Fat Joe and Jadakiss are voicing their frustrations after BET confirmed major changes to two of its most recognizable events. During an episode of their Joe and Jada podcast, the longtime friends discussed the network’s choice to pause the BET Hip-Hop Awards and the Soul Train Awards, questioning what it means for Black culture in entertainment. Fat Joe described the situation bluntly. “This is a form of gentrification, what’s going on. I don’t know if you really want to ask me about this s**t,” he said. Reflecting on BET’s history, he noted that it began as a space dedicated to Black audiences before being sold by founder Bob Johnson to Viacom Paramount. According to him, the shift in ownership brought quiet but consistent staff cuts, especially targeting those who voiced concerns. The Bronx rapper recalled working on the BET Hip-Hop Awards for three years and watching the event’s resources dwindle. “S**t was like the budget, not for me, but the budget just kept getting chopped and chopped and chopped.” He contrasted that with the production levels at the Video Music Awards. “Last year, I debuted my single with [DJ] Khaled at the VMAs, and Katy Perry still flying through the air… They still got all the tricks. They still got the budgets. They got the s**t… They kept underfunding them… They ain’t had no bread.” Jadakiss added, “They have bread for what they wanna have bread for,” suggesting the issue lies in priorities rather than capability. Earlier this week, BET CEO Scott Mills addressed the changes, stating the awards are not canceled but could shift to a new home as the media environment changes. He emphasized that other programs like the NAACP Image Awards and the Stellar Awards will continue, while a team explores the best future for the Hip-Hop and Soul Train brands.

Klay Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion’s relationship is still going strong, and their latest appearance together put them in the middle of a baseball field instead of a basketball court. The Dallas Mavericks guard took part in the first-ever Sandlot Classic on August 7th, trading hoops for a bat and glove. Surrounded by family and friends, Thompson spent the day playing ball while Megan supported him from the dugout. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Klay Thompson (@klaythompson) Photos from the event appeared on Thompson’s Instagram, showing him mid-game and later posing in uniform with his arm around Megan. The post also included a celebration of the win, with Thompson proudly noting the championship title and giving recognition to his cousin AJ for his performance during the game. Supporters of the pair quickly noticed Megan’s presence in the pictures and expressed excitement over seeing them together again. Observers also pointed out that Thompson was representing her business during the outing, as Chicas Divertidas Tequila, Megan’s own brand, served as one of the event’s sponsors. The partnership blended her entrepreneurial work with their public time as a couple. Their appearance at the Sandlot Classic comes only weeks after stepping onto the red carpet together for the first time. On July 16th, they attended the inaugural Pete & Thomas Foundation Gala in New York City, hosted by Megan. The event served as the first official confirmation of their relationship after months of speculation. During the gala, Megan spoke warmly about Thompson, praising his character and kindness. From charity events to sports games, the two continue to share moments that reflect both their personal bond and their willingness to support each other’s endeavors. Whether on a baseball diamond or a formal gala, Thompson and Megan appear to be building a relationship that thrives in every setting they step into together.

Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas is facing serious legal trouble after being indicted in connection with an illegal gambling ring based in Southern California. According to federal prosecutors, Arenas and several others allegedly ran underground poker games out of his Encino mansion, turning the property into a high-end venue for high-stakes gambling between late 2021 and mid-2022. Authorities say the operation went far beyond casual games. Arenas is accused of working with others to organize and profit from the events, which reportedly featured hired staff, including servers, chefs, valets, and security. Prosecutors also claim that Arenas brought in a 51-year-old associate to help manage the setup and collect rent from the players. The alleged gambling ring was discovered during a raid in 2022, when LAPD officers and federal agents found more than two dozen players and a dozen staff members at Arenas’ home. Officials believe the group was earning money by taking a portion from each pot played during the games. “Gilbert Arenas was arrested in Southern California on Wednesday after authorities say he ran an illegal gambling business,” according to court records obtained by NBC. In total, Arenas and five other individuals are facing two charges each: conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and operating an illegal gambling business. Each charge carries a possible five-year prison sentence. In addition, Arenas has been hit with a separate charge for allegedly lying to federal investigators during the probe. The 43-year-old former Washington Wizards player is currently in custody and was scheduled to appear in court later on Wednesday. The case is still developing, with more information expected to emerge in the coming days as the investigation continues.

