On Friday (May 30), Teyana Taylor dropped off a teaser trailer for her upcoming project, Escape Room. Along with an album, there will be an accompanying short film released with it. Coming in at just under two minutes, the teaser clip briefly transports viewers into a new world of Teyana’s creation. As it starts, we see her and Lakeith Stanfield exchanging vows, she then shares a passionate kiss scene with her in-real-life beau, Aaron Pierre. There’s also another shot where the singer is covered in flames and even a scene of her looking almost robotic and strapped to a bed. The project is set to be released to be released later this fall in August 2025. Teyana Taylor Denies Iman Shumpert’s Claims In Divorce Battle In other news, Teyana Taylor is pushing back against Iman Shumpert’s claims, calling his accusations false as their divorce turns increasingly tense. Earlier this month, Shumpert filed a motion accusing Taylor of violating their divorce terms. He asked the court to either fine her or sentence her to 20 days in jail. According to court documents, he claimed that Taylor insulted him in front of their children, causing emotional distress. “[Taylor] has shouted crude and inflammatory racial insults at [Shumpert],” the motion stated. “Such insults and criticism of [Shumpert] have caused the children to unjustly suffer stress and worry, unfairly placing the children in the self-imposed position of peacemaker between their parents.” Taylor has now responded in new court filings obtained by In Touch, denying all of Shumpert’s claims. She rejected the idea that her online activity harmed his public image or finances. She also denied taking their children Junie and Rue Rose out of school without cause or preventing him from seeing them. Her response called for the court to dismiss Shumpert’s petition, arguing that his version of events is simply not true.

Newly surfaced bodycam footage from the night Megan Thee Stallion was shot in 2020 is stirring fresh controversy online. The clip, which began circulating on social media this week, features both Megan and Tory Lanez being questioned by police at the scene of the incident in the Hollywood Hills. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HOT 97 (@hot97) In the video, Megan can be heard telling officers, “I really cannot go to jail. I cannot have that on my image… Glass. I didn’t get sh*t.” Tory Lanez is also seen speaking to her, reassuringly saying, “I was just trying to help my girlfriend. Mego don’t worry it’s gonna be okay.” These statements have reignited debate about what actually happened that night. Some online are using Megan’s words as supposed proof that she wasn’t shot, claiming she might’ve stepped on glass instead. Adding to the buzz, another clip reportedly features independent witness Sean Kelly, who allegedly said he saw a woman fire a gun. Despite the new speculation, it’s important to note that Tory Lanez was convicted in December 2022 on three felony charges: assault with a semiautomatic firearm, possession of a concealed unregistered firearm, and negligent discharge of a firearm. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the incident. Authorities have yet to issue a statement regarding the recently surfaced bodycam footage, and it remains unclear whether it will affect Lanez’s conviction. However, the clip has certainly caused a stir, with social media users split on whether it changes the narrative or simply adds more confusion to an already polarizing case. As the footage continues to circulate, it’s clear that public interest in the case remains high, and that the conversation around what happened that night is far from over.

In the ongoing federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, a former assistant—identified in court as Mia—offered an emotional testimony detailing years of alleged abuse during her time working for the hip-hop mogul. Her account spanned claims of physical, emotional, and sexual misconduct, as well as the impact it had on both her and Diddy’s former partner, Cassie Ventura. Mia described an environment marked by volatility. “He’s thrown things at me. He’s thrown me against the wall. He’s thrown me into a pool,” she said, painting a picture of daily unpredictability. She also recalled Diddy physically attacking Ventura, including one instance that left her bleeding on a hotel floor. Her testimony followed that of Ventura’s stylist, Deonte Nash, who testified that Diddy exerted controlling influence over the singer’s life and career. Nash described moments of rage and isolation, suggesting that the emotional toll was profound. Diddy, now 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. Mia details years of alleged abuse and coercion under Diddy’s control Mia said the alleged abuse began in 2009, during Diddy’s 40th birthday at the Plaza Hotel. She testified that she woke up disoriented in his suite and believed she had been sexually assaulted. “I thought it would never happen again,” she said, citing fear of retaliation as a reason she didn’t come forward sooner. Over time, she said the pattern escalated—with further incidents at Diddy’s home in Los Angeles and on his private jet. She testified that the dynamic blurred the line between professional duty and personal violation, saying she felt incapable of saying “no,” even to minor demands. Mia described how the trauma stayed buried for years. She feared losing her job and didn’t think reporting the abuse would lead to action. “I thought no one would believe me,” she said, calling it the most shameful and dehumanizing period of her life. She also testified that Diddy monitored her movements and pressured her into drug use, including ketamine, in settings she described as coercive. The work itself, she said, was relentless—long hours, little sleep, and no formal recognition.

