In November, Tekashi 6ix9ine was mere months away from wrapping up his probation before being violated last month for failing to report plans to travel and several drug test failures. Associated Press has confirmed it reports that the rapper agreed to a plea deal that would see him serve an additional month of jail time. The agreement has also extended the terms of his probation.
Papoose and Remy Ma’s marriage, once celebrated as a pillar of love and loyalty in hip-hop, appears to be facing turbulence. In a surprising turn of events, Papoose recently took to social media to seemingly call out his wife over allegations of infidelity.
In the post, Papoose didn’t hold back, accusing Remy of betrayal by posting a pic of Remy with her new beau and alleging that he confronted and physically fought her supposed new boyfriend. “While I was home with my daughter last Christmas. This is where @remyma was. Now that I FINALLY moved on she’s angry & making up lies. ” he wrote, hinting at Remy’s possible jealousy of his new lady friend, Claressa Shields..
Pap repeatedly called out Remy as a narcissist and then claimed that he knocked out Remy’s new BF, Eazy The Block Captain.
The Brooklyn rapper then took to his stories to vent, saying that he’s requested a divorce from the Terror Squad’s First Lady several times, but says “She rather clout chase on social media.”
The now-deleted posts quickly sparked debate among fans, with many expressing shock given the couple’s long-standing reputation as a beacon of love and loyalty in Hip Hop. Papoose has been widely admired for his devotion to Remy during her time in prison and the way he supported her post-incarceration career.
The drama has put the pair, who have been married since 2008, under intense scrutiny, with many questioning what this means for their future together.
In the most recent episode of Apt. 5H, Maino talks to DJ Self and Bianca Torres about what really went down in his unaired interview with Suge Knight, inspiring the incarcerated youth at Riker’s Island, his new EP MainoVation and more.
Watch as Maino shares details about his call with Suge and why it the interview was never aired. He also talks about going back to Riker’s Island in order to talk to the incarcerated youth about changing their lives, how he began cohosting with Angela Yee on Way Up With Angela Yee and much more.
In April 2024, Polo G was arrested in NYC for criminal possession of a weapon in the second and third degree, according to reports.
Police from NYPD’s 1st Precinct received a call that a handgun was found in The Dominick Hotel by one of the employees in an occupied room. Officers confirmed that Polo, whose real name is Taurus Bartlett, was the occupant in the room, and the firearm retrieved was registered in his name.
Manhattan District Attorney’s Office executed a search warrant for the hotel room and found a loaded Glock 23 firearm inside the bedroom side of the hotel room.
NYPD arrested Polo and charged him with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in both the 2nd and 3rd degree.
It was reported that Polo was carrying more than $23K on his person at the time of his arrest.
Things have been rough this past year for Polo, with Polo’s catching a separate gun charge and his brother Trench Baby being arrested for murder in California in November of 2023.
Rapper NBA YoungBoy, born Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, has officially received his prison sentence in a long-standing federal gun case. The 24-year-old chart-topping artist was sentenced to seven months behind bars, following his conviction on federal firearms charges stemming from a 2020 arrest in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The charges originated when police discovered multiple firearms during a video shoot involving YoungBoy and his associates. At the time, Gaulden was already on probation for unrelated offenses, escalating the severity of the case. Prosecutors argued that the rapper, who has a history of legal troubles, posed a threat to public safety by possessing firearms illegally.
In a courtroom packed with supporters and critics alike, the judge handed down the sentence, emphasizing the importance of accountability while also acknowledging YoungBoy’s efforts to comply with legal proceedings in recent months. Gaulden has already served the majority of his sentence under house arrest, meaning he will not face additional jail time if he continues to meet probationary requirements.
Ahead of the sentencing, NBA YoungBoy addressed the court, expressing remorse for his actions and promising to focus on his career and family. “I’m ready to put this behind me and move forward,” he said. His legal team emphasized his progress, noting that he has remained productive while under house arrest, releasing multiple albums and collaborating with artists across the industry.
The news has drawn mixed reactions from the hip-hop community. Fans have taken to social media to celebrate the relatively lenient outcome, using hashtags like #FreeYB to show support. Fellow artists have also chimed in, with many applauding YoungBoy’s resilience amid his legal battles.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about the message sent by the case, arguing that celebrities often receive more lenient treatment than everyday citizens in similar situations.
With his legal troubles nearing an end, NBA YoungBoy is expected to shift his focus back to music. His next album, rumored to be titled The Return, is anticipated to drop in the coming months. His team has hinted at a major tour once his probationary period allows for travel, signaling a strong comeback for the Louisiana native.
