Williams’ release from the New York facility where she has been confined.
He described her current living conditions as inappropriate for her mental state, stating that she is not incapacitated and does not belong in an institution designed for individuals who are unable to care for themselves.
“She’s in a ward where people don’t know their names, where people don’t know between a red light and a green light,” Tacopina said. “I mean, she’s in a place where people are a danger to themselves. She’s not. She can’t leave there on her own to go get a cup of coffee.”
Joe Tacopina, most recently known as ‘ASAP Joe’, joins Wendy Williams’ legal team as her personal attorney in her fight to be freed from her guardianship
While Tacopina has been retained as Williams’ personal attorney, he has yet to officially enter the guardianship case due to legal barriers.
“The judge has to approve any lawyer coming into the guardianship,” he explained, noting that this is an obstacle he is prepared to challenge.
Tacopina has already begun filing motions to gain access to the case, with additional legal options and higher courts available should his entry be denied.
“There’s a process in play,” he said. “If the judge, for some reason, doesn’t allow us into the guardianship matter as Wendy’s counsel of choice, which almost sounds ridiculous, but they could try and argue that she doesn’t have the wherewithal or the abilities to pick her own counsel, which is obviously silly. But if they did, we’d take an interlocutory appeal, or we could go as far as doing something called an Article 78, which is actually suing the judge in a Supreme Court in New York State.”
Tacopina stressed the situation’s urgency, asserting that Williams is being unjustly held in a facility where she does not belong.
He refuted claims that she suffers from Frontotemporal dementia, attributing past concerns about her health to struggles with alcoholism, which he says she has since overcome.
He also highlighted that Wendy Williams has performed well on medical evaluations, further supporting his argument that she does not need a guardian.
This legal battle comes amid a rising social media movement advocating for Williams’ freedom.
Fans have launched a #FreeWendy campaign, which has gained traction across social media platforms, calling for the termination of her guardianship.
The campaign has mobilized protests in both New York and Los Angeles, with supporters demanding an end to what they describe as her unjust confinement.
Protests occurred on April 1 outside Coterie Hudson Yards in New York and at Williams’ Hollywood Walk of Fame star in Los Angeles. Organizers claim that Williams plans to show support for the movement from inside her assisted living facility.
The push for Williams’ independence has also been echoed by her family, who have openly criticized the guardianship. They have launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $50,000 to cover legal expenses and support her fight for autonomy.
Wendy Williams, who has been under guardianship since 2022, has consistently maintained that she is mentally sound and should be allowed to manage her own affairs.
Tacopina’s involvement marks a significant shift in her legal strategy as she intensifies her fight to regain control over her life.
“The bottom line is, she needs to get out of there, and sooner rather than later,” Joe Tacopina stated. “Every day she spends there is a travesty of justice.”
Young Thug walked away from a potential probation violation lockup after a Georgia judge ruled that a controversial social media post wasn’t enough to send him back behind bars.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker denied a motion filed by District Attorney Fani Willis’ office that sought to revoke the rapper’s probation.
The state’s motion, filed Wednesday (April 2), pointed to a post on Williams’ social media account that included a photo of a law enforcement officer with the caption “biggest liar in the DA office.”
Prosecutors argued the post violated the terms of his probation, which was part of a plea deal that secured his release from jail last October.
Judge Whitaker disagreed.
“Upon consideration of the State’s April 2, 2025 Motion to Revoke Defendant’s probation, which alleges a violation of the terms and conditions of Defendant’s probation for having posted a picture of a particular law enforcement officer with the caption ‘biggest liar in the DA office’ and Defendant’s April 3, 2025 response thereto and having reviewed the terms and conditions of Defendant’s probation imposed by this Court, the Court declines to revoke Defendant’s probation based on the violation asserted,” the judge wrote in her ruling.
Before the decision, Williams addressed the situation directly on X, formerly Twitter.
“I don’t make treats [sic] to people. I’m a good person, I would never condone anyone threatening anyone or participate in threatening anyone. I’m all about peace and love,” Young Thug claimed.
I don’t make treats to people I’m a good person, I would never condone anyone threatening anyone or definitely participate in threatening anyone. I’m all about peace and love
Thugger, a Grammy-winning artist, had spent over two years in custody following his arrest in the sweeping YSL gang case.
