Rihanna Reveals She Gave Birth In Pearls & Sunglasses

Rihanna redefined maternity glam by revealing she gave birth to both of her sons decked out in pearls and shades.

She casually broke the internet over the weekend with two previously unreleased photos of her babies to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The music mogul and fashion entrepreneur, who shares her two sons with longtime partner and rap star A$AP Rocky, unveiled intimate snapshots that quickly ignited social media buzz.

Rihanna didn’t disappoint—bringing major high-fashion energy to the delivery room.

In the first image, the “Diamonds” singer is captured tenderly holding her eldest son, RZA, moments after his arrival in May 2022.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri)

Rather than the usual hospital gown and bare-faced look, she opted for an ensemble straight out of a Vogue editorial: a diamond-encrusted pearl choker stacked elegantly with gold chains and a striking gold medallion necklace.

The second photograph takes the glam factor even higher, as the Barbadian powerhouse cradles her newest addition, baby Riot Rose, born in August 2023.

This time, Rihanna accessorized with a pair of bold pink sunglasses, proving that even childbirth can’t dim her star wattage.

Rihanna explained the profound significance of motherhood, writing, “By far the most powerful thing I’ve ever done as a woman… my little miracles! #InternationalWomensDay.”

Clearly amused by her own over-the-top accessorizing, the 37-year-old superstar humorously acknowledged her fashion choices during labor, writing candidly, “And yes I gave birth in pearls and sunglasses… don’t ask, a lot was happening.”

The post rapidly went viral, amassing over eight million likes within hours as her celebrity circle chimed in with enthusiastic praise.

Pop icon Katy Perry enthusiastically commented, “The BEST,” while television personality Padma Lakshmi admired Rihanna’s eternal flair, writing, “Always dazzling.” Journalist Elaine Welteroth playfully joined the conversation, joking, “Baddie even during birth! Why we love you so much.”

Rihanna and Rocky, first revealed their romantic relationship back in 2021, quickly becoming one of entertainment’s most stylish and beloved couples.

Ne-Yo Says “Story Time”Song Marked Beginning Of Polyamory Lifestyle & Reveals His “Rules” For It

Ne-Yo is no stranger to love, which is why he he’s doing things his own way as he dives deeper into his experience in polyamorous relationships.

In a candid interview with Real 92.3, the R&B superstar opened up about his polyamorous lifestyle, revealing that his song “Story Time” was inspired by a real-life moment that set him on this unconventional path. However, Ne-Yo insists this isn’t just about adding more partners—there are rules in place to keep everything running smoothly.

Ne-Yo admitted the song, which appeared on his Non-Fiction album in 2015, was born from a situation where he got caught cheating due to his attempt at introducing the idea of bringing another woman into his relationship.

“I introduced it and she was like, ‘Well maybe,’ and I’m like, ‘Oh cool. So I’ll just call her now,'” he recalled. “And she was like, ‘Call her?’ I’m like, ‘Oh… damn, oops.'”

That moment made it clear that any additions to the relationship had to be mutual.

“She would be down with someone we met together, not someone I was meeting behind her back,” he explained. But when the tables turned and his partner suggested adding another man, Ne-Yo had a different reaction.

“She said, ‘You so gung-ho about another girl, what if I said I wanted another dude?’ I’m like, ‘hell no,’” he trailed off, implying his enthusiasm had its limits.

When it comes down to it, for Ne-Yo, polyamory isn’t a free-for-all—it’s a carefully structured dynamic with clear expectations.

“I do partnership, not ownership,” he said. “You’re not my property. I don’t even want to own you.”

Though he doesn’t require exclusivity from his partners, there’s a catch.

“If you offer it and I accept, there are rules to follow,” he said. “Nothing is above a conversation as long as we’re being honest, but if you offer exclusivity—meaning just me and only me—and I say, ‘Are you sure? You understand that your exclusivity to me doesn’t mean exclusivity to you?’ That’s a decision you’re making on your own.”

He continued, making it clear from the start that his relationships operate on his terms.

“If you make that decision and I say, ‘Cool cool, well, here’s the rules I need you to follow,’ and if you’re cool with that, then we rock,” he said. “If you’re not, we don’t. No love lost. You go your way, I go mine, and it’s all good.”

While his lifestyle has sparked plenty of public debate, Ne-Yo revealed that support often comes in private.

“You know what’s crazy?” he said in part. “It’s one of those situations where men reach out in secret. And go ‘Yeah honey, I would never,’ and be like, ‘Congratulations,’ but just between me and you, ‘Bro, you living life.’”

Although, Ne-Yo is quick to shut down the misconception that polyamory is all about sex.

“People get caught up on the sexual element of it,” he said. “If the only reason you’re doing it is for the sexual part of it, you’re bound to fail. That’s an orgy. That’s swinging. That’s something totally different. This is community. This is a team. We are partners in this situation.”

SZA Annoyed By Shannon Sharpe’s Exchange With Coco Jones About “S.O.S.” Singer’s BBL

SZA appears to have announced her plans to boycott Shannon Sharpe’s podcast while sharing her frustration with a recent interview the former NFL star conducted with one of her R&B contemporaries.

Bel-Air series star and vocalist Coco Jones appeared on an episode of the Club ShayShay podcast with Sharpe last month. Along with discussing her dating life, career and run-ins with artists such as Lil Wayne and singer Teddy Swims, Jones also briefly spoke about SZA.

More specifically, she indirectly answered a question referencing the TDE superstar while responding to Sharpe’s inquiry gauging her opinion about SZA’s recent remarks—in which she expressed regret over getting her Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery.

“Recently SZA came out and said she regretted getting a BBL,” Sharpe said to Jones during the interview exchange. “Have you talked to anyone that regret it, like, ‘Whatever you do, don’t do this.'”

Jones simply replied, “Um, no,” adding, “The girls that I talk to, they be like, ‘Girl, do this.'”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Club Shay Shay (@clubshayshay)

SZA caught on to the clip and responded in the comments section of the post.

