Day: July 20, 2025

Robbie Pardlo, the voice behind City High’s chart-topping anthem “What Would You Do?” died Tuesday (July 17) at age 46 in Willingboro, New Jersey, surrounded by loved ones.

The cause of death has not been officially disclosed. While some reports have pointed to heart failure, his family has not confirmed any details.

Pardlo rose to fame in the early 2000s as one-third of City High alongside Claudette Ortiz and Ryan Toby.

Their debut single “What Would You Do?” became a cultural staple, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group in 2002.

Their follow-up hit “Caramel” also cracked the Top 20 and featured a remix with rapper Eve.

After the group disbanded, Pardlo continued working in music. He performed with the group First Take and collaborated with artists like Whitney Houston and Lil Kim.

When Lil’ Kim brought out City High at Return Of The Queen Tour. RIP to Robbie Pardlo pic.twitter.com/MMgvNElBAL

— LIL KIM VIDEOS (@LilKimVideos2) July 18, 2025

A representative for the singer confirmed his passing to TMZ, adding that the family is planning memorial services and public tributes, with details to be announced soon.

Pardlo is survived by his wife, Anika, their two children, Lyric and Chord-Andrew, his mother, Marion and his brother, Gregory Pardlo—a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet.

Known for his love of storytelling through music, Pardlo helped shape a moment in early 2000s R&B and Hip-Hop that still resonates. City High’s music tackled real-life issues with honesty and emotion, and their lone album remains a time capsule of that era.

As of now, Ortiz, Toby and Wyclef Jean—who signed the group to his Booga Basement label—have not made public statements.

City High’s only album, released in May 2001, was praised for its raw lyrics and genre-blending sound. “What Would You Do?” originally appeared on the 1999 film “Life” soundtrack before becoming a breakout hit.

Memorial details are expected to be shared by the family in the coming days.

AllhipHop extends condolences to Pardlo’s family and loved ones.

​AllHipHop

Tyler, The Creator stunned the crowd at his Brooklyn concert Friday night (July 18) by revealing his ninth studio album, Don’t Tap the Glass, will arrive Monday (July 21) through Columbia Records—less than a year after his last release.

The announcement came via signage at the show and a swift update to his Golf Wang website, which now features fresh merchandise tied to the new project, including vinyl, tees and hats.

Don’t Tap the Glass follows 2024’s Chromakopia, marking the first time in Tyler’s career that he has released albums in back-to-back years.

Known for switching up his sound and aesthetic with each era, Tyler has hinted this record will introduce a new character and sonic direction.

In the weeks leading up to the reveal, Tyler teased fans with cryptic visuals and subtle clues online and during live shows. The clues had many speculating that something was brewing, but few expected an album announcement to land mid-tour.

Rumors about guest features have been swirling, especially after recent onstage appearances with Kendrick Lamar and Doechii. Pusha T also added fuel to the fire with a social media post reacting to Tyler’s teaser, though no official tracklist or lineup has been confirmed.

The surprise drop strategy has sparked a wave of reactions online. One user wrote, “CHROMAKOPIA dropped less than 9 months ago. Tyler, The Creator kept tradition dropping every other year from 2009-2021, each album having their own respective rollout. Now for the first time ever in his career he’s surprise dropping an album, on BACK TO BACK years… We won man.” Another added, “Tyler dropping two album in two years was never on my list.”

Tyler is currently finishing the North American leg of his Chromakopia world tour, with international dates in Australia and Asia set to follow.

​AllHipHop

Donald Trump launched a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and its parent companies in Miami federal court, accusing the publication of falsely linking him to a risqué birthday letter allegedly sent to Jeffrey Epstein.

The complaint, filed Tuesday (July 18), names The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones, News Corp, owner Rupert Murdoch and two of the paper’s reporters, claiming they published a “false, defamatory, unsubstantiated, and disparaging” story that Trump says never should have seen the light of day.

At the center of the suit is a 2003 letter WSJ reported was written by Trump to Epstein for his 50th birthday.

The article claimed the note was part of a leather-bound album curated by Ghislaine Maxwell, which allegedly included a nude sketch and suggestive remarks.

Trump flat-out denied ever writing such a letter, calling it “FAKE.”

He also took a direct shot at Murdoch, saying he looked forward to seeing him on the witness stand.

“We have just filed a POWERHOUSE Lawsuit,” Trump declared, before pivoting into a broader attack on the media. “This lawsuit is filed not only on behalf of your favorite President, ME, but also in order to continue standing up for ALL Americans who will no longer tolerate the abusive wrongdoings of the Fake News Media.”

The lawsuit accuses the Journal of “clear journalistic failures” and claims the story caused Trump significant financial and reputational damage.

Meanwhile, Trump is also calling for the release of sealed grand jury records tied to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.

Donald Trump’s War On The Media

This legal battle is the latest in a string of controversial lawsuits Trump has filed against major media outlets. He previously sued CBS News and ABC News, including a $20 billion claim against CBS over an edited 60 Minutes interview. He’s also reached settlements with Paramount and Disney, each reportedly paying him $16 million.

Critics argue Trump’s legal blitz is part of a broader campaign to intimidate the press. Advocacy groups warn that his tactics, combined with media companies’ willingness to settle, could chill reporting and erode First Amendment protections.

Trump has also targeted outlets like PBS and NPR, taking steps to cut federal funding, over coverage that didn’t align with his narrative. He continues to label journalists who challenge him as “enemies of the people” and threatens lawsuits or regulatory action in response to stories he dislikes.

​AllHipHop