Latest news with #Hip-Hop
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
JAY-Z Shuts Down Paternity Claims, Calls Rymir Satterthwaite's Allegations 'Fabricated'
In newly filed court documents obtained by Us Weekly, JAY-Z is asking a federal judge to step in and shut down a lawsuit filed by 31-year-old Rymir Satterthwaite, who continues to allege that the Hip-Hop mogul is his biological father. Satterthwaite, who filed the latest complaint in May, accuses Jay of knowingly avoiding a paternity test and using his celebrity status to silence him. The lawsuit also alleges fraud, manipulation of the legal system, and a pattern of intimidation — claims JAY-Z's legal team flatly denies. In response, the Roc Nation founder — born Shawn Carter — called the lawsuit the latest chapter in what he describes as a 'decades-long harassment campaign' carried out by Satterthwaite. His lawyers noted that similar allegations have already been 'addressed and rejected' by multiple courts and that continued efforts to push the narrative have resulted in contempt orders. JAY-Z also told the court he only learned of the latest filing on June 3 and requested additional time to formally respond. His legal team claims an attempt to contact Satterthwaite's guardian to coordinate was met with hostility, stating that the phone call ended with her hanging up. Satterthwaite's lawsuit outlines claims that his late mother, Wanda Satterthwaite, had a relationship with JAY-Z in the 1990s. He says the rapper has gone to great lengths to avoid acknowledging his alleged paternity, including allegedly refusing DNA testing and pressuring the courts. Satterthwaite claims the years-long legal battle has caused him emotional distress, public embarrassment, and even health complications. The Philly native also alleges a violent threat against him in the form of a car shooting — an incident he believes was a message intended to silence him. Despite the serious nature of his allegations, he says he's not seeking back child support but rather damages for the toll the situation has taken on his life. The 55-year-old icon has remained largely silent on the matter over the years, though his legal team maintains there is no truth to Satterthwaite's claims. The judge has not yet ruled on the latest filing. More from Who Is Rymir Satterthwaite? An Explainer Of JAY-Z's Alleged Son JAY-Z Performs On Cowboy Carter Tour Days After Nicki Minaj Call Out, Paternity Lawsuit Drama Nicki Minaj Says JAY-Z Owes Her $200 Million From Her Equity In Tidal Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Drake's Claim That UK Rappers Are Superior Lyricists Should Be Taken With A Grain Of Salt
Drake stirred the transatlantic rap pot with a declaration that's already causing waves this past weekend, as the Canadian claimed that U.K. rappers are the best in the world, including his American rivals. On Saturday night (July 12), during the second night of his headlining performance at the Wireless Festival, the 38-year-old made the bold assertion while bringing out British rap legend Skepta to grace the stage. 'No disrespect to America, but nobody in the world can out‑rap London rappers,' Drake said, eliciting a raucous response from the crowd, as well as chagrin and dismissal from Hip-Hop fans in the U.S. and beyond. This statement, delivered to a roaring U.K. crowd, follows closely on the heels of Skepta's latest single, 'Friendly Fire,' on Friday (July 11), in which the grime legend takes shots at the likes of A$AP Rocky and Joyner Lucas. The record arrived days after Skepta issued a challenge for the top American rappers to go against the best from the U.K. 'I wanna clash an American rapper anyway, finally get this US/UK rap debate sorted,' the rapper said in response to doubts regarding U.K. rappers' lyrical ability in comparison to their stateside counterparts. Drake's public alignment with the U.K. camp, especially after his well-documented tensions with A$AP Rocky — the same rapper Skepta has openly challenged to a battle — seems deliberate. Many fans deemed Drake's take as sour grapes from rivalries with Kendrick Lamar and others. However, the move is further underscored by Drake's ever-strengthening ties to the British rap scene. His Wireless sets included appearances from U.K. heavyweights like Skepta, Dave, and Central Cee, with whom Drake has cultivated a brotherly rapport in recent years. Despite featuring a star-studded international lineup that