“Lmaooo now why would this be a question for coco,” SZA wrote in part. “Poor baby she handled it well now Shay Shay.”

In a follow-up comment she appeared to call out Sharpe behind the exchange, writing, “Incredibly tacky .. I wanted to come here too, dah well.”

Sharpe’s question was taken from SZA’s November 2024 interview with British Vogue in which she admitted that while she was initially “so mad” that she got the popular BBL surgery, she’s “enjoying” it now.

“I’m so mad I did that s##t,” SZA said. “I gained all this weight from being immobile while recovering and trying to preserve the fat. It was just so stupid. But who gives a f##k. You got a BBL, you realize you didn’t need that s##t. It doesn’t matter.”

Though Sharpe’s question to Jones didn’t land well with SZA, she initially appeared to be unfazed by it during the aforementioned interview with the fashion outlet.

“I’ll do a whole bunch more s##t just like it if I want to before I’m f###ing dead because this body is temporary,” she said.

SZA previously scolded her own fanbase over their comments about her body, which she described as “weird” and pinpointed comments like that as a reason why she has dialed back her interactions with fans as of late. Last December, the “luther” guest vocalist lashed out at a user on Twitter after a trip down memory lane sparked some shady comments, with the user in question replying to the throwback post in a remark which read, “aka before she got big and bbl culture like.”

A SZA Stan account responded to the tweet, adding, “stop don’t remind us,” prompting the SZA to fire back.

“Yall say weird s### like this and wonder why I’m different and don’t feel comfortable w yall anymore,” she replied. “Lol.”

SZA clarified in a follow-up post that she was addressing the fan account, not responding to the BBL remark.

“Yall do realize I mean different as in I don’t go on live+ talk and don’t communicate w yall like that anymore lmao,” she added. “Not different as in change my appearance tf.”

Check out the clip in question in the post above.

6ix9ine’s Platinum Plaques Sell For Insane Amounts Amid Tax Troubles

6ix9ine saw his flashy jewelry and platinum plaques auctioned off by Market Auctions in South Florida after the IRS seized his assets for unpaid taxes, raking in massive sums far beyond initial estimates.

While the Hip-Hop star’s extravagant diamond-studded jewelry collection initially grabbed all the buzz, it was actually his platinum record plaques that stole the show, selling for prices three to four times higher than anticipated.

The biggest surprise came courtesy of his “BEBE” platinum plaque, which netted an eye-watering $24,320, followed closely by the plaque commemorating “GUMMO,” fetching a cool $18,240.

“This was the sleeper hit of the auction,” said Jacob Kodner, Managing Partner of Market Auctions. “Collectors and fans alike recognized these plaques as irreplaceable pieces of music history.”

“Buyers weren’t just investing in memorabilia, they were investing in legacy,” Kodner added. “Each award represents a significant moment in music history, and we believe that’s what drove these impressive prices.”

6ix9ine’s luxe accessories didn’t disappoint either.

A coveted Hermès Birkin bag went under the hammer for $23,680, while a sleek Cartier Santos stainless steel watch brought in $22,080.

In fact, nearly 95 percent of the items auctioned exceeded their initial estimated values.

“We saw major buyers acquiring multiple pieces, whether it was several plaques or a combination of luxury items,” Kodner explained. “This wasn’t merely fan-driven, it was a serious auction for high-end collectors.”

These prized possessions ended up on the auction block after a dramatic IRS raid in April 2024 at the rapper’s Lake Worth, Florida residence, resulting from his ongoing failure to settle tax debts.

The sale was just another chapter in 6ix9ine’s ongoing financial and legal woes, which have included multiple lawsuits and judgments against the controversial rapper.

Market Auctions, riding high on this success, is already gearing up for another blockbuster sale scheduled for March 12, 2025.

The featured lineup includes a rare ceramic piece by Pablo Picasso, a Marc Chagall lithograph and an exquisite Tiffany’s necklace.

Reginae Carter Explains Why She Didn’t Stay With YFN Lucci Through His Prison Sentence

Reginae Carter has revealed what led her to calling it quits with her former partner YFN Lucci while he was incarcerated and serving time for multiple charges.

During her recent appearance on Carlos King’s Reality With The King podcast, the daughter of New Orleans-bred rap legend Lil Wayne dished on the dynamic of her relationship with Lucci while remarking on his release from prison last January. Initially, the conversation was kicked off by Reginae’s response to an inquiry about what made her fall in love with Lucci, whom she calls Ray, when she met him at 19—when he was 27 and the father of four.

“I don’t know I was 19 I feel like I always had a crush on him,” Reginae Carter said in part. “And then he just came—he reminded me of what I was used to. He came courting me, giving me what I like.”

Carter added that his status as a rapper, like her father Lil Wayne, made his lifestyle seem more palpable and familiar to her.

“Spending time with me like you know I’m used to a rapper like my father is a rapper so it was kind of like home a little bit,” she said.

Though she described him as a “sweetheart” soon, the conversation shifted as Reginae began breaking down where things went wrong between her and Lucci aka Ray. While being questioned about what ended up being the reason why they went their separate ways, Reginae revealed that she was being contacted by other women about his alleged infidelities.

“I’m saying don’t date these rappers cuz they are just no good,” she said. “Have fun with them, you have fun with them. And listen and that’s the thing, I was in love. So I was not I kind of—I don’t know how to have fun I’m such a lover girl that it’s like if I like you or if I’m with you I’m going to love you I’m going to fall in love.”

She went on to reveal that the final straw, through it all, was Lucci’s involvement with a woman she claims he’s still with to this day.

“I was young, I definitely was willing to probably, I was probably willing to wait,” she said. “But like, you see, he has a girlfriend now. That’s been around.”

