British rap icon Giggs used his platform on BBC’s “Newsnight” to speak openly about his autism diagnosis and the urgent need for stronger support systems for children with special educational needs, including his own two young kids.
The South London rapper expressed concern for his 5-year-old daughter Isla and 9-year-old son Israel, both of whom are navigating life with autism.
He warned that without proper Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) resources in schools, their futures could mirror the struggles he faced growing up.
“In school, I didn’t get any support, so I was always getting in trouble,” he said, explaining how his “impulsive” behavior led to frequent disciplinary issues and the conclusion, “I was good at being bad.”
That lack of support had long-term consequences. “You take that through life,” he said, referencing the path that led him to serve two prison sentences before finding direction in music.
He credits his rap career with turning his life around and said he hopes his son doesn’t have to rely on hardship to shape his own journey.
The “Talkin da Hardest” rapper posted a clip of the interview to Instagram with a direct message in the caption: “MORE SUPPORT IS NEEDED.”
This isn’t the first time Giggs has spoken publicly about living with autism. On the “90s Baby” podcast, he recalled feeling “different, special, gifted” as a child, but not understanding why until his diagnosis.
He said the lack of awareness and resources at the time left him without the tools to succeed in school.
His adult son, ML, is also on the autism spectrum and has followed in his father’s footsteps as a musician. ML has also spoken about how autism influences his creativity and everyday life.
Giggs said that finally receiving a diagnosis helped things “make sense” but also highlighted how little support existed for kids like him growing up.
He’s now using his visibility to draw attention to the broader issue of undiagnosed and unsupported autistic children in the UK.
Meanwhile, Giggs is set to headline the final night of the Somerset House Summer Series 2025 with a special “Giggs & Family” performance on Sunday, July 20. It will be his first headlining show in London in more than six years.
Mello Buckzz’s dad kept selling firearms even after a mass shooting outside his daughter’s album release party left four people dead and 14 wounded, federal prosecutors said.
Melvin Doyle, 45, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm after allegedly selling 13 guns to undercover informants between May 20 and July 7, according to a federal complaint.
One of those transactions happened just days after the July 2 shooting outside Artis Lounge in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, where Mello Buckzz had hosted a private event.
Authorities said Doyle, who has prior felony convictions for attempted murder and drug trafficking, was legally barred from owning or selling any firearms.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) launched an investigation in May after receiving tips that Doyle was dealing guns.
Agents used confidential informants to arrange and record multiple buys from Doyle, including one at his home on the 5800 block of South Martin Luther King Drive.
Investigators have not linked Doyle’s weapons to the shooting, and no suspects have been arrested in the case.
Doyle’s criminal history includes a 1998 conviction for attempted murder, a 2003 conviction for manufacturing and delivering controlled substances, and a 2006 conviction for heroin distribution.
Those convictions make it illegal for him to possess or sell firearms. Prosecutors say the gun sales were all captured on audio and video.
Police are still on the hunt for multiple gunmen who opened fire in front of Mello Buckzz’s mixtape release party.
They shot from a dark-colored vehicle around 1:30 a.m. July 2, targeting a crowd outside the club. The shooters fled the scene, and detectives believe the attack may have been retaliatory.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to arrests.
In a city celebrated for its vibrant culture and discerning taste, it takes something special for a new business to create a genuine buzz. The Austin cannabis scene is full of options, but a new destination in the St. Elmo District is proving that there’s still room for a truly thoughtful and elevated experience.
THC Dispensary Austin Lounge, also known as The High Company, has opened its doors with a clear and compelling vision. The establishment is a thoughtfully designed social and cultural hub built around a premium cannabis experience, and it’s already becoming a favorite for those in the know.
The reason for its growing popularity is straightforward: The High Company provides the sophisticated yet completely relaxed Cannabis Lounge Austin locals and visitors have been seeking.
They’ve seamlessly blended a top-tier dispensary with a space designed for community, discovery, and connection. It’s an innovative and essential addition to the city, providing a destination for newcomers and seasoned connoisseurs to explore the best of Austin’s cannabis culture.
