After a few legal hiccups, there appears to have been an update in the case. According to documents (viewable here) obtained by legal journalist Meghann Cuniff, Garcia’s lawyer, Ronald Leonardo Zambrano, has been sanctioned by the presiding judge, US District Judge Gregory H. Woods.
Within the court documents, Woods called out Zambrano for missing the in-person pretrial conference despite receiving proper notification. Although Zambrano attempted to have to avoid the decision, ultimately the judge didn’t agree with his arguments.
Now, Megan has the chance to recoup legal fees for the missed conference. Through her lawyer, Alex Spiro, Megan can file the formal request before the December 2 deadline. According to Cuniff, these tally up to $6,000.
As far as Garcia’s lost wages, harassment, and fostering a hostile work environment case is concerned it will move forward. In addition to the filing, Garcia alleged that he was force to witness a sexual encounter with Megan and a woman as they were trapped in a moving car. However, Megan’s attorney has denied the accusation.
“This is an employment claim for money — with no sexual harassment claim filed and with salacious accusations to attempt to embarrass her,” he said. “We will deal with this in court.”
Hip-hop artist and NCAA basketball star Flau’jae has released the deluxe edition of her acclaimed EP Best of Both Worlds via Flauge Entertainment/Roc Nation Distribution. The expanded project includes four new tracks that showcase her lyrical prowess and versatility, along with the previously released anthem “Big Bag,” a celebration of her relentless ambition.
Accompanying the deluxe release is the music video for her new song, “Master Plan.” Filmed in Brooklyn, the visual captures flashbacks of young girls embodying Flau’jae’s journey from a dreamer to a powerhouse in both music and sports. The video highlights her dedication to sticking to her “master plan” and achieving success in both fields.
Flau’jae’s momentum has been unstoppable, following her electrifying performance with Lil Wayne at Lil WeezyAna Fest, where they performed their collaboration “Came Out A Beast.” She also dazzled audiences at the 2024 BET Hip-Hop Awards and earned accolades for her viral performance at the ESPYs in July.
The original Best of Both Worlds EP dropped in June 2024 and featured collaborations with Lil Wayne, NLE Choppa, and 2Rare. Flau’jae continues to inspire, balancing her basketball career, academics, and thriving music journey—a true embodiment of the EP’s title.
Tory Lanez may be behind bars, but he isn’t done fighting. According to TMZ, the rapper filed an ethics complaint on Monday, October 28. The complaint is being leveled at Shawn Holley, a California attorney who briefly represented Lanez during his trial. The rapper feels as though he was not properly informed about Holley’s business associations prior to hiring her. Furthermore, Tory Lanez alleges that Holley purposely quit representing him without giving him enough time to find a replacement.
In the complaint obtained by TMZ, Tory Lanez points to Shawn Holley’s entertainment career. He noted that the attorney serves as a producer on the hit series Reasonable Doubt. Megan Thee Stallion’s song “Savage (Remix)” was featured in the second season. Lanez believes that Holley’s connections to Roc Nation and Megan Thee Stallion denotes a conflict of interest. especially since Megan was the person that Tory Lanez was convicted of shooting. The rapper’s complaint alleges that Holley had Roc Nation’s best interest in mind when she agreed to represent him.
Tory Lanez alleges that Holley withdrew when he refused to make a plea deal. The attorney walked away from Lanez a mere five days before he was sentenced. Lanez alleges that her official reason for quitting was due to a bribery, and the rapper claims that no such bribery took place. Shawn Holley, however, gave a different reason, according to Legal Affairs and Trials. The attorney claims that she quit after Lanez decided to go for the “Kelsey defense” in court. This defense posits that Megan Thee Stallion’s friend, Kelsey Harris, was the real shooter.
In an email obtained by Legal Affairs and Trials, Shawn Holley claimed that she not wish to pursue this angle. “I am not comfortable advancing the Kelsey Defense,’” she explained to Tory Lanez. “Primarily because I don’t find it to be a viable strategy.” Lanez wants the money he paid Holley to be returned. He also wants the attorney to be reprimanded by the California State Bar, according to TMZ. Holley has dismissed Lanez’s accusations as “meritless,” however. She told the outlet that the rapper tried and failed to level similar accusations a year ago.
In a significant step towards enhancing employment opportunities for individuals impacted by the criminal justice system, REFORM Alliance and Roc Nation successfully hosted a job fair in Richmond, Virginia. The event connected job seekers with over 1,500 open positions across various sectors, focusing on dismantling barriers to employment for those on probation or parole.
