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T.I. Says Church Is A Business During Kirk Franklin Podcast

By: Staff Writer Updated Dec 16, 2025 at 1:00pmCategory: News

T.I. sparked conversation about organized religion during his recent appearance on Kirk Franklin’s “Den of Kings” podcast. The Atlanta rapper explained why he doesn’t attend church despite his Christian faith.

“I have never been a church person,” T.I. told Kirk Franklin during the interview. “I grew up in a strong Christian household. My grandma and auntie were very strong in prayer. So, I know how to pray and I know the word. And I know God is real, I’ve seen his presence and his hands in my life, no body has to tell me that. But I have never felt the connection with the church.”

The rapper criticized modern church systems as profit-driven enterprises rather than spiritual sanctuaries.

“To be honest, I don’t think its real. I think that it’s a business just like anything else. It’s a show. Just like if you go to Broadway. It’s like public speaking, like a TED talk. And alot of times, the they put a lot of cap on it to make it personally benefitting to them,” he said.

T.I. questioned, in particular, the practice of requiring financial contributions for divine blessings.

“Y’all telling me, I gotta pay this joker for my God to hear my prayer? Man I’m outta here,” the rapper stated. “There’s enough people in enough positions who understand ways to manipulate this word to personally benefit.”

His comments come during a period when Christianity has become a prominent topic in Hip-Hop discourse.

Recently, Nicki Minaj delivered a speech at the United Nations supporting the Trump administration’s claims about Christian persecution in Nigeria. The Trinidadian rapper thanked President Trump while addressing alleged religious violence, stating, “Today, faith is under attack.”

The collaboration between the rapper and Trump administration officials drew both support and criticism from fans and industry observers.

T.I.’s perspective reflects a growing conversation about institutional religion versus personal faith. The rapper emphasized his belief in a direct spiritual connection without intermediaries.

“I don’t need a broker, I don’t need no middleman,” he explained. “

The “Den of Kings” podcast, hosted by gospel musician Kirk Franklin, has become a platform for candid discussions about faith, masculinity and social issues.

Ebro Darden Ponders Legal Action Against Drake For Alleged Threats

By: illseed Updated Dec 16, 2025 at 11:30amCategory: Rumors

Drake and Ebro Darden are going back and forth like a Cameo song, a weird mix of egos, emojis and old wounds.

You already know the story or should. Put it is now taking a twist for the negative. Drake essentially threatened Ebro. “Die slower pu**y. We got some sh*t for u,” if said on the block, would mean it is definitely time to go. From Drake in a direct message means, “I’ll tell the world and dry snitch (in a reasonable way).” All of these people are grown af, by the way. Anyway, online Ebro, Laura and Peter looked at the options, which included legal action. They joked about it, but Peter Rosenberg said he had a lot of lawyers in his family. I’m thinking they are serious.

The fallout from the abrupt end of Ebro in the Morning has taken a sharp left turn. It started innocently until Drake dropped an axe emoji under an Instagram post announcing the cancellation of the longtime Hot 97 morning show. Petty! Ebro and the gang scrutinized Drake during the Kendrick Lamar battle…like half of the world.

Ebro likely feels the situation has escalated beyond emojis. “Die slower” is a real message. The internet has an opinion. Peter Rosenberg might be on to something. This wasn’t a competitive jab or one-upmanship over music. This is personal.

Ebro also shared an older DM from 2020 showing mutual respect between the two. DAMN…at one point, the relationship was cordial. What makes the situation especially unsettling is the imbalance. Drake is powerful and Ebro is a media figure who just lost a job. Feels like classic punching down when we’d really like for him to get back to the music. The jokes are getting less funny.

There is a thin line between rivalry and tragedy. A line may have been crossed, but we have to wait and see.

On another note, Ebro In The Morning…has a new name. AllHipHopTV! I’m kidding, but they won’t be able to take the name or the four million subscribers with them. Damn. The Ebro Laura Rosenberg Show Is Live.

Stay tuned!

Michelle Obama Reveals Shocking Connection The Night Rob Reiner Was Murdered

By: Mike Winslow Updated Dec 16, 2025 at 11:00amCategory: News

Donald Trump will absolutely lose his mind when he learns Barack Obama and Michelle Obama had dinner plans with Rob and Michele Reiner the very night the couple was brutally murdered in their Los Angeles home.

The revelation came Monday night when Michelle appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live and dropped the bombshell that she and Barack were supposed to meet with the Reiners on Sunday evening.

Hours earlier, the acclaimed director and his wife had been found dead with their throats slashed.

Trump’s head will explode over this connection.

He’s already shown his true colors by attacking the murdered filmmaker on Truth Social, claiming Reiner died because of “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”

Now he’ll discover his biggest political enemies were close friends with the victim.

“We had been friends with them for many years,” Michelle told Kimmel, taking a clear shot at Trump’s disgusting comments about the murders. “We were supposed to get together Sunday night.”

President Donald Trump has a long history of attacking the Obamas, calling Michelle “nasty” during his 2024 campaign and spending years promoting racist birther conspiracies about Barack.

The timing couldn’t be worse for Trump’s image. While he was busy trashing a murder victim, the Obamas were mourning the loss of close friends.

