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10 Feb 2025

R. Kelly Hit With New Lawsuit By Victims Claiming They’re Owed Millions Of Dollars

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R. Kelly Mugshot

Source: Cook County Department of Corrections / Cook County Department of Corrections

While Diddy continues to fight off all kinds of allegations and lawsuits centered around his disturbing predatory ways, the original pied piper of pedophilia, R. Kelly is back in the news as his victims have taken him back to court to get him to pay up for his crimes.

According to TMZ, six of R. Kelly’s victims have filed a lawsuit against the disgraced R&B singer claiming that the Chicago crooner has yet to pay them the millions of dollars they’re owed from a 2023 judgement against Kelly. In he lawsuit obtained by TMZ, the plaintiffs state that R. Kelly has only paid them a small portion of the $10.3 million that they’re owed and are demanding the “I Wish” singer cough up the rest as it’s already been two years since he was ordered to compensate them for his criminal abuse of them.

Per TMZ:

Lizette Martinez, Lisa Van Allen, Kelly Rogers, Faith Rogers, Roderick Gartrell and Gem Pratts claim they’ve received less than $500,000 … and they say Kelly is still on the hook for more than $9.9 million.

As you know, Kelly’s victims came forward in the Lifetime docuseries, “Surviving R. Kelly” … and they’re going after the disgraced singer and his former record label, Universal Music, for the money after claiming he shut down a screening of the doc in 2018.

TMZ broke the story … the judgment was leveled against Kelly in August 2023, but he pushed back and claimed he didn’t even know about the case and shouldn’t be held accountable.

R. Kelly is currently serving a 30-year prison sentence for his crimes against humanity and while most of the world is already familiar with the disturbing stories surrounding Kelly’s predatory ways, his lawyer feels that the man shouldn’t be on the hook for the $10.3 million that the victims are seeking.

R. Kelly’s current lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, tells TMZ … “This outrageous default judgment was entered contrary to court rules, legal precedent, and basic principles of fairness. A New York court conducted a hearing in Mr. Kelly’s absence and without his knowledge while he was incarcerated in Chicago, awarding a staggering $10,000,000 to plaintiffs for conduct committed by someone else.”
She adds, “A pattern has emerged from courts across the country deciding that Mr. Kelly is not entitled to the same Due Process rights as everyone else. It’s getting old. No court would have been that cavalier with the money of a white man. Our appeal is pending on this issue.”
Looks like Kelly’s going to fight this one tooth and nail as his finances continue to disappear while he’s behind bars.What do y’all think about R. Kelly’s latest legal issue? Let us know in the comments section below.

10 Feb 2025

Photos From the Star-Studded 2025 Super Bowl Parties & Events

The Philadelphia Eagles had a lot to celebrate after notching the championship at Super Bowl LIX on Sunday night (Feb. 9), beating the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome.

However, the party in the Big Easy started days before the game, with some of today’s biggest stars attending and performing at parties and events throughout the city. To kick things off, FanDuel’s Super Bowl Party Powered by Spotify on Feb. 7 featured performances by DJ Pee.wee (a.k.a. Anderson .Paak), Megan Thee Stallion and Blink-182. A-list attendees included Kourtney Kardashian, Gabrielle Union, Saweetie, Offset, Karrueche Tran, Jessica Alba, Teyana Taylor, Rob Gronkowski, Brianna Chickenfry, Flavor Flav and many more.

The next evening, on Feb. 8, Sports Illustrated hosted their annual SI The Party at Mardi Gras World featured performances by Diplo and Dom Dolla and was attended by stars like Louis Tomlinson, gymnast Aly Raisman, Tucker Wetmore and more.

Meanwhile, Michael Rubin’s Fanatics Super Bowl Party took place at The Sugar Mill and was headlined by performers Post Malone, Travis Scott, Latto and Ciara. Attendees included Angel Reese, Gayle King, Martha Stewart, Coi Leray, Russell Wilson, Alix Earle, Tinashe, Pete Davidson, Kevin Costner, GloRilla ad more.

More star-studded Super Bowl parties included Shaq’s Fun House, the GQ Bowl, and FRI&NDS Super Bowl Party, among others.

See below for some of the best photos from this year’s Super Bowl parties.

10 Feb 2025

Sweet Relief Honors Joan Baez at Star-Studded Benefit Show

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund celebrated the legacy of legendary folk singer Joan Baez on Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Masonic Auditorium in San Francisco.

Performers included Emmylou Harris, Rosanne Cash, Margo Price, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Morello, Joe Henry, Lucinda Williams, Taj Mahal and Baez herself. There were also appearances by Jackson Browne and the Glide Ensemble. Actress Monica Barbaro, who received an Oscar nomination for playing Baez in the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, was in attendance, as were Linda Ronstadt and local counterculture icon Wavy Gravy.