The free event welcomed over 36 employers, including major national brands such as Amazon, Starbucks, Foot Locker, Goodwill, and Crunch Fitness. Local employers from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors also participated, with hundreds of positions available from government agencies like the Virginia Department of Corrections and the City of Richmond.
With over 2,000 attendees, the job fair provided a unique platform for on-site interviews and essential reentry support services. Participants received complimentary services, including hair and makeup, professional attire, and resume reviews. Reed Smith law firm offered expungement education with assistance from law students at the University of Virginia and community organization Nolef Turns Inc. Additionally, 13 community organizations supported job seekers, empowering them as they approached potential employers.
Virginia is facing a workforce shortage, with nearly twice as many job openings as available workers, according to the US Chamber of Commerce. This job fair aimed to match untapped talent, including many individuals locked out of the workforce due to criminal records, with employers committed to second-chance hiring.
Jessica S., a recently released inmate who interviewed with Amazon and Foot Locker, shared her experience: “It’s been a struggle to find work since I came home, but this was an incredible event—one of the best things I’ve done.Since my release in August, I’ve been actively looking for a job and struggled to get hired. I was amazed to see so many employers ready to give opportunities to formerly incarcerated people here. My journey hasn’t been easy, especially having been recently incarcerated and on probation, but I’m determined to show employers that I’m ready for a fresh start. This opportunity means everything to me. I’m looking forward to staying involved with REFORM and its coalition in Virginia.”
The Richmond job fair is part of REFORM’s broader mission to create employment pathways for those on probation or parole in Virginia and nationwide. Beyond job fairs, REFORM allocates funds to local organizations that provide essential services to individuals re-entering society. The organization has also established the Virginia Safety Coalition, a diverse group focused on improving the supervision system and increasing access to second chances.
Jessica Jackson, CEO of REFORM Alliance, emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, “Increasing access to employment opportunities is key to building safe, thriving communities. REFORM is proud to be a part of the community here in Virginia and open doors for justice-impacted individuals. When we invest in people, especially those who have faced barriers due to probation, parole, or a criminal record, we strengthen not just individual lives but entire communities. Every job secured today is a step towards breaking the cycle of recidivism and creating more just and safe communities.”
Dania Diaz, Managing Director of Philanthropy at Roc Nation, reiterated the partnership’s commitment, stating, “Roc Nation is dedicated to amplifying voices that have been silenced and driving positive change in communities that need it most. Today was about empowering individuals to reclaim their futures and build a better tomorrow. Partnering with REFORM, we are helping to create real opportunities for those who have been historically shut out of the workforce. This event is a testament to the power of second chances and the potential within every person when barriers are removed.”
With 80 million Americans living with a criminal record and a staggering unemployment rate for formerly incarcerated individuals hovering around 27%, REFORM Alliance and Team Roc remain dedicated to addressing these challenges through their nationwide efforts.
On Monday morning, September 23, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation announced plans for an “unprecedented grant program” tied to the profit of Caesars Palace Times Square, a casino in development from Jay-Z, Roc Nation, and SL Green and Caesars Entertainment.
“As part of $250 million community benefits commitment, Caesars Palace Times Square guarantees $15 million in initial funding to support community investments,” it reads. “Ongoing support tied directly to financial performance comes in addition to the $250 million.”
The statement continues:
“Led and initiated by Roc Nation, the bid team behind the proposal for Caesars Palace Times Square has announced a first-of-its-kind financial commitment to the Hell’s Kitchen community, including Manhattan Plaza, the famed artists’ affordable housing development.
The community would receive an initial $15 million from Caesars Palace Times Square upon arrival of its bid, and regular grants funded based on .5$ of casino performance. The unprecedented plan is another significant pillar of the Caesars Palace Times Square team’s unwavering commitment to uplifting Manhattan’s West Side and investing in New York.”
Jay-Z said, in part, “Any proposal that wins a gaming license will undoubtedly profit. Our vision is to give back to New York and ensure that the Broadway community, Hell’s Kitchen, and the surrounding businesses and areas all benefit. And not just for a minute, but for the long-term.”
This latest addition to Roc Nation’s bid echoes the sentiment initially shared in Roc Nation’s May 2023 open letter laying out a proposal for Caesars Palace Times Square, which would become New York City’s first such casino.
As relayed by Billboard, “a finite amount of licenses [are] expected to be granted by New York State in 2025.”
Today, the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment at Long Island University (LIU) unveiled a new, state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos® studio. This cutting-edge facility will be integrated into the curriculum, offering students immersive learning opportunities while preparing them for careers as producers, engineers, and more.
