Fingerprint Evidence Sparks Mistrial Request in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Case, Denied by Judge

This government exhibit shows damage to rapper Kid Cudi's Porsche from an alleged 2012 firebombing. Sean "Diddy" Combs' attorneys unsuccessfully requested a mistrial Wednesday, arguing that prosecutors improperly suggested Combs authorized the destruction of fingerprint evidence collected during the investigation. The judge denied the request, instructing jurors to disregard testimony about the fingerprints.

Sean "Diddy" Combs' request for a mistrial in his sex trafficking and racketeering trial was swiftly denied Wednesday by a federal judge who rejected claims of prosecutorial misconduct involving destroyed fingerprint evidence linked to the alleged firebombing of rapper Kid Cudi’s car.

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian dismissed arguments from Combs’ attorney Alexandra Shapiro that the prosecution improperly suggested the music mogul authorized the destruction of fingerprint evidence from the 2012 incident. "There was absolutely no testimony from the witness that was prejudicial in any way, shape or form," Subramanian stated, instructing jurors to disregard the testimony in question.

Combs, 55, faces charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals to engage in prostitution, with potential penalties up to life imprisonment if convicted.

The prosecution alleges Combs orchestrated acts of intimidation and violence, including the alleged January 2012 firebombing of Kid Cudi's Porsche, to silence individuals who might speak against him. Kid Cudi, whose legal name is Scott Mescudi, testified last week he believed Combs orchestrated the attack after learning Mescudi had dated Combs' former partner, singer Casandra Ventura.

Ventura previously testified that Combs explicitly threatened to blow up Mescudi’s car. Additional testimony from former assistant Capricorn Clark supported claims that Combs had violent intentions toward Mescudi.

Fire investigator Lance Jimenez testified that fingerprint evidence from the firebombing scene was destroyed without his knowledge on orders from a Los Angeles police officer not directly involved in the case. Judge Subramanian emphasized to the jury that this detail was irrelevant and should not influence their deliberations.

Combs' defense insists he played no role in the arson, highlighting the absence of physical evidence linking him directly to the act. The trial continues in Manhattan federal court with further testimonies expected.

Beyoncé Makes History, Janet Jackson Shines at the 2025 AMAs

Janet Jackson performs onstage at the 2025 American Music Awards at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas on May 26, 2025. (Rich Polk)

The 2025 American Music Awards, held on Monday night at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas and hosted by Jennifer Lopez, celebrated the significant and continuing impact of urban music. One of the evening's most prominent moments was the presentation of the Icon Award to Janet Jackson, recognizing her profound influence on pop, R&B and global music culture.

Jackson, dressed in a white cropped jacket, baggy blue jeans, white sneakers, and a headband, captivated the audience with a medley of her iconic hits, including “All for You,” “Rhythm Nation,” and “Together Again,” marking her first televised performance in seven years.

In her acceptance speech, she said, “I don’t consider myself an icon,” while emphasizing her family's deep commitment to music over fame. The Icon Award, first awarded in 2013, has previously been awarded to artists such as Rihanna and Lionel Richie.

Jackson’s tribute underscored the enduring relevance of urban music within the broader popular music landscape, a point further emphasized by Kendrick Lamar’s victory in the Favorite Hip-Hop Song category for “Not Like Us.” Lamar, who received the most nominations of the night with 10, once again demonstrated his artistic power, authenticity, and ability to connect with contemporary culture.

Beyoncé made history in the country genre, winning Favorite Female Country Artist for her acclaimed project, "Cowboy Carter," which also took home Favorite Country Album honors. This win represents a significant achievement for a Black artist in a category historically dominated by white artists.

SZA also had a memorable evening, taking home both Favorite Female R&B Artist and Favorite R&B Song for “Saturn.” These awards acknowledge her innovative approach to R&B, blending genres while staying true to her artistic vision, solidifying her position as a leading voice in modern R&B.

Adding to his legacy, Eminem won both Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist and Favorite Hip-Hop Album for "The Death of Slim Shady: Coup de Grâce," highlighting his enduring relevance and impact within the hip-hop genre. Megan Thee Stallion won Favorite Female Hip-Hop Artist.

Billie Eilish was the biggest winner of the night, sweeping the major categories, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for Hit Me Hard and Soft, and Song of the Year for “Birds of a Feather.”

Chappell Roan was recognized as New Artist of the Year, marking a significant breakthrough for the rising star.

 

Key Winners:

• Artist of the Year: Billie Eilish
• New Artist of the Year: Chappell Roan
• Album of the Year: "Hit Me Hard and Soft" (Billie Eilish)
• Song of the Year: “Birds of a Feather” (Billie Eilish)
• Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist: Eminem
• Favorite Female Hip-Hop Artist: Megan Thee Stallion
• Favorite Hip-Hop Song: “Not Like Us” (Kendrick Lamar)
• Favorite Female R&B Artist: SZA
• Favorite R&B Song: “Saturn” (SZA)
• Favorite Female Country Artist: Beyoncé
• Favorite Country Album: "Cowboy Carter" (Beyoncé)
• Icon Award: Janet Jackson

For a complete list of winners click here.

Dr. Dre’s $10 Million Boost Helps Redefine Compton High’s Future

Dr. Dre’s legacy has always been intertwined with Compton, and now the rap legend is giving back to the California community in a major way. On Thursday the newly rebuilt Compton High School campus was unveiled, a $225-million project that promises to reshape the future of education for the city’s youth.

At the heart of the transformation is Dre’s $10 million donation to the school’s performing arts center, ensuring that the next generation of Compton’s talent has the space to create, perform and dream big.

The 31-acre campus represents a complete overhaul of the old school, which had long been plagued by outdated facilities. The new high school is a vision of modernity, featuring a digital library, cutting-edge classrooms and athletic facilities designed for the digital age. From a football stadium to multiple sports courts and a state-of-the-art gym, this campus is built to foster both academic and athletic success.

