We previously heard from Cassie’s lawyer about the apology video Diddy shared, following the release of hotel security footage that shows him assaulting Cassie. Now, Cassie herself has offered a statement about the situation at large.
The Instagram post shared today (May 23) reads:
“Thank you for all of the love and support from my family, friends, strangers and those I have yet to meet. The outpouring of love has created a place for my younger self to settle and feel safe now, but this is only the beginning. Domestic Violence is THE issue. It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become. With a lot of hard work, I am better today, but I will always be recovering from my past.
Thank you to everyone that has taken the time to take this matter seriously. My only ask is that EVERYONE open your heart to believing victims the first time. It takes a lot of heart to tell the truth out of a situation that you were powerless in.
I offer my hand to those that are still living in fear. Reach out to your people, don’t cut them off. No one should carry this weight alone.
This healing journey is never ending, but this support means everything to me. Thank you.
Love Always,
Cassie.”
Notably, Cassie does not mention Diddy by name. Diddy also didn’t mention Cassie in his apology video, and that’s reportedly because an NDA the two previously signed forbids them from saying each other’s names in public.
You may not be able to break Beyoncé’s soul, but it’s at least about to be tested: She’s currently facing a new lawsuit accusing her of copyright infringement, The Guardian reports.
Beyoncé, Big Freedia, Jay-Z, and Sony Music are named as defendants in the lawsuit, and it’s centered on Freedia’s “Explode,” which is sampled on “Break My Soul.” Da Showstoppaz claim that “Explode” infringes the copyright of their 2002 song “Release A Wiggle”: “Explode” features the phrase “release your wiggle” repeated and that part of the song is sampled on “Break My Soul.”
The suit claims “Explode” used “unique and distinctive lyrics and musical composition” originally from Da Showstoppaz and adds, “Defendants used plaintiffs’ words, melody, and musical arrangement from their copyrighted works. […] Any reasonable person listening to ‘Release A Wiggle’ and ‘Explode’ would conclude that the songs are substantially similar.”
Da Showstoppaz’s Tessa Avie, Keva Bourgeois, Henri Braggs, and Brian Clark are seeking to receive credits on both “Break My Soul” and “Explode,” and are aiming to receive royalties from the songs’ future earnings, along with damages.
Meanwhile, in more positive news for Beyoncé and Jay-Z, both artists made it onto the Apple Music list of the 100 best albums ever that has been blowing up the internet lately. Jay-S has one album on the list and Beyoncé has two, including one in the top 10.
50 Cent has been extremely active on social media as of late. Overall, Fif has always been heavy on Twitter and Instagram. However, this has been especially true given what is going on with Diddy. 50 has had issues with the music mogul for years. Now that the mogul is under scrutiny for alleged abuse, 50 Cent has been making numerous jokes at his expense. His Instagram is full of Diddy roasts, and he won’t let up. Although some fans have made the argument that it is simply too much, Fif does not seem to care.
In addition to all of the Diddy stuff, 50 Cent has also been paying close attention to current events. For instance, Boeing has been having a ton of issues with its planes. One of the issues that was recently reported is the fact that 300 planes are at risk of exploding due to electrical problems. Boeing planes have been under scrutiny for quite some time now, and the latest issue has potential passengers concerned for their safety. Even 50 Cent is weighing in on all of this, saying “Ok im only flying private fvck this, I can’t go out like that.”
Overall, this is a pretty valid way to feel right now. There have been some real horror stories over the last few months, and it has felt like things have only gotten worse. Hopefully, Boeing is able to figure all of this out. Until then, Fif is going to have a new target that he can make fun of at will, and Boeing does not want that.
Let us know what you think of 50 Cent and his reaction to all of this, in the comments section down below. Do the recent troubles with Boeing make you think twice about wanting to fly? Are you canceling trips because of all this? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
Diddy’s recent controversies, accusations, and both confirmed and alleged evidence of wrongdoing caused a media firestorm that’s lasted for half a year at this point. Moreover, it also re-contextualized many of his previous public statements, moves, and actions, leading many to look back with darker and more skeptical perspectives. For example, Sean Combs once appeared on Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show in 2009, about a month after Chris Brown assaulted Rihanna. Considering the recent footage that emerged of the Bad Boy mogul attacking Cassie in a hotel hallway, hearing him talk about this separate domestic abuse before this was a public narrative is very strange.
“I don’t believe in judgement either, but I don’t want any girl out there thinking it’s okay to go back to a guy who hit her,” The Ellen Show‘s host remarked to Diddy. “I don’t want any girl to think that. And I don’t want to put you in that, because it’s not you.” “No, no, no, but you are putting me in it, so I’ma speak on it,” he answered. “I don’t think that it’s right for anybody to hit anybody at the end of the day, you know. I don’t think it’s right.
a clip from 2009 of Diddy’s appearance on the Ellen show, when he gave his take on Chris Brown assaulting Rihanna, a month right after it happened pic.twitter.com/uW8xy19sio
“You know, I think that we all have to be honest with ourselves as adults and people that have been in relationships,” Diddy continued. “We know sometimes those relationships get ugly, you know. Sometimes, it doesn’t come out into the forefront the way this one has come out. There’s a lot of stones being thrown, and we don’t know exactly what’s going on. These are two young individuals. We need to pray for them, and we need to give certain support.