Live Nation Urban officially unveiled the Live Nation Urban Creator Network. Built in partnership with Breakr, “the creator marketing and payments platform behind some of the biggest creator-led campaigns in music and media, this national network brings together the infrastructure, creators, and cultural strategy to help brands authentically show up — whether on stage, online, or in real life.” The Creator Network boasts a collective of thousands of top Black creators and Breakr’s broader database of 75,000+ creators and 55 million data points. With the new partnership, Live Nation Urban can now offer “brands a new kind of media channel: culturally-embedded, locally relevant, and instantly scalable.” “Creators have long been an integral part of how we market our tours and festivals,” says Live Nation Urban President Shawn Gee. “But the demand from our brand partners pushed us to think bigger—to move beyond treating creator marketing as an internal tool and instead build a business model around it.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Live Nation Urban (@livenationurban) “As brands increasingly looked to us to help them connect authentically with Black audiences, even outside the context of our events, it became clear there was an opportunity to create something larger,” Gee continued. “With the Live Nation Urban Creator Network, we’re building the largest network of Black creators in the industry—powered by our platform, driven by culture.” “In just five years, creators have gone from supporting cast to the headliners of our growth story,” Live Nation Urban’s Vice President of Marketing Malcolm Gray added. “Today, we’re opening the doors to an exclusive creator network—pairing brands with unrivaled cultural capital and turning influence into record-breaking results.” To learn more or apply for the 2025 Creator Class, visit:https://creators.livenationurban.com.

Daniel Caesar recently shared how he survived being canceled. In an interview with Billboard, the Toronto born singer recalled the events the kept him on the margins. “I was canceled for, you know, speaking my mind,” he says, before choosing his worlds more carefully: “I was canceled for being drunk and foolish in public. But that was something I was always allowed to do. No one gave a s–t [until I started to get famous].” I’m literally my father’s son,” he continued. “My dad was the guy at sabbath lunch talking about how the government was going to put microchips in our arms. And I’m the same. If you get me riled up at a party, I’ll start talking about some crazy s–t. People roll their eyes, but that’s just the way we are.” The incident in question was when Caesar came to the defense of YesJulz who faced several accusations of cultural appropriation and insulting Black women, namely Scottie Beam and Karen Civil. Julz also caught heat on social media for tweeting out a t-shirt that read, “Ni**as lie a lot. While intoxicated, Caesar supported Julz and criticized Black people for being, “so mean to white people.” “Why is that we’re allowed to be disrespectful and rude to everybody else and when anyone returns any type of energy to us…That’s not equality,” Caesar explained. “I don’t want to be treated like I can’t take a joke.” “People are allowed to say what the f**k they want. I’m allowed to feel what I want, but at the same time am I going to fight them or am I going to accept what they have to say and keep it f**king moving?” he continued. Speaking at Apple Music’s Nadeska  in 2023, Caesar apologized for his words. “I completely understand the response. And in time, after taking time to get over myself and to really honestly look at myself and everything that was happening, I was wrong,” he said. “ I was wrong, and I’m sorry about that. For a long time, I was like, ‘You can’t do anything, you can’t say anything without whatever.”

I Still Know What You Did Last Summer was Brandy’s first feature film and one of the biggest movies of 1998. But the renowned vocalist did not have the best experience during filming. Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Brandy said she “didn’t have the best experience” making the film “because of the weather and all of that.” The movie was filmed at several locations in Los Angeles and Jalisco, Mexico, to mimic the Bahamas. “We were in a space where… it was just bugs and this and that. I’m like, ‘We gotta film this somewhere else,” Brandy said. Playing Julie’s (Jennifer Love Hewitt) college friend Karla Wilson, Brandy’s character survived the events to the end of the film, which “was by design.” “That was in the contract,” Brandy said. “Black people don’t last in horror films, so I had to put that in the contract.” Brandy said she was eager to do the film because she wanted to cuss in a movie. “The reason why I wanted to do I Still Know What You Did Last Summer is because I wanted to curse in a film,” she explained. In addition to remembering the film, it was recently announced that Brandy & Monica will be co-headlining their first tour together. The 24-city arena tour, produced by Black Promoters Collective, “brings two of R&B’s most influential voices together on stage more than 25 years after their era-defining duet “The Boy Is Mine” ruled the Billboard Hot 100 for 13 straight weeks.” Brandy & Monica will be joined by Kelly Rowland, Muni Long, and rising star Jamal Roberts as supporting acts.

