Today, a judge scheduled an official date for the beginning of ASAP Rocky’s upcoming trial, after he pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree assault involving a semi-automatic firearm in January. The charges come from a 2021 incident that allegedly took place outside of a hotel in Hollywood. He’s accused of pointing a gun at his former childhood friend and collaborator ASAP Relli, shooting in his direction various times, and grazing his hand once.
Superior Court Judge Karla Kerlin determined that preliminary hearings will take place on June 28 and August 2 of this year, and the trial will officially begin on October 21. ASAP Rocky was not present in court when she made her decision. Kerlin’s ruling comes after Judge ML Villar ruled that there is sufficient evidence for the rapper to stand trial, despite his attorneys pushing back.
A$AP Rocky attends as Tiffany & Co. celebrates the debut of the Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams Collection at Tiffany & Co. Landmark on May 02, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Tiffany & Co.)
In court today, Kerlin also noted that ASAP Rocky has until July 19 to file a planned motion to dismiss the case. After the performer entered his not-guilty pleas earlier this year, his lawyer Joe Tacopina appeared confident in his ability to prove his client’s innocence and indicated that they wouldn’t be seeking a plea deal. “We’re going to try the case in the courtroom,” he told reporters at the time. “And when we do, facts will come out that show that he’s truly innocent. And that he’s a victim in this case.”
What do you think of ASAP Rocky’s upcoming trial getting an official start date at the end of October? What about the charges he’s facing? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Tekashi 6ix9ine, born Daniel Hernandez, is a controversial figure in the hip-hop world, with a heap of cases to his name. Known for his colorful appearance, and controversial character, the rapper has been involved in numerous legal troubles. From his early days in the music industry to his rise to fame and subsequent fall, Tekashi 6ix9ine, as well as his legal cases, have been a constant source of media attention. Here, we’ll take a look at some of his biggest legal problems.
In January 2018, 6ix9ine got into an altercation with a fan in Houston, Texas. This occurred after the fan recorded a video of him walking through the Galleria Mall. According to the police report, the rapper confronted the 16-year-old fan and grabbed him by the neck. It was also reported that he caused “minor scratch marks and discomfort.” The situation escalated when the rapper and his entourage insisted that the fan delete the video. A few months later, 6ix9ine was charged with a misdemeanor assault in Harris County, Texas.
5. Assault Of A Police Officer
Barely two weeks after he was charged with assault, Tekashi 6ix9ine was involved in yet another of his most infamous assault cases. This occurred after he was parked in front of a fire hydrant in Brooklyn. When the rapper wasn’t able to produce identification, the police arrested him for driving without a license. However, an additional charge was filed when he seized an officer by the hand as his handcuffs were being removed. The artist subsequently faced four additional misdemeanor charges related to the incident. These were: third-degree assault, third-degree attempted assault, third-degree menacing, and second-degree obstructing governmental administration.
In 2021, the rapper was sued by dancer Alexis Salaberrios after he allegedly hit her in the head using a bottle of champagne. The incident took place inside Gold Rush Cabaret in Miami. 6ix9ine had tried to hit someone else for calling him a rat but reportedly mistakenly hit the dancer. Salaberrios stated that the incident caused her a trip to the E.R., as well as multiple stitches on her head. In yet another one of his most notable assault cases, Tekashi 6ix9ine was ordered to pay $9.8 million to her. So far, the rapper has yet to pay but the judge has appointed a receiver to liquidate whatever is necessary to pay the money.
3. Fleeing After Committing Assault In The Dominican Republic
In October 2023, the rapper was arrested in the Dominican Republic. The arrest came after he tried to flee on a private jet following an alleged assault on two music producers. Tekashi 6ix9ine, alongside four other men, had allegedly come to the studio and attacked the two producers, making for one of the year’s biggest assault cases. One of the attacked producers reportedly needed surgery after he was left with a broken jaw. Soon after, the rapper was freed after he posted bail of $500,000. A restraining order has also been placed against him. Furthermore, he is required to take anger management classes.
