Drake Laughs Off BenDaDonnn’s Warning That “He Aint Good” In Memphis

Drake nearly choked on his drink, laughing when BenDaDonnn tried warning him about Memphis. The Toronto rapper couldn’t keep it together during their recent livestream.

The whole thing started when Drake asked BenDaDonnn to vouch for his street cred in Memphis. “Tell them how legit I am in Memphis. I feel like people be playing with my name,” Drake said on stream.

BenDaDonnn jumped right in with the theatrics. He told Drake he was just in Memphis and had to defend him. “I did a little get back. They were like, ‘tell Drake he ain’t good.’ I was like, ‘Hold on. Y’all got me f##### up. That’s my main man. Y’all not doing that.'”

The rapper’s reaction was priceless. He nearly spit his drink out laughing at BenDaDonnn’s over-the-top “check-in” story.

Drake has real family roots in Memphis through his father, Dennis Graham, a Memphis native and working drummer who played the city’s soul and R&B circuit before relocating to Canada.

Graham grew up around Beale Street’s music culture and was connected to local musicians, giving Drake a direct bloodline to Memphis’ Black Southern sound. He has repeatedly acknowledged those ties, visiting the city, referencing Memphis in his lyrics, and maintaining relationships there.

The Memphis conversation also led BenDaDonnn to press Drake about his Iceman album. “When the f### is you dropping the album, ugly ass n####?” BenDaDonnn joked during the stream.

Drake called him out for “clip farming” and said nobody in the chat actually asked that question. He did give fans an update, though. He said Iceman is “on the way” and told viewers, “I know what you’re waiting on, so trust me. We’re cheffing.”

The album was supposed to drop before the end of 2025, but it still doesn’t have an official release date.

So far Drake has dropped three singles from the project: “What Did I Miss?”, “Which One” with Central Cee, and “Dog House” featuring Yeat and Julia Wolf. He’s been promoting each track with its own livestream episode.

The rap star told Complex last month that he has at least one more Iceman livestream planned. “The finale will be our best work,” he said.

Snoop Dogg Expands His Sports Broadcasting Empire With New NBA Gig

Snoop Dogg is building his sports broadcasting empire with a new role as an NBA analyst, debuting on NBC’s Peacock platform on January 5.

The Hip-Hop legend will work alongside Terry Gannon and Hall of Famer Reggie Miller during the second half of the game on Peacock. The new gig represents another step in Snoop’s expanding sports analyst business.

NBC tapped him after his breakout performance at the Paris Olympics earned him two Sports Emmys for Outstanding Live Special.

“This is a dream come true for me. I’m fired up to be joining Reggie Miller and Terry Gannon on the call for the Clippers-Warriors game on January 5th. I can’t wait to bring a fresh vibe to the analysis while celebrating the skills and strategy these teams bring every night.”” Snoop said about the NBA opportunity.

Snoop’s Olympics success launched his sports broadcasting career into overdrive. He carried the Olympic torch before the Opening Ceremony and became NBC’s most popular correspondent.

His natural charisma and sports knowledge made him a fan favorite across multiple Olympic events.

NBC already locked him up for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, where he’ll serve as Team USA’s first-ever honorary coach. The network announced his return in September, building on his “Ambassador of Happiness” role that captivated global audiences.

His broadcasting resume includes work at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon.

He conducted interviews with athletes, such as women’s basketball player A’ja Wilson and provided commentary across various Olympic sports, including rugby sevens. The rapper’s sports business ventures extend far beyond broadcasting.

He purchased a minority stake in the Welsh soccer club Swansea City in July 2025, joining other American celebrities such as LeBron James and Will Ferrell in English football ownership.

Snoop’s investment portfolio includes his long-running Snoop Youth Football League for inner-city youth, which he founded to give back to his community.

The league has operated for over two decades, developing young talent and providing opportunities for underprivileged kids. His sports business expansion comes as NBC experiences its highest NBA viewership in 15 years.

The network’s return to NBA coverage has attracted 87 million viewers across NBC, Peacock, ESPN, Amazon Prime Video and NBA TV – an 89% increase from last season.

The January 5 broadcast will test whether Snoop’s Olympic magic translates to professional basketball. The game features Stephen Curry and the Warriors against a struggling Clippers team with just seven wins this season.

Nicki Minaj Banned From LGBTQ Clubs & Playlists

Nicki Minaj and MAGA BFFs and the rumor mill is on fire this week. The rap superstar who once felt untouchable in Hip-Hop and deeply embraced by LGBTQ audiences is now getting the cold shoulder for good reason.

According to the chatter in group chats, clubs and social media spaces, the relationship between Nicki and a major part of her longtime base is fractured beyond repair.

READ ALSO: JD Vance Uses Nicki Minaj As Pawn To Race-Bait After AmeriFest Appearance

Let’s keep this squarely in the realm of rumors and reactions. Nicki’s increasingly visible alignment with Donald Trumpand right leaning voices has crossed a psychological line for people who once saw her as an icon of empowerment and freedom. The latest eyebrow raiser was her sit down with the ex wife of Charlie Kirk. Internet detectives immediately resurfaced old clips where Kirk criticized Nicki in harsh terms. That visual alone had people asking why this bridge was even being built.