Reginae confirmed that Lucci and the woman were indeed together at the same time they were dating four years ago, up until his 2021 arrest. Though she admitted the saga did indeed cause her some emotional harm, she’s moved on from it, just like their relationship.

“Yeah, it did,” she said. “But also, I feel like I forgive him too. Because at the end of the day, I was young.
So it’s like, hey, and, it’s certain things that probably that girl would do that I probably wasn’t gonna do. And that’s just what it is. So it’s like, I mean, you have to, you have to give and take.”

In the end, Reginae has made peace with the situation and made for certain to express her genuine joy for Lucci’s release from prison.

“But I definitely am happy for him,” she said. “I’m glad that he’s out with his family and happy and yeah, we move on.”

Lucci, whose real name is Rayshawn Lamar Bennett, was charged with multiple offenses, including felony murder, aggravated assault and participation in criminal street gang activity. Last January he pleaded guilty as a part of a plea deal and received a 20-year sentence. While the judge granted YFN Lucci time served and parole eligibility within months, he remained behind bars for the entirety of 2024.

Watch the interview clip in the video above.

G$ Lil Ronnie’s Baby Mama Brags About Burying Daughter In Gucci: “We All Gotta Die”

Shamon Jones, the mother of the child killed alongside her father, G$ Lil Ronnie, recently took to social media with a defiant message.

During an emotionally charged live stream, Jones expressed her complex feelings about her daughter, R’Mani, dying as a result of the shooting. However, rather than conveying sadness, Jones explained to viewers why took pride in how the deceased 5-year-old girl was laid to rest.

“Yeah, y’all ain’t gonna lie, I grieve a little different y’all,” Jones began. “Y’all took my baby, but I’m not muthafuckin’ trippin’ on that s###…”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Onsite!® (@its_onsite)

Jones continued, seemingly referring to her faith in God, saying, “B####, he give em’ and he take em’. B####, we all gotta die around this b####. I ain’t f##### up about it. I’m f##### up about how she left around this b####, but I ain’t f##### up about it.”

Jones went on to emphasize her daughter’s grand send-off, boasting about how R’Mani would be decked out in designer head-to-toe—a decision she claimed the late rapper would be supportive of.

“Cause y’all know, y’all wasn’t f#####’ with my baby around this b####,” she said. “And she goin’ out this b#### in style. Gucci everything. Yeah… B####, and baby daddy gon’ be proud of everything. N####, shout out to Petey… The three stoogies. N####, James Carroll… N####, the tax man.”

This emotional outburst comes in the aftermath of the shocking double homicide that claimed the lives of G$ Lil Ronnie and R’Mani. The tragic incident occurred on March 3 at a car wash in Forest Hill, Texas.

As previously reported by AllHipHop, authorities recently apprehended the second suspect connected to the brutal murder. Jakobie Russell, 21, turned himself in to U.S. Marshals accompanied by his attorney and was promptly booked into Tarrant County Jail on charges of capital murder. If convicted, Russell and his alleged accomplice could face the death penalty under Texas law.

Forest Hill Police Chief David Hernandez acknowledged a potential link between G$ Lil Ronnie’s music career and the violence. Investigators are actively reviewing his lyrics and online presence for possible clues.

“Based on the music industry that he’s a part of, it is all part of the investigation,” Hernandez stated. “Everything that’s being put out is being reviewed and analyzed by the Texas Rangers, so we don’t have any specific motive at this time.”

The first suspect apprehended, 24-year-old Adonis Robinson, was arrested on March 6 in Livingston, Texas. While authorities have yet to reveal how G$ Lil Ronnie’s music may have played a role in the crime, the investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue exploring all possible angles.

Ma$e Plans To Drop New Album On Same Day Diddy’s Trial Starts: “Now We Even”

Ma$e and Diddy’s relationship has been strained for years—but the Harlem-bred rapper will likely have the last laugh. During the March 7 episode of his sports talk show, It Is What It Is, Ma$e announced his first album since 2004’s Welcome Back is on its way. The project is intended to arrive on a carefully selected date—the first day of the Diddy trial.

“Mo, what’s good? Can y’all hear the music,” he asked his co-hosts Treasure “Stat Baby” Wilson and former football player Maurice Clarett. “I’m listening to the songs that Killa [Cam’ron] picked out of the stuff I made.”

Ma$e clarified that he’s really planning on releasing new songs soon. “These are the songs he picked, so I’m listening to his lineup,” he shared. “It’s gonna be crazy. We had to pick the right records.” When Clarett asked when the music was coming out, Ma$e answered, “May 25. The first day of the Diddy trial. We’re dropping. You like that? You made me put it out there. I wasn’t going to put that out there, but Mo, you made me.”

After revealing it would be a “triple CD,” he added, “Now we even,” a reference to his contentious relationship with his former Bad Boy Records boss. But Ma$e will have to expedite its release if he wants it to drop on the same day Diddy’s trial begins; it’s been scheduled for May 5.

Diddy and Ma$e’s strained relationship began during the latter’s time at Bad Boy, where he released several successful albums, including Harlem World. Financial and business disagreements soon led to a rift between the two, with Ma$e accusing Diddy of withholding royalties and not allowing him to purchase back his publishing rights, even after offering over $2 million. A public feud ensued, with both artists taking shots at each other. In 2020, Ma$e expressed his frustration on social media, claiming Diddy refused to sell him back his publishing rights.

Despite the ongoing drama, there have been moments of reconciliation. In September 2023, Diddy returned the publishing rights to Ma$e and other Bad Boy artists, which seemed to ease tensions.

Diddy later stated that he and Ma$e had reconciled, describing them as “brothers” who fight but ultimately love each other1. However, given the history of their feud, it remains uncertain whether this reconciliation will last. Ma$e has continued to comment on Diddy’s personal and professional issues, often subtly referencing their past conflicts without directly addressing them.

