Lil Durk is making a high-stakes push to convince a federal judge he’s not a threat to the public, offering round-the-clock private security and a multimillion-dollar bond package in hopes of securing release from jail before his upcoming trial on murder-for-hire charges.
The rapper has been behind bars since October 2024, accused of orchestrating the 2022 ambush that killed Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, cousin of rapper Quando Rondo, in Los Angeles.
Prosecutors allege the hit was retaliation for the 2020 murder of King Von, Durk’s close friend, and that he used his collective OTF (Only the Family) to carry out the plan.
On Thursday (May 8), Lil Durk is set to appear in court for a bond reconsideration hearing after a judge initially denied his release in December of 2024, citing public safety concerns and alleged ties to violence.
His legal team will present a revamped proposal eliminating any reason to keep him locked up. At the center of the new bond request is a detailed security plan from Arsec Group, a licensed private firm that would monitor Lil Durk 24 hours a day.
The company would enforce court-ordered restrictions like curfews or home confinement, control who enters his residence, and install surveillance systems to track his movements in real time.
The firm would report directly to the court, not Durk and immediately notify authorities of any violations. The defense argues this level of oversight, combined with a $2 million bond package, proves Durk poses no danger if released.
The offer includes $900,000 in real estate, $1 million in cash from Alamo Records, $150,000 from a business associate, electronic monitoring and full court supervision.
Lil Durk’s attorneys say the government’s case has weakened significantly since his initial detention.
On May 1, prosecutors filed a Second Superseding Indictment that dropped two major claims: that Durk’s lyrics glorified the murder of Lul Pab and that he ordered a bounty to be paid for the killing.
The defense says those allegations were “false or misleading” and should never have been presented to the grand jury.
The revised indictment added a stalking charge, but Durk’s team argues it’s not new and doesn’t justify continued detention.
They also claim the remaining evidence is “ambiguous and insubstantial,” relying on a single text message and statements from an informant whose credibility has not been tested.
Still, Lil Durk is facing serious charges: conspiracy to use interstate facilities for murder-for-hire, discharging a firearm resulting in death and stalking resulting in death, according to a Justice Department press release.
If convicted, Durk could face life in prison or the death penalty. A judge has not yet ruled on the bond request.
Kendrick Lamar topped the 2025 BET Awards nominations list with 10 nods across major categories, including Album of the Year and Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, solidifying his dominant run this awards season.
The Compton lyricist’s latest project, GNX, earned him a spot in the coveted Album of the Year category, while his chart-topping track “Not Like Us” landed nominations for both Video of the Year and Viewer’s Choice.
Kendrick Lamar also scored three nods in Best Collaboration for “Luther” with SZA, “Like That” with Future and Metro Boomin, and “30 For 30” with SZA.
He shares a nomination for Video Director of the Year with longtime creative partner Dave Free.
This latest recognition follows a standout showing at the 2025 Grammys, where Lamar took home five trophies, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Not Like Us.”
He also leads the 2025 American Music Awards with 10 nominations.
Trailing Kendrick Lamar are Doechii, Drake, Future and GloRilla with six nominations each. Metro Boomin follows with five, while SZA and The Weeknd each picked up four.
The 25th annual BET Awards will take place June 9 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. Kevin Hart is set to host the ceremony, which honors achievements in music, film, television and sports.
Lamar’s GNX will compete for Album of the Year against Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, GloRilla’s Glorious, and Future and Metro Boomin’s We Don’t Trust You, among others.
In the Best Male Hip-Hop Artist category, Kendrick Lamar is up against Drake, Future, Tyler, The Creator and Lil Wayne.
Meanwhile, the Best Collaboration category features a mix of heavy hitters, including Tyler, The Creator’s “Sticky” featuring GloRilla, Sexyy Red and Lil Wayne, and The Weeknd’s “Timeless” with Playboi Carti.
The Viewer’s Choice Award includes three Lamar-related entries: “Not Like Us,” “Luther “with SZA and “Like That” with Future and Metro Boomin.
The complete list of nominees spans music and film, with standout mentions in acting categories for Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Zendaya and Viola Davis.
Jamaican dancehall sensation I-Octane sat down with AllHipHop’s Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur at WonWorld Studios for a conversation that went far beyond music. Known for his conscious vibes, I-Octane opened up about his journey from extreme poverty to global recognition. And some how he manages to stay grounded in spirituality and purpose. He explains the inspiration behind his new album God and I, how he protects his energy and why true wealth starts in the mind—not the bank.
More like a TedTalk than interview, Octane delves into personal philosophies on evolution, detachment from stress and realigning life like a well-organized room. He also reflects on the importance of staying rooted in Jamaica, even while touring the world. Octane delivers a masterclass in purpose, faith and resilience. On top of it all, he confesses he’s never owned a pair of Timberlands. Nevertheless, I-Octane proves he’s as real as they come. This is more than an interview, it’s an elevation.
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur: What’s up, my brother?
I-Octane: Yes, King! Give thanks. It’s a pleasure to be here. Definitely a different energy, a different vibe and I’m feeling it already.
AllHipHop: You walked in with positivity radiating from you. How do you maintain that, especially with all the negativity in the world?
I-Octane: Life is energy, and I’m very guarded with the positive energy I give out. I don’t let negative reactions sway me. I believe negativity is actually essential. It balances positivity. But I don’t live in the world the way others do. I live in my mind. That’s how I keep my energy strong.
