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Rihanna Says Fashion Became “A Fight” After Having Kids

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Rihanna is stepping back into the world of high fashion after devoting the last two years to motherhood, revealing that she’s finally having fun with style again after spending time in “mom mode.”

Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar, the Grammy Award-winning artist and Fenty mogul candidly admitted that after welcoming her sons RZA and Riot with A$AP Rocky in 2022 and 2023, respectively, her once-bold approach to dressing took a backseat to practicality and exhaustion.

“I feel like getting dressed is a fight on its own (now),” Rihanna shared. “Everything is so … logical. What makes sense? What’s easy? What’s fast? I try not to overthink all that stuff, but you’re leaving the house. It kind of stops you from going out. How much energy do I have to put into getting ready? Doing my make-up, doing my hair, and then going to the closet and figuring out which three things in this entire room make sense together? You go through a fog. And fashion is so much fun, and I miss the fun.”

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Known for effortlessly pushing boundaries in both music and style, Rihanna admitted that the creative spark behind her fashion choices had dimmed while adjusting to life with two young children. But now, that spark is flickering back to life.

“Now I’m starting to just remember what I loved about it: the juxtaposition, putting the things together that don’t make sense,” she said. “My fashion has always been driven by my mood, and my mood was on mom mode for a minute.”

Even though she enjoys serving up well-thought-out looks when she steps out in public, the 37-year-old singer confessed that not every outing calls for a full glam session. Sometimes, comfort wins—especially when food is involved.

“I went to Giorgio’s (restaurant) the other night in my Savage onesie,” she said. “I was like, ‘The only thing I’m going to do right now is put heels on,’ and that’s it. I just want to eat. Why do I have to dress up for that? I just want the food.”

Diddy’s Mom Sued By Bad Boy Entertainment Co-Founder Over Ownership Stake

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: News

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ mother, Janice Smalls, is facing a new lawsuit over her majority stake in Bad Boy Entertainment.

According to legal documents obtained by Daily Mail on Wednesday (February 26), the lawsuit, filed by Kirk Burrowes, co-founder and former president of the label, alleges that Smalls played a role in a decades-long scheme to defraud him of his rightful ownership.

Burrowes claims that in 1996, Diddy used a baseball bat to intimidate him into signing over his 25 percent stake in the company, which was later transferred to Smalls. Burrowes states that he was ambushed in his New York City office by Diddy and Bad Boy Entertainment attorney Kenneth Meiselas. The lawsuit describes how Burrowes, fearing for his life, was forced to sign away his shares while in tears. Smalls was not present at the time, but Burrowes alleges she directed the act and later feigned ignorance when he sought her guidance.

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Burrowes, who claims he is now homeless, accuses Smalls of engaging in “intimidation, violence, fraudulent misrepresentation, and financial concealment” to maintain control over the label. He claims that after being pushed out, he was blacklisted from the music industry, sabotaged financially and deprived of the wealth he helped generate for the company.

He is now seeking $100,000, he asserts he is owed, along with additional damages, reinstatement of his 25% ownership stake, his annual share of profits and a full forensic audit of Bad Boy Entertainment’s financial records.

The lawsuit against Smalls comes as Diddy’s past dealings with former Bad Boy artists continue to draw scrutiny.

In 2023, Diddy made headlines for returning publishing rights to several artists once signed to Bad Boy Entertainment, including Ma$e, The LOX and 112. However, former Bad Boy rapper Mark Curry was vocal about his dissatisfaction with the move, claiming that the publishing rights had lost their value and were now worth less than $500 per year.

Curry, best known for his feature on Diddy’s 2001 hit “Bad Boy for Life” dismissed Diddy’s gesture as an attempt to stay relevant.

“Diddy gave the publishing back… So what? It has no value,” Curry said, arguing that financial compensation would have been a more meaningful restitution.

Yasiin Bey FKA Mos Def Rips Into Streaming Services: They Are “Gross” & “Exploitative”

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Yasiin Bey—formerly known as Mos Def—unleashed sharp criticism on the modern music industry, likening its greed to the cartoon tycoon Scrooge McDuck.

In a no-holds-barred interview with The Guardian, Bey revealed his early disillusionment with the business, saying it drained his enthusiasm for making music long ago.

“I was so disillusioned,” Bey said. “You start out with idealism and passion, and then you encounter the kind of conduct and values George Orwell called ‘inanities.’ And they do this s**t to everybody, it’s not even personal, it’s systemic.”

He didn’t stop there. Bey blasted streaming services, calling their business model “gross” and “exploitative” for paying artists fractions of a cent per song.

“That s### is gross, paying people part of a penny for their music,” he said, slamming current industry practices. “Those motherfuckkers are cold-blooded, man, like Scrooge McDuck, lickin’ his lips as he jumps into a pool of gold coins… The music industry of now makes the one I started out in seem charitable. It’s completely exploitative.”

Bey has long been outspoken about the economics of the music business, and his views align with many artists who feel streaming platforms profit off their work while giving little in return. While record labels and streaming giants defend their revenue-sharing models, artists continue pushing back, demanding fairer compensation.

Despite his frustrations, Bey expressed gratitude for the opportunity to keep creating. His latest project, Forensics, is expected later this year, and he remains focused on the bigger picture.