Aric Steinberg, executive director at Sweet Relief Musicians Fund said, “We’re thrilled to celebrate 30 years of Sweet Relief while honoring the great Joan Baez and her amazing career. Joan has supported our charity for many years, and it was a privilege to honor her alongside so many incredible artists.”

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Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides services and financial assistance for career musicians and music industry professionals. Grants are earmarked for medical and vital living expenses, including insurance premiums, prescriptions, medical treatment and operative procedures, housing costs, food costs, utilities, and other basic necessities.

100% of all donations to Sweet Relief for California fire relief are being distributed to victims. Sweet Relief is covering all fees.

Baez landed her first top 10 album on the Billboard 200 (Joan Baez in Concert) in November 1962, nearly three years before Dylan achieved that milestone with Bringing It All Back Home. Baez also appeared on the cover of TIME in November 1962. She received a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in 2007 and a Kennedy Center Honor in .

10 Feb 2025

Who Should Perform at the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show? Vote!

Kendrick Lamar took over Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., on Sunday night (Feb. 9) for the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show,

After SZA’s ethereal appearance during Lamar’s set, it could make sense for K.Dot to pass the baton to his upcoming tour mate and frequent collaborator. She’d have plenty of songs to choose from, as her 2017 album Ctrl peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and spawned standout tracks like “Love Galore,” “The Weeknd,” and “Broken Clocks,” while her Billboard 200 chart-topper SOS featured hits like “Kill Bill,” “Snooze,” “Good Days,” “I Hate U” and more.

Within R&B/hip-hop, a few more stars who come to mind for future Super Bowl headliners include Lil Wayne, who wanted to perform in his hometown of New Orleans, and Nicki Minaj, who dropped the long-awaited Pink Friday 2 in 2023 and expressed plans for the third installment of the Pink Friday series in September. Jay-Z is also likely to take the halftime slot, as he and his company Roc Nation have signed on since 2019 to help the NFL pick out talent to perform during the prestigious game. “I thought it would be selfish to pick myself too early,” he previously said of performing during a red carpet appearance for the premiere of The Book of Clarence. “Maybe one year.”

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Over in the pop world, Taylor Swift could take over for her Kansas City Chiefs boyfriend Travis Kelce and have her time in the Super Bowl spotlight, or Justin Bieber could take the stage, as he’s been teasing a return to music in recent months. BTS is also scheduled for a much-anticipated reunion after the group members complete their South Korean military service in mid-2025, so why not celebrate with a major Halftime Show takeover?

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Country has had a major year, and Post Malone could be a fun headliner following the release of his country-tinged F-1 Trillion project. Or perhaps his “I Had Some Help” collaborator Morgan Wallen should take center stage. There’s also a chance that the Super Bowl Halftime Show goes back to spotlighting rock acts, with Metallica and Linkin Park’s new lineup as great contenders.

Who do you think should do the honors and headline the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show? Let us know by voting here or below.


10 Feb 2025

Yup, Kendrick Lamar Did Drop A PlayStation Easter Egg During His Super Bowl LIX Halftime Performance

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Kendrick Lamar Did Include A PlayStation Easter Egg

Source: Patrick Smith / Getty / Kendrick Lamar / PlayStation

Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance had more easter eggs than a Marvel Studios film. One in particular caught the attention of gamers who were tuned in.

You were absolutely correct if you thought Kendrick Lamar’s performance had a video gamey-feel. Super Bowl LIX halftime show art director Shelley Rodgers confirmed to Wired that Lamar uses PlayStation imagery, mainly the icons on the PlayStation controller.

In the interview, Rodgers revealed that K.Dot devised the video game-themed performance, adding that “each performance space was shaped like a button on a PlayStation-style controller, a performance intended to portray Lamar’s life as a video game.”

No one knows why Lamar chose PlayStation or decided to go that route while he bullied Drake again, but the art director did have some suggestions.

“I think the was symbolic, his way to reach young people,” Rodgers told Wired. “A lot of it is showing his journey, [showing him] traveling through the American dream.”

Creative Director Mike Carson added more insight, adding that Lamar and his production company, pgLang, are “really into keeping things clean and minimal.”

“We went with a monochromatic concrete look and allowed the video game motif to come alive through dialogue, lighting, choreography, and music.”

There is no word on whether PlayStation knew about Lamar’s vision, but if they did, do you think Drake would also be BIG MAD at the video company for being involved, or nah?

