The founder of Blackground Records has leveled a stunning accusation against his own son regarding the 2001 plane crash that killed R&B superstar Aaliyah. Barry Hankerson, the late singer’s uncle and former manager, claims in new legal filings that his son, Jomo Hankerson, failed to fulfill his duties as a travel coordinator for the ill-fated trip to the Bahamas. The allegations surfaced in court documents obtained by TMZ, highlighting a deepening rift within the Hankerson family decades after the tragedy. According to the filings, Barry alleges that Jomo was specifically hired and compensated to manage travel logistics for Aaliyah’s “Rock the Boat” music video shoot. Barry contends that the fatal accident might have been avoided entirely had Jomo followed through on his professional responsibilities. Aaliyah was only 22 years old when she and eight others died on August 25, 2001. Their twin-engine Cessna 402B crashed shortly after takeoff from Marsh Harbour in the Abaco Islands. A subsequent investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board determined the aircraft was significantly overloaded with equipment and passengers, which contributed to the pilot’s inability to maintain altitude. The legal documents suggest that Barry’s relationship with his son never recovered from the emotional fallout of the crash. Barry claims that Jomo’s alleged negligence in coordinating the return flight led to the chaotic circumstances at the airport. Investigators also later discovered that the pilot, Luis Morales III, had traces of cocaine and alcohol in his system and was not authorized to fly that specific aircraft. This lawsuit is the latest chapter in a long history of legal and emotional turmoil surrounding Aaliyah’s estate and musical catalog. The singer was at the height of her career when she died, having just released her self-titled third album. In recent years, her music was finally made available on streaming services after being withheld for two decades due to disputes involving Blackground Records. While the new court filings focus on the logistics of the 2001 flight, they also underscore the lasting trauma the event caused the Hankerson family. Barry said the crash caused a permanent fracture in his bond with Jomo, who previously served as an executive at the record label. The lawsuit marks one of the few times a family member has publicly blamed another for the specific circumstances of the singer’s death. Representatives for Jomo Hankerson have not yet provided a public response to the specific allegations regarding his role in the travel coordination. The case continues to move through the court system as the public reflects on the 25-year legacy of the “Princess of R&B.”

Mariah Carey has already given fans a reason to look toward 2027. The legendary singer recently hinted that new music is on the way. Carey made the revelation while meeting fan Jack Banana in Beverly Hills. During the encounter, she was asked about her next musical chapter. Her answer was brief, but it carried plenty of weight. “Next year,” Carey said when asked about new material. View this post on Instagram That would put her next release in 2027, giving Lambs another project to anticipate from one of pop and R&B’s defining voices. Carey’s announcement arrives after the 2025 release of “Here For It All,” her 16th studio album. The project debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and received widespread praise. The album also appeared to have more material waiting in the wings. Carey previously teased a deluxe edition, though that expanded project has yet to arrive. Mariah Carey Hints At New Music In 2027 Now, the singer’s latest comment suggests her focus could be moving toward an entirely new body of work. Carey has not revealed a title, release date or track list. She also has not shared details about the sound or collaborators attached to the project. Still, anticipation comes naturally with Carey. Few artists have maintained such a distinctive presence across multiple generations. Her influence stretches from pop and R&B to contemporary vocal performance and songwriting. Her catalog remains a cornerstone of modern music. Her holiday classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has become an annual cultural phenomenon. Her signature ballads and vocal runs remain equally influential. For the Lambs, however, the immediate question is what Carey has planned next. With only two words, she supplied an answer. “Next year.” Now, 2027 looms as a potential new era for Carey. The details remain under wraps, but the anticipation has already begun.

Singer D4vd’s defense team has withdrawn from his murder case after a Los Angeles judge determined he qualified for appointed counsel, handing the high-profile prosecution to the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. Attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter asked the court to permit them to withdraw from representing D4vd. The court granted the request and appointed the public defender’s office, according to a statement the attorneys provided to TMZ. “This morning the court granted our request to withdraw as counsel and appointed the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, after it was determined David qualified for appointed counsel,” the lawyers said. D4VD’s Attorney Exit, Appointed Public Defender The attorneys did not disclose why they could no longer represent the 21-year-old singer. The appointment of a public defender indicates the court determined D4vd is indigent and eligible for publicly funded representation. The development marks a striking turn for an artist who reportedly earned at least $11 million from his Interscope Records deal. It remains unclear how much of that money remains available to D4vd or why he now qualifies for appointed counsel. There have been few public indications of extravagant spending. D4vd reportedly lived in a rental home, with no widely reported signs of an unusually lavish lifestyle. Berk, Bednarski and Peter said their withdrawal does not reflect a loss of confidence in their former client. “We continue to support David and his defense against these serious charges,” they said. “We are grateful that the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office has taken over the representation and that David has a highly capable and committed team of attorneys and investigators behind him.” The change in counsel could affect the case’s schedule, although no trial date has been set. It was not immediately clear whether the transition would prompt additional proceedings or delay the eventual trial. The public defender’s office will now lead D4vd’s defense as the case moves forward.

