Tariq Nasheed has responded to the backlash that Fat Joe faced for his controversial comments on Math Hoffa’s My Expert Opinion show. Moreover, for those unaware, Joey Crack called Foundational Black Americans (FBA) “radical Black racists” who are trying to downplay his identity and making up narratives around him. Nasheed is in strong disagreement with Joe’s sentiments about Black culture and Latin American culture, particularly Puerto Ricans, creating hip-hop “50/50.” For the most part in his response, the filmmaker called out what he sees as lies in people’s arguments against FBAs and other common cultural misconceptions on both sides.
Furthermore, this is just one small corner of much wider cultural conversations between so many different groups across or adjacent to Black culture and identity, something that this white-passing Puerto Rican writer, to quote Justin Hunte, is not in the position to properly contextualize. But Fat Joe is far from the only hip-hop artist that Tariq Nasheed has smoke for these days, as he also made some divisive comments about Sexyy Red earlier in 2024. He believes that white supremacists are pushing her because she, in his opinion, represents a negative image of Black culture.
In addition, there are some other Fat Joe takes that might rub Tariq Nasheed or others the wrong way, as his assessment of this past year in rap music also prompted critical responses. “I woke up 2024 feeling like [God dammit!] It’s been a horrible year,” he said of hip-hop this year. “I was just having a heated discussion with my people [about this]. All our legends. All our mentors getting scrutinized. This is the worst time to be a celebrity in history. I’m not sure you guys wanna be celebrities. […] This might be the worst year ever in hip hop history type s**t. This s**t bad.”
Meanwhile, Tariq Nasheed also brought up his Microphone Check documentary against Fat Joe, which also seeks to debunk his claims. As you can tell, these are very difficult cultural conversations that could be much more fruitful and beneficial if folks didn’t take such stubborn or staunch stances. Hopefully combative clap-backs instead turn into more direct dialogue in 2025.
Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty to murder charges in Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday during his arraignment in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He rocked a maroon sweater, over a white shirt, with khaki pants, and orange shoes for the highly-publicized hearing in front of Judge Gregory Carro. ABCNews reports that approximately two dozen women vied for public seats in the courtroom gallery.
Mangione’s attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, argued that the viral nature of his case would make getting a fair trial difficult. “I am concerned about my client’s right to a fair trial. He is being prejudiced by these statements, and no safeguards are in place,” Friedman Agnifilo told Judge Carro on Monday. “He’s a young man being treated like a human ping-pong ball.” Mangione faces both state murder and terrorism charges.
Luigi Mangione Appears In Manhattan Criminal Court For Arraignment
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 23: Luigi Mangione appears with his attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo for his arraignment at Manhattan Criminal Court on December 23, 2024, in New York City. Mangione, 26, faces state murder charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street on December 4. (Photo by Curtis Means-Pool/Getty Images)
In particular, Angifilo took aim at the city’s staged perp walk which featured Mayor Eric Adams, who faces his own federal indictment on bribery and fraud charges. “It was the biggest perp walk I’ve ever seen. What was the New York City mayor even doing there? These staged perp walks are unconstitutional,” Agnifilo argued. “The mayor should know about due process, given his own problems. I think he was there to try to take away from those issues. He wanted to show symbolism. But my client is not a symbol.”
Mangione is currently residing at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, the same facility where Diddy is staying as he awaits trial in his case regarding charges of alleged sex trafficking and racketeering. Mangione will next appear in court on February 21.
Ice Spice has caused a lot of conversation around her weight loss these days, and it’s sadly one that she isn’t even leading on social media. Moreover, instead of focusing on her fitness journey and all the work-outs that she showed off, fans instead spread Ozempic rumors and felt that she was going a bit too far, especially after a recent picture with Nobu’s co-owner. Of course, much of this fan concern comes from a legitimately caring place, and it’s certainly understandable to be skeptical and put off by the drastic physical transformation. But if the Bronx femcee is happy, then maybe fans don’t have much to worry about.