AllHipHop: That’s powerful. Let’s talk about your new project, God and I. What inspired the title?
I-Octane: The title comes from recognizing that we are more than flesh and bone, we’re spirit and energy. Many people forget that. They exist disconnected from the source. But just like your phone needs charging, we need that source energy—God. I don’t hope, I don’t just believe. I know. This album is my reminder of that connection.
AllHipHop: Do you ever lose that connection? And how do you get it back?
I-Octane: Yes, sometimes I fall into the human side of myself and disconnect. When that happens, I do a spiritual cleanse. I check who’s around me—who’s using my 24 hours but not returning any of theirs. I remove those people and focus on my priorities. You gotta rearrange your life like a house. Put things where they belong so you’re not sleeping on the balcony while your kitchen’s in the living room, so to speak.
AllHipHop: That ties into your new single, “Opportunist.” What’s the message behind that?
I-Octane: If you can’t be used, you’re useless—but a lot of people are used by the wrong people. Everyone has value, but they need to be placed in the right part of your life. When your life is arranged properly, you experience less stress. And stress is a killer. I live stress-free by design.
AllHipHop: Are you still living in Jamaica?
I-Octane: Yeah, I still live and do most of my business in Jamaica. It’s a third-world country with a first-world experience, and it’s important to invest in where you come from. I can’t live anywhere else.
AllHipHop: How was growing up for you? And how did you find your purpose?
I-Octane: It was rough. Not poor—below poor. Crime, violence, most of my friends are either in prison or dead. Music was my escape and my calling. I used music to hide my flaws before I even knew it would be my career. Public school created insecurities, especially when you don’t have what your peers have. But music gave me strength. It pulled me out of that life and helped me appreciate life more, both when I had nothing and now, having abundance.
AllHipHop: What shifted your mindset from chasing material success to focusing on inner wealth?
I-Octane: Experience. I thought I needed five cars and ten houses. But when I got them, I realized I could only drive one, sleep in one bed. I became a slave to success. But those things are liabilities if they’re not making you money. I learned the hard way. Now I focus on health and a sound mind—that’s real wealth.
AllHipHop: Who inspired you growing up?
I-Octane: Not one person. I always loved literature and philosophy. I read a quote that said, “The greatest thing on Earth isn’t life—it’s knowing.” That stuck with me. I admired artists not just for their fame but for their skill. I study performers. How they project their voice, how they move, how they connect with people. I even learn from younger artists.
AllHipHop: With global music constantly evolving—Afrobeats, world music, dancehall, etc.—has that changed your approach?
I-Octane: Of course. If you don’t evolve, you stagnate. Just like iPhones go from version 1 to 16, you’ve got to grow too. I still keep the core of dancehall and reggae, but I incorporate other sounds, ideas, and energy into my music. It’s about expanding while staying rooted.
AllHipHop: What do you want people to get from God and I?
I-Octane: This album is like a Bible. It reminds people of their purpose, of their value. It embeds God into your life, reminds you that status doesn’t define identity. Everyone needs a reminder to reconnect to reality and their own divinity.
AllHipHop: Will you be touring with this album?
I-Octane: Yeah man. I tour globally already, but this album is special. People are already saying they love it. It’s a divine blessing, and I feel like I need to spread the gospel through this music.
AllHipHop: Do you have a favorite place outside of Jamaica?
I-Octane: Before reaching this level of consciousness, it was Jamaica. But now, I remove all expectations and just enjoy each place for what it is. Every culture has something vibrant to teach you.
AllHipHop: You’ve never owned Timberlands?
I-Octane: Never worn a pair in my life! I’ve bought them for friends but never for myself.
AllHipHop: We’ll fix that. Final words for the people?
I-Octane: Know that you are great. You’re here for a reason. Your purpose doesn’t require you to be rich or famous. People who judge you are guilty of the same things. Nobody’s perfect. There’s no ceiling to life. Just growth. Keep evolving.
Jasmine Crockett flipped the script during a House hearing on transgender athletes to call out what she described as Republicans’ obsession with scapegoating trans people for problems caused by Donald Trump’s presidency.
The Texas Democrat rolled out a tongue-in-cheek game called “Trump or Trans” during a session of the Delivering on Government Efficiency subcommittee, aiming to redirect attention from what she called the GOP’s “anti-trans agenda” to what she sees as real government dysfunction.
“This hearing is not about enhancing the efficiency of government,” Crockett said. “It serves as yet another diversion by Republicans from their harmful and disastrous policies that make it increasingly challenging for Americans to manage their finances.”
Crockett then turned to Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, and ran through a list of national issues, asking who was responsible: Trump or trans people.
She asked Fatima Goss Graves, CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, to identify whether Trump or trans people were responsible for issues such as “cutting medical research,” “increasing the cost of everything,” “engaging in a foolish tariff war,” and “kidnapping Americans and sending them abroad.”
Goss Graves responded with “Trump” to every question.
To drive her point home, Crockett held up a large poster of Trump on a golf course.
“In fact, President Trump is on pace to spend more than a billion dollars of taxpayer dollars just on golfing,” Crockett added. “Yet the Republicans have been silent.”
She accused her GOP colleagues of ignoring real waste in favor of culture war distractions, saying they’d rather “spend taxpayer dollars on the president’s golfing trips” than “providing health care to their constituents.”
