Day: November 17, 2025

Jonathan Hay is pushing back against The Notorious B.I.G. Estate, claiming its countersuit misrepresents the timeline of his collaboration with the late rapper’s brand and its key figure, Biggie’s son CJ Wallace, while also reinforcing his allegations involving Sean “Diddy” Combs.

In a statement sent to AllHipHop, The Beverly Hills Agency, which represents Hay and fellow Diddy accuser Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, responded to the estate’s latest legal claims, calling out what they describe as “brazen fabrications” in Wallace’s countersuit.

“CJ Wallace’s countersuit contains falsehoods stating Jonathan Hay’s project with The Notorious B.I.G. Estate ended in ‘approximately August 2020,’” the agency said in its statement. “On the contrary, CJ Wallace did an interview with Billboard that was published August 14th 2020 and CJ said ‘Before we met our producer Jonathan Hay [of R.U.S.H. Music], the question was: what does Frank White sound like?’ CJ also stated in the same Billboard interview, ‘Doing this music project with Jonathan was a creative project that I never thought I’d do.’”

The statement also pointed to two other interviews Wallace gave in November 2020—one with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and another with Variety—where he continued to praise Hay and their creative partnership.

According to Hay’s lawsuit and police report, his relationship with the estate allegedly dissolved after he was physically attacked in 2021. The Largo Police Department in Florida confirmed to Fox 13 that it worked with the Los Angeles Police Department on the case. The outlet also reported the matter was referred to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for possible criminal charges against Wallace, Combs and Willie Mack.

The estate of The Notorious B.I.G. filed a lawsuit against publicist Hay recently, alleging he fabricated shocking stories about CJ Wallace and Diddy in an attempt to revive his fading career and retaliate after a failed collaboration.

According to the complaint, Hay’s interviews unleashed a wave of online controversy after he shared explicit accounts that the estate describes as entirely false and malicious. Lawyers for Biggie’s estate claim Hay began circulating falsehoods following the estate’s refusal to release his 2020 “Ready to Dance” remixes.

Before the dispute, Hay had publicly praised CJ Wallace, calling it “an honor and a privilege” to work with him. The suit alleges that Hay later reversed course, spreading sensational stories that cast Wallace at the center of fabricated scandals.

The filing cites an October 2024 interview in which Hay stated, “Puffy and Biggie’s son CJ had sexual relations,” and identified Willie Mack as Wallace’s “boyfriend.” Both remarks are characterized in the complaint as deliberate fabrications meant to harm Wallace’s professional reputation.

The allegations reportedly escalated in later interviews where Hay described Wallace attending Diddy’s notorious “freak-off” events and witnessing criminal sexual behavior. He also accused Wallace of luring him into a residence where Diddy allegedly assaulted him—claims the estate calls knowingly false and maliciously constructed.

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Hay claims Diddy assaulted him during a 2021 meeting connected to the remix project, claiming he was restrained by members of Diddy’s entourage and forced into sexual acts as Wallace and Mack looked on. Hay alleged that Diddy “ejaculated on a shirt Biggie once owned, tossed it on Hay and said, ‘Rest in peace BIG,’” according to a police report referenced by the lawsuit.

The estate dismissed these accounts as reckless fantasies, pointing to Hay’s prior emails and behavior as evidence they could not be true.

One such message, dated July 11, 2021, stated: “I have absolutely loved working with CJ and you guys as it’s truly been an honor and a privilege.” Hay also wrote, “I have NO issues whatsoever with anyone else outside of Willie. It’s been a complete joy working with all of you.”

Attorneys argue that these communications show Hay only began mentioning any alleged assaults years later, once such claims could generate publicity. The complaint further says that Hay threatened to release music without authorization after the estate withdrew from his remix project, prompting a cease‑and‑desist letter on July 15, 2021.

The estate is now seeking compensatory and punitive damages, asserting that CJ Wallace lost professional opportunities due to these widely circulated claims. The lawsuit notes that Hay’s interviews have been viewed hundreds of thousands of times across YouTube and social media, continuing to damage Wallace’s reputation.

​AllHipHop

Could Max B and Nas be cooking something? The “Wave God” is free and has the streets on fire. Rumor has it…he just inked a deal with Mass Appeal. Harlem meets Queensbridge! Allegedly! This could be a match made in heaven, but some are saying it is already in jeopardy.

