On this date at the turn of the millennium, Jay-Z and his Rocafella cohorts released the only crew album of his career, The Dynasty: Roc La Familia.
Along with Memphis Bleek and the State Property clan from Philly, including Peedi Crack, Beanie Sigel, Oschino, Sparks, Freeway, and others, Hov brought the supergroup energy to this album that was seen as the pinnacle of Jay’s career; right before his Blueprint metamorphosis, which was the beginning of the mogul he is today.
Even with all of the star power on the album, there were still some stand-out tracks on the LP exclusively released on the infamous Rocafella imprint, including the Neptunes-produced ‘I Just Want To Love U(Give It To Me)”, the controversial “Guilty Until Proven Innocent” featuring the trouble-ridden R. Kelly and the old Kanye-produced “This Can’t Be Life” featuring Beanie and Geto Boys’ Scarface. With additional production from the likes of Just Blaze, Rockwilder, Rick Rock, and others, this album is one of Jigga’s standout projects of his illustrious career.
Salute to Jay, Biggs, Dame, Bleek, and the rest of the Roc for this piece of Hip-Hop History!!
Back in October 2022, the sporting company split business ties with Ye following antisemitic remarks made by the “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” rapper. Today (October 29), the two have wrapped up their legal fight. According to Bloomberg, Ye and Adidas reached an out-of-court settlement.
During a conference call, Adidas’ CEO Bjørn Gulden shared a statement regarding their mutual resolve. “There isn’t any more open issues,” he said. “No one owes anybody anything anymore. So whatever was is history.”
Gulden’s comments about financial payout raised questions among patrons. But Page Six claims Gulden clarified that by saying: “There isn’t any more open issues, and there is no money going [out] either way, and we both move on.”
Gulden closed by saying: “There were tensions on many issues, and… when you put the claims on the right side, and you put the claims on the left side, both parties said we don’t need to fight anymore and withdrew all the claims.”
It’s only been about a month since Kanye West sold his now desolate Malibu mansion. If you remember, the visionary had plans to convert it into a bomb shelter. However, it never really came to fruition and it’s left the new owner in shambles. Belwood Investments CEO, Bo Belmont, and his company took the property off of his hands in late September for $21 million. It was a staggering $36 million less than what Ye bought it for three years ago.
Mr. Belmont ripped the stark changes to the “architectural masterpiece,” saying, “That was a really dumb move. Really no purpose… He single-handedly destroyed [it]… My goal is to make it as though Kanye was never there. The house will be restored right back to what it was. It would have required extensive review… There’s a process to it and he does things his own way, and the city of Malibu, they don’t care who you are they’ll hold you accountable.”
Kanye West Is The Latest Celebrity To Call This Lavish Abode Home
February 20, 2011; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Kanye West performs during the half time show at the 2011 NBA All Star game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro via USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Well, we will just have to wait and see what Kanye does to his next abode because he’s already purchased another one. It is just as stunning, according to TMZ, as it features an entertainment pavilion, pools with waterfalls and others for doing laps, a pool house, in addition to a gazebo. There’s a paddle tennis court, it’s 20,000 square feet, there’s seven acres of land, and even 11 bedrooms and 18 bathrooms. It’s located in a gated community called Beverly Park North in Beverly Hills. Ye scooped it up for $35 million in an off-market deal and many other celebrities have lived here before. Some include Mark Wahlberg, Justin Bieber, Denzel Washington, and Eddie Murphy. Ye did get his hands on the home under the same LLC used to sell the Malibu pad.
What are your thoughts on Kanye West’s new home in Beverly Hills, California? How long do you think he will keep this property? Do you think some recording for Bully will be done here? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Kanye West. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
The Ye and Adidas relationship is 100% over. According to Reuters, Adidas reached an out-of-court settlement with the rapper to end all agreements. No money was paid to either party.
The relationship between Ye and Adidas went south after a run of antisemitic comments from the iconic Chicago rapper.
“There isn’t any more open issues, and there is no… money going either way, and we both move on,” CEO Bjorn Gulden said on a call. “There were tensions on many issues, and… when you put the claims on the right side and you put the claims on the left side, both parties said we don’t need to fight anymore and withdrew all the claims.”
Earlier this year, after the brand announced a new stock drop at the end of the month, Kanye hit the net with a message stating he had been sued.
“Not only are they putting out fake colorways that are not approved, they are suing me for $250 million,” Ye said. “And they also not paying me for these shoes they are putting out that has my name on it.
“They are using contract clauses and 50 years of business experience to rape an artist – one of y’all favorite artists – right in front of y’all in broad daylight.”
