If you’re anywhere near Las Vegas today, then you know there has been chaos due to two incidents, including a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded in front of the Trump Hotel. Fremont Street is a popular destination that was at the center of a reported possible hostage situation. Yet, that news came after video evidence showed the Tesla truck going up in flames, initially speculated to be a terrorist attack. Because this investigation is ongoing, officials haven’t been forthcoming with confirming if terrorism was involved.
What Happened?
If you were going to choose a metaphor for our current state of politics, a Tesla Cybertruck exploding and burning in front of a Trump Tower in a city where millions of Americans go each year to lose their money, is pretty spot on. pic.twitter.com/xOwXImUIgM
According to several reports, it was approximately 8:40 a.m. on January 1, 2025, when a Cybertruck erupted in flames outside of Vegas’s Trump Resort. The New York Times stated that one person was confirmed deceased, and at least seven others were said to have been injured in the explosion. Officials have also purported that it was a mix of “fireworks, gas tanks and camping fuel” that were used as a “detonation system” method in the attack.
Earlier that same morning in New Orleans, Louisiana, a man reportedly with an ISIS flag attached to his truck drove through a crowd celebrating New Year’s Eve, killing at least 10 people. As the chaos in both cities erupted, authorities tried to determine if the two happenings were related. However, investigators in Las Vegas have stated they believe the Tesla explosion was an “isolated incident.” Nevertheless, The New York Times also reported that both the Cybertruck and the vehicle used in the New Orleans event were rented through the same app, Turo.
Officials Share What They Know
Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill sprung into action to alert the public of information obtained about the fire. “Obviously, a Cybertruck, the Trump hotel – there’s lots of questions that we have to answer,“ he stated. “There is one deceased individual inside the Cybertruck and I don’t know whether it is a male or a female at this time.” There is a reported video outside the Trump Hotel where the Cybertruck is seen driving around the resort about an hour before it parks in front of the location and bursts. Of the other seven victims harmed by the fire, McMahill revealed that their injuries were “minor.”
The FBI is also actively pursuing an investigation. While speaking with reporters, FBI special agent Jeremy Schwartz refused to definitively call the episode a terrorist attack. “I know everybody’s interested in that word,” he said. “And trying to see if we can say, ‘Hey, this is a terrorist attack.’ That is our goal, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
Further, as the driver’s identity remains a mystery, it was shown that the Cybertruck was rented in Colorado. Firefighters reportedly took only a few minutes to arrive at the scene following the explosion. The Trump Hotel was immediately evacuated, and guests were placed in nearby resorts. McMahill added, “There does not appear to be any further threat to our community here now.”
Elon Musk Speaks On The Fire
Meanwhile, over on X, formerly Twitter, Tesla boss Elon Musk released information regarding the Cybertruck blaze. ”We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself,” the billionaire wrote. “All vehicle telemetry was positive at the time of the explosion.” President Donald Trump also gave Las Vegas officials his “heartfelt” thank yous.
Moreover, a spokesperson for the Turo app came forward with a brief statement. “We are actively partnering with law enforcement authorities as they investigate both incidents,” they said. Reuters added that the company was not under the impression that the drivers behind the New Orleans or Las Vegas incidents had criminal backgrounds.
Social media went into a frenzy, sharing images and clips of the Tesla fire. From various angles, the Cybertruck is seen on fire, with some videos captured inside the Trump Hotel. Guests stated they didn’t know what was happening—many in their rooms only saw a cloud of smoke. Some travelers in the hotel’s lobby were able to catch frightening images of the flare, which has set off mixed forms of commentary as we enter the new year. Check out more from news reports regarding this explosion below.
WATCH: The moment a Tesla Cybertruck exploded this morning in front of Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas pic.twitter.com/loJtRqYabO
We don’t know about you, but keeping up with the stacked lawsuits against Sean “Diddy” Combs is a difficult feat. After his ex-girlfriend of 11-ish years, Cassie Ventura, first sued the Hip Hop mogul, Diddy hasn’t been able to escape the fallout of sexual assault allegations. Currently, the Bad Boy Records founder sits in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn awaiting trial for racketeering and sex trafficking. He was denied bail three times and will remain incarcerated until his trial, to the dismay of his children, who have sent public well-wishes via social media. Through his legal team, Combs has denied the accusations against him, although the video of him violently assaulting Ventura in 2016 at a Los Angeles hotel has besmirched his reputation.
According to Forbes, three more men have filed lawsuits against Diddy. This comes on the heels of a man who accused the “Mo Money Mo Problems” rapper of abuse, only identified as John Doe, sitting down with CNN for an anonymous interview. He is one of many who have filed a civil suit against the media magnate. The outlet stated that Doe first filed a suit against Combs in mid-October 2024, and now, Doe spoke openly on camera about what he supposedly endured. He claims he was a victim of the infamous “White Parties,” where Diddy allegedly “drugged and sodomized” him almost 20 years ago.
As Puff awaits his trial, where it is unclear if he’ll take the stand in his defense, the court of public opinion has already condemned him. John Doe’s chat with CNN detailed a harrowing ordeal, and it will be up to a judge to determine if they believe his story in the wake of one of the most significant falls from grace Hip Hop has ever seen in its history.
John Doe Unveils His Alleged Story About His Diddy Encounter
According to the anonymous accuser, he was married to a woman at the time of his alleged 2007 assault. He told CNN that, at the time, he didn’t tell his wife about the incident because he was ashamed. Doe claims he was introduced to Diddy after being employed to work security at one of the mogul’s famed White Parties at the music icon’s East Hampton, New York, estate. Back then, Doe worked for a private firm. “The full gravity of it lives with me to this day,” he said. “It affects every single thing you do for the rest of your life.”
Combs has been accused of drugging and assaulting his alleged victims, and Doe stated this happened to him. In his complaint against Diddy, Doe said that during the evening, he consumed “two alcoholic drinks” that “he believes were laced with GHB and ecstasy.” The documents further showed that Diddy allegedly spoke with Doe after the latter became “extremely ill.” Then, the man says Combs forced him into a vehicle, subdued him, and sodomized him against his will as he cried for help.
Doe claimed he “wasn’t able to stand.” He added, “It was just an amazing level of incapacitation that I had never experienced before and I felt powerless.” The lawsuit states Doe told his supervisor about the incident, but the result of the conversation left him jobless. “He just dismissed it and said, ‘I’ll talk to him,’” said Doe. “After that, he didn’t talk to me again, he cut me out of everything.” He further expressed he had to “find a different field” of work because he could no longer find employment in security. Additionally, he asserted that an unnamed celebrity was there to witness the alleged attack. “There was one high-profile individual who saw what happened and found it amusing.”
The Inconsistencies From The Initial Story
CNN noted that they found some discrepancies in their investigation of John Doe’s claims. While he told the publication that the alleged assault took place in 2007, his October 2024 lawsuit showed 2006. It was learned that Combs’ 2006 White Party was in the luxury of St. Tropez, not the Hamptons. Further, the initial suit stated Doe was never married. Doe now says his marriage dissolved because of the alleged attack. The complaint was later changed, with CNN reporting that Doe’s attorneys, including Tony Buzbee, claimed they misstepped details as they attempted to “rush the file.”
Diddy’s team reacted to this admission by saying in a statement: “After [attorney Tony] Buzbee was exposed this week for pressuring clients to bring bogus cases against Mr. Combs, and after public records showed that — contrary to his allegations —there was no white party in the Hamptons in 2006, Buzbee amended this complaint to walk back the allegations and now claim a different day and wholly different year.”
It is unclear how long Doe will be able to remain anonymous, as many alleged victims are being called to reveal their identities. “I have a semblance of a life, a very quiet life,” Doe told CNN of wanting to remain in the shadows. “I would prefer what little is left of it to be left alone. Nothing could give me back the person I was before that evening.”
Buzbee Asserts Diddy Has Over 100 Alleged Victims
Tony Buzbee has been quite vocal about representing alleged victims who have come forward with purported tales about Combs. The lawyer reportedly told the BBC that he’d received approximately 3,000 calls from the public about his stacked cases against Puff. However, he added that “realistically,” of the 300 or so he has vetted, his “final total will be ‘about 100 to 150.’” Following press conferences and public statements, Buzbee has been accused of coercing alleged victims. It is a charge he denies.
“This allegation is patently ridiculous,” Buzbee told CNN. “What we won’t do is pursue a case that we don’t believe has merit. We don’t pressure people nor do we need to.” Most of Buzbee’s clients against Combs have opted to remain anonymous, although some names have surfaced as this scandal progresses. The attorney has reportedly filed over 20 civil suits, including one that also named Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, in an alleged attack on a 13-year-old girl following the MTV Video Music Awards over 20 years ago. The Roc Nation tycoon immediately fired back in several statements, vehemently denying he assaulted anyone.
Further, Carter’s legal team has reportedly asked the courts to expedite the trial in order to clear his name as quickly as possible. Moreover, Hov has taken aim at Buzbee, accusing the attorney of trying to obtain an extortion money grab in place of facts.
Since he stepped into the Hip Hop scene as a teenager, Quando Rondo has found himself wrapped up in controversy. The Savannah, Georgia, native has released three studio albums and several mixtapes since 2017, but he’s become more known for his Rap beefs and run-ins with the law more than his music. The most significant of Quando’s scandals arrived in 2020 with the murder of Only The Family rapper King Von in Atlanta. Later, in 2022, Rondo, real name Tyquian Bowman, and his cousin, Saviay’a Robinson, known as Lul Pab, were ambushed while visiting Los Angeles. Robinson was killed in the attack.