Furthermore, many fans changed their tune and instead defended Ice Spice from the haters, either bringing attention to her fitness journey or lamenting why people always make fun of her or police her image. Despite all that fan engagement, she doesn’t let things go too far and, whenever she responds, it’s usually in quick, hilarious, and blunt fashion. Sadly, we can expect many more of these responses to emerge in 2025 amid more criticism to come.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of other negative narratives around Ice Spice these days that could contribute to this critical perspective of her weight loss. For example, maybe some of these haters are Latto fans who followed every step of their cold-ish war over the past few years. The most recent development in that were some alleged shots at Spice on the new GloRilla track “PROCEDURE,” continuing their supposed lyrical back-and-forths. But this is all speculative since both femcees have downplayed any actual beef, even if they haven’t done a great job of doing so for good.
Meanwhile, there are still many people thirsting for Ice Spice that actually prefer this new look, but that’s not the important part of the discussion. It’s instead whether or not she’s still healthy or if there’s something else that fans should worry about, but again, it doesn’t sound like any of our business. Hopefully the discussion turns to more fruitful topics in 2025 that aren’t as intrusive or presumptuous.
Amber Rose and Ray J have undergone their fair share of controversies in 2024, so to see them pop out for something more fun, wholesome, and friendly is a welcome change of pace. Moreover, they both recently took to Instagram to share footage from their ball pit visit with their respective children, with Rose even calling Ray her “BFF.” The two have a long-standing and well-documented friendship that allegedly almost turned romantic at one point. Actually, that rumor stems from their bond on the reality television program College Hill, and not from any actual relationship entanglement of some sort.
Considering how much backlash both of them received this year for different reasons, Amber Rose and Ray J likely enjoy any chance they get to let that all go to the fullest. But there is one common debate that they both face scrutiny for these days, and that’s their controversial support of United States President-elect Donald Trump. While Rose received the brunt of this ire due to her constant social media posts about it – and a Republican National Convention appearance – Ray is not exempt from this frustration.
Beyond Amber Rose joining him in MAGA grifting, though, Ray J also caught a lot of flack this year for his often wild comments about the Diddy situation. Most recently, the singer called the Sean Combs scandal a “conspiracy,” which contradicts some of his previous statements on the matter. “Listen, I’ve been to a lot of Diddy parties, and ain’t none of them had no dirty s**t happening at them,” he claimed during an appearance on Lah Mike’s YouTube series, 20 Versus. “All this happening with Diddy is a conspiracy, y’all.”
Meanwhile, other notable remarks from Amber Rose and Ray J these days are more about their staunch takes on other hot topics, such as the former’s assessment of the wave of Drake hate in 2024. If any take they give is a controversial one that they don’t want to assume accountability for, then we can’t blame them for relaxing at a ball pit. They’ve got each other through it all, and we’ll see what they face in 2025.
We’ve seen a couple of Big Glo throwback pictures of her pre-fame days in the years since her rise, but they somehow don’t get any less surprising. Moreover, GloRilla recently stopped by her high school to donate $25,000 to build a media center in their library, and she recreated an old photo that she took in front a trophy case. She also shared the old snapshot in question, and everything from the outfit to the hair and even her pose shows how much her style and image have changed. It’s not like the Memphis femcee is completely unrecognizable, but the recreation really emphasizes her transformation.
In addition to looking back at the people that made GloRilla who she is, she’s also looking to the future of her career. For example, she and Sexyy Red recently entertained the idea of a collab album between the two during a XXL interview. “Ratchet as f**k,” Glo posited. “It gon’ be some super ratchet s**t. The n***as gon’ hate us. No, I mean the men gon’ hate us.” “I think they’d love it,” the St. Louis hitmaker added. “Because we both trench-certified, you know? Two young ladies.”
“You know how we talk our s**t, though,” GloRilla continued. “When I first came out with ‘FNF,’ they was like, ‘Who is this b***h talking about f**k n***as?’ But it’s just a whole lot of ratchet.” “Everybody was remixing that motherf***er,” Sexyy Red responded. Elsewhere during their conversation, they also talked about how many people criticize them and other female rappers for their proclivity for overly sexual lyrics. They called this perspective, particularly the male one, a hypocritical stance, but they also faced some pushback for conflating critiques of quality with critiques of sensuality.