Diddy was arrested in Manhattan on September 16, 2024 after being indicted by a grand jury. The 54-year-old mogul was taken into custody on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation for prostitution purposes. Federal prosecutors alleged that he’d established a criminal organization, exploiting and intimidating women to satisfy his sexual desires and maintain his public image. The indictment came after months of mounting scrutiny, sparked by a 2023 lawsuit filed by ex Cassie Ventura, accusing him of sex trafficking and years of abuse.

The arrest was preceded by federal raids on Combs’ properties in Los Angeles and Miami in March 2024, where authorities seized firearms, ammunition and more than 1,000 bottles of lubricant. Combs was denied bail and has remained in federal custody since his arrest. His legal troubles have only continued to escalate, with more than two dozen lawsuits filed against him, some dating back to the 1990s. Despite his legal team’s efforts to appeal the bail decision, Combs withdrew his bail appeal in December 2024. He will remain in jail until his trial.

Ashanti Reveals Secret Chats That Could Revive Iconic “John Tucker” Film

Ashanti revealed she’s been chatting with Arielle Kebbel about the long-rumored sequel to their iconic 2006 teen comedy, John Tucker Must Die.

The Grammy-winning R&B sensation recently dished to People magazine that she and Kebbel, her co-star from the beloved flick, have been swapping messages about bringing back the hilarious revenge tale for another round.

“Arielle, she texts me! We’ve been going back and forth a little bit. She told me that she had the idea and I was like, ‘Listen, if we can get it together, I’m down,'” Ashanti excitedly told the publication. “It would be hilarious to have a part two.”

The buzz about a potential sequel gained momentum earlier this year when Kebbel joined fellow original cast members Jesse Metcalfe and Sophia Bush at Epics Con Chicago in March 2024.

During the panel, the trio dropped the intriguing news that a script already exists for the follow-up and confirmed it includes all the original characters.

Fans of the film have been eagerly anticipating the possibility ever since.

In the original comedy, Ashanti teamed up with Kebbel and Bush as a trio of savvy high school students who discover they’re all dating the same smooth-talking heartbreaker, John Tucker, played by Metcalfe.

To teach him a lesson, they recruit new girl Kate, portrayed memorably by Brittany Snow, to give Tucker a taste of his own medicine and break his heart in spectacular fashion.

Kebbel has long championed the sequel, tirelessly advocating to bring the crew back together.

She explained to People in October, “everyone’s very supportive” of the “special project” and added enthusiastically, “we’re continuing to do our best to push forward on that.”

Yet not everyone from the original cast seems completely in the loop.

Brittany Snow, alongside co-star Penn Badgley, opened up last year on Badgley’s “Podcrushed” podcast about feeling slightly out of touch with the sequel’s development.

Snow admitted, “I didn’t know what happened, and I was like (to Kebbel), ‘Go forth. Go forth with that (idea).’ So that was the last I had heard of it, was that she was trying to make it happen, and so I guess she did? I will read whatever – they’ve worked really hard.”

Suge Knight Says Death Row Records Had “Hits” When He Owned It—Not “Flops” Like Snoop Dogg

Suge Knight has criticized Snoop Dogg’s Death Row Records ownership as their ongoing feud escalates.

During a recent interview with The Art of Dialogue, Knight fired back at Snoop Dogg following recent comments from the Long Beach rapper amid Knight’s claims he was involved in the murder of 2Pac in 1996. The Missionary album architect combated the allegations against him by claiming the incarcerated music mogul is bitter over his ownership of Death Row Records. Knight has since challenged Snoop’s claim, both criticizing his ownership in comparison to his own tenure while also raising doubt as to whether or not he legally purchased the label.

“Snoop, you said I’m mad because you bought Death Row,” Knight said. “What you buy? Show me where y’all paid the money to buy it. Show me the paperwork, show me what you own.”

Knight went on to throw shade on Snoop’s leadership at Death Row, arguing that the label’s output has drastically declined since Snoop’s takeover.

“You trying to create something that Suge Knight created but instead of making something big you disappointed the world by making everything flops,” he said in part.

Since acquiring Death Row Records from MNRK Music Group in 2022, Snoop has been vocal about revitalizing the label’s legacy. However, Knight insists that Snoop’s stewardship has failed to produce successful releases, contrasting it with Death Row’s earlier dominance under his leadership.

“When I put out Tha Dogg Pound, they sold records,” he added. “You put out a ‘Dogg Pound’ album, it flopped. You and Dre got together, Andre says it’s the best album he ever did in his whole life… we couldn’t tell because it came and went so fast.”

Knight’s remarks follow Snoop Dogg’s social media response in which the rap icon dismissed Knight’s accusations and referenced his alleged bitterness. Knight alleged that Ray J once told him Snoop had confessed to financially contributing to Shakur’s murder. Knight also accused Snoop of attempting to bail out Duane “Keefe D” Davis, who is currently facing charges in connection to Shakur’s killing.

“This n#### won’t stop talking about me,” Snoop wrote on Instagram. “Mad cuz I own Death Row. I realize your real lies.”

Knight made a number of other bombshell claims during the interview, such as alleging that Snoop had an artist signed to his Doggystyle Label underneath the original Death Row umbrella set up to go to prison. He also claimed Snoop still owes him money from a prior business dealing and that the moves he’s making as an executive aren’t beneficial to the genre of Hip-Hop as a whole.

Hear the full audio from Suge Knight’s interview in the video above.

Diddy Blasts Lawyer Over Druski Baby Oil Lawsuit Controversy

Diddy slammed attorney Ariel Mitchell over a bizarre $50 million lawsuit involving comedian Druski and disturbing allegations of assault with baby oil, branding her claims as “depraved” and “facially implausible.”

The drama erupted after Ashley Parham filed a lawsuit on March 7, alleging serious sexual assault, trafficking and threats at a 2018 party hosted by Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Parham’s sensational claims implicate not only Diddy but also NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. and comedian Druski.

In response to the explosive accusations, Combs’ legal representatives didn’t mince words, calling the new lawsuit another desperate attempt by Mitchell, who previously faced a defamation suit filed by Combs.

