Hip-Hop Roundup: Diddy Lawsuit Ends, Sauce Walka Shooting Suspect Identified, Young Scooter Dead at 39

Rapper Young Scooter, seen here in a still from a YouTube video, died March 28 after sustaining injuries while fleeing police in Atlanta. His death is one of several major developments rocking the hip-hop world this week, alongside a lawsuit dismissal for Sean “Diddy” Combs and new details in the Sauce Walka shooting.

With less than two months until his federal trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, Sean “Diddy” Combs received some relief Monday as a federal judge dismissed one of numerous civil lawsuits filed against the embattled hip-hop mogul. U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed a 1995 rape lawsuit brought by an anonymous plaintiff, Jane Doe, after she failed to refile the complaint under her real name. Liman previously denied Doe’s request to remain anonymous, citing a lack of evidence of specific harm from public disclosure.

U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman in New York today dismissed a sexual assault lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs at the plaintiff’s request, following the judge’s order that the woman cannot proceed anonymously.

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— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff.bsky.social) March 31, 2025 at 4:16 PM

The dismissal was seen as a legal win for Combs, whose spokesperson claimed it was the second such lawsuit dismissed outright, criticizing plaintiffs for hiding behind anonymity. Attorney Tony Buzbee, representing numerous plaintiffs against Combs, acknowledged the dismissal, highlighting the emotional toll and fears plaintiffs face in high-profile cases. Combs remains incarcerated at New York’s Metropolitan Detention Center, awaiting his criminal trial beginning May 12. He continues to deny all charges against him.

In related hip-hop news, authorities confirmed Monday that Jayden Dandridge, a suspect in the March 22 shooting of rapper Sauce Walka (Albert Mondane) in Memphis, Tennessee, was found dead in Houston. Memphis police continue searching for a second suspect, Kevin Brown, who faces charges including first-degree murder. The targeted shooting critically injured Sauce Walka and resulted in the death of rapper Letorian "Sayso P" Hunt. Sauce Walka, known for hits like “Texas Cyclone” and collaborations with Megan Thee Stallion and Travis Scott, is currently recovering after being hospitalized.

Police have identified Jayden Dandridge, 21, as a suspect in the shooting that killed Sayso P🕊️ and injured rapper Sauce Walka🙏🏾.

A $6K reward is offered for tips leading to his arrest. 💰

The investigation used surveillance footage and a recovered stolen 2021 Dodge Charger. pic.twitter.com/NU6nkkJdh8

— Gang Hits (@GangHits) March 27, 2025

Meanwhile, the Atlanta hip-hop scene is mourning the loss of rapper Young Scooter, born Kenneth Edward Bailey, who died Friday night after sustaining injuries while fleeing police. According to the Atlanta Police Department, officers responded to reports of a domestic dispute and possible gunfire at a residence in the Lakewood Heights neighborhood. Bailey fled, injuring his leg severely after jumping fences during the chase. Despite immediate aid from responding officers and emergency personnel, Bailey died shortly after at Grady Marcus Trauma Center. No police gunfire was involved, and the exact cause of death remains under investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Young Scooter was known for influential mixtapes like "Street Lottery" and collaborations with artists including Future and Gucci Mane.

Huey Williams, Whose Voice Defined an Era of Gospel Music, Dies at 86

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Huey P. Williams, the commanding voice of the Jackson Southernaires and a cornerstone of American gospel music for over five decades, passed away peacefully at his home in Smithdale, Mississippi, on Wednesday. He was 86.

Born into a distinguished musical family, Williams was the elder brother of Frank Williams, founder of the Mississippi Mass Choir, and sibling to Melvin, Doug, and Leonard Williams of the Grammy-nominated Williams Brothers. Together, the Williams family significantly influenced the sound and direction of modern gospel music.

Williams joined the Jackson Southernaires in 1964, a group formed in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1940 by music producer Frank Crisler. Under Huey's guidance, the Southernaires rose to national prominence with their 1968 hit, "Too Late," a soulful anthem that quickly became Song Bird Records' best-selling track of the year.

