Category: Hip Hop

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani pushed his public safety agenda into bolder territory this week by naming rapper-turned-activist Mysonne Linen to his transition team’s criminal legal system committee. The move places a onetime Bronx defendant who rebuilt his life through advocacy at the center of a sweeping effort to reshape how New York handles public safety.

Mamdani’s transition website listened the New York City-based MC among the members of the Committee on the Criminal Legal System. This is one of 17 advisory groups formed to offer policy and personnel recommendations ahead of Mamdani taking office next month.

Mysonne, along with comrade Tamika Mallory, publicly embraced the role on Instagram, writing: “GODS WORK!!”

Their organization, Until Freedom, issued a broader statement celebrating the appointment as both symbolic and earned.

“We are proud that Until Freedom leaders have been chosen to serve on Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani’s transition team on committees for public safety and criminal justice respectively. This is a testament to our decades of work advocating on behalf of Black and Brown communities and our expertise in gun violence prevention, legislative advocacy and criminal justice reform. We are building something different.”

Mamdani has pushed forward a $1.1 billion proposal for a Department of Community Safety, which would route non-violent and mental-health-related 911 calls away from NYPD response and toward trained civilian teams. The plan maintains overall NYPD staffing.

Mamdani has also vowed to halt NYPD-led sweeps of homeless encampments, arguing the practice only displaces unhoused residents without addressing the need for stable shelter.

“It pushes New Yorkers who are living in the cold to another place where they will live in the cold,” he told CBS News.

On the jail front, Mamdani maintains that closing Rikers Island remains essential, though he has said the current administration has made the city’s original 2027 deadline “functionally impossible.”

The addition of Mysonne, Mallory and others with a unique grassroots New York City experience will help Mamdani steer the city’s next era of criminal justice policy.

​AllHipHop

Chauncey Billups just sold his $4.3 million Lake Oswego mansion while his co-defendant, Terry Rozier, walked into a Brooklyn courthouse today (December 8).

The embattled Trail Blazers coach unloaded his 7,366-square-foot Oregon estate for $4.275 million after listing it on November 21. He bought the house for $3.9 million back in July 2021 when Portland hired him.

Meanwhile, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier pleaded not guilty Monday afternoon to federal wire fraud and money laundering charges. He walked out of Brooklyn federal court on $3 million bond. Both NBA stars got caught up in the same massive federal investigation. Prosecutors say they helped run illegal gambling operations tied to organized crime families.

Billups got arrested at that same Lake Oswego house back in October. Federal agents showed up at his door after a multi-year investigation into rigged poker games.

The property sits on 1.74 private acres in Forest Highlands. Built in 2002, it features four bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms and a lagoon-style pool with a waterfall.

The feds say Billups served as a celebrity “face” for illegal poker games in Manhattan, Las Vegas, Miami and the Hamptons. They claim the operation scammed victims out of $7 million starting in 2019.

Rozier’s case is different but connected. Prosecutors say he gave inside information to gamblers betting on his NBA performance. The scheme allegedly involved $200,000 in bets on his “under” totals.

Former NBA player Damon Jones also got charged in both cases. He pleaded not guilty in November and remains free on bond. The investigation swept up 34 people in total across two separate federal cases. Three defendants – Jones, Eric Earnest and Shane Hennon – face charges in both cases.

Billups hasn’t coached since his October arrest. The NBA placed him on unpaid leave and the Trail Blazers named assistant Tiago Splitter as acting coach.

The home sale signals Billups is cutting ties with Oregon. He’s been living at his primary residence in Greenwood Village, Colorado, since his arrest.

Rozier’s trial could impact his NBA career. The Heat traded for him from Charlotte in January 2024 without knowing about the federal investigation.

Billups faces trial by September 2026. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 4, 2026.

​AllHipHop

Dae Dae, the Atlanta rapper known for his 2016 hit “Wat U Mean (Aye, Aye, Aye),” was arrested after allegedly stabbing a 17-year-old cashier at a Dunkin’ location in 2021.

The incident, caught on store surveillance footage, stemmed from a confrontation over an unavailable donut order. Now, the Georgia Court of Appeals has ruled the victim is only eligible for standard workers’ compensation.

The victim, Mekia Bryant, was working behind the counter when the rapper became irate after learning the shop was out of the item he wanted. After initially storming off, he returned ten minutes later, demanding to speak with a manager.

When Bryant informed him that no manager was present, the argument escalated. Dae Dae then pulled out a kitchen knife and stabbed her in the arm.

Despite the violent nature of the attack, the court determined Bryant’s injuries were tied directly to her job duties.

“[Dae Dae’s] act of stabbing Bryant arose out of his displeasure with her job performance,” Judge Amanda Mercier wrote in the court’s decision.

