Category: Hip Hop

D4vd finds himself at the center of a death investigation that continues to raise questions as private investigator Steve Fischer reveals new details about the timeline surrounding Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s death.

The 15-year-old’s decomposing body was discovered in the trunk of the singer’s Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard on September 8, 2025.

Fischer was hired by the owner of a Hollywood Hills home where D4vd had been living. The house was rented by the singer’s manager at Interscope Records, according to Fischer’s investigation.

“He wants to understand exactly what may have happened and if his house played a role in any way,” Fischer told ABC7.

The private investigator established a timeline using neighborhood surveillance footage and digital evidence, all focused on D4vd‘s Tesla. Fischer said the last confirmed date on which Celeste was shown alive was January 2, 2025.

“That car, starting in May, was parked in a few different spots around the neighborhood, and then finally, on July 29th, left in its final spot on Bluebird [Avenue],” Fischer explained. “This happens to be right before, or the same day, they are leaving on a tour bus for D4vd’s tour.”

The remainder of D4vd‘s tour was canceled last month amid the ongoing investigation. The singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, changed the ownership of one of his Texas homes following the discovery.

Records show he transferred his Cypress home, located in the Houston area, to his mother’s name on September 23 – about two weeks after the body was found in his Tesla.

Fischer believes toxicology reports will be crucial in determining what happened to Celeste.

“They are probably relying on toxicology to better understand what happened, which means it could be an accidental overdose with a really bad decision made afterwards,” Fischer said.

The investigation took another strange turn when deputies were called to D4vd‘s parents’ Houston-area home on September 17 for what turned out to be a fake swatting call.

A caller claimed there was a shooting with a dead female victim, but the alarm was cleared and no incident report was filed.

Celeste, from Lake Elsinore, had been reported missing by her family at least three times in 2024, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators say her body had most likely been in the car for several weeks before being discovered.

The cause of Hernandez’s death remains undetermined. Lab tests and toxicology reports are expected to provide answers about how she died. Until then, it remains a death investigation and not a homicide investigation.

“It’s an ongoing investigation and we have a lot of resources dedicated to bringing it to a conclusion, but to go beyond what has already been made public would be inappropriate,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said.

No suspects have been named in the case, and no arrests have been made.

​AllHipHop

Nas has always been one of the finest rappers to ever grace the culture of Hip-Hop. At this point, that statement alone isn’t particularly unique, because greatness, in his case, has become expected. What is special is what’s happening now: a swelling transformation that’s redefining what Hip-Hop legends can look like in their 50s and beyond.

This evolution didn’t happen overnight. I personally trace it back to Life Is Good, that reflective 2012 album where Nasir Jones first began to fully merge his wisdom with his artistry. Since then, something’s shifted. Nas has distanced himself from his peers…not through ego. This has happened through elevation.

That distinction became crystal clear at the recent gala for The Hip-Hop Museum — the soon-to-be permanent home for our culture in the Bronx. Held at Cipriani’s in the city, it was a true celebration: a room filled with legends and builders of Hip-Hop — Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, The D.O. C., Mr. Wave from the New York City Breakers, journalists, photographers, executives, philanthropists, educators, business leaders and more.

The energy was electric. This was the kind of night that reminds you just how vast Hip-Hop’s impact really is. I was in the midst of it all, wearing a pink tux just because that’s the sort of pageantry we were in. Then there was Nas. When he took the stage, he didn’t just speak. He delivered a moment. His speech was brief, but a declaration. He made a powerful gesture, a financial reminder of his lifelong dedication to the art form.

“We’re all one Hip-Hop family.” – Nas

But Nas didn’t stop there. He backed up his words with action, donating $1 million to The Hip-Hop Museum, which is helmed by Rocky Bucano. Then, his business partners Resorts World New York matched his donation with another million.

That’s not just generosity. That’s leadership. These are cultural marching orders.

