Category: Hip Hop

The Hip Hop Film Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary by bringing the heat back to Harlem with its signature Master Cyphers — three days of high-energy, TED Talk-style sessions designed to school independent creators on everything from film business strategy to Afrofuturism.

Running August 21–23 at the Harlem Film House headquarters, the Master Cyphers promise a lineup of award-winning alumni and innovators ready to share the kind of insider knowledge that doesn’t come from textbooks. Each 60-minute session blends a 45-minute talk with a 15-minute Q&A, giving attendees a direct line to the minds shaping the future of independent film and Hip-Hop culture.

“The Master Cyphers offer a front-row seat to the real-world experiences of creators who are changing the game. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker, an emerging storyteller, or a curious fan of hip hop and cinema — this is where knowledge drops, minds open, and creativity levels up,” said CR Capers, founder of the Hip Hop Film Festival.

The Hip Hop Film Festival represents the spirit in which its namesake came from — truth in storytelling and the culture at the heart of neighborhoods across the world. From its origins, hip hop has always been about giving voice to the people, telling the stories of our lives, our struggles, and our dreams when no one else would. What I want to bring to the festival is an expansion of that service — helping fellow filmmakers gain the tools they need to grow their craft and share their stories. By offering my own experience and guidance, I can provide the tips and insight to help them navigate this industry, so the festival not only showcases our voices, but strengthens them for the future.

The programming spans three rooms daily, with each night capping off in style — think immersive keynote events, networking mixers, complimentary food, and open bars.

Opening Day — Thursday, August 21 (4 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
The festival kicks off with sessions like Falling In Love With The Word “No” by Jermaine William, From Grind to Greenlight with Cylla Senii, and Film Business Ain’t Solo Dolo! led by A.A. Gajadhar. Artie Brennan’s The No Ends Theory closes out the regular schedule before the night’s main event, Script to Screen with Bobby Yan, complete with dinner and drinks.

Day Two — Friday, August 22 (1 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
Friday’s spotlight includes Escape: Resilient Minds by Jonathan Green, This Really Happened: Turning Real Life Into Reel Life from Alyscia Cunningham, and Danny Danielson’s Hustle Hard! — all served alongside brunch and an open bar.

Final Day — Saturday, August 23 (7 p.m. – 10 p.m.)
The finale jumps off with Indie Movies: The New Rap Game from Sleepyeye Freeman, Daniel Osorio’s Scenes & Sounds: Storytelling Through Music Videos, and Taquan Pugh’s The Power of DIY Filmmaking. At 9 p.m., Jamal Hodge takes the mic for Afrofuturism Meets Afrohorror, closing the series with dinner and drinks.

Tickets and the full festival schedule are available at www.hiphopfilmfestival.org.

​AllHipHop

Drake is pushing a federal court to compel Universal Music Group to hand over internal files from its CEO/chairman, Sir Lucian Grainge, accusing the executive of personally approving and promoting false claims in Kendrick Lamar’s monster diss track “Not Like Us.”

In a legal filing submitted Tuesday (August 12), attorneys for the Canadian rapper argued that Grainge played a direct part in circulating material that portrayed Drake as a sexual predator and exposed his home address.

The lawsuit, filed earlier this year, claims UMG’s actions not only damaged Drake’s reputation but also endangered his safety.

Grainge’s involvement, according to the filing, could reveal “actual malice”—a legal threshold Drake must meet to prove defamation. His lawyers say Grainge’s communications could show he knew the claims were false and pushed them anyway.

UMG initially tried to shield Grainge from discovery by labeling him an “apex” executive, a term used to argue that high-ranking officials shouldn’t be subject to routine document production.

That argument has since been dropped, but the label now insists Grainge had “no meaningful involvement” and that any relevant material would simply duplicate what’s already been collected from other executives.

Drake’s legal team isn’t buying it. They argue that even overlapping documents are essential to show what Grainge knew and when. “Plaintiff never agreed to delay requesting Grainge’s files,” the filing states.

To minimize the burden, Drake’s attorneys proposed using agreed-upon search terms to comb through Grainge’s records.

The dispute stems from Drake’s January 2025 lawsuit against UMG, which alleges the label deliberately promoted “Not Like Us” to damage his image and apply pressure during contract negotiations.

The track, performed by Kendrick Lamar, included lyrics calling Drake a “pedophile” and featured cover art showing his Toronto address.

