by BERNADETTE GIACOMAZZO
Russell Simmons has made it clear that he wants a defamation suit brought against him by Drew Dixon to be dismissed, because he’s claiming that he didn’t defame her in the first place.
Radar Online has learned that the embattled mogul is claiming that he didn’t defame Dixon because he didn’t mention her by name when he spoke of sexual assault lawsuits against him back in December 2023 — and also because everything he said was simply his opinion.
“[None of the] statements alleged in the Complaint are defamatory as a matter of law, because all the statements are opinion — not fact......
by BERNADETTE GIACOMAZZO
Dame Dash has discovered that he no longer has an attorney, as his longtime lawyer has officially resigned over unpaid legal fees.
According to court documents obtained by HipHopDX, Felton T. Newell and Justin H. Sanders, Esqs., of Sanders Roberts LLP, had their motions to withdraw as the ex-Roc-A-Fella exec’s legal representation granted as of March 29, and, as of Friday (April 5), they informed all parties involved in the matter.
Newell and Sanders claim that they withdrew as Dash’s legal counsel due to the embattled executive’s “breach of contractual obligations to the firm,” meaning that Dash......
by MARISA MENDEZ
Keith LeBlanc, a pioneering drummer who has worked with the likes of Grandmaster Flash and the Sugarhill Gang, has passed at age 70.
Variety reports the musician died Thursday (April 5), following a battle with an undisclosed illness.
LeBlanc, alongside bassist Doug Wimbish and guitarist Skip McDonald, were the house band for the groundbreaking record labels Sugar Hill Records and Tommy Boy Records. LeBlanc drummed on scores of important early Hip Hop records, including the Sugarhill Gang’s “Apache (Jump On It),” Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel’s “White Lines (Don’t Do It),” the......
by BERNADETTE GIACOMAZZO
Jay Master Jay was tragically murdered in New York 22 years ago, and now, after two people have been found guilty, the final suspect in the case is reportedly considering a plea deal.
The Associated Press is reporting that prosecutors are considering a plea for Jay Bryant, 50, though it is not clear what the deal comprises. Both sides are due to file a status report by August 5.
Neither Bryant nor his lawyer, César de Castro, issued a comment after the court meeting on Thursday (April 4).
Should the two sides not come to a resolution, they are due to commence the trial in January 2025.
Last year, Jay......
by RUTH HAWKINS
Russ has made it clear he’s steering clear of the escalating tension between rap heavyweights J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar.
On Friday (April 5th), when a fan asked, “Are you picking a side?” — a nod to Metro Boomin’s now-famous message, “Once you pick a side stay there…” in reference to the dispute — the “What They Want” rapper seized the chance to inject some humor into the situation.
“I’m 31,” he responded, taking to X (formerly Twitter). The reply sparked mixed reactions from fans, with some agreeing, and others questioning the......
by RUTH HAWKINS
J. Cole has caused a stir with the unexpected drop of his latest album, Might Delete Later. However, he finds himself confronted with serious allegations as fans dissect the lyrics.
On the track in question, “Pi,” featuring Daylyt and Ab-Soul, Cole drops a line — which appear to target his once friend, now rival Kendrick Lamar — that has ignited controversy, with numerous listeners deeming it as transphobic.
“Is you a demon or is that demeanor for the ‘Gram? Tell us / They plead the fifth, I’m seeing hints of a trans fella,” Cole raps. “In cancel culture’s......
by BERNADETTE GIACOMAZZO
Ghostface Killah has a variety of classics that he’s performed throughout the years, but there’s one song that’s highly unlikely to appear on any of the Wu-Tang Clan MC’s setlists.
Ghost sat down with Big Daddy Kane for a session with HipHopWired‘s “I Got Questions” on Friday (April 5), wherein he revealed that “All That I Got Is You” — the classic track featuring Mary J. Blige off of 1996’s Ironman — causes him so much sorrow that he doesn’t perform it live.
“It just gets me sad,” he explained. “I......
by KARAN SINGH
Diddy‘s ongoing lawsuits for sexual assault and misconduct have blemished a lot of names in the music business, including a former major-label executive.
In February, a producer named Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones accused the New York City native (real name Sean Combs) of sexual harassment as well as drugging and threatening him over the course of a year.
Additionally, the lawsuit claimed that ex-Motown Records chief executive officer Ethiopia Habtemariam was among those involved in a drug- and sex-trafficking ring for the mogul’s alleged “RICO enterprise.” More specifically, she was accused of being aware......
by RUTH HAWKINS
Kendrick Lamar has hit yet another career milestone thanks to the success of his diss verse against at Drake and J. Cole.
On Monday (April 1), Billboard reported that Future and Metro Boomin‘s “Like That” featuring K.Dot has rocketed to the No. 1 spot on the Hot 100 songs chart. The viral hit is just one of five from their WE DON’T TRUST YOU album to debut in the Hot 100’s top 10, with the LP itself claiming the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200.
Kendrick has previous topped the Hot 100 tally twice before in his career with his feature on Taylor......
by KARAN SINGH
Magic Johnson has left no doubts about where he stands in terms of his favorites in music, singling out Beyoncé as his pick for the greatest entertainer ever among women.
On Friday (March 29), soon after the release of Cowboy Carter, the NBA legend shared a photograph he took with Queen B a few years back along with a heartfelt note about her excellence and legacy.
“Beyoncé – It’s only fitting that I recognize a living icon as the world tunes in to listen to your newest album, ‘Cowboy Carter,’ which just dropped today!” he wrote.
“You are truly a multifaceted......
