The North Carolina Court of Appeals has upheld Billy Barrino’s life sentence for first-degree murder, rejecting challenges to the admission of rap lyrics, surveillance footage and jury instructions in his 2024 trial. Barrino, 28, argued that the trial court improperly excluded self-defense instructions and allowed prejudicial evidence to influence the jury’s verdict. The appellate court found no reversible error in the proceedings. Barrino shot and killed 24-year-old Jaleel Nivens on April 23, 2022, in a parking lot at the Monroe Housing Authority on Boyte Street. According to court records, Barrino was filming a music video with a group when an argument erupted. Witnesses testified that Nivens began yelling before allegedly pulling a gun and firing toward Barrino’s feet. Barrino pushed Nivens away and fired two shots, killing him at the scene. Authorities arrested Barrino three days later. A jury convicted him in October 2024. North Carolina Court of Appeals Upholds Billy Barrino’s Life Sentence While Deeming Rap Lyrics Admissible In Murder Case Barrino challenged the admission of rap lyrics he wrote while incarcerated before trial. The lyrics referenced Nivens and Barrino’s brother, Jaquavious Allen, who was killed in 2021. Prosecutors argued Barrino killed Nivens in retaliation for Allen’s death. Robert Ashcraft, Nivens’ cousin, was convicted of manslaughter in Allen’s killing. The appeals court upheld the lyrics’ admission, citing precedent recognizing that rap lyrics may be relevant to identity, motive and intent. The court also concluded Barrino failed to establish that the trial judge abused their discretion. Barrino further argued that jurors should have received instructions explaining North Carolina’s stand-your-ground protections and the absence of a duty to retreat in certain circumstances. However, the court noted that Barrino’s attorney did not object when the agreed-upon instructions were changed. “If a defendant fails to object to the trial court’s instructions, he has failed to preserve the issue for appellate review,” the opinion stated. The court also rejected Barrino’s challenge to surveillance footage. They found that glitches and gaps obscuring the shooting did not render the recording improperly authenticated, unreliable or misleading. Barrino remains incarcerated at Alexander Correctional Institution in Taylorsville. He may seek further review by the North Carolina Supreme Court.

Morris Chestnut’s attempt at Chicago street slang has become an unexpected talking point surrounding Hulu’s legal drama “Reasonable Doubt,” drawing playful criticism from viewers who question his character’s South Side accent. Chestnut plays Corey Cash, a confident attorney whose confrontation with a client portrayed by R&B singer Tank has gone viral. The exchange centers on Cash’s effort to assert his Chicago roots through a threat involving the word “goof.” Viewers, particularly Chicago residents, say the actor’s pronunciation misses the mark. The scene begins with Cash attempting to maintain control of the conversation. “See, it’s not personal,” he says. “It’s just business, baby.” His client pushes back, mocking the attorney’s polished appearance, vocabulary and apparent effort to delay the legal matter. Cash eventually drops the professional façade. “Don’t let this suit fool you,” he declares. “I’m from South Side Chicago.” He then threatens to “beat yo goof […]” with an emphatic pronunciation that quickly became fodder for social media. Chicago viewers responded with jokes and corrections, arguing that the word sounds different when spoken by locals. One commenter quipped that Chestnut “will pay for his crimes,” while another suggested the scene should have stayed in the archives. Chicago Roasts Actor Morris Chestnut’s “Goofy” Accent On “Reasonable Doubt” The reaction extended beyond Chicago. “I’m not even from Chicago and I know that don’t sound right,” one viewer wrote, underscoring how the delivery caught audiences’ attention. Actor Kris D. Lofton joined the online conversation with laughing emojis but also praised the series. He said Tank “ain’t doing half bad” and expressed enthusiasm for the season, reflecting a broader response that separates criticism of the accent from appreciation for the show. Chicago comedian Mojo Brookzz offered a more practical response, posting a tutorial on the phrase. Brookzz suggested Chestnut had followed the script too literally and demonstrated the wording, “get your goof ass out of here.” He explained that the “A,” as he described it, is “silent, but it’s not,” advising the actor to ease up on the vowel. Neither Morris Chestnut nor Tank has publicly addressed the reaction. Hulu has also offered no comment. For “Reasonable Doubt,” the moment has created an unlikely viral conversation about regional authenticity, Chicago slang and the fine line between scripted dialogue and a convincing local accent.