In 1975, the Jackson Southernaires made history as the first gospel group signed to Malaco Records. Their groundbreaking partnership produced numerous Billboard-charting albums, including "Down Home" (1975), "Legendary Gentlemen" (1979), and "Lord, We Need Your Blessing" (1985). The group consistently ranked among Billboard’s Top Gospel/Soul Artists.

The Southernaires earned three consecutive Gospel Music Workshop of America awards for Traditional Male Group of the Year (1987–1989), a Stellar Award in 1989, and a Grammy nomination in 1992 for their acclaimed album, "Thank You Mama for Praying for Me." In recognition of their enduring impact, the city of Jackson renamed a street Jackson Southernaires Drive in 2010.

Williams performed as recently as late 2024, reflecting his lifelong devotion to gospel music. A musical celebration honoring his life is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday, March 28, at East Fernwood Missionary Baptist Church in McComb, Mississippi. His official celebration of life will take place Saturday, March 29, at 1 p.m., preceded by visitation at 11 a.m.

Boxing Legend George Foreman Passes Away at Age 76​

In this courtesy photo, heavyweight boxing legend George Foreman, who died Friday at age 76, shares a moment with Houston radio personality J Mac of 97.9 The Box. Foreman, a Texas native known for his powerful punches and iconic grill endorsements, leaves behind a legacy spanning sports, entrepreneurship, and pop culture. (Courtesy of J Mac)

George Foreman, the towering two-time heavyweight boxing champion who later became an iconic pitchman for his namesake grills, has died at the age of 76, his family announced Friday.

Foreman's powerful punches first propelled him to Olympic gold in 1968 and a world title in 1973. While he famously lost the crown to Muhammad Ali in the historic "Rumble in the Jungle" in 1974, Foreman staged a remarkable comeback two decades later, regaining the heavyweight championship at age 45 — the oldest ever to do so.

Born in Marshall, Texas, Foreman's early life was marked by poverty and trouble with the law before boxing became his saving grace. Known for his devastating power, Foreman had a unique pre-fight ritual, notably refusing to look directly into his opponent’s eyes during referee instructions. He later explained, “I didn't want to see a person; I just wanted to see another target.”

His first reign as champion saw him dispatch numerous challengers, but after his loss to Ali, Foreman experienced a profound spiritual awakening following a near-death experience in 1977. This led him to become a born-again Christian and ordained minister, delivering sermons backstage before fights and at his gym.

After a brief retirement, Foreman returned to boxing in 1987, embarking on an improbable journey back to the top. His stunning 1994 knockout of Michael Moorer for the WBA and IBF titles cemented his legendary status as a figure of endurance and resilience.

Foreman’s personality outside the ring was as big as his reputation inside it. Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee once considered Foreman for the role of "The Incredible Hulk" due to his impressive physique and intimidating presence, though the role eventually went to Lou Ferrigno. Additionally, Foreman humorously credited luck for his grill endorsement opportunity; it was first offered to wrestler Hulk Hogan, who missed the agent's call — an error Hogan jokingly lamented as costing him millions.

Beyond boxing and business, Foreman was passionate about animals, often joking, “I spent my childhood avoiding dogs; now I spend my adult life feeding them,” reflecting his lifelong affection for raising German Shepherds.

Foreman's legacy resonates deeply, transcending generations and cultural shifts. His early dominance aligned with the funk and soul era of the 1970s, while his later comeback coincided with the alternative rock wave of the 1990s, a testament to his universal appeal.

Details regarding funeral arrangements were not immediately released. Foreman is survived by his wife and several children. His impact on sports, culture, and entrepreneurship will long be remembered.

Yella Beezy Arrested, Accused of Murder-for-Hire in Mo3 Killing

Markies Conway (Mugshot: Dallas County Jail)

Dallas rapper Yella Beezy, born Markies Conway, has been arrested and charged with capital murder in connection with the 2020 shooting death of fellow rapper Mo3, whose real name was Melvin Noble.

A Dallas County grand jury indicted Conway, 33, on Tuesday, alleging he hired Kewon Dontrell White to carry out the fatal shooting. The indictment accuses Conway of engaging in the murder-for-hire plot, resulting in the charge of capital murder while remuneration.

