Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Nedra Talley-Ross Dead at 80, Marking the End of the Ronettes

In this 1966 promotional photo, members of the pioneering R&B and pop trio The Ronettes, from left, Estelle Bennett, Veronica "Ronnie" Spector, and Nedra Talley, pose for a portrait. Talley-Ross, the group's last surviving original member, died Sunday, April 26, at the age of 80.

The final voice of one of the most influential girl groups in music history has been silenced.

Nedra Talley-Ross, a founding member of the legendary 1960s R&B and pop trio The Ronettes, died on Sunday, April 26. She was 80.

The news was confirmed via social media by her daughter, Nedra K. Ross, who stated that her mother passed away peacefully on Sunday morning.

"At approximately 8:30 this morning our mother Nedra Talley Ross went home to be with the Lord," her daughter wrote in a Facebook statement. "She was safe in her own bed at home with her family close, knowing she was loved. Thank you Lord."

Formed in the early 1960s by Talley-Ross alongside her cousins Veronica "Ronnie" Spector and Estelle Bennett, The Ronettes became the defining face of the famous "Wall of Sound" production style. With their towering beehive hairstyles, heavy eyeliner, and striking vocal harmonies, the trio shattered the mold for female artists. They released a string of timeless classics, including "Be My Baby," "Baby, I Love You," and "(The Best Part of) Breakin' Up," laying the direct groundwork for the explosion of female-led R&B groups in the '90s and '00s.

While the music world is still processing the fresh news of her passing. the group's towering legacy has long been championed by their most legendary contemporaries.

During The Ronettes' 2007 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones recalled watching the trio rehearse during a 1964 tour where the Stones served as their opening act.

"I realized that despite Jack Nitzsche's beautiful arrangements, they could sing all the way right through a Wall of Sound," Richards said during his induction speech. "They didn't need anything. They touched my heart right there and then, and they touch it still."

Similarly, Beach Boys architect Brian Wilson has famously cited their signature hit "Be My Baby" as his "all-time favorite song," heavily crediting the trio's vocal arrangements with shaping his own pop masterpieces.

Following the group's dissolution in the late 1960s, Talley-Ross famously stepped away from secular music, embracing her Christian faith and successfully transitioning into contemporary Christian music alongside her husband, the late Christian broadcaster Scott Ross, who died in 2023. Talley-Ross occasionally returned to the public eye to celebrate the group's legacy, notably performing alongside Ronnie Spector at their 2007 Rock Hall induction.

Her passing marks the definitive end of an era for the foundational group. Estelle Bennett passed away in 2009 at age 67, and Ronnie Spector died in 2022 at age 78.

‘Drink Champs’ Host Reveals Diddy’s Behind-The-Scenes Involvement in Viral 2022 Kanye West Episode

Host Jason Lee, left, speaks with rapper and "Drink Champs" host N.O.R.E. during an episode of "The Jason Lee Show" in Los Angeles. During the interview, released April 15, N.O.R.E. revealed that Sean "Diddy" Combs personally reviewed Kanye West's controversial 2022 podcast appearance before it was published. (Screengrab: BET Networks)

As Sean "Diddy" Combs continues to fight his federal conviction, new details are emerging about the disgraced mogul's behind-the-scenes influence over one of hip-hop media's most controversial moments.

During a recent interview with Jason Lee, "Drink Champs" host N.O.R.E. revealed that Combs — who was the head of the Revolt network at the time — personally reviewed Kanye West's viral and highly inflammatory 2022 interview before it ever hit the internet.

According to the Queens rapper, Combs called him while the episode was still in the editing bay to share his thoughts on the cut. The revelation adds a heavy layer of context to the broadcast, which ultimately led to West being dropped by Adidas, Balenciaga, and CAA after he made several antisemitic remarks and inflammatory statements regarding the death of George Floyd.

Looking back at the fallout, N.O.R.E. expressed deep regret over how the final edit was handled.

"I feel like I should've took out a lot more with the Ye interview," N.O.R.E. explained. "Because Ye — at the end of the day, I felt like me and Ye was friends... I just wish I was in on the conversation a little more."

The disclosure arrives during a turbulent legal week for Combs. The Bad Boy Records founder’s legal team is currently back in court appealing his 50-month prison sentence. Combs, who was convicted last fall on prostitution-related charges, was recently transferred to FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey. According to his attorneys, the facility was specifically requested because it offers a residential drug treatment program to address the mogul's ongoing substance abuse issues.

While Combs' expected release date is currently set for April 2028, the ongoing appeals and the constant unearthing of his past industry dealings ensure his name remains at the center of the daily news cycle.

