Diddy is nearly unrecognizable after spending months in jail awaiting his sex trafficking trial. A recent court sketch from a hearing in New York showed the music mogul with completely grey hair, a scruffy grey beard, and a thinner appearance. Though cameras weren’t allowed during the proceeding, sketch artist Jane Rosenberg captured Diddy sitting beside his attorney, Marc Agnifilo, in noticeably different form than fans are used to. The court appearance came as Diddy tried, unsuccessfully, to delay his upcoming trial due to new charges being added to his case. The judge denied the motion, pushing the case forward despite the mounting developments. Neither Diddy nor his legal team has spoken publicly about his physical or mental state while being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. However, Diddy recently scored a small legal victory. A judge has granted him and his team access to some early drafts of a memoir written by his former girlfriend, Cassie. The book, which hasn’t been released, became a point of contention after Diddy subpoenaed Cassie, requesting all drafts, journals, emails, and communications related to the memoir. His team argues that the drafts may include inconsistencies that could help discredit parts of her story. While Cassie and her attorneys argued the documents were not relevant, Judge Arun Subramanian allowed Diddy access to the versions already held by prosecutors. However, the judge denied his request for more personal records, including Cassie’s diaries, emails, and bank statements. According to Diddy’s legal team, Cassie once told the mogul that she wrote a book about their relationship and allegedly offered to sell it to him for $30 million to stop its release. This claim has added yet another twist to the already high-profile case.

Ari Lennox is officially moving forward with her music career, and this time she’s doing it without J. Cole or Dreamville Records. TMZ Hip Hop has confirmed that Ari is no longer part of the Dreamville roster. She’ll now release music solely under Interscope Records, which is listed as the only label on her newest single. Despite the major change, sources say the split was friendly and drama-free. Earlier this year, Ari performed at the final Dreamville Festival hosted by J. Cole, where she thanked him and the team for giving her a chance back in 2015. That show now appears to have been her last performance as a Dreamville artist. It came after months of tension last fall, when Ari took to social media demanding her release. While the posts made headlines, it seems the situation was handled privately and without long-term fallout. Now, Ari is embracing a new direction with the release of her latest single, “Soft Girl Era.” The track features a soft, playful vibe and samples The New Birth’s 1972 song “You Are What I’m All About.” The same sample was once used in the iconic “Player’s Anthem” by The Notorious B.I.G. and Lil’ Kim, giving the track a nostalgic twist. Some fans have been vocal about missing the soulful style of her earlier work, especially the sound she introduced on Shea Butter Baby. However, Ari appears focused on exploring new creative territory. The sound may be different, but it reflects an artist who is growing, healing, and shifting into a new space. With Dreamville behind her and a fresh start ahead, Ari Lennox seems ready to define her own path in the music industry with Interscope.

Michelle Obama recently shared why she wasn’t in attendance for President Donald Trump’s second inauguration. During the latest episode of her IMO With Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson podcast, which she co-hosts with her brother, the Former First Lady detailed why she chose not to be a part of the festivities in conversation with Taraji P. Henson. “My decision to skip the inauguration — or my decision to make choices at the beginning of this year that suited me — were met with such ridicule and criticism,” Obama explained. “People couldn’t believe that I was saying no for any other reason. They had to assume that my marriage was falling apart.” “I’m here really trying to own my life and intentionally practice making the choice that was right for me, and it took everything in my power to not do the thing that ‘was right,’ or was perceived as right, but do the things that was right for me,” she added. Although she’s known as a fashionista, Obama said she couldn’t decide on the right outfit. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michelle Obama (@michelleobama) “It started with not having anything to wear,” she said. “I was like, ‘If I’m not going to do this thing, I got to tell my team, I don’t even want to have a dress ready,’ right? Because it’s so easy to just say ‘let me do the right thing.’” Obama also revealed that going to therapy allowed her to make decisions to put herself first. We made it through. We got out alive. I hope we made the country proud. My girls, thank God, are whole,” Obama said.”But what happened to me? And going through therapy is getting me to look at the fact that maybe, finally, I’m good enough.