Kanye says Adidas is suing him for 250M while selling Yeezy’s with his name on it without paying him. Other celebrities need to speak out and bring attention to this because it could be them too one day pic.twitter.com/wxBBbiSHHA
According to Complex, Adidas announced the remaining Yeezy stock release on Feb. 29. The “Steel Grey” Yeezy Boost 350 V2 was available for $230 through the Confirmed app, Adidas app, or Adidas.com.
adidas will release the remaining YEEZY inventory, which features products from 2022, in the course of the year.
The range available will include some of the most popular designs beginning with the YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 in STEEL GREY. pic.twitter.com/zMRVRT1aYx
Adidas also teased additional sneakers, showing an image with silhouettes of the Yeezy Foam Runner, the Yeezy 500, the Yeezy Boost 350 V2, and the Yeezy Slides.
Meanwhile, Kanye West delivered a message to fans to not buy them. “Anybody who loves Ye would not buy these fake Yeezys [.] I never made these color ways [.] I’m not getting paid off of them and adidas is suing me.”
You can see his full statement below.
KANYE WEST Responds After ADIDAS Continue To Sell Off The Rest Of Their YEEZY Sneakers pic.twitter.com/Ut1NmmmUii
In Sept. 2023, Ye received words of support from Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden. In an interview, Gulden stated he doesn’t believe Kanye West is a bad person.
“And then as creative people he did some statements which wasn’t that good,” Gulden said. “And that caused Adi to break the contract and withdraw the product. Very unfortunate because I don’t think he meant what he said and I don’t think he’s a bad person it just came across that way.
“That meant we lost that business. One of the most successful collabs in history — very said. But again, when you work with third parties that can happen. It’s part of the game.”
New Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden about Ye :
“Kanye West is one of the most creative people in the world. I don’t think he’s a bad person, it just came across that way.” pic.twitter.com/8k1JvHkyJl
Adidas reports a revenue of $437 million in the first release of leftover Yeezy sneakers from their nixed deal with Ye, formerly known as Kanye West. The first run of shoes hit online in June, selling out. The second run began to sell on Wednesday.
The sale of the sneakers was the efforts to empty their inventory responsibly. After the first launch, CEO Bjørn Gulden said, “We will continue to carefully sell off more of the existing Yeezy inventory,”
Adidas has also announced the donation of over 10 million euros to groups like the Anti-Defamation League, the Philonise & Keeta Floyd Institute for Social Change, and Robert Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism.
According to Billboard, 20% to 25% of the stock was unloaded in the first sale.
Kanye West talked up Donda Academy when it was launched in 2022. The rapper wanted to provide a space for the leaders and innovators to hone their talents without having to adhere to standard models of education. The school never really caught on, however, and allegations made by a former staff member may provide clarity as to why. Cecilia Hailey is currently suing Kanye West for wrongful termination. Her suit alleges she she was fired for pushing back against the rapper’s curriculum. The former teacher also went into detail about said curriculum in a new interview.
Cecilia Hailey spoke with The U.S. Sun about her time working under Kanye West. She alleged that the rapper wanted the students to march, as well as take shooting classes. Hailey claims that she voiced her concern for these practices. “I’m thinking that is not gonna happen if I’m here,” she noted to the outlet. “That’s not acceptable, it’s not necessary, and what does that have to do with education?” Hailey said that she felt Kanye West was “delusional” and likened his practices to Adolf Hitler. Someone who West has openly (and controversially) expressed admiration for in the past.
“Teaching these kids to march,” she claimed. “To be honest with you I kind of got like Hitler vibes around that or real bizarre things.” Cecilia Hailey alleged that Donda Academy teachers were not allowed to step in and prevent bullying among students. She alleged that students regularly got physical, which she felt was an even bigger issue given the wide range of ages. “So you might have a fourth grader hitting on a kindergarten or a first grader,” Hailey said. “We had kids hiding under tables because they were afraid. It was mayhem, really.”
This is not the first time Cecilia Hailey has spoken out against Donda Academy. The teacher had two and a half decades of experience prior to joining the staff. Hailey’s lawsuit, which was filed in August of 2023, alleged that the school failed to provide proper testing or “individualized learnings plans” in accordance with California state regulations. Furthermore she alleged that the students were behind in terms of their counterparts in other schools. She alleged, for example, that they were at least two years behind when it came to mathematics. The lawsuit against Kanye West has a trial date set for April 2025.
Ye is ready to bring fans into the world of Bully. Hitting Instagram, Ye dropped off the cover art for the album, crediting Japanese photographer Daidō Moriyama for the work.
Previously, the artist formerly known as Kanye West introduced fans to the sound of his forthcoming album, Bully. On Instagram, he teases “Beauty and the Beast” from Tokyo while stating that the Bully album is on the way. You can hear the tease below.
Dame Dash may not be on the best of terms with JAY-Z, but he remains supportive of Kanye West. The Roc-A-Fella co-founder had a front row seat to West’s early years, and got a chance to see him become one of the greatest hip hop artists of all time. Granted, the West story has become exponentially messier since his days on Roc-A-Fella. The rapper has become one of the most polarizing celebrities in the world, and is currently facing a lawsuit from former assistant Lauren Pisciotta.