Miranda Pearman-Maday is setting the record straight regarding her knowledge of wife Raven-Symoné’s iconic television career, addressing long-standing online criticism during a recent podcast appearance. Speaking with actress Keke Palmer on the “Tea Time With Raven & Miranda” show, Pearman-Maday clarified that while she was aware of the Disney Channel star’s fame, she was never a dedicated viewer of the hit sitcom “That’s So Raven” during its original run. The controversy stems from a previous interview on Palmer’s own podcast, where Pearman-Maday’s comments about not watching the show led some fans to believe she was unaware of her wife’s cultural significance. Pearman-Maday noted that this specific misunderstanding triggered a wave of online hostility, with critics accusing her of disrespecting Raven-Symoné’s legacy or marrying her without appreciating her professional impact. “This is where people are getting confused,” Pearman-Maday said during the episode. “Watching a show is different than knowing someone exists. I just wasn’t running home to sit down to tune in to That’s So Raven. I knew who Raven was.” She further explained that the show was often on in the background of her childhood home because her younger sister was a fan, but she personally did not follow the plotlines or consider herself a “diehard” enthusiast at the time. Palmer acknowledged the intensity of the fan response, noting that Raven-Symoné’s reach spanned across all demographics during the early 2000s. The sitcom, which followed the life of psychic teenager Raven Baxter, was a massive success for Disney, becoming the first original series on the network to reach the 100-episode milestone. Its popularity eventually led to multiple spinoffs, including “Cory in the House” and the recent sequel series “Raven’s Home.” Despite the public outcry, Raven-Symoné defended her wife’s perspective, stating that she intentionally avoids romantic involvement with people who are enamored by her celebrity status. The actress explained that a partner who “fangirls” over her work would be a deterrent rather than an attraction. “I have never dated someone who was a fan,” Raven-Symoné said during the discussion. “So, I will never marry someone who’s a fan.” The couple, who married in 2020, emphasized that their relationship is built on their personal connection rather than Raven-Symoné’s Hollywood resume. Pearman-Maday added that she has since watched the series in its entirety after getting married to better understand the work that defined her wife’s early career.

The daughter of Quality Control Music co-founder Pierre “P” Thomas is calling her father a “miracle” as the music executive continues to recover from a serious heart attack. Journey Thomas shared a touching tribute on social media Friday, expressing her gratitude for her father’s survival following a medical emergency that occurred earlier this month in Las Vegas. “God is good. My dad is truly a miracle, and I’m so blessed to still be able to say he’s here,” Journey wrote via Instagram. View this post on Instagram She added that the family has relied heavily on their faith during the health crisis, stating that “God’s grace has carried us through every moment.” The 45-year-old music mogul, who is a central figure in the hip-hop industry, was hospitalized on Aug. 21. According to reports, Thomas was treated in an intensive care unit in Las Vegas. While specific details regarding the cause of the heart attack have not been released, the news sent shockwaves through the entertainment community. In the days following his hospitalization, the record label was forced to address social media rumors regarding the executive’s condition. Quality Control issued a statement to shut down false reports of his passing, confirming that Thomas was alive and under the care of medical professionals. The label has since provided optimistic updates, noting that he is “improving and recovering more and more every day.” Thomas is best known for co-founding Quality Control Music, the Atlanta-based powerhouse label that helped launch the careers of global superstars such as Migos, Lil Baby and City Girls. As Thomas continues his rehabilitation, his family has requested privacy while remaining vocal about their appreciation for the support they have received.

J. Cole canceled his scheduled performance at the Golden 1 Center on Tuesday night following a fatal vehicle accident involving a member of his touring production crew. The incident, which occurred early Tuesday morning, involved a logistics truck transporting equipment for the artist’s current tour. Dreamville Records, the label founded by Cole, released a statement on social media confirming the cancellation shortly after the news broke. The label expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating that their thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the crew member during this difficult time. According to reports from the California Highway Patrol, the accident took place on an interstate near Yolo County. Investigating officers said the driver of a big rig drifted onto the right shoulder of the freeway before attempting to steer back into the lane. The sudden correction caused the vehicle to lose control and overturn. Sgt. David Barker of the California Highway Patrol said in a statement that the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. Barker noted that authorities are looking into whether the driver was distracted or fell asleep behind the wheel, but confirmed the solo occupant did not survive the impact. The Golden 1 Center in Sacramento was expected to be a sold-out stop for the North Carolina rapper, who has been touring extensively behind his recent projects. The venue and promoters have not yet announced if the performance will be rescheduled for a later date. Representatives for the artist confirmed that fans who purchased tickets through Ticketmaster will receive automatic refunds. Those who used third-party platforms or other points of purchase are encouraged to contact their original sellers to process their claims. J. Cole, known for his introspective lyrics and dedicated fanbase, has not yet issued a personal statement outside of the official label release. The tragedy highlights the logistical risks faced by large-scale concert productions, which often involve dozens of vehicles traveling thousands of miles between tour stops. The remainder of Cole’s tour schedule is currently under review as the team manages the aftermath of the accident.