This museum has been a long time coming. I’ve watched its journey from messy debates and early visions to an actual, rising structure in New York City. I’ve given what I could, written about it and supported it along the way. I’ve also seen people complain, criticize, and debate who “deserves” to be part of it. Hell, I think AllHipHop deserves a space in there for our pioneering of new media. Regardless, the people who’ve kept going — the proverbial doers — deserve our salute. Rocky is one of them. And Nas stands among them.

The Power of Simply Doing

We need more people like Nas. People who do. People who give. People who continue to pour into the culture without demanding applause in return. Far too many have held back inclusion because they did not get immediate rewards. How will that workout for future generations?

In a world obsessed with profit and self-promotion, Nas has managed to be both valuable and of value. It’s not just what he’s worth. It’s what he’s doing with his worth that counts. That’s Hip-Hop in its truest form: giving back, building forward and staying rooted in purpose. I continuously sing the praises of Nas and those like him.

Preserving What We Built

Hip-Hop is now 52 years old. We’re past halfway to 100 and most of us OGs won’t be here for that centennial celebration. But if we do this right, that museum will still be standing, filled with the artifacts, the memories and the evidence of what we built while we were here.

If all you did was make music, but never gave anything back…what will your legacy really be? Hip-Hop isn’t one artist, one company or one movement. It’s billions of moments and millions of contributors, each leaving fingerprints on history.

That’s why this museum matters. It’s not just a building; it’s a living archive of who we are.

The Maturity of Nasir Jones

In that same way, Nas himself has become an institution. Watching his growth has been like watching Hip-Hop mature in real time, aging backward while evolving forward. He’s mastered that rare balance of grace and grit, staying youthful in spirit yet grounded in purpose. He’s no slouch in business either. And, for the record, Nas is not the only one. He is simply an amazing ambassador of this ethos.

Hip-Hop has long been a culture of perpetual youth, often allergic to maturity. But Nas defies that norm. He’s showing us that you can age gracefully, look good doing it, give back meaningfully, dominate artistically, and silence your critics — all at once.

That’s not just Nasir Jones, the rapper.
That’s Nasir Jones, the blueprint.

Click here to support The Hip-Hop Museum.

Proceeds from the night are going straight toward something monumental — building a 55,000 square-foot home for Hip-Hop itself. The Hip Hop Museum, set to open in the Bronx — the birthplace of this global movement — is officially slated for Fall 2026.

This won’t just be a museum with glass cases and plaques. It’s going to be alive — a living, breathing tribute to the energy that made Hip-Hop what it is. We’re talking rare artifacts, exclusive memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and live performances that let visitors feel the rhythm of the culture.

The goal is simple: to make sure this museum captures Hip-Hop’s heartbeat, its movement, its evolution, its global reach. And lock it into history. When those doors open, it won’t just be an event. It’ll be a milestone. We’ll celebrate, once again, how far we’ve come…and let them them see it for generations.

Here are some of the images from the glorious event.

Big Daddy Kane

Photographer Ernie Paniccioli

Markuann Smith and Father MC

DJ Cassidy

Mr. Cheeks (Lost Boyz), Mr. Wave (New York City Breakers), Kool DJ Red Alert, Spigg Nice (Lost Boyz)

Scholar Michael Eric Dyson

The D.O.C.

Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur

Mr. Wave and Fat Joe

​AllHipHop

Jamie Foxx erupted in anger at his private Halloween party in Southern California after someone in the crowd hurled a bottle toward GloRilla mid-performance, prompting the actor to grab the mic and call out the behavior in front of stunned guests.

The incident unfolded during Foxx’s SKVLK FEST, an invite-only event for teens and young adults, where GloRilla was performing on stage.

As the rapper entertained the crowd, an unidentified attendee threw a bottle at her, halting the show and prompting a sharp reaction from the Oscar-winning actor.

Foxx, visibly frustrated, demanded to know who was responsible and briefly threatened to shut down the gathering altogether.

“Damn, why would you do some s### like that? Goofy-ass n####? Why? G######! Why would you throw something at the stage, man? Why? This is for free! She came to… man, y’all don’t deserve this s###, bro. That’s f##### up, bro,” Foxx shouted into the mic. “You throw some s### in my house?”