The incident occurred on November 11, 2020, when Noble, 28, was driving on Interstate 35 in Dallas. According to authorities, White approached Noble's vehicle armed with a firearm, prompting Noble to exit his car and flee on foot. White allegedly chased Noble and shot him multiple times in the back. Noble was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

White was arrested a month after the shooting and charged with murder. He is currently serving a nine-year federal prison sentence for firearm charges related to the incident.

Conway was taken into custody on Thursday and is being held in the Dallas County Jail without bond. Court records do not list an attorney who could speak on his behalf, and representatives for Conway have not immediately responded to requests for comment.

Noble's mother, Nichole Williams Noble, expressed her relief following Conway's arrest. In a Facebook post, she wrote, "Justice for my baby!!!!" ​

Conway gained prominence with his 2017 single "That's On Me," which charted on the Billboard Hot 100. He has also collaborated with artists like Quavo and Gucci Mane on the 2019 track "Bacc At It Again." ​

The investigation into Noble's death is ongoing, and authorities have not disclosed a possible motive for the alleged murder-for-hire plot.​

D’Wayne Wiggins, Tony! Toni! Toné! Star and Mentor to Destiny’s Child, Dies

HIPINC, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

D’Wayne Wiggins, the founding member of Tony! Toni! Toné!, whose smooth guitar work and songwriting helped define 1990s R&B, has died at 64 after a private battle with bladder cancer

His family confirmed his passing on Friday in a statement shared on Instagram.

“With broken hearts, we share with you that our beloved D’Wayne passed away this morning surrounded by family and loved ones,” the statement read. “Over the past year, he has been privately and courageously battling bladder cancer. Through this fight, he remained committed and present for his family, his music, his fans, and his community.”

Wiggins, a native of Oakland, California, was a guitarist, producer, and mentor whose influence extended far beyond the stage. Best known for leading Tony! Toni! Toné! alongside Raphael Saadiq and Timothy Christian Riley, he helped create a string of timeless R&B hits, including “Feels Good,” “It Never Rains (In Southern California)” and “Anniversary.”

The Grammy-nominated trio dominated the late 1980s and early ’90s R&B scene, selling over six million albums and earning multiple gold and platinum records. Their sound blended old-school soul with new jack swing, paving the way for future R&B acts.

 

A Legacy in Music and Mentorship

Beyond his work with Tony! Toni! Toné!, Wiggins was instrumental in shaping the careers of some of the biggest names in music. He founded Grass Roots Entertainment, a West Oakland recording studio where he helped develop Destiny’s Child in their early years. The group, led by Beyoncé, went on to become the best-selling girl group of all time.

 

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Wiggins also mentored Keyshia Cole, providing her with early guidance before she signed with A&M Records. His influence reached artists like Alicia Keys, India Arie, Ludacris, Jody Watley and Too Short, making him a pivotal figure in R&B and hip-hop’s evolution.

His 2000 solo album, "Eyes Never Lie," was released on Motown Records and showcased collaborations with Darius Rucker, Jamie Foxx and Carlos Santana. The album helped shape the neo-soul movement, which bridged traditional R&B with modern influences.

 

A Respected Figure in Entertainment

Wiggins' impact extended beyond music. He served as a bandleader for Comedy Central’s "Weekends at the D.L.", produced the indie film Me & Mrs. Jones, and worked on the Too Short documentary Life Is.

In 2023, Wiggins reunited with Raphael Saadiq and Timothy Christian Riley for Tony! Toni! Toné!’s Just Me and You Tour, their first tour together in more than 25 years. The reunion was highly anticipated by fans, cementing their legacy as one of R&B’s most beloved groups.

 

Tributes Pour In for Wiggins

Following the news of his passing, fellow artists and musicians paid tribute to Wiggins, recognizing his contributions to music and mentorship.

Sheila E., an Oakland native, shared her sorrow in a heartfelt post.

"Heartbreaking news, my brother D’Wayne Wiggins passed away this morning. He was the most amazing, kind person. He loved life, music, and people. My brother, you will forever be missed. Your music will live forever. Rest in peace, my brother."