Jasmine Crockett Blasts Donald Trump & His “Minions”
We’re supposed to be in this DOGE Subcommittee to talk about waste, fraud, and abuse within the federal government, right?
Soooo why are we in here talking about trans people? Last time I checked, trans people aren’t the ones ruining our country — it’s TRUMP and his little… pic.twitter.com/yhtaDk3GMt
— Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (@RepJasmine) May 7, 2025
The hearing came amid a broader political backdrop. Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has issued sweeping executive orders rolling back protections for transgender people.
His directives eliminated Biden-era rules that allowed transgender military service, banned discrimination based on gender identity in housing and education, and removed gender identity from federal documents like passports.
Trump’s orders also mandated housing transgender people in prisons based on sex assigned at birth, restricted gender-affirming care in federal custody, and called for sex-segregated spaces that exclude transgender individuals.
He signed a ban on transgender girls and women in women’s sports, threatening to pull federal funding from schools that don’t comply, and urged international sports bodies to bar transgender athletes from events like the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
In a symbolic move, Trump declared November 5 as “Christian Visibility Day,” a direct counter to Transgender Day of Visibility.
Human rights organizations have condemned the administration’s actions, warning they increase the risk of violence and discrimination against transgender, nonbinary and intersex people.
Jasmine Crockett’s remarks and her “Trump or Trans” game were part of her broader push to shift the conversation away from identity politics and toward what she called “actual instances of waste, abuse and mismanagement.”
Instead of talking about the REAL issues—like the fact that millions of children are at risk of losing Medicaid—we had a hearing about fencing today… yes, the sport.
Republicans are wasting valuable time and taxpayer dollars on distractions instead of solutions. And here’s… pic.twitter.com/w8dVZI9lYh
— Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (@RepJasmine) May 8, 2025
Kodak Black broke down on Instagram Live from what appeared to be emotional distress amid ongoing legal battles with his ex-girlfriend Maranda Johnson.
“I never experienced love before,” he said through tears Wednesday night (May 7). “I never did.”
The 26-year-old rapper then climbed into bed, crying audibly and mumbling between sniffles.
The video quickly made the rounds online, with some viewers expressing concern for his mental health while others speculated he was trolling.
The livestream comes amid a turbulent stretch for Black, who has a documented history of drug addiction and erratic behavior.
In early 2024, he admitted to taking up to 100 Percocet pills a day, calling it one of the darkest periods of his life. He has since completed multiple stints in rehab.
But his personal struggles extend beyond substance use.
Kodak Black Accused Of Abusing Child’s Mother
Black is currently locked in a bitter legal battle with Johnson, the mother of his two children.
She has accused him of verbal and physical abuse and claims he has failed to provide sufficient financial support.
Kodak Black’s attorney, Bradford Cohen, rejected the accusations, calling them “pure fiction from a very selfish young lady.”
He also said Black has financially supported his kids and branded the suit a “disgusting money grab.”
The feud escalated after Johnson allegedly caused more than $150,000 in damage to Black’s property, including vehicles and a home where their children were present. Photos of the damage were shared on social media, reportedly by Johnson herself.
“She is already being sued for the admitted damage to the vehicles and home,” Cohen stated. “She will now be sued for defamation. I really wanted to stay on the sidelines on this because it’s family law. But now I will have to show why you don’t threaten my clients.”
In a separate filing, Johnson claimed Kodak Black and his mother took their son without notifying her, leaving her unaware of his whereabouts for nearly three weeks. She has since filed an emergency custody motion and is requesting an increase in child support.
Black, never one to stay quiet, responded on Instagram Live. He accused Johnson of clout chasing and insisted he’s active in his children’s lives.
Their co-parenting relationship has been anything but smooth. Earlier this year, Johnson and another one of the rapper’s children’s mothers got into a physical altercation, prompting police involvement.
Furthermore, in June 2024, Johnson was arrested on charges of burglary with assault or battery and grand theft after allegedly attacking another of Kodak’ Black’s exes.
N.O.R.E. accused a Houston restaurant staffer of endangering his life and calling the police over a bottle of wine in what he described as a racist encounter.
On Wednesday (May 7), rapper and media personality N.O.R.E. took to Instagram to recount a disturbing incident he said unfolded while dining with friends in Houston.
According to the Drink Champs host, a restaurant employee called the police on him without warning, allegedly after he ordered an extra bottle of wine.
“I didn’t believe the Karen thing actually exists,” N.O.R.E. said in the video. “Until I was given ‘The Karen treatment.'”
He described the moment the employee approached his table.
“She came up to us, and we were quiet, we were cool, we were calm,” he explained. “And she called the police on us.”
N.O.R.E. was blindsided by the call, claiming they were already in the process of paying their bill.
“I had no idea why she called the cops,” he said, highlighting police brutality concerns.
In the caption of his video, N.O.R.E. didn’t hold back.
“This Woman tried to get me Killed for ordering an extra bottle of wine,” he began. “Whenever a white woman calls the police on a black man their intentions is to get a black man killed.!!!!!!!!!!”
He went on to say he felt “inhumane” and “violated as a human” by the experience.
N.O.R.E. Claims Karen Received Multiple Complaints Alleging Racism
After leaving the restaurant, N.O.R.E. said he looked into the staff member’s history and found what he described as a pattern of complaints alleging racism.