The outburst was captured on video and quickly spread across social media platforms.

The crowd of roughly 14- to 22-year-olds stood in silence as Foxx defended GloRilla and condemned the disrespect shown during her set.

Despite the disruption, he encouraged the rapper to continue her performance once order was restored.

The party, which was not open to the public, did not see any further reported altercations or removals following the incident.

​AllHipHop

Charles Barkley didn’t mince his words on Inside the NBA when addressing the Mafia-linked sports betting scandal that has rocked the league and implicated several high-profile figures.

With 34 people indicted—including Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones—Barkley delivered a blunt message about the alleged corruption.

“These dudes are stupid,” Barkley said. “Why are they stupid? You, under no circumstances can you fix basketball games. Under, under no circumstances.”

The Hall of Famer’s frustration stems from allegations that Rozier, a guard for the Miami Heat, left a February 2023 game early to help associates profit over $200,000 from a prop bet tied to his performance. Rozier reportedly earns $26 million a year.

“I love to gamble,” Barkley continued. “The notion, like, Rozier makes $26 million. Him betting, giving people information, or taking himself out of games. How much is he going to benefit taking himself out of the game to get unders? Like, he’s making $26 million.”

The federal indictment, unsealed October 23, 2025, accuses Rozier of using inside information to manipulate betting outcomes.

Prosecutors say he intentionally exited games to meet betting conditions, while others allegedly used confidential data to place bets on at least seven NBA games between February 2023 and March 2024.

The investigation, led by the FBI and NYPD, started in 2023 and has since expanded to include rigged poker games involving Mafia families like the Gambino, Genovese and Bonanno organizations.

Authorities claim Billups and Jones worked with these groups to fix high-stakes poker games using altered shuffling machines, marked cards and even X-ray tables. The schemes reportedly cheated players out of roughly $7 million.

Both Rozier and Billups were placed on leave following their arrests. All parties have denied wrongdoing.

Shaquille O’Neal, Barkley’s co-host on Inside the NBA, echoed the disappointment, pointing to the mandatory league briefings players receive on gambling rules.

“Every year they would give us forums on what and what not to do,” O’Neal said. “So all these guys knew what was at stake. And I’m just ashamed that they put themselves and put their family and put the NBA in this position.”

He added, “We all know the rules, we all know the letter of the law, and it’s just unfortunate. You know, innocent until proven guilty. But usually when the FBI has something, they have you.”

The indictment also describes how NBA figures were used as “face cards” to attract wealthy poker players to luxury locations in Las Vegas, Miami, Manhattan and the Hamptons.

Once there, victims were allegedly cheated using hidden tech and pressured for debts through threats and intimidation.

The timing of the scandal couldn’t be worse for the NBA, which is finalizing a massive 11-year, $76 billion broadcast deal. The league is now bracing for potential financial fallout and reputational damage.

Congress has since requested a briefing from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, raising questions about the league’s oversight of gambling activity and its partnerships with betting companies.

“There’s nothing more important to the league and its fans than the integrity of the competition,” Silver said during an interview at halftime of the Boston Celtics-New York Knicks game. “And so I had a pit in my stomach. It was very upsetting.”

Legal experts warn this may only be the beginning. Some former officials believe the scope of the scandal could widen as more evidence surfaces.

​AllHipHop

DJ Scratch and Planet Asia’s collaborative album, Kings Dominion, arrived October 24 through the EPMD legend’s Albany Park Records imprint. The Hip-Hop vets initially kept their reveal minimal, posting only the nine-track listing as white text over black backgrounds on Instagram without rollout theatrics or promotional campaigns.

The project opens with “Not Allowed” and includes the title track “Kings Dominion,” followed by “Big Guns,” “Knowledge Is Power” and “Coming For The Title.” The album’s second half features “You All Know,” “Produce A Seed Through You,” “St Johns Park” and closes with “Ghetto Gospel,” the only track featuring additional voices from Rome Streetz and Rigz.

