New reports from AllHipHop indicate that DJ Envy might testify against his former business partner Cesar Pina if a judge calls for it in their real estate fraud case. For those unaware, both men face various accusations of wrongdoing for their business practices, allegedly defrauding investors out of millions of dollars. Moreover, back in December, the court ordered the media personality to provide documentation about Pina’s bankruptcy filing and their transactions around this time, as they allegedly had a very close relationship. Despite this suspicion, Envy’s legal team stated that they handed over all requested info, and that he will testify if so required by the legal process.
“We are aware that on December 20, 2023, the Court issued an Order compelling the production of documents demanded in those subpoenas,” DJ Envy’s attorney Daniel Marchese expressed in court documents reportedly obtained by AllHipHop. “At this time, I am happy to report that on Friday, January 5, 2024, we forwarded our responses and document production to counsel for the Trustee in these aforementioned cases. Given the professional back-and-forth between counsel and I since then, it would appear that indeed the responses and the production were acknowledged and received by the Trustee. With this writing, I therefore confirm my client’s compliance with Your Honor’s Order. As I offered to Trustee’s counsel, I will likewise offer to the Court that should sworn testimony (in any form) be needed to affirm my client’s responses and production, he would readily oblige.”
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 30: DJ Envy attends the BET Hip Hop Awards 2022 at The Cobb Theater on September 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)
Furthermore, this development also elaborates on the schemes that DJ Envy allegedly participated in. For example, Cesar Pina’s several fraud charges include those related to mortgage, wire, and bank conspiracy. Also, prosecutors accused him of shifting property prices to inflate loans from financial institutions, and using these for personal gain and other endeavors. VIBE reported that Pina is considering a plea deal, and he previously claimed Envy played no part in these lawsuits or their accusations. However, it’s unclear what consequences the Breakfast Club host or his ventures could face if this plea deal goes through. After all, this already blemished his reputation.
Meanwhile, the radio commentator voiced concerns with other issues this week alongside his on-air teammate, Charlamagne Tha God. They wondered what the hosting situation of The Breakfast Club will look like after various departures and substitutions. As is the case with this alleged fraud scheme, only time will tell what their future holds. On that note, come back to HNHH for more news and the latest updates on DJ Envy and Cesar Pina.
Cesar Pina, the controversial business partner of DJ Envy, is looking to reach a plea deal with federal prosecutors for his role in a real estate scam. According to AllHipHop, court docs highlight the work of Pina’s attorneys pushing for a continuance.
“Counsel for the parties represented that this additional continuance is necessary for effective preparation and to permit the parties to attempt to resolve this case prior to indictment and thereby avoid a trial,” the docs read. “Plea negotiations are currently in progress, and both the United States and the defendant desire additional time to negotiate a plea agreement, which would render grand jury proceedings and a trial in this matter unnecessary.”
In November, DJ Envy and Cesar Pina were named in a new lawsuit over their real estate business practices. In court documents obtained by AllHipHop, Envy, and Pina are being sued by Derik Deangelo, Chamblin Group Real Estate Ventures LLC, and Reispec Developments LLC.
The suit claims state the two men used their “Flipping New Jersey” seminars as “funnels to draw in victims” to their real estate scam. The lawsuit includes violations of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, a breach of contract, a civil RICO violation, fraudulent transfer, and more. The plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial and request $2,000,000 in damages.
“During these private consultations and meet and greets, members of the Pina network attempted to ‘size up’ the financial resources of each attendee and solicited individuals with sufficiently high net worth to ‘partner’ with Pina, DJ Envy, and other members of the network in real estate ‘joint ventures,’” the docs read. “During these meetings, Pina also offered his personal ‘consulting services’ wherein he made himself available for one-on-one private meetings with guests at his office for flat rate fees ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 per meeting and more.”
Recently, DJ Envy’s cohost, Charlamagne Tha God, spoke with the Rap Radar podcast and revealed that he would keep the show going if Envy was no longer part of the crew.
“‘The Breakfast Club’ is bigger than any of us as individuals,” Charla said. “I’ve always felt like that.”
He added, “I’ve never felt like The Breakfast Club was just a show about three individuals. That’s always where my mind was.”
