Category: Hip Hop

Rising Toronto rapper Da Crook walked out of a Toronto courtroom a free man this week after Justice Sheila Ray systematically destroyed the prosecution’s case against the Hip-Hop artist known as Da Crook in a $6.5 million luxury watch heist.

The 31-year-old was accused of participating in an armed robbery at a Spadina Avenue watch dealer on October 30, 2023, where masked suspects made off with 150 watches — mainly Rolexes — valued at $6.5 million and $250,000 in cash.

The brazen daylight robbery was captured on surveillance cameras and showed one suspect posing as a FedEx delivery driver to gain entry to the sixth-floor office.

According to the Toronto Star, prosecutor Mark Friedman had presented what he called 10 “extraordinary” coincidences linking Collins to the crime, including DNA evidence on a balaclava and COVID-19 mask found at the scene, walkie-talkies purchased by Collins four days before the robbery, and $23,000 in cash found at his home during his arrest six months later.

But Justice Ray wasn’t buying it. In her acquittal decision, she methodically addressed each of the Crown’s 10 points, offering her own 10 reasons to dismiss them.

“It was entirely plausible and reasonable that Collins bought walkie-talkies for use in his music videos,” Ray found, rejecting the prosecution’s claim that the communication devices tied him to the robbery.

The judge was particularly skeptical of the DNA evidence, noting it was “unlikely the perpetrators of such a carefully planned robbery would take incriminating evidence to a crime scene.” She suggested the items in the box were simply discarded at some point rather than deliberately left behind.

When it came to physical identification, Ray delivered perhaps her most pointed rebuke: “There are thousands of people in Toronto who look like him. There are thousands, maybe more, (Black people) in Toronto who are light-skinned people — we see them every day.”

The prosecution had also tried to use Collins’ rap lyrics against him, playing his song “First Day Out” in court.

In the track, Collins raps: “Google is telling me my net worth is seven million, s—, oh really, guess I been getting busy” while standing in front of a white Rolls-Royce SUV.

“That’s this case, right, that’s the watches that you stole,” Friedman challenged Collins during cross-examination.

“I disagree,” Collins replied, explaining the lyric referenced “inaccurate” and “crazy” things people were saying about him online.

“All my music videos have nice cars in them,” he testified. “Even if a rapper is broke, he’s going to rent a vehicle or put nice clothes on to make it look like he’s doing good. No one wants to see a Honda Accord parked behind him.”

Defense lawyer Alison Craig called the Crown’s use of rap lyrics “stereotypical, inappropriate… and a dangerous submission to be making.”

Justice Ray ultimately found that even considering all the prosecution’s arguments collectively, along with “very weak eyewitness identification,” the Crown failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Collins was one of the robbers.

​AllHipHop

BET Network officially welcomes Love & Hip Hop: Miami to its Monday night lineup as the hit reality franchise makes its network debut with Season 7 on November 4 at 8 P.M. ET/PT.

The Miami-based series transitions from VH1 to BET, marking a significant shift for the popular Hip-Hop reality franchise. The move positions BET to capitalize on the show’s loyal fanbase while expanding its Monday night programming with proven content.

Season 7 centers on Miami’s dynamic music scene and the personal dramas of its cast.

Amara La Negra returns as a central figure, juggling motherhood responsibilities while navigating a brewing feud that threatens her personal peace.

The Afro-Latina artist continues to build her music career while navigating the complexities of raising her children in the public eye.

Trick Daddy steps into entrepreneur mode, expanding his Sunday’s Eatery restaurant empire throughout South Florida.

However, his business success contrasts with personal complications as former romantic interests resurface, creating tension in his current relationships.

Miami’s self-proclaimed “Diamond Princess,” Trina finds herself revisiting a past romantic connection that stirs controversy within her close-knit circle of friends and associates. The veteran rapper’s personal life becomes a focal point as old relationships create new drama.

Comedian Michael Blackson and his fiancée, Rada Darling, navigate their unconventional relationship dynamic, bringing humor and unpredictability to the season’s romantic storylines.

The season also highlights Shay Johnson’s spiritual journey as she balances faith with single motherhood, while Miami Tip attempts to transform personal vulnerability into professional strength.