READ ALSO: Minaj Sits Down With Erika Kirk In Shocking Appearance At AmericaFest, Fawns Over Donald Trump

Online social media posts say DJs are quietly pulling her records from rotation. Some have even said she has not put out anything notable recently anyway. Sounds like that is why she’s moving different anyway. Several LGBTQ owned spaces are reportedly choosing silence, but acting in accord with the banning.

There is also a big sense of betrayal. Some fans feel Nicki courted queer audiences early in her career with language and imagery that suggested solidarity, only to later pivot to MAGA.

She is now being hostile to Black women, immigrants and queer people. Comparisons are even being made to figures like Kid Rock, artists accused of benefiting from Hip-Hop culture before embracing movements that stand against it. MAGA SHMAGA!

Will there be an apology tour? I doubt it. The belief is Nicki knows exactly where she stands and is choosing to plant her flag. In Hip-Hop, loyalty cuts both ways. It may be time to just say “Good-Bye”…


Alabama BBQ restaurant server shares a ‘server’s worst nightmare.’ But it’s actually a pretty common practice

An Alabama server shows one of the “worst” things you can do as a customer at a restaurant. Chances are, you’ve probably done this.

In a video, TikTok creator Kay (@kaybellat) shows eight cards lined up by a register each with a receipt. They caption the video saying, “Like why can’t y’all just Cashapp each other?”

The video has 148,800 likes and 775,500 views. Kay often posts video about the ups and downs of serving and just how outlandish customers can be.

What Is This Alabama BBQ Server’s ‘Worst Nightmare’?

Kay’s video text overlay reads, “A servers worst nightmare.” Why exactly are eight payment cards lined up an issue? Well, multiple reasons.

  1. It takes time: Servers taking more time to close up a table’s tab means delays in table turnover. Meaning the whole flow of the restaurant can get out of whack.
  2. It’s tedious: Why would anyone want to repeat any part of their job eight times when you can just do it once and get on to the next thing?
  3. It complicates the tip: While most folks know servers need a tip, the math can get weird when you split the bill multiple ways. Sometimes customers might not communicate well about how much tip each person should leave, according to Reader’s Digest.

However, there are ways to split the check without stressing out your restaurant server. One idea from Food & Wine is limiting the number of different cards to four.

Viewers Weigh in on Server’s ‘Worst Nightmare’

Viewers in the comments seem to be in agreement with Kat about how annoying splitting the check in so many ways can be.

“They see one person left $20 so now they all leave no tip. When I eat out with friends my tip isn’t their tip, they need to leave their own tip,” said one commenter.

“Immediately no,” said another server. “I say I can only split it three ways, because I’m not doing all of that.”

“Then they get mad when you don’t remember whose card is whose,” another person said.

Other restaurant servers shared their check splitting nightmares.

“I once had a party of 25 teachers in town for a conference. All separate checks, but also needed alcohol separated, too. Fifty-two separate checks, 52 different forms of payment,” one person said.

“Better then 20 old people paying in cash all 20s and I have to do it from my own bank,” a second person argued.

Don’t be that person, plan ahead if you’re in a big group of customer about how you will split the check.

All Hip Hop has reached out to Kat for comment via TikTok message and comment.

@kaybellat Like yall can’t just Cash App each other??? #server ♬ F my fing chungus life – emipih

Ludacris Replaces Sick Santa Claus & Gives Out Benz Sprinters

Ludacris stepped into Santa’s boots for Mercedes-Benz’s latest holiday campaign after the big guy called in sick. The Atlanta rapper traded his usual gear for a modern red suit to handle Christmas duties in the luxury car brand’s festive content series.

The Hip-Hop star plays himself, filling in for an under-the-weather Santa Claus in videos that launched December 19 and run through December 23.

Ludacris brings his signature Atlanta style to the North Pole gig, sporting an updated version of the classic Santa outfit while delivering holiday magic with his own twist.

Merkley+Partners created the campaign content for Mercedes-Benz’s third annual “Holidays With Love” initiative. The series ties into the automaker’s “12 Days of Christmas” program, in which brand ambassadors donate electric eSprinter vans to nonprofits of their choice.

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Ludacris gifted his eSprinter to The Ludacris Foundation, which works to improve lives for urban youth and families. The rapper appears in one video pulling a giant green bow from his Maybach and placing it on the donated vehicle.

“It’s one thing to talk about giving back, but it’s another to show up and provide real tools that can change the game for an organization,” Ludacris said. “I’m honored to be a part of this initiative, giving an eSprinter to The Ludacris Foundation so they can continue to do their incredible work in my community.”

Before becoming Ludacris, Chris Bridges used the rap name Kris Kringle to write Christmas-themed lyrics as a young artist.

The Mercedes-Benz partnership brings him full circle back to his holiday music roots. A follow-up commercial launches on December 26 to continue the storyline.

Other celebrity ambassadors participating in the eSprinter donation program include Martha Stewart, Lucy Liu and Tracee Ellis Ross.

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EXCLUSIVE: Damon Dash Sued For $10M, Accused Of Ruining Another Deal For Filmmaker

Damon Dash and The Dash Group, a company he operates with his girlfriend Raquel Horn, is staring down a $10 million lawsuit in Los Angeles federal court after filmmaker Josh Webber accused the Hip-Hop mogul of torpedoing a major movie deal by publicly branding him a criminal.