As proceedings wind down in the federal criminal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, the defense team prepares to mount its case following weeks of testimony and evidence presented by prosecutors. The high-profile trial, centered on allegations of sex trafficking, racketeering, and coercion, has pulled back the curtain on the lifestyle of one of hip-hop’s most recognizable figures. On June 23, Diddy appeared in Manhattan federal court as Homeland Security agent Joseph Cerciello resumed his testimony. He detailed a broad collection of financial records, including hotel invoices, flight logs, and payments allegedly tied to male escorts and a woman referred to in court as Jane, a former girlfriend of Diddy. Jurors also reviewed text messages suggesting preparations for so-called “freak offs,” referencing purchases of baby oil, erectile dysfunction medication, and large sums of cash. In court, jurors were shown explicit video footage featuring Jane and an escort. Diddy, according to prosecutors, was visibly present in portions of the clips, which were screened privately for the jury, legal teams, and court staff. Brendan Paul, Diddy’s former assistant, testified the previous week and pushed back on claims that he acted as a “drug mule” for the artist. Though he admitted to purchasing items and working grueling hours, he denied ever witnessing illegal behavior at events described in court as “king nights.” Arrested in 2024 on drug charges that were later dropped, Paul now testifies under immunity. Defense introduces texts and party details as trial nears closing arguments in Diddy case Diddy, who was arrested in September, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Toward the end of Monday’s session, defense attorney Teny Geragos told Judge Arun Subramanian that her team expected to use approximately 75 more minutes for cross-examinations. A hearing on jury instructions is set for June 25, with closing arguments slated to begin June 26 and continue into the following day. Both sides anticipate using roughly four hours each for final remarks. Geragos also introduced text messages between Jane and Diddy, where she described enjoying aspects of their intimate relationship—part of the defense’s effort to illustrate consent and mutual participation. As prosecutors concluded direct examination of Agent Cerciello, jurors heard audio messages in which Diddy requested items for his parties. “There’s no more baby oil,” he joked in one clip. Other messages mentioned lubricant and cash, offering a glimpse into the preparation and excess behind the scenes. Evidence presented also linked Diddy’s staff to the planning and execution of these gatherings. Text messages suggested Jane communicated with aides about logistics and occasionally expressed concern for Diddy’s well-being, including after alleged drug use. As the prosecution signaled its intent to rest, the focus now shifts to the defense. While explicit footage and financial documents have played a central role in shaping the case so far, the courtroom has yet to hear the full counter-narrative from Diddy’s legal team. With closing arguments on the horizon, the jury will soon be tasked with weighing weeks of testimony, digital records, and emotional accounts.

In an exciting update, Cardi B has announced the debut of her eagerly awaited first single of the year, titled “Outside,” which is set to be released on June 20. The Grammy-winning artist shared this news via social media, specifically on Instagram, stating, “We OUTSIDE this Friday,” alongside vibrant cover art depicting a lively summer sidewalk next to a gushing fire hydrant. The upcoming song is expected to explore Cardi’s recent life events, particularly her difficult breakup with Offset. A previously leaked excerpt suggests that she will express her feelings candidly, where Cardi declares, “I’ve been cuffed up too long, let me remind n-ggas.” The snippet also includes a cheeky yet bold reference to New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs, noting, “Your favorite player on your favorite team, he in my DM.” Cardi B Details Breakdown as Offset Divorce Escalates In a recent discussion on X Spaces, Cardi candidly addressed the emotional impact her relationship with Offset had on her, revealing that she often felt both mentally exhausted and physically unwell during their final moments together. “I don’t think people understand how tired I was … I was literally losing my mind,” she recounted. Cardi expressed her feelings poignantly, stating, “If I was still there, I was gonna end up going to jail. Cause I was gonna end up killing him, seriously, with my own bare hands. It was just getting too much.” The ongoing situation between Cardi and Offset has intensified, especially following Offset’s recent remarks about Cardi’s new relationship. After they were seen together on a yacht, Offset took to social media to question the sincerity of their romance, suggesting it was merely a publicity stunt with his comment, “Good roll out n PR.” The couple’s contentious divorce proceedings commenced last year, shortly before they welcomed their third child. As part of the divorce agreement, Offset has also pursued spousal support and joint custody. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cardi B (@iamcardib)