Nevertheless, GloRilla is closing out the year on a high note, even indulging in some holiday fare via the new Kehlani-assisted single, “Xmas Time.” To see her return to her high school to give back and look back on how far she’s come is a treat to witness, and we’re sure that there will be many more reflections and thankful moments to celebrate in her career next year.
Once upon a time, Las Vegas was a desert oasis of style synonymous with the Rat Pack and effortless cool. With its not-so-humble mob roots, there was a certain etiquette that governed the often illicit activities. Crass with class, if you will. This early incarnation is a thing of lore, romanticized in film, and up until my most recent trip, I thought it was extinct.
For almost a decade, I told myself Vegas was not my vibe. Even as an avid music lover, I never made a move to EDC or caught one of the famed artist residencies. I’d lived my own renditions of Fear and Loathing and The Hangover and sworn off the city of sin. To be fair, I’d always done the deed as a single man which definitely fueled some of the shenanigans which need not be mentioned. This time, when my girlfriend and I were invited for a quick 24 hours of fun, I got to see a different side of the city and it changed my tune.
PART I — Getting There
We flew out on a Friday afternoon. A quick hop from Los Angeles, Vegas is only a 45-minute flight. With round trips starting as low as $90, and I’m not talking Spirit, the carrier pigeon of all major airlines, the grown-up in me no longer had an excuse to bear the drive I’d taken so many times before.
In fairness, I suppose everyone should do it once. The desert landscape is truly stunning; however, having earned that merit badge on multiple occasions, we passed on the scenic route. Less than 90 minutes from the time we boarded our flight back in LA, my lady and I were already in an Uber cruising down the strip in Vegas. Our winning streak had begun.
PART II — Home Base
Wynn
The next level of our grown-up decision train was planting ourselves firmly at the Wynn & Encore towers. While there is obviously no shortage of options for accommodations and entertainment in LV, keeping ourselves within the Wynn ecosystem streamlined every move to come in a way that felt, frankly, comforting.
No, the Wynn complex isn’t the newest thing to hit the strip; however, it is, by any measure, on the top tier in every statistical category. From their exceptional selection of dining and nightlife to world-class shopping and entertainment, they’re hard to beat if you’re looking to get it all under one roof. Oh yeah, and they’ve got a golf course. The only hotel on the strip that can say as much, the Wynn boasts a full 18 holes on site. I didn’t get my strokes in this round, but I’ve officially tacked it onto the to-do list.
The Room:
Though we didn’t spend too much time in it, we got a Panoramic View King room in the Encore Tower. Modern but not overly minimalist, everything in the design felt perfectly in place. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors on the walls matched the equal-length windows looking out over the strip. Aside from all the usual lights of Las Vegas Blvd, we found ourselves with a welcome and whimsical view of the new-ish MSG Sphere, which changes its graphics constantly.
The overall vibe was refined and sexy without trying too hard.
Encore
The Wynn boasts their own line of custom pillow-top mattresses and I must say the bed game on the whole was a 10/10 from the thread count on down. At the end of any inevitably long night out in Vegas, you want your room to feel as comfortable as it is stylish. When we finally nested in, it was all deep exhales with no groans of discontent.
PART III — Pre-Game
After a quick refresher and outfit change, we dropped down onto the casino floor. It was a bustling Friday scene, but gambling was not in the cards. Passing by the temptation of all the games of chance, we bet on a sure thing and went straight to the Tower Suites Bar to meet the rest of our crew. More of an elegant lounge than a bar per se, the Tower Suites Bar is designed like a lavish living room. It’s got a refreshing calm and quiet to it that grants a reprieve from the big bustle of the casino floor and is quiet enough for real conversations in a normal speaking voice.
Aryeh-Or
With an impressive signature cocktail list, I opted for ‘The Mystic’ an agave-based (Tequila + Mezcal) twist on an Old Fashioned with a hand-torched touch. Literally, they used a torch and a clay skull with an herbal blend to add a layer of smoke as a topper to the glass. Both the palate and the presentation were top-notch. I liked it so much, I ordered it twice. I could have easily gone for three of a kind, but I kept it tame knowing that this was just the beginning of a long night.
