Singer D4vd’s defense team has withdrawn from his murder case after a Los Angeles judge determined he qualified for appointed counsel, handing the high-profile prosecution to the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. Attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter asked the court to permit them to withdraw from representing D4vd. The court granted the request and appointed the public defender’s office, according to a statement the attorneys provided to TMZ. “This morning the court granted our request to withdraw as counsel and appointed the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, after it was determined David qualified for appointed counsel,” the lawyers said. D4VD’s Attorney Exit, Appointed Public Defender The attorneys did not disclose why they could no longer represent the 21-year-old singer. The appointment of a public defender indicates the court determined D4vd is indigent and eligible for publicly funded representation. The development marks a striking turn for an artist who reportedly earned at least $11 million from his Interscope Records deal. It remains unclear how much of that money remains available to D4vd or why he now qualifies for appointed counsel. There have been few public indications of extravagant spending. D4vd reportedly lived in a rental home, with no widely reported signs of an unusually lavish lifestyle. Berk, Bednarski and Peter said their withdrawal does not reflect a loss of confidence in their former client. “We continue to support David and his defense against these serious charges,” they said. “We are grateful that the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office has taken over the representation and that David has a highly capable and committed team of attorneys and investigators behind him.” The change in counsel could affect the case’s schedule, although no trial date has been set. It was not immediately clear whether the transition would prompt additional proceedings or delay the eventual trial. The public defender’s office will now lead D4vd’s defense as the case moves forward.

Award-winning singer Miguel is speaking out about alleged harassment targeting his family as he and his wife, Margaret Zhang, prepare to welcome another child. The Grammy-winning R&B singer shared a lengthy statement describing what he says has been a difficult year for his loved ones. Miguel alleged that his family has faced racism, harassment, stalking, privacy invasions and false accusations. View this post on Instagram He also said Zhang has recently experienced racist and anti-Asian attacks. Miguel did not name Zhang in the statement. The singer and the fashion executive have largely kept their family life private. The couple welcomed their first child together nearly two years ago. In August, Zhang debuted her growing baby bump during an appearance with Miguel at the HollyShorts Film Festival in Los Angeles. The public appearance confirmed that the couple is expecting their second child. They have not publicly shared the baby’s sex or due date. Amid the pregnancy news, Miguel said his family has faced unwanted attention that has crossed boundaries. Singer Miguel Addresses Racists & Anti-Asian Attacks Targeted AT His Wife Margaret Zhang He also claimed that his child has been targeted by abusive comments. “Racism, threats, harassment, stalking, invasions of privacy, and targeting of children are abuse,” Miguel wrote. “Not opinion.” The singer acknowledged that fame comes with public commentary. He said people can express opinions about him, his music and his career. Still, Miguel argued that criticism does not excuse personal attacks against his family. “It doesn’t become acceptable because someone dresses it up as criticism, fandom, speculation, or ‘concern,’” he wrote. Miguel also warned that legal action remains an option. He said his family has already pursued legal remedies over some incidents. He did not identify the people involved or provide details about specific allegations. Instead, his statement focused on protecting his family during a significant personal moment. The couple’s pregnancy has brought renewed attention to their private lives. Miguel’s latest comments suggest that attention has become increasingly difficult to manage. For the singer, however, the issue extends beyond celebrity scrutiny. With another child on the way, Miguel is making his position clear. Public interest, he says, should never come at the expense of his family’s safety or privacy.

The daughter of Quality Control Music co-founder Pierre “P” Thomas is calling her father a “miracle” as the music executive continues to recover from a serious heart attack. Journey Thomas shared a touching tribute on social media Friday, expressing her gratitude for her father’s survival following a medical emergency that occurred earlier this month in Las Vegas. “God is good. My dad is truly a miracle, and I’m so blessed to still be able to say he’s here,” Journey wrote via Instagram. View this post on Instagram She added that the family has relied heavily on their faith during the health crisis, stating that “God’s grace has carried us through every moment.” The 45-year-old music mogul, who is a central figure in the hip-hop industry, was hospitalized on Aug. 21. According to reports, Thomas was treated in an intensive care unit in Las Vegas. While specific details regarding the cause of the heart attack have not been released, the news sent shockwaves through the entertainment community. In the days following his hospitalization, the record label was forced to address social media rumors regarding the executive’s condition. Quality Control issued a statement to shut down false reports of his passing, confirming that Thomas was alive and under the care of medical professionals. The label has since provided optimistic updates, noting that he is “improving and recovering more and more every day.” Thomas is best known for co-founding Quality Control Music, the Atlanta-based powerhouse label that helped launch the careers of global superstars such as Migos, Lil Baby and City Girls. As Thomas continues his rehabilitation, his family has requested privacy while remaining vocal about their appreciation for the support they have received.