Charlamagne Tha God speaks on the future of The Breakfast Club if his co-host Dj Envy was no longer there… pic.twitter.com/qjBCrgG7Ew
Cesar Pina and his legal team are reportedly working on reaching a plea deal with authorities according to court documents obtained by AllHipHop. His lawyers requested a continuance in hopes that both parties reach a settlement and avoid a trial. Police accuse him of running a multimillion-dollar real estate investment fraud scheme.
The court documents read: “Counsel for the parties represented that this additional continuance is necessary for effective preparation and to permit the parties to attempt to resolve this case prior to indictment and thereby avoid a trial.”
Cesar Pina & DJ Envy Attend Brandon Medford Sales Academy Launch Event
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 04: DJ Envy and Cesar Piña attend Brandon Medford. Sales Academy Launch Event on October 04, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Brandon Medford Enterprises)
The documents continue: “Plea negotiations are currently in progress, and both the United States and the defendant desire additional time to negotiate a plea agreement, which would render grand jury proceedings and a trial in this matter unnecessary. Thus, the ends of justice served by granting the continuance and preventing any further non-excludable days from passing under § 3161(h) outweigh the best interest of the public and the defendant in a speedy trial. IT IS, therefore ORDERED that this action is continued from the date the Order is signed through February 29, 2024; and it is further ORDERED that those days are excluded in computing time under the Speedy Trial Act of 1974; and it is further ORDERED that nothing in this Order or the application prompting it is a finding or representation that less than 31 non-excludable days under § 3161(h) have expired.”
DJ Envy has been roped into the scandal as he was a former business partner of Pina. Pina defended the former Breakfast Club host after his arrest, claiming he had nothing to do with the alleged scam. Be on the lookout for further updates on Cesar Pina’s case on HotNewHipHop.
One of the most fascinating stories in all of rap music this year has been Cesar Pina. The public speaker and real-estate flipper has been accused by dozens of people of running various scams related to his real estate venture. One of the most notable parts of the allegations is The Breakfast Club co-host DJ Envy’s involvement with Pina. Envy has spoken at numerous events alongside Pina and it’s caused many in the rap world to debate his knowledge and involvement with the accused schemes.
Another person caught up in the scams is Don Omar. According to AllHipHop, Omar is suing Pina for using his likeness without permission. “Defendant misappropriated plaintiff’s name, likeness, identity or persona for use on defendant’s website in order to promote defendant’s house flipping scheme. Defendant is using plaintiff’s name, likeness, identity or persona for commercial purposes without his consent. The use … gives the false impression that plaintiff has endorsed defendant’s business, which he has not, and that plaintiff is a partner in his business, which he is not,” part of the statement made by Omar’s lawyers reads. The suit follows a cease and desist order sent by Omar earlier this month.
This isn’t even the first time Don Omar has sued Cesar Pina. Last month, he became one of many to sue Pina for an actual example of what he claims was real estate fraud. In that suit, Omar claims that he invested money in Pina’s real-estate flipping business and never saw any returns. He also claims that Pena failed to deliver any relevant document proving he was doing any kind of real estate work in the entire timespan in question.
Combined the two lawsuits Omar filed request more than $7 million in total. That’s only the beginning of the issues for Pina, who was arrested in October. Even if he manage to avoid any criminal charges he’s facing an increasing mountain of civil litigation in addition. What do you think of Cesar Pina being sued by Don Omar for a second time? Let us know in the comment section below.
DJ Envy is on the clock. According to court reporter Meghann Cunniff, Envy must provide documents regarding Cesar Pina’s Whairhouse LLC bankruptcy by request by Judge Rosemay Gambardella to the court-mandated reported by Jan. 8.
If Envy does not meet the deadline he could be arrested and make a mandatory deposition in New Jersey bankruptcy court.
Envy already missed one deadline as Judge Gambardella states Envy did not comply witha subpoena to provide financial and communication documents by Nov. 28. The order also lists Pina and his wife, Jennifer Iturralde Pina, under the same Jan. 8 deadline. If the trio fail, Judge Gambardella could host a hearing “to address appropriate sanctions against Cesar Pina, Jennifer Iturralde Pina and Raashaun Casey for contempt of this Court’s order, including, but not limited to an order for arrest to bring the parties to the United States Bankruptcy Court.”
