Day: December 5, 2025

Adidas secured a legal win in San Francisco after a federal appeals court tossed out a lawsuit claiming the company misled investors about its partnership with Kanye West, also known as Ye, before their billion-dollar collaboration unraveled in 2022.

A three-judge panel from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the German sportswear company had sufficiently warned shareholders about the risks of working with high-profile celebrities.

The court concluded that investors should have understood the potential hazards tied to Ye’s erratic behavior, stating, “a reasonable investor would know that a partnership with a celebrity partner like Ye would come with inherent risks relating to improper behavior.”

The decision, handed down in San Francisco, upheld an earlier dismissal from August 2024 by a federal judge in Portland, Oregon, where Adidas runs its North American operations.

The lawsuit, led by HLSA-ILA Funds on behalf of maritime workers in southeast Virginia, accused Adidas of being “fully aware” since 2018 that Ye had made inappropriate remarks to employees at both Adidas offices and his Yeezy design studio.

The plaintiffs argued that Adidas failed to disclose these issues, causing stock prices to drop when the company cut ties with Ye in October 2022.

But the court wasn’t convinced that Adidas acted in bad faith. The ruling emphasized that the company had consistently outlined the risks of celebrity collaborations in its annual filings.

The Adidas-Yeezy partnership, which began in 2013 after Ye left Nike, was a financial juggernaut. By 2021, it had generated $1.7 billion in revenue, accounting for nearly 7% of Adidas’ total annual sales.

The Yeezy sneaker line alone ballooned from $65 million in 2016 to more than $1 billion just five years later.

However, the alliance began to unravel in 2022, as reports surfaced detailing troubling workplace incidents. Allegations included Ye showing explicit images to staff and creating a toxic work environment.

The situation escalated when Ye made antisemitic remarks online and during interviews, prompting Adidas and other corporate partners like Gap, Balenciaga and CAA to sever ties.

Adidas officially ended the nine-year relationship in late 2022. The company spent much of 2023 and 2024 offloading leftover Yeezy inventory, with proceeds from the sales going to organizations fighting antisemitism.

Despite efforts to move forward, Adidas reported a 2% decline in North American sales in 2024, attributing the drop to “solely due to significantly lower Yeezy sales.”

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When you think we’ve heard it all, something wild pops up that nobody ever mentioned before. So let’s take a trip back—say, around the year 2000, because honestly, we don’t know the exact year. Let’s go back to a time when Funkmaster Flex was hosting battles on the radio, DMX was outside terrorizing the industry, and Eminem was still battling like a hungry up-and-coming monster.

Now picture this: Kevin Black is one of the top executives at Interscope Records. You might not know him, but Black is one of the most accomplished music executives of that era. He never gets the flowers he deserves, but he was right there in the trenches during the Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Jimmy Iovine run at Interscope. Anyway, Kevin Black is popping back up in the interview circuit, and suddenly all eyes are on him.

READ ALSO: DMX 55: Fans, Family & Hip-Hop Unite For Birthday Tribute At SOB’s

Because he just claimed on a podcast that DMX and Eminem battled each other back in the day. On the radio. In New York City. With Funkmaster Flex hosting! When I saw this yesterday, I didn’t even post it on the site—I had to try and verify this madness. Spoiler: I couldn’t. But let me continue.

Kevin Black took a LOT of credit for Eminem’s success in that interview—and even implied he wrote on some hits. But I digress. The real bombshell was his claim that Eminem and DMX battled live on the radio… and that Eminem destroyed DMX.

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First of all, how would something that major happen with ZERO evidence? Not even a rumor? Second, these two are wildly different types of battlers. Jay-Z and DMX battling makes sense—they were peers with similar energy. Eminem is more of an underground punchline sniper. X is a street-bred, energy-driven warrior. The matchup alone sounds unreal.

And right on cue, the internet exploded. Comment sections are in total shambles. Some people are giving Kevin Black tons of respect—he is a legend. But a whole other crowd is like, “WHEN did this happen? HOW did this get past everybody?” And honestly, that’s my question too. In all my years covering hip-hop culture deeply, I have NEVER heard of Eminem and DMX battling. They have a song together, sure—but a battle? Never.

I even reached out to a couple of people. One said “no.” The other didn’t reply, which, after a day, I’m also taking as a “no.”

