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Diddy’s lawyers are pushing back on some of the footage obtained in his case. They say the clips prove the “Freak-Offs” with Cassie were consensual.
As per TMZ, Diddy’s defense team has filed documents on the behalf of their high-profile client. According to the submission, his representation claims that the nine videos that federal investigators acquired actually show Diddy and “Victim-1” (presumed to be Cassie) engaging in “private sexual activity between fully consenting adults in a long-term relationship.” They also point out that “Victim-1” did not seemed forced or coerced either saying she “not only consented, but thoroughly enjoyed herself” and “is evidently happy, dominant and completely in control.”
In the indictment federal prosecutors claimed that these tapes capture several “elaborate and produced sex performances,” but Diddy’s lawyers vehemently disagree saying the clips show “adults having consensual sex, plain and simple.” Additionally, they call out that these encounters were not taped secretly and both parties were aware of the cameras each time. “There are no secret cameras, no orgies, no other celebrities involved, no underground tunnels, no minors, and not so much as a hint of coercion or violence.”
Lastly, his counsel makes it clear that the footage was not seized during the raids on Diddy’s homes but actually was in Cassie’s possession the entire time. Therefore, they are left to believe she was the one who turned over the footage to the government.
Diddy’s trial is scheduled to commence May 5.
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Drake shocked his legion of fans and detractors by taking pre-trial legal action against Universal Music Group and Spotify for allegedly platforming “Not Like Us,” the scathing diss track from his rival Kendrick Lamar. This week, Drake filed to drop the legal petition against UMG and Spotify which prompted many on X to assume that the OVO honcho is waving the white flag.
As reported in detail by Billboard, Drake and his legal team filed for the withdrawal of the petition on Tuesday (Jan. 14) in a Manhattan court. The Canadian superstar’s Frozen Moments LLC was the top name on the petition and as the outlet adds, the company still has an active filing aimed at UMG and iHeartRadio in Texas courts. No official statements have been made by the aforementioned parties in these matters.
In November, Drake took action against UMG and Spotify in the aftermath of his explosive audio feud with Kendrick Lamar, with “Not Like Us” topping the Billboard charts and shifting the musical landscape. Many on the sidelines believe that the Canadian superstar’s light has dimmed since taking the heavy blows delivered during the back-and-forth battle, along with unproven accusations of sexual misconduct and other heinous charges.
The petition was a revelation for many considering the longtime partnership between Drake and UMG, which began with Lil Wayne’s Young Money outfit before signing with Republic Records. In 2022, Drake signed a deal with UMG reported to be up to $400 million, adding to the shockwaves felt by the industry with the filing of the petition.
In it, Drake states that UMG violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and added that Spotify worked with the company by offering reduced licensing fees in exchange for pushing “Not Like Us” into the algorithms of users of the streaming service. The Texas petition levies similar charges. The outlet rightly explains that a petition is a pre-trial action that legal teams use to gather information ahead of filing a full-on lawsuit.
On X, formerly Twitter, music fans are taking shots at Drake for pulling the petition. We’ve got those reactions below.
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If you want to experience the new Bad Bunny album you will have to take a trip to the Island of Enchantment. He has announced a residency in Puerto Rico, and the first couple of shows are open to only locals.
As spotted on Variety, the promotional roll out for performer’s newest project DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (transl. I Should Have Taken More Photos, shortened to DTMF) will shine a light on his hometown. This week, he announced a 21-date residency in Puerto Rico. Titled “No Me Quiero Ir De Aquí” (I Don’t Want to Leave Here), a lyric from his hit “El Apagón,” the series will take place at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico. To ensure that residents don’t get priced out, the first nine shows (July 11 to July 27) will be exclusive to those that live on the island.
On Monday (Jan. 13), Bad Bunny released a promotional trailer to his social media accounts announcing the Puerto Rico residency. Here he is seen walking past framed posters of his previous tours and explaining that while he has visited several countries he has yet to visit some on his bucket list and return to some cities he has not returned to in many years. At the end of his walk he says that he is returning home and would like his fans to meet him at his “Casa” (trans. House) and unveils the framed tour posted for the residency.
