Nicki Minaj’s Arrest Wasn’t Racially Motivated, Dutch Police Insist

Last week, Nicki Minaj was arrested in Amsterdam and hit with a drug charge, later getting released and given a fine. She canceled her scheduled performances in the Netherlands capital as a result, and soon took to social media to vent. The “FTCU” rapper made it clear that she wasn’t happy with the way she was treated by authorities. She suggested that the run-in could have been a result of racial profiling, citing a similarly unfortunate situation Ari Lennox dealt with in 2021.

Now, however, Dutch police are refuting those claims. A rep for the department recently spoke with the NOS, stating that authorities were simply following protocol. Moreover, they called it “annoying” that Nicki suggested the arrest could have been racially motivated, insisting that they treat everyone equally.

Read More: Nicki Minaj Reveals The Dates For The Second North American Leg Of Her “Pink Friday 2” Tour

Dutch Police Claim Nicki Minaj’s Arrest Went “Smoothly”

Nicki Minaj’s Arrest Wasn’t Racially Motivated, Dutch Police Insist
Nicki Minaj speaks onstage during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for MTV)

“It’s annoying if she experienced it that way,” the rep said. “We arrested her when we found dozens of joints in her luggage. The lady was released four hours after arrest in consultation with the public prosecutor, and after paying a fine. I think that it all went very smoothly. It’s annoying that she drew that card.”

They also spoke with BBC about the incident, making similar claims. “We just do our job, and it is protocol to search luggage and arrest a person when we find drugs,” they told the outlet. “The arrest was around 5:30 p.m., the release at 9:30 p.m. We stand for a professional organization that treats everybody equal, no matter what.” What do you think of Dutch authorities’ response to Nicki Minaj claiming that her recent arrest could have been racially motivated? What about them calling it “annoying” that she made the suggestion? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Nicki Minaj Reveals The Poor Treatment She Received In Amsterdam

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Doechii, JT & More Show Love To The LGBTQ+ Community In Heartfelt Letters

For the past seven years or so, Billboard has reached out to various artists and musicians for Pride Month in June to send letters of love to their LGBTQ+ fans and loved ones. Moreover, this year got new additions from the likes of “Alter Ego” duo Doechii and JT, UMI, Max Ernst, Allison Ponthier, Shinjiro Atae, Ashnikko, Icona Pop, MORGXN, and many more. Check out the “Via” link down below if you want to check out these stars’ full letters, as Billboard‘s original article includes select excerpts. As folks continue to advocate for the community’s rights and freedoms today while also celebrating the progress since the 1969 Stonewall Riots and their own lives, these moments and messages are always important to treasure.

“I owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to the LGBTQ+ community for embracing me so tightly and pushing not only my music, but also championing my personal growth,” Doechii penned for her fans, supporters, and close companions. “My creative work is heavily influenced by both my Florida roots and the vibrant LGBTQ+ community. My music is dedicated to all those who have encouraged me to strive for excellence and even to those who may have doubted me along the way.”

Read More: Doechii Net Worth 2024: Updated Wealth Of The Rapper

JT Performing At The Wireless Festival

Pride Month Billboard Letters Artists Doechii JT LGBTQ Hip Hop News
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – JULY 09: JT of City Girls performs during the Wireless Festival at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) on July 9, 2022 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Katja Ogrin/Redferns/Getty Images)

“I know it’s not always easy to exist or love yourself when you don’t always have the support or acceptance from family, friends and these lawmakers, but never give up and keep fighting for yourself!” JT shared. “Find safe spaces to celebrate and love yourself. Find people who support and can help create opportunities for you to better yourself. When it feels like no one understands you and you just wanna give up, please hold on and stay strong.”

Meanwhile, this comes as other artists like KAYTRANADA reflect on their own journey when it comes to their sexuality and openness in the music space. These challenges can be downright dangerous for many out there, a tragic and abhorrent reality that continues to rear its ugly head in the industry. But there are also more chances for outward support and discussion than ever. As such, hopefully this gratitude and loving appreciation is something that transcends just 30 days in a year.