The following year, Rondo was arrested in connection to gang and drug infractions. He was only out on bond for a few months before the FBI nabbed him on federal drug charges. He again bonded out but was picked up for Driving Under the Influence at the top of 2024. More recently, Quando Rondo has learned he will serve over two years in prison after receiving a conviction for those federal charges. It’s been a whirlwind for Bowman within the last few years alone, and some believe that he has often been on a self-destructive path. Let’s take a look at the details regarding Quando’s conviction and sentence, as well as a few of the controversies that preceded his upcoming stint behind bars.
Quando Rondo Convicted Of Federal Drug Charges
Days ago, Quando Rondo learned his fate, and we’re sure he’s dissatisfied with the outcome. As reported by Rolling Stone and the Savannah Morning News, the rapper was sentenced to 33 months in prison on December 12 after entering a guilty plea to a charge of conspiracy to possess and distribute marijuana. Moreover, following his release, Bowman will endure “three years of supervised release” and “also must pay a $40,000 fine.” Quando was able to dodge similar, more severe charges related to the possession and distribution of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. He was initially looking at 20 years in prison for the full conviction. However, Rondo’s legal team was able to secure him a minor win by negotiating a lesser sentence with prosecutors.
During the hearing, Quando reportedly addressed the court. Despite a career of trolling his foes and making light of his legal issues, the rapper seemed regretful. “I really want to give an apology to the city of Savannah,” he said. “And I want to give an apology to my family and friends, loved ones, and most of all my daughters for taking all my family and all my loved ones through this stressful point.” Rondo is set to begin serving his sentence sometime in mid-January 2025.
His Cousin Lul Pab’s Murder
The case involving the shooting death of Lul Pab is also tied to the recent arrest of Chicago Drill rapper Lil Durk. In 2022, Rondo and Pab were at a West Hollywood gas station near the famed Beverly Center mall when they were fired upon by masked gunmen, resulting in the latter’s death. Investigators arrested Durk, real name Durk Banks, and five other members of The Voice rapper’s Only The Family crew this year. Police allege that Pab’s murder was retaliation for the killing of King Von. Lil Durk faces charges of murder-for-hire, as authorities contend that he was the mastermind behind Pab’s death—a shooting that was allegedly intended to take out Quando Rondo.
However, though prosecutors are sure of their case, Durk has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The rapper’s indictment reportedly reads, “After the murder, defendant Banks made clear, in coded language, that he would pay a bounty or monetary reward, and/or make payment to anyone who took part in killing [Bowman] for his role in [Bennett’s] murder.” Since Durk’s arrest, he’s been hit with more charges, per Rolling Stone. He also faces “one new count of use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death, and one new count of using, carrying, and discharging firearms and a machine gun and possession of such firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death.” The case is ongoing and, if convicted, Lil Durk could spend the remainder of his life behind bars.
The Murder Of King Von Following An Altercation With Quando Rondo
Lil Durk and Quando Rondo’s crews didn’t exactly keep their animosity under wraps. The hostility unraveled in social media posts, interviews, and lyrics. While Rap beefs come and go in the culture, not many result in actual acts of violence. Yet, authorities claim these two crews practiced what they preached, and it has erupted in the deaths of at least two people: King Von and Lul Pab. Von was gunned down outside of a nightclub in November 2020 following a reported altercation between his group and Quando Rondo’s associates. Gunfire rang out, and Von was killed; however, Rondo’s team allegedly told police that they were acting in self-defense.
Timothy “Lul Timm” Leeks was later charged with the murder of Von. Rondo would address the incident in his lyrics, emphasizing that he and his friends weren’t the initiates of the fatal fray. Further, Quando’s public support for Timm following Von’s death was a noteworthy point of controversy—especially after Timm sat down for an interview with VladTV. While there, he detailed shooting King Von, stating that he fired at least four times before his gun jammed. You can check out that clip above.
Once upon a time, Family Matters was one of the most popular sitcoms on television, thanks to a thriving cast centered around Jaleel White’s unforgettable character, Steve Urkel. From 1989 to 1998, Family Matters was a global phenomenon for nine seasons. While the Perfect Strangers spin-off was initially all about the Winslow family, it didn’t take long for Urkel, the nerdy neighbor, to steal the hearts of audiences. Urkel’s signature phrase, “Did I do that?” became a moneymaker—as did the Urkel dance, dolls, and other merchandise that helped thrust the cast and Jaleel White into a level of international fame that few have compiled.
Since the show wrapped, some have called for a reunion, like many other shows of that time have done. However, there have been rumors of inner strife on set over the years. White’s co-star, Jo Marie Payton, who portrayed Harriette Winslow, sat down with Entertainment Tonighttwo years ago to explain what life was like behind the scenes. She claimed White “didn’t have the etiquette” and further asserted that, allegedly, “he actually wanted to physically fight me.”
How does Jaleel White feel about being called difficult to work with on the set of Family Matters? Listen to his full interview with @andycohen at the link in the comments.
“There was something that he wanted to do and I said we can’t do that, standards and practices will not let that pass. It’s not gonna happen,” said Payton. “He wanted to do it anyway. He was so mad, he started kicking and screaming and stuff.” Following her interview, murmurings of diva behavior from White ran rampant. Still, there was a push for the cast to reunite a la The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, but it never materialized. Then, in November 2024, White released his memoir Growing Up Urkel. During his press run, the actor garnered backlash suggesting Black viewers didn’t give enough respect to Family Matters because it wasn’t “hood.”
What Did He Say About “Hood Shows”?!
Jaleel White on feeling left out in the legacy of Black entertainment, saying, “If it’s not a hood story, it’s not a Black story,” and speaks on Family Matters always ranking last on polls for favorite Black shows, underneath Martin and Living Single.
As celebrated as Family Matters has been for decades, Jaleel White doesn’t feel the love. According to him, the sitcom has been left out of “Favorite Black Shows” conversations because Family Matters, a part of ABC’s famed “TGIF” Friday line-up, didn’t fit a certain stereotype. He visited the Wilmington Library for a chat about his memoir, and while there, he made some controversial statements that gained adverse reactions.
“Being a part of the ‘TGIF’ brand sometimes makes you feel like you don’t belong in the pantheon of Blackness,” the actor said. “Blackness has been treated as a very monolithic experience in entertainment. ‘If it’s not a hood story, it’s not a Black story.’ And you know, sometimes I feel left out of that.” White added, “If there’s ever a poll, and they say, ‘What are your favorite Black shows?’ Martin is in there, Living Single… I already know we’re coming in last. But if there’s ever a poll and it’s just your favorite family shows, suddenly we rank really high. So, it’s kind of interesting in how we look at ourselves even as Black folks.”
The Push-Back Has To Do With Family Matters, Not The Hood
We have to take a good look at what Family Matters was poised to be. It was an extreme on a Black nerd and his integration with a wholesome Black family from Chicago. For almost a decade, fans watched as their favorite characters evolved—sort of. Whereas with shows like Living Single and, let’s say, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the comedic plot points tackled racism, classism, fluctuating relationship dynamics, and a desire to work hard in a society that often has its foot on the necks of marginalized communities. There was personal growth and lessons to be learned that seemed applicable to audiences of all backgrounds. However, they pointed to the Black community, often incorporating our language, culture, music, entertainment, and history, and working hard to help fight the system.
This isn’t to say that Family Matters didn’t address issues centered on Black culture; yet, overall, the series was added to a lineup of shows with predominately white casts, including Boy Meets World, Step By Step, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Full House. Its appeal was geared toward a particular audience, and ABC wanted viewers to stay stuck to the network for hours on end rather than flip channels. It was a mold that saw Family Matters acquire success but was rooted in overdramatization. Living Single and Martin weren’t series that focused on “hood” narratives—it wasn’t as if they were New Jack City. They featured groups of friends who were all professionals, working hard to make names for themselves in a competitive workspace. Except for Tommy, we’re still not sure what he did for a living.
Family Matters Was Cute But Lacked Relatability
It wasn’t that no one liked Family Matters. It was that Jaleel White as Urkel was the workhorse of the show. Without him, there was very minimal conflict, plotlines, or character development.
-Carl was a wise but lazy cop. Decent dad, but dramatic as hell. -Harriet was a fussy… https://t.co/xJeqv4zwlE
To begin with, as someone who grew up as a Black nerd—or Blerd, if you will—and had friends with similar interests, no one I knew was like Steve Urkel. Whereas we knew women like Living Single‘s Khadija James, with aspirations of bringing light to her culture, or Regine Hunter, who wanted a rich man to match her bougie attitude, Urkel was an embellishment that didn’t land in reality. Many of us had friends like Martin‘s Martin Payne, an over-the-top personality who cracked jokes at our friends’ expense, but we knew it was all in love. These shows weren’t “hood” because they were all Black casts; they were sympathetic because, as adorned as the plots were, we could see ourselves going through similar scenarios. Plus, they were just hilarious.
