New Hip Hop News

Jodeci’s Devante Swing Accused Of “Aiding” Diddy In Teen Girl Rape

October 10, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The snowball effect has really been thematic in the Diddy federal racketeering/ sex trafficking saga and now more accusations are piling up with another Bad Boy artists attached to the drama.

Jodeci member/producer Devante Swing has been accused in the rape of a 16-year-old in which DIddy and Guy front man Aaron Hall have already been implicated earlier this year. The rape charge, which allegedly occurred in 1990, has has added Swing to the list of defendants for being in the same room.

The suit, which was obtained by Rolling Stone, states, “Unbeknownst to Ms. Gardner at the time, Defendant Swing was in the room when this assault took place and did not take any steps to prevent this abuse from occurring.” A sworn statement given by a witness also states that Swing was “leaning against the wall or furniture or something, watching whatever Puffy was doing to Liza.[Gardner].”

The R&B producer was reportedly Gardner’s co-guardian at the time of the alleged rape.

The lawsuit claims Swing “had a duty to protect [Gardner] as her parents entrusted him with her safety. He trafficked and or coerced the child [to] travel across state lines from North Carolina to New York and New Jersey with the hidden intention of providing the child with alcohol, and marijuana and prostituting the child to his A&R Combs [Diddy].”

Swing nor any of his representatives have responded to these allegations.

Liza Gardner was one of the first people to file rape charges against Diddy following the very public lawsuit filed by Cassie, which has spawned into the Bad Boy mogul’s current rape, racketeering and sex trafficking charges that he his faced with in federal court.

“At the time Combs assaulted Ms. Gardner, she recalls feeling the side effects of the alcohol. She recalls Combs mounting her, and forcing up her skirt, pulling her underwear to the side and forcefully penetrating her,” her lawsuit says.

Diddy’s attorneys have denied these claims and scoffed them off as a mere “money grab”. Diddy’s trial date has recently been forecasted to take place in April or May of 2025.

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Living Legends Foundation Hosts Sold-Out Annual Awards Gala Honoring Londell McMillan, Harvey Mason Jr. & More Industry Icons

October 10, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Living Legends Foundation, Inc. (LLF) hosted its highly anticipated annual awards dinner and gala on Friday, October 4, at the Taglyan Cultural Complex in Hollywood, California. The event, completely sold out, attracted an array of stars from the music, entertainment, film, television, and sports industries. Attendees included Sugar Ray Leonard, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Ray Parker Jr., Chanté Moore, David E. Talbert, Amina Buddafly Pankey, Tanya Nolan, and many more. Esteemed radio personality Skip Cheatham of MAJIC 94.5 in Dallas, Texas, emceed the night while DJ Battlecat set the musical tone.

David C. Linton, chairman of LLF, expressed his pride in the turnout, saying, “The room was filled with legends from celebrities to executives. It’s an honor to bring together the music and entertainment industries for an important cause, benefiting the executives who have contributed so much to the industry and the culture.”

One of the night’s most prominent honorees was L. Londell McMillan, an influential entertainment attorney and chairperson of the NorthStar Group. He was awarded the Kendall A. Minter Entertainment Advocate Award, renamed in honor of Minter’s recent passing. McMillan, a longtime advocate for Black ownership in the entertainment industry, delivered a stirring acceptance speech that reflected on transformative leadership and the importance of Black entrepreneurship.

“I went to law school because I wanted to be a civil rights lawyer,” said McMillan. “I met a gentleman named Reginald F. Lewis, who had acquired McCall Pattern Company, before TLC Beatrice. When I met Reginald Lewis, he asked me ‘What do you want to do?’ I said, I want to be a civil rights lawyer because that is what’s in my heart and in my soul. Reginald Lewis said to me, ‘Young man for your generation, go into business, which will be the civil rights of your generation.”

The gala also celebrated other industry icons. Donnie Simpson, a legendary radio and television broadcaster, received the Jerry Boulding Radio Award. Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of The Recording Academy®, was honored with the A.D. Washington’s Chairman Award, recognizing his leadership within the organization. Ed Eckstine, the first African American president of a major non-Black-owned record company, was presented with the Ray Harris Lifetime Achievement Award, with actor and recording artist Vanessa Williams delivering a video message from London to congratulate him.

Another highlight of the night was the presentation of the Mike Bernardo Female Executive Award to Gwen Franklin, founder and CEO of B. Lifted Up! Inc. Franklin touched on her trailblazing career in the music industry and the importance of spirituality and wellness in her acceptance speech.