Hip-Hop Trailblazer Gwendolyn ‘Blondy’ Chisolm Passes Away in Atlanta at Age 66

FILE - In this 1980 promotional photo, members of the pioneering hip-hop group The Sequence pose for a portrait. Pictured from left to right are Cheryl "The Pearl" Cook, Gwendolyn "Blondy" Chisolm, and Angela "Angie B." Brown, later known as Angie Stone. Chisolm, who co-founded the group and helped lay the foundation for women in rap, died April 6, 2026, at age 66. (Photo: Sugar Hill Records)

Gwendolyn "Blondy" Chisolm, a pioneering force who co-founded hip-hop's first all-female rap group, The Sequence, passed away in Atlanta on April 6. She was 66.

According to her family, Chisolm died peacefully following a brief illness on Easter Sunday that led to septic shock. For readers who revere the explosive female rap dominance of the '90s and '00s, the DNA of Chisolm's work is inescapable. Long before the industry recognized the commercial viability of women on the mic, Chisolm laid the blueprint. She teamed up with her C.A. Johnson High School cheerleading friends — Cheryl "The Pearl" Cook and Angela Brown, who would later achieve massive solo fame as neo-soul powerhouse Angie Stone — to form The Sequence.

Their entry into the industry is the stuff of rap lore. After finessing their way backstage in Columbia, South Carolina, the trio delivered an impromptu, a cappella audition for label executive Sylvia Robinson. They were signed to Sugar Hill Records on the spot. Weeks later, they released "Funk You Up." The gold-certified record became the first rap hit performed by women and the first hip-hop vinyl released by an all-female act. The track became a foundational text, heavily sampled and interpolated throughout the '90s and '00s by artists ranging from Dr. Dre and Trina to Erykah Badu and En Vogue.

RIP Gwendolyn 'Blondy' Chisolm, Hip Hop Musician
The Sequence
Sugarhill presents The Sequence: "Funk You Up"
Sampled by Dr. Dre, En Vogue, Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars#InMemoriam #RIP pic.twitter.com/Wp2XA0rYaO

— LegacyTributes (@InMemoriamX) April 9, 2026

"My sister gave a lot of herself to the music industry," Chisolm's sister, Monica Scott, noted in a statement following her passing. "Everyone knows her famous lyrics and melodies, which continue to bring joy to millions of people. She was a creative force who touched countless hearts."

Beyond her early triumphs, Chisolm remained a vibrant creative presence. At the time of her death, she was finalizing edits on her upcoming memoir, "The First Blonde in the Hip Hop Game," promising an unfiltered look at navigating the rugged early days of the industry. Artist Raymond R. Burton, a close collaborator, mourned the unfinished project online, sharing, "We just talked and discussed doing artwork for your book and we both were so excited to reconnect and bring your story to the world."

The loss of Chisolm compounds a heavy period of mourning for fans of the pioneering trio. Her passing comes just over a year after the tragic death of Angie Stone, who was killed in a sprinter van crash near Montgomery, Alabama, in March 2025. With Chisolm's passing, Cheryl Cook now stands as the lone surviving member of the group that built the framework for women in the culture.

Before her passing, Chisolm was actively collaborating with the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville for an upcoming exhibit honoring The Sequence. While she will not be there to see it open, her indelible impact ensures her voice will never be erased from the history she helped write.

Police: Cyco Black of Crime Mob Attempted To Export Stolen Tech Overseas

Alphonce Smith, who performs under the moniker Cyco Black as a founding member of the mid-2000s rap group Crime Mob, is shown in an undated photograph. Atlanta police accuse Smith of orchestrating a major electronics theft ring out of his Metro Mart business, alleging he and accomplices attempted to ship more than $100,000 in stolen iPads and laptops overseas. (Alphonce Smith via Facebook)

The man who helped define the mid-2000s Atlanta crunk era with "Knuck If You Buck" is now facing severe criminal allegations.

Alphonce Smith, who performs under the moniker Cyco Black as a founding member of the platinum selling rap group Crime Mob, has been accused by Atlanta police of orchestrating a major electronics theft ring across the metro area.

According to an exclusive afternoon report from WSB-TV, investigators allege Smith and several accomplices are responsible for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of tech devices. The investigation reportedly began last year at the Metro Mart, a local business hub, after multiple victims successfully tracked their stolen iPads and laptop computers to a specific business owned and operated by Smith.

Alphonce Smith, who performs under the moniker Cyco Black as a founding member of the mid-2000s rap group Crime Mob, is shown in a police booking photo. Atlanta police accuse Smith of orchestrating a major electronics theft ring out of his Metro Mart business, alleging he and accomplices attempted to ship more than $100,000 in stolen iPads and laptops overseas. (Atlanta Police Department via WSB-TV)

Instead of quickly fencing the items locally, police stated the ring was attempting to score a massive payday by compiling the stolen technology and shipping the electronics overseas. Authorities intervened before the cargo could be exported, successfully recovering more than $100,000 in stolen merchandise so far.