Yet, remember when Family Matters introduced “Stefan Urquelle,” Urkel’s alter ego created by using a machine that split his DNA? Not to mention Urkel’s inflated look, excessively clumsy nature that often destroyed entire sets, extreme reactions to his adoration for classmate Laura Winslow, and overblown comedic moments made for laughs, not connection. Family Matters was what its title entailed: an uncontroversial, comfy, family-friendly show that didn’t particularly push the envelope. Its safety let us walk away with a warm fuzzy feeling that didn’t push back on issues plaguing the late ’80s and early ’90s. Further, the show quickly became all about Urkel, making the “family” part of it all more like a subplot.
Put Some Respect On The Queen & Comedy Giant
Further, for White to mention Living Single and Martin is interesting. Particularly because the stars of these two classics had a background in art forms that laid the foundations of Black culture. Prior to taking over the airwaves with his own series, Martin Lawrence made a broad name for himself on the stand-up circuit. His first silver screen acting gig came courtesy of Spike Lee’s politically charged Do The Right Thing. Then, he followed up with House Party and House Party 2alongside Kid ‘N Play, etching his name in comedy across various mediums. Not to mention, he also hosted Def Comedy Jam, further cementing his icon status as one of the funniest comedians in his heyday.
Additionally, Queen Latifah’s background shouldn’t even need an explanation. Her additions to Hip Hop have made her a G.O.A.T. in her own right as a femcee who has influenced many of our favorite artists today. In the ’90s, Queen Latifah, real name Dana Owens, also had roles in films like Jungle Fever and joined Lawrence in House Party 2. Before Living Single, she even made a guest appearance on Fresh Prince. We recognized Queen Latifah, Martin Lawrence, and even Will Smith from other works we loved as a culture. There was already a rooted familiarity with who they were—or at least presented themselves to be—whereas Urkel was, well, a character on a primetime lineup that brought laughs.
It’s Not Us, It’s You
Jaleel White Shared His Reason On Why Turned Down The “Family Matters” Reboot pic.twitter.com/PC6KZgsVM1
It seems as if White’s real problem is that Family Matters doesn’t have the same replay value as the shows he criticizes. The Golden Era of Black television gave us sitcoms that we can repeatedly binge-watch from beginning to end throughout various stages of our lives. Family Matters, however, can be challenging to get through due to its, dare we say, corny nature. That doesn’t mean it was a bad show; nine seasons on television proves otherwise. White may be more upset that his entire career and developmental stages of his youth were built on a whiny yet lovable geek, and it’s possible he’s faced people in real life who have treated him as such.
His condemnation of Black viewers not hailing Family Matters as equal to Living Single or Martin, and his love for Seinfeld, is telling. Many Family Matters fans from back in the day outgrew the show. Those “hood” shows he spoke of—we grew with and into them as we understood the messages in our maturation. And frankly, we’re not sure where Family Matters would rank in a list of all-time favorite family sitcoms. Don’t get us wrong, it still is significant and portrayed a Black family in ways that non-Black audiences needed to see, but Jaleel White needs a reality check on why he really has an issue with Black viewers not praising him as much as we do the Fresh Prince.
We all know that Hip Hop is no stranger to the law, but 2024 has been quite the year for many of the genre’s most prominent artists being tied up in litigation, lawsuits, and arrests. Some court-connect drama stories are rollovers from previous years, yet others are brand-new allegations that have caught Hip Hop by storm. Although these accusations and the legal drama have shaken the culture, several of these charges don’t come as much of a surprise.
Artists like Diddy and Jay-Z have been at the forefront of rumors for decades, with their entertainment peers co-signing the gossip in interviews. Drake has targeted Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” by taking Univeral Music Group and Spotify to court. T.I. and his wife, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, reigned victorious over MGA Entertainment regarding their OMG Girlz-inspired dolls. Over the summer, the trial against the men accused of killing PnB Rock launched. In the Fall, Nelly couldn’t avoid his name being wrapped up in headlines after members of his former group, St. Lunatics, took him to court over unpaid royalties and copyright infringement. Additionally, we can’t forget when singer Sean Kingston and his mother were arrested after his Florida mansion was raided.
Yes, indeed, Hip Hop has been at the forefront of controversy this year, and we’ve dissected just a handful of the arrests, lawsuits, and allegations that stopped us in our tracks.
Diddy’s Ongoing Lawsuits Stunned Hip Hop
Sean “Diddy” Combs has been living the good life from the inception of his career way back in those Uptown Records days when he was helping shape some of our favorite R&B and Hip Hop stars. However, there have been whispers of double dealings, wild parties, and allegations of assault that have haunted his legacy. Fans seemed to have moved on from former Bad Boy rapper Shyne, serving nearly nine years in prison for a club shooting that a witness attributed to Combs. Still, when a video of Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Cassie being physically abused by the megaproducer surfaced online, along with her lawsuit against him, it became the beginning of his downfall.
In mid-September, Combs was arrested on charges of assault, alleged drugging partygoers for “freak-offs,” and using his influence to threaten artists’ careers. Former Danity Kane songbirds Dawn Richard and Aubrey O’Day have also come forward with allegations of their own. The latter has long accused Combs of wrongdoings, often finding herself being ridiculed in the media. Later, a raid on Combs’ home stirred controversy over bottles of lubricant, leading to more memes that further thrust this scandal into infamy. Puff’s legal team has done their best to get him out of jail as he awaits trial, but the Hip Hop icon was denied bail three times over and remains in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center. Several other lawsuits have materialized in the wake of Combs’ initial charges from people who have claimed they were alleged victims of “freak-offs,” with more emerging as time moves forward.
Jay-Z Vehemently Denies Sexual Assault Allegation
As a Hip Hop G.O.A.T. and mogul unlike any other, it’s not surprising that Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter has been at the center of scandal throughout his career. When the lawsuits against Diddy unraveled one after another, Carter’s name was floating through the ether as the next in line. Then, shocking allegations tied to Diddy hit the internet after Jay was accused of assaulting a then-13-year-old, only known as Jane Doe, following an award show over 20 years ago. Both Diddy’s and Hov’s attorneys quickly denied the assertations, with Jay-Z issuing a lengthy public response bashing the allegations and case as a money grab.
According to court documents, Doe insists that after the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards, she approached several limousines to find someone who could get her inside. She claims a limo driver said she was “fit what Diddy was looking for” and was taken to an afterparty. The victim alleges she drank a beverage that made her incapacitated, then accused the two Hip Hop moguls of sexually assaulting her. When the suit was first filed last Fall, Combs was the only person named as an alleged perpetrator. Only recently was it shared that Carter was also listed. Later, Doe admitted that her story didn’t line up with the facts of that evening, but she stands by her story.
Jay-Z said in a statement targeting Doe’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, that it is a “terrible error in judgment thinking that all ‘celebrities’ are the same. I’m not from your world. I’m a young man who made it out of the project of Brooklyn. We don’t play these types of games.” He continued, “We have very strict codes and honor. We protect children, you seem to exploit people for personal gain.” He added, “Only your network of conspiracy theorists, fake physics, will believe the idiotic claims you have levied against me that, if not for the seriousness surrounding harm to kids, would be laughable.” Later, Jay reportedly asked the court not only to publicly identify Doe but also to expedite the court case in an effort to clear his name quickly.
Nicki Minaj Arrested In Amsterdam
While her husband has seen his fair share of legal woes, arrests, and prison stints, Nicki Minaj found herself in handcuffs over the summer. According to reports, the Pink Friday icon was in Amsterdam when she was taken into custody by Dutch police. Minaj was said to have been at the Schiphol Airport on her way to Manchester, United Kingdom, for a performance when she was allegedly nabbed with 30 to 100 grams of cannabis. The rapper would later state that they were “pre-rolls,” described in number as having “dozens,” belonging to one of her security guards. The femcee also seemed to accuse the police of racial profiling.
“Not being able to get to Manchester, I don’t know when was the last time I felt that low,” said Minaj. “And not only that, but just knowing that something is being done to you on purpose. You are a confident other race, you know? But I’m not going to get into it and tell you guys the joy they took in it, even while I was there.” Minaj continued, “You know what? There was one lady there – all the rest were men – and I could tell she had a heart. But the treatment was just disgusting. And I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”
It was an accusation that officers quickly denied. In a statement to the BBC, a spokesperson stated, “We just do our job and it is protocol to search luggage and arrest a person when we find drugs. The arrest was around 17.30 and the release at 21.30. We stand for a professional organization that treats everybody equal, no matter what.”
The Drake & Kendrick Lamar Beef
One of the biggest, continuing Hip Hop stories in 2024 came courtesy of Kendrick Lamar and Drake. The two have had bubbling animosity for years, and finally, it materialized near the top of the year with a Rap beef unlike anything the genre has ever experienced. After trading diss tracks, fans weighed in on who triumphed in the war of bars. Lamar was hailed far and wide as the victor, although the OVO leader’s strong base of supporters disagreed.
Further, K.Dot’s “Not Like Us” became a cultural phenomenon from Compton to a worldwide audience. His Pop-Out concert in Los Angeles was streamed on Prime Video to staggering numbers as the track climbed to the top of the charts. Drake laid low throughout 2024, aside from trolling Lamar, stunting for the ‘Gram, and appearing on Livestreams. Then, Drizzy surprised us all when he sued UMG and Spotify for allegedly using streaming bots to inflate “Not Like Us,” manipulating the system against him. Universal denied the claims, stating that the fans choose what they want to hear.
“The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue,” they said in a statement. “We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns. No amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments in this pre-action submission can mask the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear.”