J. Cole canceled his scheduled performance at the Golden 1 Center on Tuesday night following a fatal vehicle accident involving a member of his touring production crew. The incident, which occurred early Tuesday morning, involved a logistics truck transporting equipment for the artist’s current tour. Dreamville Records, the label founded by Cole, released a statement on social media confirming the cancellation shortly after the news broke. The label expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating that their thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the crew member during this difficult time. According to reports from the California Highway Patrol, the accident took place on an interstate near Yolo County. Investigating officers said the driver of a big rig drifted onto the right shoulder of the freeway before attempting to steer back into the lane. The sudden correction caused the vehicle to lose control and overturn. Sgt. David Barker of the California Highway Patrol said in a statement that the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. Barker noted that authorities are looking into whether the driver was distracted or fell asleep behind the wheel, but confirmed the solo occupant did not survive the impact. The Golden 1 Center in Sacramento was expected to be a sold-out stop for the North Carolina rapper, who has been touring extensively behind his recent projects. The venue and promoters have not yet announced if the performance will be rescheduled for a later date. Representatives for the artist confirmed that fans who purchased tickets through Ticketmaster will receive automatic refunds. Those who used third-party platforms or other points of purchase are encouraged to contact their original sellers to process their claims. J. Cole, known for his introspective lyrics and dedicated fanbase, has not yet issued a personal statement outside of the official label release. The tragedy highlights the logistical risks faced by large-scale concert productions, which often involve dozens of vehicles traveling thousands of miles between tour stops. The remainder of Cole’s tour schedule is currently under review as the team manages the aftermath of the accident.

A South Carolina federal judge has postponed rapper Blacc Zacc’s RICO trial until April 2027, granting his request for additional time to prepare his defense. U.S. District Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin granted the continuance Friday, Aug. 21, in the federal case against Blacc Zacc, whose legal name is Zachary Chapman. The ruling moves the rapper’s trial from September 2026 to April 2027. Judge Austin found that delaying the proceedings serves the interests of justice. USA (@SC_Courts) v. Blacc Zacc: Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin GRANTED Blacc Zacc, real name Zachary Chapman, Motion of Continuance in new order filed with the court on Friday, August 21. The federal RICO trial has been rescheduled from September 2026 to April 2027. Judge… pic.twitter.com/76XJZLD2OB — Bryson “Boom” Paul (@brysonboompaul) August 22, 2026 The court also determined that those interests outweigh the defendants’ and public’s interest in a faster resolution. Blacc Zacc remains in federal custody. The court previously denied his request for bond release. The rapper faces allegations tied to an alleged murder-for-hire scheme. He has denied the allegations through his defense, and the charges remain pending. The case has unfolded alongside major developments in Blacc Zacc’s personal life. His girlfriend, South Carolina rapper and Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta personality Renni Rucci, recently shared a photograph with him on Instagram. The post appeared Sunday, Aug. 16, and featured “Death Do Us Part” by Fridayy and MTS. Rucci and Blacc Zacc began dating in 2023. The couple welcomed a son in early July while Chapman remained detained pending trial. Rucci has continued to publicly support the rapper during his legal proceedings. Her relationship with Blacc Zacc is also featured in the final season of Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta. The case now faces a substantially longer timeline before reaching trial. The April 2027 setting gives prosecutors and defense attorneys additional time to prepare for the federal proceedings. For Blacc Zacc, the continuance also means remaining behind bars while the case moves forward. The court’s decision does not resolve the allegations against him. Instead, it establishes a new timeline for the federal prosecution. With his trial delayed until next year, Blacc Zacc’s legal battle will continue alongside the rapper’s growing public profile and his family’s efforts to support him outside the courtroom.

