Month: January 2025

Tesla Cybertruck Explodes In Front Of Trump Hotel: What We Know

by

If you’re anywhere near Las Vegas today, then you know there has been chaos due to two incidents, including a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded in front of the Trump Hotel. Fremont Street is a popular destination that was at the center of a reported possible hostage situation. Yet, that news came after video evidence showed the Tesla truck going up in flames, initially speculated to be a terrorist attack. Because this investigation is ongoing, officials haven’t been forthcoming with confirming if terrorism was involved.

What Happened?

According to several reports, it was approximately 8:40 a.m. on January 1, 2025, when a Cybertruck erupted in flames outside of Vegas’s Trump Resort. The New York Times stated that one person was confirmed deceased, and at least seven others were said to have been injured in the explosion. Officials have also purported that it was a mix of “fireworks, gas tanks and camping fuel” that were used as a “detonation system” method in the attack.

Earlier that same morning in New Orleans, Louisiana, a man reportedly with an ISIS flag attached to his truck drove through a crowd celebrating New Year’s Eve, killing at least 10 people. As the chaos in both cities erupted, authorities tried to determine if the two happenings were related. However, investigators in Las Vegas have stated they believe the Tesla explosion was an “isolated incident.” Nevertheless, The New York Times also reported that both the Cybertruck and the vehicle used in the New Orleans event were rented through the same app, Turo.

Officials Share What They Know

Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill sprung into action to alert the public of information obtained about the fire. “Obviously, a Cybertruck, the Trump hotel – there’s lots of questions that we have to answer,“ he stated. “There is one deceased individual inside the Cybertruck and I don’t know whether it is a male or a female at this time.” There is a reported video outside the Trump Hotel where the Cybertruck is seen driving around the resort about an hour before it parks in front of the location and bursts. Of the other seven victims harmed by the fire, McMahill revealed that their injuries were “minor.”

The FBI is also actively pursuing an investigation. While speaking with reporters, FBI special agent Jeremy Schwartz refused to definitively call the episode a terrorist attack. “I know everybody’s interested in that word,” he said. “And trying to see if we can say, ‘Hey, this is a terrorist attack.’ That is our goal, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Further, as the driver’s identity remains a mystery, it was shown that the Cybertruck was rented in Colorado. Firefighters reportedly took only a few minutes to arrive at the scene following the explosion. The Trump Hotel was immediately evacuated, and guests were placed in nearby resorts. McMahill added, “There does not appear to be any further threat to our community here now.”

Elon Musk Speaks On The Fire

Meanwhile, over on X, formerly Twitter, Tesla boss Elon Musk released information regarding the Cybertruck blaze. ”We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself,” the billionaire wrote. “All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion.” President Donald Trump also gave Las Vegas officials his “heartfelt” thank yous.

Moreover, a spokesperson for the Turo app came forward with a brief statement. “We are actively partnering with law enforcement authorities as they investigate both incidents,” they said. Reuters added that the company was not under the impression that the drivers behind the New Orleans or Las Vegas incidents had criminal backgrounds.

Videos Storm The Internet

Social media went into a frenzy, sharing images and clips of the Tesla fire. From various angles, the Cybertruck is seen on fire, with some videos captured inside the Trump Hotel. Guests stated they didn’t know what was happening—many in their rooms only saw a cloud of smoke. Some travelers in the hotel’s lobby were able to catch frightening images of the flare, which has set off mixed forms of commentary as we enter the new year. Check out more from news reports regarding this explosion below.

[via][via][via][via][via]

The post Tesla Cybertruck Explodes In Front Of Trump Hotel: What We Know appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

2 Chainz Announces 3 New Albums In 2025 With “Two 90% Done”

by

After revealing he is an independent artist in 2024, 2 Chainz announced three new albums on the way in 2025. In a New Year’s Eve post, Titty Boi revealed two of the three are almost complete, and the music will match his successful business empire. “Now it’s 2025, I’m about to put the music with the madness,” he teased, signaling an exciting creative chapter. Addressing his critics, he delivered a fiery statement: “We’re going to ball the humble stuff up and throw it out the window because some of y’all done bumped your heads thinking you can mess with this campaign.”