The Atmosphere: A New Standard for Cannabis Spaces
The first thing that strikes you upon entering The High Company is the atmosphere. There is a clear sense of intention in the design. The space manages to be both modern and comfortable, stylish and welcoming, sidestepping the sterile feel of some dispensaries and the cluttered chaos of others. They’ve described it as a “cannabis oasis,” and frankly, that’s exactly what it feels like.
The aesthetic is a unique and effective blend of styles. You can feel a hint of classic “roaring twenties” charm in the rich textures and elegant fixtures, which is then balanced by a clean, modern sensibility that is pure Austin. The walls serve as a rotating gallery for local Austin artists, grounding the dispensary in the city’s rich creative spirit.
This isn’t just decoration; it’s a statement that signals a deep value for culture and community. The result is a polished backdrop that encourages you to slow down, browse, and have a real conversation.
The Menu: A Curated Approach to Quality
A great environment requires exceptional products to match, and the philosophy here is clearly quality over clutter. The menu at this Austin cannabis dispensary feels handpicked by people who are genuinely passionate about the plant. It’s a focused collection that showcases a deep respect for both cannabis and the people who enjoy it.
Their commitment to sourcing is a key part of this. The High Company has built strong relationships with some of Austin’s most renowned master gardeners and top local suppliers, ensuring their selection is always top-tier. The flower menu, for instance, features beloved classic strains right alongside interesting and rare cultivars that will impress even seasoned enthusiasts.
This curation extends across their entire menu. The edibles, concentrates, and cannabis-infused beverages are all chosen with a sharp eye for excellence, favoring reliable effects and superior ingredients over novelty.
The Human Element: Guidance, Not Gatekeeping
Perhaps the most crucial element to The High Company’s success is the human experience they provide. The staff here operates with a level of warmth and professionalism that is truly noteworthy. They are aptly named “cannabis counselors,” and they function as passionate, knowledgeable guides for your journey.
Interactions are relaxed, informative, and refreshingly devoid of pressure. The budtenders are skilled at having nuanced conversations about what you’re looking for, whether it’s a specific terpene profile, advice on dosing, or understanding different consumption methods.
They excel at demystifying cannabis for newcomers and geeking out with experts. This dedication to a superior customer experience is a core reason why word-of-mouth has been so powerful for this new spot, solidifying its reputation as a contender for the best dispensary in Austin.
The Lounge: The Future of Cannabis Culture in Texas
Image Credit: THC Dispensary Austin Lounge
What truly sets The High Company apart and fuels the city-wide buzz is its ambitious vision for the future: the creation of Austin’s first truly elevated cannabis lounge. This concept is central to the brand’s identity and its commitment to building a real community.
The plan is to create a high-end, ridiculously comfortable space where guests can unwind and connect. The vision includes a full calendar of intimate live music events featuring local Austin artists, creating a much-needed new venue for the city’s talent.
They also plan to host educational classes and workshops, covering everything from “Cannabis 101” for beginners to deep dives into cultivation and infused gourmet pairings for the connoisseur. This forward-thinking concept—a dedicated, stylish cannabis lounge in Texas—is what makes The High Company a true destination.
How to Visit: A Quick Guide to Your First Trip
Image Credit: THC Dispensary Austin Lounge
Ready to check it out for yourself? The experience at The High Company is designed to be straightforward and enjoyable from start to finish. Here’s a quick guide on what to expect.
First, you’ll find the THC Dispensary Austin Lounge conveniently located in the St. Elmo District with plenty of parking, making the trip easy. When you arrive, the only thing you’ll need is a valid government-issued ID showing you are 21 years of age or older.
Once inside, you’re free to explore. You can browse their full menu on your own, or you can connect with one of their friendly cannabis counselors who can guide you through the selection. While all purchases are completed in person, you can view their entire, up-to-date menu on their website before you visit.
