Month: September 2025

Swizz Beatz will remain a defendant in a $7.3 million lawsuit tied to fugitive financier Jho Low and the 1MDB corruption scandal, following a federal judge’s ruling in New York on September 26.

U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald rejected the Grammy-winning producer’s attempt to dismiss the case, which accuses him of receiving millions in questionable wire transfers from offshore companies allegedly controlled by Low. The lawsuit claims Swizz Beatz, whose legal name is Kasseem Dean, accepted the funds between 2012 and 2014 without providing any services in return.

Lawsuit Alleges Dean Accepted Funds With No Legitimate Purpose

The complaint, filed by court-appointed liquidators Angela Barkhouse and Toni Shukla, alleges Dean was paid through a network of shell companies connected to Low, who is accused of embezzling billions from Malaysia’s 1MDB and SRC International sovereign wealth funds.

“None of the transfers were made for any consideration and, as of the filing of the Amended Complaint, none of the funds have been returned,” Judge Buchwald wrote in her ruling.

The liquidators are seeking to recover the funds on behalf of creditors and investors impacted by the fraud.

Judge Cites “Adverse Domination” to Keep Case Alive

Dean’s legal team argued that the lawsuit was filed too late and should be dismissed on procedural grounds. But Judge Buchwald ruled that the statute of limitations had not expired due to “adverse domination”—a legal concept that delays deadlines when the wrongdoers are still in control of the companies harmed.

“Until the issues of domination and control, which are fact-based, are more fully litigated, the statute of limitations must be deemed not to have expired and must be tolled during the wrongdoers’ period of control,” she wrote.

Liquidators Have Standing to Sue, Judge Rules

Dean also argued that the companies involved were too entangled in the fraud to bring claims. Judge Buchwald disagreed, stating that once the companies were no longer under Low’s influence, they had the right to recover misappropriated funds.

“Freed from his spell they became entitled to the return of the moneys—for the benefit not of the wrongdoer but of innocent investors and creditors—that the wrongdoer had made the corporations divert to unauthorized purposes,” she wrote.

Fraudulent Conveyance and Enrichment Claims Move Forward

The lawsuit includes claims of actual and constructive fraudulent conveyance, as well as unjust enrichment. The judge ruled that the plaintiffs had provided enough detailed information—such as transaction records and dates—to support their allegations.

“Plaintiffs have pleaded specific facts supporting an inference of actual fraudulent intent, and therefore, defendants’ motion to dismiss the actual fraudulent conveyance claim is denied,” Buchwald wrote.

One wire transfer labeled “Everyday is your Birthday” was specifically called out by the court for lacking a credible explanation. “An eight-word note in a bank statement does not demonstrate that the transfer was, in fact, for that purpose,” the judge noted.

Swizz Beatz Must Now Participate in Discovery

The court has ordered both parties to begin the discovery phase, meaning Dean will need to formally respond to the allegations and provide documentation.

Jho Low remains a fugitive and is the central figure in the 1MDB scandal, which has already led to prison time for former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and a conviction for Pras Michel of the Fugees. Michel was found guilty of federal charges tied to Low’s influence operations in the United States.

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Metro Boomin walked out of a California courtroom cleared of all civil sexual assault allegations Thursday (September 25) after a jury found him not liable on four claims stemming from a 2016 incident at a Southern California hotel.

The verdict came after just one hour of deliberation, with jurors concluding that plaintiff Vanessa LeMaistre failed to prove her accusations against the Hip-Hop producer.

The lawsuit, filed in October 2023, alleged that Metro Boomin raped her following a music event.

After the decision, the 32-year-old producer took to Instagram to express relief and frustration over the toll the case had taken on his life and career.

“I’m grateful and thankful to God that I can finally put all of this nonsense behind me. Based off of how I treat others and represent myself, never in a million years would I have thought I could be accused of such a disgusting and heinous act,” he wrote.

with love, Leland Wayne pic.twitter.com/7L3GUEfE3U

— Metro Boomin (@MetroBoomin) September 25, 2025

Metro Boomin reflected on the emotional and financial cost of the legal battle, saying, “Today I took a victory in court but in reality there is a long list of losses I stacked up in this year long process of clearing my name and reputation. The very large amount of money and time wasted based off of someone else’s greed, coupled with the incalculable amount of money and opportunities that did not make it to me or my team during this time.”

He also spoke about the impact the case had on his family, particularly his younger siblings, whom he adopted after his mother died in 2022.

“The trauma my family and I have endured during this dark period can never be forgiven,” he said.

Metro Boomin closed his statement by thanking his legal team and offering support to others affected by similar circumstances. “Peace and love to all of the actual victims out there as well as the innocent and accused.”

LeMaistre’s attorney, Michael J. Willemin, told People they were “disappointed” by the jury’s decision and plan to appeal the verdict.

