Watch: Diddy Unveils Trailer for 'Off The Grid' Film: An R&B Love Story Linked to Latest Album

Diddy has unveiled the official trailer for his forthcoming film, "Off the Grid," inspired by and soundtracked by his latest album, which offers a glimpse into a whirlwind R&B love story, with the central theme of escaping the complexities of life in favor of romantic seclusion, devoid of modern-day distractions.

In the lead role, rising talent Eva Apio, an Ugandan actress and supermodel, makes her acting debut in this significant project. Her selection came after a three-month casting process.

"Working with Eva was an incredible experience; her talent and energy brought my vision to life," said Diddy of the decision to cast Apio, in a statement announcing the trailer which is closely related to his album, "The Love Album: Off the Grid," and provides a visual and emotional extension of the project.

"Off the Grid" marks a pivotal moment in Diddy's career, representing his debut as a director and screenwriter. The film also marks his eighth acting role in a movie.

In 2021, Diddy founded Love Records, an all-R&B label dedicated to creating timeless R&B music in collaboration with the next generation of artists, producers, and songwriters. The label's first artist, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Jozzy, released her album "Songs for Women, Free Game for Nxxxas" in February 2023, setting a high standard for the label.

"The Love Album: Off the Grid," was released in September 2023, receiving critical acclaim. The album features prominent artists such as Justin Bieber, Abel Tesfaye (formerly known as The Weeknd), Mary J. Blige, Summer Walker, H.E.R., Jazmine Sullivan, and more. "The Love Album" secured a place in the top 10 of Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, debuting at No. 19 on the Billboard 200 and reaching No. 2 on the Top R&B Albums chart.

The official release date for "Off the Grid" is yet to be announced. Watch the trailer below:

From Yeezy to 'Yikes': Inside Kanye West's Adidas Fiasco and Partnership Termination

Kanye West (right) with Adidas CMO Eric Liedtke

Kanye West's tumultuous partnership with Adidas, which ended in October 2022, was marked by a series of shocking revelations and controversial behavior, according to an extensive investigation by The New York Times. The artist, who now goes by Ye, left a trail of problematic conduct, but Adidas continued to support him due to the immense profits his Yeezy shoe designs generated.

The Times investigation revealed startling incidents that shed light on West's behavior. During an early meeting with Adidas designers in 2013, he shocked the room by rejecting design ideas and drawing a swastika on a shoe, a move that appalled the Germans present. Adding to the disquiet, the meeting took place near Nuremberg, known for Nazi war crime trials.

West's obsession with the Nazi era extended further when he advised a Jewish manager at Adidas to kiss a portrait of Adolf Hitler daily. He even praised Hitler's use of propaganda. The artist's erratic behavior included bringing pornography to meetings and making inappropriate sexual remarks. In one instance, he compelled Adidas executives to watch porn during a meeting in his Manhattan apartment.

The investigation also revealed West's frequent emotional outbursts, crying, and anger during meetings, often creating a tense atmosphere. In 2019, he moved his shoe design operations to Cody, Wyoming, and insisted that the Adidas team relocate. During a meeting with executives, he threw shoes around the room in frustration.

Adidas was willing to tolerate West's behavior, given the success of the Yeezy brand, which was integral to the company's competition with Nike. Yeezy sales exceeded $1 billion annually, capturing the attention of young American consumers.

Adidas managers established a "Yzy hotline" text group to discuss West's conduct and rotated managers to manage him more effectively. Over time, Adidas improved the terms of West's contract, offering him more favorable royalty percentages, upfront payments, and funds for marketing. But as public awareness of his problematic remarks and actions grew, Adidas decided to terminate the partnership.

This decision led to the company's first annual loss in decades, while West's net worth plummeted. Adidas was left with the challenge of handling the remaining $1.3 billion in Yeezy products. It eventually decided to sell the products in batches, directing some proceeds to charity and retaining most profits.

Adidas stated it "has no tolerance for hate speech and offensive behavior," justifying its termination of the Adidas Yeezy partnership, while West declined interview requests and did not provide a comment.

The Times investigation drew from access to previously undisclosed internal records, offering a comprehensive view of the troubled partnership.

B-Rock and The Bizz Rapper Paul Costict Passes Away at 57

Courtesy Photo 

Paul Costict, a hip-hop pioneer and member of the '90s rap collective B-Rock and The Bizz, has passed away suddenly at the age of 57, leaving the music community in mourning.

The news of Costict's unexpected demise was confirmed by an unidentified family member who spoke to TMZ. According to reports, he died at his residence in Norfolk, Virginia, on Saturday. As of now, the exact cause of his death remains undisclosed.

Costict rose to prominence as a member of B-Rock and The Bizz, a group known for their 1997 hit single "My Baby Daddy." The song achieved remarkable success, securing a place in the top ten on the Billboard charts and earning gold certification. While the group is often labeled as a one-hit wonder, their musical legacy endures in the hip-hop community.

In 2022, their influence reached a new generation when global superstar Rihanna was seen wearing a t-shirt with the phrase "dat's just my baby daddy" during her pregnancy, paying tribute to B-Rock and The Bizz.

Thaddeus T-Bird Maye, a former bandmate of Costict, paid an emotional tribute to the late musician. "This one really hit home. I got tears in my eyes as I post this. PAUL COSTICT was a very funny and Kool brother. We go way back to Blount High School," said Maye. "He was so funny. Love you, brother. Rest in peace. Please keep me and his family in your PRAYERS."

B-Rock and The Bizz, consisting of Costict, Baron "B-Rock" Agee, Leevirt Agee, and Maye, emerged from Mobile, Alabama, in 1986, making history as the first rap group from the city. Their signature hit, "My Baby Daddy," propelled them into the national spotlight, earning gold certification and securing a place in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100.