Law enforcement sources confirm Nick Reiner, the couple’s son, was arrested Sunday night and booked on murder charges. He’s being held without bail as the case moves to the district attorney’s office.

Police say Nick was acting strangely at Conan O’Brien’s Christmas party Saturday night, wearing inappropriate attire and appearing high. Nick has struggled with substance abuse for years and failed multiple rehab attempts.

Sources say his hotel room was found covered in blood after the murders.

Donald Trump doubled down on his vile remarks during a White House press conference on Monday, calling Reiner “a deranged person” and saying he was “very bad for our country.”

Funk Master Flex’s First Day Disaster: DaBaby Mix-Up Creates Hot 97 Chaos

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Dec 16, 2025 at 10:00amCategory: News

Funk Master Flex turned his debut morning show into a public relations nightmare when he accidentally said “DaBaby” instead of “Baby” while discussing Kimora Lee Simmons’ past relationships.

The veteran DJ took over Hot 97’s morning slot on Monday after the station canceled “Ebro in the Morning” on December 12.

But his first day went sideways when he called Kimora Lee Simmons a “bird” and claimed she had a sexual relationship with DaBaby. Flex later clarified he meant Birdman, the Cash Money Records CEO also known as “Baby.”

Kimora was previously rumored to have dated the New Orleans mogul. DaBaby quickly denied Flex’s claims in a video response.

“That s### is 1000% false. That s### aint true,” the Charlotte rapper said. “I don’t know what the hell you got going on or what made you feel comfortable enough throwing my name out there so loosely like that. I’m looking forward to you cleaning that up Flex.”

Kimora also shot down the allegations on social media, saying she never met DaBaby and calling Flex “corny.”

Flex posted an Instagram clarification admitting his mistake. The mix-up happened during Flex’s commentary on the explosive feud between Kimora and her ex-husband Russell Simmons.

The Russell-Kimora drama started after she told People magazine she’s “pretty much the primary parent” and called men “weird.” Russell fired back, claiming Kimora threatened to cut off his access to their daughters if he sued her for millions in Celsius Energy Drink shares.

“I gave u 50,000 a month for 20 years. I was ur best /only friend. I’m the godfather to your other 3 kids, until one day you stole my stock,” Russell wrote. “I have been fighting for my kids love and my bread ever since.”

Russell and Kimora’s legal battle involves nearly 4 million Celsius shares worth millions. Russell sued Kimora in 2021, alleging that she used shares he owned to pay for her ex-husband, Tim Leissner, to post bond after his conviction for money laundering related to the 1MDB scandal. The case goes to trial in January 2026.

Kimora clapped back with a vicious comment, claiming Russell Simmons was hiding out in Bali and that he should come back to the United States to “face his accusers.”

Funk Master Flex’s overshadowed what should have been a smooth transition for Hot 97.

EXCLUSIVE: Tory Lanez Lawyer Appeals $20,000 Sanctions in Tory Lanez Deposition Case

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Dec 16, 2025 at 7:02amCategory: Exclusives

Tory Lanez’s lawyer, Crystal Morgan, filed an appeal challenging the $20,000 sanctions imposed on her and her client for blocking his deposition in the Megan Thee Stallion defamation case.

Morgan submitted a Notice of Appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit on Monday (December 15) to avoid the hefty payment.

The sanctions arose from Lanez’s refusal to answer questions during a court-ordered deposition in connection with Megan Thee Stallion’s lawsuit against blogger Milagro Gramz.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisette M. Reid held Lanez in contempt after he repeatedly refused to cooperate during the deposition process. The judge imposed a $20,000 fine on Lanez and an additional $5,000 penalty on Morgan for their noncompliance.

According to court documents, Lanez used “multiple expletives” toward Megan’s legal team and failed to answer any questions during the deposition. When warned about potential financial penalties, Lanez reportedly dismissed them, citing his millionaire status.

The deposition was part of Megan Thee Stallion’s defamation lawsuit against YouTube personality Milagro Gramz. Megan alleged that Gramz used her platform to harass and discredit her after she testified against Lanez in his 2020 shooting conviction.

The defamation case concluded with mixed results for both parties. A Miami jury initially awarded Megan $75,000 on claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress and promotion of an altered sexual depiction.

However, a judge later dismissed the defamation count, ruling that no final judgment could be entered against Gramz on that specific charge and reduced the damages to $59,000.

The case now proceeds to the Eleventh Circuit, which will review the lower court’s decision.

The sanctions represent the latest legal development in the ongoing aftermath of the 2020 shooting case that resulted in Tory Lanez’s conviction and 10-year prison sentence.

Drake Sent Chilling 3 A.M. Message To Ebro Before Hot 97 Exit

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Dec 16, 2025 at 7:02amCategory: News

Drake sent a disturbing private message to Ebro Darden just hours before the longtime radio host’s show was pulled from Hot 97, intensifying the fallout from the rapper’s recent feud with Kendrick Lamar.

The message, sent at 3:30 A.M., came to light during the debut episode of The Ebro, Laura, Rosenberg Show, a new YouTube series launched by Ebro alongside Laura Stylez and Peter Rosenberg after their sudden departure from the New York radio station.

