court

Tory Lanez Receives New Sentencing Date

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Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge David Herriford has scheduled a new sentencing date for Tory Lanez, regarding his three felony charges in the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. Lanez will now find out how long he can expect to spend in prison on Monday, August 7, 2023.

“Judge Herriford scheduled it moments ago,” Legal affairs journalist Meghann Cuniff reported on Twitter, Tuesday. “Lanez appeared in court briefly, wearing orange jail garb and a black cap. His lawyers’ sentencing recommendation is due Aug. 1. Prosecutors want 13 years.”

Read More: Tory Lanez’s New Trial Motion Denied, Rapper’s Attorneys Seek To Have Judge Dismissed

Tory Lanez In Concert

AUSTIN, TEXAS – JUNE 23: Tory Lanez performs in concert during the Future Hndrxx tour at Austin360 Amphitheater on June 23, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images)

As for what Lanez can expect from his sentencing, the charges carry a maximum sentence of 22 years and eight months in prison. However, prosecutors in Los Angeles are recommending the rapper serve 13 years behind bars. They made the determination in a memorandum filed in court, last Tuesday.

“Words have power and the pen is oftentimes mightier than the sword. In this case, Daystar Peterson used both,” the filing read, referring to Lanez’s legal name. “Not content to have hurt the victim by use of his sword (gun), he also used his pen. His online posts for nearly three years have re-traumatized the victim.”

“His online reach is worldwide (millions of followers plus casual observers) and the defendant’s statements embolden his followers so that they too have been complicit in re-traumatizing the victim,” the memo continues. “He is responsible for the effect of his words and his actions.”

Tory Lanez’s New Sentencing Date

A jury found Lanez guilty on three felony counts in regard to the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion back in December. Prosecutors have argued he “demonstrated a high level of callousness” with the shooting as well as his behavior afterward and the court should punish him accordingly. Keep an eye out for more updates on Tory Lanez’s case in the coming months.

Read More: Prosecutors Seeking 13 Years For Tory Lanez In Megan Thee Stallion Shooting

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The post Tory Lanez Receives New Sentencing Date appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Prosecutors Use Fetty Wap’s “Trap Queen” Against Him In Court

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Documents obtained by The Fader reveal that prosecutors in Fetty Wap’s alleged drug trafficking case used his song “Trap Queen” in court. According to the court documents, they referenced the song to back up their request for a longer sentence. They claim that Fetty Wap told the government that the song was about the rapper participating in drug trafficking. Prosecutors also claim that the song’s music video “idealized selling drugs.” They additionally referenced his 2022 song, “Sweet Yamz.” “Yams is code for grams of narcotics, and making significant money (i.e., ‘bands’) from that illegal trade,” they claimed.

“[Fetty Wap] admitted to the Probation Department that his hit song ‘Trap Queen,’ which was released in 2014, was an ‘ode to a former girlfriend who assisted him a cocaine base distribution operation in Patterson, New Jersey,’” prosecutors said. They added, “The defendant was never held accountable for that conduct, but that does not diminish its significance.” They went on to say, “In the official video for ‘Trap Queen,’ the defendant also enlisted young children who stood behind him while he idealized selling drugs.”

Read More: Fetty Wap Pleads Guilty To Drug Charges: Report

Prosecutors Say Fetty Wap “Idealized Selling Drugs”

Fetty Wap performs during the 2019 Rolling Loud music festival at Citi Field on October 12, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ferdman/Getty Images)

Fetty Wap was arrested in 2021 for federal drug trafficking charges. He later pleaded guilty in August of 2022 to conspiracy to possess and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. The charges he is facing carry a minimum of five years in prison with a maximum of 40 years.

Earlier this week, Fetty Wap’s defense team spoke on the rapper’s motivation to get into the alleged drug ring. They claimed, “Personal gain was not his motivation. Rather, he was motivated by his commitment to financially support others.” Also, they said, “He became ashamed when he began to struggle to keep up the lifestyle that he created for so many.” “His judgment became impaired. Desperate to keep up with his financial obligations, Mr. Maxwell became involved in the instant offense for a few months in the spring of 2020,” they claimed. His lawyers say the rapper is apologetic for his actions, and understands that his actions were a mistake.

Read More: Fetty Wap Speaks From Jail: “Never Bent, Never Fold”

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Slowthai Facing Two Rape Charges

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Northampton rapper Slowthai is facing charges for two counts of rape. He appeared in court on Tuesday via video, only speaking once two confirm his name, date of birth, and address. The rapper was reportedly charged with the oral and vaginal penetration of a woman without her consent in Oxford back in 2021. He was released on bail and will appear again next month at Oxford crown court.

Slowthai took to Instagram to try to clear his name earlier today. He writes, “i categorically deny the charges.” Going on to say, “i am innocent and I am confident my name will be cleared.” The rapper adds, “until then i will apply my energy to ensure this is concluded swiftly and justly.” He asks his supporters not to “comment about this situation,” and to “respect the process and privacy of [his] family at this time.”