New mother Chyng Diamond struggles to balance her career comeback with the demands of raising a newborn.

Powerhouse music manager Rahki Giovanni, rapper Kent Jones, and Asian Goddess Cat add additional layers of music industry drama and mysticism to the season’s narrative.

Returning favorites include Bobby Lytes and Eliza Reign, alongside viral sensation Pinkydoll, who transitions from NPC internet fame to pursuing rap stardom under Trick Daddy’s mentorship.

Songwriter Sonyae also joins the cast, stepping out from behind-the-scenes songwriting to pursue center-stage recognition.

The network move represents BET’s strategy to strengthen its reality programming slate with established franchises that resonate with its core demographic.

The Love & Hip Hop brand has consistently delivered strong ratings across multiple markets, making Miami’s addition a strategic programming decision.

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A$AP Rocky’s high-powered attorney Joe Tacopina suffered a crushing legal blow Thursday when a Los Angeles Superior Court judge denied his motion to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed by the rapper’s former friend, A$AP Relli.

Superior Court Judge Randolph Hammock rejected Tacopina’s anti-SLAPP motion, which would have quickly killed the case and forced A$AP Relli to pay the defense’s attorney fees.

The ruling keeps alive explosive claims that Tacopina defamed Relli by calling him a “liar” and “gold digger” during media interviews.

The defamation case stems from a 2021 Hollywood shooting incident where A$AP Rocky allegedly fired shots at A$AP Relli. The former friends were part of the same Hip-Hop collective before their relationship exploded into violence.

“Those would be protected by the litigation privilege,” Judge Hammock said during Thursday’s hearing according to Court House News. “But the statements that Mr. Ephron is making were not made in that context. Is the word spin? This was spin — a lawyer spinning for his client.”

Tacopina, who has defended high-profile clients like Donald Trump, Meek Mill, Wendy Williams and Michael Jackson, had argued his inflammatory statements to various media outlets were protected speech.

The Brooklyn-born attorney told the media that Relli’s shooting claims were “an extortion attempt by a former associate” and accused him of fabricating the story in a “get-rich-quick scheme.”

“He’s a failed associate–ex–associate of Rocky’s and he’s jealous. He was trying to get money from Rocky. He wanted Rocky to support him. He made it clear. There were repeated attempts where he tried to ask for money in lieu of not causing problems for Rocky. That’s what he said. We have all this memorialized in text messages and otherwise, so it’s an extortion,” Joe Tacopina told Rolling Stone.

The judge found those statements crossed the line from protected litigation privilege into public relations spin designed to damage Relli’s reputation.

Relli’s lawsuit claims the defamatory statements resulted in death threats on social media, public ridicule and “extreme emotional distress.”

The struggling music producer told the court he’s already invested $500,000 in legal fees fighting both the defamation case and a separate civil assault lawsuit against Rocky.

The legal drama began after Rocky was acquitted of felony assault charges in February 2025 following a three-week criminal trial. Despite the not-guilty verdict, Relli’s civil lawsuits continue, with a jury trial tentatively scheduled for January 2026.

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Chris Brown sent shockwaves through London’s Southwark Crown Court on Friday when he made an unscheduled appearance for a pre-trial hearing, just days after wrapping his massive “Breezy Bowl XX” stadium tour across the United States.

The 36-year-old R&B superstar was not required to attend the hearing but chose to appear alongside co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu, 38, as both men face charges stemming from what prosecutors describe as an “unprovoked attack” at London’s exclusive Tape nightclub in February 2023.

Prosecutors allege Brown and Akinlolu brutally assaulted music producer Abraham “Abe” Diaw at the upscale Mayfair venue, with Brown allegedly striking Diaw multiple times with a tequila bottle before punching and kicking him.

The “Run It” hitmaker was arrested at a Manchester hotel in May after returning to Britain for the first time since the alleged incident, forcing him to post a staggering $6.71 million bail to secure his release and continue his world tour.