Dame Dash weighed in on the lawsuit during a recent appearance on American Nu Network. He noted that West is his brother, and always will be. Dash also noted that he’d been accused of the same thing West is currently being accused of. “No matter what, Kanye is my brother,” the mogul asserted. “So I’m going to always hope that what’s said is not true. As a person that’s been accused of sexual assault and went through a whole trial and got the press of the accusation… you know, I would have questions.” The Roc-A-Fella co-founder hopes that West is innocent.
He also noted that several lawsuits have been leveled at celebrities, but many fail to stick. “Every day, there’s gonna be lawsuits,” Dame Dash opined. “And you’re gonna have to filter through the bullsh*t ones and you’re gonna have to see the ones that will really stand up in court.” The Roc-A-Fella co-founded did state, however, that he will swear by what the court of law decrees. If Lauren Pisciotta’s claims prove to be true, then Dame Dash claims he will change his tune. “If it is true, then, you know, I feel bad that the girl had to go through that,” he explained.
Pisciotta’s claims date back to 2021-22. The former assistant alleges that Kanye West West sent her explicit texts and pornographic photos on a consistent basis. Pisciotta also alleges that the rapper laced her drink and sexually assaulted during a studio session with Diddy. She claims to have woken up without any recollection of what happened, but that West claimed they “did kind of hook up a little.” Reps for the rapper claim he plans to file a countersuit against Pisciotta.
Kanye West is introducing fans to the sound of his forthcoming album, Bully. On Instagram, he teases “Beauty and the Beast” from Tokyo while stating that the Bully album is on the way. You can hear the tease below.
There’s a reckoning in the music industry as alleged predators get exposed and Kanye West is the latest male celebrity to be accused of sexual assault. According to TMZ, his former executive assistant as Yeezy, Lauren Pisciotta, accused the mogul of rape, drugging her, and harassing her during her time in the role. Pisciott amended her lawsuit to include new allegations after she accused Ye of wrongful termination. These include claims that Ye laid her off after bumping her up to chief of staff position with a $4M a year salary, per TMZ. Her latest lawsuit sheds light on bombshell allegations, including lewd comments about Ye’s mother-in-law, Alexandra Censori, and engaged in inappropriate workplace conduct. Below, we’ve broken down the allegations against Ye.
Lauren Pisciotta’s Allegations Of Drugging & Assault
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 14: Rapper Kanye West performs onstage during the “Vultures 1” playback concert during Rolling Loud 2024 at Hollywood Park Grounds on March 14, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
Lauren Pisciotta’s lawsuit has expanded to include an accusation that Kanye West drugged her at a studio session hosted by both West and Diddy. According to Pisciotta, she attended the session with her former artist management client after receiving an invitation from West. She claims that after taking a few sips of a drink handed to her by Kanye, she began to feel disoriented. Pisciotta says she remembers almost nothing from the night, waking up the next day with feelings of shame and embarrassment.
Though Pisciotta did not name her clients in the court documents, former G.O.O.D Music artist Niykee Heaton detailed a similar story regarding a studio session hosted by West and Diddy. In a lengthy Instagram video shared earlier this year, her claims mirrored that of Pisciotta, who allegedly managed her around that time.
Pisciotta’s lawsuit focuses on Kanye West’s actions. However, she claimed Diddy attended the studio session, as well. However, Pisciotta hasn’t listed Diddy as a defendant in the case nor has Diddy’s legal responded to the claims. Diddy himself is facing unrelated criminal charges involving racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. He has denied all major allegations made against him in those cases.
Kanye Allegedly Admitted To Sexual Misconduct
US rapper Kanye West (C), attends the Givenchy Spring-Summer 2023 fashion show during the Paris Womenswear Fashion Week, in Paris, on October 2, 2022. (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP) (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA/AFP via Getty Images)
Years after the studio session, Pisciotta alleges that Kanye West brought up the night in question, claiming they had hooked up. This revelation, she says, came as a shock. She assumed she had simply been drugged and embarrassed herself at the event. Pisciotta now believes West took advantage of her during this time.
Before these new accusations surfaced, Pisciotta had already accused Kanye West of sexual harassment. In her initial lawsuit, she claimed West sent her vulgar and explicit text messages, describing disturbing sexual desires. According to Pisciotta, West even confessed to masturbating while on the phone with her and expressed an inappropriate obsession with the penis sizes of her boyfriends. These claims formed the foundation of her original legal complaint.