The complaint alleges defamation, interference with business relations and false statements stemming from a long-running feud between the two men. At the heart of the case is Dash’s repeated claim that Webber was involved in racketeering, an accusation Webber says is entirely baseless and cost him a lucrative opportunity.

According to the lawsuit, Webber had secured a $10 million agreement in August 2025 to direct and produce a film titled TORN. But the deal unraveled just weeks later, after Dash’s public comments allegedly scared off investors.

The suit points to Dash’s bankruptcy filing and subsequent social media activity as the tipping point. In September 2025, Dash filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Florida, listing $25 million in liabilities and few assets.

Interestingly, The Dash Group, a Florida-based LLC, is not among the companies listed in Dash’s bankruptcy filing, so its assets are fair game.

He then appeared on The Breakfast Club in New York City, where he dismissed a prior legal judgment Webber had won and claimed bankruptcy shielded him from paying. During the same interview, Damon Dash announced plans to sue Webber for RICO violations.

Webber says Damon Dash didn’t stop there. On September 17, 2025, Dash allegedly sent Webber a text message threatening to file a civil RICO case and demanding $100 million, with a 14-day response deadline.

The lawsuit alleges that Dash then posted the message to Instagram, accompanied by mocking captions and emojis.

Webber says the post quickly drew attention from entertainment media and raised red flags with investors tied to TORN. According to the complaint, one investor demanded that Webber be removed from the project on the basis of reputational risk.

This lawsuit is the latest round in a years-long legal fight between the two men, dating back to their work on the independent film Dear Frank. Their dispute has played out in multiple courtrooms since the late 2010s.

In 2022, a New York jury found Dash liable for copyright infringement related to the film.

A federal judge later upheld that verdict. Webber also secured a separate $4 million defamation judgment after Dash made statements about him on a business podcast.

As part of enforcement efforts, courts authorized actions against Dash’s assets, including the sale of his stake in Roc-A-Fella Records.

Dash has maintained that the rulings were unjust and has continued to accuse Webber and others of wrongdoing. The new lawsuit argues Dash crossed the line by labeling Webber a criminal, despite no court ever finding him guilty of racketeering.

Webber is seeking at least $10 million in damages, along with punitive damages and legal costs. He’s also demanding a jury trial. Dash has not yet filed a response in court.

‘That’s called a bait-and-switch’: Women book hotel in New York City. Then they open the curtains and see the ‘city view’ they paid for

A woman and her sister book a New York City hotel room and come away feeling like the victims of a bait-and-switch scheme. Here’s what happened.

TikTok creator Kenny (@kennycorndog) posted a video about the incident on Nov. 22. The video starts with Kenny showing her sister on the phone with the hotel front desk.

Then, she goes to the window, which has a “view”—a pull-down blind with the New York City skyline screen-printed on it. She lets the blinds up, and the city is visible, as promised. However, it is a lackluster view.

Viewers React to New York City Hotel View

Of course, a gander into the comments will draw a hearty laugh. “Hotel worker here. That’s definitely a city view. What you see outside that window is… city,” said one person.

A second person claimed, without proof, “That’s called a bait-and-switch, and is very much illegal.”

Another commenter said: “It’s a city view… just not the perfect one you dreamed up in your head.” This is likely the most accurate explanation.

Some cited an obvious logistical issue. “I’m genuinely curious as to how you wanted to see the skyline of Manhattan while also being inside Manhattan?” asked one commenter.

Others were more sympathetic. “As a hotel manager I KNOW, and I’m SORRY,” one woman said. “The staff probably hate it as much as you do, since the wording is controlled by sales/corporate. But if you’re nice, I swear we’ll give you free vouchers.”

Booking a Hotel with a Nice View of Manhattan

There are some mid-tier hotels with nice views of Manhattan, such as the somewhat notable Millennium Hilton in Midtown or the Hyatt in Chelsea. However, after a brief scroll down in the comments, things become clearer.

It seems the sisters were staying at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Times Square South. The entire affair makes more sense just by looking at the filthy couch her sister is sitting on. Unless the fine print promised a specific view, lower-end hotels aren’t likely to deliver.

A true bait-and-switch scheme generally involves a company offering a ridiculous discount. Then, when a customer comes to redeem the deal, the business directs the customer to another (more expensive) product or tacks on additional fees.

People have been tricked into seeing fake skylines for ages. If you’re a fan of the lawyer-centric show “Suits,” then you’ve seen something similar. The show was filmed in Toronto, which is a strong doppelganger for the American metropolis, but they needed to mimic a Manhattan backdrop.

All Hip Hop reached out to Kenny (@kennycorndog) and Marriott for more information.

@kennycorndog

new york what is this

♬ Fire the Cannons (1812 Overture) – Jochen Flach & Peter Ilych Tchaikvsky & Thomas Hewitt Jones

Cardi B Parties With New Billionaire Buddy Robert Kraft After Patriots Win

Cardi B made headlines Sunday when she was spotted celebrating with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft in his luxury suite at Gillette Stadium, creating an unlikely yet heartwarming moment that had fans buzzing across social media.