IF…if he signed with the label, it has been rumored that Nas, the Mass Appeal team and Max could be off in terms of their talks. Allegedly, the two have had a few miscommunications — or no communication at all. The streets say Max may have ghosted the legend!

Max is a legend too, for different reasons.

Max just came home after nearly 17 years, so if the man may need a little time to breathe! Nobody can fault him for that. But this is Nas! Other people have brought up Jim Jones’s name. As you know, Jim has had a lot to say about Nas and respective careers. You might recall Jim saying he’s got a “better catalog” than Esco. So, is this deal some kind of quiet chess move from Nas?

But then we gonna have to determine if it is even real.

The gossipers are saying Max B’s upcoming tracks will feature Dave East, another Mass Appeal artist that is close with Jim Jones. But, East recently linked up with Max! So, we all talked about that and thought there may be friction between Dave East and JJ. We see no evidence.

But, it seems like Max wants full independence and why wouldn’t he? He’s been down for nearly 20 years.

Despite the rumors, one thing’s for sure: Max B’s influence on New York culture is still massive. The flip-flops, the jewels, the wavy talk … that’s him! He was Harlem’s smooth outlaw! The melodic hustler!

I guess -time will tell.

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Nicki Minaj is set to join U.S. officials at the United Nations this week to address the brutal targeting of Christians in Nigeria, a cause that’s drawn her into the orbit of Donald Trump and his allies.

The Grammy-nominated rapper will appear alongside U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz at a high-level conference on Tuesday in New York, where speakers will spotlight the mass killings, abductions and destruction of Christian communities across Nigeria.

Waltz, a Trump-appointed diplomat, organized the event with help from Trump advisor Alex Bruesewitz, who will also deliver remarks.

“Ambassador, I am so grateful to be entrusted with an opportunity of this magnitude. I do not take it for granted. It means more than you know. The Barbz & I will never stand down in the face of injustice. We’ve been given our influence by God. There must be a bigger purpose,” Nicki Minaj said.

Ambassador, I am so grateful to be entrusted with an opportunity of this magnitude. I do not take it for granted. It means more than you know.

The Barbz & I will never stand down in the face of injustice. We’ve been given our influence by God. There must be a bigger purpose. https://t.co/Mdh0nBWwm1

— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) November 17, 2025

The gathering will bring together diplomats, faith leaders and celebrity advocates to raise awareness and push for international action. Topics include the U.S. response to religious violence in Nigeria and the growing number of mass atrocities targeting Christians.

Waltz publicly thanked Minaj for lending her voice to the cause and invited her to speak on issues related to religious liberty.

“Nicki Minaj is not only arguably the greatest female recording artist, but also a principled individual who refuses to remain silent in the face of injustice. I’m grateful she’s leveraging her massive platform to spotlight the atrocities against Christians in Nigeria, and I look forward to standing with her as we discuss the steps the President and his administration are taking to end the persecution of our Christian brothers and sisters,” Waltz said.

.@NICKIMINAJ is not only arguably the greatest female recording artist, but also a principled individual who refuses to remain silent in the face of injustice.

I’m grateful she’s leveraging her massive platform to spotlight the atrocities against Christians in Nigeria, and I… https://t.co/LOLrU1PZye

— Ambassador Mike Waltz (@michaelgwaltz) November 16, 2025

The Queens-born rapper has faced intense scrutiny after reposting Trump’s statement labeling Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and claiming “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria.”

Trump’s statement, which Nicki Minaj shared with her own message, said, “Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.” Minaj added, “Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude. We live in a country where we can freely worship God. No group should ever be persecuted for practising their religion. We don’t have to share the same beliefs in order for us to respect each other.”

Her post ignited backlash from Nigerian users who accused her of spreading a distorted view of the country’s internal conflicts.

Critics argued the violence stems from a mix of terrorism, land disputes and organized crime—not solely religious persecution.

Still, the numbers are staggering.

According to recent reports, more than 7,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria in 2025 alone. That’s an average of 32 people per day. Another 7,899 have been abducted, often for ransom or forced conversion.

Since 2009, roughly 125,000 Christians have been killed and over 19,000 churches destroyed.

Despite the controversy, Minaj has held firm on her stance. The U.N. event marks a rare moment where pop culture, politics and global human rights collide on an international stage.