Between revealing new music, 2 Chainz recapped his successful 2024. “Quick little 2024 recap,” he began. “Very thankful for the year. Business is definitely booming.” He celebrated milestones across his ventures, including Candyland, his buzzing Atlanta nightlife spot, which he declared the “best vibe in the city.” His business accolades didn’t stop there. 2 Chainz also praised his involvement with the College Park Skyhawks, the Atlanta Hawks’ NBA G-League affiliate, where he’s held a minority stake since 2019. Reflecting on their recent win, he expressed pride in their progress.

Read more: Eminem & 2 Chainz Are Hip-Hop’s “Kyrie & Luka” On New Expanded Edition Cut

2 Chainz Plans 3 New Albums This Year

2 Chainz’s last solo album, Dope Don’t Sell Itself, came out in 2022, featuring collaborations with Lil Baby, Roddy Ricch, and Moneybagg Yo. His most recent project, the 2023 collaborative album Welcome 2 Collegrove with Lil Wayne, further cemented his artistry. The joint album would count as his last contractual with Def Jam Records.

In 2024, 2 Chainz received the opportunity to collaborate with Eminem and 50 Cent. 50 Cent joined him and Lil Wayne on their joint album as its narrator. Eminem collaborated with Toni on his Grammy-nominated album, The Death of Slim Shady. Their song, “Kyrie & Luka,” is featured on the deluxe version of Eminem’s latest album.

Read more: 2 Chainz’s Son Halo Asks Latto About Ice Spice Beef To Hilarious Results

[Via]

The post 2 Chainz Announces 3 New Albums In 2025 With “Two 90% Done” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Muni Long Reveals Kesha Situation On Pitbull’s “Timber” Made Her Stop Writing For Atlantic Records’ Non-Melanated Acts

by

Muni Long has created countless hits for the biggest names in music. Her collection of hits hasn’t been easy to come by. Last week, the singer-songwriter revealed multiple bad experiences in a series of TikTok posts. The stories sparked widespread discussion after they went viral. She candidly revealed her decision to decline writing songs for non-melanated artists at Atlantic Records in one part of the series.

The acclaimed singer-songwriter explained that her stance stems from a series of frustrating encounters with the label. One particularly striking example involved the global hit “Timber,” performed by Pitbull and Kesha. Long recounted being asked to redo the song’s vocals after an artist struggled to replicate her original delivery. While she refrained from naming Kesha directly, many inferred that she was referring to the pop star. This situation underscored what Long felt was a lack of recognition for her talent and contributions. Her statement quickly gained attention, prompting her to provide deeper context about the experiences that shaped this choice.

Read more: Muni Long Shows Off Her Growth On New Album “Revenge”

Muni Long Says Pitbull & Kesha’s “Timber” Made Her Stop Writing For Atlantic’s Non-Melanated Artists

This incident, however, is only one of three defining moments that influenced her decision to prioritize collaborating with artists of color who exhibit exceptional vocal ability. Long hinted at revealing the remaining two accounts in future videos, signaling her intent to continue the conversation. The conversation around artistic ownership and respect for creative labor is not new, but Long’s unapologetic stance serves as a timely reminder of the value of protecting one’s art—especially in an industry often quick to commodify it.

By sharing these experiences, Muni Long has reignited important discussions about equity and respect in the music industry. Her choice reflects her commitment to authenticity and advocacy for underrepresented talent, challenging long-standing norms in the process. In 2023, she won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance with her hit “Hrs and Hrs.”

