Pop Culture

Adele Sings Happy Birthday To Rich Paul During Las Vegas Show

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While performing at her Las Vegas residency show, Adele offered her boyfriend Rich Paul a romantic serenade for his birthday. The Grammy-winning songstress sang happy birthday to the famed sports agent along with the crowd, admitting that she loves him “more than life itself.”

Dressed in a strapless black gown, the “Easy On Me” singer asked her fans, “Can we wish him happy birthday?” adding “his name is Rich.” Adele then sang the classic birthday tune along with the crowd, helping bring in Paul’s 41st birthday. 

The pair have been romantically linked since 2021, and have continued to grow their relationship since. Adele also finalized her divorce from ex-husband Simon Konecki that year, though they had split two years prior.

READ MORE: Adele Speaks On Drake Friendship, Says They’re A “Dying Breed”

Gushing about her relationship with Paul, the “Someone Like You” singer recently told Elle, “I’ve never been in love like this. I’m obsessed with him.” 

Adele shares one child with her ex-husband, while Paul has three kids. On whether she’d be open to having more in the future, the 34-year-old shared with the magazine, “I definitely want more kids. I’m a homemaker and I’m a matriarch, and a stable life helps me with my music.”

Los Angeles, CA – October 19: Singer Adele and sports agent Rich Paul attend a game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers on October 19, 2021 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images).

“But right now, all I got in my brain is Vegas. I wanna f**king nail it.” Adele then added.

Her “Weekends with Adele” residency show kicked off this past November, with the London-born singer’s set going until March 2023.

Singing hits like “Rolling in the Deep” and “Water Under The Bridge,” she is currently performing at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, a popular venue on the Las Vegas strip.

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Cardi B Claps Back After Twitter User Called Her Out Over Recession Comments

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With whispers that a recession could be on the way for Americans, rapper Cardi B took to her Twitter to discuss our current economic situation but was met with criticism over her wealthy status. 

Known to clap back on social media, the “Up” rapper lived up to her reputation by blasting a user that tried to call her out.

“We going through a recession…..Merry Christmas,” Cardi B tweeted Tuesday, adding a Christmas tree emoji.

Not long after, a Twitter user responded with a snarky comment, writing, “Says the rapper worth 40 million.”

Tweeting back, the Bronx native penned on the social media platform, “I’m worth more then that and guess what? If I don’t save, work and budget I could lose it too!”

READ MORE: Cardi B Fires Back At Criticism For Not Releasing New Album

“What makes you think that no matter how much money you got you can’t lose it all if you don’t manage your money correctly,” she continued. “I too have bills, responsibilities and people I have to help.”

The issue has apparently been on Cardi B’s mind for some time now. Back in June, she also tweeted about a possible recession, asking at the time “When y’all think they going to announce that we going into a recession?”

Earlier this year, the “WAP” rapper also discussed inflation on social media, questioning how people are managing to survive amid rising prices. In an Instagram video, she acknowledged the criticism she’s received in the past for supporting our current POTUS Joe Biden.

“You know one thing that people was coming at me every single time that we saying that something bad in the economy is happening? And people be like, ‘Well you was the one that told people to vote for Joe Biden,’” she shared.

“But this the thing, right? After the pandemic, I knew that this sh*t was gonna happen. I knew we was gonna have a financial crisis. And the thing about it is, that this is not only in America.”

Do you agree that we are currently on the brink of a recession? Share your thoughts in the comments down below.

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Elon Musk Announces Plans To Resign As Twitter CEO Following Poll

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Following the results of his recent Twitter poll, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has revealed that he will, in fact, step down as CEO of the popular social media platform.

Musk became the owner of Twitter in October after completing a multibillion-dollar deal to buy it.

On Sunday, he posted a Twitter poll asking his over 120 million followers if he should “step down as head of Twitter,” adding, “I will abide by the results of this poll.”

READ MORE: Elon Musk Announces He Doesn’t Have “Any Suicidal Thoughts” On Twitter

After more than 17 million voted on his fate, the results showed that 57.5% chose yes while 42.5% chose no, revealing a close final vote.

Musk tweeted Tuesday night that he will resign as CEO and work behind the scenes on Twitter. “I will resign as CEO as soon as I find someone foolish enough to take the job! After that, I will just run the software & servers teams.” he wrote.

Many have voiced their concerns about Musk altering Twitter’s platform since he took over in October. 

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 13: Elon Musk speaks onstage at the Elon Musk in Conversation with Todd Howard panel during E3 2019 at the Novo Theatre on June 13, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for E3/Entertainment Software Association)

In addition to laying off thousands of employees, he also caught backlash for altering Twitter policy and retuning account privileges to those who had previously been banned, including Donald Trump and Kanye West.