Ye (formally known as Kanye West) expressed his growing unease about his bond with his children in a series of raw online outbursts, accusing Kim Kardashian of keeping them distant. His public plea, tinged with frustration and vulnerability, has reignited conversations around celebrity custody battles and the blurred lines between personal grievance and public spectacle. Ye articulated his frustrations by directly addressing prominent figures in the entertainment industry, including Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Rihanna, among others. He questioned their silence amidst his struggles, stating, “Why is the celebrity world standing by while Kim takes my kids from me? People say I’m acting out due to my childhood, but I’m being deprived of my role as a father.” With clear distress, Ye opened up about feeling cut off from the world, stating, “We are all in this together. It pains me to see my children being raised with ideals that don’t resonate with our heritage. Instead of stepping in, it feels like everyone is just a spectator, and I’m left to grapple with this reality alone.” Ye Confronts Custody Battles and Creative Clashes He further revealed the personal toll of his situation, mentioning, “I haven’t seen my son Saint this year.” The moment laid bare the emotional strain he’s been carrying, as Yeezy—clearly worn down—acknowledged just how deeply his past words have come back to haunt him. “I was informed by a Jewish lawyer that my antisemitic remarks would impact my ability to see my children. Unfortunately, he was correct.” Recently, Ye’s relationship with his children has come under renewed scrutiny, following an emergency custody hearing prompted by Kardashian’s unease over North’s well-being during a stay at his home. The situation has further unraveled amid West’s push to involve North in music projects—an effort Kardashian has firmly resisted, citing apprehensions about the creative environment and those within it. Ye hasn’t held back when it comes to criticizing Kardashian and her family, often using harsh language and raising concerns about their role in his children’s upbringing. His outbursts point to larger questions about co-parenting in the public eye, the toll of mental health struggles, and what it means for high-profile parents to show up responsibly.

Kid Cudi has listed his Calabasas estate for $8.5 million—an uptick from the $7.7 million he paid in 2021, signaling a quiet play for profit. Built in 2001, this opulent estate features six bedrooms and eight bathrooms, along with various upscale amenities. Residents can enjoy a private movie theater, a fully equipped gym complete with an adjoining bathroom, a cozy fire pit, a sports court, and a putting green. The backyard is designed for leisure and entertaining, showcasing a lagoon-style pool with a spa and scenic waterfalls. Earlier this month, Kid Cudi gained media attention for his involvement in Pharrell Williams’ digital auction, where he successfully sold a range of personal items for a remarkable total of $857,439. This auction, conducted by Joopiter, Pharrell’s auction house, highlighted an array of sought-after collectibles, including jewelry, apparel, sneakers, and artwork. Cudi’s Auction Blends Rarity, Legacy, and Luxury Among the notable items sold was a custom 14-karat N.E.R.D. pendant created by Jacob & Co., which fetched $243,750, significantly exceeding its estimated value, and a distinctive Ben Baller x Takashi Murakami x Kid Cudi chain that sold for $187,500. Additionally, a pair of coveted Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 Low sneakers, crafted by the late Virgil Abloh, commanded $82,500. Cudi also sold an eye-catching 18-karat gold chain resembling his likeness, embellished with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies, which received a bid of $43,750. Collectors had the opportunity to acquire a selection of vintage music T-shirts featuring legendary artists like Eminem, Michael Jackson, and Nirvana, further boosting the auction’s attractiveness. In an interview with GQ, Cudi provided insights into his auction experience, stating, “Joopiter has been wanting to do something with me for a while, so I recently reached out to the team and let them know I had some items I was ready to sell, things I’ve gathered throughout my career.” Reflecting on his treasured Michael Jackson T-shirt, he noted, “Anyone who goes vintage shopping in the best spots knows there are countless fantastic Michael Jackson shirts. If you’re a collector, you’re likely to have more than one. It’s quite rare to find them, as they tend to get snapped up quickly, so it took me a while to truly consider parting with this one.”