In December, he entered a no-contest plea to racketeering and gang charges and pleaded guilty to drug, gun and a lesser gang-related offense.
That deal resulted in a sentence of time served, 15 years of probation and a 20-year suspended sentence that could be enforced if he violates probation.
The rapper is set to return to the stage in June, co-headlining the Summer Smash Festival alongside Don Toliver x Yeat and Future.
It will be his first live performance since his release.
Chrisean Rock is still more than ready to drop everything she has going on to rekindle her relationship with her incarcerated baby daddy Blueface.
During her recent appearance on a Twitch stream with Kai Cenat affiliate Tylil James, Chrisean wholeheartedly and unapologetically declared her willingness to give Blueface another chance—despite the fact he is currently incarcerated in a California corrections facility serving a four-year sentence over a probation violation.
Chrisean did, however, lay out one caveat in particular that would be necessary for them to lock back in with each other.
“If Blueface called me right now and wanted to be serious and do it right, bye,” Chrisean said.
She didn’t stop there, revealing her willingness to cut off outside distractions should she and Blueface decide to get back together.
“I’m unfollowing everybody on this f###### Instagram n#### it’s all about us,” she said. “I did that s### before.”
In a final, shocking declaration, Chrisean revealed the drastic change in her appearance she’d undergo to further solidify their union, saying,” And I’ll tatt that n#### on the other side of my face.”
Chrisean Rock says she’s willing to take things to the next level with Blueface—if he’s ready to be serious and do things right. She even claims she’ll unfollow everyone on Instagram and get his name tattooed on the other side of her face. That’s next-level commitment! Thought? pic.twitter.com/IA770MgCbH
Though Tylil James and his associates were visibly disturbed by Chrisean’s comments, she claimed they were just mad while mocking them and making child-like gestures in their faces.
However, while it’s apparent that Chrisean is ready to make changes for Blueface, it remains to be determined if the “Thotianna” rapper will do the same for her.
After the performance, Rock joined the church’s pastor to discuss her evolving relationship with faith.
“You can still be gangsta and still follow God,” she said, addressing the crowd while reflecting on her past and present.
Before her appearance at the church in her home state, Chrisean had also revealed her decision to leave behind secular music and focus on what she calls “Godly music.”
She has also vowed to abstain from sex until marriage and has stopped smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol.
Though it’s unconfirmed whether or not Chrisean will require Blueface to adhere to the standards of her new life, it goes without saying that the West Coast rapper is in for a whirlwind change should she present the ultimatum to him upon his release from prison.
Rubi Rose has finally come clean about whether or not her relationship with Druski was indeed the real thing.
The moment of truth arrived during Rose’s recent appearance on a Kick stream with Adin Ross and Drake’s associate Ben Da Don. At one point during the stream, Rose expressed her desire to be forthcoming with the audience, considering she has turned over a new leaf and decided to embrace transparency across the board.
In doing so, Rubi Rose admitted that she lied about the dynamic of her short-lived relationship with Druski for one reason only.
“Okay, so I guess here’s the honesty moment,” Rubi Rose said. “Oh s### You know this—okay me and Dru [Druski] were really in a relationship and I said it was PR because he p##### me the f### off and hurt my feelings.”
But that wasn’t all Rose had to say, as she now views the situation as somewhat of a moment of weakness.
“So yeah, but that was really lame of me and embarrassing that I shouldn’t have said that but it was like I had to stand on it, you know,” she explained.
As for the current status of the relationship between the pair, Rose revealed that they are still “cool” despite her spiteful actions toward him while opening up about the extent of their relationship.
“It’s in the past now and we’re friends and we’re cool still,” she said. “Oh, and we’ve known each other for like 10 years like since high school type s###. So it’s like we’re always gonna be friends. So I just want to clear it up because he was really bothered by that.”
Rubi Rose reveals on Adin Ross’ stream that her relationship with Druski was 100% real but she lied and said it was for PR after he hurt her feelings 👀 pic.twitter.com/X8NQyAtU2y
As if her backtracking on her claims about Druski weren’t juicy enough, Rose also appeared to claim that she once had a fling with Lil Baby.