“After doing my investigation I noticed a lot of people are complaining about her!” he added. “She’s not just racist to black people she’s racist to Latino’s Russians Jews anybody who is not pure bred white.”
He also claimed that as he exited the restaurant, he witnessed the same employee turning away three Black men at the door. “Let’s BoyCott!!!!!!!!! Shame on You!!!!!!!!” he wrote.
Shedeur Sanders’ unexpected tumble to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft has triggered a $100 million lawsuit from a self-identified Colorado supporter who claims the league’s handling of the quarterback’s draft stock caused him emotional trauma.
Filed in a Georgia federal court by a man using the alias “John Doe,” the suit accuses the NFL of orchestrating a biased narrative that harmed Sanders’ reputation and, in turn, inflicted psychological damage on the plaintiff as a devoted consumer of the sport, according to Fox Sports.
The complaint alleges that media reports claiming Sanders “tanked interviews,” “wasn’t prepared,” and “was too cocky” amounted to “slanderous statements” that unfairly shaped public perception and contributed to his draft-day slide.
The plaintiff argues these portrayals were not only damaging but also racially motivated, citing alleged violations of the Civil Rights Act.
The lawsuit also claims the NFL breached the Sherman Antitrust Act, accusing teams of colluding to manipulate the draft process and depress Sanders’ value.
Lawsuit Alleges NFL Teams’ “Collusion”
“Collusion among NFL teams to influence the drafting process and the subsequent low selection of Shedeur Sanders,” the filing reads.
The plaintiff is demanding $100 million in punitive damages, a formal acknowledgment from the league for the emotional distress caused, a public apology to Sanders, and a retraction of the statements he deems defamatory.
He also calls for reforms to ensure future draft selections are based solely on merit.
According to the filing, Doe is a longtime Colorado football follower who attended games and closely tracked Sanders’ college career.
He claims the draft outcome led to “frustration, disappointment and psychological harm as a fan.”
The NFL has not commented publicly on the lawsuit.
Sanders, once projected as a top-three pick, was selected 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns. Despite the late-round selection, he quickly became a popular figure, with his No. 12 jersey topping rookie sales charts.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry defended the pick, saying, “We felt like it got to a point where he was probably mispriced relative to the draft.”
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III criticized the team’s quarterback situation, calling it “set up for dysfunction” due to Deshaun Watson’s hefty contract.
Tiny Harris is celebrating a major courtroom win while fighting to hold on to the hefty payout after a federal judge finalized a $71.5 million judgment in favor of her, T.I. and the OMG Girlz in their legal battle over the alleged misuse of the group’s image by toy giant MGA Entertainment.
The ruling, handed down by U.S. District Judge James V. Selna, includes $53.6 million in punitive damages and $17.9 million in actual damages, plus 3.972% interest.
The decision reverses the judge’s earlier hesitation about the size of the punitive award, stating, “Upon consideration of the evidence, the Court grants disgorgement of profits of $17,872,252 under common law misappropriation, and affirms the jury’s award of punitive damages of $53,616,759.”
Tiny Harris Prepared To Fight For OMG Girlz Intellectual Property
Harris, who co-founded the teen pop group in 2009 alongside husband T.I., took to Instagram Wednesday (May 7) to reflect on the moment and thank those involved in the case.
“It’s another small victory for @omggirlz & I… But it’s still a long way to go,” she wrote. “The way the other side plays ball but we are patient & squirt & ready to fight for our intellectual property.”
Tiny added, “Again we thank the judge for being as fair as he possibly could & juror especially for taking two & a half wks out of their lives to listen to all of the evidence & was able to see the truth. That OMG was just some young teenagers that worked so hard to build their brand. We are so grateful…”
The lawsuit accused MGA of “cultural appropriation and outright theft” for allegedly copying the OMG Girlz’ style and branding for its LOL Surprise! OMG Dolls without permission or payment.
The dolls have since been pulled from shelves, but MGA is appealing the decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which means the payout is currently paused.
Drake is being accused of trying to muzzle Hip-Hop’s long-standing tradition of lyrical combat in an attempt to undermine the First Amendment with his lawsuit against Kendrick Lamar.
The rapper faces renewed legal resistance from Universal Music Group over his lawsuit targeting Lamar’s chart-topping diss track “Not Like Us.”
The legal battle stems from a heated two-month lyrical exchange in 2024 between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, which saw the two rap heavyweights trade nine diss tracks.
Drake’s lawsuit initially centered on the lyric in “Not Like Us” that he claims defamed him by calling him a “certified pedophile.”
But after UMG filed a motion to dismiss, Drake filed an amended complaint and shifted his focus to Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance, even though the lyric in question was omitted from the show.
UMG is now asking a judge to toss the case entirely, calling the claims baseless and constitutionally dangerous.
“Assessed in context, as it must be, ‘Not Like Us’ conveys nonactionable opinion and rhetorical hyperbole,” UMG attorney Rollin A. Ransom explained. “Indeed, diss tracks are a popular and celebrated art form centered around outrageous insults and they would be chilled if Drake’s suit were permitted to proceed.”
Ransom didn’t hold back from pointing out what he saw as hypocrisy in Drake’s position.