Because the story is still rapidly developing, it remains unclear if federal authorities will step in, given the allegations of attempting to export stolen goods internationally.

Crime Mob dominated Southern hip-hop in the mid-2000s with their self-titled debut album and its highly influential follow-up, "Hated on Mostly." Representatives for Smith have not yet released a public statement regarding the charges, and it is unknown when he will make his first court appearance.

Usher and Chris Brown Announce Joint Stadium Tour for Late 2026

R&B superstars Chris Brown (left) and Usher (right) look at each other inside an elevator in this screengrab from the official trailer announcing their 2026 "The R&B Tour: Raymond & Brown." The surprise joint stadium run, touted as a historic event by fans, signifies a definitive public reconciliation following widespread reports of a violent physical altercation between the two artists in Las Vegas in May 2023.

Three years after a heavily publicized physical altercation in Las Vegas threatened to permanently fracture their relationship, R&B icons Usher and Chris Brown are joining forces for a massive co-headlining stadium run.



The two superstars officially announced "The R&B Tour: Raymond & Brown" over the weekend, dropping a synchronized cinematic trailer across their social media platforms. The high-production teaser features the two artists riding motorcycles through city streets before entering an elevator together. As they prepare to walk out to a roaring crowd, the artists exchange the only official words spoken about the collaboration so far: Usher turns and declares, "It's time," to which Brown responds, "Hell yeah."

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For millions of fans spanning two decades of contemporary rhythm and blues, the announcement is the ultimate realization of a long-requested collaboration — a stadium-sized alternative to the Verzuz battles that have historically dominated R&B debates.

However, the pairing is equally notable for the turbulent history it seemingly leaves behind.

In May 2023, the relationship between the two foundational artists appeared severely strained following an incident at Skate Rock City in Las Vegas. During Brown’s 34th birthday party, held the night before Usher’s Lovers & Friends festival, Brown reportedly became irate over the presence of singer Teyana Taylor. When Usher, who was hosting the event, attempted to intervene and de-escalate the situation, the confrontation spilled into the venue's parking lot. Multiple witnesses at the time alleged Brown and his security team jumped the "Confessions" singer, reportedly leaving him with a bloodied nose.

Neither artist pressed charges, and both ultimately performed at the festival the following day without publicly addressing the physical confrontation.

Now, any lingering animosity appears fully resolved as they prepare to share the stage for what industry analysts predict will be a historic box-office run.

Both artists enter the joint venture with massive commercial momentum. According to Billboard, Brown’s 2025 "Breezy Bowl XX" stadium tour raked in a staggering $295.5 million, making it the highest-grossing tour ever by a Black American male solo artist. Usher, meanwhile, continues to ride the wave of his widely celebrated Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show and a multi-year Las Vegas residency that reportedly grossed over $100 million.

While official dates, specific cities, and venues for "The R&B Tour: Raymond & Brown" have not yet been released, the trek is expected to kick off in late 2026. The announcement coincides perfectly with Brown’s current promotional run; his highly anticipated new album is scheduled for release on May 8.

Representatives for the tour have not yet announced when official dates will drop or when tickets will go on sale.

Rep: Offset Is Receiving Medical Care, Expected to Recover After South Florida Shooting

Atlanta rapper Offset, pictured in 2025, is receiving medical care after being shot at a South Florida casino on Monday, April 6. A representative confirmed the former Migos member is "fine," while Seminole County Police detained two individuals at the scene. (Photo/Mia Gonzales)

Former Migos rapper Offset was hospitalized Monday evening following a shooting outside a South Florida casino, though representatives have confirmed the Atlanta native is expected to recover.

According to initial reports broken by TMZ and confirmed by Men's Journal, the shooting occurred Monday near the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

While details surrounding the exact nature of the altercation remain sparse, Offset's team quickly moved to reassure the public. A representative for the rapper issued a brief statement confirming his condition, simply stating that he is "fine" and receiving medical care.

According to a statement provided to TMZ, Seminole County Police confirmed that the shooting occurred at the casino's valet area shortly after 7 p.m. Law enforcement noted that the situation was "contained quickly," confirming that two individuals were detained by police and that "the site is secure and there is no threat to the public. Operations continue as normal."

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However, a massive secondary narrative is currently dominating social media. Almost immediately following the shooting, intense rumors began circulating across Reddit and Instagram claiming that Bronx rapper Lil Tjay — Offset's rival in a highly publicized feud over an alleged casino gambling debt — was also shot or involved in the crossfire.