​AllHipHop

A superfan who became a viral face of Beyoncé’s 2018 Coachella performance and a symbol of pure joy for thousands saw her life come to a devastating end.

Dallas native Sydney Hardeman died by suicide on November 8. Her younger brother, Jay Hardeman, confirmed her death to the New York Post on Saturday (November 15).

The 25-year-old flight instructor shot to internet fame after Netflix’s 2019 documentary Homecoming captured her stunned expression during Beyoncé’s historic set.

Her wide-eyed reaction, immortalized on screen, quickly spread across social media.

“I was expecting to see myself because I remember the cameraman being in my face the whole time, but I was so happy to be shown because it means Beyoncé knows my face exists,” she told BuzzFeed. “I’m surprised that it blew up, but I knew once Netflix accounts retweeted it, it would catch attention quickly.”

Sydney’s love for Beyoncé started when she was 13 and became a defining part of her identity. In high school, she won first place in a talent show with a full Beyoncé tribute, complete with choreography and backup dancers.

She also played varsity basketball all four years and was named to the prom queen court at what her brother described as the largest high school in Texas.

At St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, she studied criminal justice while excelling on the basketball court, setting a school record for most three-pointers in a single game.

After graduating magna c## laude, she earned a full scholarship to United Aviate Academy and became a certified flight instructor.

“She was so determined and nice and welcoming and happy,” Jay said. “And she never missed a Beyoncé album or tour.”

The viral moment that made her a recognizable face worldwide didn’t happen by chance. Determined to see Beyoncé live, Sydney convinced her mom to let her attend Coachella, then traveled from Texas to California with her brother and best friend.

Once the gates opened, she sprinted half a mile to the main stage and held her spot for 12 hours in the heat.

“I took off running through the gates. Her main stage was a half of mile from the entrance so it was a long run and it was hot outside,” she said in a 2020 interview with The Story of Texas project.

She first saw herself in Homecoming while watching in her dorm room at 2 A.M. Her mother, Jamie Hardeman, told TMZ that Sydney screamed with excitement when she spotted herself on screen.

The moment led to a wave of media attention, including interviews with Oprah Magazine and appearances on EBC Network. Her tweet of the clip racked up thousands of likes and shares.

Outside of her Beyoncé fandom, Sydney had a wide range of interests.

“She loved to fly and travel and meet new people,” Jay said. “She liked to play guitar and piano … she did have a very musical aspect to her.”

She was engaged and planning an April wedding at the time of her death. Her family said she had struggled emotionally after her grandfather’s passing and had canceled therapy appointments they encouraged her to attend.

Her mother offered a message to young people who looked up to Sydney: “You guys are young, and you are excited, you guys haven’t gotten to the good part. Lean on your village, Sydney had a huge village … sometimes you just need to be vulnerable to the people around you so they can help you. Parents are here to support you. It’s OK to be down, it’s normal, you haven’t gotten to the good part yet. Please keep going.”

Jamie added, “She never meant to leave you. She loved all of you. In her name, make sure you guys are OK and find the support when you need it.”

​AllHipHop

Michael Jackson moonwalked into music history again as “Thriller” surged back into the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 10, making him the first artist to notch Top 10 hits in six different decades.

The Halloween-fueled return of the 1982 classic, which jumped from No. 32 to No. 10, pushed the late Michael Jackson past crooner Andy Williams, who held a five-decade Top 10 streak before his death in 2012. According to Luminate, “Thriller” racked up 14 million streams this past week alone.

Originally peaking at No. 4 more than 40 years ago, “Thriller” has proven to be more than a seasonal favorite; it’s a generational anthem. This latest chart entry marks Jackson’s 30th Top 10 hit on the Hot 100, a list that includes 13 No. 1 singles. His solo Top 10 journey began in November 1971 with “Got to Be There.”

Before this week, Jackson’s most recent Top 10 showing came in 2018 when he was featured on Drake’s “Don’t Matter to Me.”

The renewed spotlight on Jackson’s catalog arrives as buzz builds around Michael, the upcoming biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua. The film, slated to hit theaters April 24, 2026, promises to explore the life, rise and legacy of the man known as the King of Pop.

According to the film’s official synopsis, it “explores the global superstar’s journey to becoming the King of Pop, offering an intimate look at the life and enduring legacy of one of the most influential and trailblazing artists the world has ever known.”

Jackson’s posthumous chart milestone not only cements his enduring influence but also sets a new benchmark in pop music history.