Last month, DJ Envy and Cesar Pina were named in a new lawsuit over their real estate business practices. In court documents obtained by AllHipHop, Envy, and Pina are being sued by Derik Deangelo, Chamblin Group Real Estate Ventures LLC, and Reispec Developments LLC.
The suit claims state the two men used their “Flipping New Jersey” seminars as “funnels to draw in victims” to their real estate scam. The lawsuit includes violations of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, a breach of contract, a civil RICO violation, fraudulent transfer, and more. The plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial and request $2,000,000 in damages.
“During these private consultations and meet and greets, members of the Pina network attempted to ‘size up’ the financial resources of each attendee and solicited individuals with sufficiently high net worth to ‘partner’ with Pina, DJ Envy, and other members of the network in real estate ‘joint ventures,’” the docs read. “During these meetings, Pina also offered his personal ‘consulting services’ wherein he made himself available for one-on-one private meetings with guests at his office for flat rate fees ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 per meeting and more.”
Recently, DJ Envy’s cohost, Charlamagne Tha God, spoke with the Rap Radar podcast and revealed that he would keep the show going if Envy was no longer part of the crew.
“‘The Breakfast Club’ is bigger than any of us as individuals,” Charla said. “I’ve always felt like that.”
He added, “I’ve never felt like The Breakfast Club was just a show about three individuals. That’s always where my mind was.”
Charlamagne Tha God speaks on the future of The Breakfast Club if his co-host Dj Envy was no longer there… pic.twitter.com/qjBCrgG7Ew
DJ Envy, co-host of The Breakfast Club, is facing the threat of arrest by a judge in relation to a real estate scam investigation. The judge has issued a subpoena demanding Envy’s compliance, warning that failure to comply may result in his arrest and appearance in bankruptcy court.
DJ Envy Threatened By Judge
DJ Envy, whose real name is Raashaun Casey, has been given until January 8, 2024, to produce all requested documents related to the bankruptcy case of Cesar Humberto Pina’s company, Whairhouse LLC. The company was forced into bankruptcy by creditors in August 2023.
A judge has threatened “The Breakfast Club’s” DJ Envy with arrest if he doesn’t comply with a subpoena in a bankruptcy involving accused fraudster Cesar Humberto Pina https://t.co/vj1gXnZVT4
According to court reporter Meghann Cuniff, DJ Envy missed his Nov. 28 deadline for complying with a subpoena seeking communications and documents about Whairhouse and another apartment complex owned by Pina. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Rosemary Gambardella of Newark, New Jersey, issued the order for compliance and the arrest threat.
Failure To Comply
In her ruling, Judge Gambardella stated that if DJ Envy, Pina, and Pina’s wife, Jennifer Iturralde Pina, fail to comply with the subpoena by January 8, she may hold a hearing to address appropriate sanctions, including issuing an order for arrest to bring the parties to the bankruptcy court.
Users on Twitter (X) reacted to DJ Envy being threatened by a judge. One user @DJQ_KC joked by saying, “He’s ignoring the subpoena the hood way.” Another user named @Dxgenie commented, “Please arrest him because he’s an arrogant idiot. “
DJ Envy Distances Himself
Originally, Pina was arrested on Oct. 18 for allegedly running a real estate Ponzi scheme. He is currently out of jail and awaiting trial.
Despite being implicated in the ongoing investigation, DJ Envy has not been charged with any crime. He has attempted to distance himself from Pina by filing a defamation lawsuit of his own. Nonetheless, the judge’s warning and the potential arrest serve as a stark reminder of the seriousness of the situation.
Updated By: Chris Samuel (12/21/23 at 5:41 pm)
Cesar Pina Addresses Real Estate Scam Allegations & Defends DJ Envy In Live Session
Amid mounting allegations and charges related to a real estate scam investigation, Cesar Pina recently addressed the accusations in an emotional Instagram Live session. Pina’s online session allowed him to share his perspective on the alleged real estate scam, defend DJ Envy’s innocence, and express his views on the motivations behind the legal actions taken against him.