The speculation was heavily amplified by media personality DJ Akademiks, who reported to his followers that Lil Tjay was "apparently shot as well."

As of press time, the claims regarding Lil Tjay's involvement remain strictly social media rumors. Law enforcement and official representatives have not confirmed a second victim or any connection between the shooting and the ongoing gambling dispute.

The hip-hop community remains on edge awaiting official police clarification, particularly given the tragic 2022 shooting death of Offset's cousin and Migos groupmate, Takeoff, in Houston.

Legendary Session Drummer James Gadson, the Quiet Architect of Hip-Hop’s Foundational Breakbeats, Dies at 86

Drummer James Gadson, 86, whose work with Charles Wright, Bill Withers, and Marvin Gaye created the foundational grooves and breakbeats that anchored decades of R&B hits and neo-soul masterpieces, including N.W.A.'s 'Express Yourself' and D'Angelo's 'Voodoo,' plays at his kit. Gadson, an in-demand session musician for over 50 years and a direct link between classic soul and modern hip-hop culture, died April 2, 2026.

The heartbeat of modern Black music has gone quiet.

James Gadson, the legendary session drummer whose precision grooves anchored decades of R&B hits and provided the literal building blocks for 1990s hip-hop, died on Thursday, April 2. He was 86.

While his passing was confirmed by family over the weekend, his legacy has been echoing through the culture for half a century. Often referred to as the "16th-note king," the Kansas City-born drummer established himself in the late 1960s as a member of Charles Wright's Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band.

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It was during this era that Gadson laid down the funk groove for "Express Yourself" — a rhythm so undeniable that it was famously sampled by N.W.A. to create their own iconic 1988 hip-hop anthem of the same name.

His ability to stay perfectly in the pocket made him one of the most recorded R&B drummers in history. Gadson was the backbone of Bill Withers' early classics, including the syncopated masterpiece "Use Me" and "Lean on Me." He navigated the disco and soul eras flawlessly, anchoring Marvin Gaye's "I Want You," Diana Ross' "Love Hangover" and Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive."

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As hip-hop producers in the 1990s began crate-digging for the perfect breakbeats, they continually found themselves sampling Gadson's right hand. Recognizing his unparalleled feel for the groove, D'Angelo famously brought Gadson into the studio to play on his 2000 neo-soul magnum opus, "Voodoo," bridging the gap between the classic soul era and the modern culture.

The music world immediately recognized the magnitude of the loss. Questlove of The Roots — one of hip-hop's foremost historians and a legendary drummer in his own right — penned a definitive tribute to Gadson's specific cultural impact on social media.

"Some drummers are soulful. Some drummers are funky. Some drummer are a rockin. Some drummers are swinging," Questlove wrote. "But NO drummer, has impacted the art of breakbeat drummer (danceable drums) like James Gadson."

Ray Parker Jr., who played alongside Gadson for decades, echoed the sentiment, writing, "RIP James Gadson. We played together over 50 years. He changed the world."

Cam’ron Claims Jay-Z Fired Subliminal Shots at Him on 2011 Track ‘Otis'

Cam'ron, right, and co-host Sen City discuss classic hip-hop beefs on the set of their new series, "Talk With Flee," broadcast on Revolt. During the episode, the Harlem rapper officially confirmed and decoded a subliminal triple-entendre diss aimed at him by Jay-Z on the 2011 track "Otis." (Screengrab/Revolt)

It was a massive week for Roc-A-Fella era fans, as two separate but overlapping news drops reignited a 15-year-old lyrical cold war.
First, Cam'ron took to his new Revolt series, "Talk With Flee," to finally decode one of the slickest subliminal disses in hip-hop history. On Wednesday’s episode, the Dipset leader revealed that Jay-Z took direct shots at him on the 2011 Watch the Throne classic "Otis" — and broke down exactly how it went over everyone's heads.

According to Cam'ron, the diss was retaliation for a 2010 freestyle where he and Jim Jones threw lyrical jabs at Kanye West. "We had said some slick sh*t about Kanye one time," Cam'ron recalled. Months later, "Otis" dropped, featuring Jay-Z rapping: "Live from the Mercer / Run up on Yeezy the wrong way, I might murk ya / Flee in the G450, I might surface / Political refugee, asylum can be purchased."

Cam pointed out the undeniable triple-entendre: "Flee" is his well-known nickname, he had a distribution deal with Asylum Records at the time, and the "political refugee" line serves as a nod to the Diplomats' highly publicized departure from Roc-A-Fella Records.

"He's slick. You just never know," Cam'ron's co-host Sen City laughed during the breakdown.