“Drake, who had no concerns using UMG’s platform to publish slurs about Lamar during their rap feud, now claims ‘Not Like Us’ is defamatory. These allegations—directly aimed at chilling legitimate artistic expression safeguarded by the First Amendment—are meritless,” he said.
UMG argues that any defamation claims fall flat because the statements in the song are not factual assertions but rather exaggerated opinions typical of rap battles.
UMG says this undermines Drake’s credibility in claiming to be a victim of defamation. The label’s filing frames the lawsuit as less about legal harm and more about Drake’s bruised ego.
The label said the rapper is trying to “salve his wounds” after losing a public rap feud and is now targeting the commercial success of “Not Like Us,” which became the best-selling rap song of 2024
UMG is asking the court to dismiss Drake’s amended complaint with prejudice, which would prevent him from refiling the case.
Drake’s legal fight over Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” drew fire from UMG, which accused him of trying to silence diss tracks and stifle free speech.
Kehlani has found support from fellow artist Vic Mensa, who penned an Instagram post on Wednesday (May 7) applauding her stance on the ongoing Gaza War.
The singer included her pro-Palestinian views in her new video, “Next 2 U,” sparking backlash. Consequently, some of her concerts, including a planned Central Park show during Pride Month, have been canceled due to security concerns raised by New York City officials.
Vic Mensa, however, sees her willingness to speak out about important issues as nothing but brave.
“Few artists, and even fewer at your level of success, have chosen to center humanity and courage as boldly and uncompromisingly as you have, let alone at the peak of their popularity,” he wrote. “although newer to religion, i have a deep seated belief that god, or the universe, or however you categorize the all-powerful presence of the divine, is taking note – of every selfless action, of every sacrifice, of every time we jeapordize our security to do what’s right.
“I toe the line with you. sometimes I think ‘my baby can’t eat beliefs’ and I hold my tongue. and something inside me dies slowly. It eats me from within.”
Vic Mensa, a Chicago native, has been vocal about his political views in the past. In 2016, he spoke to CNN shortly after Donald Trump was elected to office for the first time. He condemned the Electoral College, saying it underscores that the American government is “not a government of the people.”
“The people spoke and elected Hillary Clinton, but this isn’t a real democracy,” Mensa said at the time. “…. We’re still operating as a nation off of rules and laws that were enacted as a slave-owning state.”
Mensa’s caption suggested he’s suffered for his strong opinions—just as Kehlani has.
“I lost a lot,” he continued. “I’ll be honest. but, perhaps out of necessity, I have to choose to believe that when the smoke clears, I’ll look at my past with pride; I wasn’t perfect, but I forged myself out of fire. I took the hard road. I’ve been awe inspired by the way you’ve stood up. especially at a time when I fell back. and I asked myself, ‘although I need to feed my son, what kind of man do i want to inspire him to be?'”
He continued, “The highest form of sadaqah, or charity, is that which is given in health, & with much loved wealth; when we give, not what we don’t need, but what we need most, the reverberation is supreme.”
Mensa concluded his sentiments by assuring Kehlani her fans will never abandon her, writing, “I have often thought about your choices over the last 18 months. wished I was more brave. and more self sufficient. the truth is, your people love you. not because of an opportunity provided to you by a booker here, or a city there, but because they cherish the depth of your soul. none of this can change that. as long as you have them you can never lose. the powers that be may be great, but I do believe we can all agree – there is a greater power.”
Kehlani, who shared Mensa’s post to her Instagram Stories, also has support from Macklemore. Hours after Mensa posted his thoughts, the “Hinds Hall” rapper wrote an Instagram statement that mentions Kehlani.
He said in part, “In a desperate attempt, they aim to villainize and silence musicians by cancelling shows, pulling them from festival lineups and warning others—this is what happens when you speak up. I’m riding with Kehlani and anyone else that has a backbone.”
Kehlani was expected to perform at Cornell University on May 7, but it was canceled. She said in response, “I am being asked and called to clarify and make a statement yet again for the millionth time that I am not antisemitic nor anti-Jew. I am anti-genocide, I am anti the actions of the Israeli government, I am anti an extermination of an entire people, I’m anti the bombing of innocent children, men, women – that’s what I’m anti.”
SZA admitted she owes Beyoncé a chunk of her publishing rights after borrowing lyrics from the pop icon’s 2006 ballad “Listen.”
SZA used some of the lyrics for her 2022 track “SOS”, but says the superstar has never asked for a dime.
The Grammy-winning singer dropped the confession in the comments of an Instagram reel posted by influencer Zuhaila Jama, who joked about Beyoncé’s long list of songwriting credits.
SZA said, “I literally owe her half my publishing off interpolation alone on ‘SOS’ and she never pressed me lmao. A generous QUEEN 😭.”
The interpolation in question appears at the end of “SOS,” where SZA sings, “And I cried and cried / Said what’s on my mind,” a slight lyrical shift from Beyoncé’s original lines in “Listen”: “And I’ve tried and tried / To say what’s on my mind.”
Despite the borrowed bars, SZA said Beyoncé hasn’t come calling for compensation.
The 36-year-old artist has long admired the former Destiny’s Child frontwoman and once admitted she was too nervous to epproach her.
“I can’t speak unless she wants to speak, in my brain, because I don’t want to bother her,” SZA told E! News in 2023. “She looked so peaceful and beautiful. I just admire her. She’s a masterclass on poise, grace, artistry, beauty and kindness.”