On air, Ebro revealed the contents of Drake’s direct message: “Die slower p####. We got some s### for you.”

The timing of the message raised eyebrows, as it arrived just before Ebro in the Morning was removed from Hot 97’s lineup. The station has not publicly explained the cancellation.

Drake appeared to revel in the show’s demise, dropping an axe emoji in the comments of an Instagram post announcing the cancellation. That emoji, paired with the 3:30 A.M. message, fueled speculation that the Toronto rapper may have taken the show’s exit personally.

Ebro responded to the message on the new show, suggesting Drake’s aggressive tone was tied to his perceived loss in the rap battle.

“He mad he lost,” Ebro said, referencing the widely discussed Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud.

The trio’s new show streams daily on YouTube, marking a fresh chapter following their exit from terrestrial radio.

Jennifer Lopez’s Mom Turns 80 & Proves Sexy Has No Cutoff Date

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Dec 16, 2025 at 2:00amCategory: News

Jennifer Lopez didn’t just throw her mom an 80th birthday party in Las Vegas; she accidentally exposed the genetic source code behind her own legendary sex appeal.

The photos tell the story before anyone says a word. Standing beside her mother, Guadalupe “Lupe” Rodriguez, J.Lo looks like the deluxe, HD upgrade of the same woman. Same glow. Same posture. Same “I know exactly what I’m doing” confidence. And at 80 years old, Lupe isn’t just smiling politely for family pics, she’s radiating grown-woman heat.

Lupe is wrapped in glam, diamonds catching the light, hair perfectly set, face lit up with that mischievous sparkle that says she’s still very much aware of the effect she has.

This isn’t grandma energy. This is silver-fox confidence with curves, presence and attitude intact. The kind of sexy that doesn’t need to pose, doesn’t need to prove anything, and definitely doesn’t fade quietly into the background.

Watching J.Lo lean in close, grinning like a proud daughter, it becomes painfully obvious where that infamous body confidence comes from. The way Jennifer owns her curves, her hips, her walk, it’s learned behavior. Lupe moves like a woman who has always been admired and never forgotten.

Eighty candles didn’t dull her shine. They just made it bolder.

The Vegas celebration was packed with laughs, champagne and family love, but Lupe stole the room without trying. The posture. The smile. The ease. It’s the same unspoken sex appeal that’s made Jennifer Lopez a global fantasy for decades, except now you can trace it straight back to the source.

J.Lo called her mother the heart of the family and her greatest example of strength and grace. The pictures add another truth. That legendary Lopez allure? The curves. The confidence. The refusal to shrink with age?

That came straight from mom. Lupe Rodriguez just turned 80 and proved, very clearly, that sexy doesn’t expire; it evolves.

50 Cent Said THIS About Jim Jones, Maino, Fabolous & Dave East!

By: Houston Williams Updated Dec 16, 2025 at 12:45amCategory: Rumors

50 Cent Starts With Squatter Claims Against Jim Jones and Crew To A Tune Of $250k!

50 Cent is at it again, and this we are doing double takes.

The Queens rapper and media mogul has lobbed another grenade into the culture.

He’s going straight at Jim Jones, Maino, Fabolous and Dave East. The target is their growing podcast venture, which has been gaining momentum as artists continue following the successful blueprint laid by shows like Drink Champs and The Joe Budden Podcast.

According to 50 Cent, the podcast is being filmed at a Bronx location he alleges is tied to Jim Jones and is reportedly carrying a $250,000 unpaid debt. He went even further, labeling the artists as “squatters,” a term that immediately raised eyebrows.

To get the hilarity, you have to swipe through the pictures. Moving on…

Legally speaking, a squatter is someone who occupies a property without permission and refuses to vacate, often exploiting tenant protection laws. This definition is typically associated with abandoned buildings or nonpaying tenants, not multimillionaire artists with established careers I should add. That is what makes the accusation feel so…jarring.

As of now, no public records or verified reporting have surfaced to support the claim of unpaid rent or squatting. We just figure everything was being handled. So…where is 50 Cent is getting this information? And we are wondering if he has insiders, investigators…or is simply leaning into shock value. They now call it “narrative warfare.”

The comments section is in chaos. Fans are laughing and quoting Jim’s#### “Ballin” a bit too much. I am waiting on Jim Jones’ response.

One thing history tells us is this: Jim Jones does not rely on memes. When pressed, he raps. I like that.

If this escalates beyond Instagram, it could become one of those rare, epic clashes…

What do you think is really going on here? Drop your thoughts in the comments below…

Saigon Celebrates Ebro Darden’s Exit and Revisits Hot 97 Tensions

By: Houston Williams Updated Dec 15, 2025 at 11:32pmCategory: Rumors

Saigon and Ebro Darden are once again at odds.

There is no industry politeness this time. Saigon has made it clear that he is not shedding a tear over Ebro’s abrupt exit from Hot 97, and the reason goes back to a sore spot from an era when Saigon was buzzing heavy and radio doors felt firmly shut. AllHipHop was there though! Still is!

For those who remember, Saigon was not some fringe name yelling from the sidelines. He was a respected voice in underground Hip-Hop, moving units, shaping conversations, and carrying a certain street-earned credibility that labels and tastemakers were watching closely. According to Saigon, when Ebro was the program director at Hot 97, that credibility did not translate into radio support. He has framed the moment as a clash of philosophies, with Ebro being a West Coast dude coming into a New York system.

