Master P Joins UNO as Head of Basketball Operations

Photo Courtesy UNO Athletics 

Hip-hop mogul, entrepreneur, and former pro basketball player Percy "Master P" Miller has been named President of Basketball Operations for the University of New Orleans men’s basketball team, a move that brings both star power and deep local roots to the Privateers program.

Miller, a New Orleans native, is best known for transforming Southern hip-hop with No Limit Records, but his influence extends far beyond music. A former college and professional basketball player with stints in the CBA, NBA preseason, and summer leagues, he has spent the past two decades coaching and mentoring young athletes.

“This is a tremendously exciting day for the future of New Orleans Privateers basketball,” said head coach Stacy Hollowell. “Coach Miller cares deeply about his city, the University of New Orleans, and Privateers basketball. We will benefit from his basketball knowledge and his relationships with people within the city and the game.”

Miller’s impact in basketball stretches back to his days coaching elite AAU squads, where he helped develop future NBA players like DeMar DeRozan, Brandon Jennings, Lance Stephenson, and Jalen Suggs. Now, he aims to bring that same passion for player development and community leadership to UNO.

“As a kid growing up in New Orleans, I can honestly say that basketball changed and saved my life,” Miller said. “At that time, UNO was one of the best programs in the country. It was all about Privateer Nation, and there was so much excitement on the Lakefront. I’m committed to bringing that winning tradition back.”

Miller’s appointment isn’t just about on-court success — he sees it as a mission to develop young athletes into future leaders.

“This is bigger than the game — it’s about educating and creating future leaders at the same time. I’m here to make sure these young student-athletes have the opportunities, resources, and mentorship to succeed on and off the court. UNO is our culture, our community, our city, our team, and our family. It’s time to bring the love and passion back to New Orleans basketball.”

Miller’s basketball journey began at NORD parks before he attended Booker T. Washington and Warren Easton high schools. He played collegiately at the University of Houston and Merritt College in Oakland, later earning a business degree. His professional experience includes time with the Fort Wayne Fury, San Diego Stingrays, and Las Vegas Rattlers in the CBA, as well as preseason and summer league runs with the Charlotte Hornets, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, and Sacramento Kings.

Despite his success in music and business, coaching and mentorship have remained central to Miller’s purpose. As the founder of the Team Hope Foundation, he has dedicated himself to community outreach, youth programs, and providing resources to underserved families.

Miller, who holds honorary doctorates from Lincoln University and Grambling State University, has received keys to multiple cities, including New Orleans, Memphis, Houston, and Charlotte. His latest role at UNO reinforces his commitment to uplifting his hometown.

Announcing the news on social media, Miller tweeted: “Today is the start of a new journey as the President of Basketball at the University of New Orleans. #GodIsGood”

Judge Rules Jay-Z’s Defamation Suit Against Lawyer Tony Buzbee Can Proceed

The legal battle between Jay-Z and Houston attorney Tony Buzbee has escalated, as a California judge ruled that the rapper’s defamation lawsuit against Buzbee has enough merit to proceed to trial. The ruling follows a now-dismissed sexual assault lawsuit in which Jay-Z was accused alongside Sean "Diddy" Combs.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Mark H. Epstein determined that Buzbee’s public statements, including social media posts, could be considered defamatory and raised "serious questions" about whether he acted with actual malice — an essential standard in defamation cases involving public figures. The decision represents a significant legal turn in the high-profile case that has entangled some of the biggest names in the music industry.

Buzbee initially filed a lawsuit on behalf of an anonymous woman who claimed she was raped at a 2000 MTV Video Music Awards afterparty. While the original filing did not name Jay-Z, a subsequent amended complaint, submitted in December, identified him directly. The lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice earlier this month, barring it from being refiled. However, Jay-Z has argued that Buzbee’s handling of the case inflicted severe reputational harm.