If this really happened, Funk Flex would have to speak on it. Flex is not the type to shy away from a moment—or the attention that comes with it. So I fully expect him to address it soon. But as of this writing, he hasn’t said a word.

Definitely stay tuned. Because if there are receipts, Funk Flex will definitely have them.

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Chance The Rapper launched his vocal presence across Chicago Transit Authority stations on Wednesday, marking another milestone in the Grammy winner’s ongoing commitment to his hometown community.

The 31-year-old artist, who gained international recognition through his independent streaming-only releases, now provides voice announcements for CTA riders throughout the system.

Chance The Rapper’s collaboration with the transit agency represents a natural extension of his deep Chicago roots and public service advocacy.

“This is a unique partnership between two Chicago icons – CTA and Chance – that allows us to celebrate the special meaning they both have for our great city,” said CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen.

The announcement collaboration follows Chance’s August 2025 release of STAR LINE, his second studio album and first major project since 2019’s The Big Day.

The independently released album continues his tradition of maintaining artistic control while addressing social themes.

“I think this partnership is so important because I grew up taking the Red Line train from 79th,” said Chance the Rapper. “All of the train lines create a pathway to connection and an opportunity for people to build community, and that’s what STAR LINE is about. It’s about us forming together to fight anything that’s going against us. This is an important time in the city for people to stand up, be brave and protective of each other.”

His CTA collaboration extends beyond simple announcements, with Chance The Rapper appearing on the transit authority’s official podcast “Moving Experiences: Stories of the CTA” to discuss his personal relationship with Chicago’s public transportation network.

The partnership represents Bennett’s continued investment in Chicago infrastructure and community building, complementing his educational initiatives and local economic development efforts.

His approach to civic engagement has consistently emphasized grassroots connection and direct community impact.

Bennett’s educational philanthropy through his SocialWorks nonprofit has distributed over $5.1 million to 51 Chicago schools since 2017.

His initial $1 million donation to Chicago Public Schools in March 2017 established him as a significant advocate for local education funding. Most recently, SocialWorks awarded $100,000 grants to five CPS high schools in August 2025 to enhance career-focused programs.

Bennett’s voice will now guide daily commutes for thousands of Chicago residents, adding his distinctive presence to the city’s transportation landscape.

The transit partnership mirrors similar celebrity collaborations with public transportation systems.

Cardi B partnered with the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority in September 2025 to record safety announcements and etiquette reminders for NYC subway riders.

The Bronx-born rapper’s “Ride safe, keep it cute, and keep it moving” messages addressed fare payment, subway surfing prevention and general transit courtesy.

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D4vd surged to the top of Google’s 2025 trending people list as a Los Angeles County grand jury continues to review evidence tied to the death of a 15-year-old girl whose body was found in a Tesla registered to the rising Hip-Hop artist.

The 20-year-old singer, known for streaming hits like “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me,” became the most-searched person of the year, surpassing Kendrick Lamar, according to Google’s annual Year in Search report.

The ranking reflects the sharpest spikes in search interest, not total search volume, and D4vd’s name skyrocketed online following the discovery of Celeste Rivas-Hernandez’s body in September.

The teenager’s remains were found inside the trunk of a Tesla impounded by the LAPD on September 8. The vehicle was registered to D4vd, and police have named him and another individual as suspects in the ongoing investigation.

Authorities have pushed back on early rumors about the condition of the body, clarifying that Rivas-Hernandez was neither frozen nor decapitated, as some social media posts had claimed.

Behind closed doors, a grand jury is now examining the evidence, and potential charges could follow once the autopsy report is finalized. The case has gripped public attention and dominated headlines throughout the fall and winter.

While D4vd has remained silent publicly, his representatives have stated he is cooperating with law enforcement. The investigation has already had a significant impact on his career.

His deluxe album “Withered” was delayed, tour dates were scrapped and he was dropped from the lineup of Australia’s Spilt Milk festival.

Meanwhile, the Google search frenzy around D4vd didn’t just fuel headlines; it also made one Polymarket user rich. A trader known as 0xafEe turned a $10,600 bet into more than $1.2 million by correctly wagering that D4vd would top the trending list.

As of early 2025, the grand jury proceedings remain ongoing.