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Tory Lanez added another legal setback to his growing list after a judge found him in contempt of court for refusing to answer basic questions during a November 14 deposition tied to Megan Thee Stallion’s defamation lawsuit against blogger Milagro Gramz.

The deposition unraveled quickly when Lanez, born Daystar Peterson, refused to cooperate.

According to legal journalist Meghann Cuniff, the judge fined Lanez $20,000 and ruled that the jury in Megan’s lawsuit will be informed that Lanez cut the deposition short and declined to answer questions.

The three questions Lanez refused to answer were straightforward: “(1) How he first came to know Defendant [Milagro] Cooper; (2) Whether Mr. Peterson communicated with Defendant Cooper; and (3) Whether he sent Ms. Cooper Instagram direct messages or text messages.”

Tory Lanez and his lawyer have been held in contempt of court after Lanez refused to answer questions in a deposition in Megan Thee Stallion’s defamation lawsuit against Milagro Gramz.

He’s to pay $20,000, and jury in Megan’s trial will be told he refused to answer questions. pic.twitter.com/Ahx5ySR0hR

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) November 17, 2025

When warned by the court that his refusal could lead to additional penalties, Lanez responded, “got jail for 10 years right now. You can do whatever you’d like to do.”

Lanez’s conduct during a second deposition in April was described as combative and chaotic.

He challenged the authority of Megan’s legal team, asked for definitions of common words, and even questioned which “Megan Pete” was being referenced, instructing his attorney to “search how many Megan Petes there are globally.”

The court session ended after just 44 minutes.

This contempt ruling comes just days after a California appeals court upheld Lanez’s conviction in the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. On November 12, the court affirmed the jury’s decision and his 10-year prison sentence, stating there was “more than sufficient” evidence that Lanez caused “great bodily injury” to the rapper.

Lanez is currently serving his sentence and remains entangled in multiple legal matters stemming from the 2020 incident and its aftermath.

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Max B lit up the Bronx with a high-energy performance Sunday night (November 16) at Salsa Con Fuego, celebrating his release from prison after serving 16 years for a 2006 robbery-turned-homicide in New Jersey.

The Harlem rapper hit the stage for one of the first times since his 2009 conviction, delivering live renditions of fan favorites like “I Gotta Habit” and “Sexy Love” to a packed crowd.

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A post shared by Max B (@thisisbiggavel)

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A post shared by Max B (@thisisbiggavel)

The welcome home event, promoted as “an unforgettable night in the Bronx,” featured a stacked DJ lineup including DJ Funk Flex, Spazo, Smoove Ski and Get On Up, with Hollywood Butta hosting the night.

Max B was originally sentenced to 75 years for his role in the deadly robbery. That conviction was overturned, and in 2016, he accepted a plea deal that cut his sentence to 20 years. He was officially released on November 9.

Beyond the stage, Max B wasted no time getting back to music. Just hours after his release, French Montana shared footage of the two in the studio. “WORKING ON THE GDAY. COKE WAVE 3 LOADING ” he wrote on social media, hinting at the next installment of their “Coke Wave” mixtape series.

Additional clips following his release show Max B in the booth with engineers, checking levels and vibing to beats as he reconnected with longtime collaborator French Montana.

The pair were also seen in the studio with producer Harry Fraud, fueling speculation that new music is on the way.

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A post shared by Max B (@thisisbiggavel)

The demand for Max B’s return is already proving strong. His January 18 show at Brooklyn Paramount sold out in less than a day, prompting organizers to add a second date on January 17.

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A post shared by Max B (@maxb140)

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Donald Trump confirmed his long-promised $2,000 tariff dividend checks won’t arrive this holiday season but will instead roll out in 2026, aligning with the midterm elections and drawing scrutiny over both timing and legality.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One over the weekend, Trump said the payments would be delayed until next year, citing tariff revenues as the funding source.

“It will be next year,” Trump said, according to the New York Post. “The tariffs allow us to give a dividend. We’re going to do a dividend, and we’re also going to be reducing debt.”

The announcement dashed hopes among Americans who had anticipated financial relief ahead of the Christmas shopping season.

Instead, the checks are now expected to land during a politically sensitive window—just as the 2026 midterms heat up.

The Truth Social post that introduced the plan on November 9 painted a rosy economic picture and promised widespread payouts.