Though, the claim is somewhat unfounded given that Rose made it when the microphone of the stream was muted immediately following Ross and Co. asking her if she had hooked up with anyone she “shouldn’t have in the past.
Adding even more fuel to the fire, lip readers on social media believe that Rubi Rose alluded to the Atlanta rapper being underwhelming in his bedroom performance.
Check out the clip below.
Rubi Rose reveals on Adin Ross’ stream that her relationship with Druski was 100% real but she lied and said it was for PR after he hurt her feelings 👀 pic.twitter.com/X8NQyAtU2y
Some hard-hitting lyrics and the big brands that rappers endorse aren’t just on show in the hip-hop music people know and love. In fact, the hip-hop genre has transitioned over to the gaming category over the years. Some games have gone to plan, while others haven’t hit the spot with rap fans and gamers alike. We’re focusing on some truly iconic releases here, though.
Alongside playing puzzle games and exploring iconic table products like blackjack online, these hip-hop-themed masterpieces have delivered. They’ve also perfectly represented the culture and offered strong doses of entertainment. From PC favorites to console classics, there is an abundance of success stories to focus on, with these games containing hip-hop elements, such as music and vibes, plus styles and powerful lyrics.
So, with a number of iconic releases coming to the fore over the years, below we look at some fine hip-hop games that will never be forgotten.
50 Cent: Blood on the Sand
Regarded by many as rap royalty, it was no surprise to see a name like 50 Cent enter the gaming genre. In 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand, gamers could take on the role of the South Jamaica-born star in a third-person shooter that was set in the Middle East. With an array of weapons to use and some memorable scenes to play their part in, fans of 50 enjoyed the storyline in a game that focused on diamond heists. Overall, 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand wasn’t perfect but it delivered in terms of its entertainment.
A game for all the family to get stuck into, PaRappa The Rapper was initially released in 1996 and has since gone on to become known in households around the world. In this much-loved rhythm game, players had to improvise in the best way they could and keep in time with the beat. The game’s freestyle mode was a particular favorite in that respect, although there was plenty to get stuck into in this one. A title many gamers still session today, PaRappa The Rapper is brilliant.
Def Jam Rapstar
A release from 2010, Def Jam Rapstar was accessible on prominent platforms like the PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox 360, and it delivered plenty of hip-hop-related fun. Players had to essentially rap their way to glory in this one, as this MC karaoke title contained iconic tracks from the likes of Wu-Tang, Public Enemy, and 2Pac. A game many aspiring rappers particularly enjoyed, Def Jam Rapstar will never be forgotten.
This unforgettable release from 1999 came out at a time when numerous Wu-Tang-themed products entered the market. While some projects didn’t go to plan, Wu-Tang’s venture into the gaming sphere can be considered a success thanks to Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style. A great game on PlayStation, players could take part in epic battles with their favorite Wu-Tang stars. For example, RZA had dangerous swords to use and ODB was a drunk boxer with powerful punches to pull off. For fans of one of hip-hop’s greatest ever groups, Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style was a joy to play.
Def Jam: Fight for NY
If you’ve played Def Jam: Fight for NY before, then you’ll understand why it’s made this particular list. In fact, Def Jam: Fight for NY is an iconic release. Playable on platforms like the GameCube and the PlayStation 2 when it was released in 2004, players could go to war in some fighting match-ups against some masterful lyricists. A fun game to tackle with a great soundtrack, it featured names like Bubba Sparxxx, Lil’ Kim, Method Man, Fat Joe, and Snoop Dogg.
Kanye West and Drake may have actually been in contact with each other throughout the recent saga that ended up serving as the rollout for his latest album.
During his recent appearance on Akademiks’ live stream West revealed that he actually contacted Drake about providing a guest verse for his new BULLY album. Apparently, West’s vision for Drizzy was to appear alongside him on the intro track to the album—which only has three features by way of guest verses from Peso Pluma, Ty Dolla $ign and Playboi Carti.
“You know Something, I just thought about something, you know, I sent ‘Preacher Man’ off of BULLY the intro to Drake first,” West told Akademiks.
