Jay Electronica is calling for Diddy’s release from federal prison. The Bad Boy CEO is currently serving out a 50-month sentence at Fort Dix for prostitution-related charges. Last Saturday, while performing at Lincoln’s Beard Brewing in Miami, the rapper took a moment to voice his support for the disgraced mogul. “Free Puff by the way,” the rapper told the crowd. “They tried to hang my dawg on some bullsh*t, just ’cause a n*gga like to get nasty, they tried to hit him with the book of words.” A clip of the performance was recently shared by The Neighborhood Talk. The comments section didn’t appear to be on the rapper’s side, suggesting that Diddy has a history of violence, particularly towards women. Many referred to the well-known video in which he violently attacked Cassie. “So him beating Cassie on camera is not enough to….. mm ok,” one person wrote. Another added, “He could of shot Cassie on camera and men will still blame us and defend the man,” while a third commented, “Nah don’t leave out the abuse.” View this post on Instagram Diddy Appeal: Lawyers Seek Release, Argue Freak-Offs Are Protected By First Amendment Last week, arguments finally came to a close in Diddy’s appeal for his federal conviction. During the hearing, the disgraced mogul’s legal team urged the appeals court to overturn his 50-month sentence, arguing that his drug-fueled sex parties—also known as “freak-offs”—are actually protected under the First Amendment. According to Diddy’s lawyers, the Mann Act—which is a federal law prohibiting the transportation across state lines for prostitution— doesn’t apply to his case. His attorneys claim that “freak-offs” and “hotel nights” were actually just “highly choreographed sexual performances” similar to those of amateur porn. Diddy’s expected release date is in April 2028. However, using this new legal loophole, there’s a possibility Diddy could walk out of court a free man sooner than that. The defense team has presented a solid argument, given that pornography is protected under the Constitution.

Kendrick Lamar has provided a rare glimpse into his personal life, revealing that a tragic family loss served as the catalyst for his prolific musical partnership with his cousin, Baby Keem. In a statement provided to The New York Times, Lamar detailed how the 2015 death of Keem’s uncle, Gerrell, bridged a gap between the two artists and set the stage for their chart-topping collaborations. The revelation came as part of an interview with Baby Keem, who is currently promoting his latest project, “Casino.” The younger rapper recalled feeling adrift after the loss of his uncle following an incident at a casino. During the funeral, Keem spotted Lamar in the crowd while delivering a eulogy, a moment that Lamar said profoundly shifted his perception of his younger relative. “Watching Keem speak at the funeral displayed the making of a man,” Lamar said in the statement. “It reminded me of all the realities I faced which shaped who I am today. I watched Keem carry the burdens of everyone’s grief, including his own, all while maintaining the dignity and honor of his uncle.” Lamar noted that he felt an “another level of respect” for Keem during the service, observing that the young artist led their family toward closure. Within days of the funeral, the two began connecting professionally, eventually leading to a run of hits that includes the Grammy-winning “family ties,” “range brothers” and “The Hillbillies.” Baby Keem, who has often been viewed as Lamar’s protégé, expressed that the validation from his cousin outweighs their familial bond. He told The New York Times that knowing Lamar is a fan of his work provides him with “the most confidence in the world,” regardless of their shared bloodline. The timing of these reflections comes as fans anticipate new music from Lamar. Rumors have intensified surrounding a potential 2026 album release, which would be his first major output since his highly publicized lyrical battle with Drake in 2024. While Keem described that period as a “sport,” he remains focused on his own artistic evolution, citing the loss of his uncle as a primary inspiration for his current narrative direction. As Lamar and Keem continue to influence the landscape of modern hip-hop, their connection remains rooted in the shared experience of that 2015 tragedy. “We’re merely a reflection of our leaders,” Lamar said. “Keem led the family to a place of love, compassion, and closure.”