A South Carolina federal judge has postponed rapper Blacc Zacc’s RICO trial until April 2027, granting his request for additional time to prepare his defense. U.S. District Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin granted the continuance Friday, Aug. 21, in the federal case against Blacc Zacc, whose legal name is Zachary Chapman. The ruling moves the rapper’s trial from September 2026 to April 2027. Judge Austin found that delaying the proceedings serves the interests of justice. USA (@SC_Courts) v. Blacc Zacc: Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin GRANTED Blacc Zacc, real name Zachary Chapman, Motion of Continuance in new order filed with the court on Friday, August 21. The federal RICO trial has been rescheduled from September 2026 to April 2027. Judge… pic.twitter.com/76XJZLD2OB — Bryson “Boom” Paul (@brysonboompaul) August 22, 2026 The court also determined that those interests outweigh the defendants’ and public’s interest in a faster resolution. Blacc Zacc remains in federal custody. The court previously denied his request for bond release. The rapper faces allegations tied to an alleged murder-for-hire scheme. He has denied the allegations through his defense, and the charges remain pending. The case has unfolded alongside major developments in Blacc Zacc’s personal life. His girlfriend, South Carolina rapper and Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta personality Renni Rucci, recently shared a photograph with him on Instagram. The post appeared Sunday, Aug. 16, and featured “Death Do Us Part” by Fridayy and MTS. Rucci and Blacc Zacc began dating in 2023. The couple welcomed a son in early July while Chapman remained detained pending trial. Rucci has continued to publicly support the rapper during his legal proceedings. Her relationship with Blacc Zacc is also featured in the final season of Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta. The case now faces a substantially longer timeline before reaching trial. The April 2027 setting gives prosecutors and defense attorneys additional time to prepare for the federal proceedings. For Blacc Zacc, the continuance also means remaining behind bars while the case moves forward. The court’s decision does not resolve the allegations against him. Instead, it establishes a new timeline for the federal prosecution. With his trial delayed until next year, Blacc Zacc’s legal battle will continue alongside the rapper’s growing public profile and his family’s efforts to support him outside the courtroom.

Martell, one of the oldest cognac houses, enters a new era after announcing this week that it has appointed award-winning music journalist Ivie Ani as its new Culture Ambassador. For Martell, appointing Ani creates a new narrative that highlights the brand’s illustrious history. For Ani, the new title adds to a stellar resume as a Nigerian American, including on-air correspondent, strategist, and trailblazer. In journalism, her work is heavily praised for exploring identity across Black culture worldwide. “Ivie brings a very distinct perspective to Martell’s Culture Ambassadors platform,” said Lanre Odutola, Head of Culture & Partnerships at Martell. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Martell (@martellofficial) Odutola praised Ani’s work documenting Afrobeats and African culture. He also highlighted her ability to connect cultural stories with wider audiences. “She is someone who has been actively documenting culture, shaping stories and helping audiences understand the people behind Afrobeats and African culture,” Odutola said. “Her perspective is thoughtful, current and deeply connected to the diaspora,” he added. Ani will join fellow Culture Ambassadors Adesope Olajide and Abdul Abdullah, both of whom have been with Martell since 2025. The platform centers cultural expression, storytelling and collective achievement. Ani’s appointment adds a journalism perspective to that mission. Award-Winning Journalist Ivie Ani Appointed Culture Ambassador At Martell Cognac “I’ve spent my career documenting culture across the diaspora,” Ani said. “Joining Martell as a Culture Ambassador feels deeply aligned with the work I have done.” Ani said storytelling remains central to preserving culture while allowing it to evolve. “Culture moves through stories, sound, memory and community,” she said. “For me, my work has always been about amplifying those voices with care, authenticity, and accuracy.” She also emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for emerging perspectives. “It is about upholding tradition while continuing to innovate,” Ani said. “Creating space for new perspectives and helping the next generation see themselves in the story.” Ani also marked the appointment on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday. “No manager, no talent agency, no team—just the work, people who believe in it, and people who believe in me,” she wrote. No manager, no talent agency, no team— just the work, people who believe in it, and people who believe in me — Ivie Ani (@ivieani) August 27, 2026 The tweet inspires journalists worldwide amid a massive shift in today’s media. 2026 has been a year of mass layoffs and acquisitions in media. In July, Ivie Ani joined a group of journalists who helped J. Cole revive the nostalgia of hip-hop journalism with the launch of The Fall-Off magazine’s debut issue. J. Cole’s magazine featured interviews with rap stars like GloRilla, Beanie Siegel, and Lil Yachty, supporting his tour and album of the same name. Now, through Martell’s Culture Ambassador platform, Ani will bring that perspective to a broader cultural conversation. The partnership reflects Martell’s continued focus on diaspora voices, authentic expression and the people shaping culture’s next chapter.