The Grammy-winning rapper was dressed to impress in an expensive-looking fur coat and glowing white hair as she watched her boyfriend, Stefon Digg.

New England trailed 24-13 in the fourth quarter before staging a comeback, scoring two late touchdowns to take the lead. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye threw for around 380 yards and two touchdowns as part of his first 300-yard passing game of the season.

The Patriots also forced a late fumble that helped seal the win. With the victory, New England clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2021, improving their record to 12-3 and keeping pace atop the AFC standings.

Kraft’s connection to Hip-Hop culture runs deeper than this single moment with Cardi.

The Patriots’ owner has long supported rap artists, most notably developing a close friendship with Jay-Z. Kraft has also publicly supported Meek Mill, particularly during the Philadelphia rapper’s legal battles, and has been photographed at various Hip-Hop events and award shows.

The Patriots’ victory over Baltimore was significant for multiple reasons beyond the celebrity sightings. The win improved New England’s record to 12-3, keeping them firmly in the AFC playoff race.

Sherrone Moore’s Problems Multiply Five-Fold As More Women Come Forward

Sherrone Moore faces mounting accusations from five women who say the disgraced Michigan coach made unwanted advances over several years.

The 39-year-old married father was fired from his $5 million coaching job and arrested for home invasion and stalking after allegedly breaking into his assistant’s apartment.

The latest claims paint Moore as someone who used social media to target women with inappropriate messages.

One woman said Moore slid into her DMs on November 1, right after his team beat Purdue. She thought it was a fake account at first. Moore would respond to women’s Instagram stories with fire emojis and ask.

“How did we start following each other,” when he had followed them first.

In one exchange, he offered to fly a woman to Michigan. When she asked if she’d be “holed up in some hotel,” Moore replied: “I guess we will have to see! I would say yes but you would also have a driver haha.”

The coach’s questionable behavior extends beyond recent allegations.

Moore attended a party hosted by Diddy in 2018, according to his own social media posts.

The music mogul was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison in 2025 after being convicted on charges related to transporting people for prostitution.

Moore’s downfall began when Michigan fired him for having an “inappropriate relationship” with executive assistant Paige Shiver.

Hours later, he allegedly broke into her apartment and threatened to kill himself. Police arrested him on charges of breaking and entering, home invasion and stalking.

The coach spent two nights in jail before posting $25,000 bond. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to six years behind bars. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

His lawyer, Ellen Michaels, said Moore “denies any criminal wrongdoing” and called the allegations speculation. Moore’s wife, Kelli, appears to be standing by him despite the scandal. The couple has three children together.

Jaylen Brown Claps Back At Hair Critics: “Residue Of A Champion”

Jaylen Brown fired back at critics with championship swagger after his hair product became the talk of the NBA.

The Boston Celtics star didn’t back down from the viral moments that had social media buzzing. Brown’s hair enhancement product left visible marks on three different opponents’ jerseys during games in October and November.

The incidents started when his hair dye rubbed off on New York Knicks player OG Anunoby’s jersey during their October 24 matchup.

Similar transfers occurred with Detroit Pistons player Ron Holland and Washington Wizards player Kyshawn George in subsequent games.

The 29-year-old Finals MVP turned the embarrassment into fuel for his championship mentality.

“They’re lucky that I left my mark on them,” Brown told People. “I should get a thank you card: You have the residue of a champion on you. You’re welcome.”

Brown began experiencing hair thinning about 1 to 2 years ago. He tried topical solutions and serums, but nothing worked effectively.

The stress of Boston’s high-pressure championship environment worsened the problem.

“It’s the high expectation to win [the championship], or the season is a failure,” Brown explained about playing in Boston. The 2024 NBA champion said being a star player means “every win and every loss has an impact.”

Barbers typically use sprays and enhancement products to smooth hairlines and conceal thinning areas. Brown’s intense playing style and physical contact during games caused these products to transfer onto opponents’ clothing.

He is turning the publicity from the humiliation into a massive business opportunity by partnering with hair growth supplement brand Nutrafol to address his thinning hair head-on. The collaboration aims to destigmatize conversations about hair loss for millions who experience similar issues.

The hair loss industry is a massive global business. The treatment market was valued at $2.49 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $3.57 billion by 2032.

The broader hair care market hit $106.91 billion in 2024. Hair restoration services alone generated $7.52 billion in 2024, with predictions that they will grow to $34.17 billion in the coming years.

“When embarrassment, failure, loss, anything like that happens, there’s two ways you can go,” Brown said. “It can be spirit breaking, and you can go into a little shell and try to hide from it, or you can use it as fuel, get more focus, get more discipline, get more locked in, and go out and maximize your potential.”

Video Music Box’s Ralph McDaniels Reveals Hidden Dangers, Young Diddy & Untold Jay-Z Footage

Ralph McDaniels didn’t need a stage or spotlight to command attention.

Holding a microphone on the after a show with Styles P and Millyz, the architect behind Video Music Box spoke with calm authority, exactly how one expects of someone who helped define how Hip-Hop learned to see itself.

“Uncle Ralph,” as he’s affectionately known, made it clear that the brand has always spoken louder than titles.

For many viewers, Video Music Box was their first real connection to Hip-Hop and the companies like BET (“Rap City”) and MTV (“YO! MTV Raps”) followed. The difference is, Uncle Ralph is still here and so is his creation.

