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Gossip blogger Tasha K has agreed in bankruptcy court to pay Cardi B more than $1 million over the next five years and to not make any “derogatory, disparaging, or defamatory statements” about the superstar.
In court filings Friday (Feb. 21), attorneys for Tasha (Latasha Kebe) offered a plan to resolve her years-long federal bankruptcy case — proceedings made necessary by a $3.9 million judgment for defaming Cardi with outlandish claims of drug use, STDs and prostitution.
The new plan will cover only $1.2 million — less than a third of that fine. But under the terms of the agreement, Tasha will still owe the rest of the damages award even after she finishes the repayment plan: “The Almanzar Claim is non-dischargeable.”
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In the first year of the agreement, known as a “plan of reorganization,” Tasha will pay $44,907 per quarter to her unsecured creditors, the vast majority of which will go to Cardi. By year five, those quarterly payments will escalate to $81,057.
In an unusual feature, the bankruptcy plan also includes a non-disparagement clause, barring Tasha not only from defaming Cardi while the plan is in place but also from even mentioning her or any of her family members.
“The Debtor shall ensure that no content related to Ms. Almánzar and/or her family, whether explicitly or implicitly, will be published or disseminated on any of the Debtor’s social media accounts, websites, blogs, or other online communication channels,” her lawyers wrote.
Attorneys for both sides did not immediately return requests for comment.
The filing is the latest wrangling in Cardi’s long-running efforts to collect on the huge 2022 judgment, which came after a federal jury found that Tasha had made false and defamatory statements about the superstar on YouTube and other platforms.
Cardi has repeatedly vowed to recover that money by any means necessary — saying “imma come for everything” and “b—- better have my money.” Tasha filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023, saying she still owed $3.4 million to Cardi and had less than $60,000 in assets. But the rapper has pursued her, later winning a ruling that Tasha couldn’t use the bankruptcy process to “discharge” the judgment.
In December, Cardi’s attorneys demanded that the bankruptcy case be dismissed entirely, accusing Tasha of orchestrating a “long-running fraudulent scheme to shield debtor’s assets and income from creditors.” They said she had fraudulently transferred and concealed money and had lied to both Cardi and the federal courts.
“It is clear and irrefutable that debtor has admittedly and repeatedly engaged in bad faith conduct to hinder, delay, and defraud Ms. Almánzar from collecting on the amended defamation judgement,” the star’s lawyers wrote. “This court should not allow debtor to further abuse the bankruptcy process.”
A day after Cardi filed her motion to dismiss, the court-appointed trustee — a neutral third party who helps shepherd a bankruptcy case toward a repayment plan — filed her own motion endorsing Cardi’s arguments and urging the judge to dismiss Tasha’s bankruptcy case.
The threat of such an outcome likely forced Tasha’s attorneys to negotiate Friday’s agreement, avoiding the risk that the bankruptcy would be dismissed entirely.
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Is 2025 shaping up to the be the year of denim? First, Kendrick Lamar wins Super LIX with his viral flare jeans, and now, Beyoncé proves that the Canadian tuxedo is the perfect pool hall outfit in Levi’s recent campaign video. The denim brand dropped the second chapter of its global “Reimagine” series entitled “Pool Hall,” featuring the 35-time Grammy Award winner offering a more contemporary visual inspired by the classic 1991 Levi’s ad of the same name.
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Inspired by “the legacy of Levi’s,” the campaign celebrates the brand’s staple denim pieces as told in a “series of chapters” starring Beyoncé. In chapter one, the “Levii’s Jeans” singer opted to showcase a pair of classic 501 jeans and an essential white sports T-shirt in a visual inspired by the 1985 “Laundromat” ad featuring heartthrob Nick Kamen.
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For the latest “Pool Hall” ad, she takes on a full denim-on-denim wardrobe featuring a wide-leg jean paired with a braided vest and a lengthy denim trench coat. In the short visual, Beyoncé puts her pool skills on full display as she faces off against everyone’s favorite small screen cowboy, Timothy Olyphant, star of the Western-drama series Justified.
