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

Courtesy Photo

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.

Will Smith Honored in West Philly as New Album ‘Based on a True Story’ Nears Release

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Will Smith’s deep connection to his hometown was immortalized Wednesday when the city officially renamed a stretch of 59th Street in West Philadelphia after the Oscar-winning actor and Grammy-winning rapper.

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.”

 

The album explores themes of personal growth, self-reflection and resilience. Its first “season,” titled "Rave in the Wasteland," sets the tone for the project’s layered structure.

“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.”

 

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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.

North Carolina Considers Elevating Petey Pablo Hit to Official State Anthem

Petey Pablo once commanded the nation to "take your shirt off, twist it 'round your hand, spin it like a helicopter," and now North Carolina lawmakers are taking those lyrics to heart — officially.

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.

Violent Weekend Rocks Hip-Hop World; Sauce Walka Injured, Morrison Arrested, NBA YoungBoy Freed Early

Mark Morrision

In a turbulent weekend for the music industry, three notable figures from hip-hop and R&B faced significant legal and personal incidents, spotlighting ongoing tensions and controversies surrounding artists in the urban music scene.

Houston rapper Sauce Walka and his TSF artist Sayso P were shot Saturday in downtown Memphis while shopping, with opps shooting three times.
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

— T_CAS videos (@tecas2000) March 23, 2025

Houston rapper Sauce Walka, born Albert Walker Mondane, was wounded during a targeted shooting in downtown Memphis on Saturday, March 22. The incident, near the Westin Hotel and FedExForum, tragically resulted in the death of Sauce Walka's protégé, Memphis rapper Latorian Hunt, known as Sayso P. Memphis police stated that suspects exited a white sedan and opened fire around 2:42 p.m. Sauce Walka sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh but is expected to recover. The suspects fled the scene and are still being sought. Authorities believe this was not a random attack. Sauce Walka addressed fans via social media, expressing grief and frustration over the loss of his close associate.

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.

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

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.

These events underscore ongoing complexities and hazards faced by prominent artists navigating fame, personal safety, and legal matters in the music industry.

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.​

After 15-Year Break, Erykah Badu Returns with New Album

This image provided by Billboard shows neo-soul artist Erykah Badu on the magazine's cover ahead of receiving the Icon Award at the Billboard Women in Music event on March 29, in Los Angeles. 

Erykah Badu has announced plans to release her first studio album in 15 years. The highly anticipated project will feature collaborations with acclaimed hip-hop producer The Alchemist, known for his work with Eminem, Freddie Gibbs and the Griselda collective.

Badu, a Dallas native born Erica Abi Wright, revealed key details about the new album during an extensive interview with Billboard, sparking immediate excitement among fans eager for fresh material. Her previous studio album, "New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)," was released in 2010 and earned widespread acclaim for its introspective lyrics and innovative sound.

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Her groundbreaking 1997 debut, "Baduizm," significantly influenced the neo-soul genre, blending classic soul melodies with hip-hop beats and socially conscious lyrics. Throughout her career, Badu has maintained a carefully curated discography emphasizing authenticity and artistic evolution.

In the same Billboard interview, Badu passionately described her connection to live performances, stating, "I tour eight months out of the year... I am a performance artist. It's the immediate reaction between you and the audience that's magical. That's what I live for." Her devotion to live artistry is exemplified by her renowned live recording of the hit "Tyrone," one of her signature moments.

Outside of music, Badu has pursued diverse entrepreneurial interests, including her cannabis brand, "That Badu." She is also recognized for an impressive collection of vintage cars and remains deeply involved with her South Dallas community, regularly participating in local cultural initiatives.

Highlighting her lasting influence, Badu will receive the prestigious Icon Award at the Billboard Women in Music event on March 29 in Los Angeles, cementing her status as an influential cultural figure across multiple musical genres and generations.