READ ALSO: Saigon: “God Is Coming For All These MFs!”

Saigon’s frustration is not presented as bitterness for bitterness’ sake. It reads more like delayed closure. In his telling, underground artists were systematically iced out during that period, while radio leaned toward safer or more commercially predictable sounds. Some listeners might push back and point out that artists like Pete Rock and Marley Marl, still found space on the station. Kay Slay too. So, it is not that simple.

What makes this moment resonate is timing. Ebro’s firing was sudden and unceremonious, reminding everyone how fragile power can be in corporate media. Saigon seems to be saying that what goes around eventually comes around, even if it takes years and a shifting industry to show it. Still, for me, it raises a larger question that often gets ignored in Hip-Hop debates. How much authority did Ebro truly have, and how much was he executing the will of executives far removed from the culture? Those are the very people that fired him. So, look that up.

To me, it is easier to assign blame to a familiar Black face than to an invisible boardroom honcho. Saigon’s anger feels real, but it may be aimed at a symbol rather than the entire machine. If anything, this moment exposes emotions lingering from an era when New York Hip-Hop end under attack from their own institutions. Whether fair or not, Ebro is now carrying the weight of that history, and Saigon is clearly done holding his tongue. Check it out:

“The only reason I AM happy to see Ebro finally OUT of THAT specific position, is because he was DEFINITELY using his personal feelings to hinder MF’s LIVES AND CAREERS.. Anyone who has followed my career knows how this guy single handled DESTROYED what I had worked my whole life for.

Those who DON’T know, Long story short, on this DAY we took this pic in the Hamptons, I played him the verse Jay Z had given me before ANYBODY because I knew he was the program director at Hot 97, and I assumed we were friends.

I told him how @atlanticrecords was a radio driven label and they weren’t gonna put my album until I had what they considered a “Radio Hit” and Jay Z saved the day for me (Thanks Again Hov).. Ebro KNEW how much this record meant to me. Imagine canning Drake verse on “Versace” . Ouch !!

I can remember vividly something on his face told me he wasn’t happy for me. Like I didn’t deserve a Jay Z feature even after years & YEARS of grinding to get my name out there.

To sum it up, a few weeks later I get into a little scuffle with Mobb Deep at SOB’s club, no blood, no cops, no injuries, no cancelations. They still performed after I escaped da ass wh**ping I would’ve gotten had I NOT DEFENDED MYSELF. LOL

NEXT DAY, I get a call from Atlantic Records CEO NOT HAPPY at all; he said Ebro told them I was banned from Hot 97 for an ENTIRE year and NONE of my music could be played. Thats where the relations with Atlantic and I went super bad. They wouldn’t invest another penny in me.. I called and asked Ebro WHY he would do that knowing all I been thru to get to that point and he said, “it’s my policy”.. He said “we banned @50cent when his people shot the Game at the station”..

He said “we banned @therealnoreaga when they had a shootout at the station too.” He was comparing a light scuffle where I was attacked and defending myself with my FIST; to MF having shootouts at the actual radio station. Lol. My heart knew he just didn’t feel I deserved to win…..I was bitter about that s### for like 15 years. My whole LIFE would’ve been different had he not done that.

Anyway, I still don’t wanna see another man down regardless to what he did to me. Stay up @oldmanebro” – Saigon

Sway & Tech’s “For The Culture 2” Event Brings Out RZA, Xzibit, B-Real & More

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Dec 15, 2025 at 11:10pmCategory: Exclusives

Wake Up Show co-hosts Sway and King Tech held an event honoring a handful of Hip-Hop veterans at The Regent Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night (December 14).

Among the honorees were DJ Revolution, Rock Steady Crew b-boy Ken Swift, KXNG Crooked, Ras Kass, Supernatural and Large Professor, who were recognized for their vast contributions to Hip-Hop culture.

Fellow MCs, producers, breakers and turntablists (and AllHipHop) turned out in droves to show their support, including RZA, Xzibit, B-Real, Qbert, Dan the Automator, DJ Rhettmatic, Demrick and DJ Choc. Other familiar faces in the crowd like drummer Daru Jones, Digital Underground’s Money B and podcast host Bootleg Kev kept popping up throughout the night, illustrating just how tight-knit the Hip-Hop community really is.

DJ Revolution was up first, and Sway took his time introducing their longtime collaborator with a show-and-prove scratch session, which involved a demonstration of how scratching has evolved over the years. Both Sway and Tech got emotional talking about Revolution, who’s been a part of The Wake Up Show for decades.

“He’s been with us for almost 30 years, and that’s beyond a work relationship,” Sway said as he turned to face DJ Revolution. “Sway and Tech hereby acknowledge you, DJ Revolution, as a DJ icon, one of the greatest talents ever to represent at the World Famous Wake Up Show.

“Your contributions to the art of DJing at the highest level helped the advancement of Hip-Hop culture and the legacy of Sway and King Tech. Without you, the Wake Up Show would have never been the same. We value your friendship, your passion and your commitment to the craft. We are forever grateful to have been a part of this journey together. You are our brother for life.”