Uncle Ralph said he gets stories from viewer that have grown up on VMB all the time.

“I get it all the time from all different types of people,” he told AHH’s SlopsShotYa. “People tell me, I learned how to dress watching Video Music Box. I learned how to talk watching Video Music Box. I learned about Nas. I learned about Jay-Z. I learned about Shabba (Ranks). I learned about Super Cat. Whatever it was, they tell me.”

Those visuals were often captured in unpredictable and sometimes volatile environments. When asked how dangerous the venues really were, McDaniels didn’t hesitate.

“Oh yeah, nah. You don’t realize it when you young, you in danger,” he said. “But I’ve been through many shootouts and all kind of stabbings and all kind of stuff. I mean, not me personally happened to me, but around me. And we went back and did it again the next day. It was nothing.”

Now, that history is being preserved piece by piece.

McDaniels confirmed that a massive archival effort is underway to digitize decades of footage. “If you go to videomusicboxcollection.org, that’s the whole site that we have for digitizing and getting it out there,” he explained. “So curating these type of things like the old shows or just a 90s show or 90s interviews or 90s performances or all the summer jams, we shot all of those.”

Select clips have also been appearing online. “My YouTube is Video Music Box 1,” McDaniels said, noting that some of the recent releases caught even seasoned Hip-Hop heads off guard.

“We recently put out some Jay-Z stuff that people hadn’t seen from the Reasonable Doubt album with Memphis Bleek and Foxy Brown,” he said. “People were like, yo… you never saw it. A lot of jewels and rare footage like that.”

McDaniels admitted he never saw Hip-Hop taking it this far.

Speaking on his early relationship with embattled mogul Sean “Diddy Combs, he said, “I know him as an 18-year old kid. He was my stage manager when I was doing Harlem Week.” Still, McDaniels remains optimistic about his former worker. “God will work everything out. I’ve seen situations where I thought that it was dark. It was too dark and then the light comes through.”

As he signed off, McDaniels gave an appreciative salute.

“Big shout out to all the people that have been following me back in the days from 1983 to now,” he said. “Just do your thing. Have fun.”

6ix9ine Home Invasion: Suspect Scored Massive $30K Haul

Pedro Rodriguez scored a massive haul of luxury items worth over $30,000 when he and two accomplices invaded 6ix9ine’s Palm Beach County home last month, police revealed after recovering the stolen goods.

According to CBS 12, cops found Van Cleef earrings valued at $2,600, a diamond necklace worth $25,000 and designer Balenciaga and Chanel purses totaling $4,000 inside Rodriguez’s West Palm Beach residence.

The 19-year-old suspect also had $400 in cash, a driver’s license and three credit cards belonging to the rapper’s girlfriend. Rodriguez got busted on December 19 when Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant at his home.

Phone records placed his device in the area during the November 16 invasion when three masked gunmen broke into 6ix9ine’s house seeking cash and car keys.

The rapper wasn’t home, but his 60-year-old mother was confronted by the armed men. Deputies said the suspects forced her to wait outside while they ransacked the property looking for valuables.

Investigators also discovered clothing that matched witness descriptions of the robbers’ attire during the break-in.

A firearm believed to be the same type used in the home invasion was recovered along with substantial narcotics consistent with street-level drug sales.

Rodriguez faces charges of residential robbery with a firearm, kidnapping, grand theft over $20,000 and selling a Schedule I substance. Two other suspects remain at large.

The arrest comes as 6ix9ine prepares to surrender to federal authorities on January 6, 2026, to begin a three-month prison sentence for probation violations, including assault and drug possession.

Spike Lee Tribute To James Ransone Reveals Deep Bond

Spike Lee paid tribute to actor James Ransone following his death in Los Angeles on December 19 at age 46, joining a chorus of Hollywood voices mourning the performer known for The Wire and The Black Phone.

The acclaimed director posted a photo on Instagram of himself with Ransone, whom he directed in Inside Man and Red Hook Summer, writing, “Rest In Peace To My Dear Brother,MR. JAMES RANSONE. We Rocked Together On RED HOOK SUMMER And INSIDE MAN,” followed by blue hearts and prayer emojis.

Wendell Pierce, who starred alongside Ransone in HBO’s The Wire, shared a brief message on X, formerly Twitter: “Sorry I couldn’t be there for you, brother. Rest in Peace James Ransone.”

Ransone’s death by suicide was confirmed over the weekend, prompting a wave of messages from collaborators and friends who remembered his warmth, talent and generosity.

Filmmaker Sean Baker, who directed Ransone in Tangerine and Starlet, posted a photo on Instagram with the caption, “I’ll miss you dearly my friend.”

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Seventeen-year-old actress Madeleine McGraw, who appeared with Ransone in The Black Phone, shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram Stories, writing, “I’m struggling to put into words the profound emptiness I’m feeling since learning of James Ransone’s passing. My heart is absolutely shattered.”

She recalled meeting him at the film’s 2021 premiere, where he offered her and her parents “heartfelt advice” about the entertainment industry. She added, “When he returned for his cameo in Black Phone 2, he was just as humble and grateful, lighting up with pure excitement to be back on the Black Phone set.”