“I’m just happy to be alive, to be able to create art and beauty, to the best of my ability,” he said. “Like, to be a human being is a miracle. We’re on this spaceship, planet Earth, sharing this experience, and it’s crazy. Like, who needs peyote? We’re already in outer space, baby.”

SIGNS: DoorDash To Pay Nearly $17M To New York Gig Workers After Using Tips To Cover Wages

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: Rumors

A years-long scandal affecting DoorDash delivery gig workers has finally come to an end.

Food delivery giant DoorDash has been caught red-handed shortchanging its workers, using customer tips to subsidize wages instead of allowing drivers to pocket them. According to the Associated Press the company has agreed to fork over nearly $17 million to settle claims, which New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on February 24.

James didn’t hold back, calling out DoorDash for deceiving both workers and customers. The company’s shady pay model, used between May 2017 and September 2019, promised delivery drivers a base rate per order. However, behind the scenes, customer tips were quietly offsetting the company’s costs instead of being added to driver earnings.

“This is just fundamentally unfair,” James declared during a fiery press conference in Manhattan. She emphasized that customers had no clue their generous tips weren’t actually boosting worker pay, but were instead helping the multi-billion-dollar company pad its bottom line.

As part of the settlement, DoorDash will shell out $16.75 million in restitution to affected New York workers. Delivery drivers who made trips during the affected years will soon be contacted by a settlement administrator to claim their share of the payout.

Despite agreeing to the massive payout, DoorDash isn’t exactly waving a white flag. In a statement released following news of the multi-million dollar settlement, the company defended its past actions.

“While we believe that our practices properly represented how Dashers were paid during this period, we are pleased to have resolved this years-old matter and look forward to continuing to offer a flexible way for millions of people to reach their financial goals,” the statement read.

DoorDash insists it has since changed its pay structure, but critics argue that this case is just another example of the ongoing exploitation of gig workers. The controversy follows a string of similar scandals, including the high-profile Uber case that exposed how drivers were struggling to make ends meet without proper benefits like healthcare. That case, which gained momentum around 2020, led to major legal battles over worker protections and the classification of gig economy laborers in California and other states.

In yet another major win for gig workers, Attorney General James secured a staggering $328 million settlement in November 2023 after an investigation found that Uber and Lyft had withheld earnings and failed to provide essential benefits to their drivers.

Jeezy Goes To War With Ex-Managers Alleging Financial Deception

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Jeezy is suing his longtime manager Solomon Fornie and business associate Eddie Bridgeman, claiming they concealed financial records and enriched themselves at his expense.

According to legal documents filed Monday (February 24) and obtained by TMZ, the rapper alleges that Fornie and Bridgeman blocked his access to critical accounting records, preventing him from managing his own business affairs.

Jeezy, who co-founded Agency 99 with Fornie to oversee his earnings as a recording artist, says he brought in Bridgeman’s SaiSai Group to handle financial oversight—only to later discover Bridgeman was not a licensed CPA.

By late 2024, Jeezy says he grew frustrated with the lack of transparency and tried to sever ties, but his attempts to access Agency 99’s books have been denied. Without those records, he’s unable to take necessary legal steps for either reinstating or dissolving the company under Georgia law, prompting him to take the matter to court.

Agency 99, a company known for talent management, brand development and creative marketing, has played a key role in Jeezy’s career, even overseeing the release of tracks such as J.E.E.Z.Y. (2006) and Legal (2008). However, the dispute has turned the business partnership into a courtroom showdown, with Jeezy now demanding financial transparency and seeking damages.

The lawsuit marks a dramatic shift from what was once a trusted working relationship. After more than a decade of collaboration, Jeezy’s battle for financial clarity sends a strong message about control over his career and earnings.

BigXthaPlug Arrested In Texas During Routine Traffic Stop 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Texas-bred artist BigXthaPlug has reportedly been arrested on a possession of marijuana charge. Police nabbed the rising rapper in Arlington, Texas, on Wednesday morning (February 26), TMZ reports.  

He was taken into custody during a traffic stop for driving with expired tags. Cops reportedly smelled marijuana and found a suspicious green substance in the vehicle. A search of the car revealed marijuana in the console and a handgun in the passenger door pocket. 

BigXthaPlug, whose real name is Xavier Landum, was charged with possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana. Another individual, Cleodist Landum, was also in the car and arrested on an outstanding felony warrant. Landum faces additional charges for unlawful carrying of a weapon. 

BigXthaPlug is currently being held at the Arlington City Jail. 

The arrest comes just over a week after Lil Baby announced BigXthaPlug as an opener for the WHAM Tour. 

He is set to perform at all U.S. dates—except Los Angeles—starting with the Houston, Texas, show at the Toyota Center on June 3. NLE Choppa and Loe Shimmy will also appear at most U.S. stops. 

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BigXthaPlug is also scheduled to join Lil Baby for the Australian shows in October, though it remains uncertain whether his recent charges will impact his ability to travel and perform. 

The rising Southern rap sensation, who hails from Dallas, Texas, initially pursued a football career before pivoting to music. He turned to music after a period of incarceration, where he wrote his first raps while in solitary confinement.  

BigXthaPlug dropped his debut mixtape, Bacc from the Dead, in December 2020. He followed up with his debut album, Amar—named after his son—in February 2023. Since then, he has amassed millions of streams, with standout track Texas earning a gold certification.  