Naturi Naughton-Lewis recently shared that she wanted to direct episodes of Power but was not allowed. Appearing on the third electrifying installment of PLLRS, held at Soho Works in Brooklyn, Naughton-Lewis, along with her husband, Two Lewis, a film producer and entertainment executive, shared how she was not permitted to sit in the director’s chair. “I was on Power for six years, and then four years on Power Book II: Ghost. I did 10 years of a show that went on and on, and I begged to direct an episode and never got the opportunity. That felt very hurtful, and it was frustrating,” Naughton-Lewis told journalist Keith Nelson Jr.. “No one trusted me to do one episode. I had taken classes. I was showing people I can do it. I think that was where I felt like, ‘Jesus, I want to be more than just Tasha.” Refusing to have her creativity stifled, the couple launched their own production company, Take Two Entertainment. They’ve already produced short film 333, which is in the American Black Film Festival, and The Color Book, which was in the Tribeca Film Festival. Additionally, they’re set to co-produce Duke & Roya, an off-Broadway play starring Insecure’s Jay Ellis. Elsewhere in the conversation, Naughton-Lewis spoke about why she hasn’t released any new music since she co-founded 3LW. She went on to share some of the struggles she faced in the music industry. “I was taken advantage of as a teenager. I was mistreated. I made no money. I worked my ass off and literally was broke. I had nothing. I could barely buy a car. My dad helped me buy my first car, a BMW 325i with the $10,000 I made over four years of being in a group called 3LW,” Naughton-Lewis said. “After selling 1.6 million records, I had $10,000. I was on financial aid in college. I did all the regular stuff, and people were like, ‘Wait, weren’t you just on TRL or 106 & Park?’ The music business broke my heart.”

After trying to keep pace with a hectic touring schedule, Tyler, the Creator recently admitted that he’s mentally drained due to constant live performing. During a conversation with Converse in London on Wednesday (May 28), Tyler shared a glimpse of reality as touring artists. “The unfamiliarity, a different bed every night, the food—I’m not from this side of the world, so as much time as I spend on thinking about where I’m going to eat, bro it’s draining,” Tyler said. He added that it’s “so much stuff outside the clothes that you bring and, hopefully, the people around you.” “It’s just brand new every day, and after a while it gets a bit stressful. My temperament is Los Angeles, so wide streets, low buildings, you see the sky all the time,” Tyler explained. “A lot of places out here in Europe … it feels claustrophobic. It’s people on the street all the time, it’s a lot. And it feels heavy; I can’t go anywhere without a bunch of security.” As he continued, Tyler said that the “stress” impacts his body, and it is difficult to find “solitude.” “What makes up for it is that these shows are incredible, and the people are excited,” he explained. Tyler also shared that it takes a bit of delusion to be a successful artist. “To make stuff, you gotta be delusional,” he said around the 26-minute mark. “And when you’re delusional, you need people around you that trust you. Because what the f–k they gon’ trust? You say some normal stuff like, ‘The sky is blue.’ Yeah, you don’t need people to trust you to say that. I’m delusional, but I knew what I wanted to do since I was five years old.” Currently, Tyler is headlining his Chromakopia World Tour that wraps up in September.