As the night progressed, each honoree was met with an in-depth (and often times humorous) video about their origins and how they navigated their careers. Swift was up next. Even before he got on stage, he was met with a symphony of applause from the audience. Swift’s appearances with Rock Steady Crew in films like Style Wars, Wild Style, Flashdance and Beat Street helped take breaking from New York streets to a global mainstream audience, transforming him into a cultural icon in the process.

Large Professor, who as part of Main Source introduced a young Nas to the world on the 1991 album Breaking Atoms, was honored with the plaque by RZA. He also posed for photos with attendees and his peers as did Supernatural, Xzibit, B-Real and the seemingly countless others who were in the building.

The evening was a staunch reminder to celebrate those who supplied the building blocks of Hip-Hop one element at a time. The inaugural For the Culture event was held in July, with the award going to Tha Dogg Pound co-founder Kurupt. Sway currently has a slew of content commemorating the evening on his Instagram Stories. Find it here before it disappears and/or check out some clips from Rock the Bells’ Jacob Rohn below.

DDG Slams Twitch Streamers Asmongold & xQc Over Racism Allegations

By: Mike Winslow Updated Dec 15, 2025 at 11:00pmCategory: News

DDG called out Twitch stars Asmongold and xQc after they questioned his rising viewer count during a livestream, accusing the two of racial bias in a heated on-air response.

The rapper-turned-streamer took direct aim at the two high-profile content creators after they cast doubt on the legitimacy of his sudden audience surge.

“Within three minutes, they’re already saying I’m viewbotting,” DDG said during a recent broadcast. “Why y’all don’t like black people? What’s going on, bro?

The accusations quickly snowballed into a larger discussion about race, gatekeeping and who gets to thrive in the streaming world.

DDG, who first gained traction in the Hip-Hop scene before pivoting into digital content, claimed the criticism wasn’t just about numbers. He argued it reflected a deeper issue in the Twitch ecosystem, one that sees Black creators unfairly scrutinized when they succeed.

The tension began when Asmongold and xQc, both known for their massive followings and influence on the platform, questioned DDG’s spike in viewers.

That skepticism struck a nerve, especially given the long-standing conversation around how Black streamers are treated compared to their white counterparts.

“Y’all don’t put these allegations on nobody that looks like y’all, bro… It’s always n##### got a viewbot,” DDG added.

Asmongold responded directly to the racism allegations during another stream.

“I don’t give a s###. Call me whatever you want. Say whatever you want. Cry all you want. The only thing you’re going to do for me is make more content for my, get this, real viewers,” Asmongold snarled.

The situation has drawn attention to the broader power dynamics on Twitch, where top streamers often set the tone for what’s considered legitimate success.

The dispute also comes at a time when Twitch and other platforms are being pushed to address diversity and inclusion more seriously. The platform has faced past criticism for not doing enough to support marginalized creators.

TCM Pain Delivers Raw Emotion & Melodic Depth On “In Too Deep”

By: Staff Writer Updated Dec 15, 2025 at 10:43pmCategory: Music

New Orleans-born artist TCM Pain delivers one of his most impactful releases to date with “In Too Deep,” a melodic rap single that captures the emotional intensity and depth his fans have come to expect. Known for blending heartfelt lyricism with atmospheric production, Pain’s latest offering pushes further into themes of loyalty, self-worth, and the struggle to rise above personal challenges.

The rising musician has steadily developed a reputation for music that resonates beyond the surface—music rooted in vulnerability, introspection, and real-life experience. “In Too Deep” embodies that signature approach, offering listeners a peek into Pain’s inner world while showcasing his evolution as both an artist and storyteller.

With each release, TCM Pain continues to solidify his position as a standout voice in melodic rap. As anticipation grows for what comes next, “In Too Deep” marks another defining step in an artist’s journey built on honesty, emotion, and undeniable potential.

Connect with TCM Pain:

Instagram:

Star2 Releases Captivating New Album “Lessons”

By: Staff Writer Updated Dec 15, 2025 at 10:36pmCategory: Music

Asian Hip-Hop/pop artist Star2 has released his new album, Lessons, a powerful project written as a personal letter to his younger self. A Thai refugee and a driving force in the Ka-ren music community, this collection of tracks rings with an international heartbeat.

The album features a dynamic lineup of collaborators, including Eh La, Lil BK, heartbreaka, Shadow, RayRay, Lian2x, and more. Each voice brings a new emotional layer – from smooth melodies to street grit to culturally rich textures – making the project both deeply personal and globally resonant.

Lessons is about transforming the chaos, heartbreak, and temptations of his teenage years into a blueprint for growth, focus, and self-love. Across the project, he confronts past mistakes with raw honesty and hard-earned confidence, inviting listeners into a journey from distraction to purpose, from instant highs to long-term vision.

The standout focus track, “Ohhhh!” with Lil BK, pairs hypnotic production and cinematic visuals with a message that shines through the flex: success and luxury mean nothing without real love and the people who truly stay by your side.

