genre hiphop

15 May 2025

Suge Knight Believes President Trump May Pardon Diddy If the Music Mogul Is Convicted

 Suge Knight has an interesting theory when it comes to Diddy and President Donald Trump.

When talking on the phone from prison with Chris Cuomo on the journalist’s News Nation show CUOMO in an interview that was posted Wednesday (May 14), Knight suggested Diddy has enough power and influence to warrant a possible pardon from the president if convicted on federal charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. “I think he’s got some favors with the government. I think they’re gonna show him a little leeway,” he suggested. “It might not seem like it when it’s all said and done, but I don’t think he has nothing to worry about, and I don’t think he’s worried because he’s gonna be federal, and if he gets convicted, Trump’s gonna pardon him.”

Earlier in the interview, he also floated the theory that Diddy and his team may try to tamper with jurors. “I still feel that Puffy is going to be all right and have a fair shot at it,” the Death Row founder proclaimed. “He’s not a not a dummy. And I’m quite sure somebody going to talk to those jurors and convince one or two of them that’s all you need, is one.”

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Billboard has reached out to both Diddy’s team and the White House press office for comment.

Suge called into the news outlet after being mentioned during Cassie Ventura’s testimony at Diddy’s trial on Tuesday (May 13.)

While on the stand, Ventura recalled a time when Diddy once left his home in L.A. abruptly to allegedly confront Knight, who was said to be at a nearby diner by one of the embattled mogul’s bodyguards. “I don’t think Cassie is in a situation where she has to lie,” he said of his name being brought up during her testimony. “I don’t think she’s in a situation where she’s got to worry anymore. I think she’s in a great place with another baby on the way.”

Watch Suge’s interview with Chris Cuomo below:

15 May 2025

Spend 24 Hours With Rico Nasty In New York City

Rico Nasty takes you through a day in her life and shares what you can expect from her new album, getting into Gundam, her experience going through her Saturn return, performing with Hayley Williams, what she wants with people on her team and more!

What’s your favorite moment of Rico Nasty’s day? Let us know in the comments!

Rico Nasty:
There is no typical day. I’m, like, always doing something, and if I’m not doing something, then I’m doing a call, and if I’m not doing a call, I am smoking weed. Rollout life is so different from regular life. Regular life, I’m literally doing what I’m about to go do right now, which is go buy a Gundam and try to see what they have at the store. But, yeah, I’m trying to bring the world together. There’s no reason for them to be separate. So even though I have to work, I still am trying to find time for fun stuff and things that I enjoy in my real life, so that I’m not just giving my all to this music s–t.

Producer:
The first song you made for this project was it “TEETHSUCKER”?

It was “TEETHSUCKER.” And I didn’t really, I didn’t really understand that I was fully working on the album when I made that song, either, I kind of just made it and I knew it belonged to something I didn’t know quite what, but I was like, “OK, this is a good song. I like this song. It makes me feel happy. And this should be something. I don’t know what yet.” I don’t know, that moment when you’re like, “Oh, you still got it in you. You still got it b—h. You still got it.” I was really like, a pat on the back type of song because I remember making a bunch of, like, moody emo a– s–t. I finally got through that song, and I was like, “Oh, she’s risen. Thank you God, please, please. I don’t want to be like, making sad music anymore.” But on this album, there are a few sad songs, so bear with me. Bear with me. I don’t care.

Keep watching for more!

15 May 2025

Mac Miller to Be Honored by Pittsburgh Pirates With a Bobblehead Night

Mac Miller will be honored by the Pittsburgh Pirates with his hometown baseball team set to pay tribute to the late rapper by hosting a Mac Miller bobblehead night on July 19.

The Pirates unveiled plans for the bobblehead with a heartwarming video featuring Pirates star Andrew McCutchen and fans detailing the impact that Mac Miller left on their lives.

“He taught me how to be comfortable in my own skin and not to be afraid to put myself out there,” one fan said. Another shared, “He really did it on his own and that’s the Pittsburgh way. Mac really represented us.”

McCutchen gave Mac his flowers. “[Mac Miller] is a Pittsburgh guy through and through. That’s what made people love him so much,” the outfielder said.

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Mac had a Pirates tattoo on his hand and was raised in the city’s Point Breeze neighborhood. The team will honor him with the limited-edition collectible at the July 19 game against the Chicago White Sox.

Photos of the Mac Miller bobblehead show the late rapper rocking a Pirates “412” jersey with a yin and yang cap in the Pirates’ signature shade of yellow. The collectible also has Mac flexing his “Most Dope” finger tattoos.

