Thursday, April 3, 2025
Judge Declines to Jail Young Thug Over Critical Social Media Post
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker issued a carefully worded order, advising Young Thug — whose legal name is Jeffery Williams — to use discretion online but ultimately concluding that his actions did not violate probation conditions.
“While the Court does not find that the cited social media post rises to the level of a violation of Defendant’s probation, it may be prudent for Defendant to exercise restraint regarding certain topics,” Judge Whitaker wrote.
Prosecutors argued that Williams violated probation terms when he reposted a viral tweet featuring a photograph of Marissa Viverito, an investigator from the Fulton County District Attorney’s office, labeling her as the “biggest liar in the DA office.” Viverito had previously testified in Williams' criminal trial. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis claimed the repost threatened the safety and integrity of a witness involved in Williams’ high-profile case.
Williams’ lead attorney, Brian Steel, vigorously contested the prosecution’s position, stating there was no factual or legal basis for the probation revocation attempt.
“The prosecution’s motion to revoke Mr. Williams’ probation fails, on its face, to allege any conduct by Mr. Williams that would rise to a violation of the probationary sentence,” Steel wrote in a response filed Thursday. “There is no violation of Mr. Williams’ probation by reposting an image on social media and opining that Investigator Viverito is untruthful.”
Williams himself took to the social media platform X following news of the prosecutors' filing to clarify his intentions, stating: “I don’t make threats to people, I’m a good person. I would never condone anyone threatening anyone or definitely participate in threatening anyone. I’m all about peace and love.”
Williams had previously been incarcerated for more than two years awaiting trial on drug, gang, and gun charges. In October, he accepted an open plea agreement, receiving a sentence of time served plus 15 years probation, along with a conditional consecutive sentence of 20 additional years contingent upon violating his probation terms.
Now free to continue his music career, Williams, 33, is scheduled to co-headline the Summer Smash Festival this June alongside Don Toliver, Yeat, and Future. It will mark his first live performance since his release.
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Diddy Accused of ‘Freak-Off’ Abuse; LeBron, Beyoncé, Jay-Z Among Witnesses Denying Presence
In the complaint, filed in Florida, a man named Manzaro Joseph accuses Combs of sexual assault, trafficking, and public humiliation during a 2015 party in Miami. The event, which allegedly took place at a property owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan on Star Island, was held in honor of Christian "King" Combs' birthday.
Joseph claims he was drugged and taken to the party in a compromised state. Once there, he alleges that Gloria Estefan saw him in distress and asked for an ambulance to be called, but Emilio intervened and removed her from the situation. He further alleges he was led through a tunnel to Combs' mansion by former adult actress Adria English and was subjected to public degradation while wearing a leather mask and a locking sex device.
Joseph's lawsuit alleges he was paraded in front of guests, stripped, and made to wear a thong and a mask with a sex toy protruding from it. He claims that several high-profile figures, including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, LeBron James, and jeweler Jacob Arabo, were present and witnessed parts of the incident.
All named public figures not listed as defendants in the suit have strongly denied the allegations or confirmed they were not in attendance:
- LeBron James' spokesperson stated, "This is demonstrably false and doesn’t even merit a response. A basic internet search shows LeBron was playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers and never in Miami in April 2015."
- Jay-Z's attorney, Alex Spiro, told PEOPLE that his client was engaged in verifiable public activities outside Florida during the alleged events.
- A representative for Gloria and Emilio Estefan said they had no involvement in the incident and confirmed that no parties were held at the property from 2012 to 2019.
- Brendan Paul, another individual mentioned in the filing, was reportedly still in high school at the time and has never been to West Palm Beach, according to his attorney.
A spokesperson for Combs dismissed the allegations entirely, saying, "This complaint demonstrates the depraved lengths plaintiffs will travel to garner headlines in pursuit of a payday. No sane person reading this complaint could credit this story. Mr. Combs looks forward to having his day in court."
The suit is one of several Combs currently faces. He has denied all previous accusations of misconduct and is scheduled to stand trial in May on federal sex crime charges.
