Singer D4vd is facing increasing professional and legal scrutiny as authorities continue investigating the death of Celeste Rivas, a case that has begun to generate collateral consequences despite the absence of criminal charges. The Los Angeles investigation stems from a discovery made Sept. 8, when police responded to reports of a strong odor coming from a vehicle at an impound lot. Officers located a body inside a 2023 Tesla that had been towed days earlier. View this post on Instagram Law enforcement later confirmed the vehicle was registered to David Anthony Burke, the artist’s legal name. Burke is a Texas resident whose music career has surged in recent years under the stage name d4vd. The discovery prompted immediate fallout. One day before police found the body, d4vd abruptly canceled his world tour and ceased posting on social media. His last Instagram activity occurred Sept. 7, according to public records. Industry partners have since taken steps to distance themselves. When the Madden NFL 26 soundtrack was released in August, it included d4vd’s song “What Are You Waiting For.” TMZ reported this week that the track has since been removed from the game’s official playlist. EA Sports and representatives for the Madden franchise have not publicly commented on the removal or its rationale. Brand relationships have also unraveled. Crocs and Hollister removed the artist from a joint advertising campaign. D4vd’s Songs Pulled From Video Games With Grand Jury Indictment Expected In a statement to Footwear News, the companies said they were aware of the developing situation and removed campaign materials featuring d4vd while the investigation continues. In November, ABC News reported that law enforcement sources had placed d4vd on a list of persons of interest. The outlet also reported that sources claimed investigators believed he was not cooperating with authorities. No agency has publicly confirmed those assertions, and no warrant or charging document naming d4vd has been filed. ABC News further reported that sources described Rivas’ body as dismembered and suggested investigators believe multiple individuals may have been involved in the dismemberment and disposal. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not released an official cause or manner of death. A grand jury has since been convened to review evidence and consider potential charges. Prosecutors have not announced any decisions. As of publication, d4vd has not been charged with any crime. TMZ reported that sources believe an indictment could be forthcoming, though no timeline has been disclosed. Until formal action is taken, the investigation remains ongoing, leaving the artist’s legal status unresolved and his professional future uncertain.

Instagram model Jordyn Gorr ignited controversy on Jan. 1, 2025, after posting a disturbing series of Instagram Stories that appeared to accuse rapper Offset of being connected to a violent incident involving her in Miami. The posts featured a photo of Gorr with visible cuts and bruises across her face, underscored by Migos’ breakout hit “Bad and Boujee,” a song closely associated with Offset’s rise to fame. The imagery alone drew attention, but Gorr’s words quickly intensified the moment. “Everytime I’m in the same building as this man I somehow get jumped by mulitple girls,” she wrote, directly implying a pattern tied to Offset’s presence. View this post on Instagram She followed with an even more alarming statement: “I want to make it very clear that if something more serious happens to me it was super tender shrimp .” Her claims resurfaced an earlier incident that had already circulated widely online. On Dec. 7, 2025, a video went viral showing Gorr being attacked by multiple women inside a bowling alley. View this post on Instagram The footage spread rapidly across blogs and social media platforms, fueling speculation about the circumstances that led to the altercation. According to online chatter, the incident occurred shortly after Gorr exposed an alleged private conversation involving herself and Offset. That alleged exchange, widely debated but unverified, included claims that Offset attempted to involve NFL star Stefon Diggs, who has been publicly linked to Cardi B, Offset’s estranged wife. While none of those claims have been independently confirmed, the speculation has continued to follow the story, adding layers of tension tied to Offset’s highly publicized personal life. Jordyn Gorr Claims Offset Had Her Attacked Again After Allegedly Trying To Set Up Setfon Diggs By stating she had been attacked “for a second time,” Gorr framed the Miami incident as part of an ongoing pattern rather than an isolated event. Her assertion that simply being “in the same building” as Offset led to violence reinforced her belief that the situations were connected, though no official findings have supported that claim. In a subsequent Story, Gorr shifted from accusation to reflection. “I appreciate everyone who checked in on me,” she wrote. “I’m so grateful for each person who took the time to personally reach out to send love & support.” She ended with a broader message that resonated with many followers: “Don’t ever be afraid to speak up. Silence only protects the wrong people.” As of now, Offset has not publicly responded to Gorr’s allegations. With no official statements or legal actions announced, her posts remain a raw, unsettling account that has reignited debate online about accountability, power, and the personal risks of speaking out in the public eye.