The ruling emphasized that even though the two had never interacted before, the attack was triggered by a work-related issue and thus fell under Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws.

Bryant, who was a minor at the time, initially declined medical treatment after the stabbing. She later filed a lawsuit against Dunkin’s parent company, seeking compensation for emotional trauma and physical harm.

But the court denied her request, stating that she is only entitled to the limited benefits provided under Georgia’s workers’ compensation system.

In Georgia, injured workers can receive up to two-thirds of their average weekly wage, capped at $800 per week, for up to 400 weeks. According to data from the I_nsurance Journal__,_ this amount is lower than what many other Southern states offer for comparable injuries.

Dae Dae was arrested in June 2021 after evading law enforcement for six months. Prior to the stabbing, he had already faced legal trouble involving stolen firearms and drug possession.

When the stabbing allegations surfaced, he denied involvement on Instagram, claiming people were trying to damage his name.

​AllHipHop

Drake has survived a lot of rap chaos over the years, and having Top5 around as his unofficial street cred has helped. But that idea might be done and it is all over the place right now.

Top5 hopped on the phone with DJ Akademiks and unloaded a whole explanation about why he’s suddenly throwing shade at The Boy. According to him, Drake crossed a major line of loyalty: he posted Pressa’s diss track! And Pressa just happens to be Top5’s former friend turned rival. Yes… this is basically a loyalty tug-of-war for Drake’s attention, and yes… it sounds exactly as messy as it feels. Damn.

Things have just spiraled from there. I wonder why Drake would do that? You guys think he is under…pressa? I mean pressure! Either way, Top5 said he’s tired of being overlooked, tired of favoritism and tired of politics in Drake’s circle.

But here’s where it gets wild:
Top5 admitted he’s been secretly bumping Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” and he finally went public with it because he’s mad at Drake. And then he doubled down on that bar—yes, THAT one:

“They tell me Chubbs the only one that get your hand-me-downs.”

Top5 says that line is FACTS, straight up. Oh man…

To me, it signals that he’s using Drake’s biggest rival to send a message: you played with the wrong one.

Now the big question:
What does Drake look like without Top5 in his corner?

Secondly: will there be more leakage?
For years, Top5 has been the gritty presence behind OVO, clapping back in the streets so Drake didn’t have to. If that protection disappears… who fills that role?

Right now it’s all strange energy, strange timing and strange things. Drake has a whole album he’s about to drop! But if Drake’s top enforcer is flipping…we have a problem.

More on this soon.

Akademiks says the “Biggest Fall Off of the Year” in HIP HOP.

Ak says Young Thug doesn’t get fall-off… he gets “Biggest Fumble of the Year” for fumbling the moment, the album, and the momentum.

Then he lists the actual fall off nominees:
Ice Spice, Lil Baby, DaBaby, Roddy… https://t.co/aPJWpIyjji pic.twitter.com/lqgFvjssuL

— CY Chels (@SeewhyChels) December 6, 2025

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Busta Rhymes wasn’t having it at Art Basel in Miami after a TikTok prankster tried to clown him by calling him Tracy Morgan while posing for a photo.

In the clip, the dude stands next to Busta Rhymes and casually says “Get the video, get the video, Tracy Morgan…Traceeee” mid-pose like it’s funny. Busta wasn’t laughing. He instantly shut the whole thing down.

“Wait…wait…What’d you just say?” Busta says, clearly not amused. “Put your camera down. I’m taking a picture to show love and you trying to be funny? Tracy my boy? What’s that mean?” Busta Rhymes barked as the stunned, terrified teen seemed to realize his prank went totally off the rails.

“You don’t play with a grown man, little boy. You’ll get f##### up for that,” Busta fumed as the teen slinked away.

@editionbymisha Dec 07,2025 MIAMI | Busta Rhymes almost lost it after someone called him Tracy Morgan cr. @EditionByMisha #BustaRhymes #TracyMorgan #Rapper #Artbasel #Miami ♬ original sound – Editionbymisha

If you’re not familiar, this Tracy Morgan comparison thing isn’t new. Folks have been trolling Busta with that for a while now. Back in 2020, Busta posted a gym update on Instagram showing off his transformation and hyping up his grind.

Then 50 Cent jumped in with a throwback pic of Busta and Tracy Morgan side by side and wrote, “They really kinda look alike right LOL. He’s gonna curse me out when he wake up.”

That post has since been deleted.

​AllHipHop

Police have issued a nationwide manhunt for another suspect accused of helping to gun down rapper Chris King in Nashville in 2024.

Trayvon Palmer, 32, is wanted for the April 2024 murder of the Los Angeles rapper and according to police, he is the final suspect wanted in the deadly robbery that claimed the life of the rising artist outside a Nashville recording studio.

The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department announced that Palmer is believed to be hiding in the Los Angeles area. He faces first-degree murder, robbery and gun charges in the shooting death of King.