The revelation arrived within hours of Jay-Z stepping back into the spotlight himself for a rare, expansive interview with GQ. While the Roc Nation mogul didn't address the "Otis" breakdown, he used the massive platform to weigh in on the current landscape of the culture.

Jay-Z discussed the recent Kendrick Lamar and Drake battle, the backlash surrounding Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show, and his ongoing relationship with J. Cole. For fans holding out hope for a musical return, Hov admitted he has a lot of "scratch ideas" but is taking his time.

"I just got to make something timeless that I really love and that's really honest and true to who I am," Jay-Z told GQ, while also confirming he came incredibly close to featuring on Clipse's recent Grammy-nominated album, Let God Sort Em Out.

Between Cam'ron dissecting triple-entendres and Jay-Z dropping rare industry gems, the spirit of the 2000s New York mixtape era remains alive and well.

Watch: R&B Icon Brandy Honored With Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Official ‘Brandy Day'

"The Vocal Bible" has officially cemented her legacy in stone. 

On Monday morning, R&B icon Brandy Norwood was honored with the 2,839th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Recording category, a milestone so significant that city officials officially declared it "Brandy Day" in Los Angeles.

The ceremony served as a massive celebration of 1990s and 2000s Black pop culture. Brandy was joined by her parents and her daughter, Sy'rai, alongside a star-studded crowd of peers and collaborators that included Monica, Babyface, Kehlani, Jenifer Lewis and Tisha Campbell.

Issa Rae and Babyface served as the afternoon's guest speakers, delivering powerful tributes to Brandy's massive influence across music and television.

"The most inspirational part of her career is just how she had no lanes. As her career progressed, so did her ambitions," Rae told the crowd. "To me, Brandy was and is the blueprint. Without Brandy as Moesha, there's no The Parkers, no Girlfriends, no Insecure... Thank you for showing a little girl from L.A. that her story was worth telling."

Babyface, who famously tapped Brandy for the "Waiting to Exhale" soundtrack in 1995, praised her unmatched vocal agility. "You're like an athlete. No one can do it the way you do it," he said. "With everything that you sing, you put your whole heart into it. That's what I appreciate about you most."

When Brandy took the podium, the Grammy-winning artist delivered an emotional, deeply personal speech reflecting on her journey from McComb, Mississippi, to global superstardom.

"I was just a little girl with a big dream," she recalled of her early days attending junior high in Los Angeles. "But growing up in Hollywood made those dreams feel close enough to touch. Seeing the stars on the Walk of Fame lit something in me. It made me believe. It made me affirm over my own life, 'I'm going to sing my way onto one of these stars.' And I did."

Reflecting on a career that includes 40 million records sold worldwide, genre-defining albums like "Never Say Never," and a historic cultural milestone as the first Black Cinderella in a television adaptation, Brandy emphasized the permanence of the honor.

"A star on the Walk of Fame is a definition of legacy. It doesn't just celebrate your success, it cements your story," she told the cheering crowd. "It doesn't just honor your work, it immortalizes your light. It is a symbol that says you didn't just arrive, you endured. You didn't just dream, you became."

Closing out the ceremony, Brandy left the audience with a powerful reminder of her enduring impact: "Dreams don't have an expiration date. Faith can carry you where fear said you never go. And when your purpose is real, your light will make room for itself."

Jay-Z Questions the Future of Rap Battles and Social Media Toxicity in New GQ Interview

THE ELDER STATESMAN: In this screengrab from his recent sit-down interview with GQ, Jay-Z reflects on the current state of hip-hop and the 30th anniversary of his seminal 1996 debut, "Reasonable Doubt." The 56-year-old mogul, who famously penned some of the most lethal diss tracks in rap history, called out the toxicity of modern internet "stan culture," warning that the genre's elite are too busy tearing each other apart to recognize the real political threats aimed at the culture. (Screengrab/GQ)

It is one of the great ironies of hip-hop history: the man who arguably perfected the modern diss track is now questioning whether the culture still needs the bloodsport.

As he prepares to celebrate three decades of his seminal 1996 debut, "Reasonable Doubt," Jay-Z is taking a hard, critical look at the current state of hip-hop warfare. In a sprawling, deeply candid cover story with GQ's Frazier Tharpe published this week, the Roc Nation founder addressed the toxic fallout of modern rap beefs — specifically referencing the historic, scorched-earth clash between Kendrick Lamar and Drake.

While Hov is intimately familiar with monumental hip-hop battles — his 2001 feud with Nas via tracks like "Takeover" and "Supa Ugly" remains the gold standard for lyrical warfare — he expressed deep reservations about how the internet era and rabid fanbases have weaponized the culture.

"We love the excitement, and I love the sparring, but in this day and age, there's so much negative stuff that comes with it that you almost wish it didn't happen," he told the magazine.

