Latest news with #VIBE
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Who Are The Potential Witnesses In Drake's Lawsuit Against UMG?
Drake's witness list in his active lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG) could be as stacked as his three-day performance at Wireless Festival 2025. Court documents have revealed every entity the Canadian rapper could potentially call to the stand in relation to his accusations that the music corporation purposely defamed him in its alleged promotion of Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us.' In the amended 'initial disclosure' document viewed by VIBE, more than 60 people or companies are listed by Drake and his legal team as those who may have testimony that support his claims. As noted in the filing, 'disclosures do not include persons whose testimony is likely to be used solely for impeachment, rebuttal, or expert witness testimony.' The full list named executives from Interscope, Jesse Collins of Roc Nation, Avery Lipman, PresidentRepublic Records, as well as the companies Amazon Music, the NFL, Apple Inc., Instagram, and various media outlets. Drake himself is also named as a potential witness in the landmark litigation. Also listed is Kojo Menne Asamoah, who is described as having knowledge of the Defendant's use of covert tactics to promote the defamatory material. An additional document filed included a motion to subpoena Asamoah as a 'relevant witness.' 'Based on the information available to Plaintiff today, Plaintiff believes that Mr. Asamoah possesses knowledge relating to UMG's use of covert tactics to promote the Defamatory Material, including because Plaintiff believes that Mr. Asamoah was involved in directing payments and/or financial incentives from UMG to third parties involved in online botting for the purpose of artificially inflating the streaming numbers of the Recording,' detailed the filing. 'Plaintiff believes that Mr. Asamoah engaged in this behavior through and/or in connection with his relationship with Ramon Alvarez-Smikle, the Executive Vice President and Head of Digital Marketing of UMG's Interscope Records. Mr. Alvarez-Smikle is listed as a witness on both Plaintiff's and UMG's initial disclosures.' In its initial disclosures, UMG has a shorter list of potential witnesses, with Kendrick Lamar named as 'likely to have discoverable information concerning the creation of the Recording, Image and Video, and the distribution and promotion of the Recording and Video.' Although named in the court documents, no person or company listed is guaranteed to be called to the witness stand if the case makes it to trial. '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,' shared a statement from representatives for the Certified Lover Boy earlier this month. '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.' More from Drake And Sexyy Red Throw Back Shots At 9 A.M. During "Wealth And Hellness" Retreat Top5 Stabbed At Drake Concert In London After Claiming There's "No Real Killers" In The UK City Beyoncé And Kendrick Lamar To Face-Off At 2025 Emmy Awards Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nessa Supports Nicki Minaj's Claims Of Foul Play At Roc Nation, Says They Undermined Kaepernick Protest
Nicki Minaj has been on a tirade this week, accusing Jay-Z and Roc Nation of launching smear campaigns against her. She now has some backup in the form of Nessa Diab, who claims the same thing happened to her partner and former NFL quarterback, Colin Kaepernick. '@NICKIMINAJ exposing the smear campaign tactics that Jay-Z, Roc Nation, Desiree Perez did to her behind the scenes, is VERY similar to what I was told they did to @Kaepernick7 when Jay purposely co-opted Colin's protest by siding with the NFL to help 'their image' after they blackballed Colin for his protest,' the Hot 97 host wrote on X Wednesday (July 16). The 44-year-old personality recounted how she called them all out several years ago, but received no public support. However, people would allegedly privately tell her that they agreed with her claims. 'Roc Nation apparently took $5 million a year over 5 years to bury the growing protest, AND specifically help them 'move beyond the controversy around teams' unwillingness to sign Kaepernick,' Diab added. 'Desiree even said 'We love that everybody wants to be on the stage, that we've completely changed the conversation to fighting for it versus boycotting. We've come a long way.' She got her pardon by Trump – no coincidence the NFL owners are his buddies and also donated millions to his campaign.' The mother of one closed her tweet by stating that she still does not watch the NFL nor any of the performances that happen within the league as she is '#stillwithkap #FOREVER.' VIBE has reached out to Roc Nation for comment. For the last two weeks, Minaj has been going hard on Hov and Roc Nation. She has left no stone unturned, calling out the Brooklyn rapper's paternity rumors, claiming he owes her $200 million from her equity in TIDAL, and making light of Megan Thee Stallion's sexual harassment lawsuit. More from Nicki Minaj Claims Drake Asked Her To Be On "Rich Baby Daddy" Before SZA SZA Claims Nicki Minaj "Asked For Features Twice To No Response" Nicki Minaj And SZA Have Heated Exchange Online: "Go Draw Your Freckles Back On"