Cardi B is joining the world of “Grand Theft Auto VI” with “Don’t Chart,” a new single featured on the upcoming video game’s official soundtrack. The Bronx rap star’s latest release appears on “Grand Theft Auto VI: The Album,” a collaboration between Atlantic Records and Rockstar Games. The soundtrack is scheduled to arrive November 19, 2026, alongside the highly anticipated game. Neither Cardi nor Rockstar has provided a quote about the track in the supplied material. However, the release adds another major hip-hop name to the franchise’s longstanding musical legacy. “Don’t Chart” follows a busy period for Cardi. She released her sophomore album, “Am I The Drama?,” in September 2025. In 2026, she also completed her first headlining arena trek, the Little Miss Drama Tour. The upcoming soundtrack features 34 original tracks inspired by the fictional settings of Vice City and Leonida. Its lineup spans hip-hop, pop, country, Latin music and other genres, reflecting the franchise’s broad musical identity. Hip-Hop Star Cardi B & GTA: VI Release New Song “Don’t Chart” Previously released songs include “That’s It,” by Yung Lean featuring Future and Metro Boomin, and Travis Scott’s “RHYNO.” CA7RIEL, Paco Amoroso, PinkPantheress, Fred again.. and Etienne de Crécy also collaborated on “Sexy Magic.” The album additionally features Morgan Wallen’s “Last Thing You Need,” Rauw Alejandro’s “Macacoa 2000” and Keith Richards’ “Bright Lights, Big City.” Cardi’s contribution brings another high-profile rap release to the collection. Music has remained central to the “Grand Theft Auto” experience for decades. The franchise’s in-game radio stations introduce players to artists across genres, helping establish each game’s atmosphere and cultural identity. Rockstar Games is continuing that tradition with “GTA 6,” giving players a new musical landscape to explore. Cardi’s inclusion also offers her fans a fresh track while they await the next installment. “Grand Theft Auto VI” is scheduled to launch November 19, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The soundtrack is expected to arrive on the same date. With “Don’t Chart,” Cardi B extends her reach into gaming culture, joining a diverse roster of artists contributing original music to one of the industry’s most anticipated releases.

Quavo and Offset could be called to testify in a legal dispute between Takeoff’s parents over a wrongful death settlement tied to the late Migos rapper’s fatal shooting. Takeoff’s mother, Titania Davenport, identified the fellow Migos members as potential witnesses in her ongoing dispute with his father, Kenneth Ball, according to TMZ. The former couple disagrees over how the settlement should be distributed. View this post on Instagram Davenport is also seeking to have the proceedings moved to Georgia from Texas. She argues that key witnesses, including Quavo and Offset, live near Atlanta and Athens. Holding the case in Houston would increase travel expenses for witnesses expected to testify, she contends. The settlement stems from Davenport’s lawsuit against a Houston bowling alley where Takeoff was fatally shot on Nov. 1, 2022. The rapper, born Kirsnick Khari Ball, was 28. Migos’ Quavo & Offset May Be Called To Testify In Takeoff’s Parents’ Legal Dispute At the center of the dispute is Ball’s claim to a portion of the settlement. In court filings, Davenport describes her relationship with Takeoff as exceptionally close. She maintains that she largely raised him as a single mother and provided stability throughout his childhood. Davenport also alleges that Takeoff financially supported her as an adult, including paying her bills and providing assistance she relied upon. However, she challenges Ball’s claim to a significant share of the settlement. Davenport alleges that he provided little financial or emotional support while their son was growing up. According to the filing, Ball “provided negligible financial support and effectively no emotional support” during Takeoff’s childhood. Those assertions represent Davenport’s allegations in the ongoing dispute. Quavo and Offset have not been confirmed as witnesses, and it remains unclear whether either rapper will testify. Davenport’s request to move the proceedings reflects her position that Georgia would be a more practical venue. The settlement dispute is separate from the criminal case stemming from Takeoff’s death. Patrick Xavier Clark has been charged with the rapper’s murder. The disagreement over the settlement adds another legal proceeding following the loss of the Migos member, whose death sent shock waves through hip-hop.