The 56-year-old billionaire mogul noted that the modern ecosystem of "stan culture" transforms competitive sparring into permanent character assassination.

"Now, people that like Kendrick hate Drake, no matter what he makes. It's like an attack on his character," he explained. "I don't know if I love that. I don't know if it's helpful to our growth where the fallout lands, especially on social media."

During the height of the Lamar and Drake feud, fans repeatedly attempted to drag Jay-Z into the fray, particularly after Lamar was selected to headline the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show — a decision brokered by Roc Nation. Hov found the internet's conspiracy theories absurd.

"What do I care about them two guys battling? What's that got to do with me? Have at it," he said. "They drag everybody in it, like everyone's part of this conspiracy to undermine Drake, I guess. But, it's like, what the f---? I'm f---ing Jay-Z! [Laughs.] All due respect to him. I'm f---ing Hov. Respectfully. It doesn't make any sense."

Beyond the sheer pettiness of social media, Jay-Z warned that the genre's elite are currently distracted by tearing each other apart while a larger, systemic threat looms.

"There is clearly an agenda to silence voices in our community, a heavy rightwing agenda," he stated. "And the culture is happily playing along in the name of this insane thirst of Stan culture to have something on the other side. We are in a strange time."

With his Yankee Stadium 30th-anniversary shows completely sold out for this summer, fans are naturally questioning if he will release a new studio project to accompany the run. While he admitted to having "a lot of scratch ideas," he refuses to drop music just to feed the algorithm or match the current fiery climate.

"I don't know what I need to create currently that's going to fulfill me and make me happy because that's most important. I know I just got to be honest about what I feel and where I am," he told GQ. "Trying to create something that people like is where I think a lot of artists get jammed up. And people can feel that because it's not authentic. I just got to make something timeless that I really love and that's really honest and true to who I am."

Watch Jay-Z reflect on three decades of dominance, the toxicity of modern rap beefs, and the 30th anniversary of "Reasonable Doubt" in the full video below.

Jury Sides With Afroman, Clearing Rapper in Defamation Lawsuit Over ‘Lemon Pound Cake’ Video

The jury has officially spoken, and the lemon pound cake is safe. On Wednesday afternoon, an Adams County, Ohio, jury delivered a monumental free speech victory for rapper Afroman, completely rejecting a multimillion-dollar defamation lawsuit filed by the seven sheriff's deputies who raided his home in 2022.

The sweeping verdict concludes one of the most bizarre, viral and highly entertaining First Amendment trials in recent hip-hop history.

The deputies had sought a staggering $3.9 million in total damages. They claimed the 51-year-old artist — born Joseph Foreman — subjected them to intentional infliction of emotional distress, public ridicule and invasion of privacy after he utilized his home surveillance footage of their botched raid to create a series of mocking music videos, most notably the hit "Lemon Pound Cake."

@wcpo9news Afroman took the stand Tuesday, defending his videos and social media posts about the Adams County sheriff's deputies who accuse him of using their likeness without permission after they executed a search warrant at his home. #afroman #trial #cincinnati ♬ original sound - WCPO9News

After brief deliberations following Wednesday's closing arguments, the eight-person jury sided entirely with the rapper.

"In all circumstances, the jury finds in favor of the defendant. No plaintiff verdict prevailed," the judge stated while reading the decision, officially concluding the matter with defense verdicts across the board.

The trial itself produced a string of viral, internet-breaking moments. Foreman attended the proceedings dressed in a full red, white and blue American flag suit. Conversely, the plaintiffs' testimony routinely devolved into absurdity. On Monday, Deputy Lisa Phillips — who had sought $1.5 million individually — broke down in tears on the witness stand while watching the music video. During cross-examinations, defense attorneys grilled officers on the stand, forcing them to answer questions regarding whether they resembled the Hunchback of Notre Dame and addressing rumors from the rapper's lyrics about infidelity.

Foreman maintained throughout the trial that he only created the videos to recoup the costs of the property damage caused by the raid — which famously turned up zero evidence of criminal activity and resulted in no charges. He also pointed out that the deputies disconnected his security cameras during the search and claimed that roughly $400 in cash was missing when his seized property was returned.

The verdict serves as a massive validation for constitutional watchdogs. Both the ACLU and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) publicly supported Foreman, arguing that the deputies' lawsuit was a blatant attempt to stifle the protected free speech of a private citizen criticizing government officials.

Ultimately, the jury agreed: If law enforcement tears through a citizen's home and finds nothing, that citizen has every constitutional right to write a rap song about it.