This case marks yet another chapter in the tumultuous life of one of rap’s most polarizing figures. As NBA YoungBoy moves forward, fans and critics alike will be watching to see how he navigates his second chance.
Launching at 12pm ET on Tuesday, December 10th, NYC-bred vitaminwater will kick-off City Flavors, a city-wide scavenger hunt and City Flavors Event on December 14th, in collaboration with UnitedMasters, that will bring together local musicians, businesses and creators from each of the five NYC boroughs to create an unforgettable experience for New Yorkers.
City Flavors is a one-of-a-kind campaign that brings together local artists, businesses and creators from each of the five NYC boroughs to create an unforgettable experience for New Yorkers. Presented in collaboration with UnitedMasters, a music distribution platform for independent artists, the campaign will feature a dynamic music event, city-wide scavenger hunt and exclusive prizes—all inspired by NYC’s rich cultural tapestry.
For those who love a little IYKYK experience, vitaminwater is hosting a city-wide scavenger hunt where fans can gain free access to the City Flavors music event and custom prizes by collecting custom-wrapped vitaminwater bottles at participating businesses throughout the city. Running December 10-14, the scavenger hunt will encourage New Yorkers to follow clues revealed on artist, vitaminwater and UnitedMasters social channels pointing to select locations where participants will find vitaminwater bottles.
375 bottles in total will be hidden throughout the city, each guaranteeing access to the City Flavors event and unforgettable performances.
The hunt will go live on vitaminwater and UniterMasters social channels at 12pm ET on Tuesday, December 10 and will run through 5pm ET on Friday, December 13 ahead of the event on Saturday evening.
The more bottles collected; the more perks unlocked – like meet & greets with artists, cocktail vouchers, custom vitaminwater gear, and premium swag bags featuring items from local vendors.
Participants can also sign up for the chance to attend the City Flavors event on the City Flavors landing page.
The City Flavors Event is an exclusive vitaminwater music event that brings together some of the city’s most creative voices and artists from each of the five NYC boroughs. The event will feature one-of-a-kind goods from creators and performances from local UnitedMasters artists – including BK born and nationally-known Joey Bada$$. The event will be held on December 14 at 7PM at 99 Scott (99 Scott Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237).
Multi-platinum, multi-diamond-selling, 3x Grammy-winning music superstar, entertainer, and entrepreneur Nelly is set to hit the road in 2025 with his highly anticipated Where The Party At Tour, celebrating the 25th anniversary of his debut studio album, Country Grammar. Featuring 54 dates across New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Europe, and the United States, this marks Nelly’s return to headlining following his success as a special guest for Janet Jackson’s Together Again Tour.
The tour will feature an incredible lineup of special guests across its various legs. Fans can look forward to megawatt performances from Nelly’s collaborators and friends such as Ja Rule, Eve, St. Lunatics, Fabolous, Jermaine Dupri, and Chingy. Guests will vary across markets with ADDITIONAL SURPRISE GUESTS; please check routing and local listings.
Nelly shared, “Yo, ‘Where Da Party At Tour’ we are taking this tour worldwide — I got my folks with me Ja Rule, Jermaine Dupri, Eve, the St. Lunatics, and Fabulous — so you know it’s all 2025… LETS GOOOOO..!!! Da Party AT…!!”
The Live Nation produced run, which kicks off in New Zealand on March 21, 2025, will mark the rapper’s most extensive tour to date and will include stops at major venues like Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome,Paris’ Accor Dome, London’s O2 Arena, Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome, and more. It will take fans on a journey through Nelly’s career, including chart-topping hits like Hot in Herre, Dilemma, and Ride wit Me. Known for his larger-than-life personality and ability to bridge genres from hip-hop to country, Nelly promises a show packed with surprises.
