Drake’s Petition Against UMG & Spotify Over “Not Like Us” Gets Hearing Date

Late last month, Drake decided to take legal action against Universal Music Group (UMG) over Kendrick Lamar’s hit diss track “Not Like Us.” In a pre-action petition, he accuses UMG and Spotify of using bots, payola, and more to artificially inflate the popularity of the song. He also accuses UMG of defamation, alleging that they could have prevented the release of the song in which Kendrick accuses him of being a sexual predator.

“UMG did not rely on chance, or even ordinary business practices,” the petition alleges. “It instead launched a campaign to manipulate and saturate the streaming services and airwaves.” Now, a hearing has been scheduled for December 20, according to Kurrco. It remains to be seen what exactly will play out in this case, but of course, social media users have their theories. There have been mixed reactions to Drake’s petition since news of it hit the internet. Some think Drake has a chance of exposing alleged corruption in the music industry. Others think this just makes him look jealous of Kendrick’s success.

Read More: DJ Akademiks Is Looking Compromised After His Spotify Wrapped Puts Kendrick Lamar Over Drake

Hearing For Drake’s Petition Against UMG & Spotify Scheduled For December 20

During a recent episode of his Apple Music show, for example, Ebro shared why he thinks Drake will end up taking a loss. “I’ve worked in the radio business and the media for 30 years,” he said. “There’s allegations of payola… I’ve been investigated, people I’ve worked with been investigated and nothing has ever come to fruition.” Funkmaster Flex, on the other hand, thinks Drake is in the right.

“DRAKE IS 100% RIGHT!” he wrote in part on X. “NATIONAL PLAY! (PER SONG) DRAKE DONT $ FOR PLAY! POP / CHR RADIO: $350k URBAN RADIO: $250K MIXSHOW: $100K LOCAL MIXSHOW DIRECTOR: $40k LOCAL DJ: $3K-5K PER SONG! (DJS ON THE RADIO 5 DAYS A WEEK) THIS IS WHY INDEPENDENT ARTIST DONT RISE TO THE TOP! ALL YOU ARTIST KNOW I AINT NEVER TAKE A DIME FROM YOU, YOUR MANAGER OR YOUR LABELS!”

Read More: Kendrick Lamar Adds Second Toronto Date To Tour Amidst Drake Feud

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Diddy Blows Kisses To His Family At Bail Hearing Amid Prosecution & Defense’s Allegations

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.

Read More: Diddy’s Lawyers Accuse Prosecutors Of Altering Cassie Footage & Using Misleading Evidence

Diddy At The 2015 NBA All-Star Game

Diddy Bail Hearing Family Blows Kisses Trial Allegations Hip Hop News
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 Lamar seemed 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.

Read More: Katt Williams Clarifies Shocking Diddy Claims He Made On “Club Shay Shay”

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Diddy Secures Legal Victory As Judge Orders Prosecution To Destroy Notes From Jail Raid

Diddy earned a minor victory in court on Tuesday as Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that he won’t consider any evidence obtained during the recent raid on the Bad Boy mogul’s jail cell for his next bail hearing. He also ordered the prosecution to destroy the alleged trial notes authorities were accused of seizing. The state denied intentionally taking the 19 pages of legal notes, claiming that they passed them off to a “filter team” to determine whether the content was privileged.

“When we visit him in jail, we have lists,” Diddy’s attorney Marc Agnifilo said in court Tuesday, as caught by PEOPLE. “Everything in these pads are things we discuss. Trial strategy, who we should speak to, to undermine a witness’ credibility. We discuss everything with Mr. Combs.” After making his ruling, Subramanian remarked to the prosecution, “Get rid of them.”

Read More: Diddy Accuses Prosecutors Of Lying About Prison Raid

Diddy’s Attorney Speaks Outside Of The Courthouse

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 17: Lawyer for Sean Combs, Marc. Agnifilo, speaks to the media after a hearing at U.S. District Court on September 17, 2024, in New York City. Authorities arrested music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs in Manhattan on September 16 in a sex trafficking probe following a federal indictment. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)

The ruling wasn’t the only positive news for Diddy from Tuesday. Judge Subramanian also granted him the ability to attend his hearings with the restraint of shackles. His legal team had argued that appearing in shackles was a bad look in the media and could influence potential jurors. “Given the press attention on the pretrial proceedings in this case, there is a substantial risk that potential jurors will learn about the shackling through the media and develop such a bias,” Diddy’s team wrote in a letter to Subramanian the day before the hearing.

Authorities arrested Diddy on charges of alleged sex trafficking and racketeering back in September. He’s already pleaded not guilty and denied all of the allegations against him. His trial will kick off on May 5 of next year.