Brown spoke only to confirm his name during Friday’s brief hearing, maintaining the same composed demeanor that has carried him through decades of legal battles. The Grammy winner has pleaded not guilty to charges of grievous bodily harm and assault causing actual bodily harm.

Brown’s surprise courtroom cameo stands in stark contrast to his recent triumphant tour performances across America, where he commanded sold-out stadiums from Miami to Las Vegas.

The “Breezy Bowl XX” tour, which featured special guests Summer Walker, Bryson Tiller and Jhené Aiko, concluded this week after a months-long run that generated millions in revenue.

The timing of Brown’s court appearance highlights the dramatic shift from his recent tour success to the serious legal consequences he now faces. The trial is scheduled to begin in October 2026, giving the embattled star more than a year to prepare his defense.

The case represents another chapter in Brown’s troubled legal history, which has included multiple assault charges, restraining orders and civil lawsuits throughout his career. Despite his legal woes, the Virginia native continues to command massive audiences and generate substantial touring revenue.

Diaw has also filed a separate $16 million civil lawsuit against Brown, seeking damages for the alleged attack that left him unconscious at the London hotspot.

Brown’s legal team has not commented on Friday’s court appearance, but the singer’s decision to attend voluntarily suggests a strategic approach to the high-stakes case that could impact his ability to tour internationally.

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Jay-Z emerged victorious in a California courtroom on Friday (October 24) after a federal judge denied an emergency restraining order request filed by Lillie Coley, the godmother of the man who claims to be his son, clearing the way for the rapper to pursue sanctions in a long-running legal feud.

U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett rejected Coley’s attempt to block what she described as a “retaliatory” sanctions hearing, marking another legal win for Jay-Z in a case that has dragged on for years.

Coley had asked the court to freeze proceedings, claiming she was being targeted for her advocacy on behalf of Rymir Satterthwaite, who alleges Jay-Z is his biological father.

The judge found no legal basis for emergency relief.

The ruling allows Jay-Z’s legal team to move forward with efforts to penalize Coley over what he has called “decades-long harassment,” according to court filings.

The case has seen repeated filings, procedural disputes and a failed attempt by Coley to win a default judgment earlier this year.

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Coley, who once served as Satterthwaite’s legal guardian, has been at the center of the paternity saga since Rymir’s mother became too ill to continue the legal fight and died.

She has accused Jay-Z of using his wealth and legal firepower to avoid DNA testing and accountability.

In her latest filing, Coley sought a temporary restraining order and an order to show cause, hoping to stop the sanctions hearing. But Judge Garnett declined to intervene, a common outcome when plaintiffs cannot meet the high threshold for immediate court action.

The failed restraining order comes months after Satterthwaite dropped a separate paternity suit. Jay-Z responded by formally entering the California case and asserting that the legal campaign against him is baseless and abusive.

Court records show that in 2022, a New Jersey judge barred Coley and Satterthwaite from filing new lawsuits in that state without prior approval, citing repeated failed attempts to litigate the paternity issue.

Coley’s filings have also drawn attention from Nicki Minaj, who publicly backed Satterthwaite and accused Jay-Z of trying to silence him.

Nicki Minaj has used her social media platforms to criticize the rapper’s alleged actions, saying he tried to frame Satterthwaite and calling him “weak.”

Nicki Minaj also claimed that Beyoncé is preventing Jay-Z from acknowledging Satterthwaite, calling it Jay-Z’s “biggest secret.” She has also alleged that the rapper has interfered with her music career and legal matters.

Despite Minaj’s public support, Coley’s legal maneuver failed to convince the court.

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Summer Walker is closing the chapter on heartbreak and tapping into self-worth with help from Sexyy Red, GloRilla and Latto, all featured on her upcoming album Finally Over It, dropping November 14.

The Atlanta singer confirmed the trio of rap heavyweights during a sit-down with Speedy Morman for his “360 with Speedy” series, where she opened up about the album’s direction and her mindset behind it.

