Ashanti, who’s rumoured to be expecting her first child in the coming months, has shared much of her personal life with the public throughout her career as an R&B star. Understandably, she’s choosing to keep her baby bump under wraps while rumours fly, though she’s still full of energy as she performs some of her biggest hits on stage. Her most famous relationship was with Nelly – the alleged father of her unborn baby – who she initially dated two decades ago. Now, the pair is poised to start a family together as they both continue to expand their creative resumes.
Interestingly, Hollywood Unlocked CEO Jason Lee revealed on today’s (April 10) episode of his podcast that another famous artist once had Ashanti on his arm. 35-year-old Joyner Lucas spent some time romancing the “Happy” hitmaker, though their time together was kept out of the spotlight. “It was dope,” the rapper said without hesitation when asked how his time with Ashanti was. “She’s a really dope person, she’s sweet, amazing,” he calmly praised his ex.
In the clip above, Lee asks his guest to spill on how he and Ashanti linked up. “I’m a private motherf**ker,” Lucas stated, “but what I will say is that she’s an amazing person. I know she was really excited to be a mom.” The two artists apparently spoke about the idea of one day having a family together, but the episode preview showed some hesitation from Lucas when asked if he was in love with the black-haired beauty. The eight-year age gap between them indicates that the Massachusetts native is a fan of older women, which he confirmed. “You’re a Leo, a lion – you want the cougar,” Lee astrologically theorized.
Tap into Jason Lee’s full-length interview with Joyner Lucas above. Are you feeling the MC’s recent Not Now, I’m Busy LP? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
Tia Kemp went off on Rick Ross in a video on social media as she’s been trying to get in contact with him regarding their son’s upcoming prom. In doing so, she accused him of being on the tapes Diddy allegedly has of people attending his parties.
“I want you to talk. Don’t be scared now. No Diddy huh?” Kemp began. “You scared now. I know you’re on them tapes. Freaky b*tch. I know you is.” From there, she joked that her should send her a fruit basket and explained why she’s mad. She says Ross hasn’t hit her up and their kid’s prom is in two weeks. “What you quiet for? Nobody wants to see your Louis outfits and sneakers.”
Rick Ross Performs At Miami Jazz In The Gardens Festival
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – MARCH 09: Rapper Rick Ross performs during the “Miami Jazz In The Gardens” music festival at Hard Rock Stadium on March 09, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mireya Acierto/Getty Images)
When Live Bitez posted the video on Instagram, fans were loving the energy. “Her and boosie need to have a podcast together with one good moderator,” one user commented. Another wrote: “I just spit my coffee out. Why is she like this?” Check out Kemp’s full video below. As for the tapes Kemp mentioned, they’re related to the rumors that Diddy has been filming illicit behavior at his parties for years. While there’s no evidence of that being the case, Homeland Security agents raided his properties in Los Angeles and Miami, last month. No charges came of the incident.
Diddy’s lawyer labeled the raids a “gross overuse of military-level force” afterward. In addition to possible legal action, Diddy is facing numerous civil lawsuits. Be on the lookout for further updates on Tia Kemp and Rick Ross as well as Diddy on HotNewHipHop.
For years, hip-hop heads thought Rihanna and Drake would settle down together because of their strong working relationship. Ultimately, though, the “California King Bed” songstress chose ASAP Rocky to father her children, and she confirmed today (April 9) that they’re hoping to have more. On Tuesday morning RiRi’s Interview Magazine cover story dropped, consisting of iconic, gender-bending outfits and a conversation with Mel Ottenberg that reflects how life has changed for her since becoming a mother.
At one point, Rih was asked about the time when her man, ASAP Rocky, grabbed her butt during a performance at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards. They were singing the hypersexual “Cockiness (Love It)” when the New Yorker gave his future lover’s behind a squeeze. “So when he grabbed my a** that night, everybody thought I was about to… My team was worried that I wanted to have his head on a f**king mantle,” the 36-year-old recalled of her short temper.
Who Knew Rihanna and ASAP Rocky’s Relationship Went Back So Far?
However, since Rihanna was able to play the hot and heavy moment off, her inner circle was quick to speculate a growing crush. “I was like, ‘Ah, nah.’ That’s why everybody was like, ‘Oh my God. She likes him,’” the Barbadian explained. In 2013 she appeared in Rocky’s “Fashion Killa” visual, but it wasn’t until 2019 that their romance became serious.