A statement from Diddy’s camp blasted Mitchell, claiming her latest complaint “demonstrates the depraved lengths plaintiffs will travel to garner headlines in pursuit of a payday.”

The lawsuit’s most graphic and controversial details involve comedian Druski.

Parham, through her attorney Mitchell, describes a scenario where Druski allegedly doused her body in lubricant, then jumped onto her, reportedly “treating it like a slip and slide” before sexually assaulting her.

Druski swiftly and strongly denied the allegations, countering that he had no ties to fame or entertainment at the time of the alleged incident.

Druski’s public statement was unequivocal: “This allegation is a fabricated lie. I wasn’t a public figure in 2018 – I was broke living with my mom without any connections to the entertainment industry at the time of this allegation, so the inclusion of my name is truly outlandish.

“My heart breaks for actual victims of abuse, but I’m fully confident that the evidence will expose this falsehood and the individuals who are maliciously trying to game the legal system to peddle false narratives.”

Parham’s complaint also contains dramatic allegations involving Diddy himself.

She claims the music mogul personally threatened her with a knife, allegedly warning he would give her a “Glasgow smile,” a severe facial injury, due to comments she made about his alleged involvement in Tupac Shakur’s death.

Beckham Jr. is similarly accused of misconduct, and even Combs’ mother is named for allegedly pressuring Parham to stay silent. However, the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department previously investigated Parham’s claims.

Spokesman Jimmy Lee confirmed: “We take these cases seriously, and detectives thoroughly investigated the accusations. It was later determined the claims were unfounded.”

Diddy, who has already initiated a separate $50 million defamation lawsuit against Mitchell, Nexstar Media Inc. (owner of NewsNation) and Courtney Burgess for allegedly spreading false accusations about him, remains defiant.

His representatives assert confidently, “Mr. Combs looks forward to having his day in court where these lies – and the perverse motives of those who told them – will be revealed.”

Doechii Ascends To Music Royalty With Billboard’s Ultimate Award

Doechii will ascend from rising star to Billboard’s Woman of the Year for 2025 at the upcoming Billboard Women in Music event on March 29 at Hollywood Park’s YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California, cementing her status as a rap powerhouse.

The lyricist catapulted into the spotlight two years ago when she snagged Billboard’s Rising Star accolade in 2023.

Now, she’s climbed to a higher echelon, becoming just the third performer ever to graduate from Rising Star honoree to Woman of the Year, joining pop royalty Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga in that exclusive club.

Doechii’s Billboard recognition places her in rare air among Hip-Hop artists as well. She’s only the second rapper to earn the Woman of the Year distinction, stepping into a lane previously occupied by Cardi B, who secured the honor in 2020.

Past winners of the prestigious title reflect a who’s who of contemporary music, including Taylor Swift, Madonna, Billie Eilish, SZA, Selena Gomez, Olivia Rodrigo and last year’s recipient, Karol G.

Just last month, Doechii’s musical mastery earned her another historic milestone.

Her critically praised mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal, captured the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, placing her alongside Lauryn Hill (1996) and Cardi B (2019) as only the third female artist to ever win that category.

Billboard’s Editor-in-Chief Hannah Karp praised the rapper’s meteoric rise and cultural impact, stating,

“Doechii is taking pop culture by storm, this year becoming the third woman in history to win a Grammy best rap album, and dazzling fans of every musical genre with her breathtaking performances, ultra-candid lyrics and utterly unique sound, style and spirit. We are thrilled to celebrate Doechii and cheer on her continued success.”

It’s been a landmark year for Doechii, whose presence is being felt across the industry. She also took home the Outstanding New Artist trophy at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards, underscoring her widespread appeal and artistic versatility.

Gorilla Nems Reveals His Master Plan—Starting With Gritty New Album “America’s Sweetheart”

Gorilla Nems is back with his most personal and polished project yet, America’s Sweetheart. The title marks a departure from his on-the-mic persona, but the Coney Island MC is taking the name usually reserved for Hollywood darlings.

But don’t get it twisted.

“A fan called me ‘America’s Sweetheart’ on Instagram, and it stuck,” Nems told AllHipHop. “I said, ‘That’s the next album title, perfect balance of sarcasm and facts.”

After years of building his brand off the “Gorilla” series, Nems is shifting gears slightly. America’s Sweetheart represents growth. Over a year’s time, he recorded 30 to 40 tracks, narrowing the album to a lean 12 songs.

Furthermore, each song from the album will be fully visualized with a music video.

“We shot 18 videos in five days,” he said. “Everything for Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok. Nobody’s watching videos on YouTube like they used to. It’s all about social now.”

He knows Jadakiss, A$AP Ferg and Logic, but Nems decided to scrap high-profile features because the tracks didn’t align with the album’s tone.

“I don’t care how big the name is,” he said. “If the song ain’t right, it’s not going out. I’d rather keep my integrity.”

Beyond music, Nems is making movies towards visual mediums. Remember, AllHipHop broke that he was working with Masta Ace in a prospective Broadway play. He even hinted at turning his “Don’t Ever Disrespect Me” viral clips into a Jerky Boys-style movie or comedy album.

“TV money is different,” he told Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur and DJ Thoro. “We’re stacking content, ideas and working smarter now.”

Nems said he himself is focused on financial literacy, credit building and business podcasts.

“From [the age of] 35 to 55—it’s grind time,” he said. “You gotta stack [money] while you can.”

The new album also arrives with limited-edition vinyl, featuring traditional elements like liner notes, thank-yous and detailed credits.

Nems continues to represent a voice for working-class hustlers. Stream America’s Sweetheart below and watch our interview above.

Wendy Williams To Speak Out About Losing Control Of Her Life

Wendy Williams will break her silence nationally on ABC’s “The View” March 14 via phone amid her turbulent guardianship battle and ongoing dementia diagnosis.