Read more: GloRilla Flaunts Her Singing Abilities In New Muni Long Track

[Via]

The post Muni Long Reveals Kesha Situation On Pitbull’s “Timber” Made Her Stop Writing For Atlantic Records’ Non-Melanated Acts appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Meek Mill On Brutal Prison Inmate Assault Footage: “This What It Is For Black Men In America”

by

Meek Mill has spoken out following the release of bodycam footage showing prison inmate Robert Brooks being fatally beaten by correctional officers at Marcy Correctional Facility. The video, made public last week, reveals 13 guards assaulting Brooks, who was handcuffed in a medical room. He died the next day, with the cause of death ruled as “asphyxia due to compression of the neck.” The circumstances that led to Brooks being taken to the medical room remain unclear. Brooks, who was serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault, had been transferred to Marcy Correctional Facility on the day of the fatal incident.

Meek Mill, who has become a vocal advocate for prison reform after his own experiences with incarceration, condemned the violent conduct depicted in the footage. He expressed his outrage to X (formerly Twitter): “I never fully watched this until today. This is what it’s like for Black men in America if you get caught without cameras around. If you’ve been to jail before, you’ve seen this with your own eyes.” The Brooks case reignites calls for systemic reform in the U.S. prison system.

Read more: Meek Mill Clowned For Asking Where To Buy Gold In Africa

Meek Mill Relates Brutal Prison Inmate Assault Video To His & Other Black Inmates’ Experience

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the immediate dismissal of the 13 prison officers involved, along with a nurse. “The state of New York has zero tolerance for individuals who break the law, and I am committed to holding everyone involved fully accountable,” Hochul stated. New York Attorney General Letitia James also launched an investigation into Brooks’ death. James released the footage because Brooks family deserved the footage. “I have a responsibility to provide the Brooks family and all New Yorkers with transparency and accountability,” she says.

His family, now represented by legal counsel, released a statement denouncing the violence. “He deserved to live, and everyone else living in Marcy Correctional Facility deserves to know they do not have to live in fear of violence at the hands of prison staff.”

Read more: Meek Mill Slams Outlets For Coverage Of UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Death

[Via]

The post Meek Mill On Brutal Prison Inmate Assault Footage: “This What It Is For Black Men In America” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Rihanna Was Sober All 2024, She Says In 1st Instagram Post of 2025

by

Rihanna ushered in 2025 with a heartfelt celebration in New York City, proudly sharing that she had remained alcohol-free throughout 2024. The 36-year-old global superstar and entrepreneur revealed her milestone in a spirited Instagram video posted on New Year’s Eve, capturing an intimate moment of joy with her closest friends. In the clip, filmed inside a Manhattan hotel suite, Rihanna beams with pride as the iconic Times Square ball drop marks the start of a new year.

“Y’all, I didn’t drink all year! I didn’t drink all year!” she exclaims, her excitement palpable. The caption, simply reading “New Year, New Me,” underscored the significance of her achievement. Rihanna celebrated the evening with her partner, A$AP Rocky, and their two young sons, RZA, 2, and Riot, 1. The post ignited a wave of speculation among fans, particularly in the comments section, where hopes for her long-awaited ninth studio album—affectionately dubbed R9—ran high. One fan wrote, “New album too, huh?” while another quipped, “I thought this was the countdown to the album drop.” Despite years of anticipation and teases, Rihanna has yet to confirm any concrete plans for new music, keeping fans in suspense.

Read more: Rihanna Hips The Soccer Moms To Chicken Nuggets & Caviar

Rihanna’s 1st IG Post of 2025 Reveals She Was Sober All 2024

Since releasing her critically acclaimed Anti in 2016, Rihanna has largely pivoted toward building her business empire. Savage X Fenty brands have redefined success in the beauty and fashion industries, cementing her as an entrepreneurial powerhouse. Yet her impact on music remains undeniable.