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named Sports Illustrated’s 2025 Sportsperson of the Year. Gilgeous-Alexander will grace the cover of the Sportsperson of the Year print issue, available on newsstands January 8. ​The Oklahoma City Thunder star will receive the honor in person, along with the additional 2025 award winners, at the Sportsperson of the Year Awards Ceremony next Tuesday, January 6th, at Wynn Las Vegas. ​Awarded since 1954, Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year is one of the most prestigious honors in all of sports. It’s given “to the athlete or team who best symbolizes in character and performance the ideals of sportsmanship.” Previous winners include Serena Williams, Derek Jeter, and LeBron James, among others. ​During the interview, Gilgeous-Alexander spoke about his phenomenal 2025 campaign. View this post on Instagram “I think more than anything I was excited by the fact that I had achieved those things. And still had so much room to grow,” he explained. ​He also shared the obstacles he overcame to be one of the NBA’s best players. ​“The way I saw it was when I was in ninth grade, nobody saw me and was like, ‘He’s going to be the 11th pick in the NBA draft,’ ” says Gilgeous-Alexander. “And I did it. So why can’t I just implement the same thing on a different scale, on a different level, using the same process?” ​In 2025, Gilgeous-Alexander reached the pinnacle of basketball excellence, cementing his status as a global superstar. He captured his first NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a franchise-record 68-14 record. He also won the league scoring title with a career-high 32.7 points per game. His historic campaign didn’t end with the regular season; he powered the Thunder to their first NBA Championship since relocating to Oklahoma City. He took home the Finals MVP honors.

Atlanta rapper Hunxho surprised social media at the top of the new year after posting a pair of understated Instagram Stories that appeared to confirm the birth of his child. View this post on Instagram On Jan. 1, 2026, the Atlanta rapper shared images of himself holding a newborn baby girl. One photo was captioned simply, “Happy New Year,” while another featured the time stamp “11:25.” Hunxho offered no additional explanation, but the imagery was enough to send social media into a frenzy. The reaction was driven less by the announcement itself and more by Hunxho’s highly publicized, on-and-off relationship with R&B singer Keyshia Cole. Cole has not been pregnant, leading fans to quickly deduce that the child was born to another woman. That realization sparked intense discussion across hip-hop blogs and repost pages, including Livebitez, where commenters flooded the post with speculation, criticism, and concern. Hunxho Introduces Newborn On New Year’s Day, Social Media Feels For Keyisha Cole Some fans framed the moment through a musical lens. “I smell a good heartbreak album from Keyshia Cole,” one commenter wrote, implying the situation could fuel new material from the veteran singer. Others took a harsher stance. “Well can’t feel bad for her she knew what she was up against,” another user commented, suggesting Cole understood the risks of the relationship. Concern for Cole’s emotional well-being surfaced repeatedly. “Somebody check on Keyshia,” one person wrote, echoing a broader sentiment that the reveal felt sudden and potentially painful. Another commenter widened the critique, writing, “These men will embarrass you every time,” framing the situation as part of a larger pattern rather than an isolated incident. Hunxho himself also faced backlash. One comment argued the reveal hurt his public standing. “You fuqed your image up the value on you just went completely went down,” the user wrote, viewing the moment as damaging rather than celebratory. Another added, “These men will be sneaky, disrespectful and selfish every time,” capturing the frustration shared by many viewers. Notably, Hunxho did not respond to the discourse. His Stories made no mention of the child’s mother and did not reference Cole. That silence allowed the narrative to unfold without clarification. The contrast between the quiet captions, “Happy New Year” and “11:25,” and the explosive reaction online turned a personal milestone into a full-blown hip-hop conversation overnight. For fans, the situation underscored the tension between private choices and public relationships, especially when love, celebrity, and expectations collide.