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 28: Kanye West and Sean “Diddy” Combs aka Puff Daddy pose together at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden on August 28, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)
Although Pisciotta’s lawsuit focuses on Kanye West’s actions, it’s worth noting that Diddy was also present at the studio session. However, Pisciotta has made it clear that she is not accusing Diddy of any wrongdoing related to the alleged drugging or sexual misconduct. Diddy’s legal team has not responded to the claims, and Diddy himself is facing unrelated criminal charges involving racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. He has denied all major allegations made against him in those cases.
Alleged Lewd Comments About His Wife’s Mother
PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 19: (L-R) Kanye West and Bianca Censori attend the Prototypes Menswear Spring/Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 19, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Lyvans Boolaky/Getty Images)
One of the most shocking claims in Pisciotta’s lawsuit involves Kanye West’s wife, Bianca Censori, and her mother, Alexandra Censori. According to Pisciotta, West expressed a desire to have sex with Bianca’s mother while Bianca watched. In September 2022, West allegedly sent a text to Bianca saying, “I wanna f*** your mum. Before she leaves,” referring to Alexandra’s visit to Los Angeles from Australia. Pisciotta claimed West later sent her a screenshot of this message, even asking if he should add, “I meant I want you to watch me f*** your mom.”
Bianca–on a work visa at the time–allegedly responded to West in a manner that Pisciotta claims was “required” by him in order to keep her job. The response allegedly read, “(Alexandra is) married. I’m going to f*** someone this weekend and tell you the next time you’re inside me.” Alexandra Censori has remained silent on the allegations, requesting privacy when approached by the media.
Alexandra Censori’s Response
Kanye West’s mother-in-law, Alexandra Censori, kept out out of the spotlight but recently, paps spotted her for the first time following the public revelation of these allegations. When approached by Daily Mail reporters in Melbourne, she declined to comment on the situation, asking for privacy instead. Despite the disturbing claims made by Pisciotta, Alexandra has not spoken publicly about her son-in-law’s alleged behavior.
Disturbing Workplace Conditions
HOLLYWOOD, CA – JUNE 28: Kanye West at Milk Studios on June 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California. adidas and Kanye West announce the future of their partnership: adidas + KANYE WEST (Photo by Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for ADIDAS)
The lawsuit paints a troubling picture of the workplace environment under Kanye West’s leadership. Not only did Pisciotta claim that West’s sexual “kinks” often centered on wanting to have intercourse with the mothers of those he was involved with but her lawsuit alleges that he frequently talked about these desires with his staff. Per The Daily Mail, Pisciotta also alleged that West used his influence at companies like Adidas and Gap to secure work visas for women he brought to the U.S. for sexual purposes. She claims these women received obscure job titles and signed non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) about their experiences.
West allegedly engaged in sexual encounters with employees and guests at the Yeezy offices, where he reportedly set up makeshift bedrooms consisting of a mattress, pillows, and a blanket in closets or unused rooms, according to the suit. Pisciotta further claims that the company instructed employees to keep these arrangements quiet, and that West’s behavior often crossed professional lines in a workplace that lacked boundaries.
The Aftermath & Legal Repercussions
Lauren Pisciotta, who worked with Kanye West from 2021 to 2022, claims Ye wrongfully terminated her from her position shortly after promoting her to chief of staff. She alleges that the company offered her $3 million in severance but never paid the amount. In response to the lawsuit, attorneys for Kanye West called the allegations “baseless,” asserting that Pisciotta had pursued her former boss “sexually to coerce employment and other material benefits.”
Overall, Kanye West is not the most agreeable person on the planet. His public comments and actions are the main drivers of that, with his music (especially recently) also chipping in to some extent. Sometimes, he may even come across as an alien to a few out there. That’s at least what actress Kristin Cavallari is kind of suggesting about Kanye West. The former Laguna Beach star firmly says that he’s actually a clone on the latest episode of her podcast, Let’s Be Honest, according to TMZ.
She posted the clip in which she discusses this topic with her co-host Justin Anderson on her Instagram page and fans seem to agree with her. Overall, she’s of this belief due to his new physical stature. Kristin used an older street interview with Ye as evidence in which he said, “If ever went anywhere, we’d know why.” Throughout the clip, she’s extremely steadfast with this theory, “Look at him. Compare old photos of him. It’s not the same f***ing person. It’s not. Don’t cancel me Hollywood.”
In fact, she even added that the Illuminati and the Cabal are somehow tied to this. Anderson is not really buying what she has to say, writing it off as Kanye just wanting to bulk up. He also questions how one of the biggest artists in the world would just suddenly disappear without anyone knowing. Cavallari has a response for that as well, as she suggests that these secret societies would kill anyone who tried to question it. “I believe this with every ounce in my body,” she added. It’s a steamy hot take, but there’s a large camp who agree.
What are your thoughts on Kristin Cavallari firmly believing that the current day Kanye West is a clone? Do you think she is way off the mark, why or why not? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Kanye West. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the worlds of music and pop culture.