Meanwhile, Lamar is gearing up for what is expected to be another unforgettable performance—this time at the 2025 Super Bowl. The display will come months after Dot’s surprise album GNX, which has been the talk of Hip Hop circles since its release. In an interview with L.A.’s Big Boy’s Neighborhood, 50 Cent speculated that Drake delivered his lawsuit to prevent the NFL from allowing Lamar to perform “Not Like Us” at the halftime show.
Kanye West’s Lawsuit Over Donda Academy
No stranger to being on the receiving end of a lawsuit, Kanye West has had quite a ride in 2024. At least one point of litigation came to a close after The Los Angeles Times reported that a default judgment was handed down against the Hip Hop mogul concerning his controversial Christian private school, Donda Academy. The institution was at the center of scandal since its inception as the public—and professionals—questioned its validity and credibility. Soon, the school’s former assistant principal, Isaiah Meadows, sued West and others for “wrongful termination and unpaid wages.”
According to Meadows, he was released from his position after complaining about issues that impacted student’s and staff’s health and safety. These concerns included water entering buildings because of missing glass windows, allegedly “caging” students, exposed electrical wiring, and an electrical fire that erupted near a dining area. In December 2024, an L.A. judge officially entered a default judgment against West and his academy after Meadows requested so, citing that the defendants failed “to appear through licensed attorneys,” per L.A. Times.
After what has been named Georgia’s longest trial in the state’s history, Young Thug returned home after taking a plea deal in his highly covered court case. It was a cluster from the start—it felt as if, almost daily, there were new, explosive reports from prosecutors and defense attorneys. Young Thug, real name Jeffery Williams, was first arrested back in May 2022 as he faced charges of being involved in organized crime. Additionally, there were several other alleged offenses tied to witness suppression, murder, and theft. Thugger was denied bail and spent the entirety of the two-year trial in jail before taking a plea deal in October 2024.
As a part of the deal, Williams was sentenced to 40 years—including 15 years of probation and 5 years in prison, which was commuted to time served. If he violated his probation, he would be sent to prison for 20 years. Further, he was prohibited from returning to his hometown of Atlanta for 10 years. Thugger was also reportedly banned from releasing any gang-related music or lyrics, had to complete 100 hours of community service, and couldn’t flash any gang-affiliated signs. Moreover, he couldn’t have any firearms on or around his person and was barred from having contact with most of his co-defendants outside of his brother and rapper Gunna, who took an Alford Plea early on.
However, a judge later altered the stipulations of Thug’s plea. According to Fox 5 Atlanta, the judge stated, “As long as there are no violations within the rapper’s first three years of probation, he can visit his Atlanta home for up to two weeks at a time.” The amendment came as good news to Thugger and his longtime girlfriend, Mariah The Scientist.
Lil Durk Arrested For Murder-For-Hire Plot
Chicago Drill rapper Lil Durk was trying his best to show the world that he turned his life around. He launched a foundation to help his community, met with political leaders to impact change, and even stated that he sought a new religious path and put his past life of violence behind him. Still, that didn’t keep Durkio out of legal trouble after his arrest months ago. Fans were shocked to hear that the rapper was accused of being involved in a murder-for-hire plot that could land him in prison for the remainder of his life.
Lil Durk, real name Durk Banks, was taken into custody along with five of his alleged Only The Family co-conspirators just a few days before Halloween 2024. In 2020, Durk’s good friend and collaborator, King Von, was killed in Georgia. Savannah rapper Quando Rondo was at the scene, and it was alleged that his friend, Lul Tim, was responsible for Von’s death. In 2022, Rondo’s cousin, Lul Pab, was also murdered in L.A., with investigators believing it was connected to Von’s slaying. Forbes reports that the Department of Justice has also charged Durk with conspiracy as well as “using, carrying, and discharging firearms.” The federal case is reportedly mounting against The Voice rapper, which authorities claim includes airline tickets to other countries, witnesses, credit card connections, and a hit on Quando Rondo’s life. Moreover, Durk was tacked with another murder-for-hire charge days ago. The cases are ongoing.
NBA YoungBoy Strikes A Plea Deal
It seems as if YoungBoy Never Broke Again is always in the crosshairs of the legal system. After dodging a federal case against him, NBA YoungBoy, real name Kentrell Gaulden, pleaded guilty “to a single count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon,” per Billboard. At 25 years old, YoungBoy has amassed success that his peers could only imagine at such a young age. Yet, the Louisiana star has been riddled with legal issues from the onset of his fame, and now it’s culminated in a reported 23-month sentence in federal prison after striking his deal. Moreover, following his sentence, YoungBoy will endure 60 months of probation.
There was a moment in Twitter’s history when hip-hop heads would add “Charlie Heat Version” to their profile names as a nod to the impact of Ye’s “Facts” remix. Ye banked on an up-and-coming producer who, at the time, had already built a resounding resume, having worked alongside G.O.O.D Music staples like Pusha T and Travis Scott, as well as global icons like Madonna before The Life Of Pablo even landed on a concrete album title. So when he cites the Neptunes as one of his biggest musical influences, you can’t help but acknowledge the versatility he had already shown before his name became an adjective for the fire emoji.
“One thing I admire about them is their sound can go from pop to rap to R&B to even, like, I think Pharrell just did Miley record, you know? It’s almost like full country and it’s incredible,” Charlie Heat told HotNewHipHop. “And all those different things still sounding like them is definitely what I strive for.”
Charlie Heat has clearly elevated himself since working alongside Ye and producing six songs on Lil Uzi Vert’s The Real Uzi. Most recently, he served as an executive producer on Bryson Tiller’s latest album, contributed production to J. Cole’s “Huntin Wabbitz” off Might Delete Later, and took an A&R role on Primary Wave while balancing his duties as the co-founder of House Of 99. However, he and Primary Wave confirmed to HotNewHipHop that they’ve amicably parted ways.
With all the experience that he’s gained within the past decade alone, Charlie Heat is a vessel of knowledge in the music industry. Some of the lessons he gained might be the result of trial and error but ultimately, overcoming each learning curve served him better as both a producer and an executive in this business. We recently caught up with Charlie Heat to discuss working on Bryson Tiller’s latest album, advice for up-and-coming producers, and why Nick Cannon is a legend.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
HotNewHipHop: First and foremost, based on your production style and versatility, what sounds influenced you early on in your childhood? I’ve read that you grew up in a fairly musical household.
Charlie Heat: I mean, a few things, man. Probably the biggest thing was from an early age, my dad was very eclectic and listened to a lot of different music, you know? From 2Pac to Red Hot Chili Peppers to Earth Wind & Fire to Rick James to Prince, Michael Jackson. All types of stuff, man. Parliament, Funkadelic. Yeah, I mean, everything – Biggie. Like, I mean, from between that and church, playing the drums and church, it kind of just set the tone for everything from there.
In terms of producers, who do you think had a lifelong influence on your approach?
I mean, the most obvious to me is definitely the Neptune’s, right? I mean, they, they have them are one of the most versatile sounds. One thing I admire about them is their sound can go from pop to rap to R&B to even, like, I think Pharrell just did Miley record, you know? It’s almost like full country and it’s incredible. And all those different things still sounding like them is kind of what I strive definitely what I strive for.
In the studio, I imagine working in person with someone is a different experience than sending beats through email. How does your approach to producing differ between those two situations?
The biggest part is the energy of the person I’m with, right? I mean, my success rate of landing things in person, based on sending things, it’s not even close. I can’t really think of too many sessions I’ve done in person where the song – if it hasn’t come out, it’s used in some kind of way.
I have a really high success rate in-person sessions [as opposed] to sending things, it’s like, very low. I think it’s just because, again, the experience of doing this for a long time and being around people from all walks of life by the grace of God, you know? Being able to read the energy and just go off of their energy. Not even overthink the process, because everybody has their own. I would never want to overpower a situation unless they call us for it. But it rarely does to overpower a situation with my personal workflow. Because I think that’s the point of being a producer. [It’s] to be able to produce artists in the best way, in the most comfortable and best way they see fit unless you want to force them out of that. Even still, it’s still producing based on who they are not – you know, like the collaboration of vision is the key to production, I feel like personally.
Do you have an example of a studio session where you created something that exceeded your expectations?
There’s too many, man. I’m sorry, I really don’t want to name one because I have so many so many friends and I don’t want anybody to feel like any other session was more important. I’ll give you a eureka moment was, you know, during the Pablo sessions, it was a few – I’m not gonna say who – but there were a few of people I looked up to in the studio with Kanye and he was playing music and he played one of the songs I did an early version of it, where it was just my beat and [Kanye], and somebody else on it. And said producers asked to listen to it like six times back to back. It was one of those moments, where it was just special. But it just showed the power of preparation meets opportunity.
How does the personality of an artist shape your production? Like, for example, how does working with someone like Madonna differ from a Kanye West or a Tommy Genesis to a Denzel Curry?
That’s a great question. The biggest part is understanding everybody’s comfort zone. You know, it’s like if you can’t understand where somebody’s comfortable at, you’re not going to get the best out of them. Understanding the relationship you have with the person, as well. One of the strongest emotions you can feel in the studio is trust. So all the people you name trust me, you know? But that trust has to be built by adding value. So once they understand that you can add value to what they’re trying to do, and not just take or not just land a placement – it’s like even with Bryson, who literally became, like my brother in this. It’s all about adding value.