According to the court, one of the key points of contention is Buzbee’s social media activity. Judge Epstein specifically cited Buzbee’s decision to "like" a post on X (formerly Twitter) that identified Jay-Z as the unnamed defendant in the case, prior to him being formally named. "It’s hard to say that when somebody states, ‘Doe is Carter,’ and your client likes it, it’s not reasonable to infer that your client has affirmed they’re right," Epstein said. He ruled that this, along with Buzbee’s direct statements, constituted grounds for a defamation claim.

The judge also allowed claims to proceed against Buzbee for publicly referring to the plaintiff as a "sexual assault survivor," despite the lack of evidence supporting her allegations, and for remarks made during interviews with outlets such as TMZ and Piers Morgan. In a televised interview, Buzbee suggested his case against Jay-Z was part of a broader legal strategy, stating, "It may not be big names at first, but we have a long list of names." He also told TMZ that his client might take Jay-Z’s advice and "file a criminal complaint" against him, further fueling speculation.

Jay Z release this statement through Roc Nation after the dismissal of the  sexual assault lawsuit filed against him by Houston lawyer Tony Buzbee.

Judge Epstein has not yet ruled on Jay-Z’s extortion claim but left open the possibility of reconsidering it if new evidence is presented. He advised Jay-Z’s legal team to submit additional documentation that might substantiate their argument that Buzbee made settlement demands without his clients’ consent or intention to sue.

The ruling marks a rare legal setback for Buzbee, a high-profile Texas attorney known for taking on powerful figures. His legal battles against Combs have included multiple lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct. However, the dismissal of the Jane Doe case against Jay-Z has now raised questions about his handling of such claims.

Jay-Z also addressed the personal toll of the allegations in his filing, stating that it was "incredibly painful" to explain the situation to his children, particularly his eldest daughter, whose friends could see the headlines and ask questions. "I mourn this loss of innocence for my children, including one who is around the age that the female minor claims to have been when she falsely claims that these heinous acts happened," he wrote.

BigXthaPlug Arrested for Misdemeanor Drug Charge After Traffic Stop

Arlington Police Department

Dallas rapper BigXthaPlug, a rising star in hip-hop, was arrested early Wednesday on a misdemeanor marijuana charge after police pulled him over for expired registration, authorities said.

BigXthaPlug, whose real name is Xavier Landum, was driving on North Collins Street just after midnight when an Arlington, Texas, police officer stopped his vehicle. As the officer approached, they reported smelling marijuana coming from the car.

According to police, Landum and his passenger, 22-year-old Cleodist Landum, were ordered to step out of the vehicle. A search of the car uncovered cigarettes, a green leafy substance in the center console, and a handgun in the passenger-side door pocket.

Passenger Had Outstanding Felony Warrant

Further investigation revealed Cleodist Landum had an active felony warrant out of Bexar County for failing to appear in court. He was taken into custody on the warrant, as well as additional charges of possession of marijuana and unlawful carrying of a weapon, after officers found cannabis on him.

Xavier Landum was also arrested and booked into Arlington City Jail on a misdemeanor charge of possession of less than two ounces of marijuana. He was later released.

Wouldn’t Have Faced Arrest in Dallas

The location of the arrest played a significant role in the outcome. While Arlington police arrested Landum, Dallas law enforcement does not detain or issue citations for marijuana possession under four ounces. Had the traffic stop taken place just a few miles away in Dallas, BigXthaPlug likely wouldn’t have been taken into custody.

From Viral Stardom to Legal Troubles

BigXthaPlug has emerged as one of Texas’ most talked-about artists, with his breakout hit "Texas" amassing more than 200 million streams across Spotify and YouTube.

His 2024 album "Take Care" was named one of NPR’s 50 Best Albums of the Year, and he was honored as a XXL Freshman, solidifying his national recognition. His music is a staple at Texas sports venues, with franchises like the Texas Rangers frequently playing his songs during games.

The arrest comes at a critical moment for the Dallas-based rapper, who is set to join Lil Baby’s WHAM World Tour this June. The second stop of the tour is at Dallas’ American Airlines Center, making it a highly anticipated homecoming performance.