Fans Loved The PlayStation Inclusion

Fans also had plenty to say about the moment. “Kendrick Lamar brought out the PlayStation symbols and said,’ Game Over,’” one user on X, formerly Twitter, wrote following the performance. 

Another user added, “Serena Williams, Samuel Jackson, PlayStation references, the GNX, the whole stadium yelling “AMINORR” ugh the dancers in red, white & blue, SZA?! Thank you Kendrick. The revolution will be televised.”

Kendrick Lamar did that! Debate your auntie.

You can see more reactions in the gallery below.

4. Still need an answer

6. So cool

10 Feb 2025

Horst Weidenmueller, Founder of Indie Electronic Label !K7, Dies at 60

Horst Weidenmueller, the founder of label and music company !K7, has died at age 60.

A statement from !K7 provided to Billboard says his death followed “a serious illness” but did not elaborate on the specifics.

Born in the Black Forest region of Germany, Weidenmueller moved to Berlin and founded !K7 in 1985, when he was 21 years old. !K7 began as a music-video production company, later launching the DJ-Kicks mix series that would go on to become an influential and globally known platform for a wide range of DJs and producers.

!K7 began releasing artist albums in 1996, putting forth music from across the wide electronic spectrum. The company now has offices in Berlin, London and New York, with its label group including the in-house labels !K7, AUS, 7K!, Soul Bank and Strut Records.

In 2024, Weidenmueller was recognized with the prestigious IMPALA Outstanding Contribution Award for his influential work in the European independent music sector, an award that coincided with the 40th anniversary of !K7 Music.

The award acknowledged Weidenmüller’s advocacy for sustainability and inclusion in the music industry. As a long-time IMPALA board member and the founder of its Sustainability Task Force, he spearheaded the development of a bespoke carbon calculator for labels, in partnership with Julie’s Bicycle, Merlin and Murmur. He also helped establish IMPALA’s Business Case for Sustainability, emphasizing the financial benefits of environmentally conscious practices.

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The statement from !K7 continues that “beyond his role at !K7, Horst was a passionate advocate for the independent music community. As a long-standing board member of Merlin and IMPALA Independent Music Companies Association, he played a vital role in strengthening and championing the independent sector on a global scale. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the industry and will not be forgotten.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone whose lives he touched. We will honour his memory by carrying forward the work and values he instilled in us. !K7 remains committed to continuing his vision with the same passion and integrity that he embodied.”

The company’s statement adds, “We kindly ask to respect his family’s privacy at this time.”

10 Feb 2025

A$AP Rocky Urges A$AP Twelvyy to Not Tell Courtroom What ‘AWGE’ Means: Watch

Do you know what the initials “AWGE” stand for? Don’t feel too bad because only a few people know the answer to that, and apparently it’s a big secret.

AWGE is the name of A$AP Rocky‘s creative agency and record label, and the meaning of what the letters stand for has never been made clear. On the company’s website’s About page, there are two rules: “#1 Never reveal what AWGE means. #2 When in doubt always refer to rule #1.” And it looks like Rocky’s friend and collaborator A$AP Twelvyy doesn’t know what those letters mean either.

Twelvyy was called to the stand recently during A$AP Rocky’s shooting trial and was asked by the prosecution what the letters meant, to which Rocky can be heard telling his friend: “Don’t say it.” Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney John Lewin then asks again, with the Bronx rapper answering, “I just know it’s AWGE.” They also ask if he heard Rocky telling him not to say the meaning, but he denies that he did. “I heard something,” Twelvyy answers. “I’m not too sure what I heard, I was listening to you.”

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Rocky is on trial in Los Angeles for allegedly trying to shoot his friend A$AP Relli on Nov. 6, 2021. Twelvyy has testified that the Harlem rapper walks around with a prop gun and that Relli was the aggressor on the day of the alleged altercation. “Relli’s kind of a big dude. He’s kind of, like, grabbing him and shaking him, so at this point Rocky tries to, like, I guess grab him too, but grab so he can maintain his balance because Relli is kind of trying to lift him up by his hoodie,” Twelvvy testified.

Rocky’s lawyer Joe Tacopina played surveillance footage of the altercation and asked Twelvyy about an object in Rocky’s hand. “In that small clip there, do you see Rocky holding an object that looks like a firearm?” Tacopina asked. “Yes,” Twelvvy answered. “And what was that, in fact?” Tacopina then asked. “That was his prop,” he answered. He also testified that Relli told Rocky to “shoot that fake-a– gun,” according to legal reporter Meghann Cuniff.

Rocky declined a plea deal last month and decided to take the case to trial. His girlfriend and mother to his two children Rihanna has been showing support by attending court dates.

You can watch A$AP Twelvyy’s full testimony below.