After nearly four years away from the spotlight following her abrupt departure from the hit daytime series “The Wendy Williams Show,” Williams is finally speaking out.

ABC confirmed the exclusive interview will feature the embattled TV personality joining Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Ana Navarro, Sara Haines and Alyssa Farah Griffin for what is expected to be a candid conversation.

The segment will also include special guest Ginalisa Monterroso, the founder and president of Connect Care Advisory Group, according to the show’s official schedule.

Williams’ highly anticipated return to television comes as she continues her intense legal fight to dissolve a court-ordered guardianship that currently controls her finances, healthcare and daily living arrangements.

The arrangement was imposed in 2022 after authorities flagged several significant withdrawals from her bank accounts as potentially suspicious.

Since then, the once-outspoken TV host has been residing in an assisted-living facility, housed in a highly restrictive memory care unit.

Sources close to Williams have described her current living situation as limiting, with minimal freedoms and severely curtailed autonomy.

Recently, however, the guardianship temporarily granted Williams permission to travel briefly to Miami last month, allowing her a rare opportunity to celebrate her father’s 94th birthday with family.

Williams’ upcoming public conversation on “The View” signals her determination to reclaim her voice and share her perspective, even in the face of considerable personal adversity.

Issa Rae Calls Out Hollywood Over Black TV Erasure

Issa Rae called out Hollywood’s erasure of Black television history during a candid keynote about her upcoming HBO docuseries “Seen & Heard” at SXSW 2025.

The “Insecure” creator didn’t hold back, describing how major studios historically “used Black audiences” and then “abandoned them as soon as it was convenient.”

Rae acknowledged the notion might initially sound far-fetched, remarking, “It sounds like a conspiracy” on the surface. Yet her two-part documentary, premiering later this year on HBO and Max, offers firsthand accounts from prominent Black creators, showrunners and writers.

“It’s one thing to say it. You might have heard someone say that in the history of television and the history of particular networks,” Rae said. “But to have the actual creators, showrunners and writers chronicle the history of that is undeniable. We wanted to make a comprehensive history and showcase, with evidence, that this is how they built the success of their networks on our backs, and we almost don’t have anything to show for it as a result. It’s tragic, and history repeats itself.”

“Seen & Heard” highlights interviews with entertainment titans like Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Shonda Rhimes, Ava DuVernay and Norman Lear. Rae emphasized that these influential figures revealed deeply personal, often unheard aspects of their journeys.

“They have these incredible stories, and they may not have been asked questions about their journey and their vision in this particular way,” she said. “To be able to get Oprah, to be able to give Mara Brock Akil her flowers, to be able to have Tyler Perry talk about his journey in creating a studio that so many of us aspire to — watching it myself and hearing some of these stories for the first time it just inspires me. The end of that documentary inspires me to do more and get my s### together.”

Issa Rae On DEI Initiatives In Hollywood

Discussing diversity initiatives, Rae humorously noted, “I feel like the diversity initiative needs a better publicist.”

She elaborated on the backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in Hollywood, saying, “The anti-DEI, the immediate retraction of any efforts to level the playing field and focus on our stories, I think it [comes from] a big misunderstanding and a fear.”

Rae’s passion for authentic representation was also recently evident when she canceled her highly anticipated event, “An Evening With Issa Rae,” at Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center.

Her decision followed President Donald Trump’s takeover of the institution’s board, removing several appointees originally chosen by former President Joe Biden.

Rae explained her decision on Instagram: “Unfortunately, due to what I believe to be an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums, I’ve decided to cancel my appearance at this venue.”

Kanye West Drags JAY-Z Into Latest Twitter Rant

Kanye West stirred controversy once again on Twitter Sunday night (March 9), claiming JAY-Z gave him divine status.

“ONLY GODS CAN MAKE GODS JAY Z MADE ME A GOD,” West tweeted.

The outspoken rapper didn’t stop at referencing the Roc Nation mogul. West also publicly posted a private message exchange with rapper Dave Blunts.

Showing concern for Blunts’ health following a recent hospital spell, West reached out with a supportive message offering assistance: “Do you mind if I connect you and my trainer.”

Blunts replied, “let’s do it.”

Dave Blunts quickly seized the moment, referencing the interaction in his latest song preview: “Ye said I’m the chosen one/Ye told me to talk to his personal trainer ’cause he wanna see me alive.”

This recent exchange comes just a week after West referenced Blunts while criticizing the Rolling Loud music festival, accusing organizers of hypocrisy regarding performance censorship.

“Dave Blunts gotta song that say ladyboy on it,” West tweeted. “Rolling Loud told him he can’t perform it But he can perform everything that’s talking about guns.”

Rolling Loud’s social media account promptly responded, clarifying their position: “His team told him that, not us.”

West’s commentary quickly devolved into troubling territory as he lashed out against critics, delivering yet another controversial Twitter statement laced with antisemitism: “N##### WILL MAKE SONGS ABOUT KILLING PEOPLE BUT IF I SAY IM A NAZI THEY BE LIKE WHOOOAH THATS DARK THATS DUUUUMB AS F###.”

The rapper’s latest online tirade also included an unexpected shout-out to fellow rapper Kodak Black.

“WAIT I LOVE KODAK,” West declared. “HE ANOTHER ONE THAT DO WHAT HE FEEL.”

His post came after West previously offered assistance to Kodak Black following a viral video depicting a disheveled Kodak eating chicken in the middle of a busy street.

One-sentence excerpt:

DDG Bashes Halle Bailey In New Song “Don’t Take My Son”

DDG previewed a controversial track titled “Don’t Take My Son,” accusing actress Halle Bailey of blocking visitation with their son Halo.

After airing his grievances during a livestream over the weekend, the rapper and social media personality took his frustrations to the studio. The song includes emotional lyrics that openly allege Bailey is intentionally keeping him away from their child.