McGraw continued, “We got to catch up, laugh, and connect again, and he was exactly the same: that radiant, passionate man overflowing with love for me, for his craft, and for his family.”

She ended her tribute with, “James, you truly changed me. You inspired me in ways I’ll carry forever. And I promise, with everything in me, to live by the wisdom you shared with me that night at the premiere. I already miss you so deeply. Rest in peace, my friend. You were one of a kind.”

Ransone gained recognition for his portrayal of Ziggy Sobotka in season two of The Wire and appeared in a range of projects, including Generation Kill, Sinister, Treme, and It Chapter Two. His final on-screen appearance was a cameo in Black Phone 2, which premiered in October.

He is survived by his wife, Jamie McPhee, and their son.

Tory Lanez: Megan Thee Stallion Foot Surgeon Disappeared After $118K Insurance Fraud

Tory Lanez’s legal team accuses Megan Thee Stallion of filing a $118,000 insurance claim for foot surgery, which his legal team says lasted less than a minute, adding a new twist to his ongoing appeal over the 2020 shooting case.

The imprisoned rapper is serving a 10-year sentence for assault with a semiautomatic firearm after Megan Thee Stallion was shot in the foot following a party in the Hollywood Hills.

Now, Lanez’s attorneys are challenging the integrity of the evidence used to convict him, alleging critical medical documents were either altered or withheld.

In a newly filed court report obtained by TMZ, Lanez’s defense claims a software expert uncovered 60 discrepancies in Megan’s medical records, including doctored text, broken QR codes, inconsistent timestamps and missing pages.

Most notably, they allege a hospital document titled “EVIDENCE” was never shared with the defense, despite showing a security guard reportedly transferred bullet fragments to the hospital, contradicting trial testimony that no fragments were recovered.

Lanez’s lawyers also argue that roughly 300 pages of medical records were never turned over to them before trial.

Among those, they say, is documentation showing Megan billed Blue Cross $118,000 for a surgery that allegedly lasted just 60 seconds. The surgeon, Dr. Little, did not testify and, according to the defense, cannot be located.

The report, submitted as part of Lanez’s appeal, also includes claims that Megan’s medical records feature forged signatures and conflicting procedural details.

His team believes these issues raise serious doubts about the accuracy of the evidence presented during the December 2022 trial.

The appeal stems from the July 2020 shooting that became a flashpoint in Hip-Hop and beyond. Lanez was convicted in December 2022 and continues to fight the verdict.

“I’ve never been violent towards a woman. I would never hit a woman, let alone shoot a woman,” Tory Lanez said in his first televised interview from California Men’s Colony, speaking with NBC News last week.

Trump Administration Offers $3K Incentive for Immigrants to Leave U.S.

Kristi Noem and the Department of Homeland Security just dropped what might be the most controversial holiday offer of the season as immigration enforcement, money, and politics collide in one very loud December announcement.

According to DHS, undocumented immigrants who voluntarily leave the United States by the end of the year using the CBP Home app will receive a $3,000 cash stipend plus a free flight back to their home country. Yes, you read that right. Uncle Sam is cutting checks for self deportation and calling it a holiday gift.

The announcement came straight from Washington on December 22, framed as an incentive driven push to accelerate departures before the calendar flips. DHS says the program is already showing results, claiming that since January 2025 roughly 1.9 million people have voluntarily left the country, with tens of thousands using the CBP Home app specifically. The department is now tripling the incentive through the end of the year in what it calls a limited time offer.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem did not mince words.

“Since January 2025, 1.9 million illegal aliens have voluntarily self-deported and tens of thousands have used the CBP Home program. During the Christmas Season, the U.S. taxpayer is so generously TRIPLING the incentive to leave voluntarily for those in this country illegally offering a $3,000 exit bonus but just until the end of the year,” she said.

“Illegal aliens should take advantage of this gift and self-deport because if they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return.”

Beyond the cash and airfare, DHS says participants who use the app will also receive forgiveness for any civil fines or penalties related to overstaying or failing to depart previously. The pitch is being marketed as fast, free, and simple. Download the app, submit your information, and the government handles the rest, including travel arrangements.

Critics are already lining up to question the optics and the math. Supporters argue it saves taxpayers money compared to long detention and enforcement processes. Opponents see it as coercive, threatening, or politically performative. Either way, the messaging is crystal clear. Take the deal now or face arrest and permanent exclusion later.

Whether this becomes a blueprint for future immigration policy or a short term political stunt, one thing is certain. This holiday season, the loudest gift under the tree is coming from DHS.

Ray J Banned From Seeing His Kids On Christmas, Birthday, Over Princess Love Gun Incident

Ray J got hit with six misdemeanor charges and can’t see his kids for Christmas after a judge extended his restraining order following his Thanksgiving arrest for allegedly pulling a gun on Princess Love during a livestream.

The singer faces charges ranging from brandishing a firearm to child endangerment after the explosive incident that was broadcast live on social media.

Ray J was arrested on Thanksgiving Day and released on $50,000 bail, but the fallout continues to impact his family life.

“Man, I don’t even want to talk about it,” he told reporters outside court. “I’m missing my kids. I’m missing Christmas, my son’s birthday.”