This is a great way to see what’s in stock and get an idea of what you might like to explore further when you get there.
The Verdict
THC Dispensary Austin Lounge is a smart, well-executed addition to the city’s landscape. It succeeds by seamlessly blending a high-end atmosphere with a down-to-earth, welcoming attitude. It’s a place that respects the intelligence of its customers, celebrates local culture, and is deeply committed to providing a superior experience.
In a scene that is constantly evolving, The High Company feels like the future. It understands that the culture surrounding cannabis is just as important as the product itself. For all those reasons, it is a place that is not just worth visiting, but worth watching.
If you’re ready to see what the next generation of the Austin cannabis experience looks like, a visit is highly recommended.
Here is the new section to add to the end of the article:
Plan Your Visit
Ready to experience The High Company for yourself?
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip to this standout Austin dispensary.
Location: 440 E. St. Elmo Rd STE B-1, Austin, TX 78745
Faith Evans is accused of enriching herself from a fat $100 million deal involving The Notorious B.I.G. and now Biggie’s fam is dragging her to court, claiming she’s been hoarding the bag.
According to documents filed in Delaware and unsealed July 8, Faith Evans is being sued by the estate of Biggie’s late mom, Voletta Wallace, for allegedly keeping the trust’s cut of the massive catalog sale to Primary Wave.
The suit says she cut out the trust from both the money and the business side of things after Voletta passed in February.
Wayne Barrow, who manages the trust, is calling foul. He says Evans became the sole manager of Biggie’s estate after Voletta died and has been moving shady ever since.
The lawsuit claims she’s been handing out checks to Biggie’s kids, Ty’anna and CJ, and probably herself, but skipped the trust.
“Ms. Evans has distributed sale proceeds to Ty’anna, CJ, and presumably to herself,” Barrow wrote. “She, however, has wrongfully withheld the Trust’s share of the proceeds, in the amount of [redacted],” Billboard reported.
Barrow also says she’s been ghosting him on all business matters and acting like the trust doesn’t even exist.
“Ms. Evans’s actions are particularly troubling given that, unlike Mr. Barrow, she has never previously been involved in the LLC’s management,” the petition reads.
He’s now asking the court to force Faith Evans to cough up the trust’s share of the sale. Barrow says the money is supposed to go to the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation.
He also wants her booted as manager of the LLC and wants the court to let him take over.
Independent artists C‑Tru and Marina have struck a powerful chord with their latest single “My Spirit Fights On,” a raw, emotional track that just climbed to #1 – not through gimmicks or virality, but through truth.
The track was born from a conversation between C‑Tru, a seasoned rapper/producer known for collaborations with Snoop Dogg and DMX, and Marina, a survivor of abuse in the foster system. What started as her personal story became a rallying cry for others. “This one wasn’t just about making music,” said C‑Tru. “It was about doing justice to a story that’s been ignored for too long.”
C‑Tru, with four #1 albums already under his belt, says this moment feels different. The song’s message – about survival, injustice, and healing – has resonated deeply with listeners, especially survivors who have flooded Marina’s inbox with messages of connection and gratitude.
“For years I didn’t have a voice,” said Marina. “To see this song not just reach people, but be heard – it’s overwhelming. That #1 means our pain is being acknowledged.”
Featuring vocals from singer Tariah, the song’s impact has grown far beyond charts. Marina says one message from a young girl who said she finally believes she can heal stands out more than any accolade.
The duo is already working on a remix with a European artist to widen the reach. Marina, originally from Austria, hopes to bring in German rap legend Sido to further amplify the message.
Beyond the music, Marina is planning a film project to tell her full story and build a broader movement focused on survivor support and system reform.
“My Spirit Fights On” is more than a #1 single. It’s a moment of reckoning and proof that music rooted in truth can still cut through.
LiAngelo Ball filed for divorce from Rashida Nicole in California just one week after she publicly announced she was expecting their child, according to court documents obtained by TMZ Sports.