Elsewhere in her Interview Magazine sitdown, Rihanna spoke about how Mel Ottenberg has always had a knack for styling her over the years. “You’ve always taken advantage of my silhouette and what my body is doing,” she praised the creative. “Like when I’m mad skinny, my boobs are, like, nothing and I have a little booty, and you work with that. And now it’s like, ‘Okay, I had two babies. You really have to push this up, snatch this in,” the Bad Gal added. See photos from their latest shoot together at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
Rihanna shared the first words she and ASAP Rocky’s son, RZA, said to them during her new profile with Interview Magazine. According to the iconic singer, he remarked: “Hey.” Rihanna had the conversation with the publication’s editor-in-chief, Mel Ottenberg, who used to be her stylist.
“I used to try to get his attention all the time, and I would say, ‘Hey, hey, hey.’ And one day he said it back to me in the same melody and I kept singing it and he kept following it over and over again,” Rihanna explained. She also revealed that RZA’s favorite song at the moment is “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 01: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky attend The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images)
Elsewhere in the interview, Rihanna discussed her relationship with ASAP Rocky. “We’ve known each other for a long time. I’ve seen him in relationships. He’s seen me in relationships. We’ve seen each other outside of relationships. We knew what we’re capable of, and the trouble that we could bring to each other’s lives,” Rihanna said. “We can make or break each other’s hearts. And so, we started dating with a lot of caution.” She also admitted she’d be down for more kids: “I don’t know what god wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl. But of course if it’s another boy, it’s another boy.”
Additionally, she provided an update on her long-awaited follow-up album to 2016’s Anti, explaining that she has plenty of visual ideas and is still working on songs for them. Be on the lookout for further updates on Rihanna and ASAP Rocky on HotNewHipHop.
Many of today’s most popular comedians have relied on shock to sell tickets at one point or another. That’s exactly the era Jerrod Carmichael seems to be in this year. The filmmaker/entertainer debuted a new show on HBO earlier this spring, and the first episode quickly went viral thanks to an appearance from Tyler, The Creator. In that video, the rapper’s friend recalls admitting his feelings for the Flower Boy artist, sharing that a lack of reaction from Tyler left Carmichael in his feelings. Rather than comfort his friend, the former laughed in his face while reflecting on labelling him a “stupid b**ch” instead of addressing the emotion between them.
Now, the 37-year-old is trending online again after more controversy on his reality series. Earlier this week, Carmichael spoke about being in an interracial relationship. Apparently, he finds race play to be a fun way to connect with his partner. “I sometimes joke with him that our relationship is like that of a slave and the master’s son,” the North Carolina native told his uncomfortable audience.
Jerrod Carmichael’s HBO Reality Show Raises Eyebrows
I fall back asleep for an hour and wake up to this nigga tap dancing for watermelons in front of the NAACP a day after the lord’s day during an eclipse. It’s not noon but lemme get some wine chile. #jerrodcarmichael#thisbitchpic.twitter.com/7zPZfGEHFn
— Sheree’s Stolen Joggers (@richyrich323) April 8, 2024
Not only were those watching in person unsure what to think of Carmichael’s words, but the online community is also ripping him to shreds. “I don’t like Jerrod Carmichael simply because I can’t stand a Black person that acts like they don’t know how to read the room,” an upset viewer expressed. “We too skilled at that as a people to be playing into that kind of bulls**t. NEXT CALLER!”
Social Media Reactions to Race Play “Joke” Pour In
“Jerrod Carmichael is a self-hating narcissist. He hated how Tyler didn’t validate his feelings and joked about it, [then] goes and [does] the same thing to his boyfriend???” one user on Twitter/X observed. “HBO can’t give us season 2 of ‘Watchmen’ and ‘Lovecraft Country’ because some White folks were uncomfortable,” another person pointed out. “Instead they give us JERROD CARMICHAEL admitting he likes playing a slave and sucking on White toes.” Read more social media reactions to the “joke” below, and check back in with HNHH later for more music/pop culture news updates.
