OG Maco’s family has released a statement confirming that he’s in “critical but stable condition” and thanked fans for their support and prayers as he recovers. The “U Guessed It” rapper was hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, last week, after reportedly sustaining a gunshot wound in the head. The incident is being considered an apparent suicide attempt, according to AllHipHop.
“We want to inform OG Maco’s fans, friends, and supporters that he is currently in critical but stable condition. He is receiving the best possible care, and we are staying hopeful as he continues to fight. At this time, we kindly ask that you respect our privacy, but if you would like to send any messages or have anything you wish to get to the family, please reach out via DM. Please note, all official updates regarding OG Maco’s health will come directly from his official social media accounts. This will be the only source for valid information. We thank you for your understanding. support, and continued prayers during this difficult time.”
ATLANTA, GA – JUNE 20: OG Maco performs onstage at Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash Block Show at Phillips Arena on June 20, 2015, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
First responders arrived at Maco’s home after a neighbor rang 911, claiming to have heard a gunshot. Maco’s manager previously addressed the situation in a statement to AllHipHop. “I thought he was dead when I first saw him,” he shared. “We were preparing to rebrand and release new music under a different alias. Right now, we need everyone’s prayers.” He concluded: “Don’t get your hopes up. We don’t have much information, and they won’t even let us visit him in the hospital.”
OG Maco’s Family Speaks Out
Fans continued sharing supportive messages in response to the family’s statement. “Man I thought bro was gone, I hope he keeps fighting,” one user commented on Instagram. Another wrote: “Praying for a full recovery. In Jesus’ Name!” Check out Maco’s family’s statement on Instagram below.
Diddy’s children – Quincy Jones, Justin, Christian “King,” Chance, and twins D’Lila and Jessie Combs – accompanied their grandmother Janice Combs to his bail hearing on Friday (November 22) in Manhattan federal court. He reportedly entered the courtroom at around 2PM local time, and blew kisses in the direction of his family in addition to smiles and waves. This is for Sean Combs’ third official attempt at securing bail in his federal case for alleged sex trafficking and racketeering. The proposed package totals $50 million, the same amount that the court already denied during the defense’s second attempt. However, this new bail package is reportedly more robust and also adds more regulations and requirements.
Still, the breadth of that bail package doesn’t take away from how Diddy’s prosecutors and his defense team have launched damning allegations at one another. Basically, both sides allege that the other seeks to derail the case, manipulate it for their own gain, and take advantage of public spectacle and pressure to do so. In the prosecution’s case, they claim that the Bad Boy mogul sought to tamper with witnesses and illegally exploit other resources at his disposal. In the defense’s case, they allege that prosecutors tampered with evidence and also provided misleading “proof” to build their case.
February 15, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Recording artist Puff Daddy (Sean Combs a.k.a. Diddy, P. Diddy) during halftime of the 2015 NBA All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden. The West defeated the East 163-158. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images
Both sides’ stories are all just allegations, though, and this bail hearing will probably result in a more direct and final answer for Diddy that hopefully errs on the side of caution and corrects or condemns any mistakes that both sides of the court might have made. Interestingly enough, though, his case continues to draw up more media attention from folks who hadn’t spoken on it already. Kendrick Lamarseemed to reference this scandal on his surprise new album, GNX.
Meanwhile, the lawyer representing many alleged Diddy victims recently faced some assault allegations of his own, so Tony Buzbee has a lot more on his plate now. This case will continue to complicate itself in the search for justice, and it’s important to remain patient, focus on the facts, and ensure that everyone maintains their rights and doesn’t fall victim to careless legal scrutiny.
Fatman Scoop’s family has announced that they will be hosting a special celebration of life event at the iconic Harlem venue, The Apollo Theater. “Please join the Freeman family in the celebration of Isaac “Fatman Scoop” Freeman at the Apollo this Thursday,” they wrote in a message on Instagram while sharing a flyer for the event.
In the comments section of the post, fans shared their love for Scoop and his family. “Gonna miss you my guy. But your music and your voice will live on for many years!! Thank you so much for blessing us and being true and humble,” one fan posted. Another wrote: “So wish I could be there!! I’ll make some noise all the way from London with you all.”
