State Champ Radio celebrity news
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If we’ve learned anything about 50 Cent over his illustrious career it’s that the man has no qualms about sharing his opinion on everything Hip-Hop related, so when A$AP Relli took the stand against A$AP Rocky in the long-awaited shooting trial of the rapper, y’all should’ve known 50 was going to throw his two cents in on the matter.
On Tuesday (Jan. 28), Relli got on the witness stand and told his side of the story in which he described how A$AP Rocky allegedly shot him during an argument in 2021. While on the stand Relli said Rocky pulled a gun on him and pointed it towards his body saying he was “looking for a spot to shoot.” Telling the court that he told Rocky “If you brought a gun, use it then,” Relli says that had it not been for a man named Elijah standing in between both of the men he didn’t know what would’ve happened.
According to A$AP Relli, Rocky did ultimately use the gun, which led to Relli getting a bullet graze on his hand.
Not one to bite his tongue, 50 Cent shared a clip of Relli’s testimony on his Instagram page and added a caption that read, “Man I hope Rockie alright this fool just want some money,💰 we seen this movie before 🎥it’s a re run, sucker ass 🥷🏾 smh @bransoncognac @lecheminduroi.”
You gotta love how that man will promote his alcohol brand while trolling other people.
Obviously not a fan of Relli dropping dime on Rocky, 50 is publicly backing Pretty Flacko as he fights this case in hopes of clearing his name and moving on with his life.
While Rocky had the chance to do so last week when he was offered a plea deal in the case, the “Riot” rapper rejected the deal and decided to take his chances in a court of law, which could prove to be costly if Relli is able to convince a jury that Rocky pulled the trigger.
During his testimony, Relli went on to say that his relationship with Rocky was broken at the time of the incident and that the meeting between the two was meant to be a settling of differences before things went left once they came face-to-face. For his part, A$AP Rocky is claiming that what he used to scare Relli was a prop gun that shot blanks, but has also stated that the gun has since been discarded.
We’re not sure how this is going to end for A$AP Rocky, but if he’s convicted of the allegation he faces up to 24 years in prison. If he rejected a plea deal in this matter he must be hella confident in his chances.
Check out A$AP Relli’s testimony below and let us know your thoughts on the matter in the comments section.
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A$AP Relli took the stand on Tuesday (Jan. 28) during former friend A$AP Rocky’s shooting trial, revealing more details about the 2021 incident. During his time on the stand, A$AP Relli claims he allegedly demanded that A$AP Rocky use the gun at the center of the matter in a show of bravado although Relli reportedly testified he never saw a firearm on Rocky’s person before their confrontation.
TMZ reports that A$AP Relli, real name Terell Ephron, took the stand and shared his side of the story regarding the alleged incident. Relli and Rocky, real name Rakim Mayers, were childhood friends in New York and came up together as Rocky rose the ranks in music and fashion as part of the A$AP Mob collective. Relli says the issues began when a day before the November 6, 2021 shooting, he overheard a call between Rocky and A$AP Bari that was disparaging toward him and the longtime friendship fizzled from there.
The next day, Reli and Rocky planned to meet in Hollywood and the testimony from Relli claims that Rocky arrived with two other individuals with the idea of hashing out their differences in person. During the testimony, Relli claims he told Rocky, “You better use that sh*t, what the f*ck you got a gun for?” and added, “I was willing to die for my respect. If this is what you want to do, I still have my dignity.”
Relli claims he was grazed on the knuckle after Rocky fired at him. Rocky’s attorney says that the gun in the matter was a stage prop and therefore could not have fired a bullet nor were there casings found.
Rihanna, the mother of Rocky’s children, was in the gallery during the testimony in a show of support. Also taking the stand was an LAPD officer Tommy Zizzo, the son of Erika Jayne who starred in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills franchise.
A$AP Rocky is facing two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and faces a maximum of 24 years behind bars if the trial leads to a conviction. Rocky has previously rejected a plea deal.
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NLE Choppa has made it well-known that he proudly stands behind the LGBTQ community and though he doesn’t claim to be gay or bisexual, the man has been accused of gay baiting in the past. So when he posed up a storm for the latest issue of Playgirl, y’all already knew those accusations would once again go into overdrive.