As the first program in Brooklyn to offer a fully-integrated Dolby Atmos Music curriculum in partnership with the Dolby Institute, the school aims to cultivate the next generation of creative talent. Spanning 2,400 square feet, the studio includes four iso booths for live band recordings, a large tracking room, and a 750-square-foot control room outfitted with the latest audio technology.
“We’re thrilled to open this next-generation studio to bolster our curriculum and better serve our ambitious students,” Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment Dean Tressa Cunningham said. “Our new facility will enable students to gain immersive experience using the latest technology to put themselves in the strongest positions to thrive after graduation. It also creates a new opportunity for the School to engage with the larger creative community.”
Designed by Walters-Storyk Design Group (WSDG) and Pro Audio Design Inc., the studio marks one of the largest professional Dolby Atmos music recording spaces in New York.
“This new Dolby Atmos studio further solidifies our school’s place at the forefront of music education,” Guru said. “Every detail in the facility was methodically curated for our students and I’m excited for them to maximize their learning experience on campus and prepare to enter the workforce with an unprecedented advantage.”
“This project is an amazing example of what happens when you take the best of what we do in higher-ed facility design and hip-hop studio work and apply it towards something that benefits the growth of future industry leaders and artistic creatives,” said WSDG Founding Partner John Storyk. “We were honored to design this facility for Roc Nation LIU and we all benefit as a creative community to see the next generation of industry professionals thrive in a program like this.”
Director of Music Technology Gimel “Young Guru” Keaton and Pro Audio Design President Dave Malekpour curated high-end equipment, including a 9.1.4 Augspurger speaker system, SSL Origin mix console, and Avid ProTools Ultimate.
The new facility will host masterclasses with industry leaders, and provide hands-on experiences for students, strengthening their technical skills in music production and recording.
“Dolby is proud to partner with Long Island University and Roc Nation School of Music, Sports and Entertainment,” said Christine Thomas, Head of Music Industry Relations, Dolby Laboratories. “This collaboration empowers the next generation of creatives with Dolby Atmos, furthering our commitment to education and the creative community. By combining Young Guru’s expertise, Roc Nation’s industry leadership, and LIU’s innovative programs, we’re creating a rewarding partnership that will shape the future of music production.”
The Roc Nation School offers world-class education and prepares students for successful careers in music, sports business, and entrepreneurship.
On Sept. 12th, Roc Nation’s streetwear brand, Paper Planes, marked the end of summer with an unforgettable rooftop party at the company’s headquarters, set against the iconic Empire State Building backdrop. The exclusive event brought together VIPs, industry leaders, and cultural influencers for a night of music, celebration, and stunning New York City skyline views.
Guests enjoyed drinks by D’usse as the sunset transitioned into a dazzling display of city lights. The atmosphere was laid-back yet sophisticated, allowing for meaningful conversations and networking in true New York style. DJ Sounds of Reality set the tone with smooth beats while rising underground rapper Lord Sko surprised attendees with a spontaneous performance.
Notable music, media, and entertainment figures were in attendance, including Ghost star Michael Rainey Jr., Spiderman: Miles Morales voice actor Shameik Moore, and Bel-Air actor Olly Sholotan. The celebration also included Rappers Dave East, Jae’Won, Vina Love, and HDBeen Dope.
The event capped off summer with a perfect blend of style, music, and VIP energy, making it one of the season’s most memorable evenings.
Stephen A Smith and Nicki Minaj are world class trash talkers. They have build their personas on being combative, and speaking their mind when nobody else will. Or, sometimes, when nobody else asked. Such was the cast on September 9, when Nicki Minaj unleashed on JAY-Z and Roc Nation for what she felt was a slight against her Young Money mentor, Lil Wayne. Minaj felt like Weezy should have headlined the upcoming Halftime Show at the Super Bowl, but Roc Nation went with Kendrick Lamar. Stephen A Smith did not appreciate Minaj’s public tantrum.
Smith addressed Nicki Minaj directly during the September 11 episode of his podcast. He started out cordially, as one has come to expect from an SAS rant. He assured Minaj and the viewers that he had respect for her, and the things she’s managed to achieve. The analyst didn’t, however, respect Minaj’s decision to castigate JAY-Z. “Every time we turn around it’s something, Nicki,” he stated. “You disagree with the decision… but you have to talk to a brother like that?” Stephen A Smith is referring to the Nicki Minaj tweet in which she claimed that JAY-Z favors money over the culture that helped make him rich.