Pina Comes Face To Face With His Hardships
On Thursday, Oct. 19, Cesar Pina was arrested and charged with wire fraud in the real estate Ponzi scheme investigation. Amid his arrest, he was released on a $1000 bond. He then got onto Instagram Live on Tuesday, Oct. 24, where he opened up on the current alleged Real Estate Scam.
Cesar Pina finally broke his silence! He took to IG Live to express his feelings on the Real Estate Fraud case that’s going on. He says that DJ Envy is innocent. pic.twitter.com/T8dCxjUms1
Pina began the livestream by acknowledging the tumultuous past few months. He stated:
“The last couple of months have been a little crazy.I apologize that I haven’t really spoken out. Everybody’s got attorneys. We got to watch what we say. It’s so many different rules now … Real Estate Rico. That’s lame. As F**k. “Whenever you touch success, you get all these people that wanna be around you. Everybody wants to be your friend. Everybody wants to unjustly touch you, right? “Oh my gosh, I touched this guy, he’s gonna change my life.’… As soon as shit hits the fan, all of these people who have profited from my success, which there’s more people who have profited from my success than the people who are suing me.”
Pina Defends DJ Envy
Defending DJ Envy, Pina stated that his business partner had no involvement in the lawsuits and criticized those who targeted Envy due to jealousy and dislike. Pina believed that Envy’s success in the hip-hop industry had generated animosity. Pina stated:
“In all these lawsuits, DJ Envy was never in the room with me. DJ Envy has nothing to do with any of these 20 lawsuits of these people who are suing me. It fucking sucks bro. It pisses me off that all these people are bashing DJ Envy. Funk Master Flex, Rick Ross, every single person. What you people don’t understand is that DJ Envy is so successful in hip hop, as far as a DJ, that people just don’t like him.
There was also a point in the live where he denied that iHeartRadio was raided. He stated:
“Then you got these reporters making up that iHeart Radio was raided. My house wasn’t even raided and I’m the target! How the fuck are they gonna raid a radio station? What are they gonna take?”
Pina Calls Out Former Associates
Cesar Pina then goes to address Tony The Closer, in which he states:
“ But, you got this guy, Tony The Closer, making this narrative and people dont see it… I had one lawsuit. Now I have 20 ever since that guy started bashing me. Josea The Credit Dude, the biggest piece of shit in the world, goes on Tony’s page in May and says ‘Cesar owes me $200,000. He didn’t pay me.’ Yet I have the receipts that I paid you back in November, back in January. Now you go in May and you make up this lie, and you start this whole thing …”
Pina shared an instance where a client sued him solely based on social media allegations, emphasizing how his reputation was being tarnished. He addressed Leonard N., who sued him before their deal was even concluded, highlighting that DJ Envy and others were never involved in their transaction. Pina recalled:
“I’m suing you because Tony The Closer says you’re scamming people. Im suing you because I saw it on social media.’ This is what people are saying in these complaints. So this guy Leonard N. sues me before his deal is done. He goes on news for it the other day. And I text him back l, which I have the receipts. Bro DJ Envy was never in the same room as you Jennifer, my wife, was never in the room with you. My brother was never in the room with you. Why are you suing them? You know what he text me back? ‘It’s just business.’ “
Pina Calls Out Deceased Client’s Father
Additionally, Pina discussed the significant impact of a deceased client named Jeff, highlighting how Jeff had transformed his life by assisting him in avoiding foreclosure and offering essential financial support. Pina then referred to Jeff, one of his clients before his passing.
The victim’s father also said in the news that Pina owed his son $900,000. Pina responded and stated:
“ I changed that kid Jeff’s life. His father was in foreclosure losing his car wash, losing the dry cleaning place. I changed Jeff’s life….I payed for his property taxes. The first house that he brought, I gave him the down payment! When your son passed away, you texted me and said ‘ If there’s any money left, it goes to me. Don’t give it to his daughter. Don’t give it to his mother.”
Pina Protects Envy & His Family
For a second time, Pina then went on to emphasize how DJ Envy, his wife nor his brother had any part in those negotiations:
“Again DJ Envy has never been in the room with me in any of these transactions for these 20 lawsuits… all if this falls on me!”
