Category: Hip Hop

China Walker, one half of the acclaimed twin rap duo Cam & China, has died at the age of 30. She privately fought a two-year battle with a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer. Her family confirmed her passing week.

Cam Walker, her twin sister and rap partner, shared the news late Wednesday (July 2) via Instagram. She posted a photo holding China’s hand, believed to be from her final moments.

“Most don’t know, China has been fighting a rare aggressive ovarian cancer for 2 years,” Cam wrote. “Tonight, she transitioned and is now resting peacefully. Give me time to grieve in peace, but know she loved all our supporters.”

She added a message urging followers to stay connected with loved ones. “Check on yo people, you never know what they are going thru until it’s too late,” she said.

The Inglewood-based duo rose to prominence in 2016 with their self-titled debut EP, showcasing grit and lyricism. They also had a tight-knit chemistry that reflected their twin sisterhood. They earned viral acclaim through freestyle videos on social media, garnering millions of views.

Cam & China’s star shined bright in unlikely spaces like HBO Max’s Rap Sh*t.

Walker’s death is a painful loss for the West Coast Hip-Hop community and for those who admired the duo’s raw talent and bond as sisters.

Funeral details have not been made public. AllHipHop sends condolences to Cam and the family of China Walker.

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Raekwon is bringing heavyweight bars and iconic collaborations to the forefront with The Emperor’s New Clothes, his eighth solo album arriving July 18 via Mass Appeal, packed with Hip-Hop legends like Nas and fellow Wu-Tang Clan members Ghostface Killah, Method Man and Inspectah Deck.

The Raekwon project also ropes in the Griselda trio — Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine and Benny The Butcher — along with soulful contributions from Stacy Barthe and British singer Marsha Ambrosius. Behind the boards, production is handled by Swizz Beatz, Nottz, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Frank G and Roadsart.

“The Emperor’s New Clothes is more than an album — it’s a statement. A declaration of evolution, mastery, and the raw essence of New York soul,” Raekwon said in a press release.

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Raekwon first made his mark with Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…, a 1995 classic that helped define the mafioso rap subgenre. Nearly three decades later, his lyrical sharpness remains intact and his influence continues to echo through generations of emcees.

The upcoming album marks another milestone in a career that has spanned eras without losing relevance. From mentoring rising stars to collaborating with Hip-Hop’s elite, Raekwon has kept his pen sharp and his presence felt.

The Emperor’s New Clothes drops July 18.

​AllHipHop

LL Cool J has canceled his headlining performance at the Wawa Welcome America July 4th concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The rap legend said he stood in solidarity with striking municipal workers who have taken to the picket line to demand higher wages and better healthcare.

The Hip-Hop icon made his stance clear in an emotional Instagram video Thursday night, less than 24 hours before the show. He was slated to perform alongside R&B star and Philadelphia native Jazmine Sullivan.

“Yo, so, I understand there’s a lot going on in Philadelphia right now, and I never, ever, ever want to disappoint my fans, especially Philadelphia, y’all mean too much to me,” LL Cool J said. “But there’s absolutely no way that I can perform, cross a picket line, and pick up money when I know that people are out there fighting for a living wage. I’m not doing that, you know what I’m saying?”

He added that he would still be in town, hoping negotiations resolve before the holiday event.

“I’m just letting you know, I’m not going to cross a picket line and perform for money when people are hurt. That’s it, so I love y’all. I’m on my way to Philly. Peace and love.”

AFSCME District Council 33 is Philadelphia’s largest union and represents more than 10,000 blue-collar city workers. This includes sanitation crews and 911 dispatchers, all of which have been striking for three days. The city’s trash remains uncollected, 911 emergencies unattended and tensions between union leadership and city officials grows.

Union President Gregory Boulware applauded LL’s support in a written statement.

“LL Cool J’s decision to stand in solidarity with the labor movement by choosing not to cross a picket line is a powerful testament to his respect for workers’ rights,” Boulware said. “By prioritizing the dignity and respect of laborers over potential fan disappointment, LL Cool J sends a strong message about the value of unity and collective action.”