In the song, DDG pleads, “Don’t take my son because he’s all I got,” revealing his distress over their co-parenting difficulties.

Additionally, in a YouTube video titled “She Won’t Let Me See My Son,” DDG claimed he has not seen Halo in “months” and that Bailey restricted his visitation to just 72 hours at a time. Calling the situation “severely limited,” he insisted that making it public was his “last resort” to regain time with his son.

“I feel like I’m getting bullied. I’m constantly being called a secondary parent, not a primary parent,” DDG said. “I get to see him, but it’s very minimal time.”

The rapper detailed an incident where he says he was kicked out of Bailey’s home during a recent visit, claiming such episodes have persisted repeatedly since Halo’s birth.

DDG expressed hesitation about involving the courts, fearing legal action might worsen the situation rather than improve it.

DDG Claims He’s Protected Halle Bailey’s “Golden Image”

He also alleged Bailey is using their child to “get under my skin,” though he emphasized he has no interest in her romantic relationships.

The Michigan rapper maintained he has refrained from publicly criticizing Bailey in the past out of respect and to protect her “golden image,” but felt he had no choice but to speak up due to the severity of the circumstances.

Without addressing DDG’s remarks, Halle Bailey revealed she was taking a break from social media, citing illness as the reason behind her sudden absence.

“I just wanted to come on here and tell you guys why I’m not posting, she told her Snapchat followers. “Me and Halo are very sick. We do not feel good at all. So, sorry I haven’t been posting snaps, but I’ve just been using all my energy to take care of my baby and myself.”

Social media users quickly responded, with many Halle Bailey fans criticizing DDG for publicly airing their private family matters through music. Check out some reactions below. 

Doechii Fawns Over Lauryn Hill After Surprise Festival Duet

Doechii is paying a heartfelt tribute to Lauryn Hill after their memorable performance at the One Musicfest in Miami.

The rap icon surprised the audience by introducing the Florida native for a surprise duet of “Doo Wop (That Thing)” on Saturday (March 8).

“I want to introduce y’all to another sister,” Hill announced before welcoming Doechii to the stage.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AllHipHop (@allhiphopcom)

After the memorable collab, Doechii took to Instagram to give Lauryn Hill her flowers. She wrote about Hill’s lasting impact on her artistic journey alongside a carousel featuring footage from their performance.

“The first full length album I ever listened to was The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill,” Doechii began. “My mom would play it from top to bottom everyday on my way to school for years. I would sing your songs as if I wrote them, imagining myself on stage. Each song deepened my love for music and my curiosity to write raps.”

She continued, “I carried your principles with me during my coming of age. And I carry them with me now at this current stage of my career.”

Expressing her gratitude, Doechii called the experience “the greatest honor hip hop could give me,” and said, “Thank you Miss Lauryn Hill. Praise God.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Swamp Princess (@doechii)

The tribute marked a reflective moment for Doechii following recent controversies surrounding her remarks on dating.

She revealed that her biggest dating red flag is “a straight man” during a recent “Hot Ones Versus” appearance with DJ Miss Milan.

The comments divided fans on social media, with some criticizing her and others defending her right to personal preferences.

Meanwhile, Doechii recently made a striking impression at Paris Fashion Week. She turned heads, showcasing her electic style in a series of bold looks for Chloé, Schiaparelli, Valentino, Acne Studios and others.

Druski & Odell Beckham Jr. Accused Of Horrific Acts Involving Diddy In New Lawsuit

Druski found himself thrust into controversy, as new court filings dramatically expanded a lawsuit against Hip-Hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, naming the comedian and NFL superstar Odell Beckham Jr. as defendants in disturbing sexual assault allegations stemming from an alleged incident in 2018.

In court documents filed in the U.S. District Court in Northern California Friday (March 7), Ashley Parham accused both Beckham Jr. and Druski of raping her during a bizarre encounter. 

The lawsuit describes the alleged incident, claiming that Diddy instructed Druski to attack Parham.

“Instead of immediately raping Plaintiff, Defendant Druski doused Plaintiff with more oil/lubricant and then jumped on top of Plaintiff’s naked and oiled body treating it like a slip and slide and knocking the wind out of Plaintiff due to his enormous size,” the filing reads. “Defendant Druski then caught himself from sliding over Plaintiff’s oiled body and off the bed, he then began raping Plaintiff vaginally.”

Parham accuses Diddy of “masturbating while recording” Druski’s assault. 

Additionally, controversial singer Jaguar Wright has been dragged into the fray, accused in the lawsuit of attempting to sex traffic Parham following an alleged assault.

The allegations sparked controversy across social media, prompting Druski to issue a swift and unequivocal denial, rejecting Parham’s claims outright:

“This allegation is a fabricated lie. I wasn’t a public figure in 2018 – I was broke living with my mom without any connections to the entertainment industry at the time of this allegation, so the inclusion of my name is truly outlandish. My heart breaks for actual victims of abuse, but I’m fully confident that the evidence will expose this falsehood and the individuals who are maliciously trying to game the legal system to peddle false narratives.”

Instagram/Druski

Why Independent Musicians Need a Studio Engineer

Being an independent musician gives you the freedom to create your own music. However, the problem lies with its quality.

Musical talent isn’t enough when producing new songs. If you’re inexperienced in studio equipment, your music could fail before it reaches the airwaves. That’s why you need a studio engineer.

There are several other reasons why independent artists need studio engineers. Keep reading to learn what they are and how they help your music shine.

Better Sound Quality

Before listeners pick up the melody of a song, they first hear what it sounds like. Much of the music you hear on the radio and streaming platforms is professionally mixed. That includes songs by independent artists. If your songs sound like they’ve come straight out of recording, not everyone will enjoy it.

Even if you plan to release a more raw, acoustic track, studio engineers can help make it ideal for listening. They bring out the best of your performance. People listening to your songs might think you’re already a veteran in the business.