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 11: Fatman Scoop during Fridayz Live ’23 at RAC Arena on November 11, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Matt Jelonek/Getty Images)
Scoop passed away, last month, after collapsing during a concert in Connecticut at 53 years old. In a video of the incident, he could be seen receiving chest compressions behind the DJ screen on stage. Other performers led the crowd in prayer, according to the New York Post. The next day, his tour manager Birch “Pure Cold” Michael confirmed his passing in a statement on social media. “I am honestly lost for words,” he wrote on Instagram at the time. “You took me all over the world and had me performing alongside you on some of the biggest and greatest stages on this planet, the things you taught me have truely made me the man I am today. Thank you so much, I love you x.”
Fatman Scoop’s Celebration Of Life Details Revealed
His family also put out a statement, adding: “FatManScoop was not just a world class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and a friend. He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage… FatMan Scoop’s legacy is of love and brightness, it will reside in our hearts and memories forever.” Be on the lookout for further updates on Fatman Scoop’s celebration of life on HotNewHipHop.
The mothers of Nicki Minaj and the late Pop Smoke appear to be friendly. At a recent fashion show in Queens, the two entered the venue together, looking stylish as they did. Fans remarked that Minaj’s mother looked just like her. “Well, we know what Nicki will look like when she’s older. They are twins,” said one Instagram user.
Pop Smoke and Nicki Minaj are both from New York City, and both grew into very popular hip-hop acts. Minaj was raised in Queens, coming from Trinidad & Tobago when she was five years old. Pop Smoke was born and raised in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn. Hip-hop fans considered Pop Smoke to be the heir apparent to 50 Cent. 50 was even the executive producer of Shoot For The Stars, Aim For The Moon, Pop’s debut album, which was released posthumously after he was tragically murdered in Los Angeles. It is unclear how close Minaj and Pop were during the latter’s life, but she paid tribute to him after his death.
Nicki Minaj and Pop Smoke’s Mothers At Queens Fashion Show
Nicki Minaj has been on tour for Pink Friday 2 since March. The rapper has been in the middle of several controversies this year. In January, Megan addressed her and her husband on “Hiss,” after a years-long cold war that’s also included fellow New York rapper Cardi B. Minaj responded with “Big Foot,” which fans and critics alike panned. Fans were quick to begin discussions about its place among the worst diss tracks of all time. Dutch authorities also arrested her in The Netherlands while she was on tour, though she was quickly released.
Despite those setbacks, the Pink Friday 2 tour has been largely successful for Minaj. Through the first 45 shows, it grossed nearly $82 million. That makes it the highest-grossing tour for a female rapper ever and the sixth-highest grossing tour for a rapper. The third leg of her tour starts in September, with a return to the United States for the remaining dates. Pop Smoke’s family is adamant that no more posthumous music is on the way. Regardless, it’s very nice to see the mothers of two modern New York City legends get along.
Remy Ma’s gained a reputation for her fierce lyricism and sharp delivery, yet outside of the strides she’s made in music, she’s a devoted mother to her two kids including a daughter she shares with her husband Papoose. Her personal life has been on full display over the years, especially during her tenure on Love & Hip-Hop: New York. However, she’s maintained a strong balance between her professional and personal life, simultaneously showing off her kids while also protecting them from the limelight.
Unfortunately, her efforts haven’t been entirely effective as news hit that police arrested her son in connection to a murder. Police revealed that her firstborn son, Jayson Scott, 23, has been arrested in connection to the murder of a 43-year-old man in New York. Information is currently scarce as Scott waits for his arraignment.
Following the recent announcement, there has been renewed attention on Remy Ma’s personal life. Below, delves into the details of Remy Ma’s children, her role as a mother, and how she manages her family life alongside her career.
Remy Ma gave birth to her son Jayson Scott from a previous relationship. Scott grew up in the public eye, often appearing on Remy Ma’s social media feed and accompanying her to a variety of events. In 2018, Remy Ma detailed their bond in a heartfelt Instagram Photo. “My baby forever! My ‘Punkin My 1st born,” she wrote. “I had him when I was so young & thought I knew it all,” she wrote. We basically grew up together.”