According to an AI-powered playlist name generator Playlist Name AI, Google searches for the term “Bad Bunny Tour” have surged 809% while “Puerto Rico Flights” have increased by 191% since the announcement.
You can read more about the No Me Quiero Ir De Aquí tour here.
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Another week another accusation for Diddy, as the embattled music icon has just been slapped with yet another lawsuit to add to his ever-growing legal troubles.
Page Six is reporting that Sean “Diddy” Combs has just been hit with another suit from a woman who claims the “Bad Boy For Life” rapper drugged and raped her back in 2000 when she was only 16 years old. In the suit, Jane Doe claims that she ran into Diddy and some of his friends after leaving a babysitting gig she had as a part-time job in Lower Manhattan. She stated that one of his now “well-known” ex-girlfriend’s lived in the building where she was babysitting at the time.
That’s when things went left, allegedly.
Per Page Six:
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“Combs engaged her in conversation, asking where she was going so late at night, and that it was not safe for her to be walking alone,” the documents read.
Although the then-16-year-old told Combs, who was in his early 30s at the time, that she lived “around the corner” and “would be fine,” he allegedly insisted on giving her a ride home.
“After much cajoling by Combs, she agreed and got into his car … something [the] plaintiff would come to regret forever,” the filing continued.
The woman recalled feeling “scared when they did not drop her off at home as promised.”
She claimed Combs “gave her a drink to ‘calm her down,’” which left her feeling “groggy and unsteady.”
That’s when she said that Combs and his two male friends proceeded to sexually assault her and ultimately dropped her off in the lobby of her apartment building.
Jane Doe is suing Diddy and two unnamed defendants for unspecified damages.
As we said before, it’s only a matter of time before more people come forward with their own horror stories about their interactions with Diddy. One can only imagine how many more people are out there either too scared to come forward or simply too embarrassed to do so.
What do y’all think about these latest allegations? Let us know in the comments section below.
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The much-anticipated announcement by Beyoncé has been put on hold, as the singer donated to the wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles.
The Beyhive will have to wait a little longer for Beyoncé’s highly awaited announcement. The superstar confirmed the news through an Instagram post Tuesday (Jan. 14), which was the day of the big reveal. “The January 14th announcement will be postponed to a later date due to the devastation caused by the ongoing wildfires around areas of Los Angeles,” she wrote. “I continue to pray for healing and rebuilding for the families suffering from trauma and loss. We are so blessed to have brave first responders who continue to work tirelessly to protect the Los Angeles community. To join our efforts in supporting those impacted, please visit @beyGOOD. Love, B.”
The caption of the post read, “The BeyGOOD LA Fire Relief Fund has donated $2.5 million to directly support families who lost their homes and community organizations at the forefront of relief. Please join us in supporting with whatever you can.” Beyoncé had previously announced the donation Monday (Jan. 13) in another Instagram post, denoting that the funds would go to those affected in the Altadena and Pasadena communities. The singer and her husband, rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z, own a home in the Bel-Air neighborhood where they reside with their three children. According to reports, the family evacuated their home and are currently sheltering in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Speculation about the announcement has run wild since Beyoncé’s teaser video during her halftime concert performance during the Houston Texans-Baltimore Ravens game on Netflix’s NFL Christmas Gameday. Many felt that the announcement could be a tour to celebrate her Cowboy Carter album or the first word on what would be Act III of her album trilogy beginning with her Renaissance album. There is no further word on when the announcement will take place, but fans will certainly be riveted.
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Just when it seemed like Cam’ron might have put an end to his unforeseen drama with Jim Jones with his epic rant on It Is What It Is, 50 Cent decided to egg on the drama as he’s known to add fuel to whatever fire is burning within his vicinity.