Tony! Toni! Toné! was scheduled to perform at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts in Tracy, California, on March 22, but the event was canceled in February due to Wiggins’ illness. Another show at Detroit’s Music Hall Center on May 23 was also called off.

For now, his family has asked for privacy as they grieve, but fans and fellow artists continue to celebrate D’Wayne Wiggins’ enduring musical legacy.

Rapper Yung Joc Mourns Loss of Relatives in Deadly Atlanta Apartment Fire

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the family of 9-month-old Xhalia White, 1-year-old Xyla White, and 4-year-old Jhacari White, who died after an apartment fire in Atlanta on Feb. 19. Rapper Yung Joc, who confirmed the children were his relatives, spoke emotionally about the tragedy on his radio show. (Photo via GoFundMe)

Atlanta rapper and radio host Yung Joc is mourning the loss of three young relatives who died after a fire swept through an apartment in southwest Atlanta earlier this week. The musician, born Jasiel Amon Robinson, confirmed during his Streetz 94.5 morning radio show that the victims — 4-year-old Jhacari White, 1-year-old Xyla White, and 9-month-old Xhalia White — were his nieces and nephew.

The fire broke out Tuesday afternoon at the Country Oaks Apartments on Fairburn Road. Firefighters arrived to find flames and smoke coming from a second-floor unit, but by the time the fire was extinguished, the children had already been rescued. They were rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment, but tragically succumbed to smoke inhalation, according to Atlanta Fire Rescue. Authorities are investigating the cause, though early reports suggest it may have been electrical.

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Joc, who attended a candlelight vigil outside the charred apartment on Wednesday night, revealed on-air that the gathering was particularly emotional because February 20 would have been Xyla’s second birthday.

“I’m hurting. My family’s hurting. My brother’s hurting. His girlfriend’s hurting,” he said during "Yung Joc and The Streetz Morning Takeover." “I don’t think it’s really hit just yet. I think they’re still in shock a little.”

Fighting back tears, the "It's Goin’ Down" rapper played an audio clip of his niece speaking at the vigil, where she paid tribute to her late sister.

“I don’t know if people understand the level of trauma this brings to our community and the family that this affects directly or indirectly,” he continued. “I’m sad, I’m hurt, I’m human—and I’m trying to be professional.”

Since the tragedy, an online GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the children’s mother, Jahda White. The fundraiser has raised over $32,000, helping to cover funeral expenses and assist the grieving family.

For many, Yung Joc is best known for his 2006 breakout hit, "It's Goin’ Down," which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination. His platinum-selling album "New Joc City" made him one of the most recognizable names in mid-2000s hip-hop, and he later expanded into reality television on VH1’s "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta." In recent years, he has become a fixture in Atlanta radio, hosting one of the city’s most popular morning shows on Streetz 94.5, where he regularly discusses both music and social issues.

Voletta Wallace, Guardian of Biggie Smalls’ Legacy, Dies at 78

Photo Courtesy Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation

Voletta Wallace, the mother of rap icon The Notorious B.I.G. and a tireless advocate for her son’s legacy, has died at 78.

The Monroe County Coroner's Office confirmed her death in a press release Friday, stating that Wallace died of natural causes while in hospice care at her home in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

Born in Jamaica, Wallace was a preschool teacher who raised her only child, Christopher Wallace — later known as Biggie Smalls or The Notorious B.I.G. — in Brooklyn, New York. After her son was murdered in a 1997 drive-by shooting at age 24, she dedicated her life to keeping his memory alive, launching the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation to promote community empowerment through arts and education.

Despite decades of speculation, the shooting deaths of Biggie Smalls and his former rap rival, Tupac Shakur — who was killed in 1996 — remain unsolved. In the years following her son’s death, Wallace was vocal about seeking justice, at times openly criticizing the investigation into his killing.

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Her strength and grace were on full display at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards when she publicly embraced Afeni Shakur, Tupac’s mother, in a moment of unity that transcended the bitter East Coast–West Coast rap rivalry that defined much of the 1990s. The two mothers, introduced on stage by actor and rapper Will Smith, stood together in a powerful image of healing and solidarity.

