Drake’s Legal Team Calls Subpoena in XXXTentacion Murder Trial ‘Unreasonable and Oppressive’
Drake
Jay-Z, Drake, Travis Scott & More Pop Out At Michael Rubin’s Super Bowl Party
Michael Rubin, CEO of Fanatics, has become known as one of the best party-throwers in the world. While also having an ownership stake in sports franchises like the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, he also owns another brand. Alongside Jay-Z, Meek Mill and Lil Baby, Rubin has an ownership stake in the long-famous merchandise brand Mitchell & Ness. All of these endeavors not only show his supreme business practices though, but also his friends in high places. So, as if to flex his otherworldly social circle, Rubin likes to throw parties.
Aside from his annual, all-white themed Fourth of July party, Rubin also typically throws a Super Bowl just a day before the big game. With all the celebs, musicians and athletes in Arizona this past weekend for Super Bowl LVII, Rubin threw another bash on Saturday (Feb. 11). Beforehand, there were slated to be four major performances for the party, but it ended up totaling nine different performers. Pre-planned acts like Travis Scott, Lil Baby, The Chainsmokers and J Balvin were joined by DJ Khaled, Meek Mill, A$AP Ferg, Fabolous and Bobby Shmurda later on.
Michael Rubin Keeps It Exclusive
The guest list for the rager could not have been more high-profile. Athletes like Shaq, Buffalo Bills’ Demar Hamlin, Jaguars’ QB Trevor Lawrence, Phoenix Suns players Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Chris Paul, 49ers QB Brock Purdy and NFL icon Odell Beckham Jr. showed up. Additionally, movie stars like Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, Paul Rudd turned up. Along with those performing, rappers Drake, Jay-Z, Lil Uzi Vert, Quavo and YG made appearances. It’s safe to say this is an early contender for party of the year. However, not everyone was able to join in for the fun.
Reports from Daily Mail revealed that many folks were denied entrance. The gathering took place at the Arizona Biltmore Resort, and was full of security. Over 2,000 individuals were sent away at the door, even those who offered to pay up to six figures to be let in. Additionally, a few desperate souls were thwarted after attempts to to jump the fence. A source told Daily Mail that the security was top-notch. “Some tried-to go through the main hotel entrance, some tried to hop the security fence and others tried to sneak into the VIP check in,” they said. “But multiple security guards handled would-be trespassers superbly. Fort Knox would have been a lot easier to infiltrate!” Check out some photos and video from the party below.
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Drake’s Legal Team File Motion To Quash Deposition Order In XXXTENTACION Murder Trial
There has been no shortage of conspiracy theories alleging Drake’s involvement in XXXTENTACION’s murder death. Though it began as online rumors with fans reaching to put pieces together, it, unfortunately, reached the courtroom. Dedrick Williams’ attorney, Mauricio Padilla, questioned the state’s witness about the Toronto artist’s involvement while tying in Drizzy’s “God Plan” music video. However, the witness took the stand and denied knowing the Her Loss rapper or his affiliates. Still, after months of pushing, the judge granted Padilla’s motion to subpoena Drake for a deposition in the case.
Last week, Judge Michael Usan stated that Drake previously failed to appear for a deposition in January. “As a result of Aubrey Drake Graham’s failure to appear for the deposition set on Jan. 27, 2023, Aubrey Drake Graham shall appear for deposition at 5:00pm EST on Friday, Feb. 24th, 2023,” the motion read. The judge said Drake would have to appear in court on Feb. 27th if he failed to appear at the deposition and explain why he shouldn’t be held in contempt of court.
Drake’s Legal Team Combats Order
Following the judge’s decision, the “Jimmy Cooks” rapper’s legal team filed a motion to quash the order requiring him to appear for a deposition. Drake’s lawyer stated in the motion that the paperwork wasn’t served properly. Additionally, he pointed out that there’s no evidence “to substantiate the assertion that (Drake) in any way contributed to, had knowledge of, or participated in the alleged incident.” He added demanding the Canadian rapper “appear for something that he very clearly has no relevant knowledge of is unreasonable.”
This morning, Drake’s attorney, Brad Cohen, appeared on the rapper’s behalf to further dismiss the deposition order, per WPLG reporter Ian Margol. Cohen reiterated his argument from the motion he filed over the weekend, and it appears that the judge didn’t necessarily oppose. Still, it appears that Drake will have to sit down for a deposition. “Judge didn’t disagree but said Drake and his attorney would have to work with the defense to figure out a deposition time to allow for full due process,” Margol tweeted. We’ll keep you posted on any more updates.
Drake Performs at h.wood Homecoming Pop-Up Attended by Meek Mill, Serena Williams, Kevin Durant & More
The h.wood Group and Uncommon Entertainment held the second annual Cash App & Visa Presents h.wood Homecoming on Friday, February 10th. The homecoming pop-up event at Scottsdale Hangar One, a luxurious private jet facility. The invite-only event featured sets by Zack Bia and Night Owl Sound, as well as a performance by Drake at the finale. To cap off his 45-minute set, the rapper serenaded the audience with Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing,” a homage to Lil Wayne.