“Denim-on-denim has often been seen through a male lens, so this reimagining campaign, which celebrates the iconic female perspective, is important to me,” said Beyoncé in a statement. “I look forward to exploring innovative ways for our visions to align in empowering women and honoring their strength.”
The Levi’s campaign couldn’t come at a better time, as Beyoncé is gearing up for her Cowboy Carter Tour. Undoubtedly a Western-themed concert, fans can now shop affordable denim essentials to level up their country fit without breaking the bank.
Shop both looks from Beyoncé’s Levi’s campaign below.
Shop Beyoncé’s Chapter Two “Pool Hall” Outfit:
Levi’s Ribcage Wide Leg Women’s Jeans
Levi’s Braided Vest
Levi’s Spade Trench Coat
Shop Beyoncé’s Chapter One “Laundromat ” Outfit:
Levi’s
Levi’s Essential Sporty T-Shirt
Levi’s
Levi’s 501 Women’s ’90s Jeans
What Beyoncé star in Levi’s “Pool Hall” campaign video below.
LiSA dropped the music video for her collaborative single with Felix of Stray Kids called “ReawakeR.” The single is being featured as the opening theme for the TV anime Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow-. The collab follows LiSA’s feature on the K-pop group’s track “Social Path (feat. LiSA)” released in 2023. “ReawakeR” […]
After an explosive start to the year between the Grammys, Super Bowl, SNL 50 and NBA All-Star Weekend, the worlds of hip-hop and R&B have finally given us some time to catch our breath.
On Saturday evening (Feb. 22), the NAACP hosted the 56th Image Awards, where Emmy-winning host, actress and singer Keke Palmer, was crowned entertainer of the year. In the music categories, Beyoncé took home outstanding female artist and outstanding album for her Billboard 200-topping Cowboy Carter. Chris Brown emerged as the most-awarded recording artist of the night with three victories, including outstanding male artist and outstanding soul/R&B song for “Residuals.” Continuing the overlap between 2025 Grammy winners and this year’s Image Awards triumphs, Doechii took home outstanding new artist and Kendrick Lamar scored two wins for “Not Like Us.” Notably, the Cynthia Erivo-led Wicked soundtrack won outstanding soundtrack/compilation album, while Tamela Mann snagged both gospel/Christian trophies.
As the NAACP led a weekend of celebration, the hip-hop/R&B community also had to hold space for moments of mourning. Impressions singer Jerry Butler passed last Thursday (Feb. 20); The Notorious B.I.G.’s mother, Voletta Wallace, transitioned the following day (Feb. 21); and on Monday (Feb. 24), a spokesperson for soul icon Roberta Flack confirmed the Hot 100-topping, Grammy-winning artist died that morning.
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With Fresh Picks, Billboard aims to highlight some of the best and most interesting new sounds across R&B and hip-hop — from Rico Nasty’s comeback to Nardo Wick and 21 Savage’s latest link-up. Be sure to check out this week’s Fresh Picks in our Spotify playlist below.