Stephen A Smith Felt Minaj’s Comments Were Selfish
Stephen a smith goes off on the queen Nicki Minaj after her tweets she called jay z a sell out after he snubbed lil Wayne for Kendrick Lamar for the Super Bowl pic.twitter.com/eeZw42Q3Id
Stephen A Smith also took time out from bashing Minaj to give JAY-Z his flowers. He pointed out that Hov has been instrumental in getting more R&B and hip hop artists on the Halftime Show stage since Roc Nation got involved with the NFL in 2019. “Do you know how hard it is,” Smith asked. “For a Black man to pull of what JAY-Z has pulled off?” He supported his case by mentioning the kinds of acts who played the Super Bowl prior to Roc Nation. The Who and Coldplay have probably never been said with more disdain.
Smith got a bit off topic, but he brought it back to his main point. He believes that Nicki Minaj is being unappreciative for what JAY-Z has accomplished for the culture as a whole. He also feels like Minaj is simply using the controversy as a means of drumming up free publicity for herself. In case the point wasn’t clear, Stephen A Smith ran down a list of the celebrities that Minaj has had beef with over the years. “It ain’t about you as an individual, it’s about us,” he asserted. “All of us, as Black people.”
The pick for Super Bowl LIX’s halftime headliner has proven controversial, drawing criticism for the NFL, Roc Nation, and Jay-Z in particular. This is familiar territory for the rapper-turned-mogul, whose partnership with the NFL has been criticized from the very beginning. But he has at least one supporter in his corner — former rap rival and fellow Golden Era pioneer Fat Joe, who defended Jay during a livestream on his Instagram account. During the wide-ranging monologue, Joe posited that while Jay-Z’s deal with the NFL might not be perfect, that there wouldn’t even be an opportunity for rappers like Kendrick Lamar or Lil Wayne to headline the Super Bowl halftime show.
While acknowledging the contingent of hip-hop heads who wanted Lil Wayne to headline in New Orleans, he argued that “it ain’t just one man’s decision” and “if he wasn’t doing shows, it’d be no hip-hop.” As an example, he pointed to the 2022 show, which was headlined by rap legends Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg and featured 50 Cent, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar, and joked that if not for Jay, the halftime show would feature performances of the viral country folk song, “Cotton-Eyed Joe.” While that might be an exaggeration on his part, the last arguable rap act to perform the halftime show was Black Eyed Peas in 2011, at the height of “I Gotta Feeling” and “Boom Boom Pow Pow.”
So, while it wasn’t Jay’s decision to book Kendrick (or snub Lil Wayne), Joe believes his influence has at least opened the door for non-traditional performers, as hip-hop continues to take it pretty far.
“Is there a more important city traditionally in American culinary history, a more vibrant, diverse, and influential? Probably not,” the late Anthony Bourdain once described the city of New Orleans, home of the Saints, jazz music, and the birthplace of Dwayne Michael Carter II, the rapper we’ve grown to love as Lil Wayne. For about three decades, Weezy F. Baby has been an anchor in hip-hop’s 51-year history, an artist with deep roots in his city’s contributions to music as a whole. There isn’t another artist alive who could replicate his creativity, quirkiness, thought, or flow patterns, but many have tried. Even those who attempted to keep up found themselves getting outrapped on their own song or outperformed on their own beat. As he said in a Super Bowl interview in 2002: “I been went platinum, just not off records.” For an artist to be as revered lyrically as he is commercially (Tha Carter III is among a handful of hip-hop albums to ever move one million units in the first week), and with the longevity he has, Wayne’s impact across the world can be felt, even when it’s not always acknowledged.
Hence why Kendrick Lamar’s announcement as the Super Bowl Halftime Show headliner in New Orleans is less shocking than it is disappointing. Wayne has expressed a desire to perform at the Super Bowl throughout the past year, and it only made sense considering how Jay-Z and Roc Nation have not only uplifted hip-hop but emphasized the importance of regional culture, as we’ve seen with Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre. Wayne is NOLA’s flagship artist, one of the most celebrated musical talents of all time whose reflected his hometown through the damage of Katrina and uplifted its talents through his Lil Weezyana Festival. His absence from the Super Bowl stage is a missed opportunity, but, frankly, it should’ve been expected since Usher took the stage.
For anyone who has expressed their grievances over the situation, we must ask a critical question: what has Lil Wayne done in the past year to warrant a Super Bowl Halftime Show? If we take a glance at each artist who performed during the Halftime Show under Jay-Z’s tutelage, there was a build-up of momentum to that performance. Usher became the star of Las Vegas, thanks to his world-class residency; The Weeknd emerged triumphant post-pandemic. Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre brought hometown pride to Los Angeles in the same year that they celebrated the 30th anniversary of The Chronic while curating an intergenerational performance that included Eminem, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar.