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ye Fans Demand Refunds Following Chaotic Shanghai Concert, Member Of Rapper's Team Responds
Update: 6:00 p.m. PT (July 14, 2025) – One of Ye's musical directors reached out to VIBE regarding the Shanghai controversy and clarified what actually happened from an internal perspective. 'We put together a hell of a set and the show was incredible. [Ye] performed for almost 2 hours STRAIGHT in the RAIN only taking one water break, so he wouldn't pass out. Some of them production elements were first of its kind and have never been done before […] This is for sure going to be his comeback tour. Just need the world to be able to hear about it without the negativity,' the statement read. Read our original story below… Fans of Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, are demanding refunds after claiming the controversial rapper put on a chaotic show in Shanghai, China on Saturday (July 12). One reported attendee live-tweeted the entire ordeal and claimed Ye started the show over 45 minutes late. 'So I've been a fan of Kanye West since I was a teen. 'MBDTF' opened my ears to the sonics in music. Was hard to get tix for him in Shanghai but got it. Was hyped af. Couldn't even sleep night before. But. Worst concert I've ever been to. @kanyewest u can be better,' he tweeted with footage of the Chicago native performing 'Famous' into 'All Of The Lights.' The guest accused Ye of 'mostly lip synching' during the show and that 'his microphone must have been up less than 20% of the time.' During the encore, the rapper also allegedly 'disappeared for over 20 minutes at one point with tracks like 'Wolves' just played out with him nowhere in sight.' The tweet read, 'I could have just played your music at home man. Came to see u perform????' Ye reportedly 'stayed in the circle so nobody could actually see him closely even if you were vip' and 'wore a mask the entire show.' The guest claimed Ye 'kept stopping mid-songs' and seemed unhappy with the setlist. 'He kept complaining about the order of the songs and repeatedly started tracks and then asked to stop and come back to those later […] He seemed genuinely disengaged as if the show was some kind of contractual obligation. Only audience interaction was walking around and saying let me [hear] some noise,' the attendee tweeted. Other footage surfaced of guests demanding refunds. The initial tweeter concluded his rant by stating, '@kanyewest you should not tour. It's not for you. Stick to the studio. Drop surprise albums and be that guy. I'm the biggest supporter of (most of) your work. You waste people's time, excitement and money by pretending that you're a performer.' Following the show, Ye thanked his Chinese fans on X. 'Thank you to my fans in China and the Chinese government The energy was amazing Love all of you forever Can't wait till the next show,' said the father of four. He has upcoming shows in Slovakia from July 18 to 20 and in Korea on July 26. More from Pusha T Gets Candid About Fallout With Ye Ahead Of Clipse Album Release Ye Hit With New Sex Trafficking Allegations From Former Assistant Ye's Visa Canceled In Australia Over 'Heil Hitler' Song
Black America Web
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Royal Baddie Alert: Meet French Montana's Girlfriend, The Princess of Dubai
Rapper French Montana said he was a shot caller, and he's proving it by successfully shooting his shot with a real-life princess! As reported by VIBE, the Moroccan-American rapper has made headlines with his new romantic connection to Sheikha Mahra, the Princess of Dubai. The couple was recently spotted in Paris, exuding a 'new couple glow' as they held hands and enjoyed the city's romantic ambiance. Their public appearances coincided with Paris Fashion Week, where French Montana attended high-profile events. Sheikha Mahra, also known as Xtianna on Instagram, shared glimpses of their Parisian escapades on her social media. Her highlights included luxurious dinners, the iconic Eiffel Tower, and a symbolic love lock adorned with a red heart. While the lock's details were obscured, it hinted at their budding romance. This relationship marks a significant chapter for both. Sheikha Mahra, the daughter of UAE Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, recently divorced Sheikh Mana al Maktoum, with whom she shares a daughter, in 2024. French Montana, known for hits like 'Unforgettable,' has expressed a desire to keep his private life out of the spotlight, citing past experiences where media attention complicated relationships. Despite their public outings, the couple seems intent on maintaining a level of privacy. As they navigate their relationship, fans are eager to see how this unique love story unfolds. Check out some flicks of French's Royal Baddie below! Royal Baddie Alert: Meet French Montana's Girlfriend, The Princess of Dubai was originally published on