In 2018, Tekashi 6ix9ine was involved in several legal cases. He particularly faced some serious charges related to racketeering and firearms offenses. The rapper was arrested in relation to his association with the Nine Trey Gansta Bloods. They were accused of involvement in various criminal activities, including armed robberies, shootings, and drug trafficking. Additionally, there was mention of a previously unreported armed robbery that reportedly took place a few months prior. 6ix9ine was facing a minimum of 32 years, and a maximum of life in prison. However, he cooperated with federal authorities, providing testimony against his former associates. In exchange for this, he received a reduced sentence of 24 months in prison.
1. Sexual Misconduct Case
HOUSTON, TX – AUGUST 22: Rapper Tekashi69, real name Daniel Hernandez and also known as 6ix9ine, Tekashi 6ix9ine, Tekashi 69, arrives for his arraignment on assault charges in County Criminal Court #1 at the Harris County Courthouse on August 22, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Tekashi 6ix9ine received the biggest stain on his career after his sexual misconduct cases. Dating back to 2015, he pled guilty to the use of a child in a sexual performance. The charges stemmed from a video that surfaced online, depicting 6ix9ine, who was 18 at the time, behaving sexually suggestively with a 13-year-old girl. Another video showed the girl sitting naked on the laps of both 6ix9ine and another individual. In a third video, a man pours liquid on the girl’s breasts as she sits on 6ix9ine’s lap. These videos were initially uploaded to Instagram, with 6ix9ine re-sharing them on his own account. This incident set the stage for a pattern of legal cases that would follow Tekashi 6ix9ine throughout his career.
ASAP Rocky has pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. He entered his plea at a hearing in Los Angeles on Monday. A judge previously ruled in November that there was enough evidence against Rocky to warrant a trial in the shooting of his former friend and colleague, ASAP Relli. Relli accused Rocky of opening fire on him in Hollywood on November 6, 2022, while claiming that one of the bullets grazed his hand.
Rocky’s lawyer, Joe Tacopina, labeled the assault allegation a “false scenario” as well as “a plain and blatant classic attempt at extortion,” in a statement to Rolling Stone. Tacopina added of Relli: “He’s a failed associate — ex-associate — of Rocky’s, and he’s jealous. He was trying to get money from Rocky. He wanted Rocky to support him, he made it clear. There were repeated attempts where he tried to ask for money in lieu of not causing problems for Rocky. That’s what he said. We have all this memorialized in text messages and otherwise, so it’s an extortion.”
ASAP Rocky Leaves Preliminary Hearing In Assault Case
Rakim Mayers, aka A$AP Rocky, departs the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center after a preliminary hearing in his assault with a semiautomatic firearm case in Los Angeles, California, on 20 November 2023. The charges stem from a November 2021 incident where Rocky allegedly pointed a semi-automatic handgun at Terell Ephron and fired multiple times. (Photo by ALLISON DINNER / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ALLISON DINNER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
At a preliminary hearing, Relli recounted the shooting taking place outside of a hotel. While there is a security footage video from the incident, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge M.L. Villar noted that the “actual shooting” isn’t visible in the clip.
ASAP Rocky Pleads Not Guilty
That was quick – A$AP Rocky entered a standard not guilty plea this morning at the criminal courthouse in downtown Los Angeles.
He’s charged with two counts of first-degree assault with a firearm. A pre-trial conference is scheduled for March 6. pic.twitter.com/AN6SFoI7rJ
In addition to the criminal charges, Relli is also suing Rocky for alleged assault, battery, negligence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He filed the complaint in August 2022. Be on the lookout for further updates on ASAP Rocky on HotNewHipHop.
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Charge has agreed to enter a no-contest plea in the case of a 2022 fight in New Vegas. Kamara and three other men were initially facing misdemeanor charges of conspiracy to commit battery and a felony charge of battery with substantial bodily harm. However, Kamara’s plea means he will no longer face felony charges. Instead, Kamara will plead no contest to a misdemeanor charge of breaching the peace.
