Pharrell Williams is facing a new lawsuit from his former Neptunes bandmate, Chad Hugo, who is accusing the famed producer of financial misconduct. In a federal California courtroom on Friday (Jan. 23), per court documents obtained by Complex, Hugo claims Williams is guilty of withholding money and mishandling their company’s account records. The pair, who’ve created dozens of hits together as both members of N.E.R.D and the production group, The Neptunes, founded their company N.E.R.D. Music, LLC, back in 2014. According to the terms of their company, Williams receives 50% company’s funds, which come from “touring and other income,” whereas Hugo and the third N.E.R.D. member, Sheldon “Shay” Haley, each receive 25%. All “merchandising and trademark income” is equally distributed among the three members. NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 16: Inductees Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes pose backstage at the Songwriters Hall of Fame 51st Annual Induction and Awards Gala at Marriott Marquis on June 16, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall of Fame ) Hugo Claims A ‘significant number’ of songs are missing from his catalogue Hugo, who refers to his role in their partnership as the “principal composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, and producer responsible for programming, instrumentation, and overall sound design,” claims Williams is required to provide documentation about “income, expenses, royalties, and other financial issues,” but has failed to do so. However, Hugo claims that since 2021, he has been blocked by Williams from reviewing the company’s financial records. He also claims that he’s yet to receive “[an] appropriate share of royalties in connection with The Neptunes and N.E.R.D.’s album sales and released music, as well as distributions from touring income, and various merchandising deals.” Additionally, Hugo noted that “a significant number of songs are missing from [Hugo’s] label portals and SoundExchange portals, indicating that Plaintiff has not received the royalties he is entitled to.” For example, just off their 2017 project, No One Ever Really Dies, Hugo claims he’s owed over $1,000,000 alone. Hugo’s attorney, Brent J. Lehman, has yet to make a public statement. Similarly, neither Williams nor his team has yet to offer a comment on the situation.

Latto has spoken out after Fivio Foreign resurfaced an old video of her amid his escalating online feud with 21 Savage. The Brooklyn rapper recently shared the clip on social media as tensions between him and 21 Savage continue to boil over. While the footage itself wasn’t new, its timing quickly sparked conversation, with fans speculating that Fivio was attempting to drag Latto into the ongoing back-and-forth. Latto didn’t stay silent for long. She addressed the situation directly, making it clear that the resurfaced clip had nothing to do with the current dispute and pushing back on its use as ammo in someone else’s beef. Without naming names, the Atlanta rapper dismissed the move and clarified that she had no interest in being pulled into unnecessary drama. The moment comes as Fivio and 21 Savage continue trading shots online, with the tension seemingly rooted in comments about credibility and street reputation. Fivio’s decision to repost the Latto clip only added another layer to the feud, sparking reactions across social media. So far, 21 Savage hasn’t publicly responded to Latto’s comments, but fans are closely watching as the situation continues to unfold. For now, Latto has made her stance clear: she’s staying focused on her own lane and keeping distance from the crossfire.

50 Cent continues to expand his media presence, announcing a new podcast that dives into the formative years of the late DMX. He does this just days after revealing another project. The mantra “Can’t stop, won’t stop” seems to define his current trajectory. This reflects his relentless drive in entertainment and business. According to Deadline, 50 Cent is partnering with G-Unit Audio, Narratively, and iHeartPodcasts for Look Thru My Eyes: Becoming DMX. The podcast will launch later this year across major podcast platforms. The series aims to provide an intimate look at Earl Simmons’ upbringing. In particular, it explores the hardships and sacrifices that shaped him into a cultural icon. Hosting duties will be handled by fellow Yonkers native Jadakiss, offering a local perspective on DMX’s journey. The first season will feature accounts from family, childhood friends, collaborators, rivals, and cultural figures. This content paints a vivid picture of the challenges that molded his artistry. Subsequent seasons are expected to spotlight other influential figures. As a result, the show will create a broader chronicle of hip-hop history. 50 Cent addressed the series in a statement, emphasizing its depth and significance: “DMX’s story extends beyond just music—it embodies survival, resilience, pain, and purpose. Look Thru My Eyes: Becoming DMX invites listeners to appreciate his origins before the fame, narrated by those who shared in his journey. This is the narrative that forged a legend.” View this post on Instagram Expanding the Narrative: Billion Dollar Lawyer Alongside this podcast, 50 Cent is also producing a scripted docuseries about attorney Drew Findling, known for representing high-profile rappers over a two-decade career. The series is titled Billion Dollar Lawyer, after a nickname given by the late Young Dolph. The project was teased on 50 Cent’s Instagram and quickly generated buzz. Produced in partnership with Quality Films, the series will spotlight contemporary legal cases involving artists like Lil Durk and YNW Melly. While a release date has not yet been confirmed, the project highlights 50 Cent’s ongoing focus on stories that intersect music, culture, and the legal world. This approach reinforces his role as both an entertainer and cultural storyteller.