Rap star Cardi B addresses the darker side of becoming one of hip-hop’s biggest stars to help guide those newly famous from falling into the same pitfalls. The “Aha Aha” hitmaker reflected on fame, pressure and public scrutiny in Vogue Arabia’s September issue. Her rise from social media personality to rap superstar brought the success she once wanted. View this post on Instagram The reality of that success, however, looks different than she imagined. “I have proven a lot of people wrong over and over and over again,” Cardi said. “It makes me feel good that I achieved things that nobody else did.” That accomplishment comes with another reality. Cardi said celebrity life carries pressures she never expected when she dreamed about becoming famous. “That’s why they say to be careful about what you wish for because you just might get it,” she said. “Being a celebrity comes with a lot.” “Sometimes I feel I didn’t apply for this,” Cardi added. Hip-Hop Star Cardi B Gives Advice To The Next Famous Star For Vogue Arabia The rapper also described fame as a psychological challenge. Constant attention can make it difficult for celebrities to protect their private lives. “You can’t really protect yourself,” she said. “You are never gonna be ready for this type of pressure, you know?” Cardi urged people dealing with similar pressures to find constructive ways to cope. She also delivered a direct warning about drug use. “You just gotta find a mechanism that works for you,” she said. “But whatever mechanism you decide on, just don’t turn to drugs, okay?” “I know it’s hard. I know it really is,” Cardi continued. “Being famous is almost like a mental game.” Cardi knows the transformation firsthand. She gained an audience through Instagram and Vine before joining Love & Hip Hop: New York in 2015. Then came “Bodak Yellow” in 2017. The breakout single turned Cardi into a dominant force in mainstream rap. Her debut album, Invasion of Privacy, followed in 2018. The project earned Cardi the Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2019. She later released Am I the Drama? in 2025, extending a career built on cultural influence and commercial success. Yet Cardi’s latest comments reveal another side of that journey. Fame delivered the recognition she chased, but it also created pressures she never anticipated. For Cardi B, becoming newly famous was only the beginning. Learning how to survive the spotlight has become part of the job.

Award-winning singer Miguel is speaking out about alleged harassment targeting his family as he and his wife, Margaret Zhang, prepare to welcome another child. The Grammy-winning R&B singer shared a lengthy statement describing what he says has been a difficult year for his loved ones. Miguel alleged that his family has faced racism, harassment, stalking, privacy invasions and false accusations. View this post on Instagram He also said Zhang has recently experienced racist and anti-Asian attacks. Miguel did not name Zhang in the statement. The singer and the fashion executive have largely kept their family life private. The couple welcomed their first child together nearly two years ago. In August, Zhang debuted her growing baby bump during an appearance with Miguel at the HollyShorts Film Festival in Los Angeles. The public appearance confirmed that the couple is expecting their second child. They have not publicly shared the baby’s sex or due date. Amid the pregnancy news, Miguel said his family has faced unwanted attention that has crossed boundaries. Singer Miguel Addresses Racists & Anti-Asian Attacks Targeted AT His Wife Margaret Zhang He also claimed that his child has been targeted by abusive comments. “Racism, threats, harassment, stalking, invasions of privacy, and targeting of children are abuse,” Miguel wrote. “Not opinion.” The singer acknowledged that fame comes with public commentary. He said people can express opinions about him, his music and his career. Still, Miguel argued that criticism does not excuse personal attacks against his family. “It doesn’t become acceptable because someone dresses it up as criticism, fandom, speculation, or ‘concern,’” he wrote. Miguel also warned that legal action remains an option. He said his family has already pursued legal remedies over some incidents. He did not identify the people involved or provide details about specific allegations. Instead, his statement focused on protecting his family during a significant personal moment. The couple’s pregnancy has brought renewed attention to their private lives. Miguel’s latest comments suggest that attention has become increasingly difficult to manage. For the singer, however, the issue extends beyond celebrity scrutiny. With another child on the way, Miguel is making his position clear. Public interest, he says, should never come at the expense of his family’s safety or privacy.