Entertainer Vybz Kartel and his co-accused were set free Wednesday after the Court of Appeal ruled against retrying them for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams. The decision was made by a three-judge panel of Justices Marva McDonald-Bishop, Paulette Williams, and David Fraser.
According to the Jamaica Observer, the ruling was preceded by an abbreviated summary to assist the public in understanding the matter. The full judgment will be made available at www.courtofappeal.gov.jm.
Vybz Kartel, real name Adidja Palmer, along with Shawn ‘Shawn Storm’ Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St John, were convicted of the September 2011 murder of Williams. Their initial appeal to the local Court of Appeal in 2020 upheld their convictions.
The case was then taken to the United Kingdom-based Privy Council, which, on March 14, 2024, overturned the murder convictions on the grounds of juror misconduct. The Privy Council returned the case to the Jamaica Court of Appeal to decide on a retrial.
Despite the conviction, the trial has been marred by controversies and appeals regarding evidence tampering and judicial misconduct.
This ruling marks a significant turn in the high-profile case that has captivated the public for years. As of now, Vybz Kartel and his co-accused are free men, but the legal battles and controversies surrounding the case continue to be a topic of public interest.
During an appearance at the NABJ Conference in Chicago, former President Donald Trump said he was not aware of Sonya Massey’s story.
Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman, was fatally shot in her Springfield, Illinois, home on July 6, 2024, after calling 911 to report an intruder. Deputy Sean Grayson shot her as she stood next to her stove after she previously questioned her safety with law enforcement. Grayson has been fired and charged with charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct.
Massey’s murder was brought up as Trump was questioned over stating he would give total immunity to police officers if elected. “I don’t know the exact case, but I saw something and it didn’t look, it didn’t look good to me,” Trump said. He then asked was that the case with the water, alluding to boiling water Massey was turning off on the stove.
Trump would later dance around the question, ultimately landing at “We need to have our police officers have their respect and dignity back. In this particular case, I saw something that didn’t look good to me. I didn’t like it, I didn’t like it at all.”
The White House has responded to Trump’s attack on Vice President Kamala Harris’s race during his appearance at the NABJ Conference in Chicago.
After stating Vice President Harris “happened to turn Black,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called Trump’s remarks “repulsive.”
“As a person of color – as a Black woman, who is in this position that is standing before you at this podium, behind this lectern, what he just said – what you just read out to me– is repulsive, it’s insulting, and, you know, no one has any right to tell someone who they are, how they identify,” Jean-Pierre said according to CNN. “That is no one’s right. It is someone’s own decision.
““Only she can speak to her experience – only she can speak to what it’s like. She’s the only person that can do that, and I think it’s insulting for anybody – it doesn’t matter if it’s a former leader, a former president – it is insulting.”
When asked about Trump’s comments at the NABJ convention about Kamala Harris “becoming Black” during today’s White House press briefing White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre laughed and said, “It’s insulting.” pic.twitter.com/izjAlhkf8B
Former President Donald Trump’s appearance at the NABJ Conference in Chicago did not go well. The appearance, plagued by controversy over its being allowed to happen, went off the rails immediately. One of the moments that will echo in the forthcoming days was Trump questioning Vice President Kamala Harris’s racial identity.
When addressing the statements of Republican leaders calling VP Harris a DEI hire, Trump stated he “didn’t know she was Black.”
“She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black. So I don’t know, is she Indian or is she Black?” Trump said.
“I respect either one, but she obviously doesn’t, because she was Indian all the way, and then all of a sudden she made a turn and she went and became a Black person,” he added. “I think somebody should look into that, too.”
“I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn Black.”
— Donald Trump, when asked at the NABJ convention whether he thinks Kamala Harris is on the Democratic ticket only because she is a Black woman. pic.twitter.com/EP27jmE6rw
In today’s ultra-connected world, it’s important to unplug sometimes. This is especially true for artists and other public figures, whose social media allows them to stay in contact with fans, but also exposes them to thousands of criticisms and myriad distractions from their respective crafts.
