This morning, Sean Kingston’s Florida mansion was raided by authorities, and his mother was taken into custody on various charges. Reportedly, the raid was conducted in connection to a lawsuit filed against the performer earlier this year. The suit, filed by Ver Ver Entertainment LLC in February, accuses him of failing to pay for a $150K entertainment system.
Now, Kingston has provided fans with an eagerly anticipated response to the raids. In an Instagram Story, he explained that both he and his mother are doing well and that their legal difficulties are being worked out by their lawyers. In his update, Kingston also threw a bit of shade at those discussing the case. “People love negative energy!” he began. “I am good and so is my mother!.. My lawyers are handling everything as we speak [prayer emoji].”
It remains unclear whether or not anything came of the raid, which Kingston wasn’t home for according to TMZ. A lawyer representing Ver Ver Entertainment LLC, Dennis Card, allegedly was. He alleges that Kingston reached out to the company to purchase the entertainment system last year. In order to reduce its $150K price tag, he allegedly agreed to make a promotional video for the product alongside Justin Bieber but failed to follow through with his end of the deal.
“He likes having bling, he likes showing off, he’s a showman,” Card claimed. “My client has a $150,000 television sound system that’s in there, there’s also about $1 million worth of watches that are in there, there’s a $80,000 custom bed that was ordered. This is an organized systematic fraud.” What do you think of Sean Kingston’s response to his Florida mansion getting raided this morning? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
YNW Melly has been behind bars since 2019 when he was arrested and accused of murdering two of his associates, YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser. The rapper was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, and first went on trial last summer. It was ruled a mistrial after the jury failed to come to a unanimous decision. If convicted, he faces life in prison or the death penalty.
Now, he continues to await his retrial, which was initially slated for October of last year. It’s since seen multiple delays. It remains unclear exactly when he’ll be retried, but in the meantime, his attorneys have been hard at work. Earlier this week, for example, his team filed a motion to exclude his co-defendant YNW Bortlen’s phone conversations with his girlfriend Juneviah Molina from the upcoming retrial.
According to them, the conversations between Bortlen and Molina include nothing but “small talk.” His attorneys claim they’re “irrelevant, inadmissible hearsay, and lack an evidentiary basis to be used against” Melly. Their motion also argues that YouTube videos featuring 1090 Jake should be prohibited. Since December of last year, prosecutors have been fighting to use Melly’s phone records, emails, and social media posts as evidence in the upcoming retrial. They’re also looking to use a 20-minute documentary about his rise to fame. Allegedly, it shows him holding a weapon at various times and briefly mentions the deaths of Juvy and Sakchaser.
Last month, Melly was moved to a new facility for the first time since his 2019 arrest, and now resides at the Paul Rein Detention Facility in Pompano Beach, FL. He’ll remain there until the retrial. What do you think of YNW Melly’s team filing a motion to exclude his phone calls with YNW Bortlen from his upcoming double murder retrial? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
In the world of hip-hop, rivalries and beefs are often as intense as they are intriguing. The ongoing feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has been no exception, with both artists trading bars and references that delve deep into the legacies of two music icons: Michael Jackson and Prince. This beef has become an exploration of artistic merit, commercial success, and celebrity, all through the lens of these two legendary figures. At the crux of this battle lies a fundamental divide: Prince (Kendrick Lamar) versus Michael Jackson (Drake). This topic has been a consistent point of contention, brought up repeatedly by both artists throughout their careers. In making comparisons to these icons, the musicians are asserting their respective identities and claiming a place in music history.
On tracks like “You Only Live Twice” and “Toosie Slide,” Drake boldly proclaims himself as the embodiment of Jackson. He boasts about his ability to “dance like Michael Jackson” and proclaims that he is “MJ in every way.” These declarations are a clear nod to the King of Pop’s unparalleled popularity and showmanship. Lamar, on the other hand, has consistently aligned himself with Prince. On songs like “Mask Off (Remix),” “Real 92.3 Freestyle,” and “Somebody,” he claims that Prince “lives through” him, fluctuating his vocals like the Purple One and embracing the artistic fearlessness that defined Prince’s legacy. The dichotomy between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has ignited a fascinating conversation about the true meaning of greatness in music. Lamar appears to revere artistic genius and boundary-pushing creativity, while Drake seems drawn to Jackson’s unprecedented fame and global reach.