Joi Brown, founder and CEO of Culture Creators, received the first-ever Impact Player Award, while Mike Kelly, veteran record executive and radio consultant, was honored with the Music Executive Award. Chris Chambers, founder of The Chamber Group, was recognized with the Media Executive Award, although he was unable to attend. His award was accepted on his behalf by Vivian Scott Chew, who read a moving acceptance letter from Chambers.

The Living Legends Foundation continues to spotlight those who have paved the way in the music and entertainment industries, preserving the legacy and contributions of Black executives and creators. For more information on the Living Legends Foundation, visit their website at www.livinglegendsfoundation.com.

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Gatorade Signs USC Basketball Phenom Juju Watkins to Elite Athlete Roster

October 10, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Gatorade officially signed former National Girls Basketball Player of the Year and University of Southern California star Juju Watkins to its elite athlete roster. As one of the breakout talents in college basketball, Watkins will work closely with Gatorade to inspire the next generation of athletes. This partnership includes supporting the prestigious Gatorade Player of the Year program and starring in future marketing campaigns.

Gatorade has long been associated with top-tier athletes, and Watkins, known for her competitive mindset and leadership on the court, is a perfect fit for the brand’s roster. She joins a distinguished group of Gatorade National Basketball Players of the Year who have become long-term Gatorade athletes, including Candace Parker, Jayson Tatum, Paige Bueckers, and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Jeff Kearney, Global Head of Sports Marketing at Gatorade, expressed his excitement: “Our Gatorade roster is the most elite in sport, and we’re proud to have signed many of our long-term athlete partners early in their careers. Having a dynamic young talent like Juju join the family is an exciting opportunity to build on the incredible impact she’s already made and leverage our combined platforms to continue moving the game forward.”

Watkins, now a USC guard and Gatorade athlete, shared her excitement about the milestone: “Gatorade has been a part of my life for years, especially after being named the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year in 2023, so I’m excited to officially be a member of the family. Gatorade partners with the best athletes in the world, so joining this roster is a huge milestone for me as I look towards the future.”

With this new partnership, Juju Watkins is poised to expand her influence both on and off the court.

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Diddy Set for May 2025 Trial in Federal Racketeering Case

October 10, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Diddy Partners with DJ Khaled to Announce New 'Diddy Direct' Platform

Diddy, who is charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution, will go to trial in May 2025.

At a court hearing in New York on Thursday, the judge in Combs’ federal case set a trial date of May 5, 2025.

According to CNN, Combs, who has pleaded not guilty, was present in the courtroom, as were several of his family members. His ankles were shackled, and he was wearing a loose-fitting tan button-down shirt and khaki pants. Diddy also waved at his family as they sat in the second row.

Prosecutor Emily Johnson said the prosecution anticipates its case could last three weeks. Still, she added that a superseding indictment could affect the length of the trial, meaning additional charges or defendants could be added to the case. Diddy’s legal team, led by Marc Agnifilo, stated he expects the defense to take a week.

Last week, Diddy was visited by his twin daughters and mother at Brooklyn’s MDC. According to TMZ, the family shared time in the visiting area where they could embrace and have a conversation.

Insiders say the twins made the trip from California to see Diddy for the first time since his arrest.

The visit came ahead of a statement by Diddy’s mother, Janice Combs, who referred to his charges as a “public lynching.” Combs expressed her views in a conversation with Page Six.

“It is heartbreaking to see my son judged not for the truth, but for a narrative created out of lies,” Janice shared.

“To bear witness what seems to be like a public lynching of my son before he has had the opportunity to prove his innocence is a pain too unbearable to put into words. Like every human being, my son deserves to have his day in court, to finally share his side, and to prove his innocence.”

She added, “I am not here to portray my son as perfect because he is not. He has made mistakes in his past, as we all have.

“My son may not have been entirely truthful about certain things, such as denying he has ever gotten violent with an ex-girlfriend when the hotel’s surveillance showed otherwise.”

You can read more of her statement here.

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Sage The Gemini Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Woman At Chris Brown’s House

October 10, 2024 by newhiphopnews

In a newly filed police report, rapper Sage The Gemini has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman at Chris Brown’s house in 2017.