Freshest Find: Ayoni, “2”
Built around jazzy piano chords, a pounding bass line and a sultry electric guitar, Ayoni’s latest track is a smoldering warning to those who dare test her gangster. “Simultaneously/ You were seeing her and loving me/ And now you’re here/ Lying at my front door,” she croons at the song’s onset, employing a haunting, almost sinister timbre that amplifies the cinematic nature of the track’s narrative. As the story progresses, Ayoni reserves the chorus for a moment of direct address: “I left the same time as you/ You thought you knew what I’d do/ But two could play too/ I could play you.” The scorned woman trope has gifted us with timeless R&B records going back to the Motown days, and Ayoni has found herself with a worthy addition to that canon. — KYLE DENIS
Jastin Martin, “28 Degrees In Houston”
Rising R&B star and Houston native Jastin Martin is back with her first track of 2025: “28 Degrees In Houston” is a heartfelt expression of longing, vulnerability and emotional dependency, particularly in moments of cold-weather solitude. Her smooth vocals and raw lyricism inject her explorations of relationship-minded emotions — missing someone, needing their presence, and reminiscing about past shared emotions, etc. — with gravity sourced from real-life experiences, ultimately making for a relatable joint that emphasizes the “B” in R&B. — CHRISTOPHER CLAXTON
AzChike, “Whatx2”
Years of grinding have paid off for AzChike, who parlayed his ScHoolboy Q guest appearance and a “Peekaboo” alley-oop from Kendrick Lamar into a recent label deal with Warner Records. Chike continues to build on his momentum with his major label debut single “Whatx2.” The AzCult frontman rides the West Coast bounce in laid-back fashion, and while others are getting hip to the wave, he’s long been a believer in the movement. “She said, ‘You one of them ones,’ I’m like, ‘I’m already knowing,’” he boasts. — MICHAEL SAPONARA
Joy Postell, “Show Me”
Baltimore’s Joy Postell and producer Mighty Mark have a jam on their hands with R&B cut “Show Me.” The song has a ’90s vibe, which goes perfectly with the dating commercial VHS tapes the singer has been posting on her YouTube channel to promote it. First, there’s Vanessa, the Cancer baddie; then there’s Stacy, who’s 100 percent muscle; and finally, there’s Linda, the entrepreneur. If you’re into this song, then you’ll dig “Play Nice (Mighty Mark Remix)” from last year. — ANGEL DIAZ
Durand Bernarr feat. T-Pain, “THAT!”
Back with a new album — and his first full-length project since he earned his very first Grammy nod earlier this month — Durand Bernarr continues his unpredictable, and rewarding, artistic evolution. Featuring collaborations with GAWD and T-Pain, Bloom continues Bernarr’s commitments to exploring the breadth of what progressive R&B can sound and feel like. “That” is a tender duet built around ethereal strings, finger-picked guitar and a distinctly ’00s melody that feels plucked from a Kirk Franklin & the Family arrangement. T-Pain’s trademark Auto-Tune adds some crackling verve to the generally laid-back soundscape, but it’s the way his tone marries with Bernarr’s that makes for a silky-smooth sound whether they’re harmonizing or singing in unison. — K.D.
Busta Rhymes, Akon & Vybz Kartel, “Crazy”
A Busta Rhymes-Akon-Vybz Kartel track was not on my 2025 bingo card! Since The Worl’ Boss made his return to the public, he’s been on a mission to drop the best music possible. Kartel even teased upcoming collaborations with Cardi B, Nicki Minaj and Drake in the near future. When it comes to “Crazy,” the trio goes wild, nearly losing their minds but also celebrating how great life is. The track reflects on freedom and ultimately delivers a bold message — they can’t be stopped. — C.C.
Chxrry22, “Just Like Me”
Chxrry22 is coming through with the female empowerment bops. “Just Like Me” keeps the First Lady of XO’s momentum rolling, following a cameo on The Weeknd’s Hurry Up Tomorrow album. Riding a bass line mixed with the keyboard-laden bounce of Pharrell’s “Frontin,” Chxrry has no issue boosting her man’s ego, but just know she’s one step ahead of the game. Ultimately, the Toronto singer comes around to realizing she likes them “Just Like Me.” The 23-year-old is primed to deliver her anticipated debut album this year. — M.S.
Rico Nasty, “Teethsucker (Yea3x)”
Rico Nasty has always felt a bit ahead of the times, and this could be the moment the mainstream finally syncs up with her. Introducing both her new Fueled by Ramen era and forthcoming Lethal LP — her first project since 2022’s Las Ruinas — “Teethsucker (Yea3x)” is more of the rambunctious rock-rap we’ve come to love from the DMV MC. After expressing her desire to “pop out like a titty,” Rico spits, “Not with the bull, we not bool/ I keep a tool at your medul, just hit the pool/ He got the best f–kin face, I think I’ma use him for a mule,” effortlessly maneuvering a raucous soundscape courtesy of Rayman on the Beat & Imad Royal. — K.D.