Read More: Yung Miami Sells “The Gays” Merch With Proceeds Going To LGBTQ+ Causes

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Erica Banks Puts Controversial BBL On Full Display In NSFW Twerking Video

As of late, Erica Banks has found herself subject to a great deal of criticism for undergoing a second BBL. Earlier this week, a clip of the femcee performing at a music festival made its rounds online, prompting countless social media users to weigh in. Many argued that she may have gone too far in enhancing her backside, and advised her to slow down.

Despite facing backlash for her new figure, Banks has made it clear that she’s unfazed. The Texas-born baddie is seen throwing it back to Flo Milli’s Fine Ho, Stay cut “Clap Sum” in a new video, looking unbothered as can be. “Hey yall, I love this song I couldn’t stop twerkin yesterday 😭😭,” she wrote. “Imma delete later don’t trip.” Unfortunately, the criticism continues.

Read More: Erica Banks’ Fans Claim She Went Too Far With Her BBL

Erica Banks Proves She’s Unbothered By Criticism

“It’s just too muchhhh,” one commenter claims. “The First BBL was proportioned right. This is a lot,” someone else writes. Others are even urging Banks to consider getting it reduced, though she obviously sees no problem with its size. Of course, not everyone has a problem with her curves, as there are also several thirsty fans praising her for her appearance.

Banks’ BBL isn’t the only reason she’s made headlines in recent weeks, as earlier this month, fans dug up some of her old Tweets after she threw a bit of shade at Megan Thee Stallion. She appeared confident in her ability to take on the “Hiss” performer in a freestyle battle, despite previously referring to her as her “alter ego.” What do you think of Erica Banks facing criticism for her BBL? Do you think she went too far, or are critics overreacting? What about her showing it off despite what haters have to say? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Erica Banks’ Old Tweets About Megan Thee Stallion Put Her In An Awkward Position

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Eminem Fans Fire Back Amid Megan Thee Stallion “Houdini” Bar Backlash

Eminem is no stranger to controversy, which is exactly what’s come out of his new track, “Houdini.” He unveiled the single earlier this week ahead of his upcoming album, The Death Of Slim Shady. So far, the release has been pretty polarizing, and the song quickly went viral. While some social media users are praising the Detroit rapper for what feels like a return to his signature sound, others think he crossed the line with a bar about Megan Thee Stallion.

“If i was to ask for Megan Thee Stallion if she would collab with me would I really have a shot at a feat?” he rhymes, a nod to the femcee getting shot in the foot by Tory Lanez in 2020. Many have since interpreted the line as a diss or simply found it to be in poor taste. Plenty of fans think that’s a stretch, however, and believe it wasn’t intended as a jab.

Read More: Eminem Catches Serious Flack For His Megan Thee Stallion Bar On “Houdini”

Eminem Mentions Megan Thee Stallion On New Single

Supporters are coming to Eminem’s defense as a result of the backlash, arguing that his edgy lyrics are what make him great. They’re even using some of them to respond to the outcry, suggesting that critics are ill-equipped to give the Grammy-winner writing tips. One particular response by @Shadyind, featuring lyrics from his 2023 EZ Mil collab “Realest,” has gained serious traction on Twitter/X.

“Gen Zers actin’ like rap experts zip up your gaps and close your mouths/ B*tch you ain’t been on this planet long enough to tell me how rap’s supposed to sound,” the lyrics read. Regardless, commenters continue to debate whether or not Em should have scrapped the Meg bar altogether.

Eminem Fans Come To His Defense

What do you think of Eminem mentioning Megan Thee Stallion on his new track, “Houdini”? Do you think he crossed the line, or are social media users overreacting? What about his fans clapping back as a result of the backlash? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: SZA Delivers Surprising Cover Of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself”

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Plies Breaks His Silence On Donald Trump’s Conviction

Plies is one of Donald Trump’s most outspoken celebrity haters, so it’s no surprise he had some harsh words for the former president’s conviction in his hush money case. “Dear Black Folks:” the rapper’s message began on Twitter, which he then reposted on Instagram. “If U Want Lawmakers To Change The Law About Convicted Felons Being Able To Run For President. I’m About To Tell Everyone How To Fix It! All African Americans Convicted Felons Let’s Start Signing Up For Elections & Running! An Watch How Fast They Change That Law!” “It’s Not Hard To Fix!!!! [shrug emoji] #Plies,” the IG caption read.