“But you don’t need to start just saying that you know something that you don’t know,” he went on. “You wasn’t in that car, I wasn’t in that car, and it isn’t right for him to put his hands on her or her to put [her] hands on him. We don’t know what the problem is, but we need to pray for them, and we need to do things to support them. And that’s all I wanna say about it. Can we dance? I would like to dance,” Diddy concluded when Ellen proposed a break after some applause, and then they started to dance before embracing.
Travis Scott is one of the biggest artists in the world right now. Overall, it is hard to escape everything the man has going on. From his albums to his shows to his sneakers with Nike and Jordan Brand, Travis is doing everything. However, when it comes to hip-hop, most casual fans have been focused on Kendrick Lamar and Drake, for good reason. Travis is not the type of artist you will hear making a diss track anytime soon. Although if he ever changed his mind, it would definitely be interesting to hear.
As it turns out, Travis is interested in getting involved in streaming. Throughout the last year or so, Kai Cenat has made it abundantly clear that he wants to stream with Scott. While Travis has expressed interest, they have yet to actually link up. Well, it seems like that link-up is on its way very soon. In the clip below, Cenat reveals that Travis Scott was one of the first people to call him when he finished Elden Ring. Furthermore, it inspired Scott to want to get on stream with him.
As for which video game they will play, well, it seems like Scott is down to play some Elden Ring DLC. Typically, when artists come on the stream, they want to play one of the sports games, or some Call of Duty. However, fans may just get to see Scott play one of the most difficult video games out there. Hopefully, we get this stream a whole lot sooner rather than later.
Let us know what you think of the possibility of a stream between Kai Cenat and Travis Scott, in the comments section down below. Do you like watching Twitch streamers, and if so, who are your favorite to tune into? Do you think it is a real talent? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
On this day in Hip Hop history, Eminem released his third, and most successful, studio album, The Marshall Mathers LP.
Executive produced by Dr. Dre and released under Aftermath/Interscope Records, this album sold 1.76 million copies in the first week alone, making it the fast selling album in music history (until 2015 when Adele‘s 25 smashed the record, selling 2.43 million). This success was set up well by Eminem’s previous release The Slim Shady LP, which shocked the world.
If you’ve ever listened to Eminem, you know how he rolls. If you’ve never listened to Eminem, this album may be the perfect amount of overwhelmingly violent and grotesque lyricism to either make you a life-long fan or turn to away forever (Slim Shady himself wouldn’t have it any other way). Eminem even kicks things off with a disclaimer warning any listener of what they’ve gotten themselves into listening to the album. Eminem touches subjects that a sensitive to the American public such as: depression, murder, rape, violence, suicide, mental disorder, drug abuse, homosexuality, and more. As beautifully painful as this album is, it is not for the faint of heart.
No album that speaks on what Eminem did on this project can be put out without ruffling feathers. The controversy that was met by this diamond certified album was monumental and set a precedent in Hip Hop for what you can and cannot say. Due to the ridiculous success of this project the backlash was international. Government officials across the globe had taken public stances against Eminem, his music, his supporters, and all that he stood for. US Senator Lynne Cheney was so up-in-arms against Eminem and his sponsors that she made an official statement against him saying,
“[Eminem is] promoting violence of the most degrading kind against women …[he is] a rap singer who advocates murder and rape.”
Ontario Attorney General Jim Flaherty attempted to keep Eminem from entering the country to perform at his October 26th, 2000 Toronto Skydome show saying,
“I personally don’t want anyone coming to Canada who will come here and advocate violence against women”.
Commercially, this is the most successful rap album of all time. The album is certified diamond in the selling 12.5 million copies in the United States alone. Overseas, the album went multiplatinum in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. It goes without saying that this album was also #1 on charts across the world. The album claimed top spot on music charts in three continents, appearing on charts in four. The album was nominated for two Grammy including Album of Year and Best Rap Album which it won.
The critical response to the album was just as outstanding as its sales. Eminem has been hailed as one of the holy trinity of biggest-selling rappers, the other two being 2Pac and Biggie of course. This album can be said to be the project that earned him his spot in that conversation. Regardless of how dark and twisted the lyrics may have been, the way they were put together was nearly flawless. Each bar spat was masterfully crafted. Slim Shady’s diction and syntax were unparalleled to anything out at the time. He balances both punch line concentrated rap and storytelling so well that this album is less of a compilation of songs and more of an autobiographical narrative describing what was going on in Em’s life at the time this album was written.