J. Cole, “cLOUDs”
“Just wanted to share,” Cole wrote via his Inevitable blog. “Made this a few days ago, then I added a second verse and was like, ‘Man I got a blog now, I can put whatever I want up there.’ I didn’t have a title 20 minutes ago when I decided to really put this up. But now I got one…” Thanks to his blog, we now have “cLOUDs”— a deep, introspective reflection on aging, change and the state of the world, layered with sharp lyricism and intricate wordplay. The song navigates life’s uncertainties, standing firm in values, and resisting the artificial influences of modern society. It’s a powerful mix of self-awareness and social critique, making it a deeply thought-provoking listen. — C.C.
Nardo Wick feat. 21 Savage, “HBK”
Nardo Wick and 21 Savage spar for the first time since colliding on Wick’s “Who Want Smoke?” breakout hit. Savage steals the show on “HBK” with another menacing feature to continue his potent run of guest appearances. The duo channels WWE superstar Shawn Michaels’ Heartbreak Kid persona, while 21 paints the picture of traveling to rival territory to hook up with a woman but knows he’s still gotta watch his back. “She stay by the opps, so when we f–k, I grip my gun,” he raps. Is there a better ad-lib in hip-hop right now than the Atlanta rhymer’s “p—y?” — M.S.
Roberta Flack died on Monday morning (Feb. 24), and the music world came together to mourn the beloved R&B icon. The “Killing Me Softly” singer’s spokesperson announced the news in a press statement, writing, “We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025. She died peacefully surrounded by her […]
Kendrick Lamar and Drake battle it out for No. 1 on the Hot 100. Tetris Kelly:The Drake versus Kendrick feud is back with some debuts and a new No. 1 on the chart. This is the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 for the week dated March 1. Starting at 10 is Drake with “Nokia.” “A […]
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Jaguar Wright was presented with an award at the Mar-a-Lago estate of President Donald Trump, raising numerous eyebrows.
On Tuesday, February 18, Jaguar Wright was honored with a special award from the nonprofit organization America’s Future, Inc. The award was presented by General Michael Flynn in a ceremony held at the Mar-a-Lago estate of President Donald Trump. The foundation announced the “Defender of Freedom” honor via social media.
The caption of the foundation’s post shows Wright standing to the left of Flynn with the award, with the caption reading: “Tonight, Jaguar Wright was honored with the Defender of Freedom award, presented by General Michael Flynn, in recognition of her fearless dedication to truth and justice. As a bold and unapologetic voice in the fight for transparency and accountability, Jaguar continues to shine a light where others fear to tread.”
News of the honor surprised many, given that Wright has been a constant voice of controversial allegations involving famous musicians, which have bordered on conspiracy and haven’t been proven as factual. The musicians she has mentioned in interviews with outlets include Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Meek Mill, and Sean “Diddy” Combs. Wright has also declared herself to be a supporter of Trump, saying that “God wanted Trump” in an interview last summer. She went further in attacking former Vice President Kamala Harris: “Considering on the other side, everybody that was endorsing that candidate is an alleged ‘freak off’ attendee, I don’t see how god was rocking with that.”
Recently, she attacked Jay-Z along with Diddy in an interview with Piers Morgan, calling them “monsters.” Morgan would disavow the R&B singer’s comments after receiving a “desist” letter from Jay-Z and Beyoncé: “Jaguar, unexpectedly, made several serious allegations about Jay-Z and Beyoncé during that interview. As I said in the moment, they were not present to respond or defend themselves, but now they have. Their lawyers contacted us to say that those claims were ‘totally false’ and have no basis in fact, and we’ve therefore complied with a legal request to cut them from the original interview.”
Also present at the ceremony to receive honors were rocker Ted Nugent, Lt. Col Carolyn Rocco, Lt. Col Theresa M. Long, Lt. Col Stuart Scheller, CDR Robert A. Green Jr., and Former Lt. Col Matthew Lohmeie. Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson was also in attendance, being more visibly present at the poolside reception.
