crime

Aaliyah’s Uncle Continued To Do Business With R. Kelly After Marriage Annulment: Report

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One of Aaliyah’s relatives is facing backlash after the latest episode of Surviving R. Kelly: The Final Chapter.

In episode three of the jaw-dropping series, Kelly’s former backup dancer, Naia Vestal, who met the singer in 1994, revealed that Aaliyah’s uncle, Barry Hankerson, lied when he said he stopped working with the former singer. Dr. Oz interviewed Hankerson in 2021 when the former music manager made these claims but Vestal pushed back during the latest episode of Surviving R. Kelly. She said that Hankerson was still working alongside Kelly on business ventures.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 19: Barry Hankerson, founder of BlackGround Records 2.0 attends a celebration of legacy for Aaliyah’s “One In A Million” album release at Paradise Lounge on August 19, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

“I just remember hearing [him] on the radio,” Vestal said. “I was in Houston driving to work, and Barry Hankerson, his former manager, was saying, ‘Oh when I found out about him messing with my niece Aaliyah, I stopped working with him.’ Nov. of 1994, when I met him, Barry was still his manager. Barry ate breakfast with us.”

Vestal wasn’t the only person who refuted Hankerson’s claims. Jovante Cunningham stated that Aaliyah’s uncle decided to quietly manage R. Kelly, despite his initial intentions to cut ties with the singer.

“I remember coming off tour and Robert saying that he wasn’t gonna renew his management contract with Barry,” she explained. “Barry said, ‘If you don’t renew my management contract, I’m gonna pull the plug on you and Aaliyah.’ And Robert didn’t, or so I thought. And maybe two or three days later is when we found out about the marriage. I didn’t know anything about it.”

According to one of Kelly’s victims, Hankerson is far from innocent in Kelly’s predatorial behavior, even if his involvement in the singer’s schemes were indirect. Lizzette Martinez said she met Hankerson in 1995 following the annulment of Aaliyah and Kelly’s marriage. “For him to be sitting there with underage girls knowing what he had just done to his niece, I don’t know if I really have a lot of respect for this person,” she said.

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Bryan Kohberger Update: Alleged Killer Seen Throwing Trash In Neighbour’s Bins Before Arrest

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Now that he’s back in Idaho and has attended his first hearing, more details regarding the arrest of 28-year-old Bryan Kohberger are coming out. Needless to say, they’re as chilling as many anticipated. However, authorities still aren’t able to paint a full picture for the public.

At the end of 2022, the criminology student was apprehended by the FBI in Pennsylvania. At this time, he’s the only known suspect in the murder of four young University of Idaho students.

In this handout provided by Monroe County Correctional Facility, 28-year-old Bryan Christopher Kohberger is seen in a booking photo after he was arrested on December 30, 2022 in Pennsylvania. Kohberger has been accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students – Ethan Chapin, 20, Xana Kernodle, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21 – in an off-campus house on November 13, 2022 in Moscow, Idaho. (Photo by Monroe County Correctional Facility via Getty Images)

As we previously reported, Kohberger and his father drove home from Idaho to Washington for the holidays. During their trip, the duo was stopped twice by Indiana state police. At this time, it’s believed these were planned pullovers to obtain more information on the suspect without spooking him.

According to CNN, authorities also kept watch over their target when he arrived at his parent’s house. A law enforcement source tells the outlet that investigators witnessed as he “cleaned his car, inside and outside, not missing an inch.”

The team assigned to Kohberger was tasked with keeping an eye on him until a warrant was obtained. Additionally, they had to gather an item that could be used to collect a DNA sample.

Officers saw the suspect numerous times outside in Pennsylvania, often wearing surgical gloves. At one point, he headed outside around 4 AM and put trash bags in his neighbours’ bins. They then collected garbage from both the family home and Kohberger’s backup spot and sent it off to the Idaho State Lab.

Last Friday (December 30), a local SWAT team moved in on the family home. Both the door and windows were broken down in what’s known as a “dynamic entry” that’s typically only used with “high-risk” suspects.

After a long trip across the country via plane, Kohberger appeared in Idaho court yesterday (January 5). The previous night, he was booked into the Latah County jail on four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary.

He is facing the death penalty, which some of the victim’s parents have already said they support.

Read the latest updates on Bryan Kohberger’s affidavit here, and check back later for more updates. RIP.

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Tay-K Says He Wants A “Second Chance At Adulthood” Following 55-Year Sentence

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Tay-K says he needs “1 chance at adulthood” after he was handed a 55-year sentence in 2019.