On a recent episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, A$AP Rocky reflected on the indie rock and hipster scenes that shaped his formative years in New York. While promoting his forthcoming album, Don’t Be Dumb, Rocky discussed the musical influences that continue to inform his artistry. He also reflected on the evolution of hip-hop over the past decade. His remarks combined nostalgia with a clear-eyed assessment of how the city’s music landscape has shifted. Rocky noted that during his early career, a niche he calls “hipster rap” was emerging. This new style blended experimental sounds with traditional hip-hop rhythms. In addition, he suggested that contemporary hip-hop is navigating a similar transitional phase. The genre is moving away from dominant trends like drill and gangster rap. “There’s always cycles in music,” he said. He further highlighted that cultural shifts are gradual reflections of wider artistic movements. He also recalled New York’s indie rock influence, citing bands such as Vampire Weekend and Foster The People. These bands’ crossover into mainstream music left a lasting impression on him. Rocky expressed admiration for the creative freedom and energy of that era. Moreover, he observed that its experimental spirit continues to resurface in new forms. A$AP Rocky says he misses the hipster” wave in music and talks about the cycles that happen in HipHop and how we are now moving on from the gangster rap /drill wave Joe budden patreon. pic.twitter.com/BmJBr6uaTI — joebuddenclips/fanpage (@chatnigga101) January 23, 2026 Parallels Across Generations Reflecting on hip-hop’s trajectory, Rocky compared past and present movements within the genre. He pointed to the recent prominence of drill and gritty gangster rap. Additionally, he noted their connection to legal issues and artist controversies. These shifts, he suggested, mirror earlier transitions. Examples include the Five Percenter–inspired rap of the 1980s and the commercially oriented gangster rap of the late 1990s and early 2000s. “When I first emerged, the scene was dominated by hipster music, grunge rap, cloud rap, and emo sounds. Right now, we are seeing the consequences of that ‘gangster’ lifestyle and culture. The club scene is not what it used to be, and personally, I would rather revive those hipster days—sitting back, enjoying good music, and having genuine experiences,” Rocky said. Rocky’s debut project, LIVE.LOVE.A$AP (2011), coincided with a broader indie revival. LONG.LIVE.A$AP followed two years later, which solidified his influence on the genre. Now, with Don’t Be Dumb arriving 15 years after he first emerged, Rocky suggests a return. He feels that hip-hop may be poised to revisit the experimental and boundary-pushing spirit that first inspired him.

Emmy winner Jackée Harry is starting the new year with a youthful appearance. The Sister, Sister actress revealed in an interview with Entertainment Tonight(ET) that she received a deep plane facelift. This procedure lifts muscle and fat, restoring youthful contours. Harry went to the Lasky Clinic Surgical Center, located in Beverly Hills, where the procedure took four hours and involved Harry having her face and neck lifted. According to Harry’s surgeon, the cost ranges from $40,000 to $250,000. Harry explained to the outlet that her concern was loose skin on the sides of her face. While she was terrified of the procedure, she was also eager to get it done. She mentioned a few naysayers who suggested that she shouldn’t follow through with the idea. “When you constantly want something that bad, you gotta do it,” she said. “And I discovered I wanted it that bad. It’s terrifying but exciting.” She name dropped other celebrities that she used as inspo for her facelift.”‘The Ricki Lake’ special I call it. And then Kris Jenner, up close it looks really good.” She mentioned actress Jane Fonda and the late, Diahann Carroll who “told me I should have it done at 35.” View this post on Instagram In the almost 4-month post-op photo, shared by her doctor, Harry’s facial skin is visibly lifted and wrinkles appear to be smooth. “Like many of our patients, we discussed her desire to keep her expressive and animated face while maintaining her natural beauty,” Dr. Davis wrote in the caption of the before and after post. “She didn’t want to look like anyone but herself, and that’s something we strive for. Now, she is nearly three and a half months post-op with about three more months of healing ahead of her.” View this post on Instagram Harry is seemingly overjoyed with the results so far. “They call it snatched,” Harry said of the reactions to her facelift. “I’m yanked.” “I have no qualms about how old I am or who I am,” she said. “This helps, it boosts it. It pushes it forwards, so why not?” Harry is best known for her breakout role as Sandra Clark on NBC’s “227.” She gained further notoriety for her role as Lisa Landry on the ABC/The WB sitcom Sister, Sister.