“First Person Shooter”
On “First Person Shooter,” Drake makes grandiose claims about his successful career, shouting out the Beatles and Michael Jackson. Notably, he references being just one song away from tying Jackson’s record for the most number-one US Billboard Hot 100 singles by a solo male artist. In the music video, he dons a sequined glove and performs the “Beat It” dance steps, symbolically claiming Jackson’s crown.
“Like That”
On the track “Like That,” Kendrick Lamar takes a direct shot at Drake’s affinity for Michael Jackson, declaring, “Prince outlived Mike Jack.” This line is a powerful statement that references how Prince died roughly seven years after Michael Jackson. However, Kendrick also suggests that Prince’s artistic legacy transcends even the monumental achievements of the late Michael Jackson, though Lamar isn’t insulting the latter. Rather, he’s asserting that true artistry should be valued above commercial dominance.
Drake, however, refuses to back down. On “Push Ups,” he responds with the line, “What’s a prince to king? He a son, n—-.” This retort flips the dynamic, positioning Drake as the “king” and Kendrick Lamar as the “prince,” a mere heir to his throne. Moreover, Michael Jackson’s eldest son’s name is Prince. It’s a clever play on words that speaks to Drake’s undeniable success, albeit without directly addressing Lamar’s artistic critique.
“Euphoria”
As the battle continues, the references become more layered and complex. On “Euphoria,” Lamar opens with a reversed audio sample from the movie The Wiz starring Michael Jackson. It features Richard Pryor’s character saying, “Everything you say about me is true, I’m a phony.” This bold move sets the stage for Lamar’s response, potentially hinting at allegations against Drake’s character. Kendrick Lamar then follows with the line, “Got a Benjamin and a Jackson all in my house like I’m Joe, okay.“
This multilayered reference not only flips Drake’s “prince to king” line, positioning Kendrick Lamar as Drake’s “father” figure, but also pays homage to Michael Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson, and the iconic singer’s childhood pet rat named Ben (a nod to Michael’s second album). It’s a clever play on words that intertwines financial success (Benjamin Franklin and Andrew Jackson on U.S. currency) with familial dynamics and subtle allusions to Michael Jackson’s personal life. It’s also a subtle yet potent way for Lamar to reclaim the “son” moniker, positioning himself as the true heir to the throne.
“It’s time that you look around on who’s around you/Before you figure that you’re not alone, ask what Mike would do,” Kendrick raps as the final bars on “6:16 In L.A.” After incessantly calling out Drake for being surrounded by snakes within his team on “6:16 In LA,” Kendrick Lamar ominously warns Drake of a fate similar to Michael Jackson’s. The line references Jackson’s hit “You Are Not Alone,” while the phrase “ask what Mike would do” mirrors sayings like “What Would Jesus Do?” — hinting that Drake may be worshipping the wrong idols. Lamar seems to allude to the circumstances around Jackson’s 2009 death, which was ruled a homicide due to a lethal mix of drugs administered by his personal doctor Conrad Murray, who was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter. The lyrics suggest Drake should be wary of those close to him.
Moreover, the reference to “You Are Not Alone” – written by R. Kelly, who has faced allegations of sexual misconduct with minors – could be seen as Kendrick doubling down on implications about Drake’s rumored interests. Lamar may be implying Drake needs self-reflection, akin to Jackson’s “Man In The Mirror,” after previously calling him a “master manipulator” on “euphoria.” The haunting lyric serves as a multi-layered warning – urging Drake to re-evaluate his circle, his idols, and ultimately himself, before suffering a tragic downfall like icons before him.
“Family Matters”
On “Family Matters,” Drake delivers some of his most pointed jabs, rapping, “Your darkest secrets are comin’ to light/ It’s all on your face like what happened to Mike/ Oh shit, it’s all makin’ sense, maybe I’m Prince and you actually Mike/Michael was prayin’ his features would change so people believe that he’s actually white/ Top would make you do features for change, get on pop records and rap for the whites/ And wait, you say your brother Jermaine, but you wanted him to stay out of the light.“
Drake starts by implying Lamar has dark secrets being exposed, comparing it to Jackson’s vitiligo. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder that caused the pop icon’s skin to lighten. He’s responding to Lamar’s “Prince outlived Mike Jack” line, flipping the script to declare himself as the “Prince” who will outshine and outlast Lamar, the “Michael.” The lyrics then take aim at Lamar’s musical direction. Drake insinuates that just as Jackson used makeup and skin-bleaching to appear whiter, Lamar does pop features with acts like Maroon 5 and Taylor Swift to pander to white audiences on “orders” from his former label boss Anthony Tiffith.