Halle Bailey knows this, and is giving herself a break from social media for a while, as she told fans on Twitter (never calling it “X”). But, there’s good news, too: She’ll only be gone until August, and when she returns, it’ll be with new music.
“hey guys. i am going to go away for a few weeks, will be offline,” she wrote. “just need a break from everyone. will be back with new music in august. xo.”
hey guys. i am going to go away for a few weeks, will be offline. just need a break from everyone. will be back with new music in august. xo
The actress and singer has plenty of reason to take that break. In April, she admitted to having “severe postpartum depression” after the birth of her son Halo, just a month after releasing the new single “In Your Hands” to less-than-enthusiastic reception from fans. She was also encouraged to ignore social media by her sister Chloe during her pregnancy, and perhaps that strategy proved effective enough to encourage her to do it again. Meanwhile, as fans, we’ll be looking forward to August with plenty of curiosity about what she plans to do next.
While attending a friendly soccer match between AC Milan and Manchester City at Yankee Stadium in New York, Rihanna got to find out how it feels to be the least famous person in the room when a young fan walked up to her to ask her for a photo. While this might be a fairly common occurrence for the star, it turned out that he just wanted her to TAKE the photo of him with soccer stars Christian Pulisic, Jack Grealish, and Yunus Musah, who were also in the suite watching the game.
Rihanna is objectively one of the most famous people on the planet, but even she isn’t immune to being humbled by the honesty of a small child. Of course, she was cool as a cucumber about the whole situation, taking multiple photos from different angles and even doing a little directing for the young fan and his brother. If there was ever any indicator that monoculture is well and truly dead, this would be it.
This kid casually asking Rihanna to take his picture with Jack Grealish, Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah. pic.twitter.com/aTSLRhyWLO
For what it’s worth, Rihanna herself was probably just relieved that the kid didn’t ask her about her long-awaited 9th album, which fans have pestered her over for the past seven years.
MackWop, a producer known for working with artists from TDE, has addressed ScHoolboy Q and SiR both having their concerts at a Toronto venue canceled in recent weeks. He gave his take on the situation during his YouTube show The Apollo, as caught by HipHopDX. The cancellations have led to a viral rumor that Drake was behind both moves. He famously has been feuding with former TDE star Kendrick Lamar.
“That n***a SiR got his show canceled in Toronto, no cap. SiR got his show canceled at the same f*cking venue that we was gonna perform at. Word around town is Drake is in cahoots with this venue,” MackWop began. “He designed the whole venue, he probably got a little equity in the venue. I’m not sure.”
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 02: MackWop performs onstage during 2017 Governors Ball Music Festival – Day 1 at Randall’s Island on June 2, 2017, in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/WireImage)
From there, he said it’s been tough for any artists who appeared at Lamar’s The Pop Out to keep a show in Drake’s hometown. “But any n***a that was on that Pop Out stage, they’re getting canceled,” he remarked. “What I’m suggesting is: nobody perform at the History ’cause they will cancel your show if Drake don’t like you. I think that’s janky.” MackWop also brought up DJ Scheme playing Kendrick’s Drake diss track “Not Like Us” at the same venue: “If they knew them n****s weren’t f*cking with Drake, they would have canceled that show.”
MackWop Speaks Out On Toronto Shows
ScHoolboy Q was the first TDE artist to have their show in Toronto canceled just beforehand. SiR followed suit a few weeks later, which prompted Q to troll him over the situation on social media. “HAHAHAHAHAHHAAHHAHAA TAKE YO ASS HOME BOY.. SING ON THE BUS ITS OVA WIT,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday. Be on the lookout for further updates on MackWop as well as Drake and Kendrick Lamar on HotNewHipHop.
