Victoria Monét has confirmed her relationship with British rapper Stormzy.  During an appearance on Keke Palmer’s podcast, she described Stormzy as “a really special guy.” She says she’s learning a lot about him. “I havee so much respect for him and I got to learn more about him by dating him.” Speculation about their relationship began in October 2024 when the pair were photographed sharing a kiss at London’s Heathrow Airport, shortly after Monét announced her separation from her longtime partner, John Gaines. Monét and Gaines, who share a daughter named Hazel, had actually parted ways ten months prior but delayed the public announcement to avoid false rumors. Similarly, Stormzy had ended his on-again, off-again relationship with TV host Maya Jama in July 2024. Both Monét and Stormzy have emphasized mutual respect and amicable separations from their previous partners. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Jasmine Brand (@the.jasmine.brand)

The third week of Sean “Diddy” Combs’s federal trial resumed Tuesday, May 27, as prosecutors continued building their case against the music mogul. Diddy, a central figure in hip-hop culture for decades, is facing serious charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty, and the trial is expected to extend into the summer months. Capricorn Clark, a former assistant to Diddy, took the stand in one of the trial’s more emotionally charged testimonies to date. Her name was previously mentioned by rapper Kid Cudi, born Scott Mescudi, who testified that Clark had informed him about Diddy allegedly entering his home without consent. Clark’s long-standing friendship with Diddy’s former partner, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura—also a key figure in the prosecution—has placed her at the center of this ongoing legal battle. Clark followed two other former assistants who also testified about their time working with Diddy. She described professional struggles after leaving her position in 2012, stating she went three years without consistent employment. According to Clark, her former association with Diddy made it difficult to reestablish her footing in the industry. Clark Alleges Abuse, Threats, and Coercion in Diddy Testimony During her testimony, Clark recalled witnessing an alarming encounter between Diddy and Ventura. “He kept kicking her. He never used his hands,” she said. The courtroom remained focused as Clark delivered her account, which has not yet been corroborated by additional evidence or witness statements. Clark also spoke of an incident tied to the Kid Cudi testimony, describing how Diddy allegedly arrived at her home in a state of rage and armed. “He was livid, furious, mad at me,” she said, recalling that he told her, “Get dressed, we’re going to go kill him.” Defense attorneys have not yet issued a detailed response to this portion of her testimony. Another segment of Clark’s account focused on what she described as an act of coercion. She testified that Diddy accused her of stealing jewelry, brought her to an office building, and had her confronted by a large man who informed her she would be given a polygraph test. “If I didn’t pass,” she said, “I’d be thrown into the East River.” Clark claimed she was subjected to five days of testing before being released. Clark’s testimony adds another dimension to the prosecution’s portrayal of Diddy as someone who allegedly used fear, control, and retaliation in his personal and professional relationships. The defense maintains that the charges are unfounded and continues to contest the credibility of the witnesses. The trial remains ongoing, with more testimonies expected in the days ahead.

Kanye West is back peddling from his past discriminatory remarks against the Jewish community and claims he’s “done” feeding into Antisemitic propaganda. On Thursday (May 22), in a series of X posts, the controversial rapper and mogul revealed that he’s not only “done” with antisemitism, but he has “love for all people.” The rapper also makes an emotional plea to God, asking for forgiveness. Kanye also claimed that he’d forgiven all the people who’ve “caused him pain” in the past. In 2022, Kanye West made mutliple discriminatory comments about the Jewish community. Following the fallout and loss of brand deals, the rapper seemingly leaned deeper into antisemitism. Earlier this month, the rapper dropped a controversial track titled, “Heil Hitler (HH).” However, it seems something inspired the rapper to change his tune. X.com/KanyeWest In other news, Kanye West recently shared his displeasure with Kid Cudi, following his testimony in the ongoing Diddy RICO trial. In an X post on Saturday (May 24), West stated, “I wish Cudi hadn’t testified against Puff. We need to not be locked in white systems. Praying for Puff and his family.” Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, took the stand on May 22, 2025, detailing a series of incidents from 2011. He testified that after he began a relationship with Cassie Ventura, Diddy’s then-girlfriend, Combs allegedly broke into his home and later orchestrated the firebombing of his Porsche using a Molotov cocktail. Cudi described a subsequent confrontation where Combs exhibited a menacing demeanor, likening him to a “Marvel supervillain.” Following his testimony, Cudi expressed relief, stating, “I’ve been seeing all the love and support. I just wanna say thank you so much, man… This is a stressful situation. I’m glad it’s behind me.”