Isaiah Rashad Hints That He Finished His Next Album Amid Social Media Fanfare

October 10, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Fans have been waiting for a new Isaiah Rashad album since 2021’s The House Is Burning, and it looks like we might be right around the corner with it. Moreover, NFR Podcast recently posted an alleged text message from him in which he talks about wrapping up the process for his fourth LP. “S**t crazy [unamused face emoji],” the TDE rapper expressed. “Like I’m tryna finish strong so I’m finishing strong type s**t. Really proud of the production. Really proud of the words this round.” While this doesn’t outright confirm that he finished the album, it does suggest that he’s almost done with it, or at least is in its final stages.

Of course, this isn’t the only recent update that Isaiah Rashad has offered about his next studio record. Back in May, he shared with concert-goers for his Cilvia Demo 10th anniversary trek that it will probably drop this year, and as the window for that closes, fans were very excited to get this alleged text message update. “I might change the title of it but I’m working on my fourth project,” Zay expressed in Dallas. “I don’t know, like, probably later on this year. Most likely.”

Isaiah Rashad Suggests He’s Finishing His Next Album

As for what caused the gap between this new album and The House Is Burning, we have no idea. But it’s shorter than THIB‘s distance from 2016’s The Sun’s Tirade, whose space was due to a rehab stint. “I was doing whatever I could to escape,” he told The FADER back in 2021. “I admittedly liked the feeling of being numb. Everything that ain’t good for me. Being out in L.A. without anything anchoring me down f***ed me up. You can float off out here. You can get lost in this b***h. I was going through some petty tortured s**t: from rehab to going all the way f***ing broke. Instead of leaping buildings, I was just like, ‘Nah, I’m going to just stay in the crib.’ The responsibility was just too scary.”

Meanwhile, we know that Isaiah Rashad is a big fan of what his current and former label mates have been up to this year. During a concert this year, he played Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” to close the show out, and you can probably guess how wild the audience went in late May. Hopefully the Tennessee native adds to that canon this year, although we won’t complain about a 2025 arrival.

[via]

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Dr Dre Accuses Divorce Counseler Of Sabotaging His Relationship With Son

October 10, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Earlier this week, Dr Dre was hit with a $10 million lawsuit from his former psychiatrist, Dr. Charles Sophy. Sophy worked alongside Dre and his ex-wife Nicole Young throughout the process of their 2021 divorce. Unfortunately, however, things allegedly got ugly. Sophy accuses Dre of subjecting him to an “ongoing barrage of threats,” and more.

“Rather than treating the mediation process as an opportunity for healing, he decided to take his frustrations about the mediation out on Dr. Sophy — frustrations that manifested themselves in the form of a nearly year-long sustained campaign of late-night texts, threats of intimidation and violence, and homophobic rhetoric,” Sophy’s lawyer Christopher Frost alleges, per Billboard.

Psychiatrist Hits Dr Dre With $10 Million Lawsuit

Dr Dre Accuses Divorce Counseler Of Sabotaging His Relationship With Son — Dr. Dre introduces Inductee Eminem onstage during the 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Microsoft Theater on November 05, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)

Now, according to TMZ, he has clapped back. In a letter obtained by the outlet, which was sent in February of 2023, the artist’s lawyer Howard King accuses Sophy of malpractice and of sabotaging his relationship with his son. He alleged that Sophy “slandered” him “in a malicious effort to convince his son to turn against him.” King argues that this was allegedly done to give Dre’s ex an advantage in the divorce.

In addition to $10 million in damages, Sophy has requested a restraining order against Dr Dre. The lawsuit cites Dre’s alleged “history of violence and abuse.” It even states that Dre once allegedly sent fake FBI agents to Sophy’s house “to threaten his physical safety.” What do you think of Dr Dre’s response to Dr. Charles Sophy’s $10 million lawsuit? What about him accusing the psychiatrist of trying to turn his son against him? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

[Via]

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Kevin Durant’s Nike KD 4 Takes On A “Hyper Royal” Colorway

October 10, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Nike KD 4 is set to make a splash with its upcoming “Hyper Royal” colorway. This sneaker features a striking combination of vibrant blue and crisp white, creating an eye-catching look that is perfect for both on and off the court. The bold blue upper is complemented by clean white accents, making this iteration stand out in the lineup of KD sneakers. The KD 4 is known for its lightweight construction and innovative design, making it a favorite among basketball players. The shoe’s Zoom Air cushioning provides responsive support, ensuring comfort during intense games.