The charge stems from Kamara’s February 2022 arrest. Kamara and three other men were indicted after being accused of assaulting a man outside of a Vegas nightclub. What made the case more notable than simply involving an NFL star was the circumstances surrounding it. The assault reportedly occurred the night before the NFL Pro Bowl. Kamara then proceeded to play in the Pro Bowl the following day before being taken into custody. Kamara had initially reached a private settlement with the victim, Darnell Greene Jr., on July 10, 20He’23. As a result of his plea, Kamara will be sentenced to 30 hours of community service and a financial settlement of $105,000 to Greene Jr.
“Alvin is pleased that this matter is behind him and looks forward to a successful NFL season,” Kamara’s attorney David Chesnoff said in a statement. It’s set to be a big season for Kamara and the Saints. The perennial NFC South contenders will be looking for their first playoff berth since 2020. After limping through two seasons without a permanent franchise signal caller, the Saints signed former Raiders QB Derek Carr. He’ll be backed up by the much-maligned Jameis Winston and fourth-round rookie Jake Haener. The Saints also went heavy on defense in the draft, taking two D-Line prospects with their first two picks. They also added some depth in free agency, including Foster Moreau.
Kamara once again looks to break the 1000-yard rushing mark for the first time in his career. For how prolific of a running back he has been, it’s easy to forget he’s never topped 1000 yards in a season. In 2022, Kamara had 897 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground. Furthermore, he added 490 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air. Furthermore, his contract contains a potential out after the season. While it’s unlikely they would take this, Kamara is technically playing on a contract year in 2023.
Larry Nassar, the disgraced and convicted child molester and former sports medicine physician, has reportedly been stabbed multiple times in prison. This was during an alleged altercation with another prison inmate. The stabbing happened on Sunday afternoon at United States Penitentiary Coleman in Florida. According to the Associated Press, Nassar received wounds to his chest and back, but the most recent report had him in stable condition.
A spokesperson for the penitentiary confirmed the assault, though he did not mention Larry Nassar’s direct involvement. (They did not mention who was involved due to privacy and security purposes.) However, they did say that the assault resulted in “life-saving measures,” with the alleged stab victim being transported to the local hospital. The U.S. Penitentiary Coleman said no other staff members or prisoners were injured. Plus, the FBI was notified, and an internal investigation is ongoing. As of now, there are no updates on whether it truly is Nassar and if he’s been released from the hospital.
CHARLOTTE, MI – FEBRUARY 05: Larry Nassar sits with his attorney Matt Newburg as he is sentenced by Judge Janice Cunningham for three counts of criminal sexual assault in Eaton County Circuit Court on February 5, 2018, in Charlotte, Michigan. Nassar has been accused of sexually assaulting more than 150 girls and young women while he was a physician for USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University. Cunningham sentenced Nassar to 40 to 125 years in prison. He is currently serving a 60-year sentence in federal prison for possession of child pornography. Last month, a judge in Ingham County, Michigan, sentenced Nassar to 40 to 175 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting seven girls. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
This isn’t the first time reports have surfaced around Nassar and getting assaulted in prison. Back in 2018, almost five years to the day, he was involved in an attack mere hours after joining the general prison population. That was back in Tucson, AZ. The original attack led to Nassar moving to the Florida penitentiary. Since then, it’s been all quiet on the Nassar news front until this last weekend. The identity of the attacker is unknown at this point.
Larry Nassar is serving multiple decades for sexually abusing hundreds of young girls via U.S. Gymnastics and MSU. Many female gymnasts, including Aly Raisman and Jordyn Wieber, testified back in 2018 against the sports trainer. It’s unclear yet whether Nassar will transfer again. Due to the repeated incidents, the U.S. penitentiary system might consider stronger protections for Nassar. This is a developing story, so keep it dialed into HotNewHipHop for any developments surrounding Nassar’s condition.