Mac Miller died from an accidental drug overdose at the age of 26 on Sept. 7, 2018, after being found unresponsive in his San Fernando Valley home. His estate released his second posthumous album, with Balloonerism arriving in January. The project features an assist from SZA and was recorded between 2013’s Watching Movies With the Sound Off and 2014’s Faces mixtape.

Watch the trailer paying tribute to Mac Miller from the Pittsburgh Pirates and find a photo of the official bobblehead below.

15 May 2025

Megan Thee Stallion Is Turning Her ‘Passion Into a Business’ by Launching an Inclusive Swimwear Brand

Megan Thee Stallion announced that she will be launching a new self-designed swimwear brand in collaboration with Walmart.

Meg announced on Wednesday (May 14) that her new Hot Girl Summer line will be available at the retailer starting on May 19. The 18 size-inclusive pieces will be sold at nearly 500 Walmart stores across the country, Walmart.com as well as the rapper’s website.

“Everyone knows I love being near a pool or a beach, so I finally decided to turn my passion into a business and create my own swimwear brand,” Megan said in a statement. “It was only right that we kick off Hot Girl Summer with this launch and provide Hotties of all body types with the official Hot Girl uniform. I used to shop at Walmart growing up, so it’s a full circle to have my own line available at Walmart and I’m so grateful for their support.”

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The initial collection of Hot Girl Summer includes an assortment of bikinis, monokinis, one-piece swimsuits and swimsuit cover-ups. They’ll be included in a dozens of colors, including purple, gold, black, orange and pink. The Houston native designed the entire collection herself, making her the first hip-hop artist to launch her own swimwear brand.

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“At Walmart, we want our customers to feel confident by offering fashion that celebrates their individuality and unique style,” Ryan Waymire, SVP Women’s Group of Walmart said in a statement. “Megan embodies confidence and authenticity, and we’re excited to collaborate with her on an exclusive swim collection that completes the ultimate Hot Girl Summer uniform.”

The news comes as Meg’s attorney Alex Spiro shut down claims from Tory Lanez’s legal team about alleged new evidence in the 2020 shooting case that they say proves his innocence.

“Tory Lanez was tried and convicted by a jury of his peers and his case was properly adjudicated through the court system,” Spiro said in a statement to XXL. “This is not a political matter — this is a case of a violent assault that was resolved in the court of law.”

Lanez was convicted on three felony counts for assaulting Megan Thee Stallion by shooting her in the feet following an argument outside a July 2020 party in Hollywood Hills.

Check out a few of the new bathing suits below shared by Megan.

15 May 2025

YoungBoy Never Broke Again Announces 2025 MASA Tour: See the Dates

YoungBoy Never Broke Again is getting back on the road once again. YB announced the 2025 MASA Tour (Make America Slime Again) on Thursday (May 15) as the Baton Rouge native regained his freedom after being released from federal prison in March.

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The MASA Tour is slated to be YoungBoy’s first-ever headlining trek and he’s bringing DeeBaby, EBK Jaaybo and K3 on the road with him as special guests.

The 27-city U.S. tour kicks off on Sept. 2 in Dallas and will rumble through Houston, Los Angeles, Oakland, Phoenix, Denver, Chicago, Brooklyn, Boston, Philly, Detroit, Orlando, Miami and Atlanta, and will wrap up with a Louisiana show in New Orleans on Oct. 19.

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Artist pre-sale slots are open through Sunday (May 18) night, and the general public will have their shot to purchase tickets on Thursday (May 22) at 10 a.m. local time. Various VIP packages are going to be available as well.

YoungBoy returned with his More Leaks project, filled with 20 solo tracks, in March ahead of his release from prison. He’s continued to appease his fans’ appetites with “Shot Callin” earlier in May.

YB — born Kentrell Gaulden — pleaded guilty to a pair of federal gun charges in 2024. One case stemmed from a possession of firearms arrest in Louisiana, while a second was over a gun found when he was arrested in Utah.

YoungBoy was sentenced to 23 months in prison and five years of probation on those convictions in December. He was slated to be released in July due to time served, but he secured a supervised release months earlier in late March.

Find all of YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s MASA Tour dates below.