It’s a multifaceted critique – questioning Lamar’s authenticity and Blackness while mocking his need to chase mainstream, white popularity. The “Jermaine” line also randomly ropes in J. Cole, Lamar’s brother-like collaborator, with allusions to Jackson’s brother Jermaine, implying Lamar doesn’t want him in the spotlight. With these heated bars, Drake wields Jackson’s complicated heritage as a weapon. He uses racially-charged insinuations to strip Lamar of his street cred and artistic integrity.
Enduring Legacies and Artistic Ideal
Beyond the lyrical exchanges, this beef highlights the enduring influence of Michael Jackson and Prince on contemporary music. Their contributions continue to shape the discourse around what it means to be a true artist. Both figures have served as powerful archetypes for opposing ideals. Ultimately, Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s beef has transcended mere lyrical jabs. It has evolved into an exploration of creative identity, legacy, and fame’s complexities. Michael Jackson and Prince have inspired both of these rappers to speak to the very core of what it means to be a true musician in today’s world.
Earlier this week, Kelly Rowland was thrust into headlines when cameras captured an interesting interaction between her and security personnel on the red carpet at Cannes. In the clip multiple ushers from the event seem to rush her away from the spot she was posing for photos and up some stairs along the carpet. That sparked an argument between Rowland and some of the ushers prompting even more to come over to her. They even appear to try and block her from speaking to someone she recognizes and force her along the carpet.
The video sparked outrage online as it looked like Rowland was being mistreated by the security at the film festival. In a new interview she spoke on the incident and didn’t hold much back. “The woman knows what happened. I know what happened. And, I have a boundary. I stand by those boundaries. And that is it. There were other women that attended that carpet who did not quite look like me and they didn’t get scolded, or pushed off, or told to get off. And I stood my ground, and she felt like she had to stand hers. But, I stood my ground. And that was it,” she said in an interview with AP. Check out the full clip of what she had to say below.
In the comments of the post many are coming to Rowland’s support. “I can tell it hurts her to be treated that way. People don’t talk about how it’s painful to HAVE to stand your ground” one of the top comments reads. Others are bringing up a particular incident that she went viral for earlier this year. “Isn’t she the one who stormed out of the today show because her dressing room was too small?” one refutation reads.
What do you think of Kelly Rowland’s response to the viral videos of the way security at Cannes handled her? Do you agree that if it were someone else other than her they would have treated the situation differently? Let us know in the comment section below.
It’s been a busy year for Russell Simmons on the legal front, and earlier this month, he was hit with yet another concerning accusation. An anonymous former Def Jam employee identified as Jane Doe, who’s currently suing him for alleged sexual assault, accuses him of also forging her signature. According to her lawsuit, the document dated back to the late 90s, and regarded her departure from Def Jam.
Doe argues that even if the document were real, it has nothing to do with her rape allegation, and instead only covers minor financial matters and her Def Jam exit. Simmons has since denied the accusations, alleging that Lyor Cohen had previously verified the signature’s legitimacy. Despite his legal battle heating up, however, it doesn’t look like Simmons will be returning to the United States any time soon. AllHipHop exclusively reports that he plans to stay in Bali instead, where he’s resided since 2018.
Russell Simmons Has No Intentions Of Returning To The U.S. Amid Legal Battle
Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons attends The Weinstein Company and Netflix Golden Globe Party on January 8, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)
“I am not physically present in New York and I do not have an intention to live in New York in the future,” Simmons told the outlet, “I own no property in the United States. I have been living in Bali since 2018, which is where I intend to remain. For at least nine years before I moved to Bali, I lived in California. As a California resident, I paid California resident taxes in the years immediately prior to moving to Bali. Currently, I pay California non-resident state taxes.”