In the federal criminal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, prosecutors have begun stitching together an intricate web of evidence—personal communications, financial records, and explicit video footage—meant to support claims that the hip-hop mogul orchestrated a sex-trafficking operation. Tuesday’s proceedings added new depth to a case that has already captivated the public, with new material surfacing that deepens the questions surrounding Diddy’s inner circle. Central to the courtroom’s focus was a resurfaced video from 2016 that allegedly shows Diddy assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in a hallway of a Los Angeles hotel. While jurors had previously seen the footage, Monday’s testimony brought attention to the communications that followed the incident. In a series of text messages exchanged between Diddy, Cassie, his chief of staff Kristina “KK” Khorram, and his longtime bodyguard D-Roc, the aftermath took shape. Diddy wrote Cassie, “about to be arrested,” urging her to return to the hotel. She declined, saying she would not come back and adding that the male escort involved in the night’s events had also left. Jurors were also shown roughly 20 minutes of video footage that prosecutors say depicts a series of sex-fueled gatherings—known in the trial as “freak offs”—dating back to 2012 through 2014. These videos, prosecutors argue, are key to establishing a pattern of behavior at the center of the case. Brendan Paul, a former assistant to Diddy, is expected to testify on June 18. According to filings, Paul is prepared to speak about his role in allegedly sourcing narcotics like GHB for these events. Though he was arrested last year for possession of cocaine and marijuana edibles, those charges were later dismissed. He now holds an immunity deal that protects him if his testimony remains truthful. Defense Presses Consent Claims as Trial Tensions Mount The defense has aimed to reframe Cassie’s role in the “freak offs” as consensual and even participatory. During cross-examination of Special Agent DeLeassa Penland, Diddy’s attorneys introduced text messages that suggest Ventura Fine helped coordinate escorts and logistics. One exchange from Diddy read, “You make the decision please.” Cassie later testified, “I would give that money back if I never had to have ‘freak offs,’” referencing her $20 million civil settlement. Pressure in the courtroom increased when defense attorney Teny Geragos challenged the scope of the digital evidence. She questioned why Agent Penland had not requested full message threads rather than select excerpts. Penland responded that her job was to authenticate the submitted evidence, not to independently pursue additional texts. Additional texts introduced in court highlighted the involvement of Diddy’s staff in the aftermath of the 2016 hotel assault. Khorram was seen coordinating with hotel security to obtain footage, while D-Roc downplayed the severity of Ventura Fine’s injuries in a message to Diddy. Financial records presented showed lavish spending tied to hotel stays and services surrounding these events. Judge Arun Subramanian, overseeing the case, voiced concern over recent leaks of sealed material to the press. He demanded clarity from both legal teams about how the information may have reached tabloids, underscoring the importance of protecting the trial’s integrity. As the prosecution approaches its final days of testimony, the trial continues to raise complex questions around consent, power, and accountability within a high-profile circle. With both sides presenting sharply different narratives, the weight of the evidence and testimony will fall to the jury to interpret.

On Monday, June 16, jurors in the federal sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs were shown video footage for the first time—marking a significant turning point in the high-profile case. Until now, the courtroom had been dominated by audio recordings, still images, and hours of emotional testimony. But the introduction of graphic visual evidence brought the allegations into sharper focus. The footage, which prosecutors say depicts drug-fueled group sex encounters known as “freak offs,” had been referenced repeatedly throughout the trial. Witnesses described how assistants booked hotel rooms, sourced oils and lubricants, coordinated with escorts, and handled large cash payments. The videos themselves, however, were played only for the jury and essential courtroom staff, who listened through headphones. Defense attorneys were excluded from viewing the clips on their screens, a rare procedural move that underscored the sensitivity of the content. Testimony from Special Agent DeLeassa Penland accompanied the footage. She guided the jury through hotel receipts, flight logs, and text messages dating back to October 2012. At the center of those exchanges was Cassie Ventura, Diddy’s on-and-off partner between 2007 and 2018. According to Penland, Ventura used aliases—“Janet Clark” and “Frank Black”—to book hotel rooms for encounters involving male escorts. The location: Trump International Hotel in Manhattan. Juror Removed as Texts Tie Diddy’s Team to Drugs and Party Culture Earlier in the day, the court dismissed a juror for what Judge Valerie Caproni described as a “lack of candor.” The defense pressed for more clarity, concerned about the impact of the dismissal on the jury’s impartiality. An alternate has since taken that juror’s seat. Prosecutors also presented a series of charts compiled by paralegal specialist Ananya Sankar, mapping out years of text messages related to the case. The communications, many involving Diddy’s chief-of-staff Kristina Khorram, suggested her awareness of both the events and the substances tied to them. One 2016 message referenced drugs stashed in a car trunk. Another, sent shortly before Ventura filed her lawsuit in November 2023, showed a participant pulling away from the lifestyle: “I’m not doing anymore hard partying…no more ‘hotel nights’ and all that stuff.” Defense attorney Teny Geragos challenged the narrative, arguing the charts presented only a narrow slice of an eight-year timeline. “These are just select messages across eight years,” she told the court, urging jurors to consider context. In a separate revelation, prosecutors pointed to a February 2024 outreach Diddy made to a former assistant named Mia, who left his circle in 2017. While the government framed the contact as suspicious, the defense maintained it was simply an attempt to reconnect with someone from his past. Diddy, who has pleaded not guilty, faces five federal charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution. With more witnesses expected—among them Brendan Paul, a former assistant accused of acting as a “drug mule”—the court continues to weigh whether the evidence supports the government’s sweeping allegations or reflects the blurred lines of a celebrity lifestyle.