.@IAMSUMMERWALKER confirms Sexyy Red, Glorilla & Latto will be featured on “Finally Over It”, out 11/14. pic.twitter.com/omya8sAJae

— Summer Walker Charts (@SWCHART) October 22, 2025

“I’m moving into a little bit of a different genre as I talk about new things that I’m usually not talking about ’cause I’m usually just like, ‘Oh, he broke my heart;’ put it on an 808 trap beat,” Walker said. “And so now, we’re just trying different things. The other songs are kind of just more so like, ‘Oh, I choose me’ type s###.”

The project marks the third and final entry in her Over It trilogy, following 2019’s Over It and 2021’s Still Over It, the latter of which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and solidified her status in R&B’s top tier.

This time around, Walker is stepping away from familiar collaborators. Notably absent is London on Da Track, her ex and the father of her daughter, who produced much of her earlier work.

“It’s the trilogy, it’s the end of it,” she explained, adding,” It’s a different sound. It’s more polished a little bit. I did it by myself. No baby daddy.”

The guest lineup reflects the current pulse of female Hip-Hop. GloRilla, who recently made waves with her album Glorious, landed a top-five debut on the Billboard 200 in October. Her collaboration with Sexyy Red, “Whatchu Kno About Me,” also gained traction throughout the year.

Latto, meanwhile, continued building momentum with high-profile features and consistent chart presence.

Walker’s shift from emotional ballads to empowerment anthems mirrors her personal growth. She’s been vocal about prioritizing herself over romantic drama and leaning into self-love.

“I think it’s gonna be really good,” she said of the upcoming release.

Finally Over It is scheduled to arrive on November 14.

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Bad Bunny claimed the spotlight in Miami Thursday night as he was crowned Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century at the 2025 Latin Billboard Music Awards and walked away with 11 trophies, including Artist of the Year and Top Latin Album for Debí Tirar Más Fotos.

The Puerto Rican megastar accepted the career-defining award from none other than Rita Moreno, the 91-year-old Hollywood legend who received a standing ovation before delivering a powerful speech in Spanish.

“When I started my career, being Latino in the United States meant facing barriers. Opportunities were few, almost non-existent, and every small step forward was a victory,” Moreno said. “I see an artist who brings the world to Latin culture with the same strength and passion that kept me going and allowed me to never give up.”

Bad Bunny, 31, danced his way to the stage as the crowd erupted, then embraced Moreno before delivering an emotional acceptance speech.

“For me, it’s an honour to receive this award from your hands. I respect you and admire you so much. Every time I hear other artists speak as you did of me, it tells me that doing things from a good place and with your heart, it’s always the best decision,” he said. “I know how much I have worked, and not just me, but my whole team. At the same time, I’m 100 per cent aware that any one of my colleagues could have been given this award.”

The ceremony, held at the James L. Knight Center, also saw Karol G take home six awards, including Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Female. Shakira earned Latin Pop Artist of the Year, Solo.

The event marked a major milestone for Bad Bunny, whose influence on Latin music continues to grow.

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Megan Thee Stallion is back with another dose of heat and a surprising touch of softness. Following April’s “Whenever,” the Houston rapper dropped her second solo single of the year, “Lover Girl,” which flips the 1996 R&B classic “Kissin’ You” by Total into a modern bounce-infused anthem. Produced by newcomer Jacobdior, the track layers Megan’s signature confidence over a blend of New Orleans bounce and Jersey club energy, anchored by the nostalgic Bad Boy sample.

The song arrives as Megan enjoys her high-profile romance with Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson. The couple went public in July, sharing affectionate photos on Instagram and stepping out together at Megan’s Pete & Thomas Foundation Gala, fueling plenty of buzz about Hip-Hop’s newest power pair.

READ ALSO: Houston Rapper Megan Thee Stallion Says 2025 “Hottieween” Concert Will Be Bigger Than Ever

Musically, “Lover Girl” finds Megan exploring romantic territory without abandoning her trademark boldness. The hook, featuring her chanting “my man, my baby,” has already caught listeners’ attention for its infectious rhythm and smooth delivery. Also, there is Klay.

Still, reactions are mixed. Some fans praise the song’s nostalgic feel and smart use of the Total sample, while others feel the lyrics lean too heavily into explicit territory, missing an opportunity for more clever wordplay.