Ashanti Reveals Baby Plans With Nelly Amid Pregnancy Rumors 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Ashanti is opening up about her and Nelly’s plans to expand their family amid rumors that they’re expecting their second child. 

The longtime fan favorites quietly walked down the aisle in December 2023 after rekindling their romance nearly two decades after their split. However, they kept their wedding a secret until the following year. 

They welcomed son Kareem Kenkaide “KK” Haynes in July 2024, and speculation has been rife that the singer is pregnant with their second child. 

Ashanti gushed about motherhood and future baby plans during a recent E! News interview. 

“I am feeling amazing, incredibly pleased, humbled,” she explained. “My life has completely changed for the better. I feel full, you know? My cup is full.” 

Ashanti shared adorable updates about their baby, saying, “He’s clapping now, noticing everything.”  

She continued, “He loves Facetime—grabs the phone, puts his whole face into it, and just starts laughing and smiling. Oh, and he’s even standing up in his crib now, holding on, and looking so proud of himself.” 

While balancing her upcoming movie, No Address, Ashanti confirmed she and Nelly “absolutely” plan to grow their family, hinting that a baby girl is in their future. 

“We’re going to add some more,” she added. “Definitely a girl to balance it out. I’m outnumbered in the house right now. So, a girl would be great.” 

Rumors have circulated for months that Ashanti is pregnant with her second child. The speculation goes as far back as November, just months after welcoming their son.  

Nelly and Ashanti recently enjoyed a fun-filled double date with friends Ja Rule and Aisha Atkins.  

During their outing at a bowling alley, Nelly had everyone laughing with his spot-on impersonation of Ja Rule’s signature rap voice, leaving Ashanti in stitches. 

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Jam Master Jay’s Killer Karl Jordan Stabbed At MDC During Gang Fight 

By: London JennnCategory: News

One of the men convicted of killing Hip-Hop icon Jam Master Jay has reportedly been stabbed in Brooklyn’s notorious Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC).  

Karl Jordan Jr. was awaiting sentencing for his role in the killing when he was attacked last weekend, the NY Daily News reported Tuesday (February 25).  

A source told the outlet that a fight erupted between rival gangs, and while the 41-year-old survived the stabbing, he was transported to the hospital for treatment of his injuries. 

A Bureau of Prisons spokesman confirmed that two inmates were injured in a brawl involving “multiple incarcerated individuals,” but did not specify whether Jordan was involved. 

In January 2024, Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington were found guilty of the 2002 murder of the Run-DMC legend.   

Jordan was Mizell’s godson, and Washington was a childhood friend. Both men were arrested in 2020, nearly 18 years after the murder.  

Jam Master Jay was shot and killed inside his Jamaica, Queens recording studio on October 30, 2002. Prosecutors argued that Jordan and Washington killed Jay over a failed cocaine deal. 

Eyewitnesses testified that Jordan shot Mizell while Washington guarded the door. 

A second shooting victim, Tony Rincon, testified that Jordan “walked directly to Jay, kind of gave him half a handshake and at the same time.” That’s when he said he heard a couple of shots and saw Jay fall to the ground. 

Jordan and Washington face 20 years to life in federal prison. Washington is seeking a reversal of his conviction or a retrial. A third suspect, Jay Bryant, was charged in 2023 and will face a separate trial. 

Prosecutors say Bryant “was involved, but he’s not the killer.” He was charged in 2023 for his alleged role in facilitating the murder by helping Jordan and Washington gain access to the studio through a fire escape. 

MDC Brooklyn, home to high-profile inmates like Hip-Hop mogul Diddy and alleged CEO killer Luigi Mangione, has gained a notorious reputation for its poor conditions and persistent issues.  

Complaints of rampant violence, deplorable living conditions, and severe staffing shortages are widespread. The facility has seen multiple inmate deaths, including fatal stabbings and suicides, contributing to its infamous status. 

Diddy’s Legal Team Accuses Tony Buzbee Of Misconduct & Unauthorized Practice Of Law 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team is firing multiple accusations at attorney Tony Buzbee, including professional misconduct, unauthorized practice of law, and violations of court rules in their opposition to Buzbee’s motion for admission to practice law pro hac vice in the Southern District of New York. 

The issue stems from The Committee on Grievances for the Southern District of New York denying Buzbee’s petition for admission on February 13. The denial was due to Buzbee appearing in cases in the Southern District without first seeking proper admission.  

Buzbee is required to attach a copy of this denial order to any future motions or petitions for pro hac vice or regular admission to the court. 

Despite this denial, Buzbee claims he is licensed to practice law in New York State and is in good standing with the state bar. 

However, Diddy’s attorneys allege Buzbee, who has filed multiple lawsuits against the incarcerated Hip-Hop mogul, signed multiple filings across 22 cases without permission to practice in the court. 

The rapper’s legal team filed a Memorandum of Law opposing Buzbee’s amended motion, arguing the attorney failed to disclose that he had filed without being admitted in each instance. 

“In our collective decades of practice, undersigned counsel have never opposed a pro hac vice application, and we do not do so lightly here,” Diddy’s legal team stated in the filing. “But Buzbee’s egregious misconduct warrants denial of the privilege of appearing in this District.” 