WHERE THE PARTY AT 2025 TOUR DATES: AUS + NZ: Nelly, St. Lunatics, Chingy, Jermaine Dupri | Canada: Nelly, Ja Rule, Chingy, Jermaine Dupri EU + UK: Nelly, Eve, Fabolous, Jermaine Dupri | US + Toronto: Nelly, Ja Rule, Eve, Chingy, Jermaine Dupri ^Chingy Will Not Support This Date | #Ja Rule and Eve Will Not Support This Date | *Not a Live Nation Date | ~Festival Date, No Support
Fri Mar 21 – Auckland, NZ – Spark Arena Sat Mar 22 – Brisbane, AUS – Eaton’s Hill Hotel Tue Mar 25 – Sydney, AUS – Hordern Pavilion Thu Mar 27 – Melbourne, AUS – John Cain Arena Sat Mar 29 – Perth, AUS – HBF Stadium Fri Apr 11 – Halifax, NS – Scotiabank Centre^ Sat Apr 12 – Moncton, NB – Avenir Centre^ Mon Apr 14 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre Tue Apr 15 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre Fri Apr 18 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre Sun Apr 20 – Saskatoon, SK – SaskTel Centre Mon Apr 21 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place Tue Apr 22 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome Thu Apr 24 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena Sat May 24 – Oberhausen, DE – Rudolf Weber-Arena Sun May 25 – Brussels, BE – ING Arena Mon May 26 – Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome Wed May 28 – Hamburg, DE – Barclays Arena Thu May 29 – Copenhagen, DK – Royal Arena Sun Jun 01 – Paris, FR – Accor Arena Mon Jun 02 – Frankfurt, DE – Festhalle Wed Jun 04 – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena Thu Jun 05 – London, UK – The O2 Sat Jun 07 – Manchester, UK – AO Arena Mon Jun 09 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro Wed Jun 11 – Dublin, IE – 3Arena Wed Jul 23 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live Fri Jul 25 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach Sat Jul 26 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center Sun Jul 27 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater Thu Jul 31 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage Fri Aug 01 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater Sat Aug 02 – Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre^ Sun Aug 03 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center Tue Aug 05 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center Wed Aug 06 – Bethlehem, PA – Musikfest*~ Fri Aug 08 – Oshkosh, QI – Crossroads 41 Festival*~ Sat Aug 09 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre Sun Aug 10 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center Wed Aug 13 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre Thu Aug 14 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center Sat Aug 16 – Greenwood Village, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre*^ Fri Aug 22 – Concord, CA – Toyota Pavilion at Concord Sat Aug 23 – Los Angeles, CA – Intuit Dome Wed Aug 27 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre Thu Aug 28 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre Thu Sep 04 – Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman^ Fri Sep 05 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion Sat Sep 06 – Oklahoma City, OK – Zoo Amphitheatre*# Tue Sep 09 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre Fri Sep 12 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre Sat Sep 13 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park Sun Sep 14 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion Tue Sep 16 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater Thu Sep 18 – Birmingham, AL – Coca-Cola Amphitheater Fri Sep 19 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
Social media sleuths have unearthed a 2016 high school speech by Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The video paints a strikingly different picture of the Ivy League graduate, contrasting sharply with his recent arrest.
In the footage, Mangione, dressed in a sharp suit and tie, delivers an articulate and poised speech to his peers at the Gilman School, an elite private boys’ institution in Maryland. The 8-minute address reflected on their shared academic achievements and demonstrated Mangione’s well-spoken demeanor. His words were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
See the footage of Mangione giving his valedictorian speech HERE
After graduating from Gilman, Mangione attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. However, this promising trajectory took a dark turn when Mangione was named a “strong person of interest” in Thompson’s murder in Manhattan last week.
Mangione was arrested Monday in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after a McDonald’s employee recognized him from widely circulated wanted posters. Acting quickly, the worker alerted police, who apprehended Mangione at the scene. Authorities reportedly recovered a fake ID, the suspected firearm used in the killing, and a handwritten two-page document that was critical of the healthcare industry.
While Mangione is currently being held on an unrelated weapons charge, investigators continue to piece together the circumstances leading to the high-profile slaying of Thompson, who was a prominent figure in the healthcare world.
Rolling Loud and Amazon Music have joined forces to exclusively livestream this year’s Miami festival. Celebrating ‘10 Years of Rolling Loud,’ this edition of Rolling Loud’s flagship Miami festival will reflect on its transformative impact over the past decade, while spotlighting the most influential voices shaping today’s hip-hop landscape.
Sponsored by Sprite and Verizon, the livestream will be available on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, theRolling Loud channel on Twitch, and Prime Video, starting at 12PM ET from December 13 – 15. Audiences around the globe can concurrently experience blockbuster performances from a historic lineup on their desktop, television, tablets, or mobile devices. Prime Video and Amazon Music are just a few of the many entertainment benefits included with a Prime membership, helping members get everything they want and need, quickly and reliably.