He’s a prominent figure in Hip Hop who isn’t a stranger to controversy, but this time, Uncle Luke‘s son Luther Campbell Jr. is in the hot seat. Luke is an icon in the Rap scene as a member of 2 Live Crew, the group that took the industry by storm decades ago. Their explicit lyrics and music videos rubbed conservatives the wrong way, and soon, they found themselves banned worldwide. Uncle Luke continues to enjoy his reputation as one of Hip Hop’s earliest bad boys; however, he’s keeping his nose clean these days. He’s hailed as an activist and voice for his community, and now, he’s defending his son.
According to CBS News, Luther Campbell Jr. was arrested in South Beach, Florida, last week. An incident occurred near the Big Pink restaurant where witnesses claimed Campbell Jr. approached them “aggressively” while holding a knife. He repeatedly asked them, “What did you say?!” as the purported victims backed away. They would later identify Campbell Jr. to the police. Officers also were said to have found a knife on Campbell upon arrest.
Campbell Jr. was later charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and resisting without violence. Campbell was also told to stay away from the victims in this case. It was further stated that he informed the court that he couldn’t afford a private attorney at his hearing. Campbell is on probation, so a judge decided on a $6,000 bond for both charges. CBS News also reported that in November 2018, Campbell was hit with charges including grand theft auto, possession of a controlled substance, and knowingly driving with a suspended license.
Meanwhile, following the news of his son’s arrest, Uncle Luke took to social media. In a video, he called out certain media outlets over coverage of Cambell Jr.’s case. “Let me just say this to the Miami media: is that the best y’all could do?” he questioned. “You go find the estranged son who goes to jail every other week. And you plaster that on the news because I went off on your white boy Dan Gilbert on Miami Beach for what he’s doing to African American kids. Oh, you went and found the estranged son.” Not everyone agreed with Uncle Luke’s reaction, but he’s standing ten toes down. Check out his message above.
While we await further updates on Jonathan Majors’ surprising arrest, TMZ has come through with word of more celebrity drama that ended in a Love & Hip-Hop: New York star being put behind bars. Earlier this month, Brittney Taylor was arrested after allegedly assaulting her baby daddy with a baseball bat. According to law enforcement sources, the reality starlet and her ex, Afeez, were fighting recently. At the time, she aggressively struck him with the weapon.
The pair share a 2-year-old and an 8-month-old. At the time of the alleged fight, the children’s father was flying into NYX to see his children. Due to past issues between him and Taylor, Afeez notably planned to maintain his distance. He and his mother were reportedly leaving his baby mama’s apartment. The young ones in tow, but when he ignored a comment from her, she blew it. It remains unclear exactly what was said. However, it upset the east coaster enough for her to punch Afeez in the face.
The accompanying criminal complaint notes that the children were present at the time. Afeez opted to leave the residence after being hit. Unfortunately, Taylor decided to continue the altercation by following him outside with a bat. She used it to strike him, which resulted in a laceration and significant facial bleeding. The social media personality’s ex went to the hospital for treatment, where he received stitches for the cut above his eye. TMZ says that Brittney Taylor is now facing two charges of assault, one count of endangering the welfare of a child, and one count of criminal possession of a weapon.
A few weeks back, Afeez seemingly posted about being assaulted online, causing speculation to bubble about the possibility of his baby mama’s involvement. While nothing was initially confirmed, it sounds as though internet sleuths who pieced the puzzle together earlier were right. A few years back, Taylor’s L&HH co-star Remy Ma was arrested for allegedly punching her at a concert, though those charges were ultimately dropped. Check out graphic photos of Afeez’s injuries here, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.
He may be preparing for the arrival of his second child, but A$AP Rocky’s legal troubles are intensifying. In August 2022, Rocky pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault. It was related to a shooting involving A$AP Relli, real name Terrell Ephron. According to reports, Rocky is accused of firing shots in Relli’s direction during an altercation in Hollywood, Calif., in November 2021. In addition to the criminal case, Relli also filed a civil lawsuit against his former friend.