Martell, one of the oldest cognac houses, enters a new era after announcing this week that it has appointed award-winning music journalist Ivie Ani as its new Culture Ambassador. Ivie Ani, a NYU alum, is recognized by many as an influential figure in music, media and fashion. The opportunity further elevates her profile and provide inspiration to others to discover similar opportunities. For Martell, appointing Ani is proof that media can still use it unique voice to sharp the future in the brand’s illustrious history. For Ani, the new title adds to a stellar resume as a Nigerian American, including on-air correspondent, strategist, and trailblazer. In journalism, her work is heavily praised for exploring identity across Black culture worldwide. “Ivie brings a very distinct perspective to Martell’s Culture Ambassadors platform,” said Lanre Odutola, Head of Culture & Partnerships at Martell. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Martell (@martellofficial) Odutola praised Ani’s work documenting Afrobeats and African culture. He also highlighted her ability to connect cultural stories with wider audiences. “She is someone who has been actively documenting culture, shaping stories and helping audiences understand the people behind Afrobeats and African culture,” Odutola said. “Her perspective is thoughtful, current and deeply connected to the diaspora,” he added. Ani will join fellow Culture Ambassadors Adesope Olajide and Abdul Abdullah, both of whom have been with Martell since 2025. The platform centers cultural expression, storytelling and collective achievement. Ani’s appointment adds a journalism perspective to that mission. Award-Winning Journalist Ivie Ani Appointed Culture Ambassador At Martell Cognac “I’ve spent my career documenting culture across the diaspora,” Ani said. “Joining Martell as a Culture Ambassador feels deeply aligned with the work I have done.” Ani said storytelling remains central to preserving culture while allowing it to evolve. “Culture moves through stories, sound, memory and community,” she said. “For me, my work has always been about amplifying those voices with care, authenticity, and accuracy.” She also emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for emerging perspectives. “It is about upholding tradition while continuing to innovate,” Ani said. “Creating space for new perspectives and helping the next generation see themselves in the story.” Ani also marked the appointment on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday. “No manager, no talent agency, no team—just the work, people who believe in it, and people who believe in me,” she wrote. No manager, no talent agency, no team— just the work, people who believe in it, and people who believe in me — Ivie Ani (@ivieani) August 27, 2026 The tweet inspires journalists worldwide amid a massive shift in today’s media. 2026 has been a year of mass layoffs and acquisitions in media. In July, Ivie Ani joined a group of journalists who helped J. Cole revive the nostalgia of hip-hop journalism with the launch of The Fall-Off magazine’s debut issue. J. Cole’s magazine featured interviews with rap stars like GloRilla, Beanie Siegel, and Lil Yachty, supporting his tour and album of the same name. Now, through Martell’s Culture Ambassador platform, Ani will bring that perspective to a broader cultural conversation. The partnership reflects Martell’s continued focus on diaspora voices, authentic expression and the people shaping culture’s next chapter.

Vic Mensa opened “The Vic Mensa Show” with a guest whose history with him reaches back to adolescence: Chance the Rapper. The Chicago rappers used the premiere to revisit a friendship that began when they were about 14. That relationship eventually helped shape Save Money, the collective that influenced Chicago hip-hop. Mensa said he first encountered Chance at Jones College Prep during an open mic. Mensa had traveled from Whitney Young Magnet High School to perform. He spotted Chance in the school lunchroom. At the time, Mensa admitted his microphone skills had not caught up with his ambitions. Still, the meeting marked the start of a friendship that would span decades. The two later became prominent figures within Chicago’s independent rap scene. Mensa recalled one of their earliest recording sessions. They worked on a song called “Lord Release,” with Mensa’s father paying for studio time. Their loyalty also faced an early test. Mensa said older students had threatened Chance at school. According to Mensa, he responded by bringing roughly 25 people from Whitney Young. The confrontation became physical. Save Money’s Vic Mensa & Chance The Rapper Discuss Their Friendship On The Debut Episode Of The Vic Mensa Show Mensa previously described the episode during an appearance on “All the Smoke.” “Long story short, you know, found them, beat they ass, for fucking with Chance,” Mensa said. “It was just like, so we’ve been locked in since childhood.” Chance later captured that bond on his 2013 mixtape “Acid Rap.” On “Acid Rain,” he referenced the competitive edge between the two friends. “But if you touch my brother,” Chance rapped, “all that anti-violence shit goes out the window.” The friendship became part of the foundation for Save Money. The collective brought together Chicago artists who helped define a new generation of local hip-hop. “The Vic Mensa Show” now gives Mensa another platform to explore those relationships. The 24-episode series expands on his Orange Tree video series. Mensa said Orange Tree showed him the power of conversation. He described that potential through “radical ideas, humor, honesty and vulnerability.” Chance’s appearance established the tone. It also placed one of Chicago hip-hop’s most enduring friendships at the center of Mensa’s new chapter.