Jayson Scott was arrested on a first-degree murder charge Tuesday night — three years after 43-year-old Darius Guillebeaux was gunned down in a brazen broad daylight attack, according to Fox 5’s Lisa Evers. Scott and another man have each been charged with first-degree murder. Moreover, police suggested that the death of Guillebeaux may have been part of a murder-for-hire scheme. Among the evidence reportedly gathered in surveillance footage and witness testimonies. Apparently, statements from alleged witnesses claim that they saw two men fleeing after Guillebeaux’s death.
The arraignment of Jayson Scott and his co-defendant is scheduled to take place Wednesday inside a Queens County courthouse. During the arraignment, prosecutors are expected to present the charges formally, including first-degree murder, weapons possession, and reckless endangerment. The defendants will have the opportunity to enter their pleas. If found guilty, they face harsh penalties, including a potential life sentence.
Reminisce Mackenzie
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 14: (L-R) Remy Ma, Reminisce MacKenzie Mackie, and Papoose attend the New York Special Screening of ‘PAW Patrol: The Movie’ at the AMC Empire 25 on August 14, 2021 in New York, New York. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)
In 2018, Remy Ma and her husband Papoose welcomed their daughter, Reminisce Mackenzie, affectionately known as “The Golden Child.” The birth of Reminisce was particularly significant for Remy Ma, as she had publicly shared her struggles with infertility and her joy upon finally becoming pregnant. The couple often shares adorable pictures and videos of their daughter on social media, capturing precious moments of her growth and development. Reminisce Mackenzie has brought immense joy to Remy Ma and Papoose, strengthening their family bond even further.
In addition to her biological children, Remy Ma is a loving stepmother to Papoose’s three kids from previous relationships. Two of his children, Dejanae Mackie (born 1996), and Shamele Mackie (born 1999), he shares with his ex-girlfriend Yvetta Lashley. He also has another daughter, Destiny (born 2000).
Remy Ma has embraced these children as her own, fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for the entire family. Furthermore, this dynamic showcases Remy Ma’s dedication to her blended family, ensuring that each child feels valued and loved. Her relationship with her stepchildren is often highlighted in family gatherings and celebrations, where the unity and happiness of the family are evident.
Benzino hasn’t always enjoyed the best relationship with his daughter and rapper Coi Leray. The pair have traded words on social media multiple times, but their issues got to a head in May when she said publicly that she wanted nothing to do with him. Coi’s outburst came after her father defended disgraced and imprisoned R&B legend R. Kelly. This isn’t the first time Coi Leray and Benzino have gone against each other. Their internal problems have played out publicly and seem never-ending. Here’s a history of the father-daughter pair’s turbulent relationship.
Benzino, known for his rap career and co-ownership of Source Magazine, welcomed Coi in May 1997. Her mother remains unidentified and out of the spotlight. Growing up as the only girl among six children, Coi had a mixed experience of privilege and hardship. She described her childhood in an interview with Paper Magazine in 2019, revealing that after Benzino lost his job at Source Magazine and split from her mom, the family struggled financially. In another chat with Vlad TV, she recounted working at 16 and dropping out of school in the 10th grade, which humbled her.
January 2021: The Beginning Of Coi Leray & Benzino’s Feud
Coi and Benzino’s relationship hasn’t always been rocky. He gave her the platform to rise to stardom via his YouTube channel. Coi also previously spoke about how her father’s work ethic inspired her. Despite the praise, she trashed Benzino in her 2021 song, “No More Parties.” Coi rapped, “My daddy let me down, but I promise you, I won’t let up/I wanna say f**k that man but the s**t won’t make me better.”