Looking particularly zesty for his photoshoot in the January issue of Playgirl, many in the Hip-Hop community have once again taken to social media to call NLE Choppa out for baiting the gay community while others feel the man may just be slowly coming out the closet. Either way, that’s his business.
Still, it seems like the gay baiting accusations isn’t sitting too well with NLE Choppa. He explained that he did not care what others think about how he’s portraying himself for his fans, but does want people to stop saying he’s a “gay baiter just because I’m comfortable enough to show off the perfection that God has orchestrated over my physical, my mental, my spiritual and even my emotions.”
Homie low-key went from sounding conceited to humble in one sentence.
Continuing on with his statement of the gay baiting sentiment, NLE Choppa added, “I am not a gay baiter because I post a selfie in the mirror showing off how beautiful I am. I am not a gay baiter if I post a picture showing off how much God has blessed me from below the waist with something that got women going crazy. I am not a gay baiter because in my Playgirl shoot I showed a piece of my ass. I can’t show a piece of my own ass without being called a name? It’s my ass! I am not a gay baiter because I showed my ass to a lady photographer.”
Well, he’s not wrong, but y’all already know heads are going to think what they want to think, and they’re thinking he’s either gay baiting or simply gay on the low (not that there is anything wrong with that). That’s just the game.
Still, NLE doesn’t seem to care what anyone thinks of him and once again reiterated his support of the gay community saying, “I love gay people but I would never want to bait gay people to love me for a certain reason. That’s not what I wanna do.”
Good for you, NLE. Now, go put some pants on, b.
Check out NLE Choppa’s statement and let us know your thoughts on his statement in the comments section below. And peep the CassiusLife cover story while you’re at it.
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Rakim is responsible for changing the way rappers approach rhyming in the 1980s and is regarded as the greatest living MC of all time. Now, Rakim is moving into the fintech space via his new AI-powered Notes platform.
The God MC’s new platform, Notes, combines “music, money, and knowledge” aimed at empowering independent musicians and aiding them in their quest for financial freedom. Further, Notes exists to provide its users with financial literacy, music business education, and more to help them in their creative aims.
Among the features of the Notes platform are connections to find loans or credit providers to raise capital, AI-powered financial literacy, and entrepreneurial education content, membership-focused access, and an “Ask RA” feature, which is an AI-powered vocal rendering of Rakim that serves as your online assistant within the Notes community.
“Independent urban music artists and creators often struggle to gain financial stability despite their market impact,” Rakim shared in a statement. “With Notes, we’re building a community- and lifestyle-driven platform that combines cultural connection, technology, and empowerment to give them the tools they need to thrive.”
The Notes platform is headed up by Rakim and his longtime associate Divine, who also offered a statement of his own.
“The opportunity to partner with Rakim and build a platform like Notes, to empower and support artists and creators in the urban community who have been underserved and exploited for so long, is unprecedented,” Divine says.
While still in its early stages, Notes will continue to develop the platform to include business banking, debit cards, peer-to-peer payment services, and more.
Those interested can learn more about Notes by clicking here. At the bottom of the Notes landing page is a tab for all their socials to follow.
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Popeyes, the fried chicken fast food chain, and Don Julio, one of the top tequila brands in the world, aren’t exactly in the same wheelhouse on several fronts but it appears things are changing. Don Julio and Popeyes look to be hinting at an upcoming collaboration and those who make up Black Xitter on the X platform had some thoughts.
Last Thursday, Popeyes posted a video on its Instagram account that teases the Don Julio collaboration featuring a vibrant party scene and a woman DJ decked out in gear adorned with the chain’s namesake along with some fancy Black boxes featuring the tequila brand’s name as well.
The caption for the video read, “The kitchen is heating up for the big game. Party starts 1.31.25,” which we assume is meant to illustrate that the Super Bowl contest between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs is happening soon on Feb. 9.
While we’ll have to wait until the end of the month to find out what exactly Popeyes and Don Julio are up to, fans on X, formerly Twitter, are chiming in with a wild variety of theories. Naturally, with the drop happening on the eve of Black History Month, some eyebrows were raised.
Will it be a new tequila-based glaze? Will there be Mexican-themed spices in a new drop? Is it a fashion collaboration considering the DJ’s outfit in the clip? It’s all over the place.