Fans reacted to this live in concern with one user on Instagram asking, “Did your lawyer approve of this?” while another commented, “What you say, can and will be held against you in the court of law.”
Public response to Pina’s livestream varied, with concerns raised about the potential impact of his statements on ongoing legal proceedings. However, there has been no direct response from DJ Envy or his representatives regarding Pina’s remarks.
Updated By: Kynedei Iman Hobbs (10/25/23 at 6:20 pm)
iHeartRadio’s Job Post Sparks Speculation Of DJ Envy’s Replacement Amid Ponzi Scheme Investigation
Popular radio station iHeartRadio has recently ignited speculation surrounding DJ Envy, one of the hosts of The Breakfast Club, following reports of a federal investigation into real estate fraud. This observation has led many fans to assume the worst.
What’s For Breakfast?
As the investigation unfolds, iHeartRadio has posted a job opening for a new co-host on the morning show, leading many to believe that DJ Envy may be parting ways with the station.
The reports of a federal raid on iHeartRadio and the timing of the recent job posting, have fueled rumors that DJ Envy may soon be leaving The Breakfast Club. On Oct. 19, news broke that authorities were investigating DJ Envy for his alleged involvement in a real estate fraud scheme.
Shortly after, iHeartRadio posted a job opening for a co-host position on the morning show, leading many to believe that the station was preparing for DJ Envy’s potential departure.
Fans have humorously reacted to this stating on TikTok, “Well Damon Dash told him no one can tell me Im fired.” while another spectator commented, “That’s a tough way to learn you’re done.” While several news outlets have reported that the position was intended for DJ Envy, neither iHeartRadio nor Envy’s representatives have confirmed this information.
Updated By: Kynedei Iman Hobbs (10/23/23 at 6:30 pm)
DJ Envy’s Associate Arrested In Alleged Ponzi Scheme: ‘The Breakfast Club’ Implicated
The iHeartRadio station was paid a visit by federal agents, potentially entangling The Breakfast Club in a serious scandal. The investigation revolves around DJ Envy, a host of the show, and his business partner, Cesar Pina, the latter of whom was recently arrested for an alleged real estate Ponzi scheme.
The Knitty Gritty
On Oct. 18, the iHeartRadio station was thrown into turmoil when it received an unexpected visit from federal agents. As the authorities dig deeper into this case, Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club finds itself in the midst of a potential scandal that could have serious repercussions.
DJ Envy, one of the hosts of The Breakfast Club, and his business partner,Cesar Pina are being investigated for their alleged involvement in a real estate ponzi scheme. While DJ Envy has not been charged with any crimes, Pina was arrested.
Although DJ Envy was not charged with this alleged fraud, the investors were influenced by his celebrity status. DJ Envy and Cesar Pina would frequently promote the Flip2DAO business through social media and seminars to flip properties in underdeveloped areas of New Jersey.
Inside Flip2DAO
The Flip2DAO business, which aimed to flip properties in underdeveloped regions of New Jersey, DJ Envy and Pina, had garnered a devoted following through social media and seminars. However, it seems that their promises of high returns were too good to be true. According to U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Sellinger:
“As alleged in the complaint, Pina exploited celebrity status and social media to develop a devoted following of potential victims. Promising returns that were too good to be true, Pina allegedly defrauded dozens of people of millions of dollars.”
Investors who had bought into the scheme claim that Pina promised quick and substantial returns on their investments through property rehabilitation and flipping.
However, as time passed, the alleged victims found themselves empty-handed and filed lawsuits seeking restitution. It appears that Pina had strategically manipulated unsuspecting investors to generate millions for himself.
Pina, for his part, pleaded not guilty to the fraud charges. He was released on a hefty bond of $1 million and is now under electronic monitoring with restrictions on leaving the state of New Jersey.
DJ Envy Speaks
DJ Envy, on the other hand, has remained silent regarding these allegations, although, recently, he has stated:
“Now the reasons why I did this seminars is because I wanted to uplift my community. I wanted to teach my community about real estate, things that I didn’t know when I was first buying my first home. I wanted to teach our community about investing and in generational wealth.”