If male artists want to work with Latto, they must respect her relationship with her man. During a conversation on Speedy Morman’s 360 With Speedy, the  Atlanta rapper spoke highly about her man, whose identity is a mystery to her fans. “They gon’ test the water, but for the most part, everybody respect what I got going on,” she told Speedy. “They know don’t play with me. Don’t play with him. They respect that belt.” Latto also said that because she’s a Capricorn, her boyfriend is constantly on her mind. Even when she’s had to use the bathroom. View this post on Instagram A post shared by speedy (@speedymorman) “Eat, my man. Shit, my man. Bathe, my man. Sleep, my man,” she said. Elsewhere in the interview, Latto said it was  “a blessing to have somebody that you just want to just devour,” noting that she still gets “butterflies” after five years of being together. “I think it’s just meant to be for real. And then I think because we don’t got everybody in our business, like, y’all want to know so bad,” Latto explained. “You’re not.” The “Somebody” rapper said that by taking care of herself, she “attracted that energy” to make a connection with her secret lover. “I made myself a boss, then I got with a boss,” she added. Along with loving her relationships, Latto is preparing to hit the road on her Big Mama Takes Europe tour. Latto will be performing at festivals “DLT Malta in St. Paul’s Bay, Malta, Tinderbox in Odense, Denmark, Yardland Festival in Paris, France, and Les Ardentes in Liège, Belgium, as well as shows in London, Berlin, and Amsterdam.”

Chris Brown is showing major dad energy as he celebrates his daughter Royalty’s 11th birthday. On Tuesday, May 27th, the R&B singer shared a heartfelt post for his eldest child, making sure fans knew just how much he adores her. “Happy BIRTHDAY TO MY TWIN ,” Chris wrote on his Instagram Story. He added, “LOVE YOU SO MUCH CHICKEN NUGGET,” along with an “11” to mark her milestone age. The affectionate nickname and message continue Brown’s tradition of publicly acknowledging Royalty’s special moments, dating back to when she was first introduced to the world in 2014. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) Royalty’s mom, Nia Guzman, also took to Instagram to honor their daughter with a series of loving tributes. One highlight was a sweet video montage capturing moments from Royalty’s childhood through the years. “HAPPY 11th BIRTHDAY TO MY PRINCESS @missroyaltybrown!!! I LOVE YOU SO SO SO MUCH,” Guzman captioned the touching clip. In addition to celebrating Royalty, Chris recently shared another sweet birthday moment. While closing out the 2025 Millennium Tour in Los Angeles, he joined Ray J in singing “Happy Birthday” to Bow Wow’s daughter, Shai Moss, who turned 14. The moment was caught on video and shared by Bow Wow himself. “On the last night of the Millennium Tour, she got her uncles [Chris Brown] and [Ray J] to sing,” Bow Wow wrote, sharing the heartwarming clip. Between heartfelt posts and surprise performances, Chris Brown is enjoying his role as a proud girl dad, making sure the young ladies in his life feel loved and celebrated.

Charles Rangel, a renowned former congressman who represented the Harlem community on Capitol Hill for nearly fifty years, passed away on Monday. Michelle Stent, a spokesperson from the City College of New York, confirmed that Rangel passed in the hospital. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., paid tribute to Rangel’s legacy “Charlie Rangel was a great man, a great friend, and someone who never stopped fighting for his constituents and the best of America,” Schumer wrote on Monday. “The list of his accomplishments could take pages, but he leaves the world a much better place than he found it.” Charlie Rangel was a great man, a great friend, and someone who never stopped fighting for his constituents and the best of America. The list of his accomplishments could take pages, but he leaves the world a much better place than he found it. pic.twitter.com/d1j0YwzWs3 — Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) May 26, 2025 Born and raised in Harlem, his father, Ralph Rangel, was mostly absent and left the family. His mother, Blanche Mary Wharton, was a domestic worker and as a seamstress in a factory in New York’s Garment District. A promising student, Rangle dropped out of high school in his junior year and enlisted in the US Army. He was a veteran of the Korean War, where he earned a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.  After an honorable discharge, he attended college on the G.I. Bill, earning degrees from New York University and St. John’s University Law School. Beginning his work in politics, her served in the New York State Assembly and was appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney In 1970, he defeated legendary Harlem politician Rev. Adam Clayton Powell and would represent the community for more than 40  years. He became a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, dean of the New York congressional delegation, and, in 2007, the first Black chair of the influential Ways and Means Committee. In 2017,  Rangel retired from the United States Congress 2017 and began serving as the Statesman-in-Residence at The City College. In 2022, Rangel launched the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative (RIWI) at CCNY “to boost modern infrastructure jobs in upper Manhattan and the Bronx.” He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha and of the fraternity’s World Policy Council. Rangle was the last surviving member of The Gang of Four, also known as the Harlem Clubhouse, which dominated the political world of Harlem. He was predeceased by David Dinkins, Basil Paterson, and Percy Sutton. We at HOT97 extend our prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Congressman Charlie Rangel.