Mystikal to Be Sentenced in June After Pleading Guilty to Third-Degree Rape

Michael Tyler, also known as the rapper Mystikal, is shown in a booking photo following a previous arrest in Shreveport, La. Tyler pleaded guilty to third-degree rape on Tuesday in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, in connection with a separate 2022 assault. The former No Limit Records star — who is already a registered sex offender — accepted a plea agreement to avoid a potential life sentence and now faces up to 20 years in prison. (Photo/Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office, File)

The turbulent legal saga of a former Southern hip-hop heavyweight has reached a grim conclusion.

On Tuesday, Mystikal — the energetic Louisiana rapper known for a massive run of late-90s and early-2000s anthems under Master P's No Limit Records — officially pleaded guilty to third-degree rape in connection with a violent 2022 assault.

Appearing in an Ascension Parish courtroom, the 51-year-old artist, born Michael Tyler, accepted a plea agreement that reduced his original charge of first-degree rape. That initial charge carried an automatic life sentence in the state of Louisiana. By pleading guilty to the lesser third-degree charge, Tyler's sentence will be capped at 20 years.

Tuesday's conviction adds a sobering and definitive chapter to Tyler's extensive criminal record. He is already a registered sex offender, having previously served six years in state prison after pleading guilty in 2003 to sexual battery and extortion in an unrelated case involving his hairstylist. Years later, in 2017, he was charged with rape and kidnapping in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, spending roughly 18 months behind bars before a grand jury ultimately declined to indict him and the charges were dropped.

Before his career was permanently eclipsed by his repeated arrests and abuse allegations, Mystikal was a foundational voice in millennial hip-hop. Emerging from the New Orleans underground, his rapid-fire, James Brown-esque delivery became the frantic heartbeat of Master P's No Limit Records. His intense, aggressive flow was deeply rooted in personal tragedy, profoundly shaped by the 1994 murder of his sister, Michelle Tyler. Channeling that raw, frantic grief into his music, he eventually secured multiple Grammy Award nominations and found massive mainstream crossover success with undeniable hits like "Danger (Been So Long)" and the Pharrell Williams-assisted "Shake Ya Ass" off his multi-platinum 2000 album, "Let's Get Ready."

His conviction also serves as another dark chapter in the broader legacy of the No Limit empire. The iconic label has seen several of its defining stars completely derailed by the justice system — most notably Master P's own brother, C-Murder (Corey Miller), who is currently serving a life sentence in Louisiana for a 2002 nightclub shooting.

Tyler will remain in custody at the Ascension Parish Jail as he awaits his official sentencing hearing, which the judge has scheduled for June.

Trap Choir and Tuxedos: Rick Ross Sets Formal Dress Code for ‘Port of Miami’ 20th-Anniversary Tour

Grammy-nominated hip-hop heavyweight Rick Ross, shown in this promotional portrait, is set to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his 2006 debut album, "Port of Miami," with a unique 17-city national tour. The "Port of Miami" 20th Anniversary Black-Tie Experience — featuring the Renaissance Orchestra and Sainted Trap Choir — will visit prestigious theaters across the country, with formal attire heavily encouraged for attendees. (Photo: Will Sterling Courtesy of MMG)

The Biggest Boss is trading standard arenas for symphony halls to celebrate the album that laid the foundation for his empire.

On Wednesday, Rick Ross officially announced the "Port of Miami" 20th Anniversary Black-Tie Experience. The 17-city national tour will celebrate two decades since the release of his blockbuster 2006 debut, pairing his foundational street anthems with the Renaissance Orchestra and the Sainted Trap Choir.

The ambitious trek will kick off on May 29 at the James L. Knight Center in his hometown of Miami, delivering an unprecedented level of luxury to chart-topping, trap-heavy records like "Hustlin'" and "Push It."

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A post shared by Rick Ross (@richforever)

For the Grammy-nominated hip-hop heavyweight, the tour is a deliberate pivot from a traditional hip-hop show into a high-society gala aesthetic. Attendees are heavily encouraged to dress in formal black-tie attire for the performances, which will hit illustrious venues across the country, including the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, the Beacon Theatre in New York, and the Chicago Theatre, before concluding in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 29.

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“Port of Miami was the foundation of an empire, the blueprint to the biggest boss,” Ross stated in a press release regarding the tour's grand vision. “Twenty years later, we aren't just celebrating an album; we are elevating the culture. Bringing this music to the stage with a full orchestra and choir in a black-tie setting is about cementing the legacy. It's luxury, it's historic, and it's a milestone we are going to celebrate at the absolute highest level."

Released in August 2006, "Port of Miami" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and permanently altered the soundscape of Southern rap. The album introduced the world to the undeniable, larger-than-life persona that would eventually define the Maybach Music Group era.

Ross also took to social media to celebrate the milestone, acknowledging his relentless two-decade run in the industry.