The former basketball player-turned-rapper, known for his track “Tweaker,” married Nicole on March 24 and listed their separation date as June 15. The filing cites “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split. Ball is requesting joint custody and visitation rights.
Nicole’s pregnancy reveal came only seven days before the divorce paperwork was submitted. The timing raised eyebrows online, but Ball didn’t seem fazed by the public reaction.
“When people conversate about my personal life, it don’t touch me or bother me too much. Like I see it, of course, because, you know, everybody got a phone, but it don’t rub me the wrong way or nothing because nobody really go what I go through every day. You not me, for real. So it don’t mean s**t, for real,” Ball told Billboard News.
This isn’t the first time Ball’s personal life has made headlines. In March, Nikki Mudarris—the mother of his other children—claimed he walked out on their family shortly after the birth of their second child.
“We spent three and a half years together, and last week he decided to walk out on his kids and tell me he got someone else pregnant (allegedly) and now is creating a new life with her,” Mudarris wrote in a now-viral Instagram post.
Ball has not publicly responded to Mudarris’ claims.
Nelly turned a $50 million payday from selling half his music catalog into a new venture by purchasing and relocating a horse racing team to his hometown.
The Hip-Hop icon, born in St. Louis, acquired the Seattle franchise of the National Thoroughbred League and moved it to Illinois, rebranding the team as the St. Louis Nellies.
The team will make its official debut at the inaugural Nelly Cup on July 19, 2025, at Fairmount Park in Collinsville, Illinois.
“I’m excited to be part of bringing a new professional sports team to the city that means so much to me,” said Nelly. “The St. Louis Cup is set to be one of the summer’s premier events, and I can’t wait to hit the track and celebrate with our incredible St. Louis fans.”
The event will blend sport and entertainment, featuring live music, a fashion show and a trophy presentation by Nelly himself. Admission is free and open to the public.
The move comes after Nelly sold 50 percent of his music catalog to HarbourView Equity Partners for a reported $50 million.
The deal includes some of his most recognizable hits, such as “Hot in Herre,” “E.I.” and others. The catalog spans eight albums from his decades-long career.
By investing in the National Thoroughbred League, Nelly joins a growing list of celebrities entering the sports ownership space.
The league aims to modernize horse racing by combining competition with entertainment, and Nelly’s involvement brings both star power and hometown pride.
Fairmount Park, located just across the Mississippi River in Collinsville, has hosted horse racing for decades and now becomes home to one of the NTL’s newest franchises.
Diddy backed off his push to get sentenced early in a letter his lawyers sent to the court today (July 8) in place of what was supposed to be a virtual hearing on the matter.
Diddy’s lawyers and prosecutors agreed on a schedule leading up to his October 3, 2025 sentencing. Post-verdict motions are due by July 30 and a final pre-sentence report will be filed by September 18.
The disgraced mogul will be sentenced on October 3 following his conviction on two federal charges tied to prostitution-related interstate travel.
The Hip-Hop mogul was found guilty on July 2, after a seven-week trial but acquitted of more serious charges, including sex trafficking involving Cassie Ventura and another woman referred to as “Jane.”
Despite avoiding the most severe allegations, Diddy still faces up to 20 years in prison although most legal experts believe he will serve no more than four years.
Last week, Diddy’s legal team had requested that the court expedite his sentencing date and consider granting release based on his personal and family circumstances.
“Mr. Combs has 18-year-old twin daughters, as well as a 27-year-old son with no other living parent,” his attorneys wrote in a court filing. “Mr. Combs’s mother is 85 years old. She suffers from various health conditions. For example, she was hospitalized in July 2024 for a heart condition and had brain surgery the previous year. She lives near Mr. Combs in Florida and she would like him to be her primary caretaker.”
They also noted that Combs has a 3-year-old daughter and has already served nearly 10 months at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, which they described as having “notoriously problematic conditions.”
Federal prosecutors strongly opposed the request, arguing that the law mandates detention after conviction for the crimes Combs was found guilty of. They also cited his history of violence toward women as a reason to deny release.