This famous celebration, sponsored by Taco Bell, Grey Goose, NUTRL, Mezcal El Silencio, and Celsius, once again merged the worlds of sports and entertainment to create the most sought-after venue during football’s most important moment.
Other VIPs in attendance included: Machine Gun Kelly, Megan Fox, Cher, Tyga, Meek Mill, Kygo, Myles Shear, Odell Beckham Jr., Bobby Flay, Serena Williams, Alex Rodriguez, Alix Earle, Josh Richards, Blake Gray, Druski, Jaleel White, Christina Aguilera, Jordin Sparks, Winnie Harlow, Reggie Bush, Michael Strahan, Keegan Michael Key, Faze Banks, Josie Conseco, H.E.R. Ashley Haas, Deebo Samuel and more.
The post Drake Performs at h.wood Homecoming Pop-Up Attended by Meek Mill, Serena Williams, Kevin Durant & More appeared first on The Source.
Drake Reacts To Fan Offering Him Sex During Super Bowl Weekend Performance
While some famous faces are simply in Arizona to take in the NFL Championship game this weekend, others are steadily securing the bag. Among the latter group is Drake. He gave a rousing performance on Friday (February 10) evening ahead of Sunday’s big game. All eyes were obviously on the father of one as he recreated his recent run at the Apollo Theatre. Still, he found himself paying close attention to one audience member in particular.
As Page Six notes, a patron in the crowd caught the Scorpion artist’s eye around 1 AM. He promptly stopped the show, taking place at Scottdale’s private jet complex, Hangar One, to deal with the “distraction.” At the time, he said, “Gimme a sec,” before grabbing the person’s phone to show the rest of the crowd the message displayed for Drake to read.
“Let’s f*ck,” was written across the screen, and clearly, Champagne Papi was intrigued enough by the proposition to acknowledge it. However, he declined the confident fan’s advance and went back to crooning out some of his greatest hits. During his set, the Toronto native let the crowd know he was asked to perform for just 20 minutes, or three songs.
#Drake performed “Headlines” at his Homecoming Pop-Up in Arizona
pic.twitter.com/tlRYt5QTtF
— HotNewHipHop (@HotNewHipHop) February 11, 2023
Instead, though, he put on the show of a lifetime for everyone in the building. “I can either do my 20 minutes or we could just run through all the old shit. It’s up to you,” he told them. Ultimately, he launched into titles like “God’s Plan,” “Best I Ever Had,” and “Hold On, We’re Going Home.” Elsewhere during his time on stage, Drake rapped “Started From the Bottom,” “Headlines,” and “HYFR (Hell Ya F*cking Right).”
Drake has obviously been having a great time surrounded by his fellow celebrities in Arizona, but he’s got plenty of big things going on outside of that as well. Earlier today, Barstool Sports unveiled their recent sitdown with the Canadian and his young son, Adonis. During their chat with Caleb Pressley, neither the father nor the child held back when answering questions.
Among their topics of discussion were things like Drizzy’s parenting skills, and having a lot of feelings. Additionally, the trio spoke about the proper way to call women to ensure their maximum satisfaction. Check out the full interview here, and check back later for more hip-hop news updates.
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A Suspect In The Murder Of XXXTentacion Reportedly Denied Drake’s Involvement
The trial for the murder of XXXTentacion is underway. The trial has garnered a wide following, especially as artists like Offset, Quavo, and Drake have been ordered to deposition. In a new development, another suspect in the murder of XXXTentacion has reportedly denied Drake’s alleged involvement in the murder.
According to footage shared by Akademiks, Robert Allen told the court on Friday (December 10) that he had never met Drake. He denied receiving money from Drake and/or any of his associates and also said he did not know who XXXTentacion was at the time of his death.
In the clip above, we see that Allen is delivering his testimony by way of “yes” or “no” responses to questions asked by defendant Dedrick Williams’ attorney Mauricio Padilla. Padilla asks several questions, including “Your testimony to this court and to this jury is that you were never on the set of [Drake’s] ‘God’s Plan’ video, filmed in Miami in 2018? Is that what you’re saying?”
Padilla continued, asking, “But actually, in 2018 when this crime occurred, you didn’t know who X was? In 2018, you’re from Broward County, correct? You listen to rap music, correct? And you’re telling this jury that you didn’t know who literally probably the most famous rapper to ever come out of Broward County was in June of 2018? That’s your testimony?”
Back in January, Padilla reportedly subpoenaed Drake to sit down and offer a deposition in the case of the murder of XXXTentacion. The deposition is reportedly scheduled to take place on Friday, February 24.