In the midst of this ongoing investigation, federal agents paid a visit to the iHeartRadio offices, seizing electronic equipment. As the case unfolds, the implications for the popular radio show and its hosts remain uncertain.
Updated By: Kynedei Iman Hobbs (10/19/23 at 5:07 pm)
Exclusive: Music Executive Johnny Marines Denies Affiliation With DJ Envy, Flip2DAO & Ponzi Scheme Allegations; Evidence Reveals Link (UPDATE)
American music executive Johnny Marines has vehemently denied any affiliation with Flip2DAO and an alleged real estate Ponzi scheme. Real estate “flipping” company, Flip2DAO has recently been named in legal complaints accusing named individuals, including radio host DJ Envy, of running a real estate Ponzi scheme and bilking thousands from complainants. Further investigation by SOHH reveals an apparent connection with Marines listing Flip2DAO as one of his companies as recently as November 2022.
Johnny Marines Denies Flip2AO Connection
In a Cease & Desist letter to SOHH dated August 4th, Attorney Henry Marines, Esq, categorically denied Johnny Marines’ involvement in Flip2DAO and any affiliation with the alleged fraudulent activities of the company. Recent legal allegations against Flip2DAO accuse DJ Envy, Cesar Pina, and Jennifer Pina, of participating in a fraudulent scheme through thereal estate flipping business, Flip2DAO.
DJ Envy maintains in a counter-complaint that he was himself a victim of the Pinas and not a co-defendent. Marines is listed as a “co-founder” of Flip2DAO on the official website along with DJ Envy.
In the strongly worded statement to SOHH, the attorney for Marines called his client’s involvement “fabricated.”
“This information is entirely fabricated and has no basis in truth. Our client has never participated in FLIP 2DAO, nor does he have any affiliation with the company or its activities.”
Internet Archive Evidence Reveals Johnny Marines Flip2DAO Affiliation
Despite the denial, the current website for Flip2DAO still refers to Johnny Marines as a “co-founder” alongside DJ Envy. Additionally, an archived version of Johnny Marines’ official site from September 2022 shows Flip2DAO listed as one of Marines’ companies. The Flip2DAO logo appears to have been removed sometime after November 2022.
This contradiction raises questions about Marines’ involvement level and the veracity of his denial.
Johnny Marines is an American music executive and serial entrepreneur as well as a 3x Billboard LATIN POWER PLAYER according to his Instagram. His official website currently includes a list of his companies including Ikonic Books, a restaurant called Lit21, and a supplement company, SupGrade. Flip2DAO is not currently listed, though the logo appeared in earlier versions of the “Companies” page.
Updated by Kynedei Hobbs on August 23rd, 2023.
DJ Envy Faces Ponzi Scheme Lawsuits Over Real Estate Deal
DJ Envy, along with his business partners Cesar Pina, Jennifer Pina, and Johnny Marines, faces another lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges their involvement in a real estate Ponzi scheme. The total amount in question is a staggering $1.5 million.
4th Lawsuit Filed
The saga began in July 2023 when two real estate investors, Barone and Martini, filed a lawsuit against DJ Envy and his associates. The investors claimed to have been ripped off, with their funds allegedly going toward the fraudulent scheme orchestrated by the defendants.
Seeking justice and restitution, Barone and Martini demanded a return on their investment, plus damages. As the legal battle unfolded, a shocking development emerged in August 2023.
DJ Envy revealed that he had fallen victim to the same scam he was accused of perpetuating. Court filings indicated that he had been scammed out of $500,000 by the Pinas, yet he continued to promote their “business” despite the betrayal.
DJ Envy’s Attempt To Distance Himself
In an attempt to distance himself from the scandal, DJ Envy claimed he had no affiliation with the Taylor Apartments LLC, which the Pinas own. However, a recorded phone call of Envy’s contradicted his statement. In the call, he can be heard referring to Cesar as his partner, suggesting a deeper involvement than he initially disclosed.
He states, “…Cesar, which is my partner, which affected me…”
Raashaun Casey on call with business partner TheCreditDude saying he was Cesar’s partner pic.twitter.com/RzKNchzPRo
— Tony “The Closer” Robinson (@tonythecloser_) August 2, 2023
Currently, neither the Pinas nor Johnny Marines have publicly addressed the lawsuit. Their silence has only fueled speculation surrounding their culpability in the alleged Ponzi scheme. This ongoing legal battle remains a developing story, and further updates are expected in the future.