Jerrod Carmichael is a self hating narcissist. He hated how Tyler didn’t validate his feelings and joked about it..goes and do the same thing to his boyfriend??? pic.twitter.com/3nKMG7fV13
Jerrod Carmichael series is giving a huge cry for help. Like bro literally needs to surround his self with people that have his best intentions at heart, because that series is not it! pic.twitter.com/38hOh83goM
HBO can’t give us season 2 of Watchmen and Lovecraft Country because some white folks were uncomfortable, instead they give us JERROD CARMICHAEL admitting he likes playing a slave and sucking on white toes
I don’t like Jerrod Carmichael simply because I can’t stand a black person that acts like they don’t know how to read the room. We too skilled at that as a people to to be playing into that kind of bullshit. NEXT CALLER pic.twitter.com/enl4GRpupK
Dave Chappelle reportedly recently went into detail about his relationship with Ye and recalled an awkward dinner he had with the controversial rapper and his partner, Bianca Censori. According to a fan who claims to have been at one of the comedian’s recent stand-up sets, Chappelle joked about Censori arriving “basically naked” to their night out.
“I went to a dave chappelle show last night and he had multiple jokes directed at ye throughout the night, but he did say theres no beef between them,” the user wrote on Reddit. “He recently had dinner with ye and bianca but said it was the most uncomfortable dinner hes ever attended because bianca was basically naked. He said it looked like she woke up put some makeup on, slapped some duct tape on her tittys and shoved a cork up her pussy and walked out the door.”
Kanye West and Bianca Censori at Marni RTW Fall 2024 as part of Milan Ready to Wear Fashion Week held on February 23, 2024, in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Swan Gallet/WWD via Getty Images)
Censori has been making headlines throughout her relationship with Ye for rocking racy outfits. Just last week, Paparazzi snapped her wearing just a black bra with entirely see-through pants. She even had to use her bag to cover herself. Censori also appears nearly nude on the album cover of Ye’s collaborative effort with Ty Dolla Sign, Vultures 1.
Chappelle previously discussed Ye during his monologue for Saturday Night Live in 2022, when he joked about his antisemitism controversy. After denouncing his behavior, Chappelle spent a large portion of his opening dedicated to the rapper. “Ironically, Adidas was founded by Nazis, and even they were offended,” he remarked at the time. Check out the fan’s story about Dave Chappelle’s latest stand-up routine above. Be on the lookout for further updates on Dave Chappelle as well as Ye and Bianca Censori on HotNewHipHop.
Russell Simmons isn’t phased that his 21-year-old daughter, Aoki Lee Simmons, is dating 65-year-old restaurateur Vittorio Assaf. Speaking to TMZ about the age gap in their relationship, Russell revealed that Aoki gave him a heads-up about the situation. He remarked: “I’m not gonna kick and scream about her choices. All I can do is offer my advice and unconditional love.”
Prior to the conversation with TMZ, Russell appeared to comment on the situation with a post on Instagram for his daughter. “Love you always im always waiting for any call any time,” he wrote in part. Paparazzi spotted Aoki and Assaf engaged in some passionate PDA in St. Barts, last week.
Russell Simmons & Aoki Pose Together In New York City
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 19: Russell Simmons and Aoki Lee Simmons attend Champ Medici And Fam Lounge at Marquee on June 19, 2022, in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Despite the support from Russell, fans on social media are not happy about the relationship. In the comments of the Def Jam co-founder’s aforementioned post, one user wrote: “Russell! You over there being zen, stretching, and meditating. Meanwhile, your daughter is letting some man older than you get at her! Get back to your black daddy roots and let that old man know ‘not with your daughter.’ Cmon now. You ain’t always been hollyweird. Wake up. Get yo child.” Others did come to his defense. “How bout everyone mind their business and let ppl heal on their time. Don’t none of yall know the pressure of having to raise a child in the spotlight, all while being condemned,” one fan said. It’s unclear how the couple met but they seem to be hitting it off despite the backlash.
Usher is known for stealing hearts with his sensational R&B, and this has since translated into reality. While he’s had a few high-profile relationships, only a handful of women have been proposed to him by the icon. Through the highs and lows of fame, Usher’s love life has been a subject of intrigue and fascination for fans, especially about who his wife is. Therefore, the burning question that often arises is: how many times has Usher been married?
It’s no longer a secret that he recently tied the knot, but this isn’t his first time traveling through the waves of marriage. Although he’s been largely private in his personal life, his romantic history is pretty common knowledge. However, the R&B legend has settled down once again. But to understand the singer’s marital journey, let’s take a trip down memory lane.