While fans patiently await R9, Rihanna has maintained her cultural relevance with moments like her 2023 Super Bowl halftime performance. Her magnetic presence on social media. While planning her next move, Rihanna continues to captivate fans, leaving the world eagerly awaiting her next move. In 2024, Rihanna shared that she restarted her forthcoming album and helped A$AP Rocky on his upcoming album.

Read more: Nick Cannon Wants To Make Mariah Carey Signing Boobs A Trend After She Signed Rihanna

[Via]

The post Rihanna Was Sober All 2024, She Says In 1st Instagram Post of 2025 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

NLE Choppa Says He Had To Perform This Humiliation Ritual For New Level of Fame

by

In 2024, rapper NLE Choppa broke through to new levels of fame, driven by the success of his provocative single Slut Me Out 2. The track dominated headlines and earned widespread support, particularly from the LGBTQ+ community. Choppa reciprocated that love, making a memorable appearance at Atlanta Pride and embracing his growing, diverse audience. However, the rapper is now opening up about the struggles he faced during this transformative period.

In a 50-minute YouTube video, Choppa delved into the personal losses that marked his life, including a dark chapter in 2020 when he grappled with suicidal thoughts. Speaking candidly about the judgment and misconceptions he endured, the 22-year-old addressed the persistent speculation about his sexuality and the backlash that followed. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “I did a humiliation ritual, and I passed,” signaling a deeper resilience forged through public and personal challenges.

Read more: Summer Walker Literally Burns Her Bridge With NLE Choppa In Tense Visual For “Heart Of A Woman”

NLE Choppa Claims He Passed A Humilating Ritual

The artist shared that his spiritual faith and unwavering belief in a higher power pulled him through these moments. “All praises to the Most High!” he declared. “This year was about being fearless, brave, and stepping outside of my comfort zone. God challenged me to show that when others leave, He stays.” Addressing the price of fame, he says, “I endured the most hateful messages this year but still wore love on my sleeve through it all,” he said, describing 2024 as a spiritually transformative and deeply challenging period. “Where I come from, we’re taught to fight fire with fire and hate with hate, but this year, I prayed for those who didn’t understand my path. I was being a trailblazer for the journey God allowed me to walk.”

He ended his reflections with a message of forgiveness and love, emphasizing growth and resilience. “If you left, I forgive you. If you stayed, I love you. Thank you.” His vulnerability offers a raw glimpse into his evolution as an artist and a person, resonating deeply with fans and solidifying his role as a fearless voice in modern hip-hop.

Read more: NLE Choppa Experiments With R&B On “Picasso: Sluffin SZN X Slut SZN”

[Via]

The post NLE Choppa Says He Had To Perform This Humiliation Ritual For New Level of Fame appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Nelly Furtado Shares Why She Told Drake “No” Before In New Interview

by

Nelly Furtado has a story to tell about Drake. Speaking on the Call Her Daddy podcast, the “Promiscuous” singer clarified that her refusal wasn’t due to any lack of admiration for the rap superstar but rather the timing of his request. “He asked me at 11 p.m. to show up at 1 a.m.,” she explained. “I love him to death, but I was like, ‘I’m not showing up without glam.’ He’s so famous, and of course, it would be everywhere. I just couldn’t make it happen that time, but I adore him. He’s an incredible guy who put Toronto—and Canada—on the map in a completely different way.”

Nelly and Drake hail from Toronto and several of the biggest names to come out of the area. The connection between Drake and the singer underscores their shared pride in representing Toronto on the global stage. While the impromptu moment didn’t come together, Furtado remains optimistic about collaborating with Drake in the future. “I think it would be amazing to do a song with him,” she said. “People would love that—two Canadians, both tied to Toronto’s story. It just makes sense.” Although that opportunity slipped by, Furtado eventually joined Drake on stage in 2022 during the opening night of his October World Weekend festival.