As Chris Brown’s dog attack lawsuit moves closer to trial, his attorneys are pushing to keep the proceedings tightly centered on the alleged incident itself. The singer’s legal team has asked the court to exclude references to past controversies, arguing that unrelated history could cloud a jury’s judgment. Their position is straightforward: the case should hinge on the facts of one encounter, not on Brown’s public reputation. Whether the judge agrees could shape the tone of the trial. According to Rolling Out, Brown recently filed a motion seeking to prevent Patricia Avila and her daughter, Maria Avila, from referencing his 2009 assault case involving Rihanna. That case concluded years ago, with Brown completing probation, community service, and counseling after pleading guilty. His attorneys argue that reopening that chapter offers no legal relevance to the current civil dispute. They maintain that introducing it would risk unfair prejudice rather than clarify liability. The lawsuit itself stems from allegations by Maria Avila, who claims she was seriously injured after being attacked by Brown’s dog, Hades. Court filings describe lasting harm, including nerve damage, facial disfigurement, and partial vision loss, with surgery potentially required. The severity of those injuries has drawn significant attention to the case. Brown’s team, however, disputes claims of negligence. Brown’s defense leans on reports and procedural focus as trial nears In support of their defense, Brown’s lawyers cite an Animal Control report documenting an immediate response after the incident. Officer Angela Hooks noted that Brown and a security guard reacted quickly when Avila screamed. The defense also asserts that the dog had no known history of aggression. They further argue that Avila ignored security warnings about approaching the animal without supervision. The case unfolds as Brown faces other legal developments. A separate $500 million lawsuit he filed against Warner Bros. and Ample was recently dismissed. In that matter, Judge Colin Leis ruled that a docuseries examining Brown’s past relied on documented legal records and fell within protected reporting. As the dog attack lawsuit heads toward trial, Brown’s legal strategy is becoming increasingly clear. His attorneys are aiming to keep jurors focused on the specific allegations before them. The court’s rulings in the coming weeks will determine how narrowly that focus can be maintained.

Kid Cudi is addressing recent remarks from Jim Jones that have reignited debate over the origins of his career. In a series of Instagram Story videos, Cudi pushed back on the assertion that Jones’ remix of “Day n Nite” was responsible for his breakthrough. The comments, which circulated widely after Jones’ appearance on the NoRapCapPodcast, prompted Cudi to clarify the timeline of his rise. His response was deliberate, personal, and rooted in fact. Cudi began by acknowledging Jones with respect, emphasizing their shared history before drawing a firm line. “First of all, we love Jim Jones. I grew up on Jimmy; he’s the homie,” he said. He then addressed the claim directly: “Jimmy, I’m going to address you directly, my guy. The claim that you are responsible for my success is simply untrue. It’s essential for you to stop misleading people.” The tone was pointed but controlled, underscoring that familiarity does not require agreement. By the time the remix appeared, Cudi says his career was already moving forward. He cited meetings with Motown and early attention from Kanye West as direct results of the song’s independent success. “I had an entire mixtape ready; I was already making waves. This was about my work and the music I was producing,” he explained. “It wasn’t Jim Jones’ remix that led to my record deal—that’s not how this story goes.” View this post on Instagram Cudi pushes back on revisionist credit, insisting his momentum predated the remix Cudi also questioned claims related to visuals and timing, suggesting the narrative had been reshaped after the fact. “How do you think I had a music video? I was already shooting it because I was on the brink of success,” he said. The situation, he added, was personally disappointing. “It hurts to see someone I like trying to take credit for something they weren’t involved in. You hopped on my track; I didn’t seek you out.” Beyond the personal exchange, Cudi framed the moment as emblematic of a larger issue in the music industry. “I appreciate everyone standing against these untruths,” he said, noting how easily success can invite revisionist storytelling. His comments reflect a recurring tension in hip-hop, where early groundwork is often minimized once an artist breaks through. For Cudi, accuracy remains essential. “Day n Nite” has since become one of the defining records of its era, tracing its origins to a MySpace upload that quickly caught industry attention. Officially released as a single in February 2008, the song paved the way for Cudi’s signing with GOOD Music and a career built on experimentation and emotional honesty. While remixes followed later, including Jones’ contribution, Cudi maintains that the foundation was already in place. His response serves as a reminder that success stories often begin long before they are rewritten.