But it’s the performing arts center that stands out as a direct reflection of Dre’s impact on the city. The $10 million donation has turned the center into a state-of-the-art venue where students can explore their passions in music, theater and dance. A mural of Dre’s face on the exterior of the building serves as a powerful reminder of his roots and his ongoing commitment to elevating his hometown.

"I didn’t have that creative outlet when I was in high school," Dre said during the unveiling. "Now these kids have that space, and it’s all about giving them the chance to express who they are and what they can become."

Dre’s involvement is a reflection of his lifelong connection to Compton. The new campus will serve 2,000 students and is funded by school-construction bonds approved by local voters. This revitalization is not just about the physical space but about creating opportunities for Compton’s youth to thrive in ways that were once out of reach.

"Compton is a breeding ground for talent," Dre added. "I’m living proof that coming from Compton, nothing can stop me. Anything is possible."

'You Burned My Car': Kid Cudi Recounts Accusing Combs in Federal Trial

An evidence photo, displayed Thursday, May 22, 2025, during testimony in federal court in New York, shows the damage to a Porsche belonging to rapper Kid Cudi, born Scott Mescudi. Cudi testified that the vehicle was firebombed at his Los Angeles home in January 2012, an act he blamed on Sean "Diddy" Combs during Combs's ongoing sex-trafficking trial.

Kid Cudi delivered gripping testimony Thursday in Sean “Diddy” Combs’s federal sex-trafficking trial on Thursday, recounting a harrowing 2012 firebombing of his Porsche and an earlier home break-in, both of which he unequivocally blamed on the music mogul.

The Grammy-winning rapper, born Scott Mescudi, detailed to jurors how in January 2012, a Molotov cocktail was launched into his Los Angeles driveway, engulfing his Porsche. He testified he first learned of the inferno from his dog sitter.

When Mescudi, 41, later confronted Combs about the destroyed vehicle at a meeting in a Los Angeles hotel, Combs flatly responded, “I don't know what you’re talking about,” Mescudi testified. He described Combs during that meeting as posturing “like a Marvel super villain,” standing with his hands behind his back looking out a window, an encounter Mescudi found “off-putting” due to Combs's calmness.

Kid Cudi's testimony included multiple bombshell allegations against Diddy, including blowing up Cudi's car with a Molotov cocktail. ⚖️

Cudi also alleges that Diddy broke into his home, moved security cameras, injured and locked away his dog and went through all his belongings. https://t.co/JnPagsMl1y pic.twitter.com/3CfJA1Ame0

— Key To The City 🔑 (@K3yToTheCity) May 22, 2025

“I remember looking at him and thinking, ‘You burned my car,’ ” Mescudi told the court. He added that Combs eventually apologized for "everything and all that [expletive]" approximately three years later, around 2015, after which Mescudi said he "found peace with it."

Prosecutors assert the car bombing exemplifies a pattern of “intimidation and violence” Combs allegedly employed, particularly concerning his former girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura. Mescudi had a brief romantic relationship with Ventura in late 2011, during a period when her relationship with Combs was reportedly intermittent.

On cross-examination, defense attorneys emphasized that no arrests were made or charges filed in connection with the firebombing, and Mescudi acknowledged he never witnessed who threw the incendiary device. “There is no physical evidence tying Mr. Combs to that incident,” a defense attorney stated.

Mescudi also recounted an unnerving break-in at his Hollywood Hills home in December 2011, which he said occurred after Combs became aware of his relationship with Ventura. He testified that security cameras had been tampered with, gifts rifled through, and his dog was inexplicably locked in a bathroom, prompting him to file a police report. Mescudi also testified that during this period, Combs called him while Mescudi believed Combs and associates were at his house. Mescudi said he asked Combs, "Motherf--ker, are you in my house?" to which Combs allegedly replied, "I am here waiting for you."

Further, Mescudi stated that Ventura had confided in him that Combs had been physically abusive towards her, describing incidents where “he would hit her, sometimes kick her.”

Combs, 54, has pleaded not guilty to a range of federal charges, including sex trafficking by force, transportation for prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy. Prosecutors allege he operated a criminal enterprise that abused, threatened, and coerced women over nearly two decades. Combs’s defense team has argued that his relationships were consensual and part of a lifestyle that included non-traditional arrangements.

The trial also heard continued testimony Thursday from George Kaplan, a former executive assistant to Combs, who reportedly testified to witnessing Combs "attack" Ventura. The trial is slated to continue.

Rod Wave Arrested After Alleged April Shooting at Atlanta-Area Home

Rodarius “Rod Wave” Green, 26, is shown after surrendering on May 20 to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office on charges that he fired 14 rounds inside a Milton home.

Deputies arriving at an upscale Milton home on April 21 were met by a scene of luxury SUVs marked by bullet holes and a safe that appeared to have been forcibly moved across a basement floor. The incident allegedly involved rapper Rodarius “Rod Wave” Green, 26, who is accused of opening fire during a dispute over property reportedly stolen in a prior burglary.

Green voluntarily surrendered to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday and posted a $50,000 bond later that day. Court records unsealed in Superior Court charge him with 14 counts — including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, pointing a pistol at another, criminal damage to property, tampering with evidence and obstruction of law enforcement — after he allegedly fired 14 rounds indoors.

According to the affidavit, deputies found 11 bullets in an associate’s 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, one in Green’s 2022 Rolls-Royce Cullinan, one lodged in a basement wall and one missing. “In the basement, we found a large safe that had been dragged across the floor, opened and emptied,” an officer wrote.

“There is no truth to these charges,” attorneys Drew Findling and Marissa Goldberg said in a joint statement. “Rod Green was a victim of a burglary and committed no crimes. How he was even charged as a result of this situation is incomprehensible. This will absolutely be resolved favorably to Mr. Green.”

Green first broke through in 2019 when “Heart on Ice” went viral on TikTok and climbed the Billboard Hot 100, establishing his confessional style in hip-hop. He has since released four albums that reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart—"SoulFly," "Beautiful Mind," "Nostalgia," and "Last Lap" —and earned numerous RIAA-certified platinum singles.