Two other suspects are already behind bars. Amir Carroll, 20, was arrested in Nashville in February. Adrian Cameron Jr., 20, was captured in Los Angeles in May after a year-long manhunt.

Both remain jailed on first-degree murder charges. The fatal shooting happened on April 20, 2024, around 2:30 A.M. outside a Midtown Nashville recording studio.

King had arrived in an alleyway with friends when three men approached them. Police say the suspects attempted to rob King and his group, shooting him during the crime. One of King’s friends was also wounded but survived the attack.

King was a rising rapper from Los Angeles who had deep connections in the music industry. He was a former roommate of pop star Justin Bieber and had collaborated with artists like Trippie Redd.

The 32-year-old artist founded his own label, Snotty Nose Records and was working to establish himself as a force in Hip-Hop.

After his death was announced, tributes poured in from across the music world. Bieber posted emotional messages in remembrance of his friend and former roommate. Machine Gun Kelly, KeKe Palmer, Trippie Redd and other artists shared memories of King’s talent and personality.

King’s father, Christopher Cheeks Sr., has been vocal about seeking justice for his son’s murder. The family has watched as police methodically tracked down each suspect over the past eight months.

Carroll was arrested in February 2025. Cameron Jr. proved more elusive, leading police on a cross-country chase before his capture in Los Angeles.

Cameron was out on bond for a September 2021 murder case when King was killed. The revelation shocked investigators who discovered the suspect had been free despite facing previous homicide charges.

Palmer represents the final piece of the puzzle for Nashville detectives. His capture would close the case.

The U.S. Marshal’s Service is assisting in the search for Palmer. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact local law enforcement immediately.

Palmer was last known to live in Riverside, California. Police believe he may still be in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.

​AllHipHop

What a dramatic situation we have here.

Gervonta “Tank” Davis just popped back onto Twitter for the first time in months and he has all the smoke for Cam’ron and Mase.

The undefeated knockout artist woke up fuming after the latest episode of “It Is What It Is,” the popular sports talk show hosted by the duo. The pair had been promoting the Pitbull Cruz vs. Lamont Roach fight for months. By the way, Roach got robbed again last night! Last night, Cam stepped into Roach’s corner after the bout. And Tank’s name came up.

And that’s where things got messy.

When Stat Baby asked if Tank deserved a fight with the winner, Cam’ron and Mase didn’t hold anything back. They went back to Tank backing out of a scheduled matchup with Roach, questioned his decision-making around the scrapped Jake Paul fight and referred to Paul calling Tank “an actual human piece of garbage.” Now, I do not ride with that part.

Then they doubled down on something that I believe stung the pugilist.

Both hosts argued Tank lost his previous fight with Roach, something most people believe. But they took it farther, saying the draw only happened because of Tank’s star power. Good point. There mentioned the uncalled knockdown…which was a knockdown. I do not care what anybody says. Roach outworked the champ. Period.

Cam and Mase didn’t stop there.
They said Shakur Stevenson now looks sharper.
They said Tank isn’t Floyd Mayweather.
And Cam’ron even floated the idea that a 47-year-old Floyd could still give Tank problems today. OUCH.

That awakened the beast.

After a three-month Twitter silence, Tank popped up with a direct shot at Cam’ron:
“Ask Coach Cam’ron how does his throat feel?” Oh. We going there with it?

Then a fan reminded him Mase had talked spicy too and Tank escalated. “I’ll pull up to that show and beat the sh*t out of Mase,” he said on Twitter.

Classic Tank.

But if the champ wants the last word, it won’t come from threats. It’ll come from taking big fights and winning them. He did not beat Roach and he did not fight the YouTuber. So, we’ll have to wait and see how it goes from here. Those dudes are like 50 and never boxed a day in their life.

​AllHipHop

Gene Deal fired back at Misa Hylton after she accused him of causing harassment over old paternity rumors. The former Diddy bodyguard didn’t hold back when responding to Hylton’s claims.

“I saw that today. Somebody sent me that s### today, man,” Deal said on The Art of Dialogue. “And my whole thing about it is, Misa, how am I harassing you? I’ve never harassed you. I’ve always been a protector of you so far, until now.”

Deal worked security for Diddy for years and has spoken publicly about his time with the music mogul. He said he won’t back down from telling his version of events.

Hylton posted on Instagram this week, saying she and Justin Combs faced harassment because of Deal’s comments and Netflix’s new Diddy documentary. She said the speculation about Justin’s paternity has caused “heartbreaking” pain for her family.

She said she’s a private person who doesn’t deserve public scrutiny.

Hylton and Diddy dated in the 1990s and had Justin together in 1993. The drama centers around old rumors that Anthony “Wolf” Jones was Justin’s real father.