It appears that Interscope Records is quietly severing ties with D4vd, TMZ reports. The singer’s artist page has seemingly been removed from the record label’s official website. According to the outlet, if you search under the artists page on Interscope’s website, where signed talent is featured, d4vd’s page is no longer visible. D4vd—real name David Anthony Burke—was recently arrested in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas. The missing teen’s body was discovered in a Tesla registered in the d4vd’s name last September. Not long after the discovery, as previously reported by TMZ, the record label’s parent company, Universal Music Group, hit the pause button on all promotional materials set to accompany the deluxe release of his Withered album. The project was scheduled to be released on September 19. Interscope has yet to release an official statement regarding the situation. EXCLUSIVE: D4vd has been scrapped from Interscope Records website. Read more: https://t.co/ZFrGjYKT6I pic.twitter.com/GkvZg7d4Kt — TMZ (@TMZ) April 17, 2026 D4vd Arrested on Suspicion of Murder in Celeste Rivas Case On Thursday, d4vd was taken into custody at his Hollywood residence by the LAPD. He was eventually booked into the LAPD 77th Street Station Jail around 10 p.m. The singer is currently being held without bail on suspicion of murder. Attorneys representing the artist said the “actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death.” Earlier this year, LAPD conducted a raid on his Hollywood Hills home, where an unused burn cage incinerator and a chainsaw were discovered.  Steve Fischer, a private investigator who’s been following the case, noted in an X post that while the cage was unused, it was “an item you would expect to find on a farm rather than in a home in the Hollywood Hills.” Fischer noted that the burn cage found in d4vd’s home is “advertised to burn at 1,600 degrees.” He also suggested that human cremations are “typically performed at approximately 1,400 degrees,” implying d4vd might have had sinister intentions with the cage.

Battle rapper Tsu Surf has been released from Michigan state custody and placed on parole supervision, according to records from the Michigan Department of Corrections. The Newark-born performer, whose legal name is Rahjon Cox, began parole on April 15 under the Wayne/Detroit Metro District Probation and Parole office. View this post on Instagram His supervision is set to run through July 30, contingent on compliance with court-ordered conditions. Those conditions require Cox to report to a parole agent within one business day of release, remain in the state of Michigan, and submit to drug and alcohol testing. He must also complete substance abuse treatment and avoid any firearm possession. Cox’s legal history stems from a 2011 Detroit arrest on weapons charges. He later pleaded guilty in February 2024 while serving a federal sentence. In March 2024, a Wayne County Circuit Court judge imposed a term of 12 to 30 months in state custody. Battle Rapper Tsu Surf Released From Michigan Prison After Three Years That sentence runs concurrently with a separate federal conviction. Cox previously served a 37-month federal term after pleading guilty to racketeering conspiracy tied to a gang-related shooting in Piscataway, New Jersey. He entered Michigan custody in February 2024 shortly after completing his federal sentence. However, state authorities initially resisted taking custody before the transfer was finalized. His release on parole now shifts the matter from incarceration to supervised reentry under state oversight. Parole officials will closely monitor compliance throughout the supervision period. Any violation of conditions could result in sanctions, including potential revocation and return to custody. The case now moves from sentencing outcomes to enforcement of supervised release obligations. A representative familiar with parole administration said the process reflects standard oversight procedures. “Parole is structured supervision designed to ensure compliance and public safety,” the official said. Cox’s case illustrates the intersection of federal and state sentencing frameworks, with overlapping custody timelines extending his total period under correctional control. His parole status will determine whether he completes supervision without further legal intervention.

