targeted

Soulja Boy Claims That Celebrities Are Being Targeted Amid Jay-Z & Diddy Drama

by

The sexual assault lawsuit against Jay-Z and Diddy took the pop culture landscape by storm on Sunday night (December 8), and it’s hard not to think about it when recent examples of celebrity conversations pop up. In a key example of this, Soulja Boy’s recent rant about how the powers that be allegedly target famous people feels eerily connected to this legal upheaval. Of course, these are all just allegations at the end of the day. Still, context and cultural atmosphere inform a lot of Soulja’s statements, whether viewed through the lens of Black art or commercial exploitation as a whole.

“When you in this industry, bro, you got to stand on business,” Soulja Boy’s rant began, which is one of a few recent comments on legal hip-hop fare. “They gon’ lie on your name, n***a. They gon’ try to take you down, n***a, they don’t want to see us winning, they don’t want to see us having this money. When you in this rap industry, when you a celebrity, you a target, n***a. Know what I’m saying? But I love all my fans, I do this s**t for my fans, though, I don’t give a f**k. I’ve been standing on business, I already know. Me becoming famous, I already knew I was sacrificing the regular life. I already knew what time it was. You feel me?”

Read More: Jay-Z’s Explosive Allegations Send Social Media Spiraling

Soulja Boy Seems To Reference Jay-Z & Diddy Drama In Recent Rant

However, Soulja Boy has some legal trouble of his own to deal with, as a sexual abuse lawsuit against him will reportedly move forward. His former personal assistant and ex girlfriend’s suit will see its day in court following a judge’s decision. For those unaware, the rapper’s legal team sought to dismiss the filing, which includes allegations of sexual abuse, gender violence, hostile work environment, and negligence.

Meanwhile, the hip-hop world continues to react to the Jay-Z and Diddy situation with even stronger or harsher words than what Soulja Boy relayed. In this period of strife and confusion, it’s always important to keep our eye on legal updates and the laws that will provide true accountability and justice… On occasion. We’ll see how else this scandal will develop.

Read More: Karlissa Saffold Clarifies Her Stance On Soulja Boy After Blueface Beef

[via]

The post Soulja Boy Claims That Celebrities Are Being Targeted Amid Jay-Z & Diddy Drama appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

R. Kelly’s Lawyers Claim He’s Unfairly Targeted, Cite Elvis Presley Dating 14-Year-Old Wife

by

R. Kelly’s legal team asked a federal judge for a short sentence in his Chicago case and claimed they unfairly targeted him on Friday (February 10). Moreover, the twice-convicted star already could serve decades behind bars. As such, his team wants to reduce the sentence of his Chicago conviction to 11 years. Also, Jennifer Bonjean asked U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber if Kelly can serve that sentence during his 30-year sentence. Furthermore, the latter stems from a 2021 federal racketeering case in New York.

CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 17: Singer R. Kelly appears during a hearing at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse on September 17, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Kelly is facing multiple sexual assault charges and is being held without bail. (Photo by Antonio Perez – Pool via Getty Images)

According to his legal team, the R&B artist’s Chicago case could’ve rolled into the New York one. Instead, Bonjean alleges her client unjustly faced a “piece-meal prosecution by the federal government.” Said request appeared two weeks before the singer’s sentencing date on February 23 on charges on child pornography and criminal sexual activity with a minor in Chicago. As officials determine whether to add to his 30-year sentence, Kelly, 56, might sit behind bars until at least his late 70s. Moreover, Kelly’s trial in Chicago began right after his New York sentence for exploitation, bribery, racketeering, and sex trafficking.

Another argument Kelly’s legal team presented is the precedent set by other high-profile music-related cases. For example, Elvis Presley started dating his wife Priscilla when she was just 14 years old. In addition, Bonjean cited David Bowie, Jerry Lee Lewis, and several other musicians who received similar accusations with no prosecution. In a 34-page sentencing memo, the lawyer claimed that prosecutors and society took particular aim at Kelly. Moreover, she referenced “a unique, unprecedented contempt for Kelly that is wanting as to his similarly situated white counterparts.”

Meanwhile, Bonjean also referred to the singer’s lifelong struggles. “[Kelly] was a damaged man in his late 20s with an extraordinarily traumatic childhood that he failed to confront,” she stated. Also, she mentioned his abuse at the hands of a family member and friend, suffering gunshot wounds, and helplessly watching a childhood girlfriend drown. Regardless, let us know what you think of these developments in the comments down below. Also, as always, stay logged into HNHH for the latest updates on the R. Kelly story.

[via]