The restraining order prevents Ray J from having contact with his two children, daughter Melody, 7, and son Epik, who turns 6 during the Christmas holidays. The extended order followed Los Angeles County City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto’s filing of misdemeanor charges, even though the District Attorney declined to pursue criminal charges.

The incident began during a Thanksgiving livestream, when Ray J and Princess Love got into an explosive argument. Princess Love accused Ray J of pointing a gun at her and their children during the broadcast. She later posted an emotional video titled “Enough is enough.”

“Check yourself into rehab, because you’re more than drunk,” Princess Love said in her response video. “You’re not about to sit here and make me look crazy when I am the best mother since the day my kids been born. Everything I do, I do for my kids, including being around you when I don’t want to or have to.”

Princess Love revealed she only brought the children over for Thanksgiving so Ray J could spend time with them during the holiday. But she said she couldn’t leave them alone after allegedly finding him in bed with an unclothed woman during a previous visit.

The couple has filed for divorce multiple times since their 2016 marriage. Princess Love first filed in 2020, then Ray J filed later that year and again in 2021. Princess Love filed most recently in February 2024.

This isn’t their first run-in with law enforcement. In March 2025, Ray J was detained after another argument with Princess Love following his performance on the Millennium Tour. He was released after police determined that no crime had been committed.

Ray J denied pointing the gun at Princess Love but admitted he was scared when she and her family came to get the children. The six misdemeanor charges include brandishing a firearm, use of force and child endangerment.

Ray J broke his silence about his jail experience with a bizarre story about an inmate’s inappropriate behavior.

“I just got out of jail, it’s not cool,” he said during a livestream. “Never go to jail, y’all. It’s really bad.” He claimed another inmate was engaging in sexual acts while calling his name, which nearly led to a fight.”

Nas: AllHipHip 2025 Person Of The Year

In a year overflowing with legacy moments and new creative peaks, Nas once again reminded the world why he remains one of Hip Hop’s most enduring and culturally vital figures. Thirty-four years after his professional debut in 1991 and more than three decades after his seminal classic Illmatic (now preserved in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry), Nas continues to elevate the culture on every level.

With 23 albums, elite guest verses, mixtapes, past awards (including a Grammy and 2021 AllHipHop honors), and a catalog filled with milestones, his career tells the story of an artist who has conquered, adapted and evolved without ever compromising his artistry.

Beyond the booth, Nas has also become a model of leadership within Hip-Hop. One of his most impactful contributions is the Paid in Full Foundation, which he co-founded with Steve Stoute and Ben Horowitz. The foundation honors Hip-Hop pioneers who played pivotal roles in the culture’s early growth while providing healthcare and financial support to architects who were often underpaid relative to their influence.

Honorees include legends such as Grandmaster Caz, Kool Moe Dee, Scarface and two of my Top 5 favorite lyricists of all time: Rakim and Kool G Rap. Through this work, Nas isn’t just celebrating Hip Hop’s past, he’s actively protecting its future.

That same dedication was evident in 2023 when he helped produce the Hip-Hop Is 50 celebration at Yankee Stadium. This has a direct line to 2025. This year, Nas donated $1 million of his own money toward the construction of the Hip-Hop Museum, set to open in 2026. His commitment is further reflected through Mass Appeal Records, the label he co-owns with Peter BitterBender. In 2025, Mass Appeal became a safe haven for Hip-Hop’s heroes through its Legend Has It series, releasing new and posthumous projects from foundational artists of the ’80s and ’90s.

All of this signals deep reverence for the culture—but in the booth, Nas continued to prove why many consider him the Greatest MC of All Time. Across his albums and on The Clipse’ 2025 release, Nas delivered guest verses marked by sharp lyricism, timely perspective and a laser-focused hunger rarely seen from someone more than three decades into their career.

Following his historic late-career renaissance – fueled by a three-year, six-album run with Hit-Boy – Nas finally delivered his long-anticipated collaborative album with DJ Premier, Light-Years. Spanning 15 tracks, the project plays like an audio love letter to Hip Hop itself.

Over Premier’s contemporary-leaning boom-bap, Nas assumes the role of Hip Hop ambassador, celebrating MC’ing, DJ’ing, graffiti writers, female MCs, the youth and New York City. While Light-Years may not have reached the mythical Illmatic II expectations, it unmistakably showcases Nas’ continued mastery. He is poetic, polished, poised and deeply expressive. He loves the culture.

Nas has been one of our all-time favorite MCs since we first heard him in 1991. His legacy reflects the elite lineage he descends from what I call my “Top 5 Emeritus” (shout out to my brother and AHH founder Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur for coining the phrase): Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Rakim, KRS-One, and LL Cool J.

These legends didn’t just influence Hip-Hop: they elevated the craft, setting standards for lyricism, technical precision, style and depth. Nas embodies those tenets while still advancing the art form in his own voice.

With 34 years of longevity, unwavering passion, consistent excellence, and an elite lyrical standard he still maintains, the respect Nas commands worldwide is fully earned. When it comes to the subjective GOAT debate, he no longer needs advocates, because his body of life work has already made the case.