Cassie Ventura’s legal team also weighed in, urging the court to keep Combs in custody.
“Detention is mandatory post-conviction on these charges, and Ms. Ventura believes that Mr. Combs is likely to pose a danger to the victims who testified in this case, including herself, as well as to the community,” her attorneys stated.
Nicki Minaj called out JAY-Z on Monday (July 7) in a heated post on Twitter (X), claiming she’s owed hundreds of millions from the sale of TIDAL and has yet to see a dime.
The dispute stems from JAY-Z’s sale of TIDAL to Square Inc., now known as Block, in 2021. Nicki Minaj, who was part of the original artist ownership group, believes her equity was never fairly honored during the transaction.
The rapper alleged she was shortchanged in the streaming platform’s acquisition and rejected a $1 million settlement offer. Minaj added she never received any compensation from the deal, stating she “didn’t even get one red penny.”
“We’ve calculated about 100-200MM so far,” she wrote. “Jay-Z call me to settle this karmic debt. It’s only collecting more interest. You still in my TOP 5 tho. Let’s get it n####. And anyone still calling him Hov will answer to God for the blasphemy.”
We’ve calculated about 100-200MM so far. #JayZ call me to settle this karmic debt. It’s only collecting more interest. You still in my TOP 5 tho. Let’s get it n####.
Minaj also revealed plans to use the money she says she’s owed to support her #StudentOfTheGame initiative to fund college tuition, school fees and student loan payments for her loyal Barbz.
Beyond the financial feud, Minaj has also accused JAY-Z and Roc Nation of ruining Hip-Hop, football, basketball, touring, Instagram and Twitter.
Last month, Nicki claimed JAY-Z and Roc Nation were targeting her and aligning with Demoree Hadley, the estranged daughter of Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez.
Hadley recently filed a lawsuit against her mother, claiming she was forcibly institutionalized under Florida’s Baker and Marchman Acts.
“They’ve [Roc Nation] abused her [Nicki Minaj’s] freedom of speech, they’ve abused her family, they’ve attacked her husband, they’ve attacked her child…It should really scare the American people,” Hadley said. “Me, it should really scare you guys, too, right? Because I’m the daughter, so it’s like, at this point, if it’s happening to me, I think she’s really outspoken and I’m grateful that she’s being outspoken on it because I think she’s almost saying it like, ‘Well, it happened to me, it’s happening to her, let me speak up on it, nobody is safe right now.’”
Houston Hip-Hop has always marched to the beat of its own slowed-down, candy-painted drum, and Trae Tha Truth is one of its most dedicated generals.
Trae is not only respected in the streets but also globally recognized for his humanity. He’s got those deep, organic ties to DJ Screw and the Screwed Up Click, but is also connected to his tireless community activism.
Now he blesses us with a new album, Angel, which dripped on his birthday, July 3. The H-Town veteran sat down with AllHipHop‘s DJ Thoro for a heartfelt and candid conversation.
With his daughter Baby Truth by his side, Trae discusses the spiritual inspiration behind his new music. He also pays homage to DJ Screw, opens up about his humanitarian work across the U.S. and even imagines his dream collaborations.
This conversation peels back the layers of a man who’s as committed to his culture as he is to his calling.
AllHipHop: First off, I gotta say I’m a big fan. “Swang” with Big Hawk is a classic.
Trae Tha Truth: Appreciate that. That record brought me to the national level. It defined Houston culture—cars, the sound, and Big Hawk, R.I.P.
AllHipHop: Let’s talk about your new record “All Right.”
Trae: Yeah, it features my daughter Baby Truth and LeCrae. It’s all leading up to the Angel album.
AllHipHop: The track has gospel vibes. What inspired that direction?
Trae: Life. The struggles I’ve faced, especially with my daughter. When things get tough, I pray—and God makes it all right. That’s the message.