Jones worked as Diddy’s bodyguard and close friend before being killed in Atlanta in November 2003. Jones was shot and killed along with friend Lamont Girdy during the Atlanta incident. Police said dozens of shots were fired during the deadly confrontation.

Deal has previously suggested Jones might be Justin’s biological dad. But he said Hylton’s anger is misdirected.

“For you to go and try to snake that whole situation and saying I’m the reason why you being harassed,” Deal continued. “No. Your ex [Diddy] is the reason why you being harassed.”

The Netflix documentary Sean Combs: The Reckoning brought renewed attention to old rumors about Diddy’s family.

“Misa is mad at me and upset with me because I didn’t clarify that,” Deal said. “It wasn’t for me to clarify. Misa, I ain’t harassed you not one time.”

The back-and-forth comes as 50 Cent continues promoting his Diddy documentary series.

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Stefon Diggs launched his furniture and lifestyle brand SI VIS PACEM at Miami Art Basel over the weekend.

The New England Patriots wide receiver got public support from his girlfriend, Cardi B, who posted “Proud of you… designed by Stefon Diggs” on her Instagram story.

The 32-year-old NFL star’s brand name comes from the Latin phrase “Si vis pacem, para bellum,” meaning “if you want peace, prepare for war.” Diggs had been working on the project for months before the Miami launch.

View this post on Instagram

Cardi B attended the showcase with Diggs’ mother, showing strong family support for his business venture. The couple welcomed their first child together, a baby boy, on November 14.

The furniture launch happened during Diggs’ birthday weekend. Cardi threw him a lavish 32nd birthday party in Miami to celebrate his November 29 birthday. She sang Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday” as he blew out his candles.

On the field, Diggs continues performing well for New England after recovering from a season-ending ACL tear with Houston last year. He’s played in all 13 games this season, appearing on 55 percent of the Patriots’ offensive plays.

The Maryland product has been one of New England’s most reliable weapons while providing veteran leadership.

The furniture brand represents Diggs’ first major business venture outside football.

​AllHipHop

If Damon Dash thought his $25 million bankruptcy would get a lawyer targeting him for years off his ass, he was severely mistaken.

Christopher Brown has launched a forceful challenge in Florida’s bankruptcy court, arguing that Damon Dash’s bid for a financial reset cannot erase more than $4.8 million in court-ordered debts stemming from years of defamation and misconduct.

Brown’s latest filing outlines a long trail of legal defeats that began with a 2022 jury verdict in a case over the film Dear Frank. That case produced an $823,000 award in favor of director Josh Webber, but things escalated when Dash made accusations during an interview on the Earn Your Leisure podcast.

Dash’s comments on the podcast cost Webber a $4 million directing deal for the movie Fast Life, a project that collapsed after Dash’s remarks spread online. That lawsuit ended with a sweeping default judgment after Dash refused to comply with repeated court orders.

Dash has tried to frame the bankruptcy as a way to breathe, not a sign of surrender. Before Brown’s latest legal action over the weekend, Dash said Chapter 7 would freeze the people trying to collect from him.

He described the process as a shield rather than a setback, suggesting creditors would be stuck on the sidelines while the case played out.

That sentiment came through clearly when he addressed the situation on The Art of Dialogue.

“All the people that you owe money to, they’re not allowed to sue you anymore. They’re not allowed to sue you for a certain period of time, cause there’s nothing to collect. This dude Chris Brown, he muddies the waters a lot because he’s a lawyer and he’s intelligent. I’m not going to take that from him. But I think he’s dumb because he just wasted a lot of time. Allegedly. I don’t want to catch another lawsuit. Even though I can’t get sued, I got PTSD, I think,” Damon Dash told said_._

Brown and Webber’s latest complaint argues the opposite.

His attorneys say Dash’s actions were intentional, malicious, and financially destructive, and that the bankruptcy code bars the discharge of debts arising from willful injury.

The filing stresses that Damon Dash had already been told by a court that his statements were false, yet he continued to repeat them publicly, knowing the harm they would cause.

The pushback doesn’t end with Webber.

Attorney Christopher Brown, who won a separate judgment after Dash accused him of robbing a child and being investigated by the FBI, filed his own nondischargeability action.

Brown claims Dash hid assets by shifting ownership of his “CEO” clothing brand, concealing jewelry, withholding royalties and refusing to disclose his life-story rights, which the lawyer says “should be sold in the same fashion as the rights of another Florida debtor,” the notorious, Casey Anthony.

He also points to a pattern of public attacks that began after Dash was sued over copyright and trademark disputes involving Dear Frank and Edwyna Brooks’ Mafietta book series. Both adversary cases land at a critical moment for Dash.

If the court sides with Webber and Brown, the most damaging judgments he faces will survive bankruptcy.

​AllHipHop