Continuing to alienate users, Musk changed Twitter’s verification system, making it possible to receive a blue check verification in exchange for an $8 per month subscription service, according to The Wrap.

Though Musk may soon be trading in his CEO title, it isn’t clear if the changes he put in place will remain.

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Judge Reveals Tory Lanez’s Lyrics & Music Videos Could Be “Fair Game” If Rapper Testifies

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With week two of Tory Lanez’s trial currently underway, it still isn’t clear whether the Canadian rapper will actually testify in front of the jury. However, a judge recently revealed that his lyrics and music video content could be “fair game” if he does.

Legal journalist Meghan Cuniff, who’s been following and tweeting about the case, shared online Tuesday, “One big issue remains: Will Tory Lanez testify? If he does, Judge Herriford says any lyrics or videos that relate to this case are fair game, which DA Alexander Bott says include Lanez’s music video in which he’s ‘butchering horse feet, clearly directed at Megan.’”

The music video mentioned refers to “CAP,” which Lanez debuted on YouTube earlier this year. In it, he appears to cut a butchered horse leg while wielding a large knife and wearing an apron. 

Later in the video Lanez also appears in a courtroom, leading many to believe that he was referencing Megan thee Stallion.

Following Megan’s ex-friend Kelsey testifying in Lanez’s trial, lyrics from her 2020 diss track “Bussin’ Back” were admitted into evidence.

READ MORE: Kelsey Harris’ Texts About Tory Lanez Allegedly “Dragging” Her Admitted In Trial: Report

Lyrics from the track include: “If I was the one with the gun you would’ve heard about a murder / Said her back was turned but that girl know who really hurt her.” She also claimed on the song that Megan lied to the D.A. about her taking “hush money.”

Following Megan’s interview with Gayle King in April 2022, the Houston rapper addressed the ensuing backlash on Twitter, also referencing Lanez’s controversial “CAP” music video. 

“So A man can shoot me, chop up horse legs in music videos to taunt me, pay blogs to spread false information from what’s happening in court, record studio albums and make diss tracks… but when I talk to Gayle King that’s the last straw.. F**K YALL.” she tweeted following her CBS Mornings appearance.

Check back in with HotNewHipHop for ongoing details about the Tory Lanez trial.

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Latto Gets The Key To Her Hometown Of Clayton County

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2022 proved to be quite the breakthrough year for Latto, as she continued to drop plenty of music and appear on the charts.

To cap off the successful year, she’s now receiving the key to her city.

Latto attends Latto “Christmas In Clayco” at Carl Rhodenizer Recreation Center. (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

Former Georgia State Representative, Stacey Abrams presented Latto with the key to Clayton County, Georgia on Sunday (December 18).

The announcement took place following her second annual holiday drive; the “Christmas in Clayco” event. Run by her non-profit organization, Win Some Give Some, the operation evidently shows the 23-year-old’s dedication to providing for her community.

The rapper’s donations this year featured a Christmas dinner, gifts and necessities for over 500 local families, including TVs, bikes, toy cars and turkeys.

“Our kids love her, the commissioners love her, and this is a collaboration that has been great for the community and for the children in Clayton County Public Schools. I want them to see the spirit of giving. When you give, it reciprocates back to you. What we tell our kids in Clayton County is that you can go and be anything you want to be, and Latto is a great example of that,” Clayton County commissioner Alieka Anderson said while attending the event.

Furthermore, the December 18th date is now officially recognized as “Latto Day” within the city.

In other news surrounding the “It’s Givin” rapper, she recently celebrated her upcoming 24th birthday in a unique way. Although she doesn’t officially turn 24 until Thursday (December 22), the Columbus native celebrated yesterday (December 19) by way of a party she called “Area 24.”

While dressing up as a fully-costumed pink alien, it appears as though the festivities were certainly a good time.

Back in March, the Grammy-nominated rapper dropped off her second studio album, 777. The 23-year-old is in her bag throughout the project’s 13 tracks. Featuring the biggest hit of her career in “Big Energy,” it’s one of the most successful albums of the year.

What’s your favorite Latto song? Comment down below. Finally, make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for the latest industry updates.

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A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Offers Mid-Concert Tribute To Late Friend PNB Rock

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While performing in Connecticut over the weekend, A Boogie wit da Hoodie took time during his set to give a tribute to PNB Rock, who died this past September.

A Boogie offered a live rendition of “Lovin’,” a collaboration he and PNB Rock released in 2017. The crowd erupted with cheers and energy shortly after the track began, showing how much the late rapper is missed by his large fanbase.