On Saturday (May 24), TMZ reported that Ja Rule traded his gritty bars for tears while walking his daughter, Brittney Atkins down the aisle. Atkins is the eldest child of Ja’s three children, whom he shares with his wife Asia. In the touching photos and videos shared by TMZ, dozens of family and friends gathered at the lavish affair to celebrate Brittney’s happy union. During a 2019 interview with PEOPLE, Ja Rule opened up about what parenthood looks like for him. “I want my kids to run to me, not from me…And I tell them all the time, it’s three people in the world you cannot lie to… your doctor, your lawyer, and me, good old dad.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by JaRule (@jarule) He added, “Because I’m the one that’s going to get you out of it, whatever it may be. I have your best interests at heart.” The rapper also shared the emotional moment with his fans in an Instagram post. On a more sour note, following Irv Gotti’s unexpected passing, Ja Rule offered a touching tribute at his funeral held a few weeks back. “I just wanna say Irv I love you,” Ja said at the podium. “Everyone in this room loves you. You touched everybody in your own way in this room. I know everyone has their moments… so we’re all here in celebration of your life because it will live on forever. I love you, my brother. I’ll see you when I get there.” According to TMZ, alumni of Gotti’s Muder Inc., such as  Vita, Ashanti, Lloyd, and Charli Baltimore. Also, JAY-Z, Fat Joe, Hype Williams, Steve Stoute, and Benny Boom paid their final respects to Gotti.

On Saturday (May 24), Lizzo dropped her remix to PlutoNotDaBratt’s viral “Whim Whamie” track. The Grammy Award winner also shared a short visual on her Instagram. The clip starts with Lizzo outside her home, rocking flowy, blond tresses and a two-piece from her Yitty brand. Along with showing off her slimmed-down frame, she offers some fiery bars. “B*tch its Lizzo/Call me Lizzy/” she raps. “I been fat and I been skinny/ B*tches still ain’t f*ckin with me.” That said, the track has yet to hit streaming platforms, much to the chagrin of her fans. PlutoNotDaBratt is an up-and-coming artist based in Atlanta. A few weeks back, she released her now-viral single, “Whim Whammie,” featuring YK Niece, a rising star on the Atlanta rap scene. Prior to Lizzo, Sexxy Red dropped off her remix with Pluto and YK Niece. Latto recently revealed that she was supposed to jump on the remix with Pluto and YK first— however, she refused to clear her verse due to alleged drama behind the scenes. Lizzo remixes Pluto and YK Niece’s “WHIM WHAMIEE.” pic.twitter.com/i2pelqp0KZ — Rap Alert (@rapalert6) May 24, 2025 Lizzo Opens Up About Mental Health After Having A Breakdown In other news, Lizzo opened up about her ongoing mental health struggles and how to cope. On May 21st, the Grammy winner shared a personal post on Instagram, reminding her followers that it’s okay not to be okay. In the photo, Lizzo is seen smiling in a T-shirt that reads “God’s sexiest soldier” and a hat from her Yitty shapewear brand. But her caption revealed a much heavier emotional state. “My crashouts about the world are valid. And so are yours,” she began. She went on to describe how she broke down earlier that day. “I was bawling in bed… I cancelled my workout… I was driving around sobbing because some days I just can’t take it. This shit ain’t easy for anybody,” she shared. Lizzo also expressed compassion for anyone else feeling overwhelmed. “I have grace for everyone who feels like they’re going insane… for everyone who feels like nothing is good enough… for everyone who feels like they failed… I FEEL YOU,” she wrote. She ended on an encouraging note, adding, “But I’m still here, and so are you.”

Kanye West has publicly expressed his disapproval of Kid Cudi’s recent testimony against Sean “Diddy” Combs in the ongoing federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial.  In a tweet posted earlier today, West stated, “I wish Cudi hadn’t testified against Puff. We need to not be locked in white systems. Praying for Puff and his family.” Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, took the stand on May 22, 2025, detailing a series of incidents from 2011. He testified that after he began a relationship with Cassie Ventura, Diddy’s then-girlfriend, Combs allegedly broke into his home and later orchestrated the firebombing of his Porsche using a Molotov cocktail.  Cudi described a subsequent confrontation where Combs exhibited a menacing demeanor, likening him to a “Marvel supervillain.” Following his testimony, Cudi expressed relief, stating, “I’ve been seeing all the love and support. I just wanna say thank you so much, man… This is a stressful situation. I’m glad it’s behind me.”  View this post on Instagram A post shared by HOT 97 (@hot97) Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He remains in custody at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center.

Shaquille O’Neal has explained why he had to run off the set during an episode of TNT’s Inside The NBA. During a live broadcast of the show, Shaq suddenly ran off the studio set with a bathroom emergency. Co-hosts Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson shared a good laugh at Shaq’s expense as the clip went viral on social media. In an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Shaq gave his side of the story. “I was drinking a lot of water that day, so I know I had the No. 2 run, but it was really a No. 1, let’s just get that out the way,” O’Neal said, adding he had been drinking a lot of olive oil. “What is going on? And why were you drinking olive oil?” Fallon asked. “I’m drinking olive oil because I want to be sexy. That’s what it said on Instagram, it said if you drink olive oil for 14 days, it’ll clear stuff out and you’ll get yourself a flat stomach,” O’Neal said. “So, I was trying it.” Shaq then revealed that he wasn’t being honest with Fallon. “It wasn’t a No. 1 run, it was a No. 2 run. I had to go bad. Oh, I had to go so bad! I had to go so bad,” Shaq said.  “Did you see me squeeze my butt cheeks when I was running?,” he continued. Then Fallon showed the audience a photo of what took place on Inside the NBA the next day. Producers brought out a portable toilet next to the co-host’s desk just in case Shaq had another emergency during the show. Fallon noted that’s why the acclaimed sports show. “I like it because I never know what’s going to happen,” Fallon said. “Nothing’s predictable.”