WWE superstar Cody Rhodes is comparing modern wrestling promos to rap battles, arguing that today’s microphone exchanges sometimes prioritize punchlines over storytelling. During a recent appearance on the Flagrant podcast, Rhodes watched an old promo featuring wrestling veteran JBL alongside host Andrew Schulz and his crew. The footage sparked a discussion about how wrestlers deliver insults and build compelling rivalries. “Promos have really become rap battles now,” Rhodes said. “What do you got in your pocket, you know what I mean? You got these zingers on one another.” Although Rhodes appreciates a memorable one-liner, he believes effective promos require performers to work together. Rather than constantly trying to outshine each other, wrestlers should create opportunities for their opponents to deliver powerful moments. WWE superstar Cody Rhodes Claims Today’s Promos Are Like Rap Battles “Those are fun, but I feel like a really proper — a giving partner in those segments is the one that lets you say all the cool stuff,” he explained. The WWE champion also emphasized that a great promo does not always need flashy insults. Sometimes, direct dialogue creates a stronger connection with audiences. “This is just a promo that’s not cool, it’s direct,” Rhodes said. “Nothing cool about that.” Rhodes further explained how wrestling villains can build compelling characters without relying on outright lies. “Just the idea that a bad guy isn’t necessarily telling falsehoods either, he might be telling you the truth,” he said. “It’s the way he’s telling you, it’s the grinding of an axe. It’s really complicated, it really is.” His comments highlight the balance between authenticity, character development and verbal sparring in professional wrestling. Rhodes’ discussion of rap battles also connects wrestling’s tradition of lyrical warfare with hip-hop culture. Both formats reward sharp delivery, memorable lines and the ability to command an audience. Meanwhile, Rhodes has another connection to pop culture through his involvement in the upcoming Street Fighter film. The WWE star is part of the video game adaptation’s cast, expanding his presence beyond the wrestling ring. Elsewhere on Flagrant, Rhodes discussed Dominik Mysterio and Solo Sikoa, including their leadership roles within WWE’s locker room.

R&B singer Nivea is sharing encouraging news about her health after revealing that her chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is in remission. The “Laundromat” singer, 44, became emotional while discussing the milestone during an appearance on The Tamron Hall Show Wednesday (Oct. 7). Reflecting on the unexpected progress in her cancer journey, Nivea expressed gratitude for the positive update. “I’m very grateful,” she said, admitting she “couldn’t believe” how quickly things had changed since her diagnosis. Nivea first revealed she had leukemia in July 2026. The mother of four explained that doctors performed two bone marrow biopsies before confirming she had chronic myeloid leukemia, a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow. Since learning of her diagnosis, the singer has navigated treatment while managing difficult side effects. Although her medication has been working, Nivea said she has experienced fatigue and bleeding. She also revealed she is dealing with uterine fibroids. R&B Singer Nivea Shares She’s In Remission For Her Leukemia Diagnosis Despite the challenges, Nivea remains focused on taking her health journey “day by day.” She has continued making music and raising her children while adjusting to the demands of treatment. The singer has also expressed appreciation for the prayers, encouragement and support she has received from fans and loved ones. Their kindness has helped her navigate this unexpected chapter. Nivea’s latest announcement marks an encouraging development just months after she first shared her diagnosis publicly. While remission is welcome news, it does not necessarily mean the cancer has been cured. People living with CML may still require ongoing treatment and monitoring. For Nivea, the milestone offers a reason to celebrate while continuing to prioritize her health and family. Her emotional response also reflects the uncertainty that can accompany a cancer diagnosis and the relief of receiving positive news. As she moves forward, the singer remains committed to embracing each day with gratitude and focusing on what matters most.