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NEW YORK – Cardi B detailed her painful recovery from butt reduction surgery and addressed public scrutiny over her appearance during a recent interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast.

The Bronx-born rapper said the procedure to scale back her Brazilian Butt Lift was far more invasive than most people realize. “For me to reduce my butt, I have to literally sit on the table, get cut from the bottom, get cut from the top, and be on bed rest for three months,” she told host Alex Cooper on the September 24 episode.

Surgery Was No Quick Fix

Cardi didn’t hold back when describing the physical toll of the operation. She explained that the process wasn’t as simple as many assume. “And it’s like, I think you guys think that people just plug something inside my a**hole and just suck it out,” she said.

The WAP artist made it clear she’s not planning to undergo another procedure anytime soon. “I already did a reduction and people will be like, ‘Well, you need to reduce your butt more,’” she said.

Body Image And Public Pressure

Despite the ongoing commentary about her figure, Cardi said she’s reached a point of self-acceptance. “I look at myself in the mirror, and it’s like, I really wouldn’t change a thing,” she said.

The Hip-Hop star is currently expecting a child with NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs, adding another layer of attention to her personal life and physical appearance.

The full conversation aired on Call Her Daddy, a podcast known for its unfiltered celebrity interviews. Cardi’s remarks come amid ongoing public conversations about cosmetic surgery and the pressures placed on women in the spotlight.

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Here we go. Young Thug just rolled out a new album and the reaction is anything but love. The very first track is already sparking outrage because it features him dropping the N-word with a “hard ER” multiple times. No metaphor…just repetition. Over and over and over. And people are calling it out immediately, saying it’s offensive, unnecessary and flat-out cancel-worthy. Yikes.

But that’s not the only head-scratcher. The album cover (see above) itself is pulling attention for all the wrong reasons. On Thursday (September 25), we posted what turned out to be the artwork on our socials, and the response was instant. The image shows a version of Young Thug that looks noticeably lighter, almost unrecognizably pale, and that’s got folks comparing it to Sammy Sosa’s infamous transformation. It feels like Thug is presenting some “aspirational white” version of himself, which is wild. He’s very brown. Is there a deeper message we are missing… or…something deeper.

When you connect the cover with the repeated use of the hard ER, critics are already saying the two go hand in hand. I won’t include screen shots of the reactions, but some have suggested this is a form of self-hatred or a very toxic view of Blackness. Now, whether that’s actually what Thug intended is unclear. Perception is everything right now.

For supporters, this feels like the last straw. Social media is full of people saying they’re done with him, that he’s officially “canceled.” I don’t know what that means in today’s landscape. It’s like a mass breakup with an artist who defined a a specific lane of rap.

Canceling Young Thug isn’t easy. He’s been polarizing. And he’s survived plenty of controversy. Whether this is the breaking point or just another storm he weathers remains to be seen. Right now, the energy around this release is frustration and confusion. And disappointment. Time will tell…

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Mobb Deep continues their legacy with “Taj Mahal,” the second single from their upcoming album, Infinite, dropping October 10 via Mass Appeal. The track hit streaming platforms Friday (September 26) and finds Alchemist back on the beat.

The song paints a vivid picture of a day trip to Atlantic City with the Queensbridge crew. Over a murky, hypnotic beat, Havoc and the late Prodigy trade verses that feel like a throwback to the duo’s cinematic storytelling and streetwise lyricism. The track serves as a continuation of the chemistry the group built with Alchemist over decades.

Alchemist’s connection to Mobb Deep stretches back decades. He first linked with the duo in the late ’90s, contributing to their platinum-certified Murda Muzik album and later becoming a trusted creative partner. That bond is front and center on “Taj Mahal,” which feels like a seamless extension of their classic sound.

“Taj Mahal” follows the release of “Against The World,” the group’s first posthumous track since Prodigy’s passing. Produced by Havoc, the song drew immediate praise from critics.

Infinite is part of Mass Appeal’s Legend Has It campaign, which celebrates seven legendary Hip-Hop acts releasing new music. Alongside Mobb Deep, the lineup includes Slick Rick, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Big L, De La Soul and Nas with DJ Premier.

Mobb Deep, formed in Queensbridge, helped define East Coast Hip-Hop with their raw lyricism and dark production. Their 1995 album, The Infamous, went gold and introduced classics like “Shook Ones Pt. II,” while Murda Muzik hit platinum and peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 with tracks like “Quiet Storm.” With millions of records sold and a legacy that spans generations, the duo’s influence remains a cornerstone of New York rap.

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Martin Shkreli must defend himself in court over alleged trade secret violations tied to the Wu-Tang Clan’s ultra-rare album Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, after a federal judge ruled Thursday that the case can proceed despite his efforts to shut it down.