Tameka Foster (2007-2009)
Usher first tied the knot with former wife Tameka Foster, a stylist and wardrobe consultant, in 2007. The couple exchanged vows in a civil ceremony in Atlanta before commemorating their union with a grander celebration. Notably, Usher had just come out of a highly publicized relationship with TLC’s Chilli before he began dating Tameka in 2005. Usher and Tameka’s union was marked by both admiration and controversy, as the couple faced intense scrutiny from the media and fans alike.
They share two children together: Usher “Cinco” Raymond V and Naviyd Ely. Furthermore, Usher assumed the role of stepfather to Foster’s three sons. However, the couple hit turbulent waters two years into their marriage. In 2009, Usher and Tameka officially parted ways in a highly publicized divorce. Usher also received primary custody of his children. He and Foster have maintained an amicable relationship and continue co-parenting their kids.
Despite his divorce from his first wife, Usher remained undeterred in his pursuit of love. In 2015, the world learned of Usher’s engagement to Grace Miguel, a relationship that blossomed quietly away from the spotlight. Miguel, a music executive, met Usher in 2009 while he was still undergoing his separation from Tameka. Their bond seemed to be a fresh start for Usher and one filled with hope and promise.
While they were married, Grace became Usher’s manager. However, as with any love story, there were unforeseen twists. In 2018, reports surfaced of Usher and Grace’s separation, marking the end of their marriage. Usher later filed for divorce, with the former couple remaining discreet about the reasons behind their split.
In the wake of his separation from Grace, Usher’s love life remained relatively low-key. In 2019, Usher fell in love once again with another music executive, Jennifer Goicoechea. The pair had been spotted together at several events and festivals before they made their relationship public. In 2020, they welcomed their daughter, Sovereign Bo Raymond, into their lives. The couple also had another baby, a boy named Sire Castrello Raymond, in 2021.
Following his stellar performance at the Super Bowl in 2024, Usher and Jenn tied the knot, becoming husband and wife. According to reports from People, the couple acquired a marriage license in Nevada just a few days prior. Soon after, Usher took to his Instagram to post various pictures of the wedding. He shared photos of him and his wife sharing a kiss, as well as all his children in attendance.
Chance The Rapper and his wife, Kirsten Corley’s love story was a testament to true and enduring love. Theirs was a love story that transcended the glitz and glamour of the spotlight, grounded in authenticity, resilience, and undeniable chemistry. Since their childhood encounter, the pair had appeared utterly captivated by each other, yet their journey together has encountered its fair share of bumps along the way. Sadly, their love has come to an end with the announcement of their divorce. Let’s take a look at the timeline of their relationship.
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) March 6, 2019
Long before becoming husband and wife, Chance the Rapper and Kirsten’s romance was already bubbling. Before there were flashing cameras and sold-out shows, the couple were on the rise. Chance and Kirsten’s paths first crossed in 2003 at an office party organized by the real estate firm where his mother was employed.
Little did they know, destiny had woven their lives to meet again almost a decade later. Almost 10 years after their first meeting, they crossed paths once more at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas. The two subsequently rekindled their connection upon returning to their hometown of Chicago shortly thereafter.
It appears that the couple began their relationship in early 2013. In an interview featured in Oyster‘s September 2013 edition, Chance The Rapper asserted that he and Kirsten had been in a relationship for several years, prompting his manager, Pat Corcoran, to clarify that they had only been dating for six months. Nonetheless, in 2015, Chance and Kirsten welcomed their first child together. Their daughter Kensli Bennett was born on September 20, 2015.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 13: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) (L-R) Chance the Rapper and Kirsten Corley depart The 2021 Met Gala Celebrating In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion at Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/MG21/Getty Images)
As with any relationship, Chance the Rapper and his wife’s journey has seen its share of highs and lows. In February 2016, the couple broke up, and matters took a significant turn. As per records acquired by the Chicago Tribune, Kirsten purportedly submitted legal paperwork petitioning the court to officially recognize Chance as Kensli’s father and to maintain sole guardianship of their daughter. She also reportedly requested Chance to cover child support expenses, encompassing costs associated with pregnancy, delivery, and legal fees. This marked the onset of a custody and child support dispute. However, they eventually reached a court-mediated agreement that prioritized their daughter’s well-being in early 2017. Subsequently, the couple settled their differences out of court and reunited.