However, the plan faces serious legal and logistical hurdles.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News on Sunday morning (November 16) that the proposal would require congressional approval. “We will see,” Bessent said. “We need legislation for that.”

Adding to the uncertainty, the Supreme Court is now reviewing whether Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose broad tariffs is constitutional. That legal challenge could dismantle the entire foundation of the dividend scheme, which depends entirely on revenue from imported goods.

Trump acknowledged the risk during his Air Force One remarks, admitting he would “have to do something else” if the high court strikes down his tariff authority.

Unlike the COVID-era stimulus checks, which were funded through federal borrowing, Trump’s plan banks solely on tariff income.

Critics have questioned whether that revenue stream can realistically support $2,000 payments to most Americans while also reducing the national debt.

The timing of the checks—set to arrive just as voters head to the polls—has drawn attention from political analysts who see the move as a calculated effort to sway public opinion during a critical election cycle.

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This Miami dancer’s storytime is a reminder to all about strip club etiquette. After a customer refused to pay up, Caitlin moved on. Did the customer have a right to be upset?

TikTok user Caitlin (@caitlinsometimescherry) tells us about a night on the job and three different customer interactions. The first customer was an elderly man that the club’s host manager had asked Caitlin to rush into work for. 

“The guy ends up being a total dud,” Caitlin says. After she told the customer that lap dances are three for $100, the man complained that it’s too much money. Caitlin decides to not waste any further time and leaves this customer.

Miami Strip Club Dancer Rejects a ‘Regular’

The next customer is described by Caitlin as a man in about his mid 30s. Caitlin had noticed that several dancers had been stopping by this guy’s table and leaving after just a few minutes.

“When you see customers calling girls over and sending them away, it’s usually because they’re not spending and no girl is staying and sitting or girls are asking for money and the guy’s saying no and the girl is leaving. So immediately I was like I feel like this guy is [expletive],” Caitlin explains.

Caitlin ends up at that guy’s table and they say that he immediately started touching her thighs without having given her any money.

“In strip club world, you don’t let these guys touch or do anything for free, like that’s the whole point,” Caitlin explains. Caitlin takes his hand and pulls it off of her and the guy complains about the fact that he can’t touch her.

They keep chatting and Caitlin asks him if he wants a dance or a room. They guy says he’s not ready for that right now. Caitlin then asks the man if he can take care of her for sitting next to him and keeping him company. It’s not clear if he ended up giving them the money or not, but generally, she says the vibe was off because the guy couldn’t keep up a conversation. 

Dancers in strip clubs have the right to refuse harassment and unwanted touch according to the organization, Strippers United, just like any other person.

Customer Tries to Get Revenge

Eventually, Caitlin explains to the customer she needs to leave because her manager is directing her to another area of the club. The customer rudely accuses her of lying, but Caitlin ignores him and proceeds to greet another group of customers.

Caitlin later sees the man approach one of her managers on the floor. The manager later tells to Caitlin that the customer asked the manager to make Caitlin leave. The customer, who is Black, accuses Caitlin of racism and complains that she asked for money and wouldn’t let him touch her.

The host manager explained to the guy that the dancers are independent contractors and can do whatever they want on the floor and that pretty much he can’t get Caitlin in trouble.

“Me getting up and walking away got me $5,200 of profit last night, so I don’t really think it was a loss,” says Caitlin towards the end of the video.

This is considered a very good night in dancing. The amount of money dancers make can vary on several factors like the city you are in, how well known the club is and even the weather. However, earnings typically range from $400 to $5,000 a night according to Nakase Law Firm. 

Viewers React to the Customer’s Complaint

Viewers are on Caitlin’s side and are unsure why the man is surprised by Caitlin’s ask for money.

“’She was asking for money,’ like that isn’t the entire point of the job,” says one viewer.

“Because why would you work for free,” says another.

“Like, babe, is it his first time in a club??? Time is money and if you’re not tipping I’m moving along. They’re so dumb,” says a different person.

“Fellas, if your bank account is in the red, just stay home and watch Netflix, because the minute you walk in the club your wallet is on a time clock,” suggest another.

All Hip Hop has reached out to Caitlin for comment via TikTok comment and message.

@caitlinsometimescherry Miami $tripper storyytimmeeee #miami #midnightballerina #dancer #storytime #story ♬ original sound – caitlinsometimescherry

​AllHipHop