Star2 confides, “As you get older you learn to focus and prioritize and to sacrifice. You learn to love yourself first and stop chasing love and stop chasing people who are not for you. I would tell my younger self, ‘Never give up on your dreams. Stop chasing: love, people, quick money. Instead, chase your dreams and your best life.’ Finally, love is a process. Sometimes we have to move on. Sometimes love comes later. Life teaches us to be patient. Which is possibly the biggest lesson of all.”

Star2’s story is one of survival and triumph. After the Burmese Army destroyed his village, he and his grandmother came to San Diego through a lottery, confronting extreme poverty while starting over. Music became his anchor, a way to channel grief into purpose.

Today, that resilience has led to collaborations with Soulja Boy, $tupid Young, Mozzy, MBNel, Luh Kel, Lil Poppa, HoodTrophy Bino, YSN Flow, and MarMar Oso, as well as more than 15 million views on TikTok.

Star2 began his life in a Thai refugee camp where he was forced to flee genocide from the Burmese army in Myanmar, who burned his village to the ground. A lottery in the camp brought him to San Diego with his grandmother and her four children, where he began a new life.

Under the mentorship of esteemed producer Chico Bennett, his collaborations with acclaimed rappers include Soulja Boy, $tupid Young, Mozzy, MBNel, Luh Kel, Lil Poppa, HoodTrophy Bino, YSN Flow, and MarMar Oso, to name a few. While not on tour, he documents his journey in the popular ‘Adventures of Star2’ series on YouTube.

As an influential figure in Asian-American music, Star2 entwines heartfelt stories with captivating visuals, chronicling a tale of resilience and ascent. Esteemed platforms like Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, GQ, HotNewHipHop, Ones to Watch, BET, and Lyrical Lemonade, among others, have celebrated his contributions.

Connect:

INSTAGRAM

TIKTOK

Lizzo Breaks Silence, Denies Firing People With “Bigger Bodies”

By: Staff Writer Updated Dec 15, 2025 at 10:04pmCategory: News

Lizzo addressed the dismissal of fat-shaming allegations from her ongoing lawsuit after a judge determined that former dancer Arianna Davis was fired for secretly recording a meeting, not for weight gain.

The singer posted an Instagram response saying, “The fat shaming claims against me have been officially dropped by my accusers. They conceded it had no merit in court.”

According to court documents, Davis was terminated after making an unauthorized recording of Lizzo during a dancer meeting and sending it to other former employees. The judge concluded there was no evidence that Davis was fired because she gained weight.

“There was no evidence that I fired them because they gained weight. Because it never happened. Now the truth is finally out,” Lizzo stated in her TikTok post.

The development comes as Lizzo continues battling multiple allegations from former dancers who worked with her between 2021 and spring 2023. The remaining claims in the lawsuit include sexual harassment allegations.

“They weren’t fired for gaining weight. They were fired for taking a private recording of me without my consent and sending it off to ex employees,” she explained.

Lizzo emphasized her track record of supporting larger bodies throughout her career. “I have never fired an employee for gaining weight. I have only encouraged and supported bigger bodies and shared my platform with them.”

The legal victory comes during a challenging period for the Grammy winner.

Her 2025 music comeback plans “kind of crumbled” due to ongoing legal issues, she admitted in recent interviews. She released the mixtape “My Face Hurts From Smiling” earlier this year, but acknowledged the return didn’t go as planned.

“The claim has haunted me since the day it came out. It has been devastating to suffer through this in silence but I let my lawyers lead and I am so grateful for this victory,” Lizzo wrote.

Despite this legal win, she made clear the fight isn’t over. “I am still in a legal battle. I am not settling. I will be fighting every single claim until the truth is out.”

SIGNS: Trump’s Deportation Rampage Continues With Thousands Of Ethiopians

By: Houston Williams Updated Dec 15, 2025 at 9:00pmCategory: Newsbreak

President Trump and deportation math are colliding again as the White House moves to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopians, a decision that instantly places roughly 30,700 long-time legal residents on a fast track toward uncertainty.

If this feels familiar, that is because it is. The Trump administration has made it increasingly clear that mass deportation goals cannot be met without first shrinking the pool of people who are here legally. TPS, once a humanitarian bridge for people fleeing war and disaster, is now being treated like a temporary inconvenience rather than a moral obligation.

READ ALSO: Trump Goes Full Psycho After Rob Reiner Murder

Ethiopians granted TPS were allowed to live and work in the United States because of armed conflict and humanitarian crises back home. Many have spent years building lives here, raising families, paying taxes, and anchoring communities. Now the government says those conditions have improved enough to justify pulling the plug. Critics say that assessment conveniently ignores ongoing political violence, repression, and instability that continues to plague the country.

This move did not happen in isolation.

In 2025 alone, TPS protections have been terminated for people from Haiti, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Somalia, and now Ethiopia. The pattern is hard to miss. Countries still grappling with turmoil are suddenly being declared “safe enough” on paper, while real people are handed countdown clocks and told to find another legal pathway or face deportation.

Donald J. Trump: News, Rumors & More

What makes this moment particularly jarring is that TPS holders are not hiding in the shadows. They have Social Security numbers, work permits, and documented histories in the United States. By revoking TPS, the administration is effectively converting lawful residents into undocumented immigrants overnight. That transformation is not accidental. It clears the runway for deportation statistics to climb while maintaining the appearance of enforcement consistency.