Slowthai Claims He Is Innocent

Slothai announced his new album, Ugly, in January. Alongside the announcement, the artist also shared the first single from the album, titled “Selfish.” He released the album in March. Speaking on the album, he said “People see you as a character. They don’t actually know who you are. You’re stereotyped as the nutter who gets in his boxers.” He continued, “I was doing that to show that you should be free at shows and enjoy yourself but you choose to see me as an idiot.” Slowthai added, “It doesn’t matter what or who people think you are, you’ve just got to stay true and respect yourself.“ He went on to claim that his tattoo on his face, reading “UGLY” is “a reminder to love myself, rather than put myself down constantly or feel the impression people have of me should determine who I am as a person.”

In 2020, Slowthai left the NME Awards after harassing the host, Katherine Ryan. He also reportedly mooned the audience. He also attempted to fight a fan in the crowd, claiming that the audience member “ruined” his speech. After jumping into the crown, security escorted the rapper out of the event. He apologized for his actions later on Twitter. The post contained a message from the rapper, calling his harassment of Ryan “shameful,” and claiming there was “no excuse” for what he did. He promised “to do better,” calling Ryan “a master at [her] craft.”

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Israel Adesanya’s Ex-Girlfriend Reportedly Takes Him To Court For Half His Wealth

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One of the UFC and the wider mixed martial arts world’s most well-known stars just got a relationship bomb dropped on his lap. Moreover, his ex-girlfriend Charlotte Powdrell reportedly sued the fighter for half his wealth because “they dated too long and she supported his career.” As such, the little information we have of this development indicates that it’s taking shape as somewhat of a divorce case. Furthermore, fans expressed confusion and dismissal at the news, but it’s important to note that other things could’ve happened behind the scenes that we don’t know of and could paint this motion differently.

Still, this is a relatively early story and the Nigerian-New Zealander hasn’t responded to this development publicly as of writing this article. While it’s startling, it’s also too early to say how it will take shape. For those unfamiliar with Israel Adesanya, he recently reclaimed the title of UFC middleweight champion after beating rival Alex Pereira. However, that rivalry is something he cherishes. After their brawl, he remarked on what their long history means to him and gave him his due respect and flowers.

Read More: Israel Adesanya Suffered Severe Injury Before UFC 287

Israel Adesanya’s Ex-Girlfriend Sues Him For Half His Assets

“I love this game,” Israel Adesanya wrote on Twitter with a video of them embracing. “Nothing compares on this planet, in this life than putting it all on the line. One shot, the whole world watching… waiting… then BOOM!! HISSTORY. Our individual legends will always be intertwined because of the stories we’ve told with our beautiful violence. I’m grateful we have this rivalry, I’m grateful he beat me. It forced me to grow, made me better. Now I have done the same for him, the gift that keeps on giving… a** whoopings. Shoutout to the Warrior from Brazil Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira!”

Meanwhile, there are others that side with Powdrell in this case, if only for their dislike of the 33-year-old’s statements and personality. Regardless, it seems like quite the murky and complicated case. In the coming weeks, surely more information will come up that will further contextualize this news. Until then, UFC fans patiently wait for an update on his status or his next fight. For more on Israel Adesanya and the latest news from the MMA world, log back into HNHH.

Read More: Israel Adesanya Gets Good News In Brass Knuckles Case

Young Thug Taken To Hospital Before Court

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The YSL RICO case just took a potentially dark turn, as Young Thug went to the hospital before court. Moreover, his attorney broke the news while in a court hearing, stating that he has “no idea what his condition is currently.” Furthermore, these are still initial reports with not much context as of writing this article, so this could mean many different things. However, his attorney stated that he was feeling very ill, and it’s unclear how this hospitalization will affect the rest of the trial. Still, the lawyer maintained that medial officials were evaluating the rapper, so an update is likely to come soon.

Not only that, but this news follows previous reports of attorneys and Thugger himself expressing concern for his health. For example, attorney Brian Steel sought a fourth attempt at bond while claiming that Young Thug faces poor living conditions behind bars that could impact his faculties at court. “Mr. Williams is not a risk to commit a crime and he’s not a risk to flee the jurisdiction and that’s what bond is about,” he told ABC News. In addition, he remarked to the outlet that he expressed to the judge that he “previously put forth compelling evidence, without doubt, that conditions can be imposed which permit bond to be set.”

Read More: Young Thug’s Brother Unfoonk Arrested In YSL Trial

Young Thug Reportedly Hospitalized Before Court

Meanwhile, reports also came out concerning Young Thug’s prison diet, which Steel maintained has “zero health benefits.” Specifically, reports indicated that the Atlanta rapper relies on chocolate and chips to get by. Also, a lack of access to sunlight, sleep, and exercise is reportedly affecting his health in a very negative way. With all this in mind, perhaps this hospitalization will convince the court that bond is not only humane, but necessary for the trial’s smooth continuation.

Regardless of those factors, we hope that the 31-year-old recovers swiftly and faces no further complications in this trial. Over a year after 28 YSL defendants were originally arrested on RICO charges, only ten remain. With processes like jury selection and court antics delaying the trial further and further, health must surely take priority in this lengthy case. For the latest updates and news on Young Thug and the YSL trial, check back in with HNHH.

Read More: What is the Story Behind Young Thug’s Dress?