When Ak pressed West about how the Toronto lyricist responded, the “Carnival” rapper briefly summarized his begrudging retort. Given their past history, Drake’s alleged lukewarm response, according to West’s account of their exchange, seem spar for the course.
“He said something like, ‘Aw man, don’t mean to like spoil your dreams,’ or some s###,” he said. “I don;t know, he just did his thing and s###.”
Kanye West believes a joint album with Drake is in the works 🙌🔥. Can you imagine the heat that would come from two of hip hop's greatest joining forces? 🎶💥 It would definitely change the game! Would you be ready for a collab like that? pic.twitter.com/LgFaiXpvGk
West then proceeded to make a surprising prediction about the future of he and Drake’s collaborative relationship.
“Like maybe I think before it’s all said and done like, you know, I’ll do an album,” he concluded
While it may be somewhat of a reach, to say the least, that Drake and West will team up for a full-length album sooner, rather than later, their creative chemistry together is certainly undeniable. Over the past two decades and some change, the few instances in which the two rap titans have collaborated with each other have culminated in highly successful commercial releases.
In 2009 when the pair joined forces with Eminem and Lil Wayne on Drake’s “Forever” the track became an instant success and was ultimately certified 6x platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Not to mention, some of their more obscure collaborations, including their 2017 collaboration “Glow” have become cult favorites amongst their shared fanbases.
West’s latest quest to sow a collaborative album with Drake follows his convoluted rant on Twitter where he revealed he feels closest to Drake even though they are arch enemies.
Young Scooter will be honored with a balloon release in Atlanta following his sudden death during a police response to a false 911 call made by a reality TV personality.
The tribute is set for 6 p.m. at Bessie Branham Park on Delano Drive, where mourners are encouraged to bring red, white and blue balloons to celebrate the late rapper’s life.
The 39-year-old Hip-Hop artist died on March 28—his birthday—after suffering a fatal leg injury while fleeing police in the Lakewood Heights neighborhood.
According to the Fulton County Medical Examiner, the injury was a “penetrating injury to the thigh” caused by wood or debris, which led to fatal blood loss. His death was ruled accidental.
Atlanta police say the incident began when Demi Blanco, a cast member on Zeus Network’s “Baddies,” called 911, claiming she saw a naked woman being assaulted and heard gunfire.
Officers arrived to find no signs of violence but encountered two men running from the scene. One of them was Young Scooter.
While attempting to scale a wooden fence, he sustained the injury that ultimately killed him.
Authorities have not disclosed her motive for the fabricated emergency call. Hours before her arrest, she went live on Instagram and reversed her story, saying she had been assaulted.
Blanco, whose real name is Demetria Spence, was arrested on April 1 and charged with transmitting a false public alarm. She was granted a $7,500 bond.
USHER lit up social media after a steamy onstage moment with a woman during his “Cherry on Top” segment at London’s O2 Arena, where the R&B icon leaned into the flirtatious energy of the crowd and shared a slow, intimate serenade that sent the audience into a frenzy.
The viral clip shows the Grammy winner with a female guest who fully embraced the moment, whispering into his ear, swaying to the rhythm and singing along as he crooned directly to her.
The crowd roared with approval as the two locked into a sensual exchange that quickly made the rounds online.
The moment unfolded during USHER’s Past Present Future tour. The trek is a 10-night residency at the O2 Arena from March 29 to May 7.
The London leg has already drawn significant attention, not only for USHER’s polished performances but also for surprise appearances like Naomi Campbell’s walk across the stage on April 1.
The 54-year-old supermodel dazzled in a sparkling ensemble, strutting with her signature runway confidence.
In a recent interview with The Standard, USHER spoke about the significance of performing abroad and the cultural differences he observes between the U.S. and Europe.
“Economically, socially, things are difficult in the US, and anything that separates people is a problem,” USHER explained. “You go out on the streets here and you see many different people moving together, working together, and that’s great. They’re integrated and it’s interesting.”
He added, “In America it’s always been harder for black people. But anywhere where there are black people it’s always been difficult. We have to move forward by respecting people’s beliefs and people’s culture… Outside of America, there is much more respect for black culture.”
USHER’s London residency continues through May 7, offering a mix of nostalgia, showmanship and viral-worthy moments each night.