We’ve all worked with a lot of collaborators. He’s worked with a lot of producers. I’ve worked with a lot of artists. But when you find people that you can add value all the time, even if it’s not just making a beat or not just doing that, it creates a new form of a comfort zone that now, you know, I can say things or I can do things or I can have a conversation with a Madonna or even Tommy. Like Tommy is very specific about her vision, but me and her can have conversations because she trusts me to have her best interests to move forward, you know? And to create the best product. That comfort in that space and trust is it’s priceless and this is bigger than a placement.
Kanye is arguably one of the best, if not the best, producers of our generation. What was one of the key things you learned working with him directly?
Great question. I think that the greatest thing that I took from those [sessions], personally, was: the only restraints on creativity [are] the ones you put on yourself. Like, he is fearless. You know, like, people look at him as fearless in the world, but he’s also fearless in music. He’s always pushing things forward.
And for me, I always have the idea – I feel like we all do. I feel like all producers are extremely creative but we get in certain modes and certain patterns of success that limit how far we can take things. And he’s anti-that. He’s like, “Alright, we did that already. Let’s do something better. Let’s do something more left.” You know, it’s like, constantly pushing. I became a better producer every single day we worked together, you know. And it’s not it’s not even fathomable how much distance he has from every other creative I’ve ever met. And that’s no disrespect to nobody else but he’s on another planet.
Looking back at The Life Of Pablo, how do you feel about the impact of the “Facts” remix a decade later?
I think it’s cool. Well, as you know, and I’ve talked about this a lot but it’s always cool to go on Twitter and type in Charlie Heat and see people’s @ handle says Big Mike (Charlie Heat version) you know? Like, one of my goals was to always be an adjective in that type of way. When I started, I was like, I want to be an adjective. It means something outside of me – it’s bigger than me. And that moment did that, you know? It’s another version of something. Whether it’s better or worse, it’s up to you. I like the Metro and Southside ones too. That’s all preference but it’s cool, though. It’s a timeless, cool feeling and it’s something I wanted. Ye put it together, for sure.
You worked as the executive producer on Bryson Tiller’s latest album. How did the process begin with this? What were the initial ideas like before landing on a concrete concept for the album?
I mean, it was really, you know, there’s an artist/writer that signed to my music imprint House Of 99. His name is Fifteen After and he links with Neil, who is also from Jersey and also Bryson’s manager. But he linked with him at some event and was just sending on records we did. And they loved a few of them. One of them was actually “No Thank You.” It just kind of kicked off from there. We met and, we were just talking about things and we were all just on the same page. The synergy was amazing [between] all of us – the whole Voltron as we call it. We just had a great time making music, man. We pushed each other, we were all going through things in life, and it just came together in like a very all-time moment. I feel like I feel like this album is going to age beautifully. You know, Fifteen After says it all the time, “We’re gonna look back on these moments like we didn’t even know what we were doing,” you know?
When I listen to your catalog and then Bryson’s, I feel like he’s a perfect artist for the type of range you’ve shown as a producer. How did this opportunity working with Bryson fulfill your own creativity spark and outlook at this time in your career?
Man, that is an excellent, excellent question. Because I told him to his face, I was like, “Man, this is the biggest responsibility that somebody has given me in music,” outside of like the business stuff, right? Because, you know, the music imprint, we sign people so that’s pretty important as well [laughs]. But musically and just creatively and responsibility-wise – I mean, he’s already a diamond artist. He’s solidified. Like, he can do it by himself, you know what I mean? Like, he doesn’t need anybody to do it. He did it by himself already at the highest level possible. So to trust me, and trust the squad and trust Voltron in that kind of way, just shows his personal character and growth and humbleness as a human being to be like, “Yeah, I did great, but I want to do greater.” and For me, I took that serious. I took that real serious on every level as far as mentally putting the ego to the side, you know? My favorite record on there, I didn’t produce but I still executive produced the project. I tell them all the time I wish I made that “Attention” beat. That’s what it’s all about, you know? It’s about having people that trust you and making sure that they’ve made the right decision.
Could you describe the eureka moment when making this project? Like, what was the moment when you guys realized you were on to something? The entire project is cohesive but none of the beats sound like the last one.
His ears [are] incredible, man. I can’t even really take credit for that too much. Like it’s the whole squad. Not just me and Bryson, it was the whole Voltron. The whole unit, we just really came together. And there was a session, there was one of the nights we just – I think [we made] “Rich Boy.” And we just knew that the chemistry was just so crazy, you know? Like I said, I didn’t do that one either. But we were there and it was vibe, you know? We all needed to be there. Everybody contributed. We knew we had something.
As someone from Jersey, I wanted to know how you felt about bringing that Jersey Club sound for “RAM”? It must’ve been nice for you to bring it back to your roots, especially since you mentioned your dad was a DJ.
Of course. I mean, I love everything. It’s what I grew up on, you know? We used to have basement parties. The real beautiful part is one of the guys on the squad, Black Mike, was literally one of the originators of the sound. You know, Brick Bandits. Being able to talk to him and we did a record, “Work It Out” that [Bryson Tiller] dropped for one of the Tiller Tuesdays. We actually did that together. He’s from Jersey, as well, and that’s a Jersey club record where we flipped the “Rock The Boat” violin. And, I mean, it’s a crazy record, too, with Bryson. But yeah, it’s always good to bring him back home, you know? Shout out the guys, too. Like my boy, DJ Smalls, man, he puttin’ on. He just did the “Everybody” record.
How does it feel hearing the Jersey Club sound blow up beyond its regional confines? A lot more artists are pulling from it as inspiration. Do you look at that as a nod or does it seem like people are riding a wave?
I’m glad you asked this question. I’ll say this: I do understand that for artists trying to make it, right? Like, having a sound snatched from you while you’re trying to make it is tough, for sure, so I get that part. But as a whole, for the greater good, the cream is always gonna rise to the top. If it’s good, and it’s the best – I feel like, personally, nobody could do Jersey beats better than Jersey producers. We grew up on it. It’s like somebody growing up on Soul Food their whole life and going to make French cuisine. I don’t know if the French cuisine is going to be better than somebody from France. Like, I don’t care how good your skills are, you know? But yeah, I’m not mad at anybody. Anything that can bring eyes to it to make people money. I never really understood people’s concerns or frustrations, unless, as I said, it’s up-and-coming and somebody’s literally snatching your sound. But even then, more eyes on something – if you don’t stop – could help. And it’s helped more than it’s hurt. I’ll say that.
What’s the most gratifying part about elevating into the executive side of things?Beyond just producing but also, identifying talent and helping it grow.
Having information to give that’s actually real information. That’s the best part, being able to know enough and have the information and to be able to give gems and keys and provide my peers and opportunities that people didn’t know existed. Or provided new angles of making money, it’s the best feeling, you know, Even more than that is understanding how unseen people can be in business, and how uneducated people can be in business and being able to help out on that side. Because I mean, most of my education was messing up. I messed up plenty of deals. I’ve been too aggressive or not aggressive enough and learning from those situations has given me a lot of correct information.
What advice would you give to a younger producer who is entering these spaces where they need to negotiate deals? Whether in terms of leveraging deals in their favor or that aggression, you described in these meetings.
I’m very big on doing what works for you, right? I feel like there are two parts of the aggression. There’s the aggression in figuring out what works. And then there’s the aggression of, once you find out what that is, to double, triple, quadruple down on it, right? I think that the problem is a lot of people don’t spend the time figuring out what works. Like DMing a lot of people, like, yeah, you might luck up but any business based on luck is not a good business, right? So find a way that works for you, and your method. If you’re good at talking to people, pull up their every session and pull up to every party, pull up to every networking event, go to every open mic, go to every show. If you’re not good at talking to people, find somebody who is. Find a sound that people don’t only go to you for. If you don’t really have that, get on YouTube and put up 50 beats a week. Wherever your success rate is at, don’t spread yourself too thin. I mean, there is like a “do everything” method, but I feel like nowadays, doing everything is not going to help keep you up, you know? Too many people working too hard, it’s gonna be like gumbo, or something. It’s just gonna be a mix of everything.
Courtesy of Primary Wave
I know you have a bit of a proximity to this situation but I wanted to know, just from a producer standpoint, who do you think had the better production choices in the Kendrick vs. Drake battle?
Oh, man, you’re gonna hate my answer but I think it was right down the middle, man. Nobody had any bad beats, in my opinion. You know, it wasn’t such thing as a bad beat. And I don’t think personally. I think these are top-quality dudes. Yeah. I don’t know. I mean, that “Not Like Us” is doing what it’s supposed to do but you know, I like the Drake joints, too.
You produced on the J Cole album, too. What was the process like behind “Huntin’ Wabbits”?
Man, I wish I had a good story for you, but I don’t I just sent T Minus a bunch of shots. And he went crazy. I mean, it’s crazy because again, you know, my success rate with sending stuff off isn’t the greatest but I probably don’t send stuff off enough, as well. But yeah, my business partner linked up with him and connected us and yeah, that was that was one of the chops.
In retrospect, how do you feel about “7 Minute Drill?”
I love it all. I’m just a competitive guy. I love it. I feel like everybody has their own walk to walk so I would never even speak on that part of it. Just the fact that these are literally the greatest rappers ever and they’re all getting in the ring. I love it, I don’t know. I’m a sports guy, I’m a Kobe fan and an Allen Iverson fan. I love seeing the greats compete on any level. And the fact that it’s been safe so far is the best part. You know? Yeah. No, no outside harm has been done, which is great.