Despite this arrest, Green remains musically active: he contributed the title track “Sinners” to the soundtrack of the Michael B. Jordan film Sinners , and his sixth studio album, “Last Lap,” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in October.

His legal history includes a weapons arrest in Manatee County, Fla., in April 2024, which was dropped after authorities acknowledged an error , and a 2022 battery charge that was dismissed for lack of prosecutorial merit.

The investigation by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office is ongoing.

Kid Cudi Expected on Stand as Diddy Faces Coercion Charges

Kid Cudi’s “Neverland” album artwork. The Grammy-winning rapper is expected to testify this week in the federal sex-trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs in Manhattan. (Courtesy Republic Records)

Grammy-winning artist Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi is expected to take the witness stand Wednesday in the federal sex-trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, court documents and ABC News updates confirm. His testimony follows emotional accounts from Cassie Ventura’s mother and a male escort, underlining prosecutors’ charge that Combs used threats and intimidation to control women.

Prosecutors say Combs, 54, led an “enterprise that abused, threatened and coerced women into prolonged, drug-fueled sexual ‘freak offs,’ ” then brandished evidence — from videotapes to defaced rifle parts — to silence them. Ventura testified she briefly dated Cudi before Combs allegedly threatened both of them, a key element of the government’s coercion claim.

On Tuesday, Regina Ventura described receiving a “disturbing” December 2011 email from her daughter in which Cassie said Combs threatened to release explicit tapes and harm both women. “I was physically sick,” Regina Ventura told the jury. She also recounted photographing her daughter’s bruises to “memorialize” the abuse.

Later, exotic dancer Sharay Hayes, known as “The Punisher,” testified that Combs directed “sexy scenes” between Hayes and Ventura, often supplying baby oil and specific lighting instructions. Hayes said he was paid $1,200–$2,000 per encounter and that on one occasion Combs threw condoms at him, declaring, “I’m ready to see you f— her,” though Hayes could not comply under the pressure.

Federal agents then described discovering AR-15–style rifle receivers, ammunition and lingerie on the same shelving unit during a March 2024 Miami Beach raid. Homeland Security Special Agent Gerard Gannon demonstrated how serial numbers had been defaced, suggesting attempts to intimidate.

Cudi’s anticipated testimony follows defense arguments that Combs’ relationships were consensual and part of a swinger lifestyle. Combs has pleaded not guilty to sex-trafficking by force, transportation to engage in prostitution and racketeering conspiracy. The trial continues Wednesday with further testimony from Agent Gannon, psychologist Dawn Hughes and former assistant George Kaplan, before Cudi takes the stand.

Megan Thee Stallion Dismisses ‘New Evidence’ in Lanez Shooting Case, Calls Out Harassment

Megan Thee Stallion on Monday dismissed what Tory Lanez’s legal team calls “new evidence” in his 2020 shooting case and rebuked ongoing harassment — days after Lanez, born Daystar Peterson, was stabbed 14 times in prison.

On TikTok, Megan — born Megan Pete — demanded an end to “living this s--t over and over.” “Facts are facts, he did it, it was proven in court,” she wrote. “Tory, you shot me ! ! ! Ain’t no new f---ing evidence. Y’all been saying the same s--- for years.”

Rapper Megan Thee Stallion reacts on TikTok to alleged “new evidence” in Tory Lanez’s shooting case—urging fans to stop “harassing” her just days after Lanez survived a stabbing in prison. (Courtesy TikTok/theestallion)

Lanez’s lawyers last week filed an amended criminal‐defamation claim hinging on testimony from a former bodyguard. That witness alleges he overheard Kelsey Harris — Megan’s onetime friend — admit to handling the gun the night Pete was shot in July 2020. 

The filing comes on the heels of Lanez’s May 12 stabbing at California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi, where inmate Santino Casio — serving life for murder — allegedly slashed him in the face, torso, back and head. Observers say the attack may have spurred Lanez’s team to renew efforts to contest his conviction.

Megan has consistently declined to revisit that night. Her TikTok salvo continued: “At what point are y’all gonna stop making me have to re-live being shot by Tory !? At what point are Tory and y’all fans gonna stop lying? Like, how much is the check to keep harassing me? Leave me TF alone ! ! !”

In December 2022, Lanez was found guilty of assault with a semiautomatic firearm after a dispute outside a Hollywood Hills party. He’s serving a 10-year state sentence — eligible for parole in 2029 — and faces dozens of civil suits from shooting‐related claimants.

Megan’s post closed on gratitude: despite the pain, “I’m good spirits and deeply thankful to God that I’m pulling through,” she said, echoing the Instagram update Lanez’s team issued from his hospital bed after the prison attack.

Watch: Netflix Doc Revisits Fatal Crowd Surge at Travis Scott’s Astroworld

The poster for Netflix’s Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy, a new documentary examining the fatal 2021 crowd surge at Travis Scott’s Houston festival. (Courtesy Netflix)

Netflix is set to revisit one of live music’s darkest nights with Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy, the latest installment in its Trainwreck documentary series. The film, premiering June 10, retraces the November 2021 crowd surge at Travis Scott’s Astroworld festival in Houston that left 10 concertgoers dead and hundreds more injured.

Directed by Emmy winner Leslie Chilcott, Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy draws on interviews with survivors, paramedics and festival staff to provide an unflinching look at how a record-breaking crowd overwhelmed safety measures.

The newly released trailer begins with the festival’s electric build-up: “He’s the messiah of music,” one fan intones, while another recalls the “unparalleled experience” of Scott’s live shows. Tickets for the sold-out event vanished in 30 minutes, underscoring its feverish appeal to Houston’s youth.

But jubilation gives way to panic. As gates opened, onlookers describe “overwhelming chaos” at entry points, and an attendee recalls feeling “your whole body move forward” in a surging mass. Narration warns of a “wave effect” that turned celebration into catastrophe. Distressing audio — including frantic 911 calls and pleas to stop the show — punctuates the trailer, as a reporter grimly observes, “People are dead and hundreds others hurt.”