March 31 will mark six years since Nipsey Hussle was murdered in front of his Marathon Clothing store. The Marathon (Brand) is set to honor his legacy with the grand opening of Marathon Burger on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. The official grand opening of Marathon Burger is slated for March 1, with a ribbon-cutting […]
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Gen. CQ Brown Jr., the former Joint Chiefs of Staff, was fired from his position by President Donald Trump despite the general’s record as a decorated fighter pilot. Gen. CQ Brown Jr. was just the second Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and was replaced by an official that some say isn’t as qualified for the role.
As reported by the Associated Press, the firing of Gen. CQ Brown Jr. took place last Friday (Feb. 21), who had only been on the job for nearly a year and a half. Taking to his Truth Social platform, President Trump thanked Brown for his service.
“I want to thank General Charles ‘CQ’ Brown for his over 40 years of service to our country, including as our current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is a fine gentleman and an outstanding leader, and I wish a great future for him and his family, Trump wrote.
Brown’s political stances seemingly contrasted with that of the Trump administration, which appears to be on a crusade against all things DEI-related and the still-underbaked theory of “wokeness” taking over American institutions despite never explaining to the masses what that entails. Brown is also part of a sweeping firing spree that includes 5,400 probationary civilian employees and aims to cut up to $50 billion in programs the administration feels are wasteful.
In Brown’s place, Trump plans to insert retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine as chairman. Caine, an F-16 pilot and former associate director for military affairs at the CIA, has never held a qualifying position for the role he’s been suggested for but Trump has the right to waive the requirement.
There has been some response to Brown’s firing by Senate leadership.
“A professional, apolitical military that is subordinate to the civilian government and supportive of the Constitution rather than a political party is essential to the survival of our democracy,” Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, offered in a statement. “For the sake of our troops and the well-being of every American, elected leaders — especially Senate Republicans — must defend that enduring principle against corrosive attempts to remake the military into a partisan force.”
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Photo: Source: Tom Williams / Getty
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Sorry Spider-Man fans, but it looks like y’all will have to wait a bit longer to see the fourth installment of the MCU’s Spidey series, as Spider-Man 4 has been delayed to make room for another blockbuster film starring your friendly neighborhood wall crawler.
According to Hypebeast, Sony has moved the release date of the still untitled Spider-Man 4 from July 2026 to August 2026. They’re banking on Christopher Nolan’s epic The Odyssey to make huge waves as it also stars Tom Holland along with Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, and Zendaya (she and Tom really do everything together) amongst many other stars. Based on Homer’s famous Greek poem, The Odyssey is a fantasy film centered around the Greek King of Ithaca and his return home from the Trojan War in which he crosses paths with all kinds of supernatural beings including a cyclops, sea sirens and even a witch.
Needless to say, that film is bound to make bank at the box office.
Per Hypebeast:
Both of Holland’s films will be coming out a week from one another and the schedule shift is said to give the actor some breathing room between both blockbuster premieres. Zendaya is rumored to also be in Spider-Man 4 and is currently confirmed to be in The Odyssey as well. Had Sony not changed the schedule, the newest Spider-Man film would come just a week after The Odyssey, which continues to be a nod to Nolan’s decades-long relationship with Imax. Nolan is said to be shooting with Imax’s powerful cameras and is negotiating a dedicated theatrical window that will show the film at Imax dedicated auditoriums. Sony is presumably also looking to show on Imax. similar to previous Marvel adaptations.
The Odyssey is set to drop July 31, 2026 with Spider-Man 4 following two weeks later. Unfortunately, not much is known about the fourth installment about Spider-Man other than rumors suggesting it will be set in Battle World following the events of Avengers: Doomsday. With word that Doctor Doom is set to merge all kinds of Marvel superheroes and villains in one set reality, rumors suggest that we’ll finally get to see Tom Hardy’s Venom and Tom Holland’s Spider-Man finally cross paths. Whether they’ll be friends or foes is anyone’s guess, but regardless to whom or what, we’ll definitely be checking it out.
Which film are you more excited for, The Odyssey or Spider-Man 4? Let us know in the comments section below.