The real excitement started at dinner.
PART IV — Feast
For fine dining with all the right kind of flare, we chose Delilah. A tent pole venue from the always immaculate H Wood group, Delilah brings back that signature saucy style that the Vegas legends were built on. Literally, Wynn’s president of Design and Development, Todd Avery-Lenahan, drew reference from showrooms of the bygone era by data-mining old photos from the Strip to pick up nuances and details.
The result is a veritable time machine.
Delilah
Delilah’s high ceilings and open floor plan give everyone in the house a full view of the massive stage where a full band in suits and ties turn rock classics and top 40 hits into downtempo jazzy arrangements. A stunning singer in a sequined dress wraps the whole room around her little finger as she reinterprets some of our favorite melodies. Throughout the night, girls dressed as if they came straight out of a Baz Luhrman film glide through the crowd in crystal-encrusted dresses carrying long feather fans. It’s the perfect blend of spectacle to complement a meal while not demanding that you pay attention at any point.
All that said, we only saw this part of Delilah as we walked in. We had something more in store.
Taking it up yet another notch, we were escorted back through the kitchen where a small and unassuming door opened to reveal “the chef’s table.” An intimate eight-seat masterpiece with its own bar and dedicated staff, this truly felt like we were living in a mob movie. Champagne was poured. Giant platters of oysters and crustaceans dropped at either end of the table. Dish after dish, we were treated to a taste of the best that Delilah had to offer.
Delilah
With old friends and a few new ones, we laughed and shared stories over the family-style feast. One of the new friends I was introduced to at that table was a very laid-back and convivial young man named Charlie, whose alter ego I’d get to know later that night as Acraze. Charlie and I got to chatting about music, the love of hunting for a great sample, Burning Man and much more. Before too long, he had to excuse himself to get ready for his set that night.
I’d never heard him spin before, but just by the energy at dinner, I knew we’d be in good hands when our feet hit the dance floor.
PART V — Acraze at XS
After a quick post-meal wardrobe change, it was time to work off the decadent meal and dance the night away. We linked up with Acraze and his crew and were ushered in through the back of XS, the sprawling indoor/outdoor poolside club at the Encore. XS is hardly the new kid on the block as clubs go. In fact, it’s one of the older super clubs in Vegas, having first opened its doors on NYE in 2008.
Still, XS has not only kept up with the times, it’s pushed the envelope and taunted others to do the same.
XS
I got to have a brief chat with Wynn’s AVP of Day/Nightlife Ryan Jones. He shared that a key component in XS’s continued success is intentional evolution. Borrowing from the hottest clubs in Ibiza, Mykonos, and even Nashville blues bars, Jones and his team have actively sought ingredients from around the world to keep XS not only relevant but regarded on the top shelf as clubs go.
In his own words, “We’re in the game of competing globally, not locally.” To that end, they do not skimp on talent. A club is only a room until a great artist breathes life into it. Acraze did just that and then some.
Typical Tom
The moment he took the stage and lit up the decks, Acraze discarded the unassuming demeanor that I’d met over dinner and showed his true colors. With a deft ear and a pleasantly surprising blend of genres, Acraze led us on a sonic journey. Mixing in deep cuts from Guns & Roses to Missy Elliot and of course his own breakout hit “Do It To It”, he kept us on our toes in every sense.
We danced the decadent dinner off and then some. I’ll admit it, as a musician myself I’m picky and can be quick to judge when a DJ is not in the pocket. I have no reservations in saying that Acraze did not let us down for a single beat. From the first drop to the last, Acraze is all A-Game!
PART VI — Recovery
Wynn
After all the decadent shenanigans of the night, we gave ourselves an equally extravagant recovery regimen and booked massages at The Spa at Encore. The Forbes five-star facility lived up to every other aspect of our trip. From the moment you enter the neo-victorian lobby with its dazzling faux atrium to the monastery-like halls within, the facility transports you to a world far away from the chaos of the city. The ‘Good Luck Ritual’ is The Spa at Encore Las Vegas’ signature treatment, designed around the Chinese elements using a combination of oils and hot towels in a way I’d never experienced. Frankly, it might have been the best massage I’ve ever had.