10 Feb 2025

FBI Warns Android & IPhone Smartphone Users To Delete Text Messages Containing Road Toll Scam

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FBI Warning iPhone & Android Users Road Tolls Text Scam

Source: Kenstocker / Getty / FBI

Does anyone else feel phone scams have been out of control since Donald Trump got back into office? Anyway, the FBI, or what’s left of them, is now warning iPhone and Android users about a scam that could make your life hell if you fall for it.

The FBI warned about a scam involving text messages demanding recipients pay unpaid road tolls. According to Forbes, anyone who receives such messages should delete them immediately.

“Scammers are pretending to be tolling agencies from coast to coast and sending texts demanding money,” the FTC said, as reported by Forbes. “Not only is the scammer trying to steal your money, but if you click the link, they could get your personal info (like your driver’s license number) — and even steal your identity.”

The devious texts contain a dollar amount and a link to pay the fake fine, which comes from an unknown individual pretending to be a local agency.

How Long Has This Been Going On?

According to Forbes, people from Massachusetts, California, North and South Carolina, Illinois, Colorado, Florida, and several other states have claimed they received the texts in January. The FBI claims reports about the scam started surfacing around March 2024, and thousands of people have since “reported smishing texts representing road toll collection services.”

Those texts “claim the recipient owes money for unpaid tolls and contain almost identical language.”

“The ‘outstanding toll amount’ is similar… However, the link provided within the text is created to impersonate the state’s toll service name, and phone numbers appear to change between states,” the FBI said.

The city of Great Falls, Montana, recently posted on X, formerly Twitter, to warn residents about the scam.

https://x.com/City_GreatFalls/status/1887648646348611829

We have a feeling things are only going to get worse as Trump continues to gut everything in the name of “government efficiency.”

10 Feb 2025

The Iconic Moments & Missed Opportunities of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show

It’s been a near-year-long road to the Big Game for Kendrick Lamar, whose 2024 crescendoed from March onward, to the point where the rapper — who had long seemed conflicted about the idea of crossover success — ended the year as our editorial staff’s pick for the year’s Greatest Pop Star. He’s picked up right where he left off so far in 2025, not only continuing to dominate the Billboard charts with his various GNX hits and other assorted 2024 leftovers, but also going 5-for-5 at this month’s Grammys, and now playing the biggest gig known to man at Sunday’s (Feb. 9) Super Bowl LIX.

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On this bonus episode of the Greatest Pop Stars podcast, host Andrew Unterberger is joined by Billboard staffers Meghan Mahar and Eric Frankenberg to give our morning-after reactions to the performance — what about it worked for us, what about it felt like a potential missed opportunity, and what it all means for his stardom moving forward. How did we feel about the GNX-heavy setlist? Was the show lacking in big surprises, or in big statements (and was it even fair for anyone to expect more of either)? Was that “Say Drake” smile the all-time moment? And does this performance vault Kendrick into yet another new inner circle of pop stardom — the most exclusive one we have?

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Check it out above and subscribe to the Greatest Pop Stars podcast on Apple Music or Spotify (or wherever you get your podcasts) for weekly discussions every Thursday about all things related to pop stardom!

10 Feb 2025

Kid Rock Storms Off Stage After Crowd Didn’t Clap Enough During Nashville Performance: ‘F— Y’all’

Kid Rock abruptly cut a recent performance short after expressing frustration at the audience’s energy.

The “All Summer Long” singer took the stage at JBJ’s Nashville as a special guest during Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan’s birthday celebration on Saturday (Feb. 8). In a clip of the incident circulating the Internet, Kid Rock begins to sing Creedence Clearwater Revival’s enduring hit, “Proud Mary,” before he interrupted the performance, stopped the music and reprimanded the crowd for not clapping along enough.

“F— them. F— them,” he said of the audience in the video, before adding, “If you ain’t gonna clap, we ain’t gonna sing. That’s how it’s gonna go.”

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The performance continued before Kid Rock quickly got frustrated again. “You know what, f— y’all. You ain’t gonna clap, I’m gone,” he said, before storming off the stage.

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Thankfully, Bryan still enjoyed his birthday party, taking to Instagram to thank everyone for their birthday wishes alongside a video of the packed crowd inside the bar owned by his bandmate, Jon Bon Jovi.

While Kid Rock wasn’t satisfied with Saturday’s performance, he’s set to hit the road this spring for the second iteration of his Rock the Country music festival, which he will headline alongside Nickelback, Hank Williams Jr. and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Travis Tritt, Gavin Adcock, Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners, Tracy Lawrence and more are also featured on the show lineup, which will take place across “10 small towns” over 10 weekends throughout the United States. See the full list of dates here.