The filing also alleges Buzbee violated New York’s Rules of Professional Conduct by repeatedly insisting on Combs’ guilt in pending criminal charges without a good faith basis. 

Additionally, Diddy’s attorneys claim Buzbee has made numerous public statements that potentially violate professional and ethical obligations, including “opining on Mr. Combs’ guilt on criminal charges. 

“Even though none of Mr. Buzbee’s clients is expected to testify at Mr. Combs’ criminal trial,” the filing continues, “Mr. Buzbee’s extrajudicial statements here are likely to prejudice Mr. Combs’ criminal case as they unambiguously express ‘opinion as to the guilt or innocence of a defendant.’” 

Further, Diddy’s lawyers say Buzbee “Has falsely accused Mr. Combs of sexually abusing dozens of children,” despite no such charges being filed. 

Despite being notified by the Committee on Grievances about unauthorized practice violations, Buzbee reportedly took no corrective action.  

Diddy’s attorneys argue when confronted with reports of being barred from practicing in New York, Buzbee publicly dismissed them as “trash” and “pure bunk.” 

Meanwhile, Jay-Z’s legal team is also striking back at Tony Buzbee, filing a motion to dismiss his lawsuit that accuses Roc Nation and its attorneys of hatching a scheme to pay his former clients for dirt on the controversial lawyer. 

Snoop Dogg Responds To Suge Knight’s Explosive Claims About Tupac Shakur’s Murder  

By: London JennnCategory: Rumors

Snoop Dogg is dismissing Suge Knight’s latest shocking claims linking him to Tupac Shakur’s death, suggesting the Death Row Records co-founder is simply bitter over Snoop’s 2022 takeover of the label. 

Earlier this week, Knight fueled speculation by repeating rumors Snoop had confessed to involvement in Shakur’s murder. He also alleged that Snoop was attempting to bail out the man accused of orchestrating the West Coast rap legend’s killing. 

However, Snoop brushed off Knight’s remarks on Instagram, calling him out for lying.  

“This n#### want stop talking about me,” he wrote alongside a clip of Suge Knight alleging that Snoop Dogg wants Keefe D out of jail. “Mad cuz I Own death row I realize your real lies.” 

Knight made the allegations during an interview with The Art of Dialogue published Monday (February 24).   

“Since I’ve been in here, Snoop and other people been having people trying to bail the guy out, Keefe D, because he talking too much,” Knight began. “They even had somebody talk to me and say, “Hey! You can help him get free.’ I said, ‘Look, I don’t have nothing to do with none of that and I’m not leaving prison to go to nobody county jail.’”   

He doubled down on his claims, adding, “Apparently Keefe D’s telling it all, you know what I mean?”  while hinting at potential damaging ties between Snoop, others, and Sean “Diddy” Combs. “And more he talk the more they’ll get hurt by the situation.” 

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Suge Knight Claims Snoop Dogg Admitted To Funding Tupac Shakur’s Murder

Additionally, in an earlier interview, the incarcerated former music executive claimed Ray J told him Snoop confessed to being involved in the death of Tupac Shakur.   

According to Knight, the singer claimed Snoop admitted to him that he was one of “the people who put bread to kill ‘Pac.’” 

Snoop Dogg was one of Death Row Records’ first major artists, releasing his debut album “Doggystyle” in 1993 under the leadership of Dr. Dre and Suge Knight.   

Their relationship deteriorated in the late 1990s, leading to Snoop leaving the label. He went on to buy the label from previous owners, MNRK Music Group, in 2022.  

Knight later questioned the legality of the deal, claiming that his ex-business partner, Michael “Harry-O” Harris, committed bankruptcy fraud to get the company from him. 

Kanye West Addresses Rumors He Recorded Verse On Bhad Bhabie’s Alabama Barker Diss 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Kanye West is setting the record straight, shutting down claims that he recorded a verse for Bhad Bhabie’s Alabama Barker diss after a snippet of an alleged remix featuring Ye surfaced online.  

Earlier this week, the “Gucci Flip Flops” hitmaker dropped the visuals for her “Ms. Whitman” diss, which samples West and Ty Dolla $ign’s single “Carnival.” 

The music video features a lookalike of her rival’s rockstar father, Travis Barker, who is married to West’s ex-wife’s sister, Kourtney Kardashian. The track also references the famous family, even alluding to Kim, implying that the rocker wanted her but ended up with Kourtney instead. 

Kanye West has finally addressed the situation, explaining why he cleared the sample for Bhad Bhabie’s track. However, he distanced himself from the drama, making it clear he wants no part in the beef. 

“I’m not in the middle of none of this AI beef; people throwing my voice on things—the whole ‘Carnival’ sample,” West said in a video. “I just talked to Travis Barker; I would never be in the middle. I don’t even know what’s going on.” 

West further explained that he “always” approves samples due to his own past struggles with clearance. 

“I’m not cool with being put in the middle of all this at all,” he concluded. “So any verse that be going viral using my voice and all that, it’s like, I didn’t do it.” 

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Bhad Bhabie Thanks Kanye West & Bianca Censori For Clearing Sample

Bhad Bhabie previously thanked Kanye West and Bianca Censori on Instagram. She also shared a text message purportedly stating that the rapper preferred her version over the original.  