Wallace remained active in her son’s legacy, working as a producer on "Notorious," the 2009 biopic about Biggie’s life, where she was portrayed by Oscar-nominated actress Angela Bassett. The film was executive-produced by Sean “Diddy” Combs, Biggie’s longtime collaborator and the founder of Bad Boy Records, the label that launched his career.

In recent years, Wallace made headlines when she spoke out against Combs, particularly after video footage surfaced in 2024 showing him assaulting his former girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, in a Los Angeles hotel. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Wallace condemned Combs, saying she wanted to “slap the daylights” out of him for his actions.

Beyond her public persona, Wallace was a self-described “avid gardener,” frequently sharing photos of her flowers on Instagram. In 2020, following Biggie’s posthumous induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, she reflected on his enduring influence.

"Today, I'm feeling great," she told Billboard at the time. "As a mother, I'm extremely proud of his accomplishments. You know, I still see such a young man at a young age, and sadly, he's not here to witness all this. But it's an astute honor, and as a mother, I'm just elated for that."

"Many of [Biggie's songs] speak truth," she continued. "It might be gritty, and maybe the language is so out there, but he was honest. There was nothing fake about what he was doing. I think for such a young man to resonate such honesty in his lyrics is awesome."

Jerry Butler, Soul Legend Behind ‘For Your Precious Love,’ Dies in Chicago

Courtesy Photo: Stax Records

Jerry Butler, the smooth-voiced baritone whose blend of gospel roots, Chicago rhythms, and heartfelt soul earned him the nickname "Iceman," died Thursday night at his home in Chicago. He was 84.

His assistant, Marty, whom Butler called his “niece at heart,” confirmed his passing to TMZ, citing natural causes. Butler had been battling Parkinson’s disease.

Born in Sunflower, Mississippi, in 1939, Butler moved with his family to Chicago’s Cabrini-Green housing complex at the age of three. Raised in a deeply religious household, he was discouraged from listening to blues, but his love for music flourished through church choirs and television’s "Hit Parade." He learned to write songs by studying sheet music from Hit Parade magazine, setting the foundation for a career that would shape soul music.

Butler’s life changed in 1953 when he joined the Northern Jubilee Singers, a gospel group led by Rev. Annabelle Mayfield. There, he met her grandson, a young man with a soaring tenor voice named Curtis Mayfield. The two went on to form The Impressions, whose music would later become the soundtrack of the civil rights movement.

As the group’s lead singer, Butler helped propel their first hit, For Your Precious Love, in 1958. Rolling Stone ranked the song No. 335 on its "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list, and it remains a cornerstone of doo-wop and early soul. The Impressions' music traversed changing times and social movements, earning them a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.

Shortly after the release of For Your Precious Love, Butler embarked on a solo career, but early success eluded him. That changed when he reunited with Mayfield to craft "He Will Break Your Heart," a 1960 hit that re-established Butler as a formidable solo artist. He continued to record throughout the 1960s, eventually teaming up with songwriter-producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who pioneered the "Philly sound." Together, they produced classics such as "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Hey Western Union Man," and "Only the Strong Survive." The latter, a testament to resilience, was inspired by advice Butler's mother gave him after a teenage heartbreak.

His influence extended beyond his own recordings. "I’ve Been Loving You Too Long," a song he co-wrote with Otis Redding, became a standard covered by Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, and others. Method Man, Missy Elliott, The Game, and Snoop Dogg later sampled Butler’s music, ensuring his legacy endured across generations.

Though music was his first calling, Butler pivoted to public service in the 1980s. With support from Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, he was elected to the Cook County Board of Commissioners in 1985. During his 32-year tenure, he chaired the Health and Hospitals Committee and served as vice chair of the Construction Committee. He also advocated for artists’ rights, working to secure royalties and benefits for musicians.

Outside of politics, Butler remained an enduring presence in entertainment. He hosted PBS specials on doo-wop and R&B history, appeared in the 1972 film "The Thing with Two Heads," and even starred in a 1980s McDonald’s commercial for the McD.L.T., crooning about “cool” lettuce and tomato opposite Aretha Franklin.

Butler’s wife, Annette, whom he married in 1959, died in 2019. He is survived by their sons, Anthony and Randy, four grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.