A displeased Benzino responded via Instagram, lamenting how Coi tarnished his name for a storyline. He also claimed to be there for Coi all her life and said she was raised in a mansion. He said, “Coi had everything she wanted. I was flying Coi to meet every summer, every Spring Break, every—she was in Miami. I got her in a movie… Every Christmas, Thanksgiving, she’s with me.” However, Coi responded to her dad on social media by saying she was embarrassed to be his daughter. Not backing down, Benzino said he found Coi’s comments disrespectful, adding that her words can never be forgiven or forgotten. He also blamed her mom and the industry’s corruptive forces for her behavior.
A month after trading words with her father on social media, Coi offered an olive branch to her dad by tweeting that she loves him forever and always. However, he called her out, saying she was insincere. Father and daughter eventually settled their feud. Benzino shared his love for Coi in another post. He wrote, “I have one daughter on this earth and I love her dearly. All this drama is now over, please respect that and move on.” In another post, he wrote, “Love you more CC and I’m sorry, if you felt wasn’t there when you needed me I should’ve been and I truly apologize, no excuses.”
Coi and Benzino feuded again ahead of the release of her debut album Trendsetter. Coi went on social media and claimed her dad was sending threats to her and her mom because she called him “broke” during an appearance on The Breakfast Club. She asked Benzino to grow up and stop holding on to the past.
Benzino also almost ruined his daughter’s biggest collaboration after he announced her collaboration with Nicki Minaj before it was official. He later apologized for his actions. After the album’s release, Benzino appeared to make fun of Coi’s low album sales and was called out for doing so. However, he claimed his Instagram page was hacked and wondered why people would believe he could make fun of his daughter. Meanwhile, Coi stayed calm and remained positive about her album’s credibility.
May 2022: Coi Leray Supports Her Dad’s Music Rival Eminem
I’m about love, equality, respect and forgiveness. I have nothing against Eminem, 25 years of my life all I know is he a very talented artist and actor ! (8 Mile was great)
Let’s build bridges and get over them before you burn the bridge and burn with it.
Benzino’s longstanding feud with Eminem reignited in 2022 when he criticized the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for inducting Eminem. A day after her father’s comments, Coi voiced her support for Eminem. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), she said, “I’m about love, equality, respect and forgiveness. I have nothing against Eminem, 25 years of my life all I know is he a very talented artist and actor ! (8 Mile was great).” Coi concluded, “Let’s build bridges and get over them before you burn the bridge and burn with it.” Benzino responded to his daughter’s post by asking her to honor her father and mother. He also wrote, “As far as burning bridges, there no bridge bigger than the one you burnt with your own blood.”
July 2023: Coi Leray and Benzino At Peace Again
Coi and her dad seemed to take positive steps to repair their relationship in 2023 when Benzino attended her set at Rolling Loud Miami. This was the first time he had seen her perform live. During an interview with People, Coi shared that Rihanna’s forgiveness of her own father inspired her to mend her relationship with Benzino.
November 2023: Coi Leray Says Her Dad Is Envious of Her Success
In November 2023, Coi appeared on Angie Martinez’s IRL Podcast. During the interview, Angie asked her how her dad deals with her success. “At first it was rocky, because I felt like he couldn’t handle my success. I felt like it came from an envious place, which is okay, cause he’s human, and it’s fine,” she said. “He’s one of those people that feel like ‘Yo, I still have a story to tell.’”
Benzino responded to those comments via social media. In a now-deleted Instagram post, he described her words as the most ridiculous thing he had ever heard. Benzino also blamed the internet and the industry for messing with the young generation’s minds. He expressed frustration at how Coi pushed a false narrative about him, describing it as sad and embarrassing. He also said Angie manipulated Coi to say what she said.
May 2024: Coi Leray Disowns Benzino
Sharing the same DNA and blood DOESN’T make us FAMILY . Loyalty , boundaries , respect , teaching , guidance , love , patience , encouragement MAKES US FAMILY .
After months of silence, Coi caused a stir on social media on May 1, 2024, after she disowned her father. Initially, she posted, “I want everybody to know I want nothing to do with anything my father has going on. I haven’t spoken to him in over a year and I don’t condone or respect any of them interviews he got going on.” Coi expressed that she doesn’t respect her dad’s decisions and urged people not to think of her when they see him. She emphasized that DNA does not make a family, but loyalty, respect, and love do. Coi also expressed her desire to have a kid and show them love one day.