She later denied going live and leaking the alleged Kanye West verse but Barker accused her of lying.  

Nonetheless, Bhabie continued taunting Barker, urging her to drop another diss. Judging by her most recent Instagram Story, it appears Barker is doing exactly that.  

Drake Abruptly Cancels Remaining Australia & New Zealand Tour Dates

By: London JennnCategory: News

Drake has officially canceled the remaining dates of his Anita Max Win Tour in Australia and New Zealand citing a “scheduling conflict.” 

Speculation about the cancellations had been swirling earlier this week, with rumors pointing to low ticket sales as a possible reason. 

Adding to the controversy, fans at his Brisbane Entertainment Centre show on Monday night voiced frustrations over hour-long entry delays. 

However, a spokesperson for Drake has now confirmed that the remaining tour dates have been scrapped. 

“We are actively working on rescheduling these dates along with adding some additional shows,” the rep told Rolling Stone.  

Drake was on a scheduled week-long break before planning to return to Brisbane on March 4. He had several more shows lined up ahead of his final performance at Auckland’s Spark Arena on March 16. 

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Drake’s Team Confirms Australia Tour Dates Will Be Rescheduled

However, according to his spokesperson, Drake’s team is working on rescheduling these dates and adding new shows. All existing tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled dates, with refunds available for those who prefer.

“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. Drake and the entire team have had an incredible time doing these shows and are excited to return soon,” the rep added. “We look forward to sharing the rescheduled dates with you as soon as possible.” 

Earlier this week, Australian outlets reported growing speculation that Drake would abruptly cancel the tour. 

Adding to the rumors, reports suggested that his stage equipment was scheduled to be shipped to Europe this week. 

While rumors swirl about sluggish ticket sales for his Australia tour, Drake faced no such challenges in London. He will headline all three nights of Wireless 2025, making history as the festival’s first-ever triple headliner. 

Drake will deliver three unique setlists across the weekend, with additional performances from BBK, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Summer Walker, Vybz Kartel, and Burna Boy. Tickets sold out at record speed, with both presale and general admission selling out almost instantly.

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Joy-Ann Reid Delivers Powerful Message At Divine 9 Presidents’ Town Hall

By: Houston WilliamsCategory: Opinion

Veteran journalist emphasizes information literacy as Black Greek organization leaders unite for historic summit

Veteran journalist Joy-Ann Reid delivered a compelling address on combating misinformation during the landmark “D9 Situation Room: Council of Presidents Town Hall” held virtually yesterday. The event brought together the presidents of all nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations in a rare display of unified leadership.

Reid, the former host of MSNBC’s The ReidOut and a Divine 9 member herself, served as the keynote speaker for the non-partisan gathering that drew over 24,000 registrants.

“We are living in an age of disinformation,” Reid told attendees. “It is so important that we look for trusted sources of information… One of the reasons we did The ReidOut was to distill all of the noise and understand what is actually factual and true.”

During her address, Reid highlighted the dangers of spreading unverified information, particularly in Black communities where misinformation can have serious consequences. She urged members to rely on established news sources like The New York Times, Reuters, BBC, and The Associated Press rather than social media channels.

To illustrate her point, Reid shared a recent example involving federal workers who received a mass email appearing to require justification of their job performance. “After investigation, we learned this email lacked proper authorization and was not legitimate,” she explained, demonstrating the importance of verification before reaction.

The town hall, described by organizers as “just the beginning,” focused on three key objectives: mobilizing Black communities, identifying reliable information sources, and maintaining engagement at the local level.

“No one sorority or fraternity can do all this work alone,” stated one organization president during the panel discussion. “Partner with another D9 organization in your community so that your voices and your work are amplified.”

The event showcased unprecedented collaboration among the Divine 9 leadership, who collectively represent hundreds of thousands of members nationwide. Leaders discussed practical strategies for pooling resources and supporting Black-owned businesses, with several presidents announcing plans for joint initiatives in the coming months.

More than 10,000 members actively participated in the live chat, reflecting the high level of engagement among Divine 9 organizations. The presidents acknowledged this enthusiasm and assured members that more collaborative efforts would follow.

“There’s a lot of excitement about next steps,” one D9 leader noted. “We are convening together to act together.”

The presidents also reminded attendees about available resources within their organizations, including 501(c)(4) entities and political action committees that can advance community interests.

As the event concluded, the collective leadership emphasized their long-standing commitment to community service: “We’ve been around for a long time. We’re not new to this, but we are absolutely true to this.”

The town hall marks one of the most significant collaborations among Divine 9 organizations in recent years, potentially signaling a new era of coordinated action among these influential Black Greek-letter organizations.

J. Cole Predicts Bleak Future For Music Industry With “cLOUDS”

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: News

J. Cole’s heads are in the “cLOUDS” in his new release, and with his bird’s eye perspective, he issues a chilling preemptive prediction for the state of the music industry in the coming years.

Last week, the Dreamville mastermind shared the track via the blog attached to his Inevitable audio series mere days after he vowed to be more “consistent” in his approach to updating the forum and releasing music for his fans and supporters. The aforementioned track “cLOUDS” captures some of J. Cole’s most introspective and thoughtful bars as he contemplates his mortality in a world changing faster than he appears to be aging.