Negotiations between the city and DC 33 stalled Thursday.

Mayor Cherelle Parker said the city’s negotiators were prepared to continue talks, but union leaders stepped away from the table. There is no new meeting scheduled.

“I am aware that LL Cool J has decided not to perform at Wawa Welcome America’s July 4th Concert tomorrow evening on the Parkway,” Mayor Parker said in a statement. “I spoke personally with LL Cool J today. I respect his decision and understand his desire to see the city unified. He is always welcome in Philadelphia.”

There has been no revelation of changes in the concert or if Jazmine Sullivan will be the sole performer.

Philly was one of the first cities to give LL Cool J a shot at the onset of his rap career. His refusal to take the stage recognizes the profound respect he has for the common people.

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Bone Thugs-n-Harmony are getting their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The group—Bizzy Bone, Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone, Flesh N Bone and Wish Bone—made the announcement via Instagram on Wednesday (July 2) along with a screenshot of a press release from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

“BREAKING NEWS: It has just been announced that Bone Thugs N Harmony is officially in The Hollywood Walk of Fame #2026 along with the likes of @shaq @mileycyrus @thelegendaryclarksisters @demimoore just to name a few,” the caption reads. “Buck Buck Buck.”

Several of the pioneering Cleveland group’s peers hopped in the comment section to celebrate the win, including Fat Joe and DJ Paul of Three 6 Mafia. They’ll join a long list that includes fellow recording artists Miley Cyrus, Air Supply, Paulinho Da Costa, The Clark Sisters, Josh Groban, Grupo Intocable, Angélique Kidjo and Lyle Lovett as well as actors Emily Blunt, Timothée Chalamet, Chris Columbus, Demi Moore, Molly Ringwald and Stanley Tucci, among others.

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Bone Thugs officially reunited earlier this year. In April, they released “Aww S###,” their first track featuring all five original members in nearly 15 years and the lead single from their upcoming album.

Leading up to its release, Bone Thugs had been sharing behind-the-scenes photos of their trip to Houston, where all five original members were working on the forthcoming album, their first group effort since 2010’s Uni5: The World’s Enemy. AllHipHop spoke to Krayzie, who had just returned to Los Angeles.

“The vibe was great,” Krayzie said at the time. “We just picked up where we left off. Everything was smooth and we were working really fast. We knocked out like four or five songs. It was a wonderful thing.”

Bone Thugs’ reunion is partly credited to UFC fighter Conor McGregor, whose recently launched Greenback Records is Ireland’s first major record label. So far, Greenback has signed Xzibit, Telander and Bone Thugs so far.

“Connor expressed interest in us last year and wanted to work with us,” Krayzie explained. “Once he put the offer on the table, it looked good. We actually signed the deal last year, but the holidays and rescheduled shows took up the first two months of 2025.  When he saw what was on the table, it was like….I mean, we were going to do this anyway, even without Connor McGregor. The Conor McGregor situation just made it happen faster.”

Scarface of the Geto Boys and Bun B of UGK showed up to the studio and are rumored to be on the project.

“We’re just getting started, but we let ’em know we wanted a feature,” he added. “When we put the videos up on social media and people are starting to see us together, the buzz is buzzing right now for sure.”

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Southern rap mogul Master P has responded to public claims made by Mia X, the First Lady of No Limit Records, who earlier this week announced she would not be performing at Essence Festival during what has been billed as his final live performance.

In a lengthy and emotionally charged statement posted to social media titled “Say Goodbye to the Bad Guy,” Master P addressed the backlash and what he described as “drama and comedy” surrounding the situation. Without naming Mia X directly, he shared his disappointment over the public nature of the dispute, stating, “I agreed to pay her whatever she asked for. Going to social media after I’ve agreed to do whatever she wanted is disappointing.”

The New Orleans rapper defended his legacy, emphasizing his long-standing contributions to the community and artists, who were once part of the No Limit family.