The use of durable materials enhances the shoe’s performance, making it ideal for athletes who demand both style and functionality. The “Hyper Royal” colorway captures the essence of KD’s dynamic playing style, with its vibrant hues symbolizing energy and confidence. This release is sure to attract attention from sneaker enthusiasts and collectors alike. As anticipation builds for the launch, fans are eager to add this fresh take on the KD 4 to their collections. The Nike KD 4 “Hyper Royal” perfectly embodies the spirit of Kevin Durant, making it a must-have for basketball and sneaker fans.

“Hyper Royal” Nike KD 4

These sneakers feature a vibrant blue rubber sole paired with a gradient midsole. Further, the uppers are crafted from a striking blue and white material, with white netting on the sides. Also, the uppers of the sneakers have white laces and a white strap. On that strap, there is a blue Swoosh. Gold details lines the sneakers, creating a regal look.

Sneaker Bar Detroit reports that the Nike KD 4 “Hyper Royal” will be released in the spring of 2025. Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be $150 when they are released. Further, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.

[Via]

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Dame Dash Under Fire For His Hot Take About Parenting

October 10, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Dame Dash is taking care of a lot of family matters these days. For example, he recently revealed why he waited longer than others would’ve to evacuate Florida with his family due to the passage of Hurricane Milton. Now, the Roc-A-Fella executive divided fans with his hot take about parenting. Basically, he doesn’t want his son to be more influenced by his mother’s “feminine” sensibilities, although his overall point isn’t as hot-button as this specific statement.

“How can I let him hang out with somebody but his dad?” Dame Dash said on Instagram Live with his son alongside him. “Don’t let another man be his influence. Or even let, you know, his mother be the one that is his strongest influence and have him doing feminine stuff. You know what I mean? We a man right here, right? Give me five. We know how to take – don’t leave me hanging, give me five. Alright, then. We know our job, you know what I mean? You know, I have to lead by example in front of him.” Check out reactions to Dame’s take in the comments section of the Instagram post below.

Dame Dash’s Instagram Live Snippet With His Son

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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

“It’s important because I’m the source of, like, inspiration, or at least, you know, his definition of what a man is and what he sees,” Dame Dash continued. “So I got to make sure he sees the right stuff, and that he gets the nice swag. I don’t tell him to wear a bucket. He makes me wear a bucket hat, right? And you like your Hot Wheels and all that, your cars? You like the country club life? He picked all that, not us. He swims he does all that. So I’m having a ball, I’m not going to hold you. And I want to lead by example. I want to show y’all.”

Elsewhere, Dame Dash is also dealing with issues with his former chosen family. If you haven’t heard by now, his auction of his Reasonable Doubt shares from Roc-A-Fella as a result of a court-ordered judgement collection is still in limbo. This is due to a legal dispute involving the state of New York and Jay-Z and his team, and there’s no telling where it will end up. Let us know what you think about this parenting take in the comments section down below.

[via]

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This Air Jordan 4 RM Goes Black And Yellow New “Bruce Lee” Colorway

October 10, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Air Jordan 4 RM is set to make a statement with its upcoming “Bruce Lee” colorway, featuring a classic black and yellow combination. This colorway pays homage to the legendary martial artist and actor, Bruce Lee, known for his iconic style and powerful presence. The sleek black upper is made from high-quality materials, providing both comfort and durability. The bold yellow accents highlight the shoe’s design, adding a striking contrast that catches the eye. From the classic Air Jordan silhouette to the unique color scheme, this model captures the spirit of Bruce Lee’s legendary status.

The Air Jordan 4 RM also features signature elements such as the iconic Jumpman logo and mesh paneling, which enhance breathability. The cushioning technology in the Air Jordan 4 RM ensures responsive support, making it ideal for both casual wear and athletic performance. With its powerful visual appeal and cultural significance, the “Bruce Lee” colorway is poised to be a fan favorite. Sneaker enthusiasts and fans of both basketball and martial arts will undoubtedly be excited for this release. The Air Jordan 4 RM “Bruce Lee” is more than just a shoe; it’s a tribute to a cultural icon.

“Bruce Lee” Air Jordan 4 RM

Image via Nike

These sneakers come with a black and yellow sole and a black midsole, complete with a Nike Air bubble for added comfort. Further, the uppers are made from leather suede, complemented by additional yellow and black overlays in various materials. Black laces and a black tongue further enhance the sleek color scheme. A yellow Jumpman is on the tongues and vibrant red Nike Air branding is on the heels.

More Photos

Sneaker Bar Detroit reports that the Air Jordan 4 RM “Bruce Lee” will be released in 2025. Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be $150 when they are released. Further, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.

Image via Nike

[Via]

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