Angela Simmons has sparked breakup rumors after sharing a cryptic message on social media, leading fans to believe her relationship with rapper Yo Gotti has come to an end. Although neither Simmons nor Yo Gotti has released an official statement, Simmons shared a message via Instagram reading, “I want. What wants me in life. In all areas. What flows FLOWS. What goes GOES.” The pair, who made their relationship public in early 2023, have both removed photos of each other from their social media profiles. “Ain’t no way he manifested that relationship and now they not together WTHELLY” reacted one fan to post TheShadeRoom shared. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) The couple seemingly confirmed their relationship in 2022 after they shared pictures traveling together.. By January 2023, Simmons publicly expressed her joy, noting she was “happier than ever.” That September, Gotti marked Simmons’ 37th birthday with lavish gifts—including a luxury watch, an Hermès Birkin bag, and a romantic getaway—further showcasing the strength of their bond.

Jamie Foxx said that Bobby Brown once went through his closet in search of a tape. Appearing on the latest episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s Stand-Up Roundtable, Foxx, who was joined by Sarah Silverman, Seth Meyers, Roy Wood Jr., and others, shared an unbelievable night he spent with Brown and a group of friends. “One night, me and Bobby Brown, we’re doing our thing, we’re f**ked up, and we’re doing ‘Don’t Be Cruel,’ Foxx recalled “So, we’re partying, and I say, ‘I got to use the bathroom,’” the Oscar winner continued. “And while I’m in the bathroom, I hear, “Now, Jamie, let me tell you something, I don’t do this for nobody. I usually get a million dollars to sing a song.” Foxx went on to explain that it was Whitney Houston who started singing “I Will Always Love You,” and he grabbed his camera to record it. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hollywood Reporter (@hollywoodreporter) “So now I got the tape, I go back to my crib, we’re having a little afterparty, and all of a sudden I hear this (knock, knock, knock) … It’s Bobby Brown,” Foxx explained. “He’s like, ‘I got to take that tape,’” added Foxx. “I said, ‘Bobby, I don’t have it.’” “‘Well, I got to take something.’ So, he goes into my closet, and he’s taking clothes. He’s matching outfits and shit,’” alleged Foxx. Foxx admitted that he’s still in possession of the footage that Brown so desperately wanted — but he has no intention of sharing it with the public.. “I have the tape,” explained Foxx. “But it doesn’t mean anything anymore. Why? YouTube.” Elsewhere during the discussion, Foxx shared how he felt when people said he had a clone after he recovered from a stroke.  “When they said I was a clone, that made me flip. I’m sitting in the hospital bed, like, ‘These bitch-ass muthaf**kas are trying to clone me,’” Foxx said.

Sacha Jenkins, one of the most renowned and beloved creatives in hip-hop culture, has passed away.  Jenkins’ passing was confirmed by several posts on social media. “WTF…..Dammit. Sacha was one of the writers who influenced my era of writers and journalists in the late ’90s. May he rest in power,” wrote noted journalist Keith Murphy on X (formerly Twitter). WTF…..Dammit. Sacha was one of the writers that influenced my era of writers and journalists in the late ’90s. May he rest in power. https://t.co/V8QM6KPXoD — Keith Murphy (@murphdogg29) May 23, 2025 Born in Philadelphia but raised in Queens, as a teenager, Jenkins published Graphic Scenes & X-Plicit Language, one of the earliest ‘zines that chronicled the art of graffiti. In 1992, Jenkins and childhood friend Haji Akhigbade established Beat-Down Newspaper, a very early hip-hop newspaper. In 1994, Jenkins co-founded ego trip, an influential magazine, along with fellow hip-hop journalist Elliot Wilson. Although only 13 issues of the zine were published over a four-year period, the brand spawned books, ego trip’s Book of Rap Lists, and even a TV show, ego trip’s The White Rapper Show, that aired on VH1. In 2005, he wrote season one of Aaron McGruder’s hit series The Boondocks. In 2011, Jenkins was executive producer of “50 Cent: The Origin of Me” — a documentary that traces the genealogy of rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. From 1997 and 2000, Jenkins was the music editor of Vibe magazine, and he penned articles and features for Spin magazine, Rolling Stone, and many more. As a prolific filmmaker, he directed 50 Cent: The Origin of Me (2011), Fresh Dressed (2015), Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men, (2019), Bitchin’: The Sound and Fury of Rick James (2021), Cypress Hill: Insane in the Brain, the Biz Markie doc All Up in the Biz (2023), Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues (2022) and many more.  At the time of his passing, he was the creative director of Mass Appeal magazine.  We at HOT97 extend our prayers and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sacha Jenkins.