Hip Hop Community News

The smoke continues. This time on the awards stage. The two titans are set to face off in multiple rap categories at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards, where they will yet again compete against each other and other major figures in the rap game and more. Both top artists are finalists, and favorites for that matter for the prestigious Top Rap Artist award, alongside Future, Metro Boomin, and Travis Scott.

In addition, they are also nominated for Top Male Rap Artist, with Travis Scott appearing as the third finalist in that category.

Who ya’ll got winning?

Well, history says this … Drake, shares the title of most awarded artist in BBMA history with Taylor Swift, having earned 39 nominations to date, as he is also vying for several other honors. His nominations include Top Male Artist, Top Artist, Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Billboard 200 Album, and Top Rap Album for his latest release For All The Dogs.

Additionally, he’s nominated for Top R&B Song for his collaboration on “act ii: date @ 8 (remix)” with 4batz.

Body of work is tough thought.

Kendrick Lamar, not to be outdone, has an impressive slate of nominations as well. He’s up for Top Hot 100 Songwriter, Top Streaming Songs Artist, and Top Streaming Song for his hit “Not Like Us.” He’s also competing for Top Collaboration for his track “Like That,” a collaboration with Future and Metro Boomin, as well as Top Rap Song for the aforementioned hits.

Dot got a case to be made.

In addition to Lamar and Drake, Beyoncé is also in the running with several nominations, including Top Country Female Artist, Top Country Album, and Top Dance/Electronic Artist. Meanwhile, newcomers Shaboozey and Tyla have earned spots as first-time finalists, adding to the excitement surrounding this year’s awards.

Get this, the 2024 Billboard Music Awards, which will be hosted by comedian and actress Michelle Buteau, will air on December 12 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. The ceremony will be broadcast live on FOX, available through Fire TV Channels, and will be available on-demand on Paramount+.

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Can’t stop won’t stop the bail attempts. Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team made a third attempt on Friday to secure his release from jail while he awaits trial for sex trafficking charges, but a decision on his bail request won’t come until next week. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who presided over the two-hour hearing in Manhattan federal court, indicated that he would rule quickly after both the defense and prosecution submit additional arguments by noon on Monday.

What ya’ll think, will bail be granted or nah?

As you may have heard, Combs’ attorneys proposed a whopping $50 million bail package, secured by his Florida home, which would allow him to await trial under strict supervision either at his mansion near Miami Beach or, after the judge dismissed the idea, at an apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The defense team argued that the conditions would amount to house arrest, where Combs would be under near-total restrictions on communication and interaction with anyone except his legal team. This proposal aimed to keep the hip-hop mogul out of the troubled Brooklyn federal detention center, where he has been held for 67 days since his September arrest.

67 days at THAT federal jail is no joke.

Get this, prosecutors strongly opposed the idea, arguing that no set of bail conditions could mitigate the risk that Combs might obstruct justice or pose a danger to others. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik accused Combs of trying to manipulate the case from behind bars, citing his repeated violations of jail rules, including efforts to influence witnesses and taint the jury pool.

“This really amounts to the defendant paying his way out of custody,” Slavik told the court, arguing that Combs’ behavior while incarcerated showed he could not be trusted to follow rules.

What’s more, Combs’ defense lawyers, including Anthony Ricco and Teny Geragos, pushed back against this portrayal. Ricco argued that the prosecution’s characterization of Combs as a “lawless person” was unfair and inaccurate. Geragos emphasized that the stringent conditions they were proposing for Combs’ release would make it impossible for him to break the rules, suggesting that the level of surveillance would ensure he would comply with all court orders.

In fairness, he’d pretty much be under lock and key just in his own mansion.

Combs, 55, ain’t no spring chicken and has pleaded not guilty to charges that he coerced and abused women over the course of several years, using a network of associates and employees to silence his victims through blackmail, violence, and intimidation tactics like kidnapping and arson. His trial is scheduled to begin on May 5.

As you can imagine, despite the defense’s arguments, two previous judges have ruled that Combs would pose a danger to the community if released, and an appeals court judge denied his request for immediate release last month. A three-judge panel from the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is still weighing his bail request.

Check this out, Friday’s hearing was the second time Combs appeared in court this week. Earlier, a judge blocked prosecutors from using papers seized from Combs’ jail cell during a sweep for contraband and weapons. Prosecutors have alleged that Combs has attempted to orchestrate social media campaigns to sway potential jurors and has tried to leak materials to help his defense. They also claim he has used third parties to contact witnesses, further complicating his case.

“Simply put, the defendant cannot be trusted,” Slavik asserted during the hearing.

As the legal battle continues, all eyes will be on the upcoming decision regarding Combs’ bail, which could have major implications as he prepares for trial.

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The link between Hip Hop and the criminal justice system along with civil litigation has always been there, unfortunately, but as the music’s most prolific and culturally relevant genre continues to rise in influence, it feels like more and more artists are finding themselves caught up in legal battles. Make no mistake we are NOT here for the strife but we do feel a need to keep tabs on all the goings on because it matters.

Whether its accusations of violence, organized criminal activity, or abuse of power, or civil cases involving alleged sexual assault, some of Hip Hop’s biggest names are currently facing charges that could change the course of their careers.