The rapper took to Twitter where he pushed back against the 55-year sentence. At the time of the crime, Tay-K was 16-years-old but the severity of the charges led prosecutors to try him as an adult.

“I really just need 1 chance @ adulthood,” he wrote.

However, he argued that the punishment wouldn’t have been as severe if he were white.

“I bet if I was a lil white kid they wouldn’t have gave me no 55 years for a crime I was alleged to play the most insignificant role in when I was 16….they woulda rightfully argued that my mind wasn’t fully developed and gave me rehabilitation and a 2nd (1st) chance at adulthood,” he said.

He pointed out that his co-defendant, a white girl of the same age, basically got off with a slap on the wrist comparatively.

“One of my codefendants was a white girl who was 16 jus like me…they didn’t certify her as an adult but they certified me n pimp as adults,” he wrote. “pimp got 30, I got 55, she ended up getting 10 years of probation without no deal…that girl @ home rn.”

A jury found Tay-K guilty for his alleged involvement in the murder of 21-year-old Ethan Walker during a home invasion. The rapper received 55 years for murder. Additionally, he received another 30 for aggravated robbery, and two 13-year sentences for another two counts of aggravated robbery.

However, during this time that he was fighting that case, he saw his most success as a rapper. After cutting off his ankle monitor while on house arrest, he went on the run and released “The Race.” The song reached #44 on the Billboard Hot 100. Afterward, a remix dropped with additional verses from 21 Savage and Young Nudy.

Rob49 Shot On Video Set With French Montana, Latter’s Bodyguard Is “Fighting For His Life”

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The year is already off to a tumultuous start, with French Montana and Rob49 becoming the latest rappers in the midst of a bloody battle. As NBC Miami reports, the two were at a video shoot in Florida on Thursday (January 5) when gunfire eventually erupted.

Local police responded to a ShotSpotter call prior to 8 PM last night. It brought them to The Licking Miami Gardens on Northwest 27th Street. Detective Diana Gourgue is providing the media with updates, sharing that the altercation initially began in one location, and moved to the restaurant later.

Ultimately, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue says that a total of 10 people were injured at the crime scene. Four of them were able to bring themselves to the hospital, while medical officials transported the other six.

At this time, the condition of their injuries remains unknown. Reports circulating online state that Rob49 himself was hit by bullets, but remains in stable condition. Montana’s bodyguard, however, is suffering a far worse fate. Allegedly, he’s been fighting for his life following the shooting.

The gunfire apparently rang out as a result of a robbery. Another artist, Ced Mogul, was on location at the video shoot behind a KFC. After someone’s things were stolen, filming moved to The Licking, where guns were a blaze.

As far as we know, no arrests have presently been made, though police continue to investigate the situation.

Many social media users have already been reacting to the news. Specifically, several are condemning those keeping some of the more gruesome footage circulating online.

“If you’re sharing videos of the aftermath from that French Montana video shoot WITH PEOPLE LYING ON THE GROUND BLEEDING OUT, reevaluate your fucking life cos that’s ugly, heartless behaviour,” one person wrote.

Find more information from the ongoing investigation below. Additionally, check out French Montana’s Gangsta Grillz Coke Boys 6 project here while we wait for further updates.

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Aaron Hernandez’s Ex-Fiancée Questioned Over Trust Fund Spending

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Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez, who was engaged to late NFL star Aaron Hernandez, is now being questioned over her spending of his trust fund. The former couple shares a daughter, 10-year-old Avielle.

The former New England Patriots player took his own life in April 2017 while in prison. He was arrested and charged with the murder of his former friend Odin Lloyd. Additionally, he was also accused of participating in a fatal drive-by shooting.

According to People, Jenkins-Hernandez’s lawyers “submitted an invoice for reimbursement from the trust fund to a court-appointed trustee.” 

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 12: Shayanna Jenkins sits in the courtroom for the double murder trial of her fiancee, former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, at Suffolk Superior Court in Boston on Apr. 12, 2017. Hernandez is charged in the July 2012 killings of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado who he encountered in a Boston nightclub. The former NFL football player already is serving a life sentence in the 2013 killing of semi-professional football player Odin Lloyd. (Photo by Keith Bedford/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
READ MORE: Aaron Hernandez Biography Contains “Shocking Revelations”: Report

Attorney David Schwartz later denied her request. Jenkins-Hernandez also attempted to remove him as the trusted, saying he was “ keeping Avielle from her hobby.”