Updated by Kynedei Hobbs on August 3rd, 2023
DJ Envy Accused Of Running Real Estate Ponzi Scheme; Investors Seek Damages
DJ Envy is facing allegations of involvement in a real estate Ponzi scheme along with author Cesar Pina, his wife Jennifer Pina, and musician Johnny Marines. The Breakfast Club hostis a named partner in their real estate business, Flip 2 DAO, where investors claim DJ Envy and Pina disappeared with nearly $1.5 million invested in an apartment project. Now, investors Anthony Barone and Anthony Martini have filed a lawsuit seeking compensation for the alleged scam.
DJ Envy Accused Of Ponzi Scheme
In 2018, DJ Envy, one of the hosts of The Breakfast Club, discussed his partnership with Cesar and Jennifer Pina. He mentioned their activity of purchasing undervalued Paterson homes and flipping or renting them.
The following year, DJ Envy and Pina pitched the idea of Taylor Apartments to Barone and Martini. Martini received documents, including a stock purchase agreement, for acquiring a 25 percent stake in the project, while the rest was allocated to Angela Pina.
The company promises investors opportunities to own vetted real estate properties below market value and earn passive income. According to the lawsuit, Martini’s investment covered cost overruns and early operating expenses, with the project being funded by $2.5 million from Jennifer and $3.5 million in construction financing.
Barone later invested $500,000 for a 12.5 percent stake in the project. However, the Pinas allegedly forged Martini’s signature and failed to provide clear updates on the construction progress.
Real Estate Venture Gone Wrong
Furthermore, Barone was convinced by the Pinas to invest $300,000 in another business venture involving fractional ownership. Despite these investments, there has been no communication from DJ Envy or the Pinas to address the concerns of their investors.
The lawsuit filed by Barone and Martini seeks compensatory, consequential, and punitive damages against DJ Envy and Pina. As of now, this is an ongoing investigation into the allegations of running a real estate Ponzi. scheme.
In 2022, Lupe Fiasco faced backlash from fans claiming his NFT “hustle” was a scam. Additionally, the renowned fashion brand SHEIN faced a lawsuit alleging involvement in a federal infringement scheme, further highlighting the prevalence of such scams within various industries.
Nicki Minaj is someone who has a lengthy list of enemies. Overall, some of this has been self-inflicted. However, there are quite a few out there who just hate blindly. If you were to go on social media, you would see wars between the Barbz and her Antis. For those who may not know, an Anti is Stan Twitter speak for someone who is against a particular artist. The Barbz feel like there are coordinated attacks to take down Nicki, and that is something that has always been a point of contention.
Recently, Nicki claimed that Billboard might be trying to take sales away from her. Of course, this united the Barbz who are doing everything they can to get her numbers up. Furthermore, Minaj also went after none other than DJ Envy of The Breakfast Club. Envy had previously said he doesn’t play Minaj’s music on the radio. Nicki took that as her being blackballed, and she had something to say about it. She even took a swipe at a pending legal situation that allegedly involved Envy.
“Remember how cocky dj envy was when he was saying he black balls my music on the radio?” Nicki asked. “Ask yourself how a DJ could get away w/that behavior. Then I remember him selling them busted houses & I have to laugh… We prayed, envy 1 by 1… God will show y’all that you are NOT GOD.” For those who don’t know, Envy has been implicated in the Cesar Pina real estate fraud case. Although Envy says he was a victim, there are some other victims who allege he was complicit in the whole thing.
Whether or not Envy decides to respond to this, remains to be seen. No matter what, it is clear that Minaj is showing very little mercy to those who have wronged her in the past. Let us know what you think of her tactics, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on your favorite artists and their upcoming releases.
Charlamagne Tha Goddelved into the prospect of his co-host DJ Envy’s potential absence during a recent interview. The discussion revolved around DJ Envy’s real estate scandal allegations with business partner Cesar Pina, prompting questions about The Breakfast Club’s future.