Drake says the fallout included multiple break-ins at his home and the shooting of his security guard. He also accuses UMG of launching a viral campaign using influencers and bots to amplify the song’s reach.

UMG has denied the claims, calling the lawsuit “misguided” and “baseless.”

The company argues it would be “illogical” to harm one of its most profitable artists. The court has not yet ruled on whether UMG must produce Grainge’s documents.

​AllHipHop

Conway The Machine Brushes Off Paris Altercation Rumors With Benny the Butcher

Conway The Machine is putting an end to the chatter about a supposed dust-up with Benny The Butcher in Paris. He’s now telling folks it was nothing more than a regular night with the crew.

The rumor mill had been in overdrive after whispers hit social media claiming the Griselda heavyweights got into it while overseas. Online “eyewitnesses” claimed tension was high and even painted the scene like a rap reality show. But according to Conway, there’s no beef to see here.

During an appearance on the Way Up With Angela Yee, the Buffalo lyricist admitted that something did happen, but it wasn’t the feud some were making it out to be. Allegedly. “People were drinking and stuff happened,” he explained, stopping short of giving specifics. “It was just another night with the fellas.”

That’s that ’90s type energy.

That’s a far cry from the blow-by-blow drama floating around the internet. If anything, Conway’s account makes it sound like a typical tour night, where too many drinks meet too much energy. No crews split and definitely no lasting friction between him and Benny. WHEW!

A few rumors aren’t going to derail the Griselda movement. If Conway’s calm delivery is any sign, this Paris “incident” is already in the rearview.

Griselda’s bond is too strong for a little late-night chaos.

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​AllHipHop

Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys aren’t letting social media rumors write their love story. For days, whispers have been bouncing around Instagram and TikTok claiming the power couple is headed for divorce — with one wild allegation suggesting Swizz fathered a child with a white woman.

Neither star has directly addressed the chatter, but instead of clapping back with words, they responded with a visual that said everything. Swizz shared a serene clip of Keys gliding through the ocean, looking peaceful and unbothered, in honor of their 15th wedding anniversary. His caption was aimed at those quick to believe gossip, telling people to spread that same loving moment as fast as they’d spread the lies.

READ ALSO: Swizz Beatz Reveals Surprising Secret Behind His Marriage To Alicia Keys

It was a pointed yet classy way to acknowledge the noise without fanning the flames. And honestly, some of the TikTok “tea” about their marriage has been so over the top it could pass for bad reality TV. The speculation almost sounded believable — almost.

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The truth is, marriage, especially one in the public eye, comes with many ups and downs. Fifteen years together means Swizz and Alicia have weathered more than a few rough patches. Celebrating love is the best way, instead of letting the internet dictate their narrative.

For those keeping score, the couple tied the knot in 2010 and share two sons. They’ve always said they keep each other’s careers and keeping their family life strong. If this anniversary post is any indication, they’re far from throwing in the towel.

In a culture quick to turn celebrity marriages into public entertainment, their quiet message says “The best response to rumors is simply living your life.” That’s louder than the lies!

CONGRATS!

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​AllHipHop

T-Hood was shot and killed during a domestic dispute at his Snellville home Tuesday (August 8), and police are now investigating whether the fatal encounter was a case of self-defense.

The 33-year-old Atlanta rapper was allegedly involved in an altercation with a woman at the residence earlier that evening, according to Gwinnett County authorities.

Officers said the woman suffered injuries during the incident. The person who fired the gun remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. A witness present during the shooting is also assisting police.

Law enforcement has not filed any charges as of now, but detectives are treating the case as a potential self-defense situation due to the nature of the domestic conflict and the woman’s injuries, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

Son Of “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” Stars Named Prime Suspect In T-Hood Death

In a development drawing attention across Hip-Hop and reality TV circles, Ky Frost—the son of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta stars Kirk Frost and Rasheeda Frost—has reportedly been identified as the primary suspect. T-Hood had been romantically linked to the couple’s daughter, Kelsie Frost, and the dispute is believed to have involved her. However, Kelsie has publicly denied any direct involvement in the shooting.

T-Hood’s mother took to social media to challenge the self-defense narrative and reject claims that the incident happened during a party.

“He was walking away and got 5 shots in his back,” she wrote. “People this is serious. We will not let this ride. I need everyone to post up. We will not be defeated. I know you’re watching telling me to keep fighting for you. I love you my celebrity. Justice for THood”

Police have confirmed that no one outside the home was involved, and the investigation remains active. Authorities are continuing to gather information and have not ruled out additional developments.