You can find a reliable studio engineer with a quick online search. Some offer their services at an affordable price, which is perfect for independent musicians. One may be all you need. But if you can invest in a team, you could have assistant engineers lending a hand.

Advanced Studio Equipment

Some of the most memorable songs may have been recorded using free or cheap software and equipment. But if you want to elevate your sound, you’ll need better tools. Listeners are smart. They know if music has been made with low-tier equipment or state-of-the-art audio technologies.

Why does using advanced studio equipment matter? Basic tools don’t always provide you with the level of precision and clarity found in publicly released music. High-quality microphones, for example, capture your vocals and instruments with greater detail. Similarly, studio-grade preamps and audio interfaces ensure that the signal remains clean and free of noise.

Partnering with experienced audio engineers gives you access to industry-standard equipment. Professional recording studios also have the gear to mix and master your music properly. These tools allow any artist, signed or independent, to achieve a polished sound that listeners will love.

Technical Expertise

While you may be able to tinker with studio gear, a maestro at the audio equipment will know how to use it best. Studio engineers in the room during your recording sessions offer technical knowledge.

Producing music is more than recording and doing a few edits. It involves a deep understanding of acoustics and signal flow and a knowledge of instruments. These aspects may present a steep learning curve for independent musicians without formal training.

Studio engineers have a better understanding and practical experience of the audio production process. They’re less likely to make a significant mistake and ruin your hard work. 

Saved Time and Resources

As an independent musician, you think you need to do everything by yourself. But being a one-person show will only waste your time, energy, and the limited resources you have.

A studio engineer will remove the extra fuss, allowing you to focus on the heart of music-making. They streamline the recording and mixing process while maintaining the excellent quality of your songs.

Some music producers and recording engineers also often have their own studios, removing the need to rent a space. That means you save money but still ensure your music is of top quality.

Creative Collaboration

Creativity is crucial for any kind of artist. So, once those juices stop flowing, you might feel like you’re at a standstill. You’ll need to increase creativity if you want to continue a music career.

One benefit of working with a studio engineer is an extra brain. They bring a fresh perspective to the table. Paired with their expertise and knowledge of music trends, you might encounter new ideas for your songs. Expect recommendations like adding a string section to a ballad or some audio effects for a modern vibe.

The collaborative process with studio engineers could also guide you out of your comfort zone. Successful artists are often those who aren’t afraid to go beyond their limits or try out other genres. As an independent musician, take this opportunity to build bonds with music professionals and grow your career.

Challenges Without a Studio Engineer

While it’s possible for independent artists to produce music on their own, it’s still a road with obstacles. Without professional skills and tools, your recordings may have background noise and uneven mixing. Technical flaws can ruin the impact of your music and limit its appeal to listeners.

Another issue is burnout. Handling every aspect of production solo may detract from the joy of creating music. A studio engineer as your partner in the process can alleviate that burden and help you enjoy your artistry. They may even steer you away from scam indie labels and get you in touch with legitimate ones.

How to Find the Ideal Studio Engineer

When searching for studio engineers to collaborate with, you might encounter several great options. But who’s right for your needs?

The first thing you should do is to check portfolios. A comprehensive portfolio showcases an engineer’s job experience. Most are accessible online, whether it’s in the studio engineer’s social media account or their website.

Give their previous work a listen and identify if what they add to the plate is up to your tastes. It helps if they focus on a particular genre. But their openness to other genres makes them more well-rounded professionally.

Don’t forget to read reviews from previous clients. Aside from only taking note of their expertise, determine how they interact with their clients, if possible. Skills and talents don’t really matter if studio engineers don’t get along well with others.

The right studio engineer could help you refine your sound and prepare your songs for publishing.

Final Thoughts

Make your mark in the music industry with the help of a skilled studio engineer. These professionals have the experience and recording equipment to improve your songs.

Who needs a label when you’ve got someone adept at sound engineering? Even as an independent musician, you can get your songs out there with high-quality help. Studio engineers will bring you to where you want to be. And they’ll do it by molding your music into its best possible form.

Angie Stone’s Family Unveils Funeral Details—Including Public Viewing

Angie Stone‘s family has announced funeral details following the neo-soul singer’s accidental death on March 1. The event stretches over two days and includes two celebrations of life and a public viewing.

On Friday (March 14), family, friends are fans are invited to the first celebration of life at the Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral in Austell, Georgia. On Saturday (March 15), there’s a public viewing and South Carolina funeral service at First Nazareth Baptist Church in Columbia followed by another celebration of life at the same location.

“Angie is a cherished mother, grandmother and friend,” the announcement reads in part. “Her soulful voice and unwavering spirit touches the hearts of many, and we invite family, friends, and fans to join us in celebrating her remarkable life.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Angie Stone (@theangiestone)

Stone’s children issued a statement shortly after their mother’s death that read: “It is with heavy hearts that the children of the R&B singer Angie Stone along with her extended family want to thank you all for your love and well wishes during what is an extremely difficult time.

“Angie was an example for black women and girls everywhere. Angie also loved and championed for black men with her Number One Hit entitled ‘Brotha.’ Angie Stone was a pioneer of rap music that began with a female rap trio, ‘The Sequence,’ and ultimately led to her solo career that defined neo soul. Diamond and Michael along with the rest of Angie‘s family want to thank you for reaching out, but also asked that you respect their privacy as they grieve the loss of their beloved mother.”

Her children also revealed Stone was back in school with a focus on her religious beliefs.

“Angie Stone believed in giving back to her fans in the community with her foundation Angel Stripes, the Angie Stone foundation,” it continued. “Recently, Angie was also attending college for ministry. Her love of God and her faith led her to have a deep desire to share her belief in God and bring more people to Christ.”

A source close to AllHipHop who works with Stone’s team confirmed she and nine other band members were involved in the fatal accident while traveling home from Alabama, where they had performed on Friday night (February 28). Stone was 63.

Registration is required to attend her services. Interested parties can sign up here.