2018: Chance The Rapper Asks Kirsten To Be His Wife
On July 4, 2018, Chance proposed to Kirsten during a backyard barbecue surrounded by family and friends. The moment was captured on video and shared with the world, showcasing Chance’s genuine love and admiration for Kirsten. It was a heartfelt declaration of commitment, marking a pivotal moment in their journey together. During an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Chance confessed that it was fellow rapper Offset who encouraged him to propose. “I met ‘Set at a party at French Montana’s house,” he said. “We were all in the backyard, and he pulled me to the side, and he told me that he and Cardi B had just got married in the backyard. He was like, ‘Yo, you need to take care of business,’ and I came back home, and I proposed two months later.”
2019: Chance The Rapper And Kirsten Become Husband And Wife
The couple officially tied the knot on March 9, 2019, exchanging vows in a beautiful ceremony at the Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, California. Their daughter, Kensli, served as the flower girl. Also, several notable celebrity guests such as Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, and Dave Chappelle graced the occasion. Months after their wedding, the couple shared news that they had welcomed their second child, Marli, into the world.
Following Marli’s arrival, Chance The Rapper made the heartfelt decision to postpone his tour to prioritize spending quality time with his wife and kids. He explained his decision in an Instagram post, stating: “When Kensli was born, I went on tour 2 weeks later and missed some of the most important milestones in her life, but more importantly I was absent when her mother needed me the most. At this point as a husband and father of two, I realize that I can’t make that mistake again. I need to be as helpful and available as possible to my wife in these early months of raising Kensli and Marli.”
In April 2023, Chance The Rapper went to Jamaica to partake in their vibrant Carnival celebrations. While immersing himself in the local customs, he was caught on video engaging in a dance with a woman. Specifically, he allowed the woman to twerk on him, as he playfully tapped her butt while holding onto his drink. This incident sparked a debate on the internet regarding its appropriateness, especially since Chance was a married man. Shortly after, Corley shared a quote from Maya Angelou’s Letter To My Daughter which many interpreted as a public response to the debacle. However, a representative for the couple spoke to TMZ and assured everyone that all was good between the two. “Everyone has their moments, but they’re all good,” they said.
2024: Chance The Rapper And His Wife Call It Quits
In April 2024, the couple disclosed that they had parted ways and chosen to initiate divorce proceedings. In a joint statement posted on their Instagram stories, the two revealed their decision to say goodbye. They wrote: “After a period of separation, the two of us have arrived at the decision to part ways. We came to this decision amicably and with gratitude for the time we spent together. God has blessed us with two beautiful daughters who we will continue to raise together. We kindly ask for privacy and respect as we navigate this transition. Thank you, Chance & Kirsten.”
Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty cozied up at what seems like a New York pizza place to celebrate the latter’s birthday, which they showcased during her most recent Instagram Live session. Moreover, the two didn’t do much but stare into the camera and make some short comments here and there with each other in their arms. Of course, given Petty’s criminal history, many fans took to strong debate in the comments of the post below around how wholesome, awkward, happy, forced, or [insert reactionary adjective here] it was or wasn’t. Despite all the controversy, the Trinidadian MC’s yet to waver in her staunch support of, and constant online love for, her man.
Furthermore, more often than not, Kenneth Petty is by Nicki Minaj’s side during her many travels and escapades, including her current tour for Pink Friday 2, Instagram, etc. Most recently, they went to a New York Knicks game at which she gushed over meeting Ben Stiller there, sharing a clip of them together on the aforementioned social media platform. They also have Papa Bear, whose wholesome interactions and videos on the 41-year-old’s socials have captured fans’ hearts for years now. But as long as this keeps up with no change, and there’s no accountability or acknowledgement of aggression in how they’ve handled his legal reckoning, a sub-sect of fans will always be there to call them out.
Elsewhere, though, Nicki Minaj is having too good of a time these days to have to worry about this aspect as much as she did when the Megan Thee Stallion beef explosively kicked off earlier this year. Along with the PF2 tour, it seems like she has some cool releases slated for 2024, including a possible “FTCU” remix with Sexyy Red. There are no plans for the Barbz to slow down this year, and it’s at least nice to see that the Young Money alum has the time to spend time with her husband. After all, dealing with these criticisms and accusations is enough on one’s plate without being a superstar.
Meanwhile, we can’t help but wonder if she will address another one of her big headline topics: her supposed Cardi B beef, which GloRilla said they should call a truce over on her latest mixtape. Maybe this will prompt some reevaluation on the hip-hop world’s behalf. But considering all of the beefs and feuds going on right now… all bets are off. For more news and the latest updates on Nicki Minaj, check back in with HNHH.
(@JarensGroove) 