Another hour of saunas and cold plunges and I felt reborn and ready to do it all over again. I certainly would have, but alas, we had a plane to catch. That was the final key to making this the best Vegas trip yet — we knew when to fold ’em and leave the Wynn on a win.
POST SCRIPT:
The best way to do Vegas is with a squad and a plan. Lock in beforehand and leave little to no room for the variable temptations that all too often lead to regret. Our “keep it in the building” model this go round went off without a hitch. The greatest added bonus of not “chasing it” was having quality of interpersonal time that feeds real relationships. Acraze and I have already gotten to catch up and chat further after leaving the lights behind us. That’ll be a write-up for another time but I’m excited to see and share more about what he’s got cooking. The bottom line — Vegas is what you make of it and I am finally a full fan.
Lil Baby recently stopped by Lil Yachty’s podcast, A Safe Place, to talk about a whole lot of topics, including his upcoming albums for 2025. However, one of the more revealing and curious parts of the interview came when they discussed parenthood on social media, particularly the question of showing your kids off online. Baby isn’t really a big fan of this practice, despite his children’s mothers posting some of their kids online. However, he also made it clear that he talks with his sons about these topics to make sure that the online narratives don’t intrude on their well-being.
“I feel like the Internet is a crazy place,” Lil Baby remarked when asked about narratives around his parenting and his children on the Internet. “And if it was up to me, I wouldn’t put my children on the Internet for real, you know what I’m saying? But it is what it is. What I will say is, like, I’m from a different cloth. So certain s**t I don’t even play about. Nobody gon’ make a comment that they make on the Internet around me, never. It’s, like, I can’t really beat the Internet. So once I learned that, a lot of s**t bothered me when I see certain s**t, but it’s to the point where I’m so numb and void, I just tune it out.
“I had them personal talks with my kids,” Lil Baby continued. “Like, I explained some s**t to my sons, both of them. I could be recording them all day and putting them on the Internet. If it was up to me, I would go without having my children on the Internet, period. [The lack of control over that] don’t really bother me, it’s just, like, what I got to deal with. […] ‘Cause I’m just raw and uncut with them. But I’m saying, that’s the stuff we talk about. That’s what I talk to my sons about: when y’all in school, how to carry yourself, when y’all out, when people say certain stuff, when people do certain stuff. I have those real conversations, like, no edit.
“‘Cause it ain’t even no age,” Lil Baby concluded. “Jason nine, he damn near know everything I know. And Loyal, too. They got the Internet. I can’t even beat around the bush. Jason asking me the wildest s**t in the world. Loyal asking me the wildest s**t in the world. I got to tell them how it go. Especially seeing me too, because I’m not really too tough trying to hide.”
50 Cent recently concerned a lot of fans after he posted a video of Benzino seemingly suffering a manic episode. Moreover, the rapper claimed that the Source executive‘s girlfriend Ashley Bell filmed him threatening to commit self-harm with a knife “because she called the cops for him allegedly beating her.” Viewer discretion is advised for the second video in the Instagram post linked below, as it’s a very disturbing moment that is not easy to watch. However, it seems like this could be all a big misunderstanding, as Benzino responded on social media shortly after with a video explaining his side of the story.
“Okay, first and foremost, I just want to let everybody know that I’m okay, alright?” Benzino exclusively told The Shade Room about this scary situation according to their report. “Second of all, I want to let everybody know that that was a rehearsal for a Tubi movie, alright? My girl was helping me out, we was doing a script reading, and that was a rehearsal for a Tubi movie. That was a scene from a movie, okay? I would never, ever put my hands on any woman. I’ve never done that in my life. That’s for cowards. And I surely wouldn’t do anything to hurt myself.