During a pivotal day in the federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, longtime stylist and associate Deonte Nash delivered emotional testimony, alleging the music mogul held a troubling level of control over Cassie Ventura during their decade-long relationship. Nash told jurors he witnessed repeated instances of abuse, including one in which Diddy allegedly slammed Ventura Fine’s head against a bed frame. He also claimed Diddy threatened to release intimate recordings and used emotional manipulation to isolate her from others. Nash described a dynamic marked by control, claiming Ventura would often cry over Diddy’s attempts to dictate her career, social life, and appearance. According to Nash, the pattern of behavior extended beyond private settings. At one point, he recounted Diddy berating him over Ventura’s look at an Oscars event, portraying a man intent on managing every facet of her public image. The pressure, Nash said, weighed heavily on Ventura’s emotional state. Kid Cudi Break-In, Jealousy Claims Surface in Diddy Trial Prosecutors also introduced testimony surrounding a separate incident involving Kid Cudi. LAPD officer Chris Ignacio told the court he saw a vehicle registered to Diddy’s company leaving the scene of an alleged break-in at Cudi’s home. The incident, prosecutors allege, was driven by jealousy related to Ventura. The courtroom also heard details about a separate episode where Ventura Fine allegedly suffered a gash requiring stitches after an argument turned physical in a hotel room. Nash said he and another team member attempted to intervene but were overpowered. “He was in a rage,” Nash recalled, describing how Diddy allegedly yanked Ventura Fine off a couch in the middle of the confrontation. Diddy has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His defense team pushed back during proceedings, calling for a mistrial over what they claimed were prejudicial statements by prosecutors regarding possible destruction of evidence. The judge denied the motion. Meanwhile, cross-examinations of law enforcement witnesses revealed forced entry at Cudi’s residence but no stolen property.

NBA YoungBoy has received a presidential pardon from President Donald Trump. On Wednesday (March 28), YoungBoy, along with eight others, including real estate entrepreneurs Todd and Julie Chrisley and Michael Grimm, a former GOP Congressman, were granted clemency. In a statement, YoungBoy expressed his gratitude for being pardoned. “I want to thank President Trump for granting me a pardon and giving me the opportunity to keep building – as a man, as a father, and as an artist,” YoungBoy said in a statement shared to social media. “This moment means a lot. It opens the door to a future I’ve worked hard for and I am fully prepared to step into this.” In addition to Michael Grimm and the Chrisleys, President Trump used his pardon power to grant clemency to a wave of individuals Wednesday, including:  — Former Connecticut Gov. John Rowland, who was convicted twice — Kentrell Gaulden, the rapper who goes by NBA YoungBoy and… — Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) May 28, 2025 “Big thanks to the Pardon Czar, Ms. Alice Marie Johnson, for fighting for second chances for so many people, and to my lawyer, Brittany K. Barnett, for being in my corner and all your hard work to make this possible,” his statement continued. “And thank you to everyone who believed in me.” Throughout his career, YoungBoy has faced constant legal troubles, including firearms charges and house arrest. Even while dealing with legal issues, the Baton Rouge rapper has dropped several albums and mixtapes while serving time in prison. Youngboy’s pardon comes in just as his upcoming 27-city concert run, which begins on September 2 in Dallas, is called the Make America Smile Again (MASA) .