Gloria Estefan, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, LeBron James, and Jacob Arabo are not named as defendants in the suit. Adria English and Emilio Estefan are listed as co-defendants alongside Combs.
This latest legal filing adds to mounting scrutiny surrounding Combs' behavior and the celebrity circles historically associated with his events. More legal responses and court motions are expected in the coming weeks.
Cardi B Moves Into Ownership With Fashion, Beauty Brands Backed by Revolve
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Anthony Kane, via Wikimedia Commons |
It’s a power move rooted in intention. In a post shared on X, the Bronx native outlined the inspiration behind her next chapter: “Coming from a Caribbean family, the goal is always to OWN!” she wrote. “I want to leave [my kids] with something they can carry for generations to come, something that their mother built from the ground up.”
This isn’t a licensing deal or endorsement. Cardi, born Belcalis Almánzar, has spent years behind the scenes working through major collaborations with brands like Fashion Nova, Reebok and NYX. Now, she’s channeling that experience into a venture she can call her own — shaped by her values, aesthetic and business acumen.
“This is a lifetime brand,” Foster said in a recent WWD cover story.
“I don’t want my kids to be fighting with record labels on how much percent they’re going to get with my music,” Cardi added. “I’m doing this for me. Not for everybody else.”
The first collection will feature a fashion line inspired by Cardi’s signature style — form-fitting, body-positive silhouettes, real sizing and quality materials. “If it’s a size small, it should be a true size small,” she said, referencing her early days hustling for clothes that actually fit. “I want people to come back.”
Beauty is also in the works, marking Revolve’s first move into that space. It’s a natural extension for Cardi, whose bold glam has become part of her cultural impact — from elaborate nails to dramatic makeup and hair. She says the goal is to offer products that reflect her personal style but also meet high performance and quality standards.
Executives at Revolve — including co-founders Michael Mente and Mike Karanikolas, and chief brand officer Raissa Gerona — see the partnership as a long-term play with global reach. With a fan base that spans continents, Cardi’s influence gives Revolve a chance to grow internationally, particularly in beauty.
“From Paris runways to the Bronx to Coachella, Cardi moves culture,” Gerona said. “This isn’t just about style — it’s about scale.”
The venture represents a broader shift in celebrity entrepreneurship — from endorsements to equity. With both sides aligned on strategy and substance, the launch stands to redefine what celebrity ownership can look like in fashion and beauty.
The first products from Cardi B’s joint venture with Revolve are expected later this year.
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Hip-Hop Roundup: Diddy Lawsuit Ends, Sauce Walka Shooting Suspect Identified, Young Scooter Dead at 39
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.
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff.bsky.social) March 31, 2025 at 4:16 PM
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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🙏🏾.
— Gang Hits (@GangHits) March 27, 2025
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
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.
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Huey Williams, Whose Voice Defined an Era of Gospel Music, Dies at 86
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Courtesy Photo |
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.
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Will Smith Honored in West Philly as New Album ‘Based on a True Story’ Nears Release
Mayor Cherelle Parker and other city leaders joined Smith at the ceremony, celebrating the legacy of one of Philadelphia’s most celebrated sons.
“Philly, I love you. I am yours. You are mine,” Smith told a crowd of family, fans and local officials. The moment came just days before the release of "Based on a True Story," his first full-length music project in more than two decades.
The ceremony, held near his alma mater Overbrook High School, was rich in nostalgia and reflection. Smith recounted lessons from his parents and the community that shaped his values.
“Nobody gets an easy ride,” he said. “That was one of the things these streets of Philadelphia taught me — that there’s nothing wrong with a hard day’s work.”
He also shared the origin of his iconic nickname: “The name ‘The Fresh Prince’ was coined in that building,” Smith said, pointing to Overbrook. “I added the ‘fresh’ because it was hip-hop slang.” The name would go on to inspire The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the 1990s sitcom that launched his Hollywood career and introduced West Philly to a global audience.
Now, as he prepares to drop "Based on a True Story" on Friday, Smith says this new creative chapter feels different. “This is going to be the greatest creative run of my entire career,” he said in a recent interview with The Associated Press. “I’ve spent a lot of time looking inward these last few years. I found a new creative well, a really deep, authentic place inside of me.”