Charlamagne Talks DJ Envy
Charlamagne Tha God, co-host of Power 105.1’sThe Breakfast Club, has addressed the potential absence of his co-host, DJ Envy.
In a recent interview on Rap Radar on Nov. 17, Charlamagne discussed DJ Envy’s alleged real estate Ponzi scheme scandal. When asked about the future of The Breakfast Club without DJ Envy, Charlamagne expressed his commitment to the show, stating that it will continue even if he is the last remaining original member.
“I think you kind of have to, right? You know what I mean? Because I think The Breakfast Club is bigger than any of us as individuals. I’ve always felt like that,” Charlamagne said.
Charlamagne drew parallels to Angela Yee, a former co-host who left to have her own show on Power 105, highlighting that the platform can still thrive with new talent under its umbrella:
“My mind… what I always wanted for The Breakfast Club was new talent constantly comes in and is a part of this… is under this umbrella of the club. So whether Angela Yee is there, or I’m there, or Envy’s there, the platform can still continue. I’ve never felt like The Breakfast Club was just a show about three individuals. That’s always where my mind was,” Charlamagne added.
There has been no confirmation regarding DJ Envy’s departure from the show or the outcome of his involvement in the real estate scandal.
The radio cohost was surrounded by controversy after his business partner Cesar Pina was arrested on Oct. 19 and was charged with a real estate Ponzi scheme. Pina later defended DJ Envy on Instagram Live and said Envy had nothing to do with the allegations.
‘The Breakfast Club’ Moves To BET & VH1
In recent years, The Breakfast Club has made significant moves, including a partnership with BET Networks and iHeartMedia, resulting in their show airing on BET and VH1. However, former co-host Angela Yee decided to pursue her own show, Way Up with Angela Yee, outside of the new partnership.
Amazon Pulls The Plug On AMP
One show that unfortunately was taken away was Nicki Minaj’s radio show, Queen Radio. The show’s cancellation was due to Amazon shutting down their live listening service Amp, which had other shows from Nick Cannon, Lil Yachty, and more.
DJ Envy and Cesar Pina have been named in a new lawsuit over their real estate business practices. In court documents obtained by AllHipHop, Envy, and Pina are being sued by Derik Deangelo, Chamblin Group Real Estate Ventures LLC, and Reispec Developments LLC.
The suit claims state the two men used their “Flipping New Jersey” seminars as “funnels to draw in victims” to their real estate scam. The lawsuit includes violations of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, a breach of contract, a civil RICO violation, fraudulent transfer, and more. The plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial and request $2,000,000 in damages.
“During these private consultations and meet and greets, members of the Pina network attempted to ‘size up’ the financial resources of each attendee and solicited individuals with sufficiently high net worth to ‘partner’ with Pina, DJ Envy, and other members of the network in real estate ‘joint ventures,’” the docs read. “During these meetings, Pina also offered his personal ‘consulting services’ wherein he made himself available for one-on-one private meetings with guests at his office for flat rate fees ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 per meeting and more.”
Recently, DJ Envy’s cohost, Charlamagne Tha God, spoke with the Rap Radar podcast and revealed that he would keep the show going if Envy was no longer part of the crew.
“‘The Breakfast Club’ is bigger than any of us as individuals,” Charla said. “I’ve always felt like that.”
He added, “I’ve never felt like The Breakfast Club was just a show about three individuals. That’s always where my mind was.”
Charlamagne Tha God speaks on the future of The Breakfast Club if his co-host Dj Envy was no longer there… pic.twitter.com/qjBCrgG7Ew
DJ Envy trended heavily throughout the fall due to his alleged role in a ponzi scheme. His cohost, Charlamagne Tha God, spoke with the Rap Radar podcast and revealed that if Envy was no longer part of the crew, he would keep the show going.
“‘The Breakfast Club’ is bigger than any of us as individuals,” Charla said. “I’ve always felt like that.”
He added, “I’ve never felt like The Breakfast Club was just a show about three individuals. That’s always where my mind was.”
Charlamagne Tha God speaks on the future of The Breakfast Club if his co-host Dj Envy was no longer there… pic.twitter.com/qjBCrgG7Ew