“I’ve been giving back to our communities for over 25 years… put artists on… gave them opportunities that nobody else would,” he wrote in a since-deleted Instagram post. “It’s been over 20 years ago that these artists were signed to me, and since then they’ve moved on to other labels. And I still showed love.”

Mia X previously explained her decision to withdraw from the July 6 Essence Fest performance, citing miscommunication, lack of rehearsal time, a late contract and disrespect around negotiations. She also expressed frustration over being advertised without her formal agreement, despite not finalizing terms.

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Master P, in turn, rejected accusations of disrespect or poor communication.

“How is it poor communication if my management has been speaking to artists directly for years and paying them for shows they’ve booked?” he asked. “And how is it disrespectful to offer a compensation larger than whatever the artist has ever received for a show?”

While Mia X framed her statement around professionalism, transparency and the need to protect Black women in business, Master P suggested ulterior motives from those around him.

“The disciples did Jesus dirty so I know what they’ll try to do me,” he wrote, adding that many people were “only around you for the benefits.”

The upcoming performance, still scheduled for July 6 at Essence Fest in New Orleans, is being promoted as Master P’s farewell celebration—a milestone in a storied career that transformed Southern Hip-Hop and empowered numerous artists.

“I’m focusing on coaching and making a difference,” Master P concluded. “We gon’ turn up one more time for Essence. Salute to all my real Soldiers.”

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Benzino lashed out Tuesday (July 1) after being compared to Drake in a viral post that featured a side-by-side photo of both shirtless, accusing the blog of using a doctored image of him.

“The next time you post a pic of me comparing me to @drake make sure yall don’t use a photoshopped one off the internet,” he wrote on social media. “I got a bunch of dope gym pics on here you can use. Keep mind I’ll be 60 in 2 weeks so make it make sense you weirdos.”

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The post came after Drake uploaded a shirtless selfie to Instagram, flaunting sharply defined abs that quickly drew scrutiny from users online. Some accused the Toronto rapper of having surgically enhanced abs, while others joked about the resemblance to Benzino’s physique.

The comparison didn’t sit well with the former Source magazine publisher, who regularly shares his fitness progress and gym routines on social media.

Benzino has been vocal about his dedication to staying fit and active. In a 2024 interview, he opened up about returning to the gym after a six-month break.

“These last few months I’ve been hitting the gym like I never had before,” he said. “It feels amazing. There’s nothing that these younger guys are doing that I can’t do, and that alone feels good.”

Benzino also credited Hip-Hop culture for helping him stay mentally and physically youthful.

“Hip-Hop has really kept us young at heart,” he said. “Without Hip-Hop, we probably would be a lot older than we portray to be.”

​AllHipHop

The global sensation Squid Game returns with Season 3—and joining the brutal competition are new standout cast members Jo Yu-ri (Player 222) and Yim Si-wan (Player 333).

In an exclusive sit-down with AllHipHop’s D-Nellz, the two stars open up about their emotional journeys, the toll of filming, and the pressure of joining the hit series.

Jo Yu-ri, known for her work as a singer, plays a pregnant participant fighting for survival. Yim Si-wan, a former K-pop idol, brings complex layers to his morally shaky character. Both say the script pulled them in instantly. And, when they got comfortable, they were immersed fully in the story.

But this wasn’t just about acting. Since AllHipHop was in the room, the conversation naturally shifted to Hip-Hop. Korean rap has gained traction globally and both stars revealed their respect for the roots and the culture.

East met West in the most authentic way—and the synergy is undeniable.

AllHipHop (D-Nellz): When you first got the script for Season 3, what was your immediate reaction?

Yim Si-wan: I was completely hooked. I read the entire thing in one go. It was that immersive—I couldn’t stop.

Jo Yu-ri: Same here. It took me about three hours, but I didn’t put it down once. I had to know what happened.

AllHipHop: Did the global success of Squid Game bring added pressure to your performances?

Yim Si-wan: Definitely. At first, I felt that pressure. But once I read the script, it was so well-written that I just told myself: trust the story, trust the director, and trust my castmates. That helped me shift my focus.