T-Hood was known in Atlanta’s underground Hip-Hop scene for songs like “Perculator,” “Big Booty” and “Ready 2 Go.”

​AllHipHop

Kash Doll reignited speculation about her relationship with Za’Darius Smith after hinting at a reunion, just three days after publicly announcing their breakup on social media.

On Tuesday (August 13), the Detroit rapper tweeted “I love my mannnn.”

She had previously confirmed the split from the NFL linebacker on Saturday (August 10).

“At this point of my life I just need to be single,” she wrote on X (Twitter). “Za’Darius a great guy but we can’t see eye to eye and with all due respect we decided to part ways.”

She added she would be stepping away from the internet. “I’m giving the internet a break also so I’m done with yall too right now,” she said.

Smith also appeared to confirm the breakup, posting a simple “Single” on his Instagram Story shortly after.

The couple’s breakup came on the heels of a public appearance together at Kash Doll’s best friend’s wedding, where they were photographed alongside her son, Kashton.

That image became the center of online drama when Tracy T, Kash Doll’s ex and Kashton’s father, posted the photo with the caption, “Kashton don’t wanna be there.”

Smith didn’t hold back in his response, writing, “N#### when you ready to buy school clothes and go half on that tuition let me know!!”

Tracy T fired back with another jab, posting, “Look like ima be paying that tuition by myself.”

Kash Doll then jumped in, replying: “Tuition and Tracy in the same sentence is something I’ve never seen before. I don’t care who I’m not with it’ll never be you p####!”

Tracy T Slams Kash Doll In Heated Rant

As the online back-and-forth escalated, Tracy T took things further in a video where he claimed he would soon have full custody of their son.

“My son finna be with me. He moving with me,” he said. “I ain’t playing.” He also added, “I don’t want him to be around no f### n####. That ain’t his daddy.”

Tracy T made it clear he had no interest in reconciling with Kash Doll. “F### her,” he said and accused her of being “laid up at that f### boy house.”

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​AllHipHop

John Leguizamo flamed Dean Cain online after the former Superman actor said he’s training to be an ICE agent and proudly announced it like it was some kind of flex.

The Ice Age actor hopped on Instagram with a video and let loose on Cain, dragging his whole plan through the mud.

“What kind of loser volunteers to be an ICE officer?” Leguizamo said. “What a m####. Dean Cain, your pronouns are has/been.”

Cain, who hasn’t been on a major screen in years but is still riding that Lois & Clark nostalgia, didn’t come back swinging.

Instead, he kept it weirdly chill and dropped a post on X saying, “He’s a good actor – I like his stuff,” in response to an article from The Hollywood Reporter that covered Leguizamo’s comments.

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Cain told Fox News Digital he’s getting into ICE work for the same reasons he got into law enforcement ten years ago—he says it’s about protecting people.

He added, “Our ICE agents, who are amazing men and women, are incredible. And they’re black, and they are brown and green and yellow and Japanese and whatever. They’re a cross-section of Americans.”

Then he doubled down on his stance, saying ICE is “doing the job of deporting people who are here illegally.”

Cain first blew up in the 90s as Clark Kent on Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, but lately he’s been more about politics than prime time.

Leguizamo, meanwhile, has been vocal about his views on immigration and representation for years, and clearly he’s not vibing with Cain’s latest career move.

​AllHipHop

Boosie Badazz isn’t letting a looming federal court date stop him from hitting the stage or throwing his annual pool bash, and he’s reassuring fans, it’s business as usual—for now.

The Baton Rouge rapper made it clear this week that all of his scheduled performances — including his signature summer party — are still happening, despite his upcoming surrender tied to a federal plea deal.

“My DM full,” he began. “A lot of people in my DM tripping about my shows in September because I go for my plea August 26th. But that ain’t how it go in fed court. Once you take a plea, your sentencing ain’t till two, three months after it. So I’m gonna be at every show, of course.”

Boosie also confirmed that his annual pool party is still on deck.

“Pool party still going on,” he said. “It’s still gonna be crazy. Link in the bio for the tickets. But, all my fans across the world, it’s just a plea that I’m doing on August 26. That’s it, baby.”

He added once more, “I’ll be at all my shows.”

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The legal trouble stems from a June 2023 incident in San Diego, where federal agents discovered firearms in Boosie’s vehicle.

Because of a 2011 felony drug conviction, he was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm — a federal offense.

Though California state charges were dismissed earlier this year following legal debates over Second Amendment rights, federal prosecutors refiled the case with adjustments.