The preview also raises pointed questions about festival management: “You guys were in charge of this. What was the failure?” One survivor, speaking on camera for the first time, says he “never spoke about it before” but now wants “people to know the truth.”

The tragedy has spawned more than 2,500 civil lawsuits alleging negligence and inadequate crowd control. While Scott has settled several claims, dozens remain pending, and Texas prosecutors continue to review potential criminal charges tied to the disaster.

Watch the trailer below.

Convicted Murderer Accused Of Stabbing Tory Lanez

California Department of Corrections

A fellow inmate at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi has been identified as the man accused of stabbing rapper Tory Lanez 14 times early Monday morning, authorities confirmed.

The assailant, 42-year-old Santino Casio, was booked into the prison’s restricted housing unit pending an investigation by the CCI Investigative Services Unit and notification of the state Inspector General’s office.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said Casio attacked Daystar Peterson —better known as Tory Lanez — at approximately 7:20 a.m. on May 12 while both men were in a CCI housing unit. Correctional staff immediately intervened, called 911 and began rendering first aid before Peterson was rushed by ambulance to a nearby civilian hospital. He was listed in fair condition.

 

Tory Lanez

In a post to his Instagram account, Peterson’s legal team said he sustained seven stab wounds to his back, four to his torso, two to the back of his head and one to the left side of his face. “Both of his lungs collapsed, and he was placed on a breathing apparatus,” the statement read. “He is now breathing on his own. Despite being in pain, he is talking normally, in good spirits, and deeply thankful to God that he is pulling through. He also wants to thank everyone for their continued prayers and support.”

Casio was transferred to CCI from Los Angeles County on Feb. 10, 2004, after receiving a life sentence with the possibility of parole for second-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, personal use of a deadly weapon and inflicting great bodily injury. His record includes a six-year in-prison term, imposed Jan. 3, 2008, for assault by a prisoner with a deadly weapon, and a two-year term, imposed June 12, 2018, for possession or manufacture of a deadly weapon by a prisoner.

LA District Attorney's Office press release on Tory Lanez guilty verdict.

"Women, especially Black women, are afraid to report crimes like assault and sexual violence because they are too often not believed."https://t.co/uQ1HEFyhV8 pic.twitter.com/i7fr5OlVix

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) December 24, 2022

Peterson arrived at CCI on Sept. 19, 2023, following his Aug. 8, 2023, sentencing to 10 years in state prison for assault with a semiautomatic firearm — stemming from the July 2020 shooting that wounded fellow rapper Megan Thee Stallion — and related weapons charges.

As the investigation continues, CDCR has placed Casio in segregation “to ensure the safety and security of the institution,” spokesperson Jennifer Shaffer said. The department declined to specify a motive for the attack.

Snoop Dogg Drops Surprise Project, 50 Cent Announces Europe Tour

Rapper Snoop Dogg and his wife, Shante Broadus, are featured on the cover art for Snoop Dogg's surprise new album and short film, "Iz It a Crime?", set for release May 15.

Snoop Dogg put fans on notice today during an appearance on "Access Hollywood," revealing “Iz It a Crime?,” a surprise album and companion short film set to arrive Thursday via Death Row Records and γamma. “I’m dropping a brand-new movie and an album,” the Long Beach legend said. “It’s some of the things that I’ve done that have been speculation. I just want to ask the question — ‘Is it a crime for me to be me?’”

Recorded between Los Angeles and Nashville, “Iz It a Crime?” finds Snoop reflecting on his life and career with guest turns from Sexyy Red, Wiz Khalifa, Pharrell Williams, LaRussell and October London. “When people are around me, they feel like they already know me,” he explained, calling that intimacy the project’s guiding light after recent forays into gospel on “Altar Call” and preschool education with “Doggyland.”

 

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A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent)

Meanwhile, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson will embark June 8 on a 12-city European run celebrating both his 50th birthday and his blockbuster catalog. The “Legacy Tour” opens at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt and hits major festivals and arenas before wrapping Aug. 10 in Warsaw, Poland.

Jackson’s tour pages promise deep cuts (“Many Men,” “In da Club”) alongside surprise guests, underscoring 50 Cent’s knack for turning nights into events. Between corporate investments and his “Power Book” series, he’s shown the blueprint for hip-hop multiplied — and multiplied again.

Confirmed 50 Cent “Legacy Tour” dates:
June 8 – Frankfurt, Germany (Deutsche Bank Park)
June 14 – Manchester, England (Parklife Festival)
June 21 – Rabat, Morocco (Festival Mawazine)
June 28 – Hannover, Germany (Heinz von Heiden Arena)
July 3 – London, England (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium)
July 6 – Dublin, Ireland (Longitude Festival)
July 11 – Glasgow, Scotland (TRNSMT Festival)
July 12 – Frauenfeld, Switzerland (Openair Frauenfeld)
July 13 – Paris, France (Paris La Défense Arena)
Aug. 6 – Skanderborg, Denmark (Smukfest)
Aug. 8 – Tallinn, Estonia (Tallinn Song Festival Grounds)
Aug. 10 – Warsaw, Poland (PGE Narodowy)

John Edwards, Frontman for R&B Group The Spinners, Dead at 80

John Edwards, the lead singer who helped sustain The Spinners’ chart success from 1977 through 2000, has died at 80, the group announced Saturday on its official Facebook page.

Edwards, a Missouri native who took over for Phillippe Wynne, lent his baritone to hits such as “Working My Way Back to You” and “Cupid” and was inducted alongside the group into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.

 

Edwards joined The Spinners at age 33, stepping into the shoes of Wynne—whose departure in 1977 left big expectations. “He proved more than capable of bearing the burden, ensuring that the excellence that fans came to associate with The Spinners would continue uninterrupted,” the group’s statement read. “John Edwards is an integral part of The Spinners’ legacy and we will continue to celebrate his contributions to this mighty legacy.”