Following this project, Eminem went on to release two albums that were only marginally less successful that their predecessor before taking a five year hiatus from releasing music. In 2009 Eminem came back on the scene with three new albums over the next four years, none which were as successful as the first four. Nonetheless, Eminem is one of the greatest and the top selling rapper in the history of the genre. He deserves all accolades that he has been awarded. Take some time out today to listen to his greatest work.
Luka Doncic scored 15 of his game-high 33 points in the 4th quarter, and Kyrie Irving added 30 as the Dallas Mavericks closed the game with a 10-3 run to secure a 108-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Doncic and Irving combined for 63 points, improving Dallas to 15-8 this season when the duo scored 60+ points together.
In a tightly contested game where neither team held a double-digit lead, the Mavs and Wolves traded significant runs in the final period, with Dallas having the final answer. Minnesota outshot Dallas from beyond the arc, making 18 three-pointers to the Mavs’ six, giving them a 54-18 edge in points off threes. However, Dallas dominated the paint with a 62-38 advantage and shot an impressive 94.1% (16-17) from the free-throw line compared to Minnesota’s 61.1% (11-18).
Dallas became the fifth team in playoff history to win a game despite making at least 12 fewer threes than their opponent. The last team to achieve this was the Lakers, who defeated Golden State in last year’s second round despite a 15-three deficit.
Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels led his team with 24 points, hitting a career-high six threes. Anthony Edwards contributed 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, making five threes, while big men Naz Reid and Karl-Anthony Towns combined for five more.
Doncic, who scored 19 of his 33 points in the second half, including 15 in the fourth quarter, led the Mavs’ rally. Two years after exiting the West Finals against the Warriors, Doncic and Irving are now spearheading Dallas to a 1-0 lead in the series. The duo became the sixth pair of teammates to each score 30+ points in their first Conference Finals game together, the first since Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday in 2021 for Milwaukee.
Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals tips off on Friday at 8:30 ET on TNT.
THE CHI scored its best premiere ever on Paramount+ with Showtime, attracting nearly 2 million total viewers across platforms. This marks a 4% increase since the last season’s first-half premiere, setting a new record in streaming viewership.
Viewership rose by a strong 11% in the first week within the initial three days. Social media engagement surged dramatically, with an impressive 421% increase in social viewership (8 million) and a 380% boost in engagement (368,000) over the first seven days. The show also garnered over 500,000 new followers since the last season, highlighting its growing popularity and fan base.
These numbers underscore the series’ continued success and expanding audience, solidifying THE CHI as a major hit on Paramount+ with Showtime.
Paramount+ has renewed The Chi for Season 7, ahead of the forthcoming premiere of the second half of the sixth season.
Get this: the first half of Season 6 was the series’ most-streamed season to date. Regarding numbers, it was streamed 25 percent more than the fifth season. Season 7 kicks off production this month in the Chi, pun intended.
“Lena Waithe is a generational storyteller, whose authentic and unflinching narratives in The Chi resonate deeply, offering a powerful lens into both the complexities of life in Chicago as well as the Black experience in America,” said Nina L. Diaz, President of Content and Chief Creative Officer, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks. “On the heels of a record-breaking season and ahead of this week’s return, we’re excited to provide fans with the promise of more – ensuring that they can continue to enjoy the raw, emotional stories and unforgettable characters that have made this seminal series a resounding success for Showtime.”
Lena Waithe created and executive produced The Chi, which is also executive produced by Common, “is a timely coming-of-age story centering on a group of residents on the South Side of Chicago who become linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption.” The cast includes Jacob Latimore, Alex Hibbert, Yolonda Ross, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps, Birgundi Baker, Luke James and Curtiss Cook.
The wide range of stars in recurring and guest star roles include Lynn Whitfield, Jill Marie Jones, Kadeem Hardison, Leon, Brett Gray, Daniel J. Watts, Kandi Burruss, La La Anthony, Vic Mensa, Carolyn Michelle Smith, Jason Weaver, Iman Shumpert, Nia Jervier, L’lerrét Jazelle, Hannaha Hall, Ahmad Ferguson, Genesis Denise Hale, Joel Steingold, Judae’a Brown, Miriam A. Hyman, Tyla Abercrumbie, Tai Davis, Rolando Boyce and Tory O. Davis.
Additional executive producers are Aaron Kaplan, Rick Famuyiwa, Derek Dudley, Shelby Stone, and Rishi Rajani. Executive producers Justin Hillian and Jewel Coronel are the Season 6 co-showrunners. Co-executive producers are Naomi Funabashi and Resheida Brady. Deondray Gossfield and Quincy LeNear Gossfield, who are producers, directed multiple Season 6 episodes.
Yasiin Bey rapped over Future and Metro Boomin’s hit single ‘Like That” and seemingly took shots at the “big three” of Drake, Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole.