Lil Wayne is already planning the soundtrack for his upcoming nuptials, naming soul legend Anita Baker as his top choice to perform at his wedding to fiancée Madi Cannon. As reported by Complex, the 44-year-old hip-hop icon shared his wishlist during an appearance Wednesday on “The Joint Venture Show.” When host Craig Carton asked who he would want to serenade the couple on their big day, Wayne immediately pointed to the “Sweet Love” singer as his primary inspiration. “My first choice, of course, would be Miss Anita Baker,” Wayne said during the interview. However, the rapper expressed a desire to be mindful of the 68-year-old singer’s schedule and energy. He said he heard Baker might be “getting a bit tired of performing” and noted he would not want to cause her any stress. Should Baker be unavailable, the “A Milli” rapper has already curated a backup list of R&B heavyweights. Wayne said that Keith Sweat and Babyface are his next preferred candidates to take the stage. While the artist has strong opinions on the performer, he said the specific song choice will be left entirely to Cannon. The wedding discussion follows a whirlwind period for the couple’s relationship status. Wayne officially introduced the 23-year-old Cannon as his fiancée in late September. The reveal occurred in a video shared by fellow Hot Boys member B.G., where Wayne jokingly declared himself the best man for B.G.’s own upcoming wedding before gesturing to Cannon and stating, “I’m marrying this one.” The public confirmation settles months of speculation regarding the pair. Reports of an engagement first surfaced in May, though Wayne initially denied the rumors in July, stating at the time that he was not engaged. The recent public appearances and interview comments suggest a reconciliation and a formal commitment between the rapper and the Indiana-based social media influencer. While a wedding date has not yet been made public, Wayne remains busy on the professional front. He is currently in the middle of his “20 Years Of Carter Classics” tour, which celebrates the enduring legacy of his “Tha Carter” album series. Wayne has been previously engaged to model La’Tecia Thomas and singer Nivea, with whom he shares a son. He also has children with Toya Johnson, Lauren London and Sarah Vivan.

Keshia Chanté has officially addressed swirling internet rumors regarding the paternity of her unborn child, clarifying that fellow Toronto native Drake is not the father. The speculation erupted earlier this week after Chanté announced her pregnancy, leading fans to link her to the “God’s Plan” rapper due to their long-standing personal history. Chanté appeared on the Toronto news outlet CP24 to set the record straight following 24 hours of intense social media scrutiny. During the interview, she confirmed that while she and Drake remain close friends, the rumors are entirely unfounded. The two reportedly shared a lighthearted moment over the viral claims, with Chanté noting that they spoke about the situation as it unfolded. “He is not the dad,” Chanté said during the broadcast. “We were talking about it yesterday, like, ‘Why is this happening?’ I don’t know. But no, he’s not the dad.” Live on CP24 this morning, Keshia Chanté cleared up rumors about #Drake and her pregnancy saying “he is not the dad.” “My son’s father, i love him dearly, he’s in the music industry and he’s also a public figure.” Full interview: https://t.co/jXxAEAlg8o pic.twitter.com/zFhdPJOqGq — Jermaine Wilson | CP24/CTV News (@Jerrmainewilson) October 7, 2026 The rumor mill began churning on Tuesday after Chanté shared news of her pregnancy but kept the identity of the father private. Given that Drake once described Chanté as his “first girlfriend” during their teenage years in Toronto, fans quickly filled the information void with theories. The situation escalated to the point where representatives for Drake issued a formal denial to TMZ earlier this week. While Chanté declined to name her partner, she provided enough detail to narrow down the search for curious fans. She described the father as someone she loves “dearly” and confirmed that he is a public figure who also works within the music industry. “I’m excited to see my son be this little musical, magical person,” Chanté said, expressing her joy for the new chapter in her life. Chanté, a Juno Award-winning artist who rose to fame in the early 2000s, has successfully transitioned from a music career to a prominent role in broadcasting. As she prepares for motherhood, she emphasized that her focus remains on her growing family and her committed relationship with her partner.