“My challenges are divine curriculum,” Smith said. “There’s a magical key in the middle of every storm, and that’s what this album is about.”
The music, featuring longtime collaborator DJ Jazzy Jeff, blends classic hip-hop with modern influences. It’s a return to form for Smith — but one rooted in maturity and personal evolution.
In tandem with his musical comeback, Smith’s film career continues to evolve. Reflecting on his performance in "Emancipation," he noted how the role deepened his craft. “The work I’m doing now is going to be the greatest of my career,” he said with conviction.
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
North Carolina Considers Elevating Petey Pablo Hit to Official State Anthem
A bill introduced Tuesday in the North Carolina Senate aims to immortalize Pablo’s 2001 hip-hop classic "Raise Up" as the state's official hip-hop anthem. Senate Bill 512 celebrates the song's lasting impact on North Carolina culture, placing it alongside cherished state symbols like the dogwood flower and the cardinal bird.
"Raise Up," released in August 2001, immediately became an iconic tribute to North Carolina pride, reverberating through stadiums, campuses, and street parties across the state. The bill notably coincides with the recent 50th anniversary of hip-hop and acknowledges North Carolina's pivotal contributions to the genre, particularly from its Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Petey Pablo, a Greenville native inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2024, is among a roster of influential Tar Heel hip-hop artists highlighted in the bill, including J. Cole, Rapsody, 9th Wonder, Phonte and Big Pooh.
Democratic Senators Natalie S. Murdock and DeAndrea Salvador, who sponsored the bill, emphasized "Raise Up" not only as a cultural phenomenon but as a representation of the spirit and resilience embedded deeply in the state's DNA.
For those new to the anthem — or those simply needing a refresher — revisit the music video that made "Raise Up" a part of hip-hop history below.
Monday, March 24, 2025
Violent Weekend Rocks Hip-Hop World; Sauce Walka Injured, Morrison Arrested, NBA YoungBoy Freed Early
Houston rapper Sauce Walka and his TSF artist Sayso P were shot Saturday in downtown Memphis while shopping, with opps shooting three times.
— T_CAS videos (@tecas2000) March 23, 2025
The incident occurred around 2:42 p.m. on Lt. George W. Lee Avenue near the FedExForum. According to his father, Albert Walker, known as… pic.twitter.com/0x4hjEEi9c
On the same day, British R&B singer Mark Morrison, famous for his iconic 1996 hit "Return of the Mack," was arrested in Palm Beach, Florida. Morrison, 52, faces simple battery charges after reportedly shoving Nicola Lavacca, general manager of Le Bar à Vin, twice in the torso following an argument about music volume involving another singer performing at the venue. Witnesses, including nightlife manager Fabrizio Riillo, described Morrison as "irate," asserting he appeared intent on confrontation. Morrison was arrested shortly afterward, released early Sunday morning on a $1,000 bond, and is scheduled to appear at the Palm Beach County Courthouse on April 15. Morrison's past legal troubles include a conviction for firearm possession, failure to appear in court, suspicion of kidnapping and car theft, and previous assault charges.
Meanwhile, rapper NBA YoungBoy, whose real name is Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, has reportedly been released from federal custody ahead of schedule. Initially sentenced to 23 months in prison in December 2024 for federal gun charges, his early release was reported by DJ Akademiks and confirmed through online prison records, though an official statement from his representatives is pending. NBA YoungBoy, recognized by the RIAA as the only rapper of the past decade with eight platinum albums, faced additional charges in April 2024 relating to identity fraud and prescription drug forgery, culminating in a plea deal including prison time and a $25,000 fine. Despite incarceration, he continued releasing music, most notably the "More Leaks" mixtape. Fans eagerly await his official comments and possible new projects following this unexpected release.Looks like NBA YOUNGBOY has been released from federal prison and either transferred to a half way house or is headed home. I’ll confirm soon pic.twitter.com/iQVFyYZUag
— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) March 24, 2025
These events underscore ongoing complexities and hazards faced by prominent artists navigating fame, personal safety, and legal matters in the music industry.