Though Cam stated that he would no longer entertain any back-and-forth with Jim after speaking on the matter, 50 Cent made no such promises and is still looking to troll the former Dipset Capo for talking greasy about him. Taking to the Gram to continue to poke fun at Jim Jones, 50 Cent posted a clip of Cam’s now famous clapback at Jim Jones’ credibility and in the caption wrote, “Individual 1, I mean joMo, jimmy you better holla at Cam privately and chill out.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DExm2nwuJ6y/?img_index=1
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Referring to him as “Individual 1” is a shot at Jones, as 50 has accused him of cooperating with feds in the entire Tekashi 6ix9ine investigation that led to the arrest of multiple Blood members in Tekashi’s former circle. He even included a shot of Mase eating popcorn on the sideline with a caption that read, “This is the worst part of the video LOL HARLEM !”
https://www.instagram.com/p/DEyEyEkOaZS/
While Jones was noticeably silent after Cam’s video made the rounds on social media, it seems like the man was cooking up a little response in the studio. Earlier today (Jan. 14), he previewed a clip to a new song on his Instagram page that may or may not be a response to both Cam’ron and 50 Cent. Though he doesn’t say anyone’s name he does include some references to Cam’ron’s response to his interview with Justin Laboy.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DEzbQ-2uwAX/
We don’t know where this is going or where it’s going to end, but we just hope these grown ass men don’t take it to a violent level. Everyone here’s a millionaire and there isn’t any need for anyone to put their freedom or their health in jeopardy over ego. Just sayin’.
What do y’all think about this entire situation between Jim Jones, Cam’ron and 50 Cent? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Los Angeles continues to suffer, and the internet has taken liberty with the classic track “Burn Hollywood Burn.” Chuck D has come in to set the record straight and denounce the usage in this manner.
As reported by Deadline, there have been several videos that have appeared online capturing the wildfires that continue to ravage the Los Angeles area. Some have incorporated Public Enemy’s song “Burn Hollywood Burn” into these clips with a goal of calling out that the entertainment elite are finally getting a taste of the type of pain the lower class have faced for years. Naturally, the trend eventually landed on Chuck D’s radar prompting him to respond to the misuse via his Instagram account.
“‘Burn Hollywood Burn’ is a protest song. Extracted from the Watts Rebellion monikered by the magnificent Montague in 1965 against inequality when he said ‘burn baby burn’ across the air,” his statement read. “We made mind revolution songs aimed at a one-sided exploitation by an industry. Has nothing to do with families, losing everything they have in a natural disaster. Learn the history. Godspeed to those in loss,” he added. The accompanying caption simply said “PRAY 4 LA.” Chuck D went on to go to the comments section to say, “Please don’t use our song on your reels and pictures of this horrifying natural disaster.”
Featuring Big Daddy Kane and Ice Cube, the song “Burn Hollywood Burn” exposes the movie industry for their poor treatment of African American talent and the stereotypes projected about people of color.
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Madlib, a veteran music producer and one of the more notable names in Hip-Hop, lost his home to the wildfires ravaging portions of California that has displaced thousands of residents and all but destroyed longstanding neighborhoods. Madlib’s hometown of Oxnard was also under threat of the blaze that claimed him family’s home and is now launching a fundraiser to help recover what was lost.
On Instagram, Madlib, born Otis Jackson Jr., shared details regarding the fundraising effort along with an image of his damaged home. The caption, which we’ll share below, details what the producer hopes to gain from his supportive fans.
From Instagram:
We are reaching out with heavy hearts to ask for your support in helping legendary producer Madlib and his family after losing their home, decades of music, and equipment in the devastating LA fires. Your donation, no matter the amount, will provide assistance to help Madlib with immediate personal needs, essentials like clothing, temporary housing, transportation costs and the tools Madlib needs to continue creating the music that has touched so many lives. 100% of your donations are tax deductible and will go directly to Madlib and his family. continue creating the music that has touched so many lives. Thank you in advance for your love, prayers and support.