Before his tenure with The Spinners, Edwards recorded as a solo artist and found modest success, according to SoulTracks, which also reported that he had been in poor health since suffering a stroke more than two decades ago.

 

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A post shared by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (@rockhall)

The Spinners first rose to fame in the early 1970s with Phil Collins–produced tracks like “I’ll Be Around” and “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love.” They received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1976 and were inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2015 before their Rock Hall honor. Edwards’ era kept that momentum alive with polished soul-pop that bridged AM radio and disco dance floors.

Edwards retired from touring in 2000 but continued to make public appearances with his former bandmates on special occasions. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Tory Lanez Stabbed in Face During Prison Yard Altercation

Tory Lanez

Tory Lanez was rushed to a Bakersfield hospital Monday after being stabbed multiple times in the face by another inmate during yard time at the California Correctional Institution, TMZ first reported.

Prison officials say Lanez, 32, endured the attack in a Tehachapi exercise yard when an assailant struck him with a homemade weapon. Corrections officers rendered first aid and summoned an ambulance, which transported the rapper to a civilian facility for treatment of his facial wounds.

Lanez is serving a 10-year sentence for the July 2020 shooting of fellow artist Megan Thee Stallion outside a Hollywood Hills party. He was convicted in December 2022 on three felony counts — assault with a semiautomatic firearm, carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle and discharging a firearm with gross negligence — and remains free to appeal.

In January, Megan Thee Stallion obtained a five-year restraining order against Lanez, telling a judge she feared he might attack her again. In April, her lawyers sought to hold him in contempt after he “disrupted” her deposition in a civil defamation case she filed against influencer Milagro Cooper.

UMG Seeks to Silence Drake Suit While Lamar Leads BET Celebrations

Drake is involved in a $100 million defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar's diss track "Not Like Us," with the label arguing the suit is a "meritless" attempt to "save face" after Drake lost their rap battle, a legal conflict that comes as Lamar leads nominations for the upcoming BET Awards, where Drake also received multiple nods.

Universal Music Group on Wednesday urged a federal judge to throw out Drake’s defamation lawsuit, accusing the rapper of mounting a “meritless” bid to salve his wounded pride after a public rap battle with Kendrick Lamar.

In a motion filed May 7 in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, UMG called Drake’s amended complaint “astonishing,” arguing that his focus on a single censored lyric from Lamar’s hit “Not Like Us” only underscores the true target: Lamar’s commercial and creative success.

Drake first sued UMG in January, claiming the label and its distribution of Lamar’s incendiary track had defamed him. In April he amended the suit to cite Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance on Feb. 9, 2025, contending that Lamar’s decision to omit a critical verse before a record TV audience proved the song’s reputation‑damaging power. Drake’s complaint asserts that the broadcast‑censoring “allowed millions to miss the precise words at issue and unjustly vilified my client.”

UMG counters that Drake “was pleased to use UMG’s platform to promote tracks leveling similarly incendiary attacks at Lamar. But now, after losing the rap battle, Drake claims that ‘Not Like Us’ is defamatory. It is not.” The label is asking that the amended complaint be dismissed with prejudice.

“Drake’s attack on the commercial and creative success of the artist who soundly bested him is the real grievance here,” UMG wrote, calling the lawsuit a thinly veiled attempt to weaponize the courts against artistic competition.

Lamar’s “Not Like Us” did nothing to hurt his momentum. The track swept all five of its Grammy nominations on Feb. 2, 2025, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. This month, Lamar leads the field at the 2025 BET Awards with 10 nominations. 

The ceremony is set to air live on Monday, June 9, from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. His nominations include major nods for Album of the Year for “GNX,” Video of the Year and Viewer's Choice for “Not Like Us,” Best Male Hip‑Hop Artist, and multiple Best Collaboration nominations. He bids to extend his run against competitors that include Drake, who earned six nods of his own, including Album of the Year for "$ome $exy $ongs 4 U," Video of the Year for "Family Matters," and Best Male Hip Hop Artist.

Top Nominees at the 2025 BET Awards: (Click here for the full list of nominees) 
Kendrick Lamar: 10 nominations
Doechii: 6 nominations
Drake: 6 nominations
Future: 6 nominations
GloRilla: 6 nominations
Metro Boomin: 5 nominations
SZA: 4 nominations
The Weeknd: 4 nominations

Snoop Dogg Teams with KIDZ BOP Tour and ‘PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie’

Snoop Dogg, center, appears with characters from his preschool series “Doggyland,” whose live show will open for the KIDZ BOP Live Certified BOP Tour this summer, as the rapper also lends his voice to the upcoming feature “PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie.” (Graphic courtesy of Doggyland/YouTube)

Snoop Dogg is trading G‑funk for giggles this summer, joining forces with the KIDZ BOP Live Certified BOP Tour and lending his voice to Spin Master’s upcoming feature “PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie.”

Beginning June 14 in Stamford, Connecticut, and running through Sept. 7 in Houston, Texas, the 28‑city KIDZ BOP tour will now kick off each night with a live performance of “Doggyland,” Dogg’s animated YouTube series for preschoolers. Created in 2022, “Doggyland” follows Bow Wizzle and a colorful cast of puppies who rap and sing about letters, numbers, colors and social‑emotional skills.

“‘Doggyland’ and KIDZ BOP are teamin’ up for a special tour like no other,” Snoop Dogg said in a release touting the collaboration. “We’re takin’ our animated world and bringing it to life, ya dig? We invite little kids, big kids, mamas, daddies, uncles, aunties — to join us for life lessons and some family fun. When ‘Doggyland’ links with KIDZ BOP, it’s a musical journey you will never forget.”

KIDZ BOP, which claims to be the No. 1 music brand for kids since 2001, will feature its young stars — Aleah, Cliff, Matty and Shila — performing kid‑friendly versions of today’s hits like “Espresso” and “Hot to Go!” on a stage complete with interactive elements and the return of the Daddy Dance Off.