Your Apple Music profile states that Drumline was a huge influence that got you into taking music seriously. How do you feel about Nick Cannon’s general influence?
You know what? I need to do a little bit more research on what Nick has done because I feel like he’s definitely one of the most underrated people culturally that we don’t talk about enough. I mean, like, I don’t want to misquote any of his accomplishments, high or low, you know, but from the few things that I’ve heard about, and the few things that I know, he’s a complete legend, and completely genius, brilliant business-mind, you know? I don’t think he gets enough credit at all. I felt like it was one of those “if you know,” [things]. I mean, I think Wild N’ Out has to be one of the longest-running shows ever in that space. I think he’s got it already but it might have it by like, you know? Maybe like Price Is Right territory or something [laughs]. I think he’s doing some crazy numbers and people just aren’t – because he doesn’t have a bunch of drama with them, people don’t really pay attention. But he’s been a legend for a minute.
The NBA finals are finally upon us. The Dallas Mavericks will take on the Boston Celtics on Thursday in what should be a fascinating series of basketball, featuring two teams that have had very different roads to the final. Through 82 games, the Boston Celtics ran through the league during the regular season, finishing with an impressive 64 wins under their belt. Dallas is a different story. The Mavs were a middling team with two superstars, but their fortunes changed with a fantastic trade deadline that brought in the likes of P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford. They finished the season with one of the best records after the All-Star break.
The two teams’ playoff journeys have also been vastly different. The Celtics cruised through the East to the Finals, facing overmatched competition. Add to the fact that several injuries of star players on the teams they were facing, like the Cavaliers and the Pacers, and you have a smooth run to the finals. On the other hand, the Mavericks have had a tough journey in the West, facing three 50-win teams in a row while dealing with several injuries of their own. The star-studded Finals matchup will feature several matchups and storylines. Kyrie is returning to Boston, and Porzingis is returning to Dallas. Will Jayson Tatum get his first title before Luka Doncic? The drama will undoubtedly be matched by the level of basketball that fans will be treated to. Who will come out on top? Let’s look at the matchups.
Kyrie Irving is returning to Boston after five years after his big move. Irving landed in Boston in 2017 after being traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he won a championship with LeBron James. He forced his way out of Boston in 2019. The Kyrie that was present then isn’t the same Kyrie that is in Dallas. He clearly wanted to venture out on his own and be the premier veteran on a team that could lead them to a championship. He was not up to the task in Boston or his next stop in Brooklyn, but this version of Kyrie seems to have learned from his mistakes and has stepped up as a leader. Nevertheless, Irving will not receive a warm welcome in Boston.
The Boston fans will heckle Irving like they have heckled a few other players. There is a lot of bad blood there between Irving and the fans. It’s no wonder Irving rarely plays in Boston anymore. Kyrie infamously stepped on the Celtics logo as a sign of disrespect; he has flipped off fans and astonishingly tried to cleanse the Boston arena with sage. The Kyrie return is probably the top of the list for drama in the Finals. It is unlikely the noise affects Kyrie Irving in Boston, but if he struggles early, Boston’s fans will feed into it and take it up a notch. Also of note will be his ex-teammate’s reception to him. Let’s see how the dap-ups before game 1 go between Kyrie, Jayson, and Jaylen.
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are considered two of the best closers in the NBA. We saw their proficiency against the Timberwolves in late-game situations. Their shot-making ability and clutch play are both a big factor in the Finals. Luka is his own beast whose okay performances still see him dropping 30-point triple-doubles. The variety of defenders he has seen in the playoffs has been challenging, and Boston possesses great defenders to throw at him. Nevertheless, Luka has gone off on just about any defender that’s ever guarded him. Kyrie, on the other hand, might be pushed to be more of a facilitator, with the likes of the Celtic’s Jrue Holiday and Derrick White hounding him. Kyrie will look to be aggressive if Boston forces the ball out of Doncic’s hands.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are as dynamic a duo as you have in the league. They both can fill it up and are good defenders. As a duo, they don’t complement each other at times, but their success in these playoffs is due to Tatum and the Brown’s offensive onslaught. The Mavericks have some range and versatile defenders to throw at them, but big numbers should be expected, no matter the matchups. This is the chance for Tatum and Brown to finally get over the hump and win an NBA title after years of falling short. When they are in attack mode, it’s something to behold but when they and their teammates continue to settle for 3-pointers, they get in trouble. Have they learned from their Finals failure against the Golden State Warriors two seasons ago? We will see.
Kristaps Porzingis is now expected to return in game one of the NBA Finals. After sustaining a non-contact calf injury during Game 4 of the first round against the Miami Heat, Porzingis has not appeared in a game since April 29. In that time, the Celtics defeated the Heat 4-1, went on to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-1, and won the Eastern Conference Finals by sweeping the Indiana Pacers. Porzingis is the key that unlocked Boston’s powerhouse offense, which dominated the league. He is a knockdown 3-point shooter who can protect the rim like few players. He offers the Celtics a big advantage that can exploit mismatches and stretch the floor, which makes it much easier for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to attack.
Kristaps is also set to face his former team. His tenure with Luka Doncic and the Mavs was riddled with injury issues and a lack of chemistry between himself and Luka. The environment in Dallas will be particularly antagonistic towards the Latvian international. Dallas has some serious size with Daniel Gafford and rookie Dereck Lively II, but they will have to adjust to guarding Porzingis, who is a legit perimeter threat. His presence means Dallas will have to make some tough decisions defensively in the series. A big reason Dallas was so successful against the Wolves was because of the play of their bigs. Porzingis being healthy makes the 4 and 5 matchups something to keep an eye on.
Who Will Win The NBA Finals? Our Official Prediction
Indianapolis, IN – May 27: Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, right, hugs forward Oshae Brissett after winning Game 4 of the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Our pick for the 2024 NBA champion is the Boston Celtics. They have been dominant like few teams have been in NBA history. The Dallas Mavericks are not a very deep team, and most of the responsibility will be shouldered by Luka and Kyrie. Boston will be able to rely on guys like Derrick White and Jrue Holiday to take the load off of their stars, and that will be the difference. Porzingis being healthy seals the deal. The Boston Celtics win the series in six hard-fought games, and Jayson Tatum takes home the Finals MVP Award.
Back in March, before Kendrick Lamar and Drake started one of the largest feuds in hip-hop history, Milwaukee artist JP had us in a trance with an early contender for song of the summer. The song in question is none other than “Bad Bitty.” Overall, this is a melodic Milwaukee low-end banger that makes you want to dance and replay the song over and over again. Initially, the song gained traction for A) being impossibly catchy and B) JP’s charisma that oozed off of the screen.
While From The Block performances can sometimes prove to be static and unengaging, JP had those at home moving in their seats. From the scatted onomatopoeia to the hook that sticks in your ear and never leaves, this was a song that fans could not get enough of. Additionally, fans took immediate notice of JP’s demeanor which led to people calling him an old soul. Some even joked that his age was a new number between 29 and 30. In actuality, JP is much younger. He currently attends the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point where he was most recently a sophomore on the basketball team.
JP is an artist who wears his influences on his sleeve. Growing up with his grandmother, he was put on to gospel music at an early age. His in-depth knowledge of gospel and music theory has served him well on his journey to becoming an artist. Moreover, he is also inspired by the Ethiopian Eskista dance, which is front and center in both his From The Block performance and his TikToks. Since the release of “Bad Bitty,” Twitter has been inundated with AI versions of historical figures doing JP’s moves, all while singing the song. If one thing is certain, no song has taken over the meme economy in 2024 more than “Bad Bitty.” But to dismiss the track as a “meme song” would be utterly ridiculous. The song stands on its own merits, and if you’ve listened to JP’s catalog, you know there is plenty more from where that came from.
In fact, on June 7, JP will release a new project called “Coming Out Party.” He has been working diligently on this new body of work, and prior to its arrival, we got to speak to JP about his influences, the success of “Bad Bitty” and his first true viral hit “Juicey Ahh,” as well as the Milwaukee rap scene that continues to grow at a rapid pace.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
HNHH:The last few months have been kind of a whirlwind for you. How has life really changed for you since that video came out?
JP: Well, since “Bad Bitty” came out, it’s definitely been a humbling and grateful experience for me to go through. And really a reassurance to me as well. Just proving to myself and to the people that actually believe me that I was able to make another hit. I had gone viral about two years ago, on TikTok for the first time and I made about 60, like, I think was like 70 songs in between the first song I made into “Bad Bitty.” So it took me 70 more songs before I was able to get that one again. So, like I said, a humbling experience. And I’m extremely grateful for that. Definitely, like I said, a lot of a lot of reassurance being brought down my way.
With “Juicey Ahh,” you went viral as well. You’ve been talking about that song and how your cousin helped you with that one. Describe that process and how the song came about, especially with you finding the beat online.
Well, it was around Thanksgiving time. And you know, Thanksgiving, you go home, you with your family and everything, here are the kids, and he’s like, let’s make a song or let’s make a low-end song. So he goes, and he fires the beat he puts up into it. And he was having some trouble. So I went out there, no idea what I was going to do on here. At first, it was just the part that you could only upload into a TikTok snippet.