“Just wanted to share,” J. Cole wrote in the blog attached to the track. “Made this a few days ago, then i added a second verse and was like ‘man I got a blog now, I can put whatever I want up there.'”

He added, “I didn’t have a title 20 minutes ago when I decided to really put this up. But now I got one ‘cLOUDs’. – produced by DZL, Omen, and small contributions from me.”

Along with sharing a brief forward for the track, revealing the producers and other details about the record, Cole also shared the poignant lyrics for the release. In the second and final verse of the song, Cole gets candid about the state of the world, revealing his opinion that the erasure of humanity is slowly eroding before our eyes by technology.

“I seen babies turn fiends, addicted to the screen/Their dad share’s, Cashier’s replaced by machines,” he raps. “Don’t buy, subscribe so you can just stream/Your Content, like rent you won’t own a thing/Before long all the songs the whole world sings’ll/Be generated by latest of ai regimes/As all of our favorite artists erased by it scream/From the way side, “ayyy whatever happened to human beings!?”

The comments section on the blog erupted with praise, as fans appeared to celebrate J. Cole’s renewed efforts to rollout his anticipated album The Fall-Off.

“This good for about 3 months,” a user wrote before adding, “Please take your time in that album you understand it now.”

Another user added, “Jermaine .. this is absolutely an amazing masterpiece. Thank You, Thank you & Thank you again!”

Additionally, another user commented on how “cLOUDS” speaks volumes to the growing trend of loss of ownership within the digital age.

“Love the bars about ai and people being comfortable with not owning anything nowadays,” the user wrote. “Ive went back to an Ipod and purchasing cd’s and music off of bandcamp when i can to make sure i get to keep what I pay for and to give the artists more money. Streaming doesnt pay s###.”

Birdman Trends After He Appears To Nod Off While Performing With Hot Boys

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: Rumors

Birdman is once again making headlines over his conduct on stage.

The veteran Cash Money music mogul began trending on social media on February 25 due to a video circulating from one of the Hot Boys recent reunion concerts following Lil Wayne’s Lil Weezyana fest last year. In the video in question, Birdman appears to be slumped over dozing off mid performance while Turk continues to rock the mic.

While Juvenile was standing behind Birdman and seemingly unaware he was in distress, Turk also appears to fail to recognize Stunna may have passed out standing up. Before long, B.G. seems to notice Birdman may be unconscious and gently rustled him awake before the less than 30-second clip ends.

Users on social media quickly got a hold of the clip, and as a result, began publishing their theories about what may have caused Birdman’s apparent lapse in consciousness.

“He was over there smoking @LilTunechi blunts during the performance,” a Twitter user wrote in a tweet before adding, “He couldn’t hang.”

A separate user countered in a tweet, writing, ”Nah boy that ain’t bud that’s a dope or lean nod.”

Another user deduced the incident to Birdman’s age, writing, “He’s too old. Birdman gotta sit down somewhere an enjoy him money.”

An additional user trolled the situation, suggesting that an encounter between Birdman and Lil Wayne at Lil Weezyana fest, during which Weezy seemingly cut Stunna off mid-sentence, was to blame for the incident.

“He was recovering from being cut off by Lil Wayne it shut his 5star system down,” the user wrote.

There were also users who of course took the opportunity to reference Wayne’s Super Bowl LIX snub in favor of Kendrick Lamar.

“And yall wanted these boys to perform during the Super Bowl,” the user wrote.

Following Lil Weezyana Fest in November 2024, the Hot Boys, Big Tymers, Mannie Fresh and Lil Wayne have performed at several Cash Money reunion concerts including at a date in Tampa on February 21.

JAY-Z & Diddy Don’t See “Eye To Eye” Says Lawyer Who Declined Bad Boy Mogul’s Case

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: News

Joe Tacopina, the attorney who recently represented A$AP Rocky during his gun assault trial, has revealed that his relationship with JAY-Z factored into not representing Diddy.

Tacopina sat down with The Breakfast Club and shed light on his decision to decline representing Combs amid his federal indictment on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. In his initial remarks on Combs’ case, Tacopina criticized Diddy’s legal team for making premature public statements that have already backfired.

“Well, I wouldn’t go out in the press and make pronouncements that are later disproved quickly because you tend to lose credibility,” he explained.

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Tacopina continued, specifically referencing the controversy surrounding an alleged bulk purchase of baby lotion which Combs attorney Marc Agnifilo addressed in a statement that ended up being debunked as false.

“They went out and said, ‘oh, you know, he just bought them in bulk at Costco right down the block from his house’,” he said. “But first of all, it’s 1,000 bottles. No one buys 1,000 bottles of baby lotion in bulk. But that was what he said. Of course, then Costco then comes out with a statement. ‘No, we’ve never sold baby lotion in our life’. Jesus. Not one Costco store ever sold baby lotion. So boom, now it looks like somebody’s lying, right?”

When asked whether he would have taken on Diddy’s case, Tacopina made it clear that he had no interest.

“I was asked to take a look at the case… I said I would not be interested,” he said. He then elaborated on his close relationship with Roc Nation, highlighting his connections with JAY-Z and CEO Desiree Perez.

“I represent Roc Nation, a lot of people in Roc,” he said. “I’m very close with Jay and Desiree Perez, who’s the most amazing… Jay Brown, all those people are just like they really are special, special people. And they, you know, that’s sort of family to me.”