“So shout out to all the people that was concerned, but I’m okay, alright?” Benzino continued. “Oh, yeah, and I also want to let Curtis [50 Cent] know, good looking. Thanks, Curtis, for promoting me. Keep on posting me, that’s dope. You know what I’m saying? Here, post this, you want to post something [shows off body]. You know what I mean? I’m in that gym heavy, benching 315. What you doing, Curtis? Anyways, happy holidays to all and stay safe.”
We’ll see what other people have to say about this situation, as folks are very concerned for Benzino and his girlfriend if this video isn’t just a rehearsal. Elsewhere, he’s spoken about wanting to bury past feuds with Eminem and move on from his more controversial or combative antics, so hopefully he’s not lying about this video and this isn’t a destructive bump in the road that he needs help over.
OG Maco fans expressed concern, confusion, and since-retracted condolences for his condition after he allegedly survived a suicide attempt this week. Moreover, authorities found him unresponsive in his home in California after a neighbor head a firearm go off, although we don’t have many more details to go off of. First and foremost, we wish Maco the best during this difficult time and hope that he recovers in a speedy fashion. It seems like this might be the case, as his longtime manager and friend Poppa Perc relayed a hopeful update on his condition to Instagram on Saturday (December 14).
“We all wanna thank you for praying for @ogxmaco,” OG Maco’s manager Poppa Perc shared on the social media platform. “He’s still fighting and he’s in a more stable condition and it’s better than what he was 2 nights ago. We won’t know [too] much untill Monday for now please keep praying.” The “Let It Be” artist himself hasn’t really given fans much of a direct update or statement on the situation, but they are focused on support and solidarity rather than having all the answers as soon as possible.
However, fans also faced a lot of confusion during this time, as some outlets reported that OG Maco passed away. His manager quickly dispelled these rumors, as he spoke to AllHipHop to confirm Maco’s well-being along with some other social media posts blasting these publications. “Say Cheese is capping right now,” Poppa Perc relayed on Instagram. “Maco is still in ICU.” “He’s still on life support, still fighting,” he told AllHipHop on Friday (December 13). “They are doing multiple tests on his brain and trying to let the swelling go down a bit, let his head heal a little bit, so they can do a procedure. Only immediate family is allowed at the hospital, but we’ve been getting updates.”
Meanwhile, fans of the “Devotion” rapper continue to make their support crystal clear on social media. OG Maco’s situation still left many of them with questions, but during such a sensitive and arduous time, they are ready to wait as long as they need to.
Police in Pennsylvania apprehended 26-year-old Luigi Mangione as a person of interest in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Monday afternoon. A McDonald’s employee in Altoona recognized him from pictures police have shared in recent days and alerted the authorities. They’ve yet to arrest or charge him in connection with the killing, but he was allegedly carrying a gun, a silencer, and other false forms of identification, according to The New York Times. Thompson was slain in Midtown Manhattan on December 4.
In addition to the weapon, Mangione was also carrying a handwritten manifesto criticizing healthcare companies for their corporate greed, two law enforcement officials told The Times. “Our hope is that today’s apprehension brings some relief to Brian’s family, friends, colleagues, and the many others affected by this unspeakable tragedy,” a spokesperson for UnitedHealth Group said in a statement caught by CNN on Tuesday. “We thank law enforcement and will continue to work with them on this investigation. We ask that everyone respect the family’s privacy as they mourn.”
Police Share Wanted Poster For Healthcare CEO Shooter
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 4: A wanted poster is set up for an NYPD press conference regarding a homicide that authorities believe was a targeted attack at One. Police Plaza on December 4, 2024, in New York City. United Healthcare C.E.O. Brian Thompson was shot before 7:00am this morning, before he was to attend the company’s annual investors meeting. (Photo by Alex Kent/Getty Images)
Users on social media have already begun scouring his accounts for further information. Many are claiming he attended a private high school in the Baltimore area where he graduated as valedictorian. He also apparently earned a degree in engineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 2020.
Prior to Monday’s arrest, police recovered a backpack in Central Park that they believe the shooter ditched while fleeing the crime scene. Law enforcement sources have reported that they found Monopoly money in the bag. Be on the lookout for further updates on Luigi Mangione on HotNewHipHop.