Check out the teaser clip below.
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The music industry’s biggest night is shaping to be something special. Doechii has been confirmed to perform at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
As spotted on Rap-Up, the Recording Academy made their first round of announcements of musicians who will perform at the upcoming ceremony. Set to hit the stage are Benson Boone, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Charli xcx, Doechii, RAYE, Sabrina Carpenter, Shakira, and Teddy Swims. All the aforementioned musicians are currently nominated for awards.
Doechii’s Alligator Bites Never Heal is up for the Best Rap Album and her song “NISSAN ALTIMA” is competing for Best Rap Performance. She also has the chance to take home the honor of Best New Artist. 2024 marked her breakthrough year with the success of her mixtape. Doechii’s 19-track effort was her first-ever project on Top Dawg Entertainment and featured several breakout singles including “Boom Bap,” and “Denial Is a River.”
The 67th Annual Grammy Awards will not only honor the very best in music but will also raise funds to help those who were impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. “The upcoming Grammy Awards won’t just be about celebrating and honoring the best in music this year, it will also show how the power of music can help rebuild, uplift and support those in need,” said Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. “We are thrilled that so many artists in our community are banding together at this time to show support for their fellow music makers and others impacted by the recent wildfires.”
The 67th Annual Grammy Awards will air Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS Television Network.
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Another in depth examination on Diddy’s alleged misdoings is on the way. Identification Discovery is set to release a documentary titled The Fall of Diddy.
As per Variety, the ID Network is throwing their hat into the Diddy documentary ring. The Fall of Diddy attempts to pull back the curtain on the mogul’s personal and professional life. Here several of his former friends, staff and associates are interviewed and the picture they paint of Diddy is a man with many more secrets. One of the most memorable moments was what his short-lived girlfriend Kat Pasion had to share about her experience dating him back in 2019.
While she says everything was great in the very beginning she alleged that he tried to coerce her with drugs and even threatened to have her deported if she ever betrayed him. “This man is sick. He uses his resources and what he thinks he can do for you and thinks that that can band-aid and solve the horrible things he does to people because he thinks he’s God,” she said.
Former bodyguard Roger Bonds also confirmed he saw what he believed to be male sex workers when leaving hotels that Diddy and Cassie were staying at. “I’ve seen questionable things, but I never knew exactly what was going on. It’s been times where Cassie and Diddy would just go to the hotel for a weekend, and I would see guys get off the elevator,” said Bonds.
Diddy’s legal team has refuted the claims and part of their formal statement is said to be included in project. “These documentaries are rushing to cash in on the media circus surrounding Mr. Combs,” it read. “This production is clearly intended to present a one-sided and prejudicial narrative. As we’ve said before, Mr. Combs cannot respond to every publicity stunt or facially ridiculous claim. He has full confidence in the facts and the judicial process, where the truth will prevail: the accusations against him are pure fiction.”
The Fall of Diddy is set to premiere Jan. 27 at 9 p.m. ET on ID. You can view the trailer below.
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DJ Akademiks is one of the most notable figures in the streaming space and his popularity has pushed him to an audience of younger viewers who engage with his content. However, DJ Akademiks is facing serious allegations of attempting to groom a teenage boy after asking him an inappropriate sexual question while later offering up an apology some feel came up short.
DJ Akademiks, 35, was in a livestream event with PlaqueBoyMax and the streamer’s moderator, NourGxd, who is 15. Ak, real name Livingston Allen, can be heard asking NourGxd if he would engage in sexual activities with Max. NourGxd shot down the advance by citing his age, causing Ak to double down and ask the teen if he would have sex with Max’s sister, who reportedly is over the age of 18.
Max seemed to join in on the fun and threatened to cut the teen from the streaming feed before Ak kept dreaming up odd scenarios including asking, quote, “You don’t know another 15-year-old you can bust down?” among other quips. NourGxd, seemingly uncomfortable at this point, expressed repeatedly that he’s not gay nor interested in doing what was suggested. Another streamer then asks NourGxd for his address to send strippers to his home.
The stream, which took place last Thursday (Jan. 23), went viral and has ignited a strong rallying cry accusing DJ Akademiks of grooming the teen and highlighting his defense of Drake, who has previously been slapped with similar allegations involving minors although those claims remain unfounded.