“We’re excited to have ‘Doggyland’ join the KIDZ BOP Live Certified BOP Tour this summer as our special show opener,” added Sasha Junk, president of KIDZ BOP. “Their hip‑hop spin on classic kids’ songs — especially the viral ‘Affirmations Song' — will add fresh energy to our live events.”

Meanwhile, Dogg is also expanding his family‑friendly portfolio on the big screen. He joins a star‑studded ensemble — Jameela Jamil, Terry Crews, Paris Hilton, Bill Nye, Meredith MacNeill and Ron Pardo — in “PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie." The third theatrical installment of the animated franchise follows the rescue pups on a prehistoric adventure and is set to drop July 31, 2026.

KIDZ BOP LIVE TOUR DATES

Date	City	Venue
Saturday, June 14, 2025	Stamford, Conn.*	The Palace
Thursday, June 19, 2025	Hershey, Pa.*	Giant Center
Friday, June 20, 2025	Raleigh, N.C.*	Coastal Credit Union
Saturday, June 21, 2025	Charlotte, N.C.*	PNC Music Pavilion
Sunday, June 22, 2025	Greensboro, N.C.*	White Oak Amphitheater
Thursday, June 26, 2025	West Palm Beach, Fla.*	iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
Friday, June 27, 2025	Jacksonville, Fla.*	Daily’s Place
Saturday, June 28, 2025	Alpharetta, Ga.*	Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Sunday, June 29, 2025	Franklin, Tenn.*	FirstBank Amphitheater
Thursday, July 3, 2025	Gilford, N.H.*	Bank of NH Pavilion
Saturday, July 5, 2025	Bangor, Maine*	Maine Savings Bank
Sunday, July 6, 2025	Bethel, N.Y.*	Bethel Woods
Thursday, July 10, 2025	Richmond, Va.*	Allianz Amphitheater
Friday, July 11, 2025	Wantagh, N.Y.*	Northwell Health at Jones Beach
Saturday, July 12, 2025	Holmdel, N.J.*	PNC Bank Arts Center
Thursday, July 17, 2025	Wilmington, N.C.*	Live Oak Bank Pavilion
Friday, July 18, 2025	Baltimore, Md.*	Pier Six Pavilion
Saturday, July 19, 2025	Boston, Mass.* (2 shows)	Leader Bank Pavilion
Sunday, July 20, 2025	Wallingford, Conn.*	Toyota Oakdale Theater
Wednesday, July 23, 2025	Columbus, Ohio*	Ohio State Fair
Thursday, July 24, 2025	Clarkston, Mich.*	Pine Knob Music Center
Friday, July 25, 2025	Noblesville, Ind.*	Ruoff Music Center
Sunday, July 27, 2025	Cincinnati, Ohio*	PNC Pavilion at Riverbend
Friday, August 1, 2025	Saratoga Springs, N.Y.*	Broadview Stage at SPAC
Saturday, August 2, 2025	Camden, N.J.*	Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Tuesday, August 5, 2025	West Allis, Wis.*	Wisconsin State Fair
Friday, August 8, 2025	Macon, Ga.*	Macon Amphitheater
Saturday, August 9, 2025	Tampa, Fla.*	MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
Friday, August 15, 2025	Tinley Park, Ill.	Credit Union 1 Amphitheater
Saturday, August 16, 2025	Kansas City, Mo.	Starlight Theatre
Sunday, August 17, 2025	Des Moines, Iowa	Iowa State Fair
Wednesday, August 20, 2025	Grand Rapids, Mich.	DeVos Hall
Thursday, August 21, 2025	Toronto, Ont.	Budweiser Stage
Friday, August 22, 2025	Toledo, Ohio	Toledo Zoo Amphitheater
Saturday, August 23, 2025	Syracuse, N.Y.	New York State Fair
Thursday, August 28, 2025	San Diego, Calif.	Cal Coast Credit Union Amphitheatre
Friday, August 29, 2025	Phoenix, Ariz.	Arizona Financial Theatre
Saturday, August 30, 2025	Anaheim, Calif.	Honda Center
Sunday, August 31, 2025	Mountain View, Calif.	Shoreline Amphitheater
Friday, September 5, 2025	Irving, Texas	Toyota Music Factory
Sunday, September 7, 2025	Houston, Texas	Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Wednesday, September 10, 2025	Puyallup, Wash.	Washington State Fair

*Doggyland opening act dates

Motown Icon Smokey Robinson Faces $50 Million Civil Suit Alleging Serial Rapes

By Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Four former housekeepers have filed a $50 million lawsuit against Motown legend Smokey Robinson and his wife, Frances Robinson, alleging the singer repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted them over nearly 20 years, according to court papers filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court.


The civil complaint, brought under the pseudonyms Jane Doe 1 through Jane Doe 4, accuses Robinson of serial sexual battery, assault and gender violence, as well as false imprisonment, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The suit also asserts labor-law violations, including failure to pay minimum wage and overtime and to provide rest breaks and meal periods.

At a Tueday afternoon press conference, attorney John Harris called Robinson a “serial assaulter” who preyed on low‑wage workers “living paycheck to paycheck” and intimidated them into silence. “These women endured threats and humiliation, fearing reprisals from a powerful celebrity employer,” Harris said. Co‑counsel Herbert Hayden added that none of the plaintiffs reported the attacks to authorities due to shame, fear and Robinson’s fame.

Developing: Attorneys will hold a 2 p.m. news conference in L.A. to announce a lawsuit against Motown legend Smokey Robinson and his wife, alleging serious misconduct. More soon. @knxnews pic.twitter.com/8CMplVvyYU

— Nataly Tavidian (@NatalyTavidian) May 6, 2025

According to the lawsuit:

• One housekeeper alleges Robinson sexually assaulted her at least seven times between March 2023 and her forced resignation in February 2024, summoning her to his Chatsworth home alone, wearing only underwear, and ignoring her protests.