“The tracklist for me and @djscratch album ‘KINGS DOMINION’ dropping Oct 24th. My Birthday!!!” Planet Asia wrote on Instagram, revealing the release coincides with his birthday celebration.

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The album arrives through DJ Scratch’s Albany Park Records, the label he launched in 2023. The imprint is named after the Albany Houses in Brooklyn where he grew up. The OG producer has maintained his reputation as a Hip-Hop icon throughout his extensive career spanning multiple decades.

Planet Asia’s catalog has remained one of underground rap’s most consistent offerings for over two decades, with the California-based MC earning recognition for his uncompromising lyrical approach. The collaboration promises to deliver substance over style, with both artists representing eras where album sequencing and conceptual frameworks held significant importance.

The cover art maintains the project’s stripped-back aesthetic, featuring a detailed silver crown floating against a black background with both artists’ names. No deluxe versions, bonus tracks or extended promotional campaigns have been announced, suggesting the duo intends to let the music speak for itself.

“We will remind you what a Hip Hop Album is supposed to sound like,” DJ Scratch stated on social media, positioning Kings Dominion as a return to traditional album construction focused on bars rather than commercial branding strategies.

The nine-track runtime suggests a concise listening experience designed around Planet Asia’s vocal delivery over DJ Scratch’s production work. Both artists have built careers on technical precision rather than mainstream appeal, making their partnership a natural fit for Hip-Hop purists seeking authentic content.

Find the project below.

​AllHipHop

Travis Scott pulled off a colossal feat in India with two sold-out nights at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, drawing more than 125,000 people and setting a new benchmark for rap concerts in the country.

The back-to-back shows on October 18 and 19, part of his global CIRCUS MAXIMUS tour, now stand as the largest single-artist performances in Delhi’s history.

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The events were organized by Live Nation and BookMyShow and delivered Scott’s signature sensory overload—complete with massive visuals, intense lighting and a stage setup designed to immerse the crowd.

The Houston-born rapper’s India shows are just the latest milestone in a tour that has already rewritten the record books.

Since kicking off in October 2023, the CIRCUS MAXIMUS WORLD TOUR has grossed $209.3 million across 76 sold-out dates, with 1.7 million tickets sold globally, making it the highest-earning solo rap tour to date.

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Scott’s run in India isn’t over. He’s scheduled to perform again on November 19 at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse, where another massive crowd is expected.

The tour‘s international leg continues into 2025 with stops planned in Seoul, Sanya, Tokyo and Abu Dhabi.

Looking ahead, Scott is also set to return to the Coachella stage in 2025, marking his first appearance at the festival since 2017.

Earlier this year, he teased a new project, telling fans the upcoming album would be “as crazy as it gets.”

​AllHipHop

Megan Thee Stallion called out alleged online smear tactics and defended her personal life during a livestream just hours after releasing her new single “Lover Girl.”

In a video posted over the weekend, the Houston rapper addressed the wave of online hostility she says feels too orchestrated to be organic. “When I do peep online and see what y’all doing, I feel like y’all get so easily riled up and easily discouraged when y’all know people get paid to talk crazy about me,” she said. “Like, don’t it seem a little weird like how overwhelming a lot of Megan Thee Stallion hate seem? Like, it don’t seem right, do it?”

The Grammy winner doubled down on her belief that some of the backlash is part of a coordinated effort.

“It’s not, because people are getting paid to do this. These are bots, these are paid people,” she said. “Like, if you scroll through some of these people’s tweets, it be a man that’s been tweeting about sports for eight years. Now all of a sudden, he just hate Megan Thee Stallion. These people are getting paid to do this. Stop listening to them. B####, they time up.”

The livestream came a day after Megan dropped “Lover Girl,” a sultry track that highlights her relationship with NBA star Klay Thompson. The couple has recently been seen together at games, drawing attention for their public chemistry.

Megan Thee Stallion – Lover Girl

Megan also pushed back against critics questioning her lifestyle. “What is there even to hate on? I don’t be doing that. I’ll be in the house with my man, with my dogs, watching anime, at the studio,” she said.

