Grammy-Nominated Singer Angie Stone Killed in Alabama Car Accident

Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone, a pioneering member of the all-female hip-hop trio The Sequence and known for the hit song "Wish I Didn’t Miss You," died early Saturday in a car crash. She was 63.

Stone was traveling from Alabama to Atlanta when the vehicle she was riding in overturned on Interstate 65 in Montgomery County and was struck by a big rig, according to music producer Walter Millsap III, who confirmed the news to The Associated Press. Stone was the only fatality in the crash.

Rest In Peace, Angie Stone.

A legendary voice of house, soul & disco, gone far too soon.

Her music transcended genres and ALWAYS made people dance.

Our thoughts are with her family & friends. pic.twitter.com/VXuwUr4XEu

— Defected Records (@DefectedRecords) March 1, 2025

The singer had just performed at the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association Grand Marshal’s Ball and was headed to Baltimore, where she was scheduled to perform during the halftime show at the CIAA men’s basketball championship game. Her passing was acknowledged at the event, with CIAA Chaplain Pastor Jerome Barber leading a moment of silence.

CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams-Parker described Stone’s loss as heartbreaking. "She used her incredible talent, passion, and presence to inspire and touch us with strength and hope," she said.

Stone’s longtime representative Deborah R. Champagne confirmed her death to TMZ, adding that she had just spoken to the singer the night before. "This news has devastated her family, friends, and fans," she said.

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone first gained national attention as a member of The Sequence, the first all-female rap group signed to Sugar Hill Records. The group, which included Cheryl "Salt" James and Blondy, released several albums between 1979 and 1985, and their song "Funk You Up" became a major influence in hip-hop, later sampled in Dr. Dre’s "Keep Their Heads Ringin’" and Bruno Mars’ "Uptown Funk."

Stone later transitioned into a successful R&B career, releasing her 1999 debut album "Black Diamond," which went gold. Over the years, she released a string of hits, including "No More Rain (In This Cloud),” which topped Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart for 10 weeks, as well as "Baby" featuring the late Betty Wright and "Brotha."

Her most enduring hit, "Wish I Didn’t Miss You," became a classic, sampling The O’Jays’ "Back Stabbers" and resonating across generations as an anthem of heartbreak.

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.