Jo Yu-ri: I agree. The expectations were high, but I reminded myself to enjoy the process. Once we started filming, the pressure kind of melted away.

AllHipHop: What was the most challenging part of filming?

Yim Si-wan: Emotionally, it was tough. My character’s morality is murky. He’s not clearly a good or bad guy. That ambiguity took a mental toll while filming.

Jo Yu-ri: For me, it was also emotionally heavy. My character is pregnant, so beyond just surviving, she’s fighting to protect a child. That added a lot of emotional weight to every scene.

AllHipHop: Since we’re AllHipHop, we have to ask…how do you both feel about Hip-Hop’s influence in Korean culture?

Yim Si-wan: I have huge respect for Hip-Hop. There are so many amazing artists I admire. It’s a genre that tells the truth in a raw, emotional way.

Jo Yu-ri: I’ve always felt a connection to Hip-Hop—even if I’m more known for pop music. It’s powerful, and I think Korean and Western Hip-Hop are learning from each other every day.

Head to www.netflix.com/SquidGame for all the action.

​AllHipHop

Diddy will remain behind bars after a federal judge refused to grant his release following a partial acquittal in his high-profile sex trafficking and racketeering trial.

Despite being cleared of the most serious allegations—including racketeering and sex trafficking involving Cassie Ventura, Diddy was found guilty on two counts of transporting women across state lines for prostitution.

The jury reached its decision after three days of deliberation.

Diddy’s legal team pushed for his release on a $1 million bond, arguing the remaining convictions don’t qualify as “crimes of violence” under federal law; however, Judge Arun Subramanian denied his release.

The judge cited multiple incidents that demonstrate he poses a continued danger to the community. The court referenced the widely circulated video showing Diddy assaulting Ventura and highlighted a separate violent altercation at the London Hotel.

The judge emphasized that even under the standard of proving he’s not a threat, Diddy failed to meet the burden. The court noted that the defense had already conceded to his violent behavior and concluded there was no justification to reverse the previous decision to deny bail.

“For months, the government repeatedly argued, and announced to the world, that Sean Combs was a monster who perpetrated a 20-year federal crime spree through a racketeering enterprise,” attorney AE Shapiro wrote in a letter to the judge. “It devoted enormous resources to this prosecution. Then, after almost a year in detention, Mr. Combs finally got his day in Court, and the government’s allegations were tested before a jury of his peers.

“That jury heard the government’s evidence, including testimony from his former girlfriends. By its verdict, the jury resoundingly rejected the government’s depiction of Mr. Combs. It would be unjust to continue detaining Mr. Combs at the MDC even one day longer.”

The defense cited Diddy’s family obligations, his mother’s health and the conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center as reasons for bail.

Prosecutors pushed back, saying the convictions still fall under the category of violent crimes, which legally require detention until sentencing. They pointed to Diddy’s alleged history of violence, drug use and efforts to hide his actions.

“While the defendant has offered to have multiple sureties from his family, evidence at trial established that the defendant repeatedly sought to conceal his criminal conduct from those close to him,” prosecutors wrote. “The defendant’s conduct after he understood that he was under federal investigation underscores that he continues to be a danger to others and is either unable or unwilling to follow the law.”

Judge Arun Subramanian ultimately ruled that Diddy must remain in federal custody until his sentencing on October 3, 2025.

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Donald Trump floated the idea of deporting American citizens convicted of crimes during a visit to a controversial migrant detention center in southern Florida on Monday (June 30).

The proposal is unconstitutional, illegal and deeply troubling, according to scholars.

Speaking at a facility some have nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” due to its remote, swampy location, Trump expanded on a hardline immigration stance by suggesting that even natural-born U.S. citizens should face removal from the country if they commit certain offenses.

“They’re not new to our country,” he said. “They’re old to our country. Many of them were born in our country. I think we ought to get them the hell outta here, too, if you want to know the truth.”

The remarks come days after a memo from Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate instructed federal prosecutors to pursue denaturalization cases more aggressively. This would apparently be centered on instances involving war crimes, terrorism, or human trafficking.