Footage of comedian Corey Holcomb has surfaced of him punching a fellow comedian, a woman named Cristina Payne, in the face. Back in November 2024, TMZ broke the story, but at the time, no footage was made available. However, on Friday (Jan.23), the footage was obtained and shared by an Instagram account named The Bizi. The pair had been embroiled in what appears to be a heated argument in front of Hollywood Improv, surrounded by a group of people. Following the physical altercation, Holcomb was then attacked by a group of men who’d been present. While there was a police report filed by Payne with the LAPD, Holcomb was never arrested. Not long after, he moved to file a temporary restraining order against her, but it was ultimately dismissed. View this post on Instagram

GloRilla had a few choice words for people who want to comment on her looks. The rapper had recently shared a video on her Instagram, which some say was heavily edited and accused of going back under the knife. On Thursday (Jan.22), the Memphis native took to X to share her frustrations. “So did any of you hoes get a raise for tryna figure out why a bitch look so beautiful yesterday???? Rent paid? Anything???” she wrote. “Or y’all really just #THAT mad dat a bitch gorgeous for free? Lemme kno ina comments. That said, the comment section seemed split. While some agreed with the rapper’s right to defend herself, others felt her comments were unnecessary because there was a visible difference between how Glo looked when she rose to fame and now. “Nobody mad we just remember how u looked..” someone commented under Glo’s post. Glo quickly fired back with, “Are you getting paid for remembering that? Why does it matter so much to you?” View this post on Instagram Fans accuse GloRilla of popping out with a ‘brand new face’ Another person noted that the rapper had “come out with a brand new face” and shouldn’t have been “shocked” when people were discussing it. Someone else said, “How you gorgeous for free but had to pay to be gorgeous, I’m confused.” Similarly to that last comment, another X user commented about how the rapper was not, in fact, “gorgeous for free. “U don’t look that way fr tho…and gorgeous for free is insane, you definitely paid SOMETHING n that’s ok,” they wrote. In other news, back in December, GloRilla sat down with Complex, where she revealed how her connection with Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram actually began, offering just enough detail while still protecting their privacy. According to her, the two first met on Thanksgiving 2024, and it was Ingram who approached her. Beyond that, she kept the rest of the story to herself. “But that’s it, that’s all I’ma say,” she explained

Hours before a final judgment was set to be imposed on Nicki Minaj for non-payment of a lawsuit from an ex-employee, the rapper settled her $503,000,000 debt. In court on Thursday (Jan.22), Judge Pánuco announced the judgment had finally been satisfied, effectively saving the rapper’s $20,000,000 Hidden Hills residence from being sold. The suit was brought by Thomas Weidenmuller, who was a one-time security guard for Minaj during a 2019 trip to Germany. He was involved in a physical altercation with Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty. TMZ spoke with Weidenmuller’s attorney, Paul Saso, who said his client is “incredibly gratified” and “happy.” Saso noted that Weidenmuller was a victim of a “heinous attack” from Kenneth Petty. ” It’s been a long time coming to have justice finally be done here,” he said.”Not only did it take years to achieve the judgment, but took nearly two years to enforce that judgment.” NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 12: Kenneth Petty and Rapper Nicki Minaj are seen leaving the Marc Jacobs Fall 2020 runway show during New York Fashion Week on February 12, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images) Nicki Minaj Doubles Down On Calling Don Lemon A ‘C*cksucker’ In other news, Minaj has doubled down on her “c*cksucker” comments about Don Lemon. Last week, protestors stormed a Minnesota church after it was revealed that its pastor had alleged ties to the federal agency. Don Lemon, who had been reporting via his livestream, confronted that pastor about his connections to the group. Not long after the clip began to circulate online, it somehow reached Nicki Minaj’s timeline, and she slammed the long-time journalist. Minaj called Lemon a disgusting “c*cksucker” and demanded he be thrown in jail. Donald Trump agreed with Minaj regarding Lemon being jailed. In a post on Truth Social, he reshared a post that criticized both Lemon and the Minnesota church protestors. The poster was calling for the former CNN anchor to be charged under the FACE Act. The FACE Act is a federal law that prohibits the “use of force, threat of force, or physical obstruction to injure, intimidate, or interfere with anyone obtaining or providing reproductive health services, or exercising their right to worship.”