Supporters of the policy frame it as restoring the original intent of TPS. Opponents see something far more calculated. Ending TPS expands the deportation pipeline without the political friction that comes with targeting newly arrived migrants. It is a quieter maneuver with louder consequences.

Kimora Lee Simmons Unleashes Ether On Russell: “Go Answer Your Accusers”

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Dec 15, 2025 at 8:02pmCategory: News

Kimora Lee Simmons fired back at Russell Simmons after he claimed she won’t let him see their adult daughters, telling him to answer his sexual assault accusers.

The Baby Phat founder didn’t hold back in her Instagram Stories response Monday (December 15), calling out her ex-husband’s claims about their daughters Ming Lee, 25, and Aoki Lee, 23.

“My ‘girls’ are GROWN WOMEN,” Kimora wrote. “You know these are lies. Why are you typing from thousands of miles away in a non extradition country? Go negotiate and Answer your Accusers.”

The nasty exchange began after Kimora’s recent PEOPLE interview, in which she said she doesn’t maintain close relationships with her children’s fathers.

Kimora Lee Simmons Tells Russell Simmons to "Answer Your Accusers"

Russell responded on Threads, provided her with over $50,000 per month for two decades, and accused her of stealing his stock.

“I was ur best /only friend,” Russell wrote. “I’m the godfather to your other 3 kids, until one day you stole my stock. I have been fighting for my kids love and my bread ever since. You threatened that if I sued you, I would never speak to my kids again.”

The stock theft Russell referenced stems from a 2021 lawsuit in which he accused Kimora and her husband, Tim Leissner, of stealing millions in Celsius energy drink shares to pay Leissner’s bail in a money laundering case.

Court documents show Russell Simmons was ordered to pay Kimora over $100,000 in legal fees related to that dispute. Russell and Kimora’s relationship began in November 1991 when she was just 16 and he was 34. They married in December 1998 when she was 23, but separated in 2006 and finalized their divorce in 2009.

The couple built business empires together, including the Phat Farm and Baby Phat fashion lines. Russell has been living in Bali since 2017, shortly after multiple women accused him of sexual assault and rape.

He faces ongoing legal battles, with court filings revealing he finally paid out millions to three women in unpaid settlements from sexual misconduct cases, while several others remain unresolved.

Russell has denied all allegations and claims he passed “nine lie detector tests” related to the accusations.

Gene Deal Claims Ja Rule Badmouthed Jay-Z, Took Credit For His Success

By: Mike Winslow Updated Dec 15, 2025 at 7:01pmCategory: News

Gene Deal says a private jet ride to North Carolina turned into a verbal takedown of Jay-Z as Diddy and Ja Rule allegedly trashed the rapper’s early career and claimed responsibility for his rise.

Deal, a longtime associate of the Bad Boy Records founder, recalled the moment during an interview with The Art of Dialogue, saying the conversation between Diddy and Ja Rule centered on discrediting Jay-Z’s accomplishments and encouraging Ja to challenge him publicly.

“We was catching the G4 jet, and we was going to North Carolina to do a show. So somehow he had Ja Rule to go with us,” Deal said. “Him and Ja was talking. And this whole time him and Ja is talking, he talking about Ja going at Jigga. He was talking about Ja getting at Jay-Z, and he was talking bad and talking crazy about Jay Z.”

According to Deal, Ja Rule didn’t hold back in claiming he played a major part in Jay-Z’s early success.

“Ja was talking about, if it wasn’t for him, that Jay wouldn’t be the artist he was,” Deal continued. “He got him started, you know, he wrote certain things and stuff like that to put him out there. Because, you know, back in the day, nobody was even effing with Jay like that. But Puff was adamant about Ja going at Jay.”

The comments add a new layer to the long-standing but mostly quiet dynamic between Jay-Z and Ja Rule, who first crossed paths in the mid-1990s.

Alongside DMX, the two were part of the short-lived rap trio Murder Inc., a group concept created by Irv Gotti, not to be confused with the later record label of the same name.

Their earliest collaboration came in 1995 on Mic Geronimo’s “Time to Build,” a track that featured all three future stars before they broke out as solo acts.

By 1998, Jay-Z and Ja Rule teamed up again on “Can I Get A…,” a chart-climbing single from the Rush Hour soundtrack and Jay-Z’s Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life album. The song helped elevate both artists’ profiles in mainstream Hip-Hop.

Despite their shared history, the two never formed a lasting alliance, but no major public feud ever erupted. Deal’s story suggests there may have been more friction behind the scenes than the public ever saw.

His claim that Diddy was “adamant” about Ja Rule targeting Jay-Z implies a level of strategic rivalry that never fully materialized in the spotlight.

Jay-Z, who has since become Hip-Hop’s most influential mogul, has not addressed the claims either. His relationship with Ja Rule today appears cordial but distant, with both artists focusing on their respective business ventures and legacies.

DL Hughley Clowns Nicki Minaj & Kenneth Petty Over Sex Offender Status As Gavin Newsom War Escalates

By: Nolan Strong Updated Dec 15, 2025 at 6:02pmCategory: News

DL Hughley fired back at Nicki Minaj after she criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom’s support for transgender youth.