Business Standard
07-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
VIBE 2025 Set to Transform Industry-Specific AI Adoption in 48 Hours
NewsVoir Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 7: Upekkha, the India-US accelerator that has backed over 100 SaaS and AI startups, has announced VIBE 2025 (Vertical Intelligence & BEyond), the world's first summit dedicated exclusively to vertical AI. Scheduled for 10-11 July 2025 at The Leela Palace, Bengaluru, and co-hosted with SaaSBoomi, this two-day flagship event will showcase how AI can move from concept to real-world deployment within just 48 hours. "Walk in with a problem statement, walk out with a working AI pilot in 48 hours." This bold promise underpins VIBE 2025's mission -- to convert AI ambition into actionable outcomes. "AI hype is cheap. Outcomes are priceless. At VIBE, a banker, a healthcare firm, or a manufacturer can frame a real problem on Day 1 and see a functional AI first pilot in forty eight hours," said Prasanna Krishnamoorthy, Convener, VIBE & Partner, Upekkha. VIBE 2025 features VIBE Pilots, the world's first AI pilot festival. This 24-hour innovation sprint invites enterprise leaders to present live challenges from their strategic priorities. Pre-selected AI startups will build working prototypes to solve these challenges, with CXOs providing immediate feedback. From fraud detection in finance to inventory management in retail, these pilots are designed to lead directly to partnerships and deployments. "AI destroyed the junior developer market and built one of the fastest categories in history, from nothing to $1.6B in ARR in AI coding in under a year. It is coming for verticals next. We are bringing 200 startups and 100 CxOs to VIBE Summit to shape how to navigate this," said Thiyagarajan Maruthavanan, Convener, VIBE & Partner, Upekkha. VIBE 2025 will feature headline voices such as Shekhar Kirani (Accel) and Pratik Pal (Tata Group) on India's $50 billion AI opportunity, and Shankar Maruwada (EkStep, Aadhaar) on the country as the AI use-case capital. Leaders from Renault Nissan, ABB, Airbus, and Accenture will cover AI in manufacturing. Banking, consumer-tech, healthcare, and insurance insights will come from Muthoot, Ujjivan Bank, Citi, Tata Digital, Narayana Health, Dozee, HDFC Securities, HDFC Life, and MediAssist. The summit opens with a keynote and masterclass by Simon Wardley on navigating AI's platform shift, and closes Day 1 with Prof. Saras Sarasvathy urging enterprises and entrepreneurs to co-create in uncertainty. VIBE 2025 promises over 20 sessions featuring 50 speakers, with participation from 200 AI-native startups and more than 100 CXOs and investors. The event will include VIBE Pilots, sector-specific sessions across banking, insurance, manufacturing, health, energy, space, and consumer-tech, as well as the VIBE Awards, which will spotlight AI deployments already generating real revenue and impact. Closed-door CXO dinners and boardroom workshops will enable deep dives into data governance, regulation, and AI strategy. "Satya Nadella recently called India 'the AI use-case capital of the world.' VIBE 2025 turns that headline into a market by matching domain pain-points with AI talent and capital in real time. We don't need another 10-year transformation roadmap. We need an AI pilot that proves itself in 10 hours. VIBE is where we're making it happen," said Avinash Raghava, CEO, SaaSBoomi. Unlike traditional AI conferences that focus on horizontal Gen-AI trends with slide decks and vendor booths, VIBE 2025 will deliver live 24-hour build sprints with pre-matched startups and CXOs, producing ready-to-deploy pilots and curated enterprise-startup partnerships. The summit focuses on delivering vertical AI solutions tailored for specific industries. For agenda, tickets, and further information, visit The detailed schedule is available at Upekkha is an AI Accelerator for global Indian founders. The company partners with founders building next-generation AI software companies. Established in 2017, Upekkha has become a powerful force in reshaping the Indian startup ecosystem. SaaSBoomi is a community-led platform that brings together SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) founders, builders, and enthusiasts to share knowledge, collaborate, and accelerate the growth of SaaS businesses, primarily in India. Founded in 2015 as an informal network of SaaS founders eager to learn from one another, SaaSBoomi has grown into a vibrant community representing over 1,500 companies.