Will Smith is facing a civil lawsuit in California state court that would gain a reaction from mogul 50 Cent after a professional violinist alleged he was removed from the actor’s music tour in retaliation for reporting a disturbing hotel incident. Brian King Joseph filed the complaint this week in Los Angeles Superior Court, naming Smith in connection with his dismissal from the rapper-actor’s Based on a True Story tour. The suit alleges retaliation following Joseph’s report of a suspected unauthorized entry into his hotel room during a tour stop in Las Vegas. View this post on Instagram According to the filing, Joseph first met Smith in November 2024 after being referred by other musicians for a recording opportunity. He alleges Smith invited him to his home, where Joseph performed during an informal audition. The suit claims Smith later offered him a position on the tour. The dispute centers on events that allegedly occurred in March 2025, when the tour traveled to Las Vegas for its first scheduled performance. Joseph claims that after checking into a hotel, he found indications that someone had entered his room without consent. The complaint states the discovery caused fear of potential unwanted sexual advances. Will Smith Sued By Violinist Brian King Joseph, Alleging Wrongful Termination, 50 Cent Weighs In Joseph alleges he found a handwritten note reading, “Brian, I’ll be back… just us,” signed “Stone F” with a heart drawn beside it. He also claims to have discovered wipes, a beer bottle, a red backpack, an earring, hospital discharge paperwork, and a bottle of HIV medication labeled with another individual’s name. The complaint says Joseph reported the situation to hotel security. He alleges that after doing so, an associate of Smith confronted him and questioned why he “lied” about the reported intrusion. Joseph claims he was terminated from the tour shortly thereafter. The lawsuit does not accuse Smith of committing sexual misconduct. Instead, it alleges Joseph suffered adverse employment action after raising safety concerns. The complaint seeks relief under theories related to retaliation and wrongful termination. Smith’s attorney, Allen B. Grodsky, forcefully denied the allegations. “Mr. Joseph’s allegations concerning my client are false, baseless, and reckless,” Grodsky said. “They are categorically denied, and we will use all legal means available to address these claims and to ensure that the truth is brought to light.” The lawsuit drew public reaction from rapper and media mogul 50 Cent, who commented on Instagram on Jan. 2, 2026. “WTF is going on, I got a movie I want Will for, this fool just mad he got fired,” he wrote, tagging his Branson Cognac brand. The case remains pending, and no judicial rulings have been issued. Smith has not commented personally beyond his attorney’s statement.

Zohran Mamdani showed New York City that he’s a different kind of leader in his inaugural address on Thursday, Jan. 1. ​“My fellow New Yorkers,” Mamdani said at the beginning of his New Year’s Day address.“Today begins a new era.” ​He also said that the crowd was “warmed against the January chill by the resurgent flame of hope.” ​“The only expectation I seek to reset is that of small expectations,” he said. “Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously,” he added. “We may not always succeed, but never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try.” Mamdani spoke to the crowd about the high standards he has for his administration. “We expect greatness … from those who stride out onto Broadway stages. Let us demand the same from those who work in government.” “I will not abandon my principles for fear of being deemed radical,” referencing Senator Bernie Sanders. The Senator from Vermont administered Mamdani’s public oath of office earlier in the day. “What’s radical is a system which gives so much to so few. And denies so many people the basic necessities of life,” he continued. “I was elected as a Democratic Socialist, and I will govern as a Democratic Socialist,” Mamdani said. Zohran Mamdani referenced New York rapper Jadakiss when describing how his government will serve New Yorkers. pic.twitter.com/9y9etpVvvy — Spectrum News NY1 (@NY1) January 1, 2026 The new mayor of NYC even evoked the words of Jadakiss of the LOX during his speech. Mamdani declared that no New Yorker should find themselves priced out of life’s basic necessities. We will, in the words of Jason Terrance Phillips, better known as Jadakiss or J to the Muah, be “outside.” At the historic event,  Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivered the opening remarks. New York State Attorney General Letitia James presided over the private midnight swearing-in. Also in attendance were Governor Kathy Hochul, outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Comptroller-elect Mark Levine.