Read More: Diddy’s Lawyers Want His Shackles Removed For Next Court Hearing

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Diddy’s Lawyers Want His Shackles Removed For Next Court Hearing

Diddy’s legal team has filed a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian requesting that authorities remove the shackles from the Bad Boy mogul ahead of his court hearing on Tuesday. They argue that the restraints will influence possible jurors into being biased against him ahead of trial. The hearing is to discuss accusations from the defense that prosecutors unlawfully seized materials from Diddy’s jail cell.

“Given the press attention on the pretrial proceedings in this case, there is a substantial risk that potential jurors will learn about the shackling through the media and develop such a bias,” Diddy’s team wrote in the letter. They concluded: “Because there is absolutely no reason to shackle Mr. Combs during court proceedings, and because such shackling prejudices the potential jury pool, undermines his presumption of innocence, interferes with his ability to communicate with counsel, and offends the dignity and decorum of the proceedings, we respectfully request that the Court direct the U.S. Marshals Service to remove his shackles before bringing him into the courtroom.”

Read More: Diddy Allegedly Has “Groupie” Inmates Fighting To Make His Prison Bed

Diddy’s Lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, Speaks Outside Of His Hearing

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 17: Lawyer for Sean Combs, Marc Agnifilo, speaks to the media after a hearing at U.S. District Court on September 17, 2024, in New York City. Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested in Manhattan on September. 16 in a sex trafficking probe following a federal indictment. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)

As for the alleged raid on Diddy’s prison cell, his team labeled it “outrageous government conduct amounting to a substantive due process violation.” It allegedly allowed prosecutors to view “privileged notes to his lawyers concerning defense witnesses and defense strategies.” Diddy’s been staying at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York since his arrest on charges of alleged sex trafficking and racketeering, having been denied bail on multiple occasions.

Diddy will appear in court at 3:00 PM, ET on Tuesday to discuss the recent raid on his prison cell. He has pleaded not guilty and repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in the case. Check out the letter from Diddy’s legal team below.

Read More: Shyne Alleges He Spat In Diddy’s Face And Almost Sued Him Over Club Shooting

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50 Cent Expects Diddy To Get Out On Bail After His Next Hearing

50 Cent says that he expects Diddy to get out on bail after his next court hearing and advised his followers to keep their same energy when he’s not behind bars. He made the statement in a since-deleted post on Instagram caught by DJ Akademiks. “Diddy gonna make bail his next court date, so all this sh*t y’all been saying, keep the same energy,” 50 wrote. “Don’t you even try to take that post down!”

Authorities first arrested Diddy on charges of alleged sex trafficking and racketeering in New York, last month. A judge denied his initial request to get out on bail shortly afterward, and in turn, he resides at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

Read More: 50 Cent Ruthlessly Clowns Diddy Again After Old Clip Resurfaces: Watch

Diddy’s Attorney Speaks Outside Of His First Bailing Hearing

Marc Agnifilo (L), lawyer for rapper and music producer Sean “Diddy.” Combs, speaks outside federal court after Combs’ arraignment hearing on September 17, 2024, in New York. A US judge on Tuesday refused a bail request from Combs and ordered the superstar rapper jailed pending his trial on racketeering and sex trafficking charges. Magistrate Judge Robyn Tarnofsky ordered Combs to remain in custody after the music mogul pleaded not guilty to the charges in an indictment that was unsealed on Tuesday. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

The trolling from 50 Cent isn’t limited to just social media. He recently announced that Netflix is producing his docuseries about the allegations surrounding Diddy. “This is a story with significant human impact. It is a complex narrative spanning decades, not just the headlines or clips seen so far,” 50 Cent and director Alexandria Stapleton said in a statement to Variety. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to give a voice to the voiceless and to present authentic and nuanced perspectives. While the allegations are disturbing, we urge all to remember that Sean Combs’ story is not the full story of hip-hop and its culture. We aim to ensure that individual actions do not overshadow the culture’s broader contributions.”

50 Cent Trolls Diddy On Instagram

Check out 50’s since-deleted Instagram post below. Diddy has already pleaded not guilty to the charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, October 9. Be on the lookout for further updates on 50 Cent and Diddy on HotNewHipHop.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

Read More: 50 Cent Believes Celebrities Are Silent On Diddy Because They Went To His Parties

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Keefe D’s Lawyer Fails To Show Up For Arraignment, Hearing Delayed 2 Weeks

Keefe D’s arraignment has been continued for two weeks after the lawyer he hired failed to show up for Wednesday’s hearing, according to TMZ. The arraignment comes after Las Vegas police arrested the 60-year-old former gang member, last week, in the 1996 killing of 2Pac.

Keefe D is facing a charge of murder with the use of a deadly weapon in a gang-related homicide. Police say he is the only surviving suspect in the case.