Furthermore, Plies is far from the first person in the rap world to react to Donald Trump’s guilty verdict in one of a couple of his blockbuster court cases. For example, Ice-T also had some scathing shots for both No. 45 and his angry supporters, taking to Twitter to troll them a little bit. However, even those who make fun of Trump seem skeptical concerning his chances of actually doing jail time. After all, if the one thing he wasn’t able to sidestep was over hush money, that wouldn’t really make much sense.

Read More: Plies Goes Off On Joe Biden & Democrats In Explicit Rant

Plies Reacts To Trump’s Guilty Verdict

Regardless, others like 50 Cent gleefully mocked the former president over this, whether for giggles or with an actual policy disagreement. It’s been very interesting to see how hip-hop received, treated, and evolved the image of Donald Trump in the culture, whether on wax or publicly. Things used to be way less serious about this before he became president, and some artists shifted their content to blast or endorse him. But if there’s anyone who’s been on the opposing side for the long run, it’s Plies.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump also has his fair share of endorsements and support within the rap game, such as a recent co-sign from New York drill exponents Sleepy Hallow and Sheff G. We’ll see how this continues to evolve as we get closer to the election. It already caused a lot of controversy and conversation, but that’s an expected consequence of political discourse. Maybe this conviction changes things for some people…

Read More: DJ Akademiks Sparks Controversy By Doubling Down On Donald Trump Support Despite Recent Conviction

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Lil Baby Teases Sexyy Red Collab On The Way

Lil Baby has some more heat on the way in 2024, it seems, and it’s with none other than one of the biggest artists of the past few years. Moreover, he recently took to social media to tease his verse on a new Sexyy Red collab, a link-up that has a lot of potential to impress. They previously collaborated on “Lick Me,” one of the raunchier cuts (and that’s saying something) off of Sexyy’s recent project, In Sexyy We Trust. In addition, this also builds up some more anticipation for whatever the Atlanta rapper is dropping next, as it’s been a while since his last solo studio album.

Furthermore, Lil Baby might have a lot of “mid” claims running around right now, but there’s definitely still plenty of gas in the tank for doubters to hop on board. So far in 2024, he’s built his name off of some notable collabs, including the aforementioned Sexyy Red team-up and the Central Cee-assisted “BAND4BAND.” That cut saw Baby tap into the drill scene with a bit more aggression, something that we might see a little more of in the near future. Either way, we just want some hard bars and flows, and we know that he’s got the capacity to deliver.

Read More: Lil Baby Hilariously Attempts The British Accent Challenge: Watch

Lil Baby Teases Sexyy Red Collab

Apart from that Lil Baby collab, Sexyy Red also has a big year to look forward to, with plenty of hot releases and performances under her belt already in 2024. In Sexyy We Trust was a hit for many fans, and it’s clear that this focus on her image and brand will yield dividends in the long run. It’s a very different approach to that of other artists, as the St. Louis MC always stays in her lane. Rather than come off as one-note or gimmicky, it feels much more authentic and raw that one might expect on first listen.

Meanwhile, with a WWE NXT appearance to boot, there’s no telling where Sexyy Red will go next. As for Lil Baby, he’s got a chance to really make a strong comeback and disprove some narratives about him. Whether or not he follows up on that in 2024 or a little later remains a mystery. But one thing’s for sure: they might strike gold with this upcoming collab.

Read More: Adin Ross Gives His Unfiltered Thoughts On Drake’s “BBL Drizzy” Verse On New Sexyy Red Track

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Rihanna Celebrates New Record-Breaking Diamond Certifications For “Umbrella” & More

Rihanna was a record-breaker and history-maker long before today, but her latest piece of proof in that lineage is a pretty special one. Moreover, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) bestowed four new Diamond plaques on her songs with over ten million units sold. These are for “Umbrella” featuring Jay-Z, “Work” featuring Drake, “Needed Me,” and “Stay” with Mikky Ekko, as they announced as of Friday (May 31) on their website. “Diamonds” had gone Diamond back in April, and with these new 2024 certifications plus the Eminem-assisted “Love The Way You Lie” and the Calvin Harris collab “We Found Love,” RiRi is now the female artist with the most Diamond singles in history.