Tacopina also attempted to distance JAY-Z from Combs and made a point to stress that HOV and Diddy are not as closely connected as the public may perceive.

“I don’t think they [Beyoncé and JAY-Z] see eye to eye with P. Diddy,” he stated before addressing the numerous photos of JAY-Z and Combs together. “Okay, everyone was in pictures with P. Diddy at one time or another because they went to a party,” he said. “But when things got real years and years ago, you know… they didn’t see eye to eye.”

In addition to the clip of Tacopina laying out why he wouldn’t represent Combs, he also detailed why he believes Rocky’s former friend Relli should be charged for his conduct during the gun assault trial, which concluded earlier this month after a jury found the New York rapper not guilty on two felony gun charges.

Meek Mill Seeks Fans Help Disputing Multi-Million Dollar Tax Bill From 2013 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Meek Mill is calling on his supporters to help him fight a multi-million-dollar tax bill he was hit with over a decade ago. 

According to the Philly native, the IRS issued him a tax bill in 2013 for an amount greater than his total earnings that year, and he is now looking to challenge the payment. 

He took to X (Twitter) on Monday (February 24) to complain about the stress of dishing out nearly $3 million. 

 “IRS made me pay 2.8m from 2013 and I only made 2 million,” he wrote. “How do I fight that? I been paying my taxes since I was 23 years old … paying damn near 3m out your account randomly is stressful!” 

However, while some offered specific tips or explanations, many of his followers urged him to seek professional advice from an accountant.  

“Youve been paying tax since you first started spending money,” one person replied. “Just a thought but how about calling an accountant. You know someone knowledgeable with experience in these matters.” 

Another added, “Imma go out on a limb here and say, none of your followers ever had this problem.” 

Meek Mill Denies He’s In Debt To IRS Over Tax Bill

Others mistakenly believed Meek Mill was facing legal trouble with the IRS and that the tax bill could land him in jail, similar to other rappers and celebrities. 

However, Meek set the record straight in a follow-up tweet, insisting that he wasn’t in debt, but rather disputed the IRS’s demand, as he didn’t believe it matched his reported income. 

“I’m not in tax [debt],” he added. “I’m saying, I know I didn’t owe 2.8 in taxes if I only made 2m max in 2013!” 

Meanwhile, earlier this week, Meek Mill teased his upcoming collab with Fridayy, “Proud of Me.” He shared a video of his fellow Philly native reflecting on the loss of his father last year. 

The track features on Friday’s upcoming album, Some Days I’m Good Some Days I’m Not, due Friday (February 28). 

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A$AP Rocky Appears To Gloat About Not Guilty Verdict On Metro Boomin “Prop Gun” Snippet

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: Rumors

A$AP Rocky may have provided his fans with his first bars about his recent gun assault trial via his latest unreleased snippet.

On February 25 a new snippet, rumored to be produced by Metro Boomin, began circulating on social media. Many users speculating that the track may appear on Rocky’s upcoming album DON’T BE DUMB. considering he’s rapping about the gun assault trial he battled last month and was ultimately found not guilty on two charges.

During the short soundbite, which clocks in less than 30-seconds in total, A$AP Rocky bends his signature fashion flows around the roaring 808-heavy production the track boast. In the process, he raps about getting fly to attend his court hearings and compares himself to one of the most notorious mafia bosses in New York’s illustrious history of organized crime.

“I wear Bottega to court, your honor/I wear Armani to court, your honor/Look like John Gotti in court, your honor,” he raps.

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Rocky continues with the set rhyme scheme, shouting out high fashion brands such as Prada and the classic Godfather film franchise, as well. He also appears to triumphantly reference his prop gun defense, which he and his legal team employed to prove that while he was linked to an alleged 2021 shooting incident in Hollywood involving his former friend A$AP Relli, the weapon he used during the altercation was actually fake.

“I put that s### on your honor/Gotta mop on me right now/Probably got a prop on me right now,” he raps.

Rocky’s prop gun defense was at the center of controversy during the trial given that neither the prosecution nor defense produced an actual gun as evidence, yet a great deal of either side’s argument depended on the gun. Throughout the trial, prosecutors argued that Rocky fired a gun during a heated confrontation, while his defense insisted the weapon in question was merely a prop used for a music video. Relli, whose real name is Terell Ephron, also claimed that he retrieved shells from the gun, however, he was unable to produce them for evidence.

Ultimately, the jury, composed of seven women and five men, found Rocky not guilty on two felony counts of assault with a firearm.

EXCLUSIVE: Chuck D Remembers Being Shocked By Prince’s Paisley Park “Yard Sale”

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: Exclusives

Chuck D, the inimitable voice behind Public Enemy, released INTERFICIAL ARTelligence: The Moments That Met Me earlier this month via Akashic Books/Enemy Books.

Through a series of Chuck’s illustrations, the 240-page book details his encounters with a myriad of musicians, entertainers, politicians, athletes and public figures over the course of his career. From Prince, The Notorious B.I.G. and Harry Belafonte to Quincy Jones, Michael Jordan and Madonna, each drawing captures the “moment” Chuck crossed paths with them.