PNB Rock died at age 30 after being fatally shot during a robbery. He was with his girlfriend at an LA-based Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles restaurant when the tragic incident occurred. His funeral service was later held in his hometown of Philadelphia.

Earlier this month, A Boogie released his fourth studio album Me Vs. Myself, listing features from a number of notable artists, including Kodak Black, Roddy Rich, and Lil Durk.

READ MORE: A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Is Feeling Like Bronny On “Ballin”

“Needed That,” one track from the project, also featured a posthumous verse from PNB Rock. 

The pair also worked on many songs in the past. In addition to “Lovin’,” they dropped “IDK” in 2016, with “Beast Mode” and “Stand Back” released the following year. In 2019, the East Coast rappers debuted “Put You On.”

Following his death, the New York rapper posted a heartfelt statement on his Instagram.

Admitting that it’s hard to accept, A Boogie penned, “You was a big part of me coming in to the game, shit the first n***a I met in the industry! It’s not too many mfs that rap I call my brother fr but Rock was one of them.”

“I got nothing to say about the situation because I don’t make assumptions I got nothing but flashbacks going thru my head witchu bro,” he continued. “You just got out of your deal and all smh just know w.e the family needs I’m here! Love you n***a smh sleep in peace.”

Lil Wayne Sued By Former Personal Chef

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Lil Wayne is nearly three decades into his decorated career as one of the undisputed greatest rappers of all time.

At this point, nothing surrounding the 40-year-old hitmaker should really come as a surprise.

Lil Wayne performs at the Amazon Music Live Concert Series on November 17, 2022. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Amazon Music)

In the most recent news about the “Lollipop” rapper, he’s now facing a lawsuit. It comes from Morghan Medlock, who formerly worked as his personal chef.

According to a report from TMZ, Medlock is accusing the New Orleans native of various different unlawful practices. The alleged injustices include wrongful termination and retaliation.

It all began when she was in Las Vegas for a trip with Weezy and his crew during Memorial Day weekend earlier this year. Upon getting a call notifying her that her 10-year-old son was in the hospital after sustaining a head injury, Medlock obviously needed to get back to her home in L.A.

However, she claims that the Young Money rapper is responsible for delaying the flight back because he was too busy smoking on the aircraft. She subsequently chose to catch a different flight home instead.

Although she notified Tunechi’s assistant and even tried getting back to work after dealing with the situation, she claims she was terminated.

She’s supposedly seeking a minimum payment of $500,000 from the “Lollipop” rapper for the wrongdoing.

Prior to the news of the legal situation, Wayne was recently seen in good spirits, as he usually is.

During his appearance on ESPN for Monday Night Football last night (December 19), he reacted to Eli Manning’s rapping skills.

After playing the hip-hop legend a humorous video of his remix of Fivio Foreign’s “1 On 3,” he was all smiles. “I didn’t know what was going on. I saw the Cuban around your neck. I’m glad I actually saw a video of what that was all about. But you killed it. You killed it. Yeah, you killed that,” he tells Manning.

What are your thoughts on the latest situation that Weezy’s gotten himself into? Comment down below and stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates.

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Kim Kardashian Looks Back At It In New Thirst Traps As Pete Davidson Spends Time With Female Friend

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It’s been a year full of breakups and, subsequently, makeups, for several of our favourite celebrities. From Chrisean Rock and Blueface’s neverending turbulent chaos earning them a reality show to the marriage of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez decades after their original engagement, there’s been no shortage of news to take in. Arguably one of the strangest unions we saw in 2022, though, was Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson.

Pete Davidson and Kim Kardashian arrive at The 2022 Met Gala Celebrating “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 02, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/MG22/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue )

The two have since gone their separate ways, but during the months that they were together, they constantly made headlines. Whether the Saturday Night Live alum was getting tattoos dedicated to his girlfriend (not an uncommon move for him), or being berated by her ex-husband, Kanye West, they knew how to keep all eyes on them.

Their breakup came suddenly in August. Prior to that, they attended the Met Gala together, with Kardashian controversially donning Marilyn Monroe’s iconic gown. Additionally, they made their union social media official with several PDA-filled snapshots on date nights and baecations.

For her part, the mother of four seems to be enjoying her life as a single woman. She hasn’t been seen with a man in recent months. Rather, she’s been solely focused on her various brands, children, and other personal endeavours. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t still have time to share the occasional thirst trap, though.

On Monday (December 19), Kardashian started the week off right with a salacious selfie showing off her behind in a window. “Looking back at ’22 [wink emoji]” she captioned the shot.