“SOS,” released in December 2022, marked SZA’s first studio album in five years and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
A$AP Rocky opened up about the emotional weight of his recent legal battle and how it stalled his creativity during a revealing interview published by Variety.
The rapper was acquitted in February by a Los Angeles jury on two felony charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. The case stemmed from allegations that he fired a gun at former associate A$AP Relli during a 2021 confrontation.
Now 36, A$AP Rocky said the trial cast a long shadow over his music.
“I’m writing about these past four or five years that I had this over me, and it’s been kind of handicapping me,” he told the outlet.
He also reflected on how the experience changed his outlook on trust and accountability.
“I can’t necessarily blame it on my last situation. But what I did learn is you’ve gotta accept that everybody’s not good people; you’re not gonna run into a solid person every time. Not everybody’s gonna handle situations like you,” he said. “Once you accept that you’re not responsible for nobody’s actions but yours… That’s where I’m at — like, ‘Yo, focus on your own actions.’ Because I ain’t perfect. I’m human too, and we all f**k up.”
Away from the courtroom, A$AP Rocky has been focused on family and film. He and Rihanna, who began dating in 2020, are parents to two sons — RZA, 2, and Riot, 21 months.
During Monday’s 2025 Met Gala, Rihanna revealed she is pregnant with their third child.
Rocky is also stepping into the film world with a role in the upcoming Spike Lee-directed movie Highest 2 Lowest, starring alongside Denzel Washington.
The film is set to premiere this month at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
Tyre Nichols became the focus of national outrage and renewed scrutiny of police conduct after a jury cleared three former Memphis officers of all state charges tied to his deadly beating during a traffic stop in January 2023.
After more than eight hours of deliberation, on Wednesday (May 7), the panel found Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith not guilty of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.
The decision came at the end of a seven-day trial, marking the second courtroom battle for the trio in connection to Nichols’ death.
“Today’s verdict in the trial of the officers involved in Tyre Nichols’ death is devastating. But we must never let the brutality that ended his life overshadow the beauty of how he lived,” the family’s attorney, Ben Crump, said.
Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, died three days after he was violently beaten by officers from the Memphis Police Department’s now-disbanded Scorpion Unit.
Body camera and surveillance footage showed officers punching, kicking and striking Nichols with a baton as he cried out for his mother. The video triggered widespread protests and calls for sweeping police reform.
All five officers involved were fired and charged at both the state and federal levels. Two of them, Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills Jr., pleaded guilty and testified for the prosecution during the state trial.
In a separate federal case last year, Haley, Bean and Smith were convicted of witness tampering. Haley was also found guilty of violating Nichols’ civil rights by causing bodily injury.
However, all three were acquitted of federal charges directly related to Nichols’ death. Sentencing for those convictions is still pending.
Nichols’ family left the court without speaking to the media after hearing the verdict.
Today’s verdict in the trial of the officers involved in Tyre Nichols’ death is devastating. But we must never let the brutality that ended his life overshadow the beauty of how he lived. Tyre was a father, a son, a skateboarder who loved sunsets and photography. He wanted to… pic.twitter.com/AiqxGe88CE
“Tyre was a father, a son, a skateboarder who loved sunsets and photography. He wanted to live and experience the best out of life. His death has forever changed us — but his legacy will live on. We’ll make sure of it,” Ben Crump added.
Within minutes, social media lit up with reactions ranging from disbelief to fury, reigniting debates over police accountability and justice.
“Along with many of you, I watched the video of Tyre Nichols getting beaten to death by cops, executed in the street, calling for his mother in his final moments,” one user fumed. “Those cops were just ACQUITTED.
Our justice system is a JOKE.”
I'm confused. Maybe somebody can help me understand.
Tyre Nichols was beaten so viciously he was calling out to his mother. The officers mocked him, using his bloody body as a prop in pics they sent to other people.
Julie McKnight broke her silence this week to firmly reject Jaguar Wright’s explosive claims that Brian McKnight physically abused her during their marriage.
In a detailed public statement, the singer and ex-wife of the R&B artist made it clear she never accused Brian of domestic violence and took issue with Wright’s viral accusations.
“Although there are numerous forms of abuse that individuals may experience, Julie McKnight has never stated that she was a victim of domestic violence during her first marriage. She has never made such comments to anyone, privately or publicly,” the statement read.
“Ms. McKnight is aware of recent rumors suggesting otherwise and firmly and publicly disputes these claims. These statements are not only false but also misrepresent her personal history and experiences.”
The denial comes after Jaguar Wright, a singer known for making inflammatory remarks about celebrities, alleged on social media that Brian McKnight not only abused Julie but also hired sex workers to assault them during intimate encounters.
Wright also claimed that Julie is her cousin, a connection Brian McKnight doesn’t recognize. “I have no idea about her alleged relation to Jaguar,” he said.
Brian McKnight has since filed a defamation lawsuit against Wright, calling her accusations “not only false but also malicious.”
The legal complaint seeks damages for reputational harm and aims to push back against what McKnight’s team describes as a pattern of reckless public statements.
Wright’s history of controversial claims includes unverified allegations against Jay-Z, Beyoncé and Sean “Diddy” Combs. Her appearance on “Piers Morgan Uncensored” earlier this year also led to legal threats and public retractions.