If Drake does not make the deposition, then he will be required to appear in court on Monday, February 27.
Madame Tussauds Unveiled A New ‘Certified Lover Boy’ Inspired Drake Wax Figure
Drake‘s Certified Lover Boy era has been immortalized with a new wax figure at Madam Tussauds in London. The wax museum recently shared the announcement on social media. The Toronto rap star’s first wax figure — inspired by his “Hot Line Bling” video — has been on display at the museum’s Las Vegas location since 2019. His second figure will be part of a new exhibit, the Impossible Festival music zone, in its London location. The statue captures Drake’s look from his performance at the 2021 Wireless Festival in the British capital, complete with his notable Certified Lover Boy-era heart-shaped lineup.
In addition to his CLB-inspired lineup, the rapper’s wax figure was styled with adorned with a matching camouflage shirt and pants combo, a green cropped puffer jacket, and white-on-white Air Force 1’s and replica Cartier and Van Cleef jewelry, according to a press release.
“Drake has shown his love for London on numerous occasions, with his surprise appearance at Wireless Festival being just one example of this,” said Madame Tussauds London’s general manager Tim Waters in a recent statement. “With reports that he’s soon to call London home, we wanted to make sure we were able to give him a warm welcome to our streets and show that the love is reciprocated the only way we know how by immortalizing him in our famous attraction.”
But Drake isn’t the latest Grammy-winning hitmaker to receive a wax figure this year. Madame Tussauds recently released its new Rihanna wax statue inspired by her now-iconic 2018 Met Gala outfit.
Drake Recreates His Apollo Show For An Epic Pre-Super Bowl Bash
Drake recreated his recent performance at the Apollo for a pre-Super Bowl bash. Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars attended the event —rappers like Lil Baby and Meek Mill and professional athletes like Odell Beckham Jr. and Serena Williams — at Hanger One, an event venue in Arizona Friday night. Drake hit the stage with another hitmaker that evening to help celebrate before the upcoming Super Bowl LVII, TMZ reports. The hitmaker in question? Cardi B.
Other stars who attended the event include Machine Gun Kelly, Megan Fox, Cher, and her new beau Alexander Edwards, Tyga, H.E.R., Winnie Harlow, Rich the Kid, Christina Aguilera, and Druski.
Drake seems very excited about the upcoming game. The “Rich Flex” rapper, who’s become known as a high-stakes gambler, recently placed a series of bets totaling nearly $1 million. The Toronto hitmaker took to Instagram to share the series of bets he made ahead of the big game, including putting $700,000 on the Chiefs to win. He also bet that Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster would score touchdowns and Travis Kelce to win the MVP award.
Super Bowl LVII, which will take place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, this year, will premiere on February 12. Rihanna is expected to perform a medley of her hits during halftime.
Roy Woods Unveils New Single “Don’t Love Me”
The OVO Sound crew is making some serious plays this year, but we continue to anticipate new music from Brampton’s own Roy Woods. In the past few months, we’ve heard new music from Drake, Popcaan, and the ever-mysterious PartyNextDoor. However, we’re still waiting on new music from Roy Woods. The “Gwan Big Up Urself” singer hasn’t released a full-length project since 2020’s Dem Times, which felt like it, unfortunately, fell under the radar and didn’t receive the recognition it truly deserves.
Since then, Roy Woods has warmed up his fans with a slew of records including numerous remixes. Around the time Drake released Certified Lover Boy, Woods flipped “Girls Want Girls” into a RoyMix. Then, he shared a number of singles in 2022, including his collab with DJ Charlie B, “Speeding” and “Insecure.” Each of these records left fans excited for more but he’s yet to provide a concrete date on when his next project will drop. However, we hope that it’s soon.
Roy Woods Shares His Latest Single, “Don’t Love Me”
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Woods delivered an anthem for part-time lovers with “Don’t Love Me.” UpNorth and Crater deliver a woozy and spacey beat that’s perfect for Woods’ vibrato melodies. Throughout the record, Roy Woods details an on-and-off again relationship as he hopes for more transparency within that bond. “You know I’m bullshit shawty/ But girl, I tried to tell you not to love me,” he said. Roy clearly isn’t adhering to the Valentine’s Day agenda on his latest anthem, and perhaps, that’s what more people need around this time of year.
It seems that “Don’t Love Me” might land on his next project, Mixed Emotions, which will be executive produced by Drake. “He wanted to join the process, so I said ‘Yeah, of course,’” he told HNHH. “I wanted to get my album the best way I could, and with his help, it was perfect. He had a very similar vision of what I wanted, so it wasn’t hard for us to pick songs and go through songs together.” We’ll keep you updated on Mixed Emotions. Press play on his new single above.
Quotable Lyrics
Please, don’t say you’re in love
We both know that we go back
We’re like bread and butter
Girl, ever since we linked up
You’ve had feelings mixed up