“ain’t no back n forth,” Rihanna tweeted with a graphic from Roc Nation congratulating her on this massive achievement. Surely she will have some other ways to celebrate this milestone, such as maybe another date night with A$AP Rocky or just some family time with their kids. Either way, the Barbadian superstar has had a killer 2024 so far even without the release of her long-awaited ninth studio album… so far. Maybe hope is just naiveté at this point, but it’s the only thing keeping us going.

Read More: Diddy Speaks On Rihanna & Chris Brown Situation In Resurfaced Clip: “Relationships Get Ugly”

Rihanna Reacts To Her New Diamond Plaques

Furthermore, there have been recent teases that the project will come out soon, but with no real confirmation or hard evidence, we can only wait and be patient. However, this new RIAA record does speak to just how much longevity and staying power Rihanna was able to infuse into these particular hits. It’s not an uncommon trait in the catalog, but for these massive songs in particular, it feels like they went Diamond in our hearts long ago. We’ll see what the record looks like by the time she’s officially bowed out, and how it continues to evolve as her career etches itself into the history books.

Meanwhile, there are obviously some pregnancy rumors to either dispel or leave simmering on low for now, as has been usual for Rihanna in the past few years. If nothing else, people are just excited to hear anything they can get from the pop icon right now. With no album in sight but a wholesome family dynamic and business operation to enjoy, we’ll take what we can get. And throughout it all, we’ll still be bumping these hits.

Read More: ASAP Rocky & Rihanna Celebrate RZA’s Second Birthday With Adorable Family Photos

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DJ Envy Explains Why He Was First NY DJ To Play 2Pac’s “Hit ‘Em Up”

DJ Envy goes back to the golden age of hip-hop. He was mentored by DJ Clue, and made a name for himself on the mixtape circuit before becoming one of the hosts of The Breakfast Club. DJ Envy is best known for his radio commentary these days, but he was spinning records during the peak of the 2Pac and Biggie feud in the mid-1990s. He’s a New York native, which made his recent revelation about the feud, and the role he played in it, so surprising. Envy claims to be the first DJ to throw on ‘Pac’s diss on NY radio.

DJ Envy dropped this bombshell during a recent interview with AllHipHop. He was on the side of Biggie and New York, but he told the outlet that he made a point of spinning 2Pac’s scathing diss “Hit ‘Em Up” whenever he could. His reasoning? It was a way to stand out in a crowded field. “I got that record first, and it was like I know a lot of DJs weren’t going to play it,” he reasoned. He cited names like Kid Capri, Craig G, and even his mentor, Clue, as people who were firmly against the concept of giving ‘Pac air time. “At the time,” he admitted. “I was behind everybody… And I was like, ‘I need to get my foot in the door.’”

Read More: DJ Envy Denies Blackballing Nicki Minaj

DJ Envy Leveraged The Song To Boost His Profile

The gambit worked. DJ Envy threw “Hit ‘Em Up” on his mixtapes, and the attention that the song got, both good and bad, worked to his benefit. “I was like ‘I’m gonna play this record’ and then we’ll go from there,” he recalled. “We’ll see what happens. So, they gave me the record and I said, ‘This is going to be one of the biggest mixtapes ever.’” DJ Envy did acknowledge the danger that came with giving air time to the West Coast. He also noted that 2Pac and Biggie were irritated by the decision. Still, a way in is a way in. “It went crazy,” Envy recalled. “At the time, I know Big and Puff was mad. But I was getting my foot in the door and it was music. And that’s where it started.”

DJ Envy’s promotion of the 2Pac and Biggie feud is fascinating when placed in contrast to his opinion on the recent Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar battle. While Breakfast Club co-host Charlamagne tha God labeled it the greatest battle of all time, Envy was underwhelmed. The DJ took issue with the spreading of what seemed to be false information. “Is there any proof of the rap? No,” he asserted. “I think both sides are corny with it. It’s very dangerous… I just wanted to see a rap battle.”

Read More: Charlamagne And DJ Envy Question “The Breakfast Club” Hosting Situation

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Quavo Teams Up With Ian And Teases Upcoming Collaboration

Quavo is a prolific artist. He was the first member of Migos to step out and find solo success by working with the likes of Drake and Travis Scott. He even scored a number one single opposite Justin Bieber. The Atlanta rapper does not discriminate when it comes to collaborations. That being said, his latest collab is a bit of a surprise. Quavo posted a photo on Instagram of him working in the studio alongside the latest rap breakout, Ian. A controversial pick, but one that ultimately makes sense.