Drake’s long-anticipated ICEMAN album may be closer to reality than fans realized, thanks to an unexpected update from Houston cosmetic surgeon Dr. Calvin Jung. The insight surfaced casually on January 1, 2026, during an Instagram Story Q&A, yet it quickly rippled through hip-hop timelines. Jung, a maxillofacial and cosmetic surgeon known for treating high-profile clients, was walking through his home while answering fan questions in a segment titled “New Year, New Questions.” One follower cut straight to the point, asking, “When is ICEMAN dropping?” Jung did not offer a date, but his response carried weight. “When he was here, he finished the intro,” Jung said. “When he starts recording the intro, the album’s almost done.” Drake’s ‘ICEMAN’ is “almost done,” according to Dr. Calvin Jung “When he was here, he finished the intro. When he starts recording the intro, the album’s almost done.” pic.twitter.com/LamBbrh8LT — Kurrco (@Kurrco) January 2, 2026 The brief statement sparked speculation because it hinted at Drake’s creative process rather than marketing language. Jung did not present himself as part of Drake’s team, nor did he suggest insider authority. Instead, he spoke from proximity and familiarity, framing his answer as an observation rather than an announcement. In hip-hop, the intro often serves as a thesis statement. For Drake especially, opening tracks tend to define the emotional direction of an album, anchoring its themes and mindset. Those songs are often recorded late, once the rest of the project has taken shape. Jung’s comment suggests ICEMAN has already cleared its core recording phase. Drake’s ICEMAN LP Is “Almost Done,” Says Dr. Calvin Jung By emphasizing that Drake “finished the intro,” Jung implied the album has entered its final stretch. Still, his wording left room for nuance. He said “almost done,” not finished, mastered, or turned in. That distinction matters. Drake has a reputation for last-minute revisions, tracklist changes, and flexible release strategies. The setting added to the intrigue. Jung was not speaking on a podcast or red carpet. He was answering questions off the cuff, in a personal space, without obvious promotion. That made the moment feel organic, not engineered. Fans have been dissecting the ICEMAN title for months, linking it to emotional restraint, isolation, or hardened resolve. Jung’s update does not confirm those theories. It does, however, suggest Drake is in a reflective phase, tying the project together rather than building it from scratch. For now, Jung’s comment functions as an unofficial checkpoint. It does not roll out ICEMAN. And for Drake fans trained to read between the lines, that may be enough to confirm the album is closer than ever.

Rapper NBA YoungBoy was not arrested or charged following a traffic stop on Interstate 15 in Utah that resulted in the seizure of illicit drugs, state law enforcement officials said. Utah Highway Patrol troopers stopped the vehicle after establishing probable cause to search, according to authorities. The stop occurred along a heavily traveled portion of I-15. During the search, troopers located illegal drugs inside the vehicle. NBA YoungBoy, whose legal name is Kentrell Gaulden, was a passenger at the time of the stop. Law enforcement officials emphasized that Gaulden was not accused of possessing the drugs and was not taken into custody. Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Mike Alexander said responsibility for the seized substances was attributed to other occupants in the vehicle. A male driver and a female passenger claimed ownership of the drugs, he said. Prosecutors are now reviewing potential charges against those individuals. NBA Youngboy Not Arrested In Utah Highway Patrol Traffic Stop “In consultation with the Utah County Attorney’s Office, it was decided that charges would be screened against those two individuals for the possession of those illicit drugs,” Alexander said. He added that Gaulden was not included in that charging decision. Troopers also recovered cash during the search. Alexander confirmed investigators found no evidence linking the money to the drugs. As a result, the cash discovery did not affect the charging analysis. Authorities declined to release the identities of the driver and the additional passenger. No formal charges have been announced. Gaulden, 26, currently resides in Utah and has prior legal history in the state. In 2024, he resolved a prescription drug fraud case by paying a $25,000 fine, court records show. He has also previously served prison time related to a felony firearm possession conviction. Despite that background, law enforcement officials said Gaulden’s past cases did not factor into the current investigation. Alexander said there is no indication prosecutors are considering charges against the rapper. “At this time, I’m not aware of charges being considered against Mr. Gaulden,” Alexander said, noting that decisions were based on evidence collected during the stop. Legal analysts note that criminal liability in vehicle searches often turns on possession, control and corroborating statements. In this case, investigators relied on admissions from other occupants and physical evidence recovered at the scene. Gaulden has not commented publicly on the incident. His representatives did not respond to requests for comment. The matter remains under review as prosecutors determine whether to formally file charges. Authorities said any action would be limited to the individuals who claimed ownership of the drugs.