Yung Miami has officially announced the lineup for the remix of her hit single “Spend Dat,” enlisting hip-hop heavyweights Lil Baby and Kodak Black for the new track. The former City Girls star confirmed the collaboration Wednesday, revealing that the highly anticipated song will be released to the public this Friday, Aug. 28. The announcement comes as Yung Miami, born Caresha Brownlee, continues to build momentum for the track, which has already seen significant success on the Billboard Hot 100. Prior to the official remix announcement, the Miami rapper released several alternate versions of the record in May, including versions titled “Fast,” “Booster,” “Scammer” and “Baller.” “Wham & Yak WTF IS UPPPPPP!! Spend Dat Remix OUT THIS FRIDAY!” the rapper shared on social media, using nicknames for Lil Baby and Kodak Black. View this post on Instagram While fans had previously speculated that Drake might appear on the track, the final lineup maintains a strong regional connection by featuring fellow Florida native Kodak Black. The decision to include Kodak Black has sparked significant conversation among fans due to the pair’s tumultuous history. In 2019, while Kodak Black was incarcerated, he released a freestyle that contained threatening lyrics directed at Yung Miami, who was pregnant at the time. The lyrics referenced a past relationship and suggested physical harm to her unborn child. Public concern intensified in August 2019 when Yung Miami’s vehicle was targeted in a drive-by shooting outside Circle House Studios in North Miami-Dade Fans can expect the “Spend Dat Remix” to hit all major streaming platforms at midnight on Friday. The release marks another milestone for Yung Miami as she establishes herself as a dominant solo force in the industry following the hiatus of the City Girls. View this post on Instagram

Kehlani has announced the cancellation of two scheduled tour dates this week following an emergency hospital visit. The singer, who is currently headlining a massive world tour, informed fans on Wednesday that she is physically unable to perform after experiencing sudden and severe health complications. The 29-year-old artist was scheduled to take the stage at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden on Wednesday evening, followed by a performance at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Md., on Thursday. Both shows have been scrapped after medical professionals advised the singer to rest her voice. “After two off days feeling completely normal.. ive been up all night unable to swallow & in so much pain,” Kehlani shared in a post on Instagram. “i just left the hospital & am not cleared to sing for the next two shows. i’m so sorry Camden & DC. my team is working on a solution.” The cancellations mark the first significant disruptions for the 33-date Live Nation run, which began earlier this month in Minneapolis. The tour is currently supporting her self-titled fifth studio album, which debuted at the top of the R&B charts and produced the hit single “Folded.” Kehlani expressed her frustration with the setback, noting that she maintains a rigorous health regimen to avoid such situations. “breaks my heart to have to ever do this,” she said. “i do everything i’m supposed to to ensure my health stays up to par & it still isn’t guaranteed.” While the singer did not elaborate on the specific diagnosis that led to her hospitalization, she has been vocal in the past about the challenges of maintaining wellness while on the road. In a recent interview, she discussed the importance of routine, meditation, and medication in managing her overall health and bipolar disorder while navigating a grueling professional schedule. Local fans in Camden were notified of the change just hours before the doors were set to open. View this post on Instagram The “Kehlani World Tour” is expected to resume its scheduled itinerary in Virginia once the singer receives medical clearance. Her team is currently exploring options for the canceled dates, though it remains unclear if they will be rescheduled for later in the year. The tour is currently slated to conclude this October in San Francisco.

Samuel Monroe Jr., whose film career began with the searing 1993 drama “Menace II Society,” has died. He was 52. His mother, Joyce Patton, announced his death on Facebook. Her message came after months of concern surrounding Monroe’s declining health. “I want to thank all of my Facebook family and friends, new and old, for praying for Samuel Monroe Jr., my son,” Patton wrote. “But today God called him home.” She asked supporters to continue praying for Monroe’s family, particularly his three children. Monroe had been hospitalized since April after developing MRSA pneumonia and meningitis. He also underwent dialysis to help manage his kidney function. “Menace II Society” & “The Players’ Club” Actor Samuel Monroe Jr. Passed Away At 52 His condition deteriorated in July. His wife, Shawna Stewart, said Monroe suffered more than 20 seizures around July 30. The seizures caused swelling around his brain, according to Stewart. She also said Monroe underwent three brain surgeries. Doctors warned that Monroe might spend the rest of his life in a vegetative state. Stewart continued asking supporters for prayers as his condition worsened. For Monroe, acting offered a lasting connection to a pivotal period in Black American cinema. His first credited film role came in “Menace II Society,” the Hughes brothers’ uncompromising portrait of Watts. The film became a defining work of 1990s Black cinema. Monroe later appeared in “Tales From The Hood” and “Set It Off.” He also appeared in the 1996 comedy “Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood.” In 1997, Monroe returned to familiar territory with “The Player’s Club.” Directed by Ice Cube, the film starred LisaRaye McCoy as Diana, an aspiring dancer. Monroe played Junior, Ronnie’s brother, adding another memorable performance to his growing filmography. His roles made him a recognizable presence in films that reflected Los Angeles culture and Black life. Decades later, those movies remain influential touchstones. Monroe’s family launched a GoFundMe campaign in April to help cover his medical expenses. His stepdaughter said he could require around-the-clock care. He is survived by his wife, mother and three children.