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Lizzo took direct aim at body shamers Thursday after a viral fat joke about her appearance made the rounds online, posting a pointed Instagram message telling critics to back off.

The chart-topping singer didn’t hold back in her caption, writing, “Because when you’re big they talk sht, when you’re small they talk sht. Your body will never be good enough for them because it’s not FOR them. It’s for you.” She capped it off with a jab at her detractors: “I stays living with a paid off mortgage in yall b*tches heads.”

Her post came just weeks after she opened up about a deep mental health crisis in a November Substack essay.

In the piece titled Why is everybody losing weight and what do we do?, Lizzo revealed that washe “became deeply suicidal” in late 2023 following a lawsuit filed by former dancers. “I had been the subject of a vicious scandal, and it felt like the whole world turned its back on me,” she wrote.

The lawsuit, which accused her of harassment and toxic workplace behavior, coincided with a wave of online criticism that pushed her to isolate and cut off close relationships.

She said she felt unable to defend herself publicly while navigating the legal fallout. This isn’t the first time Lizzo has confronted public scrutiny over her body.

@lizzo Get cozy and get some @YITTY ♬ Beans Greens Potatoes (Remix) – DJ Suede The Remix God & Windsor Jones

In May 2023, she clapped back at a tweet mocking her weight during a performance, saying the constant judgment made her “hate the world” and consider quitting music altogether.

“I’m not trying to BE fat. I’m not trying to BE smaller. I’m literally just trying to live and be healthy,” she wrote at the time.

Back in August 2021, she broke down during an Instagram Live after being hit with racist and body-shaming comments following the release of her single “Rumors” featuring Cardi B.

The backlash was so intense that Facebook and Instagram removed some of the offensive posts. Cardi B defended her collaborator, tweeting, “body shaming and callin her mammy is mean & racist as f###.”

Lizzo has shared her health journey on social media, including a 16% body fat reduction achieved through Pilates and dietary changes.

Despite the progress, she’s faced criticism from both ends, some attacking her for being “too big,” others accusing her of betraying body positivity by losing weight.

In her Substack post, she explained that her physical transformation was about healing, not meeting beauty standards.

She described her weight as “a protective shield” and “joyful comfort zone” that she chose to release after years of emotional trauma.

Through it all, Lizzo has continued to advocate for body acceptance while insisting that her health decisions are hers alone.

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Usher and Big Sean are putting real money where their roots are with a $1 million investment in a high-tech creative incubator for Detroit youth, set to open inside the new Michigan Central Boys & Girls Club in February 2026.

The Detroit Entertainment Innovation Incubator will offer young people a gateway into the entertainment and tech industries with access to a virtual production studio, special effects lab, and a creators lounge.

The initiative is backed by Usher’s New Look® (UNL), Big Sean’s Sean Anderson Foundation (SAF), Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, and Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.

“I’ve always been a true believer in igniting a spark in the next generation to be better and have access to things we didn’t,” Usher said. “This new spark lab in Detroit with my friend and fellow Boys & Girls Club alum Big Sean will not only minimize the access gap for the youth but also prepare them for greatness. It takes just one person to believe in your success, and I’m honored to be one of many in this partnership to help make that happen.”

Big Sean, who has long been involved in revitalizing Detroit’s creative scene, emphasized the importance of building opportunity at home.

“Detroit is where my creativity was born. From freestyling in my mom’s basement to performing on the biggest stages in the world,” he said. “My mission has always been to make sure the next generation of dreamers and innovators from my city have the access, tools, and mentorship to do the same. The Innovation Incubator is about showing young people that they don’t have to leave Detroit to chase opportunity, they can build it right here.”

The incubator will be located on the youth-dedicated floor of The Station, a key part of Michigan Central’s 30-acre innovation district. The space is designed to give Detroit’s youth direct exposure to high-growth industries through immersive learning and real-world experience.

Shawn H. Wilson, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, called the collaboration a continuation of Detroit’s legacy of innovation.

“Detroit has always been the blueprint for innovation, from the assembly line to Motown,” Wilson said. “This collaboration—especially with two heavy hitter alumni—extends that legacy by proving the creative economy can be a pathway to ownership and equity.”

This project marks the fifth major investment Big Sean and SAF have made in partnership with BGCSM since 2018.

His foundation has already launched four Big Sean Studios in club locations across the city, giving over 10,000 youth access to music production, DJing, and other creative tools.