What do you think of Russell Simmons claiming that he has no intentions of returning to the U.S. amid his legal battle? What about his latest lawsuit? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Sean Kingston, a Jamaican-American singer, songwriter, and rapper, has significantly impacted the music industry with his catchy tunes and unique blend of reggae and hip-hop. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be $500,000, according to CelebrityNetWorth. Kingston’s career, marked by early success and later challenges, highlights his resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing music landscape.
Born Kisean Anderson on February 3, 1990, in Miami, Florida, Sean Kingston spent much of his early childhood in Jamaica, deeply influencing his musical style. Bursting onto the scene as a teenager, Kingston quickly gained fame with his debut single, “Beautiful Girls,” which became a global hit and solidified his place in the music industry.
Rise To Fame
MIAMI – FEBRUARY 06: Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, Sean Kingston and Monica pose backstage at the BET-SOS Saving Ourselves Help for Haiti Benefit Concert at AmericanAirlines Arena on February 5, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)
Sean Kingston’s breakthrough came in 2007 with the release of his debut single “Beautiful Girls.” The song, which samples Ben E. King’s classic “Stand by Me,” became an instant hit, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and charting internationally. His self-titled debut album followed this success, which included other popular tracks like “Me Love” and “Take You There.” The album’s fusion of reggae, pop, and hip-hop elements showcased Kingston’s versatility and broad appeal.
Kingston’s early success brought him considerable fame and financial success, allowing him to collaborate with other notable artists and producers. His subsequent albums, including Tomorrow (2009) and Back 2 Life (2013), featured collaborations with stars like T.I., Nicki Minaj, and Justin Bieber, further cementing his status in the music industry. Despite experiencing significant success, Kingston faced numerous challenges that impacted his career trajectory and financial stability.
Challenges & Resilience
(L-R) Rapper Fabolous, singer Sean Kingston, and rapper Trey Songz attend the New Yorkers for. Children event at the ACS Children’s Center on December 9, 2010, also in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/FilmMagic)
Despite his early achievements, Sean Kingston’s career has been marked by several challenges, including legal and financial issues. In 2011, he was involved in a near-fatal jet ski accident in Miami, which resulted in severe injuries and required a lengthy recovery period. This incident temporarily halted his career and affected his earning potential. Kingston has also faced lawsuits and financial disputes, contributing to his net worth of $500,000.
In addition to these personal setbacks, the evolving music industry and changing listener preferences have posed challenges for Kingston. However, his resilience and determination to continue creating music have kept him relevant. He has released new music and remained active on social media, maintaining a connection with his fan base and working on rebuilding his career.
Personal Life & Influence
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 25: Sean Kingston performs at Staples Center on October 25, 2010, also in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)
Sean Kingston’s personal life has been a mix of public struggles and private endeavors. Despite facing numerous challenges, he has shown a remarkable ability to bounce back and adapt to new circumstances. Kingston remains committed to his music career and continues to explore new opportunities and collaborations. His influence extends beyond his musical output, as he has also been involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting education and youth programs in Jamaica.
Kingston’s journey from a young artist with a breakout hit to navigating the complexities of fame and personal hardship illustrates his resilience and passion for music. His ability to blend different musical styles and create catchy, memorable tracks has impacted the industry. As he continues to evolve as an artist, Sean Kingston’s story serves as a testament to the highs and lows of a career in music and the importance of perseverance.
Up until last summer, Lizzo was unstoppable. She became a breakout star with hits like “Truth Hurts” and “About Damn Time,” her TV series Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrlswon an Emmy, and she was using her newfound prosperity for good. In August 2023, though, Lizzo was sued by some of her former dancers for alleged sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment.
Lizzo has laid relatively low since then, and understandably, she has been going through it. In a new Instagram post shared on May 21, Lizzo wrote about depression she has faced, and even offered a quick update about her next album.
The image is a mirror selfie, in which Lizzo flashes a small smirk. The caption reads:
“I’m the happiest I’ve been in 10 months. The strange thing about depression is you don’t know you’re in it until you’re out of it. I’m definitely not all the way as carefree as I used to be.. But the dark cloud that followed me every day is finally clearing up. My smile reaches my eyes again and that’s a win. I thought my album was finished.. but I gotta get some of these good vibes off in a banger real quick. Thanks for your patience.”