Outlined in documents, Jenkins-Hernandez’s spending was then brought into question.

Schwartz’s lawyers reportedly claimed, “There is every reason to question whether and how the Conservator is applying the significant resources that should be available to pay for Avielle’s daily needs, including dance lessons, especially since all of her basic housing security and educational expenses are paid from the Trust.”

NORTH ATTLEBORO, MA – AUGUST 22: Aaron Hernandez sits in the courtroom of the Attleboro District Court during his hearing on August 22, 2013 in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. Former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge for the death of Odin Lloyd. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
Read More: Aaron Hernandez’s Alleged Prison Lover Reveals New Details

The mother previously requested $10,000 for Avielle’s dance lessons.

“Large amounts of money are spent under each category of the Accountings, with little clear identification of how these disbursements benefit Avielle,” docs reportedly revealed.

People also shared that docs exhibit specific examples of Jenkins-Hernandez’s spending. It reportedly includes “$10,000 in both entertainment expenses and online shopping, thousands in ‘self-care’ costs, and $12,000 spent at HomeGoods.”

After giving birth to their daughter in 2012, Jenkins-Hernandez had a second daughter in 2018.

What are your thoughts on Jenkins-Hernandez’s alleged spending? Sound off in the comments below with your thoughts.

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Finesse2Tymes Concert Shooting: 2 People Charged

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More information is being shared about a shooting that took place earlier this week at a Finesse2Tymes concert. Around 2:30 a.m. on Monday (January 2), an altercation reportedly broke out during the show. The event was at My Canna Buds in Knoxville, Tennessee, and three people were injured during the fray.

A report by WREG now states that two people have been named in connection with the shooting. Jackie Netterville, 22, and Gino Mickens, 20, have been charged with reckless endangerment. Additionally, Mickens is said to have also had several “outstanding felony warrants out of Florida.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 29: (EDITORS NOTE: Image contains profanity.) Finesse2Tymes visits SiriusXM Studios on November 29, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images)
Read More: Finesse2Tymes Reacts To Concert Shooting That Left 3 Injured

Meanwhile, Netterville has not yet been located. Mickens is in custody.

Finesse2Tymes seemingly reacted to the shooting in a video uploaded to social media. He was seen complaining about the promoter who, according to the rapper, was intoxicated.

Finesse questioned why the promoter was putting his arm around the rapper’s neck and acting unprofessionally.

Read More: Finesse2Tymes Concert Shooting Leaves 3 Injured

However, it was alleged that whoever was involved in the shooting also robbed the cannabis store. Of the three victims injured during the incident, two have been released from the hospital.

WREG also reported police have interviewed over 25 people, and “at least seven firearms were recovered.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 26: Moneybagg Yo and Finesse2tymes attend Bread Gang Launch Dinner Hosted By Moneybagg Yo on October 26, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

It is unclear if investigators have any other suspects at this time. Finess2Tymes has not commented on the Netterville or Mickens’s charges at this time. It is also unclear if they are connected to the rapper.

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Black Sheep Files $750Mil Lawsuit Against UMG Over Unpaid Royalties: Report

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Usually, it’s good to hear about iconic Rap groups, but Black Sheep isn’t surfacing for a walk down Hip Hop’s memory lane. Instead, the classic duo—which includes Andres “Dres” Vargas Titus and William “Mista Lawnge” McLean—is reportedly suing Universal Music Group. According to a report by Rolling Stone, the pair have filed a $750 million class action lawsuit against UMG over unpaid royalties.

Black Sheep claims that UMG worked out a deal with Spotify that shortchanged artists in the long run. Universal is accused of exchanging music from artists for cash and Spotify stock.

Read More: Universal Music Sued Over Royalty Payouts For Kanye West’s “Power”

The rappers also allege they weren’t advised of this side deal; thus, it violates their contract with UMG’s subsidiary, Polygram.

“In the mid-2000s, Universal struck an undisclosed, sweetheart deal with Spotify,” the lawsuit reportedly reads. “Universal agreed to accept substantially lower royalty payments on artists’ behalf in exchange for equity stake in Spotify – then a fledgling streaming service.”

“Yet rather than distribute to artists their 50 percent of Spotify stock or pay artists their true and accurate royalty payments, for years Universal shortchanged artists and deprived plaintiffs and class members of the full royalty payments they were owed under Universal’s contract.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK-October 1: Hip-Hop Duo Black Sheep’s Mista Lawnge (William McLean) and Dres (Andres Vargas Titus) appear in a portrait taken on October 1, 1994 in Brooklyn, New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/MIchael Ochs Archives).
Read More: Universal Music Group Pulls Catalog From TikTok Rival Triller

Following Rolling Stone‘s report, a UMG spokesperson denied Black Sheep’s claims.