The incubator will also offer programming for teens and young adults aged 14–24, covering everything from film and music production to artificial intelligence, 3D design, and immersive technology.

Participants will be able to earn credentials through Emory’s Goizueta Business School and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, receive mentorship from industry leaders, and even secure startup funding for their own ventures.

Carolina Pluszczynski, COO of Michigan Central, said the goal is to equip the next generation of Detroit creators with the tools to lead in emerging industries. “By our work with BGCSM, now with the added support from Usher and Big Sean, we’re continuing to build new pathways and opportunities, nurturing the next generation of innovators—from creators to manufacturers to technologists—who will drive our city forward for decades to come.”

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, which operates the business arms of the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings, has been a longtime partner of BGCSM. Since 2020, the organization has helped open five Esports lounges across metro Detroit as part of the Red Wings’ Learn, Play, Score initiative.

The 13,000-square-foot Michigan Central Boys & Girls Club will also include an autonomous training center and an innovation lab focused on mobility, advanced manufacturing, and AI.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for February 2026.

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Here’s a “thirst-trap style” story you could run based on Hennessy Carolina’s recent gym-routine post, drawn from her own social behavior and what we can find about her fitness vibe online: Hennessy Carolina just made a late-night scroll worth it.

The younger sister of Cardi B hit IG with a near-mirror selfie showing what months of grind in the gym and waist-training have sculpted: a waist snapped tight, hips curved, and a backside that demands double-taps.

The caption? Silence. She didn’t have to say a word. The shape says it all.

This isn’t her first flex. Hennessy has dropped gym images before under tags like “#WhatWaistPartner,” a nod to her waist-training routine.

In a prior post, she showed off serious midsection compression gear, captioning a video “Staying Healthy & Snatched,” and strolling through a grocery aisle like she owned the runway.

One of her recent reels summed it up bluntly: “Working out is therapeutic for me. It’s the place I let my mind be quiet and let my body do the talking to get through my intense training.”

She’s clearly not playing — she’s in full body-sculpt mode, and the results are visible.

The new post? It’s the payoff. Dark gym leggings clench around every curve, lighting hits just right, and posture screams confidence. It’s not casual. It’s a statement. Hennessy isn’t hiding; she’s showing.

And she’s letting muscle, sweat, waist trainers, and discipline do the talking. So if you found yourself lingering a second longer, you weren’t imagining it. Hennessy Carolina just turned a gym update into a “look twice” moment. And yes, she knows exactly what she’s doing.

Hennessy Carolina flexed her gym gains and waist-training results in a striking gym selfie that had Instagram double-tapping fast.

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What is going on? What is going on between Brandy and Beyonce? You know the basics by now. If not read this:

READ MORE: Brandy’s Team Claims Bizarre Beyoncé Comment Was Actually Hacking

The new LL – Loren LoRosa confirmed what was being pushed around the rumor mill. According to her sources, Brandy and Beyoncé’s relationship is allegedly ice cold at best. Shout out to the Alphas, because this all happened on their Founders Day.

“From what I’m told, they do not fool with each other,” she said on The Breakfast Club, explaining that whatever cordial energy existed years ago has faded. She added that Kelly Rowland and Brandy used to be fairly tight, but even that bond had reportedly cooled. LoRosa said the tension supposedly goes back to Beyoncé becoming “the girl,” a rise that may have shifted energies between the two icons. Strange.

READ ALSO: JAY-Z & Beyoncé Stun LA Crowd Supporting Kelly Rowland At Boy Is Mine Tour

She summed it up this way. “Brandy is the girl, and they both are still phenominal iconic women in what they do,” she continued. “But at some point during Beyoncé’s climb, things kind of got a little bit rocky and they haven’t established anything better friendship-wise from that point.”

As you know, or don’t, this has been in circulation for a minute, but I did not think it was BEEF. Dang.

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If you can see the second page of that post, the vid seems to show Beyonce walking right past Brandy. I did a bit of research and Brandy and Kelly Rowland are not cool anymore either. So, there’s and then, you see that they ALL took a pic together, including Monica…but not Brandy. YIKES.

Right now, neither Beyoncé nor Brandy has said a word. And honestly, they probably won’t. But Ray J? He will probably say something soon.

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