J Cole has had a bit of a rough 2023 so far. The rapper found himself embroiled in a short beef with Kendrick Lamar back in March. He was the first to respond to Kendrick’s verse on the Future & Metro Boomin song “Like That.” He hit back by dropping a surprise mixtape that contained the song “7 Minute Drill.” The track was an attempt to roast Kendrick, conjuring criticisms of basically his entire discography. The track was pretty roundly rejected by fans and Cole very quickly went back on it. That started with him denouncing the song during a performance at his own Dreamville Festival before eventually removing it from streaming services entirely.
That entire drama was followed by the album failing to grab the top spot on the Billboard 200, being held off by Beyonce’s COWBOY CARTER in its second week. Now Cole is back with a new song alongside Cash Cobain called “Grippy.” The track is an NSFW anthem that features nothing but raunchy details from both rappers. But Cole’s verse in particular is attracting some negative attention online for seemingly nonsensical and goofy bars. Check out some of the worst of the bunch and the fan reactions to them below.
In the post itself, a fan implies that his brief spat with Kendrick Lamar may have affected J Cole more than fans realized. In the comments fans joke about how long its been since Cole was at his peak acclaim. “Bro took the fall off literal” one of the top replies to the post jokes. “this might go down as the largest fall off in quality ever” another comment more seriously claims. Almost none of the replies to the post offer much of a defense for Cole.
What do you think of fans online bullying J. Cole for the lyrics in his new song with Cash Cobain? Do you think the Kendrick Lamar beef may have permanently messed with Cole’s pen game? Let us know in the comment section below.
Things appear to be going well in the world of Rick Ross and his new girlfriend Paige Imani, and evidently, their relationship only continues to heat up. In a new clip she shared on her Instagram Story recently, the pair is seen celebrating the model’s birthday at an upscale restaurant in Miami. Despite being surrounded by friends, they didn’t shy away from putting their romance on full display.
A clip of their PDA is now making its rounds on social media, prompting responses from several suspicious fans. While some are in full support of his latest relationship, others argue that he’s rushing into things, considering that he just cut ties with his ex Cristina Mackey a couple of months ago. Imani has already tattooed his name on her neck, however, indicating that she probably foresees a long future with the performer.
The Shade Room shared Imani’s post, and fans are voicing their opinions in the comments section. “What temp agency he getting these women from???” one critical commenter asks. Another writes, “One thing about Rick ! He gonna have him a girl!” Fortunately, Ross and Imani don’t seem to be too fazed by the backlash, continuing to flaunt one another online proudly. This isn’t the only time Ross has ignored shade thrown his way recently, however.
Earlier this month, The Game unleashed a brutal diss track about Rozay after weeks of him clowning Drake. Ross has yet to formally respond, despite being threatened with an “a** whoopin” and more. It doesn’t look like he plans to either, instead laughing at The Game and calling him “starving.” What do you think of Rick Ross and his new girlfriend Paige Imani flaunting their love in public? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Lizzo had a pretty turbulent 2023 by her standards. After a few years of being one of the biggest and most beloved stars in music on the back of hits like “Juice,” “Truth Hurts,” and “About Damn Time” she hit some rocky waters. It began with a pretty serious accusation leveled by former dancers accusing the pop star of both participating in and tolerating abusive behavior towards her dancers. The allegations seemed to divide fans with some believing the claims outright and others believing the singer’s public image as a beacon of positivity implying that she wouldn’t tolerate anything of the sort.
Regardless of how each individual fan felt, it clearly took a bit of a toll on Lizzo herself. She stayed out of the public spotlight for a few weeks following the allegations. When she did pop up in public she was occasionally visibly emotional about the whole thing. She’s slowly worked her way more and more back into the public light and recently took to Instagram with an update on how she’s doing. “I’m the happiest I’ve been in 10 months. The strange thing about depression is you don’t know you’re in it until you’re out of it,” the post begins. It’s accompanied by a basic mirror selfie of the singer. Check out the full post below.
Lizzo’s post continues. “I’m definitely not all the way as carefree as I used to be.. But the dark cloud that followed me every day is finally clearing up. My smile reaches my eyes again and that’s a win. I thought my album was finished.. but I gotta get some of these good vibes off in a banger real quick. Thanks for your patience,” it concludes.
What do you think of Lizzo’s new post claiming her mental health has recovered quite a bit from last year? Do you think she will ever face any consequences for the accusations made against her by her former dancers? Let us know in the comment section below.