Chuck includes two instances with late music icon Prince, which doubles as a subtle peek into his sense of humor. In one drawing, Prince is standing outside of his Chanhassen, Minnesota estate Paisley Park, where he was holding a yard sale. (Yes, a yard sale). Chuck writes, “Prince, yes that Prince, had an actual yard sale on the Paisley Park grounds. I met Prince in 1999 and it was truly a cool bond in like-mindedness.

“Prince also requested I do a song for his coming Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic. The song ‘Undisputed’ was an experience in itself but again, the mind blowing story when we got to Paisley Park Mr. Purple was having a yard sale on its front lawn! Amps, guitars, Prince swag and memorabilia complete with tags, and his highness himself giving deals to folks…Like I’ll give you a bargain on this keyboard. Crazier than Charlie Murphy’s pancake basketball story.”

Chuck D looks back fondly on that day, seeing such a tour de force slinging merchandise like a used car salesman.

“You’re not talking tchotchks here,” Chuck tells AllHipHop. “You’re talking about really cool stuff. We’re talking going over to an amp, turning the tag around and Prince telling the woman, ‘Yeah, I’ll give you $15 off on it.’ The whole lawn was just full of gear. I didn’t expect this. It’s not like he was advertising his Paisley Park yard sale. He was coming out there and negotiating with people. I was like, ‘What the f###?'”

The other Prince encounter was almost as random. As Chuck explains in the book, “Times Square NYC finishing a Town Hall event I hear a voice say ‘hey Chuck D’ I look and it’s Prince and actress Lynn Whitfield in the back. I get in…well I was like wow Lynn Whitfield I’m at a loss of worlds. She says ‘well keep it in your mind’ I said a couple of words to Prince and was out into the streets, 42nd Street area.”

The Moments That Met Me is packed with dozens of other interesting anecdotes from Chuck D’s life, giving a glimpse into what it’s like to be one of Hip-Hop’s most revered MCs. Whether he’s looking back on eating chips and guacamole with Quincy Jones, presenting an award to David Bowie, being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Belafonte or attending an editorial meeting with John F. Kennedy Jr., Chuck effortlessly illustrates his life is anything but boring.

Chuck, who was originally a graphic design major at Adelphi University and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts, has been drawing for years. In fact, his style began to evolve in college but was perfected while on tour with Prophets of Rage, his former group with Cypress Hill’s B-Real and Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello, Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk.

“The speed was developed while being on tour with Prophets of Rage,” he says. “I really worked on my speed. Most people really don’t understand that about touring. Your goal is trying to figure out what to do with all that downtime. It’s easy to figure out, ‘Yeah, we’re gonna do a two-hour show, we’re gonna prep, we’re gonna eat, we’re gonna break it down, we’re gonna get rest and all that.’ But your downtime, what do you do? This is a big problem. This is what makes people go to the bar at the club, especially if you’re in town three days in a row.

“So I’ve turned my room into an art studio and I pursue to go about working on courtroom speed. Courtroom speed is where you used to see the illustrators and they would go and they wouldn’t allow cameras in the courts. In fact, Diddy’s law case doesn’t allow cameras in the court so you see a lot of illustrations of Diddy in his court case. So courtroom speed is what I worked on. It keeps my style. Then I’m not afraid to make a line go the wrong way because I think mistakes are the signature that AI cannot beat.”

The Moments That Met Me is available here. Check back with AllHipHop soon for Part II of the Chuck D interview.

Lil Durk Hit With Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over Alleged Murder-For-Hire Plot 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Lil Durk’s legal woes continue to mount after he was slapped with a wrongful death lawsuit accusing him of ordering a hit on rapper Quando Rondo, which allegedly led to the fatal shooting of Rondo’s cousin. 

The lawsuit’s allegations mirror the criminal charges Lil Durk is currently facing in connection with the August 2022 murder of Lul Pab, born Saviay’a Robinson.  

Prosecutors claim that Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Banks, orchestrated the killing as an act of retaliation for the 2020 murder of King Von, a close affiliate of his Only The Family (OTF) crew. 

Filed on behalf of Saviay’a Robinson’s family, the lawsuit claims his vehicle was ambushed near West Hollywood while he was driving with his cousin, rapper Quando Rondo, on August 19, 2022. According to the suit, gunmen launched a targeted attack near the Beverly Center, firing multiple rounds into the passenger side.  

Robinson suffered critical injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a nearby hospital. 

“The premature loss of Mr. Robinson has devastated his family and community,” Robinson family attorney Warren Postman said in a statement. “We filed this lawsuit to hold those responsible accountable and to ensure his family receives the support they need during this difficult time.” 

The lawsuit alleges the defendants engaged in unlawful acts, including murder for hire, leading to wrongful death. The Robinson family is seeking compensation for their loss. 

Lil Durk Denied Bond

Meanwhile, a judge denied Lil Durk’s bond request last December, citing him as a danger to the community and a flight risk despite his attorneys offering an extensive bond package, including a $2.3 million property bond, $1 million cash from Sony Music, and strict monitoring conditions.  

Prosecutors linked him to multiple murders, including allegedly funding a murder-for-hire plot in retaliation for his brother’s 2021 killing.  

A newly unsealed indictment claims he orchestrated the 2022 slaying of alleged Gangster Disciples leader Stephon Mack and continued offering money for hits on rival gang members.