Read more: Timbaland Reunites With Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake On Our “R&B Season” Playlist

Nelly Furtado Explains Why She Declined Drake’s Offer

The evening also served as a platform for Drake to reflect on the cultural icons who shaped his journey. Before the star-studded performances, he shared a heartfelt memory of watching JAY-Z perform in Toronto during his teenage years. The event, part of Roc The Caribana, featured emerging talents like Teairra Marí and ended with a surprise appearance by Toronto legend Kardinal Offishall.

“For me, that was a transformative moment,” Drake recalled. “I was 17, standing in a parking lot, watching JAY-Z bring out someone who represented my city. It unlocked something in my mind and made me realize this was all possible. I’ll always be grateful to both JAY-Z and Kardinal for that.”

Read more: Nelly Furtado’s New SKIMS Campaign Highlights Brand’s Fan Favorite Pieces

[Via]

The post Nelly Furtado Shares Why She Told Drake “No” Before In New Interview appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Dr. Dre & Ice Cube’s Sir Jinx Sues Warner, Atlantic, & UMG Over Legendary West Coast Rapper Yo-Yo

by

Sir Jinx, Dr. Dre’s cousin and longtime Ice Cube producer, is going to war with the biggest labels in music over royalties for Yo-Yo‘s debut album. A lawsuit against Warner Music Group, Atlantic Records, and Universal Music Group claims that Jinx is owed 62,090 dollars in unpaid royalties for his production on the legendary West Coast rap star’s 1991 album Make My Way To The Motherlode. Sir Jinx produced her most memorable hit, “You Can’t Play With My Yo Yo.” To add further strain, he claims to have already paid income taxes on the expected royalties, compounding the financial blow.

The lawsuit charges the defendants with breach of contract, bad faith dealings, and unjust enrichment. Beyond seeking financial restitution, Sir Jinx demands a full accounting of the royalty records to trace the missing funds. To add further strain, he claims to have already paid income taxes on the expected royalties, compounding the financial blow. The lawsuit charges the defendants with breach of contract, bad faith dealings, and unjust enrichment. Beyond seeking financial restitution, Sir Jinx demands a full accounting of the royalty records to trace the missing funds.

Read more: Ice Cube Sued By Producer Sir Jinx Over Unpaid Royalties: Report

Sir Jinx Files Lawsuit Against Record Labels Over Yo-Yo’s Debut Album

This latest lawsuit not only seeks to address financial grievances but also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by creatives in reclaiming their rightful earnings. For Sir Jinx, the fight is not just about money—it’s about preserving the integrity of his contributions to a genre he helped define.

Yo-Yo’s career pivoted to acting and video games after music. Her film credits include Jayson’s Lyrics, Menace II Society, and Sister Act 2. Make My Way To The Motherlode solidified her as a legend in West Coast Hip-Hop. Many future female rap stars would credit her as an influence on their pursuit of rap. Female rappers to follow her include Lady of Rage, Saweetie, and Kamaiyah.

Read more: Ice Cube Opens Up About His New Album “Man Down,” Legacy, And The Future Of West Coast Hip-Hop

[Via]

The post Dr. Dre & Ice Cube’s Sir Jinx Sues Warner, Atlantic, & UMG Over Legendary West Coast Rapper Yo-Yo appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Film Director Asks Judge For Damon Dash’s Jewelry To Settle Lawsuit

by

Damon Dash, co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, continues to grapple with escalating legal challenges. According to court documents, director Josh Webber and Muddy Water Pictures LLC, who are suing Dash, have petitioned Judge Robert Lehrburger of the Southern District of New York to enforce two unresolved judgments against him, totaling $823,284.71. Webber urges the court to compel Dash to produce ownership documents for his businesses—Lebanon Improvements LLC, Ocean East Improvements LLC, 1996 Songs LLC, and Blackroc LLC—and deliver them to the United States Marshal.