As an executive, philanthropist, cultural icon and active lyricist who rhymed throughout 2025 like he was facing eviction, Nas is the 2025 AllHipHop Person of the Year. Every era has its legends, but few prove decades later that their greatness isn’t nostalgia-based. Nas continues to prove, in real time, that his sword is still sharp. ⚔️

Salute, Nasir Jones. 🎤

Blueface Makes Keke Palmer Blush During Flirty Livestream

Blueface wasted no time shooting his shot when Keke Palmer joined his livestream recently.

The rapper, who was released from prison in November after nearly two years, turned what started as a simple check-in into a smooth-talking session that left Palmer laughing and viewers entertained. Palmer asked him about adjusting to life after his release. “So how you been? You’ve been out for a while. The life feels same? The life feel different?” she said during the stream.

Blueface didn’t miss a beat with his response.

“No, when I got out, I was doing alright. Then you walked in, everything is looking bright. Just looking bright. My future lookin bright,” he told her with a grin.

Palmer couldn’t help but smile at his bold approach. “You play too much,” she responded, clearly amused by his confidence. The rapper kept the energy going. “At first I wasn’t feeling it, I was like ‘damn’ you know,” he continued, making it obvious he was trying to impress the actress and singer.

Fans quickly picked up on their chemistry. Social media users began sharing clips of the interaction, with many commenting that Palmer seemed to enjoy the attention. Blueface has been making headlines since his release from prison last month.

He’s currently working on a jail-themed dating show and has been active on social media, reconnecting with fans.

Treach Steps Out Solo With Ice-T & New Mixtape

Treach is finally stepping into solo territory and for Hip-Hop purists, this is a moment decades in the making.

The legendary rapper and former lead MC of Naughty By Nature is officially striking out on his own for the first time in his career, telling AllHipHop exclusively his debut solo project is coming son. This happens after more than 30 years as one of rap’s most respected voices.

YUP! One of the most technically gifted lyricists Hip-Hop has ever seen is going solo.

READ ALSO: DMX: Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz, Ice-T, Denzel Curry & More Give Perfect Hip-Hop Night

For years, Treach has been a highly decorated veteran who, at his peak, carried New Jersey on his back. Revered for his tongue-twisting precision, razor-sharp metaphors, and rare ability to balance lyrical warfare with chart-ready anthems, Treach has long stood in a class of his own. Now, he’s bringing all of that energy into a solo release…unfiltered and direct.

The project will arrive as a free mixtape, given directly to the public. Leading the charge is a first single “Lay Low.” This song, which we’ve heard, features his longtime friend and brother Ice-T. You already know what this means – respect and bars.

The full mixtape project is slated to drop New Year’s Eve, positioning Treach to start 2026 on his own terms. For fans, this is a long-overdue new beginning.

Sources close to the situation (wink wink) say much of the material was recorded during the COVID era, with Treach patiently waiting for the right moment to release it. That patience may pay off: there are reportedly vaults of unreleased music, suggesting this mixtape could be just the first wave of a larger rollout in the months ahead.

If you grew up debating lyricism, songs, breath control and street authenticity…this matters. A Treach solo project is unfinished business.

What do you think? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

‘I beg your pardon?!’: Nashville man orders Chipotle tortilla chips. Then he opens the bag

Did ya know, Chipotle has a new chip order? Well, sort of. This Nashville customer is not happy about it, but others are open to it. What would you do if you got this chip order instead of the tortilla chips you were expecting?

In a Nov. 30 video, TikTok creator Jordan (@liljordan901) opens up his Chipotle order and gets a little surprise. Taco shells instead of the chips he ordered.

“I go to Chipotle and ask for chips to go with my bowl. Why do I get a bag of taco shells?” Jordan says. They then proceed to show viewers a brown paper bag of 10-20 hard tortilla shells. 

Jordan captions the video, “Chipotle’s new chips!”

Chipotle Customer Gets Taco Shells Instead of Chips

Chipotle’s tortilla chips are a staple. What makes them so special? They are made fresh, everyday, twice according to an article by The Takeout. They are also tossed with salt and lime two times to ensure maximum flavor and even coating.

As Chipotle has not confirmed any new chip releases, it’s safe to say this was probably a mistake.

The video has 252 likes and 5,108 views.

Viewers React to Jordan’s New Chipotle Trend

While it was most likely a mistake, it seems that Jordan might have started a trend. Viewers weigh in on the mix-up with varied takes on the item swap.

“You know what, the next time I go I want taco shells, too!” said one person.

“Aye, counts your blessing kings,” said a second person.

“I’ll never understand how people don’t check their food first before leaving a fast food restaurant. Like why are you trusting high-school [aged] fast food employees?” another person said.

“Them might be better, gang,” weighs in another.

The Difference Between Tortilla Chips and Shells

So what exactly is the difference between tortilla chips and hard tortilla shells? While the tortilla chips and hard taco shells are both made of corn (Chipotle call them the Crispy Corn Tortilla for this reason), the main difference is that the taco shells don’t have the salt and lime. And, of course, shells are fried in the U-taco shape instead of cut up before fried.

Given that at the core they are the same materials just made slightly different, it might be worth getting creative with the shell for chip swap if you’re looking for something new on the menu.

All Hip Hop has reached out to Chipotle for comment via online contact form and to Jordan for comment via TikTok message and Instagram message.

@liljordan901 @Chipotle Chipotle’s New Chips ! 🔥 #chipotle #nashville #food #chips ♬ original sound – liljordan901