We rounded up five high-profile cases involving Hip Hop artists that fans are keeping a close eye on:

Takeoff Murder Investigation – Justice for the Migos Star

The murder of Migos rapper Takeoff (Kirsnick Khari Ball) shocked the Hip Hop world and continues to dominate headlines. On November 1, 2022, Takeoff was shot and killed outside a bowling alley in Houston following a private event. He was only 28 years old. Takeoff was known for his smooth flow and humble personality, making his death all the more devastating for his fans and the music community.

At the time of the shooting, fellow Migos member Quavo, Takeoff’s uncle, was also at the scene but was unharmed. Police have arrested Patrick Xavier Clark, who is facing charges as the alleged shooter. While the motives remain unclear, some reports suggest the shooting stemmed from an argument that escalated, and there are also rumors of gang-related ties. The investigation is ongoing, and fans continue to hope for justice as they mourn the loss of one of Hip Hop’s brightest stars.

The-Dream – Serious Allegations of Abuse

The-Dream (Terius Youngdell Nash), the R&B producer and songwriter behind hits for Beyoncé, Rihanna, and many others, is facing serious accusations from a former protégée. She has accused The-Dream of rape, physical assault, and psychological manipulation, claiming he used his position in the music industry to control and abuse her. These troubling allegations raise important questions about power dynamics in the music industry, especially when it comes to high-profile figures like The-Dream.

The R&B star has yet to publicly comment on the case, but the legal process is continuing.

A$AP Rocky – Criminal Trial for Alleged Shooting Incident

A$AP Rocky (Rakim Mayers), known for his fashion-forward style and boundary-pushing music, is heading to trial for allegedly shooting his childhood friend during an argument in Los Angeles in November 2021. Rocky was arrested shortly after the shooting but was released on bail. The case has drawn attention not just because of Rocky’s celebrity status, but because of the complicated nature of his relationship with the alleged victim.

While the case remains highly publicized, and the trial could have serious consequences.

YNW Melly – Facing the Death Penalty in Double Murder Case

YNW Melly (Jamell Demons), the Florida rapper known for his emotional and sometimes dark lyrics, is facing one of the most serious criminal charges in Hip Hop right now. Melly is accused of the 2018 double murder of two of his friends, Christopher Thomas Jr. and Anthony Williams. The case is especially high-profile because of Melly’s popularity and the brutal nature of the alleged crime.

In a previous trial, a jury failed to reach a conviction, and now Melly is heading into retrial, with the state of Florida seeking the death penalty. The rapper, who has maintained his innocence, faces a future that could see him either acquitted or sentenced to life or death.

YFN Lucci – Pleads Guilty to Gang-Related Charges

YFN Lucci (Rayshawn Bennett), an Atlanta rapper, is facing significant legal trouble after pleading guilty to violating Georgia’s Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act in connection to a shooting that took place in Atlanta in 2020. The shooting led to the death of a man named James Adams, and Lucci is accused of being connected to the gang activity behind the crime.

Bennett struck a deal with prosecutors to have 12 of the 13 charges against him dropped. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to submit a letter to the Georgia Department of Corrections, recommending that Bennett be considered for parole when he becomes eligible.

These five cases involving Hip Hop artists are just a few of the high-profile legal battles currently making headlines. From the heartbreaking murder of Takeoff to the serious charges facing The-Dream, A$AP Rocky, YNW Melly, and YFN Lucci, it’s clear that the justice system is increasingly intersecting with Hip Hop culture. As these cases progress, fans will be watching closely to see how they affect the lives and careers of some of Hip Hop’s most influential figures.

The post Hip Hop Law, Crime and Justice: 5 Hip Hop Legal Cases on Horizon NOT Involving Diddy appeared first on .

As Sean Combs prepares for what will likely be the celebrity trial of the century, in May 2025, his high powered legal team is making new allegations against the prosecution. According to court documents obtained by our friends at TMZ, the mogul’s attorneys claim the government has been “mischaracterizing and concealing critical facts,” including accusing them of editing the infamous 2016 hotel surveillance video that reportedly shows the Bad Boy mogul assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.

Now get this, Diddy’s defense team argues that the prosecution possesses a more complete version of the video but altered the sequence of events to make the footage appear more damaging. They claim the editing was done to present the “most powerful evidence of danger and obstruction” in their case against him. Diddy’s next bail hearing is scheduled for November 22, with the mogul having been denied bail multiple times since his arrest.

That’s a big accusation. Let’s see how it unfolds …

ICYMI, the surveillance footage, which we’d all like to forget or unsee, was filmed on March 5, 2016, at the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, shows – TRIGGER WARNING – Ventura exiting a hotel room and walking towards the elevators. In the video, Combs—wearing only a towel—runs after her, grabs her by the neck, and throws her to the floor. He then kicks her twice while she lies motionless. The video also shows Combs retrieving items from the floor near the elevators, briefly dragging Ventura by her sweatshirt, and walking away. Later, Ventura picks herself up, and Combs returns, shoving her and throwing an object toward her before leaving the scene.

Ventura, who settled with Combs privately and has not commented on the footage, had previously filed a complaint about the incident. Her attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, called the video “gut-wrenching” and said it further confirmed “disturbing and predatory behavior” by Combs.

The case is still developing, and while Diddy’s legal team claims the prosecution has manipulated evidence, the video remains central to the ongoing legal proceedings.

This just gets darker and more complicated by the minute. Stay tuned.

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