From Harlem with sole. Dreamerz Creative Group brought its signature blend of culture, creativity, and community to life with a two-day activation celebrating its custom Timberland collaboration. Held at the iconic Harlem Haberdashery in Harlem, the event gathered tastemakers, creatives, and supporters for an intimate experience rooted in style and authenticity. The pop-up marked a major milestone for the Harlem-born brand, spotlighting its limited-edition custom Timberland field boots while reinforcing its growing presence in the underground streetwear scene. Known for pushing boundaries through bold design and storytelling, Dreamerz used the moment to further cement its partnership with Timberland. Building on viral momentum and an expanding collaboration with Timberland, the brand unveiled a fresh lineup of custom boots in striking, expressive colorways. Designs such as “Toasted Peanut Butter & Jelly,” “Slime Time,” and “Raspberry Cornbread” reflected Dreamerz’s signature approach—blending playful creativity with cultural influence. Guests were invited into a curated environment where they could explore the collection up close and connect directly with co-founders Justin Payne and Deisia Hopkins, whose shared vision continues to drive the brand’s evolution. View this post on Instagram Founded in Harlem by Creative Director Justin Payne and Brand Director Deisia Hopkins, Dreamerz Creative Group emerged from a viral Instagram moment and has since evolved into a dynamic creative force. Anchored by its ongoing collaboration with Timberland, the brand has turned its custom boot designs into a cultural statement—one that celebrates Black creative excellence while expanding its footprint in global fashion.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani may run the nation’s largest city, but his past life as a rapper is still paying—barely. Freshly released tax filings show the 34-year-old Democrat pulled in $1,643 in music royalties in 2025. That marks a slight bump from $1,267 the year prior. The numbers tie back to his earlier work under the names “Young Cardamom” and “Mr. Cardamom,” a chapter that continues to follow him into City Hall. View this post on Instagram Mamdani didn’t shy away from the topic when asked. Instead, he leaned into the joke. “Go to Spotify if you want to help my bottom line,” he told reporters. Then he added, “A lot of people say they’re listening. They’re not listening.” Long before politics, Mamdani built a niche as a socially aware rapper. He started in high school and continued into his 20s. His lyrics touched on identity, colonial history, and everyday culture. He has described himself as a “C-list rapper,” often pointing to Das Racist as an early influence. NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Is Still Making Money From Rap Music, Per IRS Still, the filings make one point clear. Music is not paying the bills. In 2025, Mamdani earned $131,296 as a New York State Assembly member. His household income reached roughly $145,000, including earnings from his spouse’s design work. Now, as mayor, his salary jumps to $258,750. That figure reflects the weight of leading New York City. Even so, his rap catalog continues to generate small checks in the background. Mamdani is not the first mayor with side earnings in entertainment. Michael Bloomberg once reported TV and film royalties during his tenure. Even so, Mamdani’s story hits different. From underground rap to City Hall, he carries a blend of culture and politics that keeps people watching—and, maybe, finally listening.

D4vd was arrested Thursday evening in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas, marking a major development in a case that has gripped the city since last fall. Police took the artist, whose legal name is David Burke, into custody at his Hollywood residence before booking him into the LAPD 77th Street Station Jail around 10 p.m. Burke is currently being held without bail on suspicion of murder. The arrest follows months of investigation after Rivas’ remains were discovered in September in an impounded Tesla registered to the singer. According to reports, the teenager had been reported missing more than a year before her body was recovered. While an official cause of death has not yet been released to the public, the Los Angeles Police Department has characterized the investigation as a homicide. Burke’s legal team has issued a firm denial regarding the allegations. Attorneys representing the artist said the “actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death.” The defense further emphasized that no formal indictment has been returned by a grand jury and no criminal complaint has been filed as of Friday morning. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the evidence provided by law enforcement. Prosecutors said they would “review the facts and evidence to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to file charges” against the 21-year-old musician. D4VD Remains in custody: Speculation has surrounded the case since the discovery of the body in September. In November, Los Angeles Police Captain Scot Williams moved to debunk several viral rumors concerning the state of the remains. Williams confirmed to the media that the body was neither frozen nor decapitated, clarifying that the remains had been in the vehicle for several weeks prior to their discovery. The investigation has also involved members of the singer’s inner circle. Earlier this year, Burke’s parents and brother were ordered to testify before a court. The family has reportedly fought the subpoenas, citing concerns over due process rights. Burke, who rose to prominence with indie-pop hits, had recently performed at major festivals including Coachella. His legal team said they intend to “vigorously defend David’s innocence” as the legal process unfolds. For now, the singer remains in custody awaiting a formal decision on potential charges.