Led by its founders Matt Zingler and Tariq Cherif, Rolling Loud is the most powerful rap festival in history. “We’re excited to be working together with Amazon Music again and bring the 10th anniversary of Rolling Loud Miami to people all over the world,” said Matt Zingler and Tariq Cherif. “Miami is our hometown and flagship festival, so we’re excited to share a decade of Rolling Loud’s legacy and showcase the energy, culture and community that have defined us for the past ten years.”
The Rolling Loud Miami 2024 livestream will boast performances from headliners Future and Playboi Carti, plus rap superstars Lil Baby, JT, Don Toliver, Sexyy Red, Rick Ross, breakout artists BossMan Dlow, Nettspend, Osamason, Lay Bankz and Shaboozey and Reyna Roberts, the first country artists to ever perform at a Rolling Loud festival. Throughout the weekend, audiences will also enjoy exclusive artist interviews from the festival grounds with hosts like Speedy Morman and Jazzy’s World, a view into the many experiential activations that make Rolling Loud the “Disney World of Hip-Hop,” and content from moments that have defined Rolling Loud’s 10 year history.
Check out the full festival lineupHERE. Stay tuned for more news, including the official livestream schedule.
Vybz Kartel’s unwavering presence in Jamaican dancehall for over two decades has cemented him as one of the island’s most influential artists of all time. Even after receiving a life sentence in jail, Kartel – born Adidja Azim Palmer – has remained one of if not the most relevant figures of the genre, delivering verses from his prison cell.
Some of dancehall’s biggest stars today like Spice, Popcaan and Shenseea can all credit the icon for helping put them on the map, and Cardi B, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Mick Jagger, JAY-Z and Drake are just a few of the musical icons outside of his home country of Jamaica that have professed their love and respect for his music.
The unstoppable lyricist out of Portmore, Jamaica has risen to new heights this year. He was freed from prison on July 31, 2024 when his case was overturned by the courts after serving 13 years in Jamaica. In the short time since his release, Kartel aka the Worl’ Boss earned his first GRAMMY nomination in the Best Reggae album category for his EP Party With Me, launched a new rum line, STR8 VYBZ, and will make a monumental return to the stage with his highly anticipated Freedom Street concert on December 31, 2024, at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica. To top off the new year, Kartel will drop a deluxe 10th anniversary album for his seminal Viking (Vybz Is King).
Vybz Kartel’s ability to consistently churn out hit songs and albums over the past two decades, despite his extraordinary circumstances, is unparalleled. This year alone, he has released a number of singles like “Comet,” “White Rum,” and “Cloudy” and major projects, including his First Week Out album (Jul 31, 21st Hapilos Compilations), and his EP Party With Me(May 31, Adidjahiem Records). The latter, which was released while he was still incarcerated, earned Kartel his first GRAMMY nomination for Best Reggae Album. Despite uncertainty about his future, he manifested the commanding title with 8 party anthems that firmly establish that Vybz Kartel is finally outside. In January 2025, Vybz Kartel will drop a deluxe 10th anniversary edition of his pivotal albumViking (Vybz Is King), which spawned hits like “Unstoppable,” “Gon Get Better” (sampled by pop group Fifth Harmony), “Dancehall,” and “Enchanting.” Fans can anticipate a few new bonus tracks with this re-release as well.
The Freedom Street concert will be Kartel’s first performance since he stepped back into the world, and fans can expect an epic New Year’s Eve celebration featuring a star-studded lineup, including Spice, Popcaan, Skillibeng, Tommy Lee, Chronic Law, Shawn Storm, Lisa Hyper, Sheba, Gaza Indy, Kartel’s sons Likkle Vybz and Likkle Addi and many other surprise guests. Produced by Downsound Entertainment — the team behind Jamaica’s largest annual music festival, Sumfest—the concert is poised to be a historic moment for Kartel and his loyal fans.
In addition to the concert, Kartel has launched a new rum line, STR8 VYBZ, in partnership with TJ Records and The House of Angostura Bitters, signaling a new chapter in his entrepreneurial journey. The rum portfolio consists of four new bold flavors of white overproof, spiced, white and dark rum, each labeled Fever, Ramping Shop, Electric, and Unstoppable, respectively. “STR8 VYBZ is more than just a rum; it’s a movement. Each bottle embodies the energy and passion of my music, and the spirit of the culture I represent,” declares Vybz Kartel. STR8 VYBZ is produced and bottled by Angostura Distillers in Trinidad and Tobago, distributed exclusively by Caribbean Producers Jamaica Ltd. (CPJ). Select retailers in the U.S., England, Bahamas, Guyana, St. Lucia, Barbados, Jamaica, and Grenada will sell STR8 VYBZ.