NBA YoungBoy

NBA YoungBoy

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15 May 2025

Megan Thee Stallion’s Attorney Shuts Down Tory Lanez Defense’s Claims of New Evidence in Shooting Case

Megan Thee Stallion’s attorney, Alex Spiro, has replied to claims from Tory Lanez’s legal team regarding what they claim is new evidence in the 2020 shooting case that allegedly proves his innocence.

Spiro released a statement on Wednesday (May 14), shutting down the new claims surrounding the case.

“Tory Lanez was tried and convicted by a jury of his peers and his case was properly adjudicated through the court system,” Spiro said in a statement to XXL. “This is not a political matter — this is a case of a violent assault that was resolved in the court of law.”

The statement came in response to Unite the People’s lead consultant, Walter Roberts, who hosted a press conference on Wednesday regarding Lanez, who is listed as an advisory member on the organization’s website, and the 2020 shooting case.

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Roberts claimed that he acquired new evidence in the case proving Lanez’s innocence. He said he was approached by Bradley James, who claimed to be Megan Thee Stallion’s friend, Kelsey Harris’ bodyguard, on the night of the July 2020 shooting. Roberts added that James allegedly overheard a conversation in which Harris admitted to having the gun during the shooting, and that according to James, Lanez did not shoot anyone.

Billboard has reached out to Megan Thee Stallion’s rep and Unite the People for comment.

Lanez was convicted on three felony counts of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the feet following an argument outside a July 2020 party in Hollywood Hills. According to prosecutors, Megan got out of a car during an argument when Lanez shouted, “Dance, b—h!” and fired at her feet.

Lanez was ultimately sentenced to 10 years in prison, and Thee Stallion was granted a restraining order against the Canadian singer in January.

Earlier this week, Lanez was attacked in prison, during which he was reportedly stabbed 14 times, and suffered from collapsed lungs. He was transported to a hospital near the California Correctional Institution, where he was serving his sentence.

A statement on his Instagram account said that Lanez was stabbed in his head, neck, back and torso, but is now breathing on his own. “Despite being in pain, he is talking normally, in good spirits and deeply thankful to God that he is pulling through,” the statement said. “He also wants to thank everyone for the continued prayers and support.”

14 May 2025

Snoop Dogg Drops ‘Iz It a Crime’ Album Featuring Sexyy Red, Wiz Khalifa & Pharrell: Stream It Now

Snoop Dogg’s longevity, work ethic and versatility can’t be matched by many — if any — in the hip-hop realm. The Death Row legend returned on Thursday (May 14) with his 21st studio album, Iz It a Crime?

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The project boasts 21 tracks with features from stars like Pharrell Williams, Sexyy Red, Wiz Khalifa, Charlie Bereal, Jane Handcock, October London and more. The title track from the LP fittingly samples Sade’s “Is It a Crime.”

Snoop stopped by The Breakfast Club on Wednesday (May 14) where he detailed how he’s still feeling inspired to drop music at a high level even over 30 years into his Hall-of-Fame career.

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“I’m an MC and I love to rap and I love to make music, and people love my voice and they love when I make great records,” Snoop said. “When I don’t make great records, people let me know that as well.”

The Long Beach native continued: “I hear all of that and it makes me say to myself, ‘I should treat myself like a musician and not like a rapper.’ If you a musician, you can make music until you die, but when you’re a rapper they try to put a cap on you.”

Snoop Dogg also previewed an accompanying movie for Iz It a Crime? during a private screening in NYC on Tuesday (May 13), but it’s unclear when exactly the film will arrive.

It’s been a busy six months for the 53-year-old mogul. He reunited with Dr. Dre for Missionary in December, as the joint album debuted at No. 20 on the Billboard 200.

The Death Row gospel label compilation, Altar Call, which arrived in April and was dedicated to Snoop’s late mother, also saw contributions from The Doggfather.

Stream Iz It a Crime? below.

14 May 2025

Diddy Trial Day 3 Recap: Cassie Testimony Covers Threats Against Kid Cudi, $20M Settlement & More

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura wrapped up her direct testimony against the rap mogul on Wednesday (May 14), telling jurors that Combs threatened to blow up Kid Cudi’s car and revealing the dollar amount of a bombshell settlement that set off the sex-trafficking probe.

Ventura, an R&B singer who dated Combs on and off for 11 years, is the star witness in Combs’ criminal trial. She’s been on the witness stand since Tuesday (May 13), testifying that Combs physically abused her and forced her to have sex with male escorts during drug-fueled events known as “freak offs.”