Boosie Reveals He Took Plea Deal After Speaking To Family

That led to Boosie’s decision to accept a plea deal, which he announced earlier this month on social media.

“JUST ACCEPTED A PLEA FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ON MY GUN CASE. I THOUGHT THIS CASE WAS OVER AND I WAS GOING TO GET ON WITH MY LIFE BUT ‘GOD DON’T MAKE MISTAKES’ AND I’M TIRED OF FIGHTING!!” he wrote. “TALKED TO MY FAMILY AND THIS IS THE RIGHT DECISION. TO ALL MY FANS ACROSS THE WORLD SAY A PRAYER…”

The specific terms of the plea agreement, including sentencing guidelines or what charges he admitted to, have not been made public.

A court hearing is scheduled for August 26.

​AllHipHop

Iggy Azalea has revealed that she did indeed rake in a jaw-dropping amount from her OnlyFans hustle, while fighting through a private medical scare that messed up her legs.

The Aussie rapper told ABC News she made “a life-changing number” on the platform, even though the $48 million figure floating around isn’t quite accurate.

“I’m no fool. I’ve been paid before I even made the profile. I was the top for that year. I barely, honestly… I didn’t have to do much,” she said. “It’s not $48 million. That’s not the exact number, but it’s a life-changing number. It’s a little lower. It was great for me because I was able to take all that money and use it to seed out ideas I had about businesses that I wanted to build.”

She first hopped on OnlyFans in January 2023 as part of her “Hotter Than Hell” project.

It was a mix of visuals, collabs, merch and the kind of spicy content that Instagram doesn’t allow.

At $25 a month, she quickly became one of the highest-paid creators on the platform. The money was great, but behind the scenes, Iggy was fighting through something way heavier.

She said she suffered nerve damage in her legs, which turned into a nasty infection that wouldn’t heal. And while she was dealing with IV treatments through a PICC line, she was still pushing content to keep her OnlyFans booming.

“I just ended up getting what’s called a chronically non-healing wound because I had a PICC line in my arm. We would take the PICC line out and then take hot bikini pictures for a day or two,” she said. “I turned lemons into lemonade with that. I really did.”

While some might’ve expected straight adult content, Iggy said the page was more about freedom and creative control.

She used the platform to bypass the usual online restrictions and connect in her own way. For about a year, she kept the page hot, promoting it with sultry Polaroids and bikini shots.

Eventually, she walked away from OnlyFans, saying she wanted to build something more community-driven and shifted her audience over to Telegram.

​AllHipHop

DDG got caught up in a wild police response during a paintball livestream in SoCal after some troll called in a fake emergency claiming he was armed and threatening people.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department rolled up deep, guns drawn, thinking DDG was a threat. Turns out it was a total lie.

The whole thing went down while DDG was live-streaming—cops cuffed him on camera, only to realize it was all fake and let him go.

Now the detectives are digging to track down whoever made the bogus call. A Sheriff’s spokesperson confirmed they’re actively working on the case and already filed a report for the phony emergency.

DDG’s manager and legal rep, Dimitri Hurt, told TMZ Hip Hop, “The anonymous caller fabricated a claim that DDG was armed and threatening people, which led to an unnecessary and heavily armed police response to a peaceful paintball live stream event. This reckless and malicious act disrupted the tournament, caused unnecessary panic among attendees, and put everyone present — including law enforcement — in harm’s way.”

He added, “DDG, who was there simply to enjoy and participate in the event, was deeply shaken by the incident. Having officers respond under the false belief that you are armed is an incredibly distressing and traumatizing experience.”

Swatting isn’t new, but it’s getting way more common—and dangerous.

In 2025 alone, schools across the country have been hit with fake threats that send cops scrambling. It’s gotten so bad that lawmakers are scrambling to pass new laws to stop this stuff.

One dude, Alan Filion, got slapped with four years in federal prison earlier this year for pulling off 375 fake calls across the U.S. between 2022 and 2024, showing just how out of hand this trend is getting.

Each swatting incident racks up a massive bill, too. Emergency services spend around $ 100,000 per response, while school-related swatting costs over $82 million in 2023, and that number’s still climbing in 2025.

DDG’s team says he’s cooperating with the investigation and authorities are doing what they can to bring the prankster to justice.

“We are grateful that no one was physically harmed, but the emotional toll and the damage to the event’s atmosphere were significant,” Hurt said.

​AllHipHop