Madlib, who has released music since the 1990s, has worked alongside the likes of the late J Dilla of Slum Village fame (as JayLib), the late MF DOOM (as Madvillain), Freddie Gibbs, and has produced for Kanye West, Erykah Badu, De La Soul, his young brother producer-rapper Oh No (Michael Jackson), and Anderson .Paak among others.
The link for the fundraiser can be found by clicking here.
https://www.instagram.com/madlib/p/DExf4kMJR-7/
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Sam Moore, who found fame as part of the Sam & Dave duo that delivered the “Soul Man” hit, has died. According to Sam Moore’s publicist, the singer passed away last Friday after complications surrounding a recent surgery procedure.
Sam Moore was born Samuel David Hicks on October 12, 1935, in Miami, Fla. After his mother married his stepfather, Charlie Moore, he took the surname. Moore began singing in church choirs as a young man and joined doo-wop groups but gospel music was where he was a notable force. Moore would be discovered alongside his future Sam & Dave partner and fellow gospel singer, the late Dave Prather, in 1961 at Miami’s King Of Hearts Club and subsequently signing with Roulette Records, a label with reported New York mob ties and was home to acts such as Pearl Bailey and Frankie Lymon among others.
As was customary during this time, Sam & Dave signed with Atlantic Records in 1964 and were contracted out to Stax Records to construct and release records. The fruitful union spawned hits such as “Hold On! I’m Comin’,” “I Thank You,” and perhaps the duo’s best-known hit, “Soul Man” which was written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter. Booker T. & The M.G.’s, which provided backing instrumentation for several Sam & Dave tracks, was also on hand for the hit.
England’s The Times revealed in their obituary that Moore broke personal ties with his partner after Prather shot his wife in 1968. The pair would continue to perform together but officially split ways for good in 1981. The Times also notes that Moore fathered several children with multiple women and worked as a pimp and conman, some of which was mentioned in an autobiography, For the Record 3: Sam and Dave by Dave Marsh.
After kicking a heroin addiction, Moore would see a late-career resurgence, even re-recording “Soul Man” alongside Lou Reed for the 1986 film of the same name. He remained an active touring and recording musician up until 2022, joining Bruce Springsteen on the New Jersey rocker’s R&B and soul cover album, Only The Strong Survive.
As mentioned at the top of the article, Moore passed after complications from surgery in Coral Gables, Fla. but details are scant beyond that. It isn’t known the exact number of children and no obituaries that we’ve seen gave an accurate number.
Sam Moore was 89.
[h/t Associated Press]
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Early last year it was reported that Chance the Rapper and his wife of five years, Kristen Corley, were filing for divorce, and now, the two seem to have reached some common ground on how to go about things as they go their separate ways.
According to XXL, both Chance and Kristen have agreed to the terms of their divorce settlement and though the details of said settlement have yet to be revealed, it brings the two one step closer to putting a stamp on their divorce proceedings. Awaiting the signature of the judge overseeing their separation, this happens to be one of the quickest celebrity divorces we’ve seen in history, as they tend to drag out for years with each person looking to get or keep more of their riches and belongings.
Per XXL:
Chance and Corley were wed in a marriage ceremony in March of 2019 that was attended by family and friends in Newport Beach, Calif. However, in October of 2022, Kirsten spoke out after Chance’s X account liked a sexually explicit post. In April of 2023, she released a statement after a video of Chano dutty wining on women at Carinval went viral.
Last April, the former partners released a joint statement on Instagram announcing their breakup. “After a period of separation, the two of us have arrived at the decision to part ways,” the post shared via Instagram Story read. “We came to this decision amicably and with gratitude for the time we spent together. God has blessed us with two beautiful daughters who we will continue to raise together. We kindly ask for privacy and respect as we navigate this transition. Thank you – Chance & Kirsten.”
Between this, Remy Ma and Papoose’s breakup and Cardi B and Offset’s marriage going off the rails, we can’t help but feel that true love is a thing of the past. We blame social media for all of it. Just sayin’.
What do y’all think of Chance the Rapper and Kristen Corley calling it quits after five years of marriage? Let us know in the comments section below.