The Air Jordan 1 Low OG is stepping up its game with the upcoming “Washed Teal” colorway. This sleek sneaker features a clean white upper, giving it a fresh and timeless look. Teal accents steal the show, appearing on the sole, Swoosh, and branding. The “Washed Teal” accents add a splash of vibrant color without overwhelming the design. They highlight the sneaker’s classic lines and iconic silhouette. The teal Swoosh pops against the white background, making a statement with every step. The teal sole provides a stylish foundation, perfectly complementing the rest of the shoe. Jordan Brand has nailed it with this one.
The teal branding on the tongue and heel ties the whole look together, adding a cohesive touch. These details make the Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Washed Teal” stand out The low-top design offers flexibility and ease of wear. Whether you’re a longtime Jordan fan or new to the game, the “Washed Teal” colorway is a must-have. Get ready to add a fresh pop of color to your sneaker rotation when these drop. Keep an eye out for the release date because these are sure to fly off the shelves.
The shoes feature a washed teal rubber sole paired with a crisp sail midsole. Also, the uppers are crafted from white leather, complemented by matching white leather overlays. Further, washed teal leather Swooshes add a striking contrast on the sides, along with a leather heel tab. A washed teal Nike logo accents the tongue, while the iconic Air Jordan Wings logo is stitched in white on the heel.
Sneaker Files reports that the Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Washed Teal” is going to drop in the summer of 2025. Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be $140 when they are released. Let us know what you think of this sneaker, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sneaker world. We will be sure to bring you the biggest releases from the biggest brands.
Jhene Aiko possesses some of the most effortlessly soothing and stunning vocal chops of anyone in the R&B/soul genre. Sadly, though, the Los Angeles, California native has not been gracing us with her talents that much over the last few years. Her last studio album, Chilombo, dropped all the way back in 2020. However, if you want, you can count the rerelease of her 2011 debut mixtape Sailing Soul(s) in 2021. Or you could mention the fact that she put together a sleeping soundtrack for babies in 2022. As far as singles go, Aiko has more to offer in that department. In fact, her most recent is “Sun/Son” from January. This has us more and more hopeful that she is nearing a new album. Also helping that is this new Jhene Aiko single, “guidance”.
It comes in the midst of The Magic Hour Tour, with openers including Coi Leray, Tink, Umi, and Kiana Lede. Jhene Aiko is approximately halfway through, as today she will be performing in her hometown. She will wrap things up on August 22 in Columbus, Ohio, so maybe around then a new LP will be upon us. In the meantime, what does “guidance” have to offer. To be honest, it delivers and then some. On this 3:36-long record, Jhene is feeling free after finding the courage to move on from a relationship that is weighing on her. The track’s instrumental is so captivating that she decided to give fans a piano version, just like how she did with “Sun/Son”. Be sure to give each version a spin with the links below.
And you’re not enough for you It’s nobody’s fault, it’s nobody’s loss Just had a lot to learn You were the match that lit up my path To show me what bridge to burn
Eminem recently appeared on Complex’s YouTube channel to sit down with an AI-generated version of his alter ego, Slim Shady. The conversation comes just a few weeks after Eminem released The Death Of Slim Shady. The album is one that he also billed as a farewell to the character that helped launch him into superstardom. Eminem and Shady touch on a variety of topics, including Em’s post-Slim Shady career and recovery from addiction. They also deliver a number of barbs at the expense of MGK and Caitlyn Jenner. Here are five takeaways from Eminem and Slim Shady’s conversation.
One might expect a man in his early 50s to not be as in tune with pop culture as he may have been two decades ago. That is not the case with Eminem. “Every other week on TikTok, Gen Z discovers you on Monday and cancels me on Tuesday,” he tells Slim Shady early in their conversation. Later in the video, Em and Shady reference the infamous Drake and LeBron James “am I letting you down?” conversation from The Shop after Pusha T released “The Story of Adidon.”