Cardi B offered words of comfort and encouragement to a teenage shooting victim following a violent incident that disrupted a Sweet 16 celebration in Brooklyn on December 14. The Grammy-winning artist reached out privately after learning the injured teen was the cousin of a close family friend, according to a video later shared online. Cardi B surprises her friend’s little cousin with a call and gifts after she was shot multiple times in a mass shooting at her Sweet 16 party in NY pic.twitter.com/eFaPbf7h8b — My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) December 30, 2025 Police said two masked gunmen opened fire outside a Cypress Hills event space shortly after the party ended, striking six teenagers between the ages of 15 and 17. Investigators described the shooting as targeted, though no motive has been confirmed. The suspects fled the scene and remain unidentified. One of the victims, a 16-year-old girl, suffered three gunshot wounds to her stomach, back, and arm. She underwent surgery and remained hospitalized for monitoring. While her injuries were serious, they were not fatal. Cardi B Contacts Sweet 16 Victim Shot Multiple Times In Brooklyn Cardi, who is from the Bronx and has often spoken about violence affecting New York communities, contacted the teen without publicity. In the video, the rapper appears smiling in a baseball cap during a FaceTime call with the girl, who is shown resting in her hospital bed. “I’m so sorry this happened to you,” Cardi told the teen during the call. She urged her to remain strong and reassured her that the shooting did not define her future. Cardi spoke about faith, survival, and purpose, emphasizing that living through such trauma meant her life still carried meaning. “This moment is going to pass,” Cardi said, encouraging the teen to focus on what lies ahead. She spoke about long-term goals, including education and business ambitions, and reminded her that her life extended far beyond the hospital room. The tone of the conversation appeared personal rather than performative. Throughout the call, the teen listened quietly, nodding as Cardi spoke. The exchange struck many viewers as sincere, reflecting a conversation rooted in empathy rather than celebrity. Cardi also sent gifts to help mark the birthday the teen was unable to celebrate. Videos circulating online showed cash and wrapped presents placed on the hospital bed. Family members later described the gesture as uplifting during an emotionally exhausting period. In the closing moments of the video, Cardi raises a glass in a toast to the teen’s future. The girl smiles back, visibly moved. While the shooting renewed concern about youth gun violence in New York City, Cardi’s outreach highlighted a quieter response. Her message centered on resilience, hope, and survival, offering support to one young victim during a moment of recovery and reflection.

G Herbo closed out 2025 with a milestone moment centered on love and family as he got engaged to longtime girlfriend Tania Williams in Miami on New Year’s Eve. On December 31, the rapper shared an Instagram Story revealing that he proposed to Williams, the mother of his children, during an intimate celebration in Miami’s Brooklyn Chophouse. Williams happily accepted. View this post on Instagram The proposal unfolded in front of close friends and family, including Williams’ mother, Emily B. As Ne-Yo’s “Champagne Life” played through the restaurant, G Herbo dropped to one knee and delivered a heartfelt speech that reflected the couple’s history and shared growth. “You’ve been with me through all my trials and tribulations,” the Chicago native said, opening his proposal by acknowledging the challenges they have faced together. He made it clear that Williams has been his anchor through every phase of his career and life. “You are the most important thing in my life,” he added. G Herbo & Tania Williams Are Engaged G Herbo connected his professional success directly to his family. “Everything I’ve built, I’ve built for you and our family,” he said, shifting the focus from accolades to legacy. He praised Williams for the roles she plays in their lives, calling her “a phenomenal woman, great partner, great mother,” as friends and family looked on. The rapper continued by framing the moment as a recognition of who he is because of her. “You’re everything I want in a person,” he said, before delivering one of the most emotional lines of the evening. “There is no me without you — I know that.” The statement highlighted the depth of their bond and the years that shaped it. G Herbo has often spoken on the trauma he has endured in interviews and his music. Before asking the question, G Herbo addressed her formally. “I’m ready to do this, Tania Dominque Williams,” he said, emphasizing the seriousness of the commitment. He then asked, “Will you marry me?” Williams responded with an enthusiastic “Yes,” prompting cheers and applause from the room. G Herbo kissed her hand as she admired the engagement ring, which came from jeweler Pristine. The moment, shared publicly through his Instagram Story, reflected a shift toward stability and intention. Rather than a flashy display, the proposal highlighted gratitude, family, and a future built on shared history, marking a new chapter for the couple as they head into the new year together.