Quavo posted the photo on his Instagram Stories on May 30. The rapper doesn’t appear in it himself, but it looks as though he’s the one who snapped the image of Ian in the studio. Ian, who was born Ian O’Neill Smith (shocker, we know), can be seen laying down vocals. We even get to see the audio file of whatever song Quavo and Ian are working on in the background. The Migos rapper tagged Ian, suggesting the two are going to be dropping something very soon. Aesthetically, Quavo and Ian are worlds apart. Culturally as well, actually. It’s the style of Ian’s music, however, that’s going to make this potential collaboration interesting.

Read More: Quavo’s ‘Huncho Day’ Returns To Atlanta With A Focus On Gun Violence Prevention

Quavo Posted An IG Photo Of Ian Recording A Verse

Ian takes inspiration from trap rap of the 2010s, including Gucci Mane, Chief Keef and yes, Migos. The rapper’s recent album, Valedictorian, has taken the world by storm, for reasons musical and otherwise. Fans have been impressed with Ian’s ability to emulate his musical idols, while critics have criticized him for being a watered-down imitation of people like Keef and Playboi Carti. It’s easy to see both sides. The collab between Quavo and Ian will help to legitimate the latter’s reputation within hip-hop, and may even lead to other high-profile collabs.

Quavo, meanwhile, is hard at work on his upcoming solo album. There hasn’t been any word on a title or a proper release date, but the Migos rapper has been dropping singles. “Himothy” and “Potato Loaded” were buzz singles that failed to generate much attention. Quavo has also teased multiple snippets and collabs with artists like Rich the Kid and Lana Del Rey. He’s also working on piecing together songs for Takeoff’s posthumous album. “I’m gathering a whole bunch of information, gathering a lot of producers, gathering a lot of my friends, a lot of the artists,” Quavo told Vibe in 2023. “And we’re going to make this album one of the craziest albums of all time.”

Read More: Quavo & Rich The Kid Don’t Totally Hit The Mark On “Real One”

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DJ Mustard’s Ex-Wife Seemingly Throws Shade At Him On Instagram

DJ Mustard is riding high right now. The producer just scored his first number one single with Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” and he recently welcomed his first child with his girlfriend, Brittany Stroud. He’s excelling in ways both professional and personal, but there still seems to be tension between Mustard and his ex-wife, Chanel Thierry. The latter, who has three children with Mustard, posted a message on Instagram on May 31, and many think it’s aimed at the West Coast legend.

Thierry used Instagram Threads to vent about someone is two-faced. “What really gets my gears going,” she wrote. “Is someone who will throw a rock behind closed doors but in public try to uphold a certain image.” No names, no tagged profiles. Fans quickly arrived at the conclusion that Chanel Thierry meant DJ Mustard. The former spouses have had a contentious relationship since their divorce was finalized. Thierry accused DJ Mustard of trying to gain custody of their children so that he didn’t have to pay child support during an IG rant.

Read More: DJ Mustard Speaks On Divorce, Shuts Down Rumors That Wife Chanel Cheated

DJ Mustard’s Ex Criticized People For Being Fake

You want to demolish my name!? It’s disgusting,” she publicly told Mustard. “The nerve to have me fighting for custody because you are so bitter and don’t want to pay [child support]. I sat in the house YEARS watching them kids while you toured the world.” She also claimed that the producer owed her child support, and refused to pay for co-parenting classes. DJ Mustard responded to these accusations in court. He filed paperwork that dismissed the unpaid child support claims outright.

“Chanel’s claim that I have starved her out financially since separation is a flat-out lie,” the producer’s paperwork read. “I continued to pay all of Chanel’s living expenses, including all of her credit card bills. I also continued paying Chanel’s housing costs and the children’s expenses including school tuition.” DJ Mustard is still embroiled in a custody battle with Thierry. He filed for sole custody of their oldest son in February. Radar Online reported that the producer wanted to keep a closer eye on his son’s education, and transfer him to a different school. No official rulings have been made.

Read More: DJ Mustard Net Worth 2024: Updated Wealth Of The Producer

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