Read More: Suge Knight Discusses Keefe D’s Arrest In 2Pac Killing, Says He Won’t Testify

Las Vegas Police Arrest Keefe D In The Killing Of 2Pac

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 29: A booking photo of Duane “Keefe D” Davis is shown on a television monitor as Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill (L) and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Jason Johansson speak during a news conference at the LVMPD headquarters to brief media members on Davis’ arrest and indictment for the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur on September 29, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. A Nevada grand jury indicted Davis on one count of murder with a deadly weapon in the fatal drive-by shooting of rapper Tupac Shakur. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

As for what to expect from the case, Suge Knight has already stated that he will refuse to testify. Speaking with TMZ, he explained: “I wouldn’t be. Well, number one, I’m not gonna get on the stand and testify on somebody for what? […] I wouldn’t go, I wouldn’t testify. None of that shit.”

In the wake of Keefe D’s arrest, an interview he gave to The Art of Dialogue back in July has been resurfacing on social media. During the conversation, he admitted that speaking openly about the incident had him worried about jail. “Them dudes was kids, man. Both of them dudes was kids back then,” he said at the time, referring to Deandre “Big Dre” Smith and Orlando Anderson. “Dre was an All-CIF basketball player. He had a nice shot, dunking, all that shit. Dre was an athlete. He wasn’t about that.” From there, the interviewer pressed Keefe. He answered: “Man. We don’t need to discuss that. We already discussed that. What are you trying to get me in jail again?” Be on the lookout for further updates on Keefe D’s case on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Keefe D Admits He’s Afraid Of Jail In Resurfaced Interview Following 2Pac Murder Arrest

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YNW Bortlen’s New Court Date Revealed

YNW Melly is currently awaiting jury selection for the second trial of his alleged double murder case. The rapper is accused of murdering two of his associates back in 2018, YNW Juvy and YNW SakChaser. His first trial was ruled a mistrial back in July, after jurors couldn’t come to a unanimous decision. Now, his team’s pushing for the entire case to be dismissed. The jury selection process is scheduled to begin on October 9.

Amid Melly’s legal developments, there’s also been a new development in the case of YNW Melly’s co-defendant, YNW Bortlen. Bortlen drove the victims to the hospital after the shooting, and is believed to be the only other living witness. He had a hearing scheduled to take place today, but it’s now been delayed.

Read More: YNW Bortlen Tweets About “Mind Games” Amid YNW Melly Mistrial

YNW Bortlen’s Trial Pushed Back

According to Bryson “Boom” Paul, Bortlen’s hearing will now take place on January 12 of next year, more than three months from now. It appears as though prosecutors are focused on Melly’s case for the time being, causing some setbacks in Bortlen’s case. He will be tried separately from Melly. Though Melly and prosecutors are surely looking to get his second trial moving, the rapper’s team thinks jury selection could take some time. One of his attorneys, Stuart Adelstein, reportedly said they’ll “be lucky to pick a jury before Thanksgiving.” The 24-year-old’s defense cites alleged “prosecutorial misconduct” in their motion for dismissal.

They’re alleging that prosecutors helped Detective Mark Moretti, and hid internal investigations of him in order to “gain a tactical advantage” over Melly’s defense. This would “violate [Melly’s] due process rights as guaranteed by both the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and the parallel provisions of the Florida Constitution,” the rapper’s lawyers claim. What do you think of YNW Bortlen having his court date pushed back by over three months? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates on YNW Melly and YNW Bortlen.

Read More: YNW Melly’s Friend YNW Bortlen Reportedly Told Police About Shootings

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YNW Bortlen’s New Court Date Revealed

YNW Melly is currently awaiting jury selection for the second trial of his alleged double murder case. The rapper is accused of murdering two of his associates back in 2018, YNW Juvy and YNW SakChaser. His first trial was ruled a mistrial back in July, after jurors couldn’t come to a unanimous decision. Now, his team’s pushing for the entire case to be dismissed. The jury selection process is scheduled to begin on October 9.

Amid Melly’s legal developments, there’s also been a new development in the case of YNW Melly’s co-defendant, YNW Bortlen. Bortlen drove the victims to the hospital after the shooting, and is believed to be the only other living witness. He had a hearing scheduled to take place today, but it’s now been delayed.

Read More: YNW Bortlen Tweets About “Mind Games” Amid YNW Melly Mistrial

YNW Bortlen’s Trial Pushed Back

According to Bryson “Boom” Paul, Bortlen’s hearing will now take place on January 12 of next year, more than three months from now. It appears as though prosecutors are focused on Melly’s case for the time being, causing some setbacks in Bortlen’s case. He will be tried separately from Melly. Though Melly and prosecutors are surely looking to get his second trial moving, the rapper’s team thinks jury selection could take some time. One of his attorneys, Stuart Adelstein, reportedly said they’ll “be lucky to pick a jury before Thanksgiving.” The 24-year-old’s defense cites alleged “prosecutorial misconduct” in their motion for dismissal.