During a talk about fatphobia and body positivity, Em tells Shady that they “cured fatness” with a shot. He warns him that the shot “comes with a side of jealousy,” referring to a line Drake had for Rick Ross on his “Family Matters” diss track. Em also calls Shady “BBL Slizzy,” referring to Metro Boomin’s response to Drake. When the two of them come to a mutual understanding at the end, they do the “look at us, who’d have thought?” meme from Paul Rudd’s Hot Ones interview. Clearly, Em is still very in touch with what’s going on today, even if his new music doesn’t always suggest that.
Eminem and Slim Shady discuss the creative missteps Em took after his first three albums at length. They argue over “FACK,” which fans and Eminem alike agree is one of his worst songs ever. They blame each other for writing the song. Em then mentions that since it’s on his greatest hits album Curtain Call, the song technically went Diamond. From there, they dive into talking about Relapse, Eminem’s 2009 comeback effort. “I was in recovery. I had to relearn how to rap,” Em tells Shady After Shady makes fun of him for rapping in different accents across the album. “And for what it’s worth, there’s an entire generation of people who think that’s a f***ing classic.” Eminem previously disavowed Relapse and has often called it his worst release. It seems that some reappraisals of his first post-rehab work led to him softening his own stance on the album.
He Knows That Some Of His Early-Career Feuds Were Silly
Eminem just 8 Mile’d himself about always punching down when getting into rap beefs
“Let’s talk about the people you dissed. F**king lyrical titans. Ja Rule, Moby, Frank Durst, who else? Christina Aguilera?” pic.twitter.com/qjd3NZhTRk
“Let’s talk about the people you dissed. Lyrical titans. Ja Rule, Moby, Fred Durst, who else? Christina Aguilera? Who’s really punching down?” Slim Shady asks Eminem about halfway through the conversation. Those few names are only a handful on a much larger list of people Em took shots at over the course of his career. He has the self-awareness to recognize that, in hindsight, many of those feuds were pointless. Most of those he attacked weren’t rappers, and the rappers he did go back and forth with were not comparable to him. He also addresses his one-sided feud with deceased actor Christopher Reeve, whose paralysis is something that Eminem has made fun of for decades. “Yeah, the guy fell off a horse. He’s dead! He’s been dead for twenty f***ing years! Leave him alone,” Em yells at Shady. The segment was not necessarily an apology for his past feuds. Rather, it was more of a backhanded admission that he could have picked better opponents to feud with.
The conversation with Shady serves primarily as an opportunity for Eminem to reflect on his career, as well as the impact that the persona had on it. “If we’re being honest, the music that you’ve dropped since I bounced ain’t it,” Shady says near the beginning of the conversation. Em immediately points out that once he dropped the Slim Shady character, he released his most commercially successful singles ever. Later on, Em criticizes the fame he achieved as Slim Shady. “I invented you because my life was f***ed up […] But you didn’t fix anything, you actually made s**t worse. You’re the reason I had to self-medicate, and you’re the reason I almost lost my career, my family, and my life.” Of course, Shady responds by ignoring Eminem and opening a can of Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre’s new Gin & Juice drink, to which Em mentions that he’s 16 years sober. It is nice to see Eminem in a better mental space, one where he’s able to poke at various parts of his career.
“No one understands how f***ing toxic it is to always be the bad guy,” Slim Shady laments near the end of the video. “Don’t be so hard on yourself, snowflake. We all know you mean well,” Em responds. Eminem has often said that Slim Shady is a character. Fans know that Em is not usually trying to harm people with his words, but that hasn’t stopped him from getting swipes in at everyone he can. By the end of the discussion, after working through everything with Shady, it’s clear that Eminem does not feel much regret at this point in his life. Because of his recovery, he is sober and his relationships with his children are stronger than ever. And, he has both publicly apologized to and forgiven his ex-wife and his mother, two extreme sources of anger for him in his early music and two people who suffered the most from the creation of Slim Shady in the first place. For Em, it seems that the past is the past. The Death Of Slim Shady, as well as this conversation, attempts to put his old persona behind him as well.
just need a break from everyone. will be back with new music in august. xo 
(mostly). Check out the full interview on 