“Universal Music Group’s innovative leadership has led to the renewed growth of the music ecosystem to the benefit of recording artists, songwriters and creators around the world,” they said.

“UMG has a well-established track record of fighting for artist compensation and the claim that it would take equity at the expense of artist compensation is patently false and absurd. Given that this is pending litigation, we cannot comment on all aspects of the complaint.”

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Lil Gotit & Dolly White Asked About YSL RICO Trial By Paparazzi

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Lil Gotit has been one of the “Free YSL” movement‘s most active supporters. Ever since Young Thug and other members of their crew were arrested in May last year, he’s been advocating for their release.

In September, the 23-year-old explicitly showed his support for his brothers through the single, “Free Y$L.”

Recording artist Lil Gotit attends Superstar Creature With Lil Gotit at China Chalet on February 27, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Earlier this week, Gotit was spotted at an airport alongside Thug’s sister and fellow YSL artist, Dolly White. Of course, a paparazzi member from TMZ asks them about the forthcoming RICO trial.

“Everybody good. Everybody just gotta relax,” says the “She Know It” rapper. When the cameraman asks the artists about Gunna and other YSL members taking plea deals, Gotit is seemingly about to open up. However, the “Reckless” rapper intervenes. “More power to them! We can’t talk about that,” she says.

“Nah, Jeff [Thug] good,” Gotit says later on. “He good, I just talked to him this morning,” says the “Ski” rapper’s sister. She then goes on to call out the media for spreading false rumors about the situation. Namely Akademiks, for his reports that Thug didn’t sanction any of the plea deals.

When asked about Thugger’s hopeful release, the pair sound optimistic. “He gon’ get out,” says Gotit. “We ain’t worried about that,” says White afterwards.

In the latest development in the case, authorities are charging the Barter 6 rapper with eight counts. This comes after he was facing a possible 65 charges. The eight against him include conspiracy to violate the R.I.C.O. act and two counts of participation in criminal street gang activity.

However, the murder charges will not be going forward against the 31-year-old. Previous reports were indicating that Thug would be facing life in prison if convicted of murder. “So I just spoke to a lawyer familiar with the YSL case. If Young Thug gets convicted of murder, he will get life in prison. Under Georgia law, he will only be eligible for parole after 30 years. If he gets convicted for even 1 count in his RICO case, he’ll get 20 years,” writes DJ Vlad in a tweet on Sunday (January 1).

What are your thoughts on the YSL artists’ comments? Sound off in the comments below. Finally, make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest updates surrounding the trial.

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Judge Warns Jurors Not To Discuss Details Of Young Thug/YSL Case After Hearing

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The judge on Young Thug’s case warned jurors that they’d face violations if they discussed details surrounding Wednesday’s hearing.

During jury selection on Wednesday, the judge presiding the case made a statement to the court. The judge told jurors they can’t discuss the details with each other. If they do violate that rule, they will face punishment.

ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 13: Young Thug attends 2021 Revolt Summit at 787 Windsor on November 13, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/FilmMagic)

“I’ve only read a little bit of the indictment for you. You may think you know a little bit about this case but it would be a violation for you to discuss this case amongst yourselves,” he said. “While you’re sitting here, while you go to the bathroom, when you get released to go to your vehicles, in small groups, when you come home, when you’re coming in.”

“It will be a violation for you to discuss this matter until such time as I authorize you to do that,” he continued.

The judge said it won’t be difficult to identify those who violate his rules. “How?” You might ask. He said it’s because people “snitch.”

“Now, you’re probably saying, ‘He’ll never know.’ Oh, I’ll find out because people tend to snitch on one another,” he said.

Out of the 65 possible charges Young Thug faced, he was only hit with eight. Prosecutors charged Thug with conspiracy to violate the RICO act and two counts of participation in a criminal street gang. Additionally, prosecutors hit with several guns and drugs charges including possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of codeine with intent to distribute, and possession of a machine gun.

The original indictment listed the RICO and street gang charges. However, the charges for guns and drugs charges derive from the May raid on his Buckhead mansion. However, the prosecutors only filed the charges in August.

We’ll continue to keep you posted on any more developments in Young Thug’s trial.