The comedian didn’t hold back when responding to the rapper’s recent attacks on Newsom. Hughley posted on social media that Minaj has no business commenting on children’s safety given her husband’s criminal history.

“Nicki Minaj damn sure needs to stay away from posting anything about kids, trans or otherwise. She supports a dude that is on the Epstein list 1000 times,” DL Hughley said. “She’s actually married to a registered sex offender, a pedophile.”

The comedian referenced Chris Hansen, the host of “To Catch a Predator,” in his pointed response to Minaj’s criticism of the governor.

Nicki Minaj had attacked Newsom over his recent comments supporting transgender youth. The rapper posted on X that normal adults want to see “HEALTHY, SAFE, HAPPY kids” rather than trans kids, targeting Newsom’s pro-LBGTQ+ policies.

“Imagine being the guy running on wanting to see trans kids. Haha. Not even a trans ADULT would run on that,” Minaj wrote. “Normal adults wake up & think they want to see HEALTHY, SAFE, HAPPY kids… GavOUT.”

Newsom responded by posting a video compilation of Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein set to Megan Thee Stallion’s “HISS.” The track includes the line “these hos don’t be mad at Megan, these hos mad at Megan’s law,” referencing Kenneth Petty‘s status on the sex offender registry.

Hughley expanded on his criticism in an Instagram video, questioning Minaj’s credibility on child safety issues. He pointed out the contradiction between her support for Trump and her marriage to a registered sex offender.

“She shouldn’t be able to watch Jason Kidd or listen to Kid-N-Play or New Kids on the Block. Hell, she got to walk around the aisle with Cabbage Patch Kids on it and she damn sure should stay away from Sour Patch Kids. And it ain’t Governor Newsom, Nicki needs to be worried about it’s Chris Hanson,” the comedian snapped.

Kenneth Petty was convicted of attempted first-degree rape in 1995 for an incident that occurred in 1994 when both he and the victim were 16 years old.

He served nearly four years in prison and must register as a sex offender whenever he moves.

Petty was arrested in March 2020 for failing to register as a sex offender after moving from Miami to California. In July 2022, he was sentenced to one year of house arrest, three years of probation and a $55,000 fine for the registration violation.

The feud between Nicki Minaj and Gavin Newsom escalated after the rapper strengthened her alliance with Trump’s administration, praising Vice President JD Vance as “smarter than a computer,” who responded by choosing between Nicki and Cardi B.

TheRealSkitso’s “Fired Up” Ft. Project Pat Holds Strong on DRT Global Chart

By: Brxton Lee Updated Dec 15, 2025 at 5:08pmCategory: Music News

Project Pat collaboration maintains Top 80 position as airplay momentum continues

TheRealSkitso continues to build momentum on the independent airplay circuit as his single “Fired Up,” featuring Memphis rap icon Project Pat, holds steady in the Top 80 of the DRT Global Top 100 Independent Airplay Chart. This song is available exclusively through Bud E Boy Music, helmed by the legendary West Coast voice Kokane.

The sustained chart presence reflects consistent rotation across independent radio stations worldwide, signaling continued listener engagement rather than a short-lived debut spike.

Blending Skitso’s modern delivery with Project Pat’s unmistakable Southern grit, “Fired Up” bridges generations while reinforcing authenticity at the core of the record. The collaboration has proven to resonate across regional lines, helping the single maintain its competitive chart position.

“Fired Up” appears on Skitso’s forthcoming project Asylum Vol. 1, serving as a strong indicator of the sound and direction behind the larger body of work. With airplay remaining steady, the record positions Skitso as an independent artist capable of sustaining global visibility.

You can catch him across all social media @TheRealSkitso

Photo Credit: Abbie Knights

Paul Rudd Says Ice Cube Blessing “Anaconda” Is A Heavenly Gift

By: Mike Winslow Updated Dec 15, 2025 at 5:00pmCategory: News

Paul Rudd likened Ice Cube’s approval of the new Anaconda movie to receiving a blessing from the Pope during the film’s Los Angeles premiere.

Rudd made the comparison while discussing the significance of the original Anaconda star’s endorsement of the 2025 meta reimagining.

“That’s like being blessed by the Pope,” Rudd said at Saturday’s red carpet event, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “You go over, you kiss the ring and he gives you a pat on the head and says, ‘Good job, son.'”

The new Anaconda is both a reboot and a spiritual sequel to the 1997 cult classic starring Ice Cube, Jennifer Lopez, and John Voight. In the 2025 version, Jack Black and Rudd play lifelong friends who shoot an ultra-low-budget remake of their favorite movie in the Amazon rainforest.

Ice Cube appears in a comedic cameo role in the new film. The rapper-actor recently revealed he “jumped” at the chance to return to the franchise nearly three decades later. His presence at the December 13 premiere alongside the new cast validated the project for Rudd and his co-stars.

Jack Black told reporters he signed onto the project immediately after learning Rudd was attached.

“The fact that Paul Rudd was attached was like, oh dude, this is a slam dunk,” Black said. The actor praised director Tom Gormican’s previous work on The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent as another factor in his decision.

The cast includes Steve Zahn, Thandiwe Newton, Daniela Melchior, Selton Mello, and Black and Rudd.

Anaconda hits theaters on December 25, 2025.