included Lauryn Hill, Sexyy Red, 21 Savage, Yeat, Latto, Bryson Tiller, Giveon, and even Vanessa Carlton, it was the London energy that Drake seemed most inspired by. His statement wasn't just a casual compliment — it was a direct endorsement of a scene he's openly championed in recent years. Whether a genuine belief or a strategic alliance, Drake's claim places him firmly in the heart of a cultural tug-of-war. And with Skepta ready to settle the score in the booth, the U.S./U.K. rap rivalry might just be heading toward its most lyrical chapter yet. More from Drake And His Fans Have A "F**k Kendrick" Moment At Wireless Festival Rihanna, ASAP Rocky, And Children Attend Her Father's Funeral In Barbados Leon Thomas, BigXThaPlug, Popcaan, And More To Join Drake At 2025 Wireless Festival In London
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Sentencing Date Set For Fall
A sentencing date has been set for Sean 'Diddy' Combs following his federal conviction. According to CNN, the 55-year-old will learn his fate on Oct. 3, 2025, after being found guilty on two federal counts of transporting women across state lines for the purpose of prostitution. The decision, made on Tuesday (July 8), came after Combs' legal team requested an expedited hearing process from Judge Arun Subramanian, asking for a September date, the aforementioned date before coming to an agreement. Combs faces up to 10 years in prison on each count. As reported by Rolling Stone, his defense team is reportedly pushing for the minimum sentence of 21 to 27 months behind bars. The prosecution, however, said the sentencing guidelines called for 51 to 63 months imprisonment, and noted it would likely be seeking an even longer sentence. Judge Subramanian has previously noted that the time Combs has already spent in behind bars will count towards his final sentence. The Harlem native has been jailed since his initial arrest in September 2024. Judge Subramanian denied the defense team's request for the Hip-Hop producer to be released on bail until sentencing. 'It is impossible for the defendant to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he poses no danger,' relayed Judge Subramanian, per The Guardian. 'At trial, the defense conceded the defendant's violence in personal relationships, saying 'it happened' in relation to Cassie Ventura and Jane,' he continued. 'This highlights a disregard for the rule of law and a propensity of violence.' After the Bad Boy Records founder was found guilty of the lesser charges and acquitted of the more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges, many celebrated the news. Celebrities, including Tiny Harris and Boosie Badazz, made exclamations on social media, while some fans gathered outside the courthouse, spraying baby oil. 'I feel incredible. I feel good,' shared Sean Combs' mother, Janice Combs, after the verdict. 'First thing I'm gonna do is hug my Pops,' added the Grammy winner's son, Christian Combs. 'We were hopeful, but you never know,' continued Justin Combs. 'I am so happy.' More from D.L. Hughley Slams "Morally Bankrupt" People Celebrating Diddy Verdict Cassie's Lawyer Issues Statement Amid Sean "Diddy" Combs Verdict Sean "Diddy" Combs Sex Trafficking Trial: Jury Deliberation Begins
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Drake-UMG Court Hearing Dives Into Context And Success Of Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us'
In the court of public opinion, Drake is viewed as disrespecting the essence of Hip-Hop by suing Universal Music Group for defamation by publishing and promoting Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us.' In an actual court hearing this past week, the judge examined both sides' arguments, which yielded a few humorous moments. UMG is looking to get the case dismissed, which prompted the hearing between the Toronto rapper's legal team and the label's representatives on Monday (June 30). Drizzy's side called the content slanderous and claims the massive promotional efforts, including the Super Bowl, were intentionally done to lower his value and assassinate his character. UMG argues that the song was hyperbolic, much like many diss songs throughout Hip-Hop history. At one point in the hearing, they were discussing the 'Certified pedophile' line. UMG's lawyer, Rollin Ransom, reduced it to a play on the 6 God's 2021 album title Certified Lover Boy, and Judge Jeannette Vargas asked if the average listener would understand the