More recently, The Daily Mail has offered an update on the criminal case. There was reportedly yet another hearing today (March 14) in Downtown Los Angeles. Rocky has been out on $550K bail and wasn’t present in court, but he was ordered to return. Judge Kerry White wants Rocky back in court on June 5 for a hearing to determine if the case goes to trial.
A$AP Rocky Allegedly First Pointed Firearm At Relli
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 17: Rapper A$AP Rocky (R) pleads not guilty to assault charges during his arraignment hearing at Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center on August 17, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. A$AP Rocky, real name Rakim Mayers, has been charged with two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm stemming from a November 2021 incident in Hollywood. He remains free on $550,000 bond and is due back in court November 2. (Photo by Irfan Khan-Pool/Getty Images)
According to reports, Rocky first pointed a gun at Relli. Later, during an argument, he’s accused of letting off a few shots, and one reportedly grazed his target. Relli walked away with a minor injury, but he’s taking Rocky to court. “Discharging a gun in a public place is a serious offense that could have ended with tragic consequences,” said Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón. “Not only for the person targeted but also for innocent bystanders visiting Hollywood. My office conducted a thorough review of the evidence in this case. [We] determined that the addition of a special firearm allegation was warranted.”
However, in September of last year, Rocky’s legal team filed documents denying he was responsible for any shooting. “Answering defendant generally denies each and every allegation of the complaint. And specifically denies that plaintiff has been damaged in any amount or in any way as a result of any act or omission of answering defendant,” a filing obtained by Complex reads. It further alleged Relli’s injuries were caused by someone else. Additionally, it says that Relli “failed to exercise reasonable care to avoid the consequences of harm.”
An Attorney’s Reaction
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 01: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) A$AP Rocky performs on day 1 of Wireless Festival 2022 at Crystal Palace Park on July 01, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Burak Cingi/Redferns)
The rapper’s attorney, Joe Tacopina, also denied the allegations. “Rocky didn’t commit a crime,” Tacopina said. He described it as an extortion attempt by a former associate. Tacopina also claimed Relli “threatened to make false criminal accusations if Rocky didn’t pay him. What will become abundantly clear in the upcoming months, based on facts and evidence, is that Rocky is innocent of these charges.”
Cardi B got off relatively easy in court when it came to her infamous 2018 strip club brawl. Last September, the mother of two and her co-defendants pleaded guilty to two misdemeanour charges. At the same time, they saw the dismissal of ten other counts – two of which were felonies.
As a punishment, the Invasion of Privacy artist’s sentence requires she complete 15 days of community service. In a statement following her day in court, Bardi said, “Part of growing up and maturing is being accountable for your actions.”
Unfortunately for her, the New York native was unable to walk the walk. After failing to finish her sentence, Cardi B found herself in Queens Criminal Court on Tuesday (January 17). As per usual, she looked incredibly glamorous, sporting a tight white dress, oversized fur coat, and matching Dior sunglasses.
It remains unclear exactly what the 30-year-old said to the judge. However, it’s possible Takeoff’s recent passing is part of the reason she was unable to fulfill her commitment. In the weeks since the Migos member’s untimely death, she’s been doing her part to take care of her husband, Offset, and their kids.
Thankfully for Cardi, she was given one last chance to get her community service done. According to Daily Mail, she has until March 1 to get her days in, or she could face jail time.
In a statement to the outlet, the entertainer’s lawyer, Drew Findling shared his client’s thoughts on the situation. “Personally and professionally, Cardi is dedicated to community service and charitable endeavours,” he said. “She therefore appreciates the court giving her until March 1st to complete her community service commitment in Queens, New York.”
US rapper and songwriter Cardi B departs after a court hearing at Queens County Criminal Court, following a compliance hearing regarding the terms of her agreement over a strip club assault, in New York City on January 17, 2023. (Photo by Yuki IWAMURA / AFP) (Photo by YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images)
In other news, Cardi B sat down with Jason Lee as the first guest on his new podcast. They got candid about everything from her past with plastic surgery, to how she reacted to the news of Takeoff’s death in December.
Read more about that here, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.