Federal prison officials have once again delayed the scheduled release date for music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs following a series of bombshell allegations regarding his conduct behind bars. The Bureau of Prisons updated Combs’ projected release date to March 2, 2028, marking a five-week extension from his previous date of Jan. 21, 2028. This update represents the ninth time the mogul’s release timeline has been adjusted during his incarceration at FCI Fort Dix. The extension follows a report by NBC alleging that Combs, 56, has been utilizing his significant wealth to maintain a “luxurious lifestyle” while serving time. Investigators reportedly discovered that the Bad Boy Records founder had access to a contraband cellphone, which he allegedly used to receive personal photos and maintain unauthorized communication with the outside world. In addition to the prohibited electronics, the report suggests Combs was paying other inmates to perform services for him, including cooking specialized meals. He was also allegedly paying for private massages within the facility, a violation of standard federal prison regulations. Prison authorities responded to the contraband discovery by placing Combs in solitary confinement, sources said. This disciplinary measure is standard for inmates found with telecommunication devices or those suspected of bribing fellow prisoners. The mogul’s time at the New Jersey facility has been tumultuous. Earlier this year, his release date was pushed back following a physical altercation with another inmate, which also resulted in a stint in solitary confinement. While his release date has fluctuated over the past year — occasionally moving forward due to good behavior credits — this latest five-week penalty suggests more serious disciplinary infractions. Legal experts say that while “yo-yoing” release dates are common for inmates with disciplinary issues, the frequency of Combs’ changes is unusual for a high-profile figure. Despite the setbacks, current projections indicate Combs will remain in federal custody until the spring of 2028. Representatives for the artist have not publicly commented on the latest extension or the specific allegations of contraband smuggling.

Halle Berry’s 18-year-old daughter, Nahla Aubry, has spoken out about her mother’s child abuse allegations. ​Olivier Martinez, Berry’s ex-husband, filed for sole custody of their 13-year-old son, Maceo, alleging physical abuse. Berry strongly denies, stating she is a victim of domestic violence. ​“I never observed anything abusive about her parenting,” Nahla wrote.  ​Nahla said her mom is a “loving and devoted parent” who is “warm, supportive, and deeply involved.” But she “can be strict when necessary and expects her children to follow rules and be respectful.” ​“I have never seen my mom hit, slap, choke, grab, or physically abuse Maceo in any way,” Nahla wrote. “ And I have never seen my mom place her hands around Maceo’s neck, put him in a chokehold, restrict his breathing, or engage in any conduct remotely resembling the allegations that have been made against her.” ​Nahla noted she has lived with Maceo most of his life. She added that Berry coordinated their schedules after separating from Martinez to maximize their time together. ​“She attended his games, drove him to practices and tournaments, and advocated for his education and access to medical treatment and therapy,” she wrote. “She celebrates our successes, supports us through challenges, and is always there when we need her.” ​“I never doubted my mom’s love for me,” Nahla continued. “She consistently provided me with stability, support, guidance, and unconditional love.” ​Berry is petitioning the court to restore her original custody agreement for Maceo, her 12-year-old son with ex-husband Olivier Martinez. Berry is asking the court to restore 50/50 custody with her ex. She also wants to reinstate her tie-breaking authority and require Martinez to attend court-ordered therapy.   ​Per the filing, Berry alleged, “that Martinez’s anger towards her influences her own disagreements with their son.” ​​“The fourth concern is Olivier’s continued attempts to align Maceo with him and against me in many areas of our child’s life,” she wrote.  Berry claims it “causes Maceo to be angry with me about private issues relating to Maceo which Olivier and I were discussing at the time.”