They’re alleging that prosecutors helped Detective Mark Moretti, and hid internal investigations of him in order to “gain a tactical advantage” over Melly’s defense. This would “violate [Melly’s] due process rights as guaranteed by both the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and the parallel provisions of the Florida Constitution,” the rapper’s lawyers claim. What do you think of YNW Bortlen having his court date pushed back by over three months? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates on YNW Melly and YNW Bortlen.

Read More: YNW Melly’s Friend YNW Bortlen Reportedly Told Police About Shootings

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Rick Ross Says He’s One Of Few Rappers Able To Hear A Beat & Rap On The Spot

As the latest guest on Drink Champs, Rick Ross had a lot to discuss, promote, and speak on. For example, a part of his conversation with N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN revolved around his upcoming car show. Specifically, the Biggest Boss gave some remarks on a similar event hosted by DJ Envy, and playfully brought some competition into the fray. “Envy was never on my level to battle,” he expressed. “I wouldn’t do that to Envy. I like Envy and I f**k with Envy, but in the car game he not ready for that, but I support that s**t.”

However, Rick Ross also made an interesting proclamation while shouting out Drake, Lil Wayne, and Jay-Z. Furthermore, he said that he and that group are among the “two percentile” of artists that can hear a beat, write and record something for it on the spot, and stand by their work. “We in the two percentile when it comes to writers and creators,” Rozay began. “It’s called a two percentile.

Read More: Rick Ross Eyes $75M Price Tag for The Promised Land Estate

Rick Ross Speaks On “The Two Percentile” In Rap

“The two percentile is when you walk into the room, you hear a production you actually love, you can actually create it, think of it, write it, and execute it right then,” Rick Ross continued. “I can’t say I’ve done that with many artists. It’s not even five artists. Drake is in the two percentile. You know, the majority of the game- and Im’a be honest, I understand when you working with Rozay, you don’t want that type of pressure on you. You come to the studio with me, there’s very few people that’s comfortable enough to listen to a beat, take my direction from it, and create something in that moment, record it right then, and stand on it. Wayne could do it, [and] Jay-Z.”

Of course, such a comment is bound to cause some debate among hip-hop fans. Whether you think any or all of those four artists don’t deserve that tile or have another candidate, one thing is for sure: the 47-year-old is right in remarking it as a rare skill. Regardless, we’re sure that these MCs will continue to craft that talent and embody it with their next efforts. For more updates on Rick Ross and the latest news on these rappers, stay posted on HNHH.

Read More: MGK And Rick Ross Star At Travis Kelce Music Festival

FBG Duck’s Mom Reveals “Teezy” Shared Her Son’s Location Prior To His Murder

Earlier this year, FBG Duck’s mom shocked the late rapper’s fans with the announcement of her OnlyFans page. We don’t have any updates on that at this time. However, she did return to social media earlier this week to provide some insight on the status of her son’s murder investigation. As you may recall, the rising artist was shopping in Chicago’s Gold Coast district in August 2020 when he was shot and killed. Witnesses at the scene report that two cars pulled up. Four men then emerged and began firing at him before fleeing the scene. Duck survived the trip to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, though he was later pronounced dead due to his injuries.

As XXL notes, five men were arrested in connection with the “Slide” hitmaker’s murder back in October 2021. Charles “C Murda” Liggins, Kenneth “Kenny” Roberson, Tacarlos “Los” Offerd, Christopher “C-Thang” Thomas, and Marcus “Muwop” Smart are their names. Upon being taken into custody, they were charged with murder in aid of racketeering and federal firearm violations and assaults in aid of racketeering. In addition to their crimes, all the men are allegedly members of Chi-town’s O-Block street gang. In her latest update, Duck’s mom claims that she knows who revealed her boy’s location to his ops, resulting in his untimely death.

FBG Duck’s Mom Updates Fans on Her Son’s Murder Investigation

“They just told me I could tell y’all,” she informed viewers in a recent social media post. “His name is Ralph Turpin, also known as Teezy, THF Teezy. He was the one that saw my baby downtown from across the street. He told them motherf*ckers knowing they had a $100K bounty on my son’s head.” After battling through a moment of obvious emotion, Duck’s mom shrugged and said, “That’s what it is.”

For his part, Turpin is facing one count of committing murder in aid of racketeering, as well as one count of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering. He remains in custody at this time and is expected to be back in court on April 23 for his next hearing. Check out FBG Duck’s mother‘s update above, and tap back in later for more hip-hop news.

33-Year-Old Ralph Turpin Charged

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