She encouraged her supporters to choose their battles wisely. “When I give y’all something to cry about, cry about it, alright? Then we can start crying. I ain’t gave y’all nothing to cry about yet. Fight back when it’s a reason to fight. We’re chilling right now, Hotties. We’re listening to ‘Lover Girl,’ babe.”

Megan Thee Stallion Tells Her Fans to Stand Down — Says People Getting Paid to Talk Crazy About Her and Tells Fans to Stop Listening Because “Their Time Is Up!” pic.twitter.com/HhkeyS2yVf

— livebitez (@livebitez) October 25, 2025

Her remarks follow ongoing legal disputes, including a lawsuit against blogger Milagro Gramz. As part of that case, Akademiks was recently deposed and later criticized Megan’s legal team and Roc Nation for what he described as irrelevant questions.

​AllHipHop

Vybz Kartel electrified Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena Sunday night (October 26) as he launched his first-ever Canadian concert, and Drake made the moment even bigger by stepping in for a surprise performance that left the crowd roaring.

The Vybz Kartel show marked the first of three sold-out nights at the arena, making him the first Jamaican artist to reach that milestone at the venue.

Dressed in full Toronto Blue Jays gear, Kartel stormed the stage to his remix of Akon’s “Locked Up,” swinging a baseball bat and wearing a powder-blue jersey stitched with “Worl’ Boss” on the back.

“Canada, we’re here!” he shouted. “Yo, big up Blue Jays.”

Vybz Kartel reppin’ Blue Jays! Go Jays! Go!! #vybzkartel3peat pic.twitter.com/bM9YdwKeUR

— MuchMusic (@Much) October 27, 2025

The 49-year-old dancehall veteran, who’s been navigating life with Graves’ disease, didn’t hold back.

He powered through hits like “Romping Shop,” “It Bend Like Banana” and “Go Go Wine” while the audience danced and sang along word-for-word.

Listen to the crowd! Torontonians are turning up to Vybz Kartel’s first-ever performance of mega hit “Romping Shop” in the city. #VybzKartel #Toronto #Dancehall pic.twitter.com/u4FzJLQ50y

— Now Toronto (@nowtoronto) October 27, 2025

Drake performed “Controlla” and “Nokia” and shared a personal memory of his early days as a teenager outside the now-closed Escape Nightclub.

“Look at all these people right here, how much time we’ve spent with this man’s music right here,” he told the crowd.

Drake giving Vybz Kartel his flowers on stage during his first ever show in Toronto pic.twitter.com/cqV9vV0BEB

— Drake Direct (@DrakeDirect_) October 27, 2025

Drake Gives Vybz Kartel His Flowers

In another heartfelt moment, Drake told the crowd, “Tonight is not just about music. Tonight is not just about seeing two artists. This is finally a man getting the flowers and love that he deserves. Welcome home.”

Drake giving Vybz his flowers.

Vybz pouring out shots for the crowd, toasting to Drake, the city & the Blue Jays #WANTITALL pic.twitter.com/LrJB9IY3SA

— a – p o x (@A______POX) October 27, 2025

The concert was presented by Drake’s OVO label, continuing the partnership between the two artists that began earlier this year when Kartel joined Drake on stage at London’s Wireless Festival.

Kartel’s return to the stage follows a dramatic legal reversal. After serving nearly a decade behind bars for a 2014 murder conviction, his case was overturned in March 2024 due to juror misconduct.

He was released later that year and quickly resumed his career, earning a Grammy nomination and launching a global tour.

The Toronto shows represent a full-circle moment for both artists — one who grew up idolizing the other, and one who finally stepped onto Canadian soil after decades of influence.

Kartel’s next two shows at Scotiabank Arena are scheduled for later this week.

​AllHipHop

Chauncey Billups landed in the middle of a sprawling FBI investigation into mafia-run poker games in New York and his legal team is punching back hard against the accusations.