Before you know it, the Milwaukee hype house page, 414 Hype House, picked it up and he posted it. And it started going viral in the city of Milwaukee and then before you know it, it just started going viral with the rest of the world. So that was the process on that. I finished the song in a McDonald’s. I walked in and ordered a Double Quarter Pounder meal and by the time that meal was over, “Juicey Ahh” was finished.
A lot of your music is a melodic version of the Milwaukee low-end sound. I think it’s very much a subgenre/subculture that is evolving online right now and maybe isn’t really so much known to mainstream audiences, or even our audience who comes onto HotNewHipHop every single day. Could you explain what the Milwaukee low-end sound is and what makes it so unique?
I would say the biggest difference between Milwaukee low-end rap and every other genre of music, because I would personally say that it’s like a genre… is the beats. So, the beat patterns and the claps that you hear…when you hear it, you automatically know. Like anybody that’s from Milwaukee, you can tell a Milwaukee beat from any other beat, because of the low-end claps that you hear, the fast-paced claps that you hear, the consistent tap that you hear. That’s really one of the biggest differences, so when you hear that beat, like before the song even starts, before you even hear any lyrics, you know, that it’s a low-end beat just off the beat alone, like, you know, it’s low-end.
I went viral for rapping with “Juicey Ahh” which was a low-end beat. And I understood that I had to feed the dog with music because they were loving that music. But I’m actually a singer. So what I did was I just brought the singing to the rap. And by being such an easy thing to do for me because like I already have that in my brain, it was no problem I can make it like that, like quick, fast and in a hurry. And I just go back, let’s just go over things. But I never was thinking that I was doing something, like I was creating something, and trying to be different. I was just me. So that’s kind of how it all panned out.
You were talking about how Milwaukee low-end is like its own genre. And you see a lot of the artists within the city working together. When you compare it to maybe the South, the East Coast, West Coast, what makes Milwaukee different compared to some of the other regional Hip-Hop movements out there? Maybe not even just based on the sound, but the culture around it.
Oh, that’s a great question. Let’s see. So, for me personally, being from Milwaukee, I can tell you that Milwaukee doesn’t have a set genre of music or a set style of music that they do. When you hear somebody from Atlanta, you can tell they’re from Atlanta. When you hear somebody from down south, you can tell that they’re from where they’re from, like from Louisiana, New Orleans, or something like that, you can tell that they’re from there. You hear somebody from New York, you can tell they’re from New York.
In Milwaukee, there is a plethora of artists that do different things, and they’re all blown up in their own lanes. Everybody is different. You have artists that rap, and they’re connected more to the streets. You have artists that rap and they’re connected more to the children, you have artists that rap more towards the clubs and the women and things of that nature. So you can never really pinpoint the type of music that’s coming out of Milwaukee, you just got to know that they’re from here. And I think that right there’s the biggest difference between us and everybody else. Because you just know that they’re from Milwaukee, you can’t just hear it. You have to do a background search.
You’ve done videos with 414 Big Frank before. Who are some of your other favorite artists from Milwaukee?
Frank is my brother. So I do have a bias. In my personal opinion, Frank is one of the best artists coming out of Milwaukee outside of myself. But that’s just a personal bias. Outside of that, we have artists like Myaap, she’s young and she knows how to go out there and put on for herself. Get in front of people and be a great performer. Chicken P. He’s also a great artist and has been making music for years and years like since I was a kid, you know. He’s been grinding hard, staying consistent with his craft. And he’s more connected to the street. Steve Da Stoner is another Milwaukee artist that is good at going out to go advocate and put himself in front of people. And he’s also a great performer.
Your vocal style is known for being unique and versatile. You’ve been vocal about growing up with your grandmother introducing you to more gospel influences. How do those influences really affect the way you approach your melodies and when you go and record a song?
That’s also a great question. So, having that background, I would say it’s more of a root for me because it was always something that I thought was normal. I never realized how out of the ordinary it was for a kid to have all of these things going on in his brain until I got older and got around other people. And I always thought that they could do it as well. But I found out that they, that it wasn’t really like, some people actually have to work towards that. So I would say it definitely was more it was like rooted in me, I grew up watching musicals with my grandmother and watching musicals and listening to so much different type of music.
Like, I love country music. I grew up listening to country music, you know, I’m saying, and church and gospel music. And you know, everybody has a different type of church. At the church I went to, you know, they play certain chords that tug at your heartstrings, you know, so when you get used to being a kid, and listening to those chords and understanding what those chords do to the human body or to the people of the congregation. You can see the person on the organ strike a chord. The way the pastor is singing affects people a certain type of way. And I took it out. I liked that. I enjoyed that because it made me feel some type of way as well.
So when I approach music, when I’m making the music, I’m making music that puts me in that feeling. It’s highly understandable when somebody listens to my music, especially to somebody with a foreign ear, they get to feeling some type of way. Sometimes the feeling is discomfort, just like, ‘I don’t know this. I’ve never heard anything like this before.’ And then they listen to it a little bit more than they get beat by the book. I would say that’s that’s how I try to approach my music. I just try to have fun and be as true to the music as I can and not just follow anybody else’s lead but do what truly makes me feel good. That’s the whole goal that I’m going for.
As far as artists go, who are some of your biggest influences?
Well, from the gospel lane, you have artists like Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond, and things of that nature. The R&B side, you have Luther Vandross, Jagged Edge. Singers like Sam Cooke, Otis Redding. Then even if you jump back to like, the Roaring ’20s, you got Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. I never really banged Louis Armstrong like that until I got older because I didn’t really understand his style. Because when you go back into that style, as far as like the Roaring ’20s, or the ’30s, everybody had that raspy vibrato in their voice. As a kid, I thought it was just like how the recording was, but I didn’t figure out until I got older and actually watched the videos that that’s just like the style of singing that they had. That’s how I learned how to use vibrato listening to those people like Dean Martin. People that sing like they got that smooth, syrupy, penetrating type of voice, and it just seems like it’s just coming out so smoothly. That’s where I learned all of that stuff from.
You’ve also spoken about studying music in college and taking vocal lessons with Professor Susan Bender. What are some of the things that you learned from Professor Bender, specifically, that have helped you with your singing and your projection, and even maybe your live performances?
Well, professor Professor Bender told me that I was always a great performer. Like, regardless of how practiced my thing was, like, I never really used to practice on my music that much. But whenever it was time for me to sing, I would always sing great. And she always told me she can’t teach that side of what I had.
But the things that she did work with me was like, posture. I had a bad habit of leaning forward whenever I was speaking. How to go reach for notes, and how to just let the notes carry over instead of straining to go reach for higher notes, things of that nature. How to just be cool, calm, collected, vocal, warm-ups. Really, all the little things. By the time I got to her, I already had what I had, but I just wanted to perfect it. She’s a wonderful professional, she has a beautiful voice herself.
In other interviews, you’ve noted that you also incorporate scatting into your sound. How do you pull that off?
Well, to me, scatting isn’t anything but really a riff. You can make anything a riff, you know? So, if I make a song, and anything that starts on one key and goes down to another is a riff or scat. It’s just a matter of you implementing those syllables. So say, for instance, I say, ‘Hey, huh, bow,’ that bow, that’s a riff, that’s a scat. But all I did was just implement the actual words into their time frame right there.
So that’s how I create my music. I don’t think about what I’m gonna say, I know what I’m gonna say it’s gonna come. Because what I say is, it’s however, I feel at that point, what I’m thinking about is the placement of the melody. Once I find the melody, then I can create the harmony. Now I can build around it. So that’s what I’m finding first. I’m always finding the melody, how am I going to go about the melody first?
In a lot of your music videos and TikToks, you draw inspiration from the Eskista dance. How important has it been for you to display these influences in order to be more engaging with your music? How do you feel like that has helped you cultivate your fan base and continue to grow it further?
So, me doing that, it brings a connection and it creates a bond with your supporters and your fans that you would get if you were all standing in the same room. When you’re scrolling through your phone, right, and you see one of your favorite artists, and they’re probably in the studio, or they’re looking away from the camera, and they’re just locked there, you automatically get the sense of, ‘Damn, I wish I was there.’ Or, ‘Man I wish I could be there to see them.’ Or maybe they’re creating some fire right now. But if that same artist were to look at the camera, face, and dance with you, have fun with you, and smile with you, you’re going to automatically engage with it and feel a bond with that artist.
That’s the whole reason why I do what I do. And I personally feel that’s why my music has blown up so organically. I didn’t pay for a promo for this, I didn’t have to do this, I didn’t get any favors for this. Everything that’s happening for me is purely organic. Because people feel like they know who I am. And when I’m making these videos, I honestly feel like I know who the people are, and I know what they want to see. The same thing I would do, or the video would be the same thing I would do. If I came and I seen you in person, I’m gonna laugh with you. I’m gonna play and I’m gonna be goofy. And I’m gonna dance with you.
One major part of your story is that you are a student-athlete. How has it been balancing being a student who also plays basketball who also makes music at the same time?
Well, it’s not as hard as you’d think it would be. It does sound like a lot when you put it on paper. But it’s honestly not that hard. I had a schedule for school. And I had a practice schedule. And right after practice or right after a live conference in the locker room, I would set up the camera to do a video. I made my music on my phone. So the same way you can spend two hours on your phone scrolling through TikTok, or you can spend two hours on your phone [in general], I just used that to make music.