“I actually really like the hook, the sample throughout the song is utilized well and production is decent,” one listener wrote online. “But the middle of the song after the first verse is where it starts to go downhill for me…I just feel the song could’ve used less vulgar sex references and leaned more toward witty double entendre or innuendo punchlines, especially on a song called ‘Lover Girl.’”

Still, there’s no denying the track’s cultural spark — particularly for its producer. Jacobdior, a DJ and TikToker who only began his music career two months ago, created the beat and posted it online with the caption, “Someone call Megan.” The clip went viral, eventually catching Megan’s eye. “Friend I’m late but if you send me this beat I will record it TONIGHTTT,” she replied.

That online moment led to a full-circle success story, culminating in one of the most talked-about releases of Megan’s current era.

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Kehlani brought together R&B royalty and longtime musical inspirations on October 24 with the release of her “Folded Homage Pack,” a six-track remix collection spotlighting Toni Braxton, Brandy, Ne-Yo, Mario, Tank and JoJo.

The tribute EP, released through Atlantic Records, reimagines her hit single “Folded” with a lineup of vocal heavyweights who defined 2000s R&B.

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Ne-Yo’s appearance, kept under wraps until the full tracklist dropped, capped off the rollout as a surprise addition.

Originally released on June 11, “Folded” has become Kehlani’s most commercially successful song.

The track climbed to No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, her highest solo chart position, and reached No. 1 on both Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay chart and urban radio.

Produced by Andre Harris, D.K. the Punisher, Don Mills and Khris Riddick-Tynes, the song blends nostalgic melodies with modern production.

The record will follow her 2024 Grammy-nominated project, “Crash,” and its swift follow-up, “While We Wait 2.”

Kehlani opened up about the creation of “Folded” in a heartwarming Billboard interview alongside her five-year-old daughter, Adeya.

“I was in Miami on a work trip with my friends when I first heard the beat,” she recalled. “I loved it immediately, so I took it into the studio—me, Uncle Kamal, Uncle Dixon, Aunt Jenna—and we all sat together, vibed out, and made the song. We were really excited about it and thought, maybe we should put this one out.”

When Adeya asked why she wanted to release “Folded,” Kehlani smiled and replied, “I just thought it was a really cool way to come back into music after taking a little break. I felt confident about it—it felt like the right song. Do you think it’s a good song? Because as long as you like it, I love it.”

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Rick Ross is parting ways with his sprawling South Florida estate, listing the luxury property in Landmark Ranch Estates for $6.5 million as he continues expanding his business portfolio.

The 14,000-square-foot mansion, located in the gated community of Southwest Ranches, features six bedrooms, seven bathrooms and a long list of high-end amenities.

Kimberly Knausz, who is handling the sale, describes the property as “Grandeur. Sophistication. THE BIGGEST kind of luxury. Because big dreams deserve an even bigger address.”

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Built for both comfort and showmanship, the home includes marble flooring, a custom bar, a soundproof movie theater and a resort-style pool complete with a waterslide.

The primary suite offers a spa-style bathroom, a custom walk-in closet and a private sitting area.

A nine-car garage adds to the appeal, built to accommodate Ross’s extensive car collection. The estate sits on 2.3 acres in a private equestrian neighborhood known for attracting celebrities.

Ross originally bought the home from former NBA star Amar’e Stoudemire for $3.5 million. Since then, he’s added a new roof and stamped his signature double-R logo into the driveway.

This Florida property is separate from Ross’s massive Georgia estate, dubbed the “Promise Land,” which includes 109 rooms and has served as a backdrop for major productions like “Coming 2 America” and his annual car show.

The sale comes as Ross continues to diversify his business ventures.

In 2025, he became a co-owner of BitFortune, a digital currency platform launched in partnership with Gamma.

He has also grown his Wingstop franchise portfolio to over 30 locations across the United States, generating millions in annual revenue.

In the health and beauty space, Ross launched “Smiles by Mario Montoya,” a dental brand focused on porcelain veneers. He also remains active in the cannabis industry through his Collins Avenue brand, with investments in both California and Michigan.

Ross’s decision to sell the Florida property is part of a broader strategy to streamline his real estate holdings while continuing to scale his business empire.

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