wordplay or simply see it as an accusation. UMG's side admitted that the context had to do with rumors of the multi-time Grammy winner having inappropriate relationships with underage women. Michael Gottlieb, Drake's lawyer, brought up how UMG made the record 'more culturally ubiquitous than any other,' citing its 9 billion streams and the fact that it has played at bar mitzvahs. Judge Vargas called any bar mitzvah that would play the song 'interesting,' causing people in the courtroom to laugh. Gottlieb also mentioned how the 'Not Like Us' cover art was an image of the father of one's home with sex offender location tags. Judge Vargas countered by bringing up how Drake suggested that Lamar's kids were not his. As for botting, Gottlieb alleged that 10% of the streams for 'Not Like Us' are false, citing a popular podcaster who accused them of using bots. He also mentioned their other alleged efforts to increase the visibility of the song, such as whitelisting, tampered search results, and payola. Judge Vargas was curious about how botting can be damaging, to which Gottlieb said that every other artist on the platform is 'injured' in the form of lower compensation. A spokesperson for Drake shared the following statement with VIBE following the hearing. 'UMG is desperate to see this case not move forward because the company can't hide its misconduct in a courtroom the way it does in the boardroom,' they wrote. 'Soon, in addition to facing concerned regulators and investors, the leadership of music's most powerful label will have to answer for the damage it has caused to every artist that has been silenced, exploited, endangered or discarded.' K. Dot's 'Not Like Us' remained on the Hot 100 for over a full year, won him five GRAMMYs at this year's show, and was performed at the Super Bowl. In one of the most viral moments, he looked directly into the camera and grinned when rapping the 'Say Drake, I hear you like 'em young' line. More from Drake Has The Most Songs On Apple Music's 10th Anniversary Chart Kendrick Lamar's 'GNX' Makes History As Longest-Running No. 1 Album On Billboard Top Rap Albums Chart Chris Brown Labels T-Pain "One Of The Goats" In "Random" Social Media Post
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kendrick Lamar's Music To Be Studied In New Course At Temple University
Temple University is set to offer an in-depth exploration of Kendrick Lamar's music and legacy in a new course launching Fall 2025. Titled 'Kendrick Lamar and the Morale of M.A.A.D City,' the class will be taught by Timothy Welbeck, Assistant Professor in the Department of Africology and African American Studies. A lawyer, scholar, and Hip-Hop artist in his own right, Welbeck brings a multifaceted perspective to the curriculum, which aims to examine the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper's impact on Black culture, identity, and resistance. 'Kendrick Lamar is one of the leading voices of his generation, with a keen ability to articulate various dynamics of Black life and the quest for self-actualization — particularly capturing narratives of marginalization and the resilience to rise above it,' Welbeck shared on Instagram. According to WHYY, the course will 'take an Africalogical approach, examining Lamar's life through an Afrocentric lens. It will explore the socioeconomic and cultural conditions of his hometown, Compton, California, and the urban policies that shaped the stories in his music.' This isn't Welbeck's first time teaching Hip-Hop at the university level. He previously helmed the course 'Hip-hop and Black Culture' at Temple, and his work continues a growing academic tradition of studying Lamar's artistry. Similar courses have been taught at prestigious institutions such as Georgia Regents University, where his album To Pimp a Butterfly was dissected in a sociology class, and Harvard University, which included Lamar's work in its 'Hip-Hop Archive & Research Institute.' The announcement comes as Lamar continues his Grand National Tour alongside SZA, following the explosive momentum of his recent chart-topping single 'Not Like Us' and acclaimed GNX album See Timothy Welbeck's Instagram post below. More from Taylor Rooks Addresses If She's The Mystery Woman Drake Mentioned On His New Song Skepta Challenges A$AP Rocky To Rap Battle In U.K. Versus U.S.A. Hip-Hop Clash Drake-UMG Court Hearing Dives Into Context And Success Of Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us"