In the centre of her behind, the California native tagged her SKIMS shapewear line, shamelessly promoting herself. In the comments, friends like La La Anthony, Lauren Sanchez, and Food God showed their support for the blonde beauty.

The upload has interesting timing, seeing as her ex is dating scores of beautiful women recently.

Firstly Davidson and model Emily Ratajkowski made headlines with several New York City outings. The last time they were together in public was courtside at a basketball game. Since then, the 29-year-old was out with another woman, causing some to speculate that he’s moving on.

A report from TMZ reveals that the mystery lady is Chase Sui Wonders, his Bodies, Bodies, Bodies co-star. They’re “great friends” who “hang out all the time,” but are “most definitely not an item.”

Check back in with HNHH later for more pop culture news updates.

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Sonya Eddy, General Hospital Star, Dead At 55

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Sonya Eddy, who starred in the ABC soap opera, General Hospital, has passed away at the age of 55. The show’s executive producer, Frank Valentini, confirmed her passing in a statement on Tuesday.

“I am heartbroken about the loss of the incredible Sonya Eddy,” Valentini wrote. “I truly loved her not only as an actress but as a friend. The lights in the hub of the nurses’ station will now be a bit dimmer, but her spirit and light will live on in both the show and our set. On behalf of the entire GH cast and crew, we send our deepest sympathy to her family, friends, and fans. She will be very missed.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 07: Sonya Eddy attends the Premiere of Apple TV+’s “The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey” at Regency Bruin Theatre on March 07, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic)

ABC also confirmed Eddy’s passing in an email to Page Six: “‘General Hospital’ is sad to confirm the passing of actress Sonya Eddy, who embodied her character … the tough but compassionate, head nurse, Epiphany Johnson … and immediately became a fan favorite and beloved member of our ‘GH’ family when she joined the show in 2006.”

No details regarding her death were provided as of Tuesday afternoon. Octavia Spencer reflected on her passing in a statement on Instagram.

“My friend @sonyaeddy passed away last night. The world lost another creative angel. Her legions of @generalhospitalabc fans will miss her,” Spencer wrote. “My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones, friends, and fans!”

In addition to her work on General Hospital, Eddy also appeared in episodes of Seinfeld, Fresh Off the Boat, Glee, and more. She also was included as a regular cast member in the spin-off, General Hospital: Night Shift.

Check out Octavia Spencer’s Instagram post below.

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Vivica Fox Goes Off On Joe Budden After He Disses Megan Thee Stallion

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Ever since she was catapulted into stardom, Megan Thee Stallion has been a polarizing figure, and Joe Budden apparently isn’t a fan. Megan is currently in the throws of a court case involving Tory Lanez and the infamous shooting in July 2020. Megan contests Lanez shot her in her feet, but he says it was Megan’s former best friend, Kelsey Harris.

As the trial drags on, the court of public opinion also hasn’t minced words. Further, a clip from The Joe Budden Podcast recently circulated, and in it, Budden makes it clear that he isn’t Megan’s biggest fan.

Read More: Joe Budden On Megan Thee Stallion: “I Don’t Like That Girl”

“Personally, I’ve seen this woman do horrible things to some really great people that I have longstanding relationships with here in this industry,” said Budden. “So, I’m biased. You can’t just treat my friends and people I f*ck with, and people I’ve seen in this game for 15 years, a certain way.”

The remarks also caused a firestorm of backlash from people who put Budden in the hot seat. Critics revisited the allegations against him involving domestic abuse and chastised the former rapper for attacking a victim.

Meanwhile, over on FOX Soul’s Cocktails with Queens, Vivica Fox and her co-hosts tackled the controversy. The Set It Off icon let her voice be heard.

Read More: Chika Comes For 50 Cent After He Disses Megan Thee Stallion

“Joe Budden, if you don’t button it up and sit yo b*tch ass down,” said Fox. “Hatin’ on that girl. Okay, y’all mad ’cause girls right now is ruling Rap. It’s just driving y’all crazy that the sistas is just ruling and taking numbers and can tell y’all about y’allself.”

“It’s a new day! But if you wanted some attention, to be honest with you, I think that’s the wrong one to try and get it from because it’s really coming out. Facts are finally coming out after so many years of this trial being long-awaited that she was shot. Get used to it, brother. It’s a new day.”

(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Read More: Megan Thee Stallion’s Ex-BFF Kelsey’s Diss Track Entered Into Evidence

Budden hasn’t responded to Fox’s criticism. Meanwhile, We’re in the second week of Lanez’s trial and there have been even more twists and turns now that a witness has taken the stand.