"Twenty summers later. I never stopped Hustlin," Ross wrote to his followers on Instagram. "A black-tie experience performed live with @renaissanceorchestra and the legendary @saintedtrapchoir. From the 305 to the world. Lock in your city. Get fly."

Tickets for the historic anniversary tour went on sale to the general public this morning, Friday, March 13.

Eminem Pays Tribute As Lord Sear, Longtime Shade 45 Radio Host, Dies at 52

Steve "Lord Sear" Watson, a veteran hip-hop DJ and long-standing SiriusXM radio personality, smiles in an undated black-and-white promotional portrait. Watson, whose deep roots in the 1990s New York underground scene translated into a nearly two-decade run as a cornerstone of Eminem's Shade 45 channel, died Wednesday, March 11. He was 52. (Photo courtesy of SiriusXM)

The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of a foundational voice and a true New York heavyweight.
Lord Sear, the veteran DJ, rapper, and long-standing SiriusXM radio personality, died on Wednesday, March 11. He was 52.

Born Steve Watson in Harlem, New York, Sear served as a cornerstone of satellite radio on Eminem’s Shade 45 channel for nearly two decades. He built a massive national following co-hosting "The All Out Show" alongside Rude Jude, where his booming laugh, encyclopedic hip-hop knowledge, and razor-sharp humor became a daily ritual for millions of listeners. He later transitioned into a solo anchor role, commanding his own flagship program, "The Lord Sear Special."

WE ARE SAD TO REPORT THAT OUR DEAR FRIEND AND HOST, LORD SEAER HAS PASSED AWAY AT AGE 53. SEAR WAS MORE THAN A VOICE ON THE RADIO - HE WAS A FORCE, A FRIEND, AND FAMILY TO SO MANY OF US! IN HIS HONOR, PLEASE TUNE IN TOMORROW FROM 12–4PMET/9AM-1PMPT ON SHADE 45, WHERE FRIENDS WILL… pic.twitter.com/MvWBPu8GwA

— Shade45 (@Shade45) March 11, 2026

Following the news of his passing, Shade 45 released an official statement honoring his decades-long impact on the station and the genre.

"Sear was one of the greatest people to be around, I will never forget how he made me laugh on our tour together. Our time on Shade 45 together was always some of my favorite interviews. He made the world a better place and I'm gonna seriously miss that. Rest in peace Lil Trey."

— Eminem

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Lord Sear. He was more than a voice on the radio — he was a force, a friend, and family to so many of us,” the station wrote. “Rest easy, Lord Sear. The culture will never forget you.”

Sear’s connection to the culture was deeply rooted in the 1990s underground hip-hop scene. He was a frequent, scene-stealing fixture on the legendary "The Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show" on WKCR, providing comedic relief, raw energy, and freestyle verses that became the stuff of New York mixtape lore. His memorable vocal cameos and close associations with 90s artists — most notably his work on Kurious’s classic 1994 album, "A Constipated Monkey" — helped define the golden era's irreverent, cypher-heavy energy.

His influence extended far beyond the soundproof walls of the studio. During the early 2000s, Sear took his turntable talents to arenas worldwide, touring alongside Eminem as a DJ during the monumental "Anger Management Tour."

Eminem publicly honored his longtime friend and collaborator on Thursday, issuing a heartfelt tribute that recalled their shared history on the road and on the airwaves.

“Sear was one of the greatest people to be around, I will never forget how he made me laugh on our tour together,” Eminem wrote in a tribute posted to X. “Our time on Shade 45 together was always some of my favorite interviews. He made the world a better place and I'm gonna seriously miss that. Rest in peace Lil Trey.”

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Lord Sear. He was more than a voice on the radio — he was a force, a friend, and family to so many of us... Rest easy, Lord Sear. The culture will never forget you."

— Shade 45

The grief extended across the entire hip-hop ecosystem, with peers and legends sharing their own memories of the iconic broadcaster. Legendary producer DJ Premier expressed his disbelief online, writing: “Love You Sear. Crazy we spoke Monday night and you sounded fine. Snapping on each other like we always do.”

Fellow New York rap staple Fat Joe also paid his respects, adding: “God bless i know him my whole career love you sear.”

Beyond traditional music media, Sear's iconic voice also soundtracked a generation of gamers. Rockstar Games issued a statement acknowledging his famous role as the co-host of "Game FM" in the blockbuster video game "Grand Theft Auto III," writing: “Rest In Peace Lord Sear, Titan of NYC Hip-Hop and host of GTAIII's Game FM.”

Sear’s passing leaves a profound void in hip-hop media. He was a broadcaster who never lost his authentic connection to the streets that raised him, serving as a vital bridge between 90s underground purism and modern global radio.