Muddy Water Pictures has also requested a court order to auction Damon Dash’s personal jewelry, identified in court filings, to satisfy the outstanding debts. The listed items include a gold necklace, a “Dame” gold chain, a “Dusko” gold chain, a gold watch, three gold rings, two Roc-A-Fella necklaces, and diamond and gold earrings. Prominently displayed on Dash’s social media accounts, these pieces are now at risk of being sold to repay creditors.

Read more: Memphis Bleek Calls Cap On Dame Dash’s Claims That Jay-Z Ghostwrote For Him

Dame Dash’s Jewelry Could Be Headed To Auction In 823k Judgement

The legal battle comes amid other financial obligations weighing on Damon Dash. Last October, a public auction of his assets was scheduled to allocate proceeds to various creditors. These include $193,000 earmarked for child support payments and over $1.7 million in unpaid state taxes. Photographer Monique Bunn is also listed as a claimant, seeking $12,000. The overall tax liabilities tied to Dash reportedly exceed $7 million. As the plaintiffs push for resolution, the fate of Dash’s assets hangs in the balance. The outcome could mark a significant turning point for the music mogul, whose legacy is now overshadowed by mounting legal and financial turmoil.

These financial woes unfold against the backdrop of a contentious relationship with Roc-A-Fella co-founder JAY-Z. Dash and JAY-Z have been embroiled in a separate legal dispute over Reasonable Doubt, Jay-Z’s debut album. The ongoing feud has strained their once-close partnership, adding further drama to Damon Dash’s already complex legal and financial struggles.

Read more: Dame Dash Thinks Jay-Z’s “Ruthlessness” Is Just Like This Iconic Batman Villain

[Via]

The post Film Director Asks Judge For Damon Dash’s Jewelry To Settle Lawsuit appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Lil Baby Previews “WHAM” Album From The Block With “Streets Colder”

by

Lil Baby‘s WHAM drops on Friday. The Atlanta rap star returns the music to the West End for a preview with From The Block. Performing “Streets Colder,” a new song from the upcoming album, Baby grabs a lot of cash as he steps up to the mic. Behind the Balenciaga sunglasses, he details his family issues. As the world moves around him, he raps, “Brodie damn near lost his marbles, takin’ Percs, I helped him shake back / Cuz told me he ain’t never gettin’ no job, he rockin’ face tat’ / In my hood a cousin caught two homicides, I really hate that.”

“Streets Colder” is Lil Baby’s fourth new song. To announce the album, Baby released previous tracks “Insecurities, ” “5AM,” and “Touchdown.” The new music received mixed reactions from the rapper’s fan base. Baby’s From The Block performance has fans confident that the rap star has returned to greatness. “Who tf said WHAM fell off?” commented an Instagram user on the performance’s post. Another user commented: “Everything good when it’s good till it’s not, [cold face emoji] bar I felt that in my soul.”

Read more: Lil Baby’s “Wham” Trailer Leaves Fans Extremely Skeptical

Lil Baby Brings WHAM To The West End To Show The “Streets Colder”

In conversation with Lil Yachty, Baby revealed that WHAM was created while working on Dominique. Dominique is Lil Baby’s second album of 2025. “I still put some of the songs I was gonna use for Dominique on WHAM ’cause I know my fanbase really want to hear them certain songs,” he says. “WHAM is more me on some young n***a shit — fast cars, girls, jewelry, money. You know, the turnt lifestyle. And Dominique is more the serious me, more personal. That’s a part of the new journey I’m on. I hate the word vulnerable, but I’m gonna be more open to my fans and my audience.”

Lil Baby revealed WHAM‘s tracklist over the holidays. His fourth album will feature Young Thug, Future, GloRilla, 21 Savage, Rod Wave, and Travis Scott. The album’s trailer received skepticism, but Baby thinks it nonsense. “The internet will say anything. You know how many hits I got?” he said. “That don’t even make sense.”

Read more: Fake Version Of Lil Baby’s “WHAM” Album Uploaded To YouTube Music

[Via]

The post Lil Baby Previews “WHAM” Album From The Block With “Streets Colder” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.