• A second plaintiff says she was assaulted nearly two dozen times from 2016 to 2020

• A third claims she endured harassment, assault and rape “during most of her entire employment” from 2012 until 2024.

• The fourth alleges Robinson assaulted her in 2007 at his Las Vegas residence shortly after she was hired in 2006, with the abuse continuing until her resignation in April 2024.

The complaint names Frances Robinson as a defendant for “failing to take the appropriate corrective action to prevent [Smokey’s] deviant misconduct” despite being aware of prior settlements with other alleged victims.

In addition to general and punitive damages, the plaintiffs seek injunctive relief and unspecified labor penalties. Robinson’s representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment. No criminal charges have been filed.

Robinson, 84, rose to fame as frontman of The Miracles, penning hits such as “Shop Around,” “I Second That Emotion” and “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” before scoring solo successes with “Cruisin’” and “Being with You.” He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and continues to perform occasionally.

No Bars, No Flute, Just André: 3000 Unveils '7 Piano Sketches'

The cover of André 3000’s new album “7 Piano Sketches” depicts the Outkast co‑founder with a stripped‑down grand piano strapped to his back, a visual nod to the release’s sparse, lo‑fi improvisations.

There’s no flute this time. No bars, no features, no rollouts. Just André 3000, alone with a piano, playing in rooms with nothing but beds, TV screens — and feelings.

On Monday, André 3000 attended the Met Gala in New York, donning a Burberry jumpsuit and red hat, with a lightweight replica Steinway Model S baby grand piano strapped to his back. Later that day, while fashion fans were still basking in the afterglow of the gala, the Outkast co‑founder quietly released “7 Piano Sketches,” a seven‑track follow‑up to 2023’s “New Blue Sun.”

“These piano sketches are improvisations,” the eclectic artist wrote on Instagram. “To conjure them up, I spread my fingers out on the keys and randomly but with purpose move them around until I find something that feels good or interesting… I cannot name which notes, keys or chords that I’m playing. I simply like the sound and mechanics of piano playing.”

Originally titled “The Best Worst Rap Album in History,” the project contains no lyrics—and that’s the point. “It’s jokingly the worst rap album in history because there are no lyrics on it at all. It’s the best because it’s the free‑est emotionally and best I’ve felt personally. It’s like a palette cleanser for me,” he wrote in his liner notes.

Most of these sketches were recorded in Texas nearly a decade ago, when André 3000 and his son were living in a sparsely furnished house — only beds, a piano and TV screens — sharing snippets privately with friends and family. One studio‑quality track, “Blueberries,” stands out for its fidelity, but the rest are honest, lo‑fi improvisations.

He cites Thelonious Monk, Philip Glass and Joni Mitchell as key inspirations — a list as idiosyncratic and unbothered by boundaries as the artist himself.

For longtime fans who’ve waited decades for a traditional solo album, “7 Piano Sketches” may feel like another detour. But for those listening closely, it’s exactly what André 3000 has always been: open, emotional, strange and beautiful.

Chuck D Accepts Reverb Award at Stax in Tribute to Music’s Power and Purpose

Chuck D receives the inaugural Reverb Award from the Soulsville Foundation at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis on Friday. At left is songwriter David Porter. (Photo: Claire James)

Rap pioneer Chuck D received the first-ever "Reverb Award" from the Soulsville Foundation during a powerful ceremony at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music on Friday — a moment that bridged generations of Black musical resistance, from protest soul to politically conscious rap.

The honor, part of the Foundation’s new Power of Music Honors series, celebrates artists who wield music as a tool for activism, education and real-world change. And few embody that ethos more than Chuck D, the commanding voice behind Public Enemy, whose “Fight the Power” remains a battle cry more than three decades after it was released.

“I grew up on my mom’s Stax records and to this day am still in total and complete awe of the talent, the genius, and the legacy that came out of the soul of Memphis,” Chuck D said at the ceremony. “I am humbled beyond any words to receive this honor and I share it with everyone who came before me, stands alongside me now, and will follow us all in the future.”

Presented by songwriter and soul icon David Porter — co-author of “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’” — the award recognized Chuck D not just for his music, but for his decades-long role as a cultural commentator, activist and music historian.

“Chuck D has utilized his platform to transcend the sequestered space of musicians as entertainment,” said Soulsville Foundation CEO Pat Mitchell Worley. “His activism and role as a music historian have fueled the knowledge and self-determination of a generation and exemplify the Power of Music Honors.”

The setting made the moment even more profound. Stax Records was never just a hit machine — it was a community anchor that created jobs, mentored local talent, and nurtured revolutionary Black artistry. During the 1960s and ’70s, it launched the careers of Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. & the M.G.’s and The Staple Singers, and helped define the sound of Southern soul and the pulse of Black America.

That legacy continues through the Soulsville Foundation and the Stax Music Academy, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary. At the ceremony, soul singer Talibah Safiya and current Academy students delivered stirring renditions of “Respect Yourself” and Johnnie Taylor’s “I Am Somebody,” affirming the next generation’s connection to the music’s mission.

The Power of Music Honors will be presented annually to individuals and organizations who use music to open doors, build community, and spark cultural movements. The Reverb Award — named for the echo of impact — is the highest distinction, and Chuck D’s selection as its first recipient reflects a full-circle moment: the rebel spirit of soul finding its mirror in the fire of hip-hop.

The award also shines a spotlight on Soulsville’s ongoing work, including Music Employs, an initiative that connects young artists with training, mentors, and real-world pathways into creative industries. It’s all part of a broader mission to ensure that the power of Memphis music isn’t just remembered — it’s reimagined for the future.

Floyd Mayweather Sues Business Insider for $100M Over Real Estate Story

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is stepping back into the ring — this time, the courtroom. The undefeated boxing legend filed a $100 million defamation lawsuit Wednesday against Business Insider, its parent company Insider Inc., and journalist Daniel Geiger, accusing them of knowingly publishing false claims about his real estate dealings in a story he says was laced with racial bias and malicious intent.

Filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, the suit claims that Business Insider ignored direct documentary evidence, dismissed multiple offers to view verified records, and proceeded to publish a story headlined: "Floyd Mayweather Jr. bragged about a $400 million property deal. There's just one problem."

Mayweather's legal team says there was no problem. In the complaint, they assert that the article misrepresented his business acumen, omitted key facts, and relied on anonymous sources to cast doubt on his ownership claims. The lawsuit also accuses Geiger of an aggressive pattern of harassment — including hundreds of phone calls to Mayweather’s friends, family, and associates, many placed late at night — and alleges he made racially charged comments suggesting the boxer was unqualified to own such properties.

"Floyd Mayweather earned his legacy through discipline and hard work, both in and out of the ring," said attorney Bobby Samini of Samini Block APC. "This lawsuit isn't just about setting the record straight — it's about holding the press accountable when they cross the line from journalism into calculated character assassination."

The complaint seeks $100 million in damages, a public retraction, and injunctive relief, citing defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and prima facie tort. The full complaint can be viewed here.

USC Awards Presidential Medallion to Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine for Innovation in Education

Jimmy Iovine, left, and Andre “Dr. Dre” Young, right, celebrate with a graduate of the USC Iovine and Young Academy during commencement ceremonies in Los Angeles. (Photo: USC Iovine and Young Academy)

Andre “Dr. Dre” Young and fellow music industry titan Jimmy Iovine were awarded the University of Southern California’s highest honor — the Presidential Medallion — during this month’s Academic Honors Convocation, recognizing a decade of educational innovation and cultural impact through the USC Iovine and Young Academy.

The two co-founders, whose names now anchor USC’s 21st school, joined USC Dean of Religious Life Varun Soni and philanthropists Leslie and William McMorrow as the latest recipients of the medallion, which is given to individuals who bring "significant honor and distinction" to the university.

 

The announcement was made by USC President Carol Folt during April’s Academic Honors Convocation. “They’ve brought immeasurable value and innovation to the learning experience for our students,” she said. “It would be a privilege to honor everything they’ve done to usher in a new era of education.”

For Dre and Iovine, the moment represents a full-circle evolution from shaping the sound of a generation to reshaping the future of learning. In 2013, the duo donated $70 million to create the USC Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy, an interdisciplinary program blending design, technology and business. The Academy has since expanded with affiliated high schools in Los Angeles and Atlanta.

“Education was siloed,” Iovine said during the ceremony. “So we said, ‘What if we create a school where people collaborate and learn to innovate together?’”

Dr. Dre, the Compton-raised hip-hop pioneer and co-founder of N.W.A., first teamed with Iovine while launching his landmark solo debut "The Chronic" under Iovine’s Interscope Records. That partnership later grew into Beats Electronics and Beats Music, companies that helped redefine consumer audio and streaming before being acquired by Apple in 2014.

Dr. Dre’s production resume includes shaping the careers of Eminem, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar and Anderson .Paak. He also co-produced HBO’s Emmy-nominated docuseries "The Defiant Ones."

Meanwhile, Iovine’s legacy spans decades in music and media — from engineering records for John Lennon and Bruce Springsteen to executive producing some of hip-hop’s biggest crossovers. “I think we created something really special,” Iovine told the audience. “And thank you, Dr. Dre — you’re the greatest partner and friend that ever lived.”

From ‘The Twist’ to ‘Hey Ya!’: Rock Hall’s 2025 Class Bridges Generations

Outkast’s André 3000 and Big Boi, leaders of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 2025 induction class, redefined hip-hop with a style all their own. (Photo via Rock Hall)

"What's cooler than being cool?" For Outkast, the answer might just be the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The genre-bending Atlanta duo — alongside fellow hip-hop trailblazers Salt-N-Pepa and dance-floor icon Chubby Checker — lead the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. The eclectic roster, unveiled live during American Idol on Sunday night, bridges the old school and new school with legends who rewrote the rules of sound, culture and swagger.

The Rock Hall’s chairman John Sykes said this year’s class "created their own sound and attitude that changed the course of rock and roll forever," giving "a voice to generations."

For hip-hop fans, Outkast’s enshrinement feels long overdue. From the slow-boil southern funk of Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik to the genre-bending masterpiece Stankonia and the pop brilliance of Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, André and Big Boi blew open the definition of rap, crafting albums that felt like entire worlds. Hits like “Ms. Jackson,” “Hey Ya!” and “Rosa Parks” didn’t just dominate the charts, they rewrote the rules.

Their induction underscores the Rock Hall’s slowly widening lens on hip-hop as a revolutionary musical force, not just a genre, but a movement with staying power equal to rock’s earliest legends.

Salt-N-Pepa will receive the Musical Influence Award, cementing their legacy as rap’s original bad girls — bold, sexy, self-possessed — who opened the gates for generations of women in hip-hop and pop. Long before “WAP” shook the mainstream, Cheryl James and Sandra Denton crashed it with tracks like “Push It,” “Shoop,” and “Let’s Talk About Sex,” making them household names without sacrificing their edge.

And for the oldest heads in the room, Chubby Checker’s induction feels like a homecoming decades overdue. His 1960 hit “The Twist” didn't just launch a dance craze — it transformed R&B’s relationship with youth culture forever, making dancefloor rebellion mainstream long before the Beatles or Stones caught fire.

Other honorees this year include Seattle grunge architects Soundgarden, pop trailblazer Cyndi Lauper, blues powerhouse Joe Cocker, and British rock staples Bad Company. In the Musical Excellence category, legendary Philadelphia producer Thom Bell (known for work with The Delfonics and The Stylistics), session keyboardist Nicky Hopkins, and bass pioneer Carol Kaye will be recognized, while Warner Bros. executive Lenny Waronker earns the Ahmet Ertegun Award for his behind-the-scenes influence.

The induction ceremony is set for Nov. 8 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, streaming live on Disney+ and airing later on ABC. Tickets and further ceremony details are expected later this summer.