Brooklyn U.S. District Judge Pamela K. Chen sided with PleasrDAO, the digital art collective that bought the one-of-a-kind album from the U.S. government in 2021, after Shkreli forfeited it as part of his sentence for securities fraud. The group sued Shkreli last year, accusing him of threatening to leak the album online, which they say would destroy its value.

Chen allowed the lawsuit to move forward under federal trade secret law, a rare application of the statute to a music album. “The secret and exclusive nature of the album is a large part of its intrinsic value,” Chen wrote. “There can be no serious debate that the value of the album … was largely based on its secret and exclusive nature.”

The judge acknowledged the legal novelty of the case, noting, “Though the court agrees with plaintiff … it cannot be understated that the application of trade secret doctrine to the unique facts of this case is unchartered territory.”

Once Upon a Time in Shaolin was recorded in secret by Wu-Tang Clan, pressed onto a single CD and encased in a hand-crafted silver and nickel box. It came with a strict clause barring public release until the year 2103. Shkreli bought the album in 2015 for $2 million, before he was dubbed the “Pharma Bro” for inflating the price of a life-saving AIDS medication.

After his 2017 conviction, Shkreli was ordered to forfeit the album to help satisfy a $7.4 million restitution order. PleasrDAO purchased it from the government for $4 million in 2021, then paid another $750,000 in 2024 to acquire full copyrights and related rights.

The group has since hosted private listening events and offered limited access to the music. But in June 2024, PleasrDAO filed suit after Shkreli hinted online that he might leak the tracks. They accused him of violating trade secret protections and breaching the terms of the forfeiture.

Chen dismissed the breach of forfeiture claim, ruling that only the government could enforce that agreement. But she allowed the trade secret and property return claims to continue.

Shkreli’s attorney, Edward Andrew Paltzik, said in a statement Friday, “Eliminating half of PleasrDAO’s case prior to discovery is a significant step forward in our effort to vindicate Mr. Shkreli, who we unequivocally believe engaged in absolutely zero wrongdoing.”

PleasrDAO’s lawyer Stephen Cooper responded, “The judge wrote a thorough and well-considered decision and we are pleased that we will be able to fully and aggressively proceed with our case against Mr. Shkreli.”

Despite PleasrDAO’s attempts to keep the album under wraps, Shkreli admitted in court filings that he had shared the music years ago.

“Because I shared the musical work several times several years ago, I cannot recall each and every time that I have shared the musical work,” he wrote. “It is possible, and indeed I find it highly likely, that one of the many people who viewed, heard, or otherwise accessed the musical work via my social media recorded the musical work and retains a copy of the same.”

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Turk, one-fourth of the iconic Hip-Hop group Hot Boys, is suing two concert promotion companies for over $340,000 after being dropped from the Cash Money Millionaires’ 30th Anniversary Tour over a clash with fellow rapper B.G..

The lawsuit, filed Friday in Broward County, Florida, accuses Artists By Artists Agency LLC and Dope Shows Inc. of breaching their contract and misusing Turk’s name and image in promotional materials after cutting him from the tour lineup.

According to TMZ, Turk had agreed to a $400,000 deal but was removed mid-tour after disputing a proposed pay cut and never received the full amount.

The promoters allegedly cited “security concerns” and “threats of violence” tied to Turk’s ongoing beef with B.G. as the reason for the termination.

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A post shared by MAGNOLIA TURK (@originalhotboyturk)

Turk claims those reasons were a smokescreen to dodge payment obligations. He argues that the tension with B.G. was no secret and had already been stirring before the contract was signed.

“Look, I’m fighting a lawsuit right now. I can’t put everything out there, but I want y’all to understand the lesson behind it. When you sign paperwork, when you deal with business people, when you shake hands—make sure it’s solid. Don’t just trust words, trust what’s in writing. Protect yourself, because not everybody out here got your best interest at heart,” Turk said.

In fact, he says the promoters leaned into the drama to help drive ticket sales. Despite the alleged safety risks, B.G. remained on the tour while Turk was cut.

The Hot Boys—Turk, B.G., Juvenile, and Lil Wayne– rose to fame in the late ’90s under the Cash Money Records banner. Their albums, Get It How U Live and Guerrilla Warfare, became staples of Southern rap before the group went their separate ways in the early 2000s.

This isn’t Turk’s first courtroom battle with Cash Money affiliates. In 2015, he filed a $1.3 million lawsuit against the label for unpaid royalties dating back to the late ’90s.

Juvenile, who also performed on the anniversary tour, told TMZ he had “zero issues with his pay during the tour,” suggesting Turk’s experience was not shared by all members.

The lawsuit seeks the remaining $340,000 Turk says he’s owed, along with unspecified damages for the unauthorized use of his likeness.

As of Friday, neither Artists By Artists Agency LLC nor Dope Shows Inc. had responded to requests for comment.

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