Coi’s posts came after her father’s comments about R. Kelly. Benzino appeared on the We In Miami podcast and declared that R. Kelly should be given a second chance. He said, “Everyone deserves a second chance. I know that [Elvis Presley], a lot of motherf—-s was f—g with young girls.” Days after Coi’s posts, Benzino confirmed they weren’t on speaking terms.
June 2024: Benzino Brings Up Daughter’s Virginity While Defending R. Kelly Comments
Benzino caused more stir with his comments during an appearance on the Famous & Wealthy podcast. He said about his daughter, “She made a comment about the R. Kelly situation and said that she doesn’t want to have anything to do with me.” The 58-year-old recalled Coi’s interview with Matt Hoffa in which she revealed she lost her virginity at 14. Benzino claimed he didn’t know Coi lost her virginity at 14 and questioned her moral grounds for disowning him over his comments on R. Kelly. He said, “Since you did involve yourself, which is what you do, alright? How can you say that when you just said that you lost your virginity at 14? So is the guy that you lost your virginity at 14 [to], is he a pedophile?”
Benzino faced backlash as people on social media wondered how he could use his daughter’s virginity loss at 14 to defend his support for a convicted criminal. Coi has yet to respond to her father’s most recent comments. However, it is unlikely they will mend their broken relationship soon.
In 2023 we said goodbye to several music icons, including 96-year-old Harry Belafonte. The late recording artist was best known for “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song),” though he also contributed significantly to activist movements around the globe. His work was sampled on several occasions in popular hip-hop releases, and he continues to be recognized as one of the few Black creatives to achieve EGOT status. When it came time for the annual Grammy Awards this month, many expected to see the show pay tribute to Belafonte for all his contributions. Unfortunately for them, Belafonte only briefly came up during the “In Memoriam” segment but failed to give any further acknowledgment as we saw other artists receive.
“Love @itstonybennett Love @tinaturner Love @sinadeocconor. Why the @recordingacademy [chose] not to do a special tribute to you I will #never understand!” the legend’s daughter, Gina Belafonte wrote on Facebook earlier this week. “Here is my Grammy tribute to you dad! So many winners you’ve mentored! So many winners you shared your stage with. You are the winner @theharrybelafonte and we are better because of your contribution!” she continued, giving her late father his well-deserved flowers.
“Belafonte’s career breakthrough album Calypso (1956) was the first million-selling LP by a single artist,” Gina reminded readers online. As AllHipHop notes, another of Harry’s daughters, Shari Belafonte, aired her grievances with the Grammys too. “While no doubt, Tony Bennett and Tina Turner were special indeed, Harry contributed far more to society and the music industry than those two put together, in my humble opinion. The Grammys missed a major moment.”
Harry Belafonte isn’t the only celebrity who seemingly got snubbed by the Grammy Awards. SZA’s fanbase was outraged after the TDE signee missed out on taking home Album of the Year, but for her part, she’s taking the loss with grace. “Only way from up is higher,” she declared following the ceremony. Read more about that at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
Nick Cannon might have a lot of children to take care of, 12 to be exact, but it appears as though he’s sure to prioritize time with each of them. Most recently, he took to Instagram to share a heartwarming video alongside Alyssa Scott and their daughter Halo. Halo, who the duo welcomed in December of 2022, is Cannon’s youngest child.
In the video, Scott and Cannon are seen walking along a scenic shore with baby Halo, the sun setting in the distance. The parents look to be filled with joy, planting several kisses on each of her cheeks. Cannon took the opportunity to honor his late son with Scott, Zen, in his caption. Zen passed away in 2021 at only five months old due to a brain tumor.
“Zen’s Light and presence shining over little miss Halo and Mommy and Daddy!” his caption begins. “What a beautiful day to remind us all that there is a higher power and God’s Energy and frequency to keep us all going under his grace and mercy even in the midst of challenges. @itsalyssaemm.” Countless fans, and even the mother of another one of Cannon’s kids Bre Tiesi, flooded his comments section with support. This is far from the only time followers have seen Zen’s “light” live on, however.