In her final day of direct testimony, Ventura reportedly told the jury that Combs became enraged when he discovered she was dating Cudi (Scott Mescudi) in 2011, according to The New York Times, which also reported that Ventura testified that Combs lunged at her with a wine opener and threatened to release freak off videos and hurt both her and Mescudi.

Ventura also said that Combs threatened to blow up Mescudi’s car, the Times reports, and that she soon broke things off with Mescudi out of fear.

“Too much danger, too much uncertainty of what could happen if we continued to see each other,” Ventura reportedly testified.

Ventura alleged in a November 2023 civil lawsuit that Mescudi’s car did, in fact, explode in his driveway a short while after Combs’ threats. Combs has not been officially linked to the incident.

Ventura’s civil lawsuit, the first major public accusation against Combs, was also a key topic during her final day of direct testimony. Though Combs settled with Ventura after a single day, the case sparked the criminal probe that led to the current trial and a deluge of other civil sex abuse lawsuits against Combs.

The dollar amount of Ventura’s settlement was kept confidential and long unknown to the public. But according to the Times, Ventura revealed for the first time during her testimony Wednesday that the settlement amounted to $20 million.

Ventura is scheduled to undergo cross-examination by Combs’ lawyers starting Thursday (May 15). The trial could last up to two months total.

14 May 2025

Diddy Trial Recap: Opening Statements, Cassie on the Stand & More | Billboard News

Diddy’s trial started on Monday, May 12th, and we’re breaking down what’s happened in the first two days of the trial, including his charges, opening statements, Cassie taking the stand and more.

What do you think of Diddy’s trial so far? Let us know in the comments.

Tetris Kelly:

All right, guys, so this is not a fun one, but the Diddy trial kicked off, and I’m, for one, in shock that they decided that the defense’s argument was gonna be, yeah, there was domestic violence, but not sex trafficking. Like what? 

Judy Sanchez:

It’s a lot to take in. Like, racketeering is a very serious charge, but so is domestic violence. So to sort of brush that under the rug, and especially with Cassie knowing that she’s taking the stand pregnant, I don’t know, the optics are very intense. You know, it was, it was a lot of intense, graphic news coming from the Diddy trial this morning. 

Tetris Kelly:

I mean, it’s so interesting that you phrase it that way, because I think sex trafficking, racketeering, it’s like, and there’s been all this evidence that’s been in the media, what would your argument be to defend Diddy at this point?

Stefanie Tanaka:

Yeah. I mean, I’m not sure there’s much. He’s gonna try to save his a–, I’m sure. But, you know, I don’t know how you can, I mean, your crimes are bad enough. I don’t know if there’s much. I mean, the lawyers are gonna do their jobs because they’re lawyers, but I don’t know, like, if there’s any way he could really get out of it. I mean, they’re pretty serious. All the allegations we’ve heard, the video evidence with Cassie in the hotel.

Keep watching for more.

14 May 2025

Styles P Says He & Jim Jones ‘Ain’t in the Same League’ When Asked About Verzuz Battle

Styles P doesn’t think he and Jim Jones are in the same category.

When co-host and Harlem native KP suggested that Jim Jones had better songs than Styles P when it came to a Verzuz, the Yonkers rappers respectfully disagreed and laid out the differences between the two artists.

“You’re entitled to that feeling,” Styles replied. “This is what hip-hop is about: You connecting with music that connects with you. If that’s how you feel, I ain’t mad at you for feeling that way. I f—in’ totally think… I know you’re f—in’ wrong.”

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He continued: “Me and Jim ain’t in the same league. Me and Jim don’t do the same things. I am a bar master. I am a lyrical technician. I been on joints with some of the best MCs in the world: Big, Hov, Black Thought, Talib… I bar sh– down. If there’s a lyricist or MC, I’m one of their f—in’ favorites.

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He then continued by saying he’s got love for Jim and respect for how he came up in the game, but at the same time feels a little disrespected by the comparison.

“I’m not here to make catchy hooks. … I don’t knock that,” he explained. “I’m trying to say some sh– that’s gonna make your soul move. That’s what I’m into. So when I say a verse, if it resonates with you, it’s gonna be some sh– that you may catch 10 years later down the line, so me and Jim don’t do the same things. I have the utmost respect for Jim, for how he built his career. I love Jim, that’s like my bro, but I think to compare us is an unfair comparison.”

If you recall, both rappers’ respective groups battled in one of the best Verzuz face-offs to date when The LOX dismantled The Diplomats at The Theater at Madison Square Garden back in 2021.

You can watch the full episode below.