AllHipHop: What do you think about GloRilla winning a BET Award for Best Gospel Artist?
Trae: I don’t usually comment on stuff that ain’t my business. But if the song impacted people and God used her for that, who are we to judge? That’s how powerful He is.
AllHipHop: Paul Wall told me Texas artists don’t even have to leave the state to make a living.
Trae: Facts. We been had our own economy. You could go gold or platinum just in Texas. We created our own independent hustle.
AllHipHop: That’s rare. In New York, nobody can do that.
Trae: That’s why I ride so hard for Houston. From Beyoncé and Yolanda Adams to Travis Scott and Megan Thee Stallion. We got legends in every lane.
AllHipHop: Do you think people mimic Houston’s sound?
Trae: Some do, but a lot pay homage. People don’t realize Trap Soul stems from what DJ Screw did: slowing down R&B tracks and creating that vibe.
AllHipHop: So when did you first fall in love with Hip-Hop?
Trae: My pops was a big fan of gangster rap. We’d hit Soundwaves or Sam Goody every week for new tapes. My mom sang, so I had both R&B and rap in my blood.
AllHipHop: Your biggest market outside Houston?
Trae: New York. I could hold my own out there. I’ve got tracks with East Coast cats like Raekwon, Jadakiss, Ross, Jeezy. They respect the artistry.
AllHipHop: You ever intimidated working with any of your idols?
Trae: Never. That’s like sparring. I’ve always been ready for the challenge: rapping, harmonizing, lyrical bars, whatever.
AllHipHop: If you could do a dream collab with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?
Trae: DJ Screw. I gotta rep my culture. But if we talk powerhouse collab—Michael Jackson, Pac, Nipsey, Big. I’d make a timeless classic with them.
AllHipHop: Speaking of Screw, what was your relationship like?
Trae: I met him at 15 or 16. By 19, I was on Screw tapes with my group Gorilla Mob. He gave us our first taste of radio. He wasn’t just a DJ. He was my brother, my partner, my supporter. We were supposed to sign to his label before he passed. I’ll always carry his legacy.
AllHipHop: You do a lot for the community. What’s new?
Trae: I’m always working. Just sent an 18-wheeler full of supplies to help tornado victims in St. Louis. I was helping with the LA fires too. Trade Day is coming up in Houston—July 17 through 21. But now I get calls to help nationwide.
AllHipHop: Houston gave you the key to the city, right?
Trae: Two keys, actually. I got awards, belt buckles…stuff I didn’t even know existed. Seven holidays in Houston and one in Milwaukee. But I feel like when I win, we all win. It’s not just me.
AllHipHop: What inspires your music now?
Trae: Life. Pain. Growth. I started rapping my brother Dinky’s lyrics when he was locked up. Now I’m decades deep and still here, still relevant.
AllHipHop: Let’s talk cars. New York got BBS Boys, but y’all got slabs.
Trae: Man, in Houston, if you ain’t on slabs, you ain’t made it. My brother used to gut the backseat and fill it with speakers, domes, and ride on them swingers. It’s a rite of passage.
AllHipHop: Your album Angel. Tell me about it.
Trae: This one’s special. It’s my prized possession because of what I went through making it. It’s pain, it’s God, it’s soulful. One of the standout joints is “Amen” featuring Dave Chappelle.
AllHipHop: That’s huge. Any hard copies or vinyl drops coming?
Trae: Not yet, but Cam Newton just told me I need to. I might drop some limited-edition colored vinyl. It’s time.
AllHipHop: You got anything on the film side?
Trae: Yeah, got a movie called Sole on Tubi. It’s animated and features me. My daughter Baby Truth wants in on the next one, so we working on that too.
AllHipHop: Final sports question: how you feel about KD on the Rockets?
Trae: If they mesh right, it could work. Even before KD, our young squad had potential. But now, with KD, Jabari, VanVleet, and the rest—it’s about roles and chemistry.
AllHipHop: Yo, appreciate you. Happy birthday and salute to Baby Truth.