Music mogul Akon is sparking widespread conversation after sharing candid views on relationships and gender roles during a recent interview. Speaking with media personality Justin Laboy, the artist opened up about his personal lifestyle and the beliefs that shape it. During the discussion, Akon confirmed he practices polygamy, describing a relationship structure that includes multiple partners. He framed the choice as intentional and rooted in his personal outlook. However, the tone shifted when he addressed whether women should have the same freedom in relationships. View this post on Instagram “Absolutely not,” Akon said. “It doesn’t work that way. Only in America do they get it twisted where women feel equal to men.” The remarks quickly gained traction online, prompting strong reactions across social media. Some listeners criticized the stance as unequal, while others viewed it through a cultural lens. Still, Akon elaborated on his reasoning, pointing to what he described as biological differences. Akon Claims Women Can’t Have Multiple Partners While Men Can “A woman can have one baby a year. A man can have a thousand,” he said. “That’s our purpose and role in life. That’s nature.” He continued by suggesting men often make greater efforts to understand women. “If women understood men the same way, they would rule the world,” Akon added. The interview reflects Akon’s history of blending personal belief with cultural commentary. His statements often ignite discussion, especially when they challenge evolving views on equality and relationships. For many, the conversation raises deeper questions about autonomy and modern partnership dynamics. Others interpret his perspective as rooted in tradition and individual choice. As reactions continue to unfold, Akon’s comments highlight an ongoing cultural divide. His words have once again placed him at the center of a broader dialogue about gender roles, personal freedom, and shifting social norms.

R&B singer Queen Naija is officially engaged to longtime partner Clarence White, marking a heartfelt milestone in their relationship. The singer shared the news on social media, posting a video of White’s romantic proposal in an intimate setting. The announcement arrives during an exciting moment in her career. Queen Naija also revealed that her new single, “Ring,” will drop on April 16. The release has already generated buzz, especially after she teased lyrics that now feel deeply personal. View this post on Instagram “I won’t forget the night you made my dream come true,” she sings. “It was just me and you in our New York hotel room.” She continues, “No camera rolling but it felt like a movie. Ain’t no more playing house, this is a real thing.” The couple began dating in 2018 and have built a life together in the public eye. They welcomed their son, Legend Lorenzo White, in 2019. Over the years, fans have closely followed their relationship, often questioning when they would take the next step. R&B Singer Queen Naija & Longtime Boyfriend Clarence White Get Engaged That conversation gained traction in May 2024 during a YouTube Q&A. White responded thoughtfully when asked about commitment. “You should probably have a conversation with him and see if he has that in his head,” he said. Queen Naija added her own candid advice. “Maybe you need to break up with your boyfriend to find your husband,” she said, sparking discussion among viewers at the time. Now, the engagement brings that chapter full circle. It reflects growth, patience, and a shared commitment between the couple. For Queen Naija, it also mirrors themes in her music, where love and vulnerability remain central. As fans celebrate the news, anticipation continues to build around “Ring.” The moment blends her personal journey with her artistry, offering a glimpse into a new phase of both her life and career.

Rapper Ice Spice has urged a court to narrow a contract dispute with Thee Bella Brand, arguing the case concerns an unpaid $20,000 invoice rather than broader claims of reputational harm, according to recent filings. The lawsuit, filed in 2025 by Thee Bella Brand and its owner Gabrielle Alexis, centers on 25 custom wigs the company alleges Ice Spice agreed to purchase but never paid for. The complaint further claims the rapper made disparaging remarks about the products on social media, which the company says damaged its business relationships and caused the loss of a repeat celebrity client. View this post on Instagram The company seeks more than $400,000 in compensatory and punitive damages. In response, Ice Spice’s counsel disputes both the factual basis and legal scope of those claims. Her filings characterize the dispute as a straightforward breach-of-contract matter, rejecting any allegation of a coordinated effort to harm the brand. Defense counsel argues there is no evidence linking Ice Spice’s online activity to quantifiable financial losses. The filings further assert that the plaintiff is attempting to expand a limited commercial disagreement into a reputational tort claim without sufficient support. Rapper Ice Spice Faces Thee Bella Brand’s $20k Lawsuit Counsel for the plaintiff, Justin Mungai, pushed back in a public statement. “This is what entitlement looks like. Fame is not immunity from the law. Ice Spice will be held accountable,” Mungai said. Ice Spice has not issued statements outside of court filings. However, her response signals an intent to contest liability and damages as the case proceeds. The matter is now entering discovery, with both parties expected to exchange evidence and testimony. A deposition is scheduled for late April 2026, subject to potential scheduling changes. The case raises questions about how courts assess alleged reputational harm tied to social media conduct in commercial disputes involving public figures.