Kanye West abruptly ended a sit-down with Piers Morgan in Majorca after the British broadcaster misstated his follower count on Twitter (X), prompting the polarizing figure to walk out less than two minutes into the taping.
The tense exchange unfolded during a taping for Morgan’s YouTube series Uncensored, where the conversation quickly derailed after Morgan claimed West had 32 million followers on the platform.
That number didn’t sit well with the 47-year-old Hip-Hop artist.
“Now, look, right now you’re not going to take inches off my d**k, bro—like, how many followers do I have?” West snapped, before standing up and leaving the interview. “No sir, this is what you get for now. We can circle back when you can count.”
Morgan later posted a photo of West standing in front of the Mediterranean Sea with a caption that summed up the encounter: “So, I interviewed Kanye West again today. It didn’t last long or go well. This was him right before he stomped off like a big baby.”
The interview had already gotten off to an uneasy start.
As Morgan greeted West and asked how he was doing, the rapper gestured toward the ocean and responded, “You see that view?… On the answer how my life is, judge me by the view.”
Morgan replied, “The view is Majorca, I’ve been there. For all intents and purposes, you seem very relaxed and happy. That is in direct contrast to your public image at the moment.”
West interrupted repeatedly before Morgan pivoted to the topic of social media, which triggered the walkout. The interview was filmed in Majorca, where West has been staying amid reports of a possible separation from his wife, Bianca Censori.
When you go to fancy events like the Met Gala, you better know there are rules. I know it looked like all the Black people there were running the show, but make no mistake about it, Anna Wintour is the boss. Nobody defies the boss. Or do they?
I’m hearing some rumors, and those rumors are dark—dark like Doechii’s skin. And let me be clear, that’s not an insult to her; I’m saying this situation could lead to serious consequences for one person in particular. That person? Megan Thee Stallion.
Megan did the unthinkable. She broke Anna Wintour’s rules.
Now, Megan Thee Stallion is a true February Aquarius, and that means she inclined to push boundaries. But this time, she might have gone too far—especially since she openly bragged about it and brought her fans along for the ride.
Megan snuck a phone into the Met Gala and posted clips to her audience. I’m not sure what her goal was, but Anna Wintour is notoriously strict about keeping the inner workings of the Gala hush-hush. As you probably know, the only thing we typically see is the red carpet and grand display of fashion. After that? It’s radio silence. Sure, we know there’s a dinner and maybe some performances—but that’s all behind the velvet curtain.
Megan, however, gave people a peek inside, showing the dinner seating, the meal and a few other random moments. She even admitted on camera that she wasn’t supposed to have her phone and that she snuck it in.
People who break the rules at the Met Gala risk being blacklisted. I always wonder why it’s called blacklisted when white folks are the ones doing this? Call it whitelisted. I digress.
The big question is: Will Megan Thee Stallion be banned?
She’s a massive rap star, but as we saw earlier this week, stars were shining everywhere. The Met Gala will go on, with or without her. It might not be as cool, but it will continue.
We’ll see soon enough if there are consequences for this major infraction.
Former p### star Jonathan Oddi, who was arrested in 2018 after opening fire at Trump National Doral Golf Club in Florida, told police he’d been Diddy’s sex slave and signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with the disgraced music mogul.
According to recently surfaced non-disclosure (NDA) agreement obtained by the Daily Mail, Oddi alleged he was paid $5 million to stay quiet, which was reportedly signed in Miami in 2014. He told police that Diddy would watch and instruct him during sexual encounters with Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura and that he was treated as a “sex slave” for them.
“I had sex with Cassie [Ventura] and Sean [Combs],” he said. “Basically, he would masturbate and tell me what to do to Cassie. I was like a sex slave. For them, that’s what I was.”
Oddi’s ex-wife, Tonia Troutwine, confirmed the NDA coincided with their 2014 divorce.
“The date of that contract was around the same time as our divorce,” she said. “I almost feel like he divorced me because he came to all this money and so I wouldn’t claim it. But our lives were already going in different paths. I started feeling like a third wheel in someone else’s life rather than a wife.”
She added, “He kept on insisting that we sign the divorce paperwork, which I thought was very odd how he wanted to get things going so quickly. It was only later that I found out he had signed this agreement.”
Oddi remains in custody on multiple charges related to the hotel shooting.
The 42-year-old Oddi hails from Doral, Florida. During the 2018 incident, he shouted anti-Trump remarks and draped an American flag over the counter. He engaged in a shootout with responding police officers, was shot in the legs and subsequently arrested.
Oddi was charged with five counts of attempted second-degree murder, armed burglary, assault with a firearm, grand theft and creating a false fire alarm. He was held without bond and ordered to stay away from the resort.
Described as a fitness instructor with no prior felony arrests but several misdemeanor traffic infractions, Oddi made unusual claims during his interrogation, including the one about Diddy. The shooting incident was brief but intense, involving multiple officers and causing significant damage to the hotel. Authorities investigated the motive but did not publicly confirm a clear reason for Oddi’s actions, though police suggested he intended to ambush officer
Meanwhile, Diddy is currently being held without bail in New York on charges including sex trafficking and racketeering, following a series of lawsuits and federal raids. The jury selection process for his trial began on Monday (May 5).
“He’s scared I will expose him,” Oddi said of Diddy in his police interrogation. “My settlement put me in a box. Basically, I couldn’t talk because I was going to be sued. They kept following me.”