Last month, Cannon visited a California children’s hospital for the holidays in Zen’s honor. He dressed up as Santa, much to the delight of young patients. “Zens’s Light shining bright for the holidays!! Thank you to the Children’s Hospital of Orange County and everyone who made the day so loving, warm and memorable.,” he wrote. What do you think about Nick Cannon and Alyssa Scott’s adorable new family video? What about them honoring their late son, Zen? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Doja Cat’s brother has apparently responded to the shocking news that his mother filed for a temporary restraining order against him for alleged abuse. Moreover, The Shade Room acquired video of someone seemingly running into him on the street and asking him about these accusations. Then, Raman Dalithando Dlamini posited that there is no restraining order against him, contrary to what many reports have indicated from legal documents. In addition, he outright denied ever abusing his mother or his sister, who did not escape mention in this alleged filing. Specifically, in these allegations, Raman is accused of punching her teeth out, causing cuts and bruises, and suffering property destruction and theft.
Furthermore, the “JEEZU” rapper’s mother (Deborah Elizabeth Sawyer) reportedly got a temporary restraining order from a judge after she accused Raman of physical and verbal abuse over the past year, as recently as earlier this month. But he retorted that there is no restraining order, and that he’s not in touch with either her or Doja Cat. When approached by paparazzi on Thursday (January 18), he initially denied being her brother before telling them, “No comment.” Eventually, he denied the existence of the filing and spoke on the alleged distance between him and his family.
Not only that, but Sawyer also included details of his alleged verbal abuse against the Coachella 2024 headliner, labeling it “very degrading and demeaning.” She said that it’s left her daughter feeling “unsafe and traumatized,” but a judge didn’t include any more details about Doja Cat and maintained that she would have to file herself to continue. Now, the family awaits a hearing on a permanent restraining order. The superstar artist hasn’t commented on this situation at press time.
Meanwhile, it’s unclear whether this case will develop further or if this temporary restraining order is where things turn around. Given the conflicting narratives at play here, it’s very hard to say whether the truth will come out eventually. We’ll see what the future holds for the “Woman” hitmaker. On that note, come back to HNHH for the latest news and updates on Doja Cat.
Blueface recently turned himself in for apparent parole violations, and although that legal case is still pretty unclear, one thing that’s not is Chrisean Rock’s support. Moreover, a new clip emerged of her accompanying her on-and-off-again boo to the jail facility, and she even took their recently-born son Chrisean Jr., too. Of course, a lot of people will be disappointed by this, given that they want the two as far away from each other as possible. Whether you support the Baddies star or the California MC, you can agree that their relationship has been a volatile, chaotic, and overall harmful one on a personal level for both.
But when times get tough, the tough get tougher, and it’s at least kind of heartening to see them put things aside to come together for something much larger-scaled. Chrisean Rock previously seemed to react to Blueface’s arrest with sadness, which let off some warning signs for many fans. Unfortunately for them, their fears came true, but we doubt that this will prompt a full reconciliation. If history’s proven anything to us, it’s that every week is a clean slate when it comes to this couple’s status.
However, it seems like Blueface was more prepared than he should’ve been to react to this trouble. After all, he just dropped an EP titled Free Blueface, a seven-song offering with features from DDG, Kevin Gates, Tru Carr, and YungMagnificent. It arrived shortly after the 26-year-old’s manager Wack 100 announced that he went to the slammer. As it became clear that he turned himself in and that this is as much of a press opportunity as it is a legal move, then all the hullabaloo around this stint makes more sense.
Well, it makes more sense in terms of there being a big marketable push behind it. Why wouldn’t the upcoming Rap Queens West host squeeze out some more dollars from obstacles he has to overcome anyway? All we can hope for is that Chrisean and Junior can reach an uninterruptedly amicable relationship with their currently incarcerated family member once and for all one day. For more news and the latest updates on Blueface and Chrisean Rock, stay logged into HNHH.
@itsalyssaemm.” Countless fans, and even the mother of another one of Cannon’s kids