They’re all happy for me. They’re all happy. I always go up there, and I see them. You know, It’s summer now. So they’re all branched off and going back home. And they’re all happy and they’re all overjoyed because they got to think about it. They’ve been with me before all of these songs. They were there. They were still supporting me. So they’re definitely one of the biggest support groups, I got their families, some of the biggest supporters, I got my coaches. They all love to support me as well. And I love and support them. They’ve definitely played a huge role in my success. So shout out to them.
On June 7 you are dropping your album “Coming Out Party.” What has the experience been like putting that album together?
It has been a fun experience. You’re gonna know. You can expect a lot of good vibes, and great quality coming from this album. If there’s one thing you’re gonna get, it’s gonna be good vibes and great quality. I definitely had a lot of fun. I had a lot of fun making this album. Nothing but good for me here. It’s definitely been a wonderful experience. I’ve met a lot of new people. I’ve met a lot of you know, a lot of great producers, I’ve met a lot of great people that I’ve really only ever seen on my TV screen and my phone. And never really thinking that they were real people, you know, you just always see them on the screen. But I’ve met them now and conversed with a lot of them.
I’ve been through a lot of good things in the past two months of me creating this album. So you’re going to feel all of that. You’re gonna feel like the kid that just met their idol. You’re gonna feel like a kid like it’s gonna give you all of those experiences gonna give you all of those when you go to this. I mean, it’s a rollercoaster ride of good vibes man, and positiveness. That’s the story that I’m going to convey to the people. So June 7 is going to be a day and we’re excited.
Knowing that there are more eyes on your music now than ever before, does that change the way you approach making your album?
No. I am extremely confident. You gotta think about it. “Bad Bitty” is a song that I produced by myself in my dorm room and I was just feeling good when I made it. So I don’t feel any pressure. I know there’s going to be a lot of people tuning in. I know that everyone is going to be looking and it’s going to be all eyes on the project. I’m not nervous at all. I wasn’t in a rush to change anything. It’s going to be great positive vibes and great quality. I know my supporters are going to love it, and I know I’m going to make some new supporters as well, so this music is for everybody.
What is one thing you want the fans to know about JP whether it be the music or yourself?
I want the people to know that I’m a nice person. I’m a friendly giant. I’m pretty big if you see me in person but don’t hesitate to say something to me. I’ll take a picture with you, I’ll chop it up with you. I love meeting new people. I make music for the people and for myself.
From her humble beginnings in Miami to her meteoric rise as one-half of the rap duo City Girls, Yung Miami has managed to carve out an impressive amount of wealth. However, what is her net worth in 2024? Let’s take a look at her journey, achievements, and how she amassed her fortune.
Yung Miami Net Worth
Yung Miami’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million as of 2024, according to Wealthy Gorilla.
Early Life & Music Career
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 09: Yung Miami of City Girls performs onstage during Day 2 of the 2022 ONE MusicFest at Central Park on October 09, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Born Caresha Romeka Brownlee on February 11, 1994, in Miami, Florida, Yung Miami was surrounded by the vibrant music scene from an early age. She started her career as a member of City Girls, a rap duo formed in 2017 with her friend JT (Jatavia Shakara Johnson). The duo gained attention with their infectious, unapologetic lyrics and high-energy performances.
Breakthrough With City Girls
THERMAL, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 16: (L-R) JT and Yung Miami attend Casamigos at Tao Desert Daze presented by PrettyLittleThing at Cavallo Ranch on April 16, 2022 in Thermal, California. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Casamigos Tequila)
Yung Miami and JT’s rise to fame began when their debut single, “F*** Dat N****,” became an instant hit. The song caught the attention of music mogul Pierre “Pee” Thomas, who signed the duo to his label, Quality Control Music. Their debut studio album, Period, released in 2018, showcased their unique sound and catapulted them into the limelight.
City Girls continued their success by releasing their sophomore album, Girl Code, later that year. The album featured collaborations with Cardi B and Lil Baby, solidifying their status in the rap industry. The duo’s catchy, confident anthems gained a devoted fan base, contributing to Yung Miami’s growing net worth.
Solo Endeavors & Business Ventures
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – APRIL 01: Yung Miami of City Girls performs during the 2023 Dreamville Music festival at Dorothea Dix Park on April 01, 2023 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/WireImage)
While JT served a prison sentence for fraud charges in 2018 and 2019, Yung Miami held down the fort as the sole City Girl. She continued to record music and make appearances, ensuring the duo’s name remained relevant in the industry. This dedication to her craft helped boost her net worth and demonstrated her unwavering loyalty to her friend and fellow rapper.
In addition to her music career, Miami has also delved into various business ventures. She has partnered with brands such as Fashion Nova and Savage x Fenty, earning endorsement deals and expanding her income streams. These collaborations have played a significant role in building her $5 million fortune.
Yung Miami: Philanthropy & Community Involvement
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 15: Yung Miami of City Girls perform onstage at the Sahara Tent during 2022 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival weekend 1 day 1 on April 15, 2022 in Indio, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Coachella)
Yung Miami’s success hasn’t made her forget her roots. She consistently gives back to her community, using her platform to raise awareness about various social issues. In 2019, she donated $25,000 to a Florida-based organization assisting formerly incarcerated women in reintegrating into society. During holiday seasons, she often gives back to those in need and volunteers in several communities.
Yung Miami’s Net Worth: A Testament To Her Hard Work
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 04: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Yung Miami attends the Pre-GRAMMY Gala & GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons Honoring Julie Greenwald & Craig Kallman at The Beverly Hilton on February 04, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Miami’s estimated net worth of $5 million in 2024 is also a testament to her hard work, determination, and talent. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, she has remained dedicated to her music career and partnership with JT. As City Girls thrives and Yung Miami explores new ventures, her net worth is likely to grow even further.
Conclusion/TLDR
In conclusion, Yung Miami’s $5 million net worth as of 2024 reflects her success as a rapper, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Further, with her relentless drive and passion for her craft, there’s no doubt that Yung Miami’s star will continue to rise.
Young Thug, born Jeffrey Williams, has gained a significant following in the hip-hop community over the years, but what is his net worth in 2024? This article will explore the factors contributing to Young Thug’s impressive net worth.
Young Thug’s Net Worth
As of 2024, the Atlanta-born rapper’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Early Life & Breakthrough In The Music Industry
EAST POINT, GEORGIA – APRIL 22: Rapper Young Thug attends Young Stoner Life Meet & Greet at DTLR Camp Creek on April 22, 2021 in East Point, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Young Thug’s journey to fame began with the release of his mixtapes in 2011, which helped him gain attention in the Atlanta rap scene. However, his career didn’t take off until 2013, when his mixtape, 1017 Thug, received critical acclaim. Collaborations with popular artists such as Gucci Mane, Rich Homie Quan, and Birdman further boosted his profile, leading to more lucrative opportunities in the music industry.
Young Thug: Chart-Topping Albums & Singles
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 19: Young Thug performs onstage during the 2021 Life Is Beautiful Music & Art Festival on September 19 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for Life is Beautiful Music & Art Festival)
A key contributor to Young Thug’s net worth has been his successful releases as a solo artist and in collaboration with others. In 2015, he released his first platinum single, “Best Friend,” which solidified his status as an influential artist. Additionally, his collaborative mixtape with Future, Super Slimey, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart in 2017, proving his commercial appeal.
His 2019 album, So Much Fun, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and featured the hit single “Hot,” which peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. This album increased his earnings and demonstrated his staying power in the industry.
Young Thug: Touring & Live Performances
ATLANTA, GA – JULY 17: Young Thug performs at 107.9 Birthday Bash 25 at Center Parc Credit Union Stadium at Georgia State University on July 17, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.(photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)
Touring and live performances have been essential in adding to Young Thug’s net worth. He has toured with popular artists like J. Cole and 21 Savage, headlined his own shows, and participated in major music festivals such as Rolling Loud and Coachella. These live events have provided a significant source of income for the rapper and helped him expand his fan base.
Endorsements & Business Ventures
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 27: Drake and Young Thug attend the Summer Sixteen Concert After Party at The Mansion Elan on August 27, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
Like many successful artists, Young Thug has ventured into other areas outside of music. He has partnered with various brands for endorsements and sponsorships, including Puma and Calvin Klein. These deals have undoubtedly contributed to his overall wealth. In 2016, Young Thug launched his own record label, YSL Records, which has signed several artists, including Gunna and Lil Keed. This business venture allows him to profit not only from his own music but also from the success of the artists he mentors.
Philanthropy & Giving Back
BURBANK, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 02: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Young Thug performs onstage during the iHeartRadio Album Release Party with Lil Baby at the iHeartRadio Theater on March 02, 2020 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartMedia )
While Young Thug has amassed significant wealth, he has not been shy about giving back to his community. In 2017, he donated the proceeds from one of his concerts to Planned Parenthood. Additionally, he has been involved in various charitable endeavors, such as supporting his hometown of Atlanta during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion/TLDR
Young Thug’s estimated net worth of $4 million in 2024 is a testament to his hard work and dedication to his craft. From chart-topping albums and singles to successful tours and business ventures, the rapper has established himself as a major player in the hip-hop industry. With his unique style and undeniable talent, likely, Young Thug’s net worth will only continue to grow in the coming years.
(@ProudSocialist) January 1, 2025
Wilmington… 