Bebe Rexha has disclosed she suffered a pregnancy loss during a back-and-forth with Azealia Banks, who publicly ridiculed the singer over her appearance at the Met Gala, revealing deeply personal health struggles in a now-deleted post.
The exchange began on Monday night (May 5), when Banks took aim at Rexha’s red carpet look.
“Sis gives me – hormonal birth control implant or something,” she tweeted. “It’s giving implanon/nuvaring she needs removed or depo shot that needs to stop happening (I’m not even tryna play her).”
Rexha fired back the next day: “And you might wanna jump on some type of therapy, sis, lexapro worked great for me. something that helps with the deep rooted sadness and chaos you keep projecting. Healing looks good on everyone. Try it.”
Attempting to shut down the back-and-forth, Rexha added, “Ok I’m gonna go and enjoy my day now. Have a good day everyone love you.”
But the conversation took a darker turn when Rexha shared a vulnerable truth in a tweet she later deleted.
“I’m so tired of people commenting on my weight,” she began, adding, “I have PCOS and struggle with infertility. I got pregnant, and it didn’t work out and I’ve been carrying that pain in silence. I never owed anyone that truth, but maybe now you’ll think twice before commenting on anyone’s body.”
Never one to hold back, Azealia Banks responded, mocking Bebe Rexha’s mental health medication.
“You should really get off Lexapro lmao,” she wrote. “Weight gain is a TRADEMARK side effect of Lexapro.”
Banks followed up with, “I’m honestly nothing to be ashamed of because trust me… The problems that come from ssri’s are a lot LOT worse than anything you feel you are going thru now.”
On Wednesday morning (May 7), Rexha took to her Instagram Stories after reflecting on her posts. “I shared something deeply personal,” she wrote. “I’ll admit, I’m disappointed in myself for letting vulnerability take away from what was supposed to be a special night. I’m also upset that I even felt like I needed to explain myself at all. But I know that being transparent might help someone else feel seen. I’ve always wanted to be a voice for women who deal with the same things.”
Playboi Carti has stirred up buzz on social media after claiming he was barred from the 2025 Met Gala, but his date, not the drama, had everyone talking.
On Tuesday (May 6), the Atlanta rapper posted a slideshow of his black-and-white outfit the day after fashion’s biggest night, writing on his finsta in a joint post with Brazilian model Giovanna “Gio” Ramos.
“MET GALA BANNED ME,” Carti claimed. “FELT LIKE WE GOT KICKED OUT OF PROM BUT WE GOOD.”
Carti wore a white button-down shirt under a black leather jacket with matching pants, a black skully and Converse sneakers.
Ramos, who has been at the center of dating rumors with Carti for months, stood beside him in the photos, fueling even more speculation.
But while Carti’s claim of being blacklisted from the Met Gala raised eyebrows, many online were more focused on his apparent relationship with Ramos.
Comments flooded in asking, “So what exactly is the relationship here?” and “Nah he really turned her straight.” One user bluntly added, “We dead want u to date somebody else.”
The Met Gala has not commented on Carti’s alleged ban, and whether he was ever officially invited remains unclear. Some questioned the legitimacy of his claim, noting that Chrome Hearts, the brand he tagged, isn’t typically associated with the event’s guest list.
Still, Carti didn’t seem too bothered. “[Gio] WITH ME IM A HAPPY MAN F### EM,” he wrote, referring to Ramos.
The pair has been linked for some time, though neither has confirmed their relationship publicly.
Carti previously tagged Ramos in a celebratory post about his Billboard Hot 100 success. He captioned it “Ya ex could never,” which many took as a jab and a soft launch of their romance.
Ramos, who has identified as a lesbian in past interviews, thanked Carti online after he gifted her an Audemars Piguet watch, reportedly worth $60,000, for her birthday, adding more fuel to the dating rumors.
Ciara has recalled the “sweet” moment she reunited with Rihanna after running into her at the 2025 Met Gala more than a decade after their 2011 Twitter clash.
The Grammy-winning singer opened up about their unexpected exchange during an appearance on The Sherri Show, revealing the two moms bonded over babies and busy lives.
“This is her third baby she’s having now,” Ciara said, referring to Rihanna’s Met Gala pregnancy reveal. “We were cracking up talking about … cinco.”
According to Ciara, her husband Russell Wilson began talking about them having a fifth child sparking a playful conversation about Rihanna and A$AP Rocky having a fourth child.
She added, “But she’s gotta get through the tres [Spanish for three] first.”
Their lighthearted chat came years after a public feud that once played out online.
Ciara didn’t dwell on the past but acknowledged the growth between them. She also revealed that Rihanna had reached out months earlier. “She sent me a sweet DM a few months back saying she was ‘so proud’ of me,” Ciara said. “I’m proud of her, too. She is rocking it in such a great way.”
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are expecting their third child. Their first son, RZA Athelston Mayers, was born May 13, 2022, and their second, Riot Rose Mayers, arrived August 3, 2023.
Ciara, who shares her oldest son, Future Zahir Wilburn, with rapper Future, has three more children with NFL quarterback Russell Wilson: daughter Sienna Princess, born April 29, 2017; son Win Harrison, born July 23, 2020; and daughter Amora Princess, born December 11, 2023.