Ak has acknowledged his comments to NourGxd but most have taken note that the acknowledgment and the misplaced bravado attached to it nullifies any good intentions DJ Akademiks may have had. Reactions, including comments from rival Freddie Gibbs, Nitty Scott MC, and Meek Mill to the livestream going viral and Ak’s weak walk back can be viewed below.
We will share the video featuring Ak’s comments but do warn that the content might be triggering for some so proceed cautiously.
Dj Akademiks said really disturbing things to this minor pic.twitter.com/FvuwtNiWbA
— Rak (@vvsrak) January 24, 2025
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Jay-Z and his Roc Nation business have reportedly entered into a partnership with a South Korean company that will enable fans to invest in the music royalties of artists. The deal with Jay-Z, Roc Nation, and Musicow was mentioned late last year and is now in total fruition according to new reports.
As reported by Billboard, the partnership is framed as “the first Music Equity Service Provider in the United States” and will allow investors to earn while betting on music royalties and the like. The owners of the song rights will be able to trade royalty shares and they will be allowed to sell shares of those tracks.
As said by Roc Nation Vice Chairman, Jay Brown, “The music industry is evolving into a shared ecosystem where fans and creators can earn together. Our mission is not only to support and empower artists by providing the tools and services they need to build a better music ecosystem but also to give everyone access to the financial opportunities the music industry offers.”
Musicow CEO Woo Rhee added that partnering with the company is an “incredible opportunity to drive innovation and redefine the future of our industry. I’m confident that together, we have the vision, expertise, and enthusiasm to create transformative progress and unlock limitless potential.”
The Korea Economic Daily reported on this deal in November 2024, writing that Jay-Z was investing $5 million and would become the second-leading shareholder of the company.
The service is expected to launch in March of this year.
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The daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Rev. Bernice A. King, condemned St. Louis rapper Sexxy Red for an AI photo post of her late father on the national holiday honoring his memory.
The 26-year-old rapper posted two AI photos of the Civil Rights icon on Monday (Jan. 20), to her X account. In one image, she is shown dancing seductively close to Dr. King while another shows her walking alongside King and other Civil Rights leaders. According to TheGrio, the posts garnered more than 50,000 likes before they were deleted.
Rev. King reacted to the images calling them “deplorable.”
“This is intentionally distasteful, dishonoring, deplorable, and disrespectful to my family and my father, who is not here to respond himself because he was assassinated for working for your civil and human rights and to end war and poverty,” she wrote in a reply on X the following day.
Within hours, Sexxy Red offered an apology to Rev. King, writing, “You ain’t wrong,” adding, “Never meant to disrespect your family my apologies. Just reposted something I saw that I thought was innocent.”
Rev. King, who is the CEO of The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, accepted the rapper’s apology writing on X, in part, “Thank you for your apology, which I sincerely accept. Please know that it was not my intention that you be denigrated. I value you as a human being.”
“I hope you understand my concerns about the image,” she continued. “I know that my father has become a bit of a caricature to the world and that his image is often used with no regard to his family, his sacrificial work, or to the tragic, unjust way in which he died (a state-sanctioned assassination).”
She added, “I earnestly wish that people would imagine what it would feel like to see their deceased, murdered father repurposed for party fliers, unjust legislation, etc.”
She closed the note writing, “All the best to you, young lady.”
Other social media users were not as forgiving with many blasting the “Pound Town” rapper calling her “ghetto” and “trashy” among other names. Rev. King pushed back against those remarks as well, writing in reply to a post, “Please don’t project your thoughts onto me. I don’t believe Sexyy Red to be a ‘degenerate,’ ‘ghetto,’ or ‘trash.’ I have spoken out in the past about the use of and comparison to either of my parents to denigrate other people,” according to TheGrio.
In other news, Rev. King recently shared a statement on news that President Donald Trump plans to declassify her father’s FBI files. The statement read, “Today, our family has learned that President Trump has ordered the declassification of the remaining records pertaining to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert F. Kennedy, and our father, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“For us, the assassination of our father is a deeply personal family loss that we have endured over the last 56 years. We hope to be provided the opportunity to review the files as a family prior to its public release.”
She added that at this time, the King Family is not taking any interviews as they await further information.