All of that to say: Lil Wayne simply hasn’t done enough in the past year. According to Brian Zisook, the co-founder of Audiomack, it’s the Super Bowl, Apple Music, and its sponsors who look at eight categories when selecting the Halftime Show performer: availability, superstar status, popularity, global impact, reach, live performance, a catalog of hits to fill 12-15 minutes, and new music on the horizon.
It’s been over two years since Lil Wayne launched a countdown for Tha Carter VI and, as of now, we haven’t received a promising single that indicates that it’s officially on the way. Not to mention, Lil Wayne hasn’t really toured any major stadiums or arenas as of late with the exception of his brief stint with Drake earlier this year. In 2023, he embarked on the Welcome To The Carter Tour, where he played in smaller, more intimate venues. And if we look at sales, the last three projects he was involved in, Trust Fund Babies with Rich The Kid, Tha Fix Before Tha VI, and Welcome 2Collegrove with 2 Chainz all failed to move more than 34,000 in their first week. Let me be clear: first week sales do not mean anything but Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III remains one of five albums to have ever moved one million units in the first week. Wayne’s best work recently has been the features run he’s been on. Simply based on statistics, which presumably is the only aspect that the NFL’s corporate office is interested in, Wayne’s pull in 2024 isn’t as strong as it once was before his issues with Birdman put his career on ice for a few years.
Lil Wayne encompasses most of the qualities that Zisook laid out, just not all of them. His superstar status is undeniable, but is the global appreciation for him on par with his legacy in America? His performances are often subpar. Let’s not forget that this is the same guy who needs a teleprompter while on stage because he’s recorded more music than he’s capable of remembering. And perhaps, there also needs to be some sort of reckoning of who Lil Wayne is and his appeal. The controversies that have riddled the recent years of his career, from his stance on BLM to endorsing Donald Trump in 2020, could have opened a can of worms that would overshadow the prestige of the Halftime show right before one of the most important presidential elections in history that could very well result in the first Woman of Color being elected into the Oval Office. Part of Roc Nation’s partnership with the NFL is to “amplify the league’s social justice efforts.” Plus, do we really think that Wayne will be able to get through a 12-15 minute setlist of his greatest hits without mentioning cunnilingus… on the biggest stage in America? None of this is to downplay why Lil Wayne deserved the spot as a legend and an ambassador of New Orleans but rather, food for thought as to the possible reasons he may have been overlooked in the eyes of the NFL. Wayne’s lack of filter and awareness of his surroundings has been a gift and a curse to his public persona.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 01: Lil Wayne performs at 2024 Roots Picnic at Fairmount Park on June 01, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kayla Oaddams/Getty Images)
On the surface, the optics of Kendrick Lamar headlining the Super Bowl in New Orleans seem just plain petty. However, it makes sense within the criteria of what the NFL expects. Kendrick Lamar made the most out of a few months. “Not Like Us” remains in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and basically held down the third spot on the chart for the majority of the summer. Then, there’s the Pop Out, which, in retrospect, feels like the predecessor to his Super Bowl announcement. Tickets sold out almost immediately; Dot brought out the entirety of Los Angeles and has the most minutes watched of any Amazon Music production on Twitch and Prime platforms. On the heels of a historic beef, Kendrick Lamar emerged triumphant in numbers and content, and this Super Bowl performance is the paper bag of dog sh*t burning on Drake’s porch. There’s no way Drake could stomp it out without stepping in sh*t himself.
“Not Like Us” is ultimately rooted in Patriotism, and there’s nothing more American than football. While it served as a nail-in-the-coffin offering during a heated week-long battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar that turned into a U.S. vs. Canada debate, it clearly forced everyone within hip-hop (and outside of it) to pick a side. At this point, the internet has run with the theory that Jay-Z’s alleged issues with Drake, Lil Wayne, Birdman, and Nicki Minaj helped Kendrick Lamar make history as the first rapper to headline the Super Bow, but we can’t really be certain if that’s the case. We could unpack the web of connections between these artists for days and likely wouldn’t land on a concrete theory as to why Weezy was snubbed this year. However, the situation, as a whole, could be a predicament for Lil Wayne, whose loyalty to Drake has been in question recently after Wayne wore an XO chain in the music video for Jon Baptiste’s “Uneasy.” Considering that Kendrick Lamar will probably bring out a guest on stage, would he extend an invite to the GOAT? And if so, would Lil Wayne sacrifice his allegiance to Drake for hometown pride? Regardless of the outcome, the Super Bowl already kicked off the type of discourse they would’ve wanted in the first place.