The Portland Trail Blazers head coach was arrested Thursday in Portland as part of a federal crackdown on illegal gambling operations allegedly tied to four notorious crime families.

Attorney Chris Heywood wasted no time defending his client’s reputation.

“Anyone who knows Chauncey Billups knows he is a man of integrity; men of integrity do not cheat and defraud others,” Heywood said in a statement to ESPN. “To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government is accusing him of is to believe that he would risk his hall-of-fame legacy, his reputation, and his freedom. He would not jeopardize those things for anything, let alone a card game.”

The arrest is not tied to any NBA games or coaching decisions.

Instead, federal agents allege Billups took part in high-stakes poker games that were rigged using high-tech cheating devices, including X-ray tables and contact lenses.

The operation was reportedly backed by the Bonanno, Gambino, Genovese and Lucchese families. Heywood emphasized that Billups never compromised the sport he dedicated his life to.

“Furthermore, Chauncey Billups has never and would never gamble on basketball games, provide insider information, or sacrifice the trust of his team and the League, as it would tarnish the game he has devoted his entire life to,” he said.

After his arraignment, Billups was released and seen leaving a federal courthouse in Portland.

The NBA placed him on immediate leave, and assistant coach Tiago Splitter was named interim head coach of the Trail Blazers.

The probe also led to charges against Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former NBA player-turned-assistant coach Damon Jones.

In total, 34 individuals were indicted — 28 for the mafia-linked poker ring and six for alleged manipulation of NBA games and insider betting.

Heywood closed his statement with a clear message that Billups intended to challenge the charges.

“Chauncey Billups has never backed down. He does not plan to do so now. He will fight these allegations with the same tenacity that marked his 28-year career. We look forward to our day in court.”

​AllHipHop

Master P emerged from musical semi-retirement to announce “The No Limit 5K Mix: Lost Tapes,” a 25-track project featuring collaborations with Lil Wayne, NBA YoungBoy, and Gucci Mane.

The Hip-Hop mogul revealed the album was inspired by his upcoming Verzuz battle against Cash Money Records at ComplexCon 2025.

The New Orleans native had stepped back from music since 2018’s “Tony Montana” tape, focusing on his role as President of Basketball Operations for the University of New Orleans and various business ventures.

However, when Swizz Beatz approached him about participating in Verzuz, the conversation reignited his creative spark.

“I just started looking through what I had. And I had all these songs. I’m like, man, I never really did nothing with these songs. Didn’t make no videos, didn’t do nothing,” Master P told Complex. “And then the song I did with Lil Wayne, I feel like that inspired me because we’re both from New Orleans and this a celebration.”

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The project showcases Master P’s ability to attract A-list collaborators, featuring appearances from YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Gucci Mane, Jeezy, 2 Chainz, Kevin Gates, Meek Mill, Yo Gotti, and the late Nipsey Hussle.

Master P’s return comes at a pivotal moment in Hip-Hop culture.

The 54-year-old entrepreneur built No Limit Records into a multi-million-dollar empire in the 1990s, pioneering independent distribution and artist-ownership models that influenced countless rappers.

His business acumen extended beyond music into sports management, real estate, and entertainment.

“I’m giving it to the fans where they could get the music. I mean all my No Limit Soldiers—everybody got their camo on now. The tanks is out and we just giving them good music,” Master P explained. “Those diehard fans and the new fans, the younger fans that probably didn’t get a chance to really feel my music. They could get a chance now to see where we at and see where we was at back then.”

The album represents more than just a musical comeback—it’s a celebration of New Orleans Hip-Hop culture and the lasting impact of both No Limit and Cash Money Records.

Master P emphasized that the Verzuz battle should be viewed as a celebration rather than a competition, highlighting the success of two neighborhood-based labels that achieved global recognition.

Alongside the album, a documentary will be released highlighting No Limit’s cultural legacy and lasting impact on Hip-Hop.

The Verzuz battle will stream live on Apple Music starting at 8 P.M. ET on Saturday, October 25.

​AllHipHop