Legal experts, however, swiftly pushed back, pointing out that the Constitution grants citizenship by birth and provides no legal avenue for revoking it based on criminal behavior.

“An unrelated crime could not be the basis for denaturalizing and deporting somebody,” said Amanda Frost, a law professor at the University of Virginia. “That’s simply not how our laws work.”

Dr. Nola Haynes, a professor and scholar at Georgetown University, said that Trump is purposefully testing American democracy and the laws of the land. He’s manifesting his kingly dreams.

“This isn’t about crime or immigration or national security especially when he’s targeting non-white communities only. This is about Trump enjoying playing dictator and yet another example of him overstepping his power because he thinks the presidency is a monarchy,” Haynes told AllHipHop. “He’s pushing the limits of the Constitution and democracy because he doesn’t think he’s ever leaving office. And when he does, [he believes] his children will inherit the office. This is about pushing democracy and the rule of law further and further off a cliff.”

Trump’s latest comments mark a renewed escalation in his tough-on-crime and immigration rhetoric.

A Justice Department memo calling for aggressive denaturalization efforts has alarmed legal experts and immigration advocates.

The June 11 directive instructs the DOJ’s civil division to “prioritize and maximally pursue” denaturalization in all legally supportable cases. This includes those with alleged links to terrorism, war crimes, espionage, or fraud in the naturalization process. Once denaturalized, individuals revert to their prior immigration status and may become eligible for deportation.

But there is more.

Experts say the memo broadens the scope of who may be considered lacking “good moral character.” This vague legal standard is especially disturbing. Government officials would be granted wide discretion to initiate cases.

“This is a significant escalation,” Muzaffar Chishti of the Migration Policy Institute said to The Guardian. “They’re clearly looking for every legal angle to denaturalize individuals they believe never deserved citizenship.”

While Trump is pushing boundaries, nothing about his assertions are legal by any domestic metric. Legal experts, scholars and politicians all emphasize that these moves would directly violate constitutional protections.

“The homegrowns are next” wasn’t a joke. It was a promise.

Congress has abandoned you.

The only thing standing between you and a lifetime in a foreign prison camp are the Courts.

This is not America. https://t.co/oogwjjfPNl

— Joshua Reed Eakle (@JoshEakle) July 1, 2025

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Diddy may have won a stunning victory in his federal racketeering and sex trafficking trial, but the civil suits continue rolling against the mogul.

Diddy is facing a $10 million civil lawsuit in Los Angeles from a former male dancer who says the Hip-Hop mogul drugged and raped him at luxury hotels and left him with a sexually transmitted disease and stomach cancer.

The plaintiff, Edmond Laurent, filed the complaint on July 1 in Los Angeles Superior Court, accusing Diddy and an unidentified woman of orchestrating multiple assaults during the late 2000s.

The suit alleges sexual battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and civil conspiracy.

According to the filing, Laurent met Diddy through modeling gigs and appearances at bachelorette parties.

He claims he was repeatedly drugged with substances including alcohol, GHB, Rohypnol and ketamine, then sexually assaulted at upscale Los Angeles hotels like the Intercontinental, SLS and Mondrian.

Laurent says the abuse caused long-term trauma and serious health issues.

“As a consequence of Defendants’ actions, Plaintiff has suffered long-term medical conditions, including but not limited to stomach cancer,” the lawsuit states.

The complaint also names hotel staff and members of Diddy’s entourage, accusing them of enabling or ignoring the alleged abuse. The woman, identified only as Jane Doe, is accused of helping lure Laurent into the encounters.

“This lawsuit is not just about seeking justice for one man — it is about holding powerful individuals accountable when they use their influence to exploit, degrade, and destroy lives behind closed doors,” attorney Rodney Diggs said in a statement to Variety.

Diggs and co-counsel Tyrone Blackburn are representing Laurent, who also claims to suffer from PTSD as a result of the alleged assaults.

The lawsuit arrives as Diddy remains in federal custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn after being acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion.

​AllHipHop