Ja Rule is an unquestioned legend in hip-hop. The Queens native holds the distinction of being one most successful artists of the 90s and 2000s. Launching his rap career in 1994 with the group Cash Money Click, Ja linked up with Irv Gotti, an up-and-coming producer and mogul at the time, who signed him to Def Jam Records. He made his first solo appearance on Mic Geronimo’s “Time to Build” in 1995, alongside future fellow icons, Jay-Z and DMX. In 1999, Ja released “Holla Holla,” his first hit from his platinum-selling album Venni Vetti Vecci, which was a sign of things to come. His sophomore project, Rule 3:36, debuted at the number of the US Billboard 200, selling more than 276,000 copies in its first week of release as the flagship artist of Murder Inc. Records. Eventually, the album went triple platinum. The smash hits on the album were “Between Me & You” featuring Christina Milian, “Put It on Me” featuring Vita and Lil Mo, and “I Cry” featuring Lil Mo. In 2001, Ja appeared on Jennifer Lopez’s “I’m Real (Murder Remix)”  which held the number one spot on the Billboard 100 for five consecutive weeks. Throughout the 2000s, Ja would release several more chart-topping songs such as  “Living It Up,” “Thug Lovin’,” “Always on Time,” and “Mesmerize,” making him a global superstar. Almost 30 years after his debut in the game, Ja is still in demand all over the world, playing sold-out concerts and festivals. A veteran of the Summer Jam stage, Ja played one of the biggest shows in the history of the event in 2001 and several other shows throughout the years. At Summer Jam 2025, “Ja and Friends” will honor the life and legacy of Irv Gotti, who passed away in February. To catch “Ja on Friends” on stage, make sure you get your tickets to Summer Jam 2025, which will be returning to Newark, New Jersey, at the Prudential Center on Friday, June 20.

Kevin Hart is set to make his return as host of the 25th annual BET Awards. Taking to Instagram, Hart shared his excitement about hosting the event for the second time. “Y’all thought I was done after the first time? Nah,” his post read. “I had to come back and do it BIGGER. It’s official — I’m hosting the 25th anniversary of the #BETAwards June 9th. Shoutout to @therealhartbeat for producing this announcement! “Back like he never left… @kevinhart4real is hosting the #BETAwards for the second time! This year, it’s a black tie affair — 25 years of legendary moments, and we’re turning it all the way up. Expect the laughs, the surprises, the energy… and a night the culture will never forget,” BET added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) “Let’s make history. Again. See y’all June 9th.” “When we asked folks who should host this year’s BET AWARDS online, in the streets, among other celebs and throughout social media, one name came back to us loud and clear: Kevin Hart,” said Stephen Hill, BET’s president of music programming and specials.  “He is blue flame right now and we are looking forward to working with him on the show,” stated Hill. “His energy, wit and the always fantastic performances will make for yet another must see event—and the ‘Chocolate Droppa’ might even get a verse in the show.” For nominees, Chris Brown leads everyone with 6 nominations across multiple categories and right behind him is Lil Wayne with 5 nominations in several categories.  Rounding out the list and tied with 4 nominations each are Kanye West, Rihanna and Drake.   Leading up to the show, the BET Experience to Los Angeles will feature multiple concerts, a Fan Fest, and many more events for the culture.  So far, performers include Buju Banton, The Roots, Lil’ Kim, Redman & Method Man, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Raekwon, Nick Cannon, and more across multiple venues and stages, with more announcements to come.

Stephen A. Smith was uncomfortable with Shannon Sharpe leaking texts from the woman who accused him of sexual assault and rape. On the most recent episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, he shared his thoughts about the tenuous situation facing his fellow “First Take” co-host.  “They revealed some of those explicit text messages. That was uncomfortable,” Smith said. “I don’t know if that’s a strategy that would work.”  “One of the hardest things in the world for all of us to do is to just lay low and be quiet and let our legal team do it,” Smith added. Elsewhere in the episode, Smith noted that Sharpe vehemently denied all the charges levied against him. “I can tell you all that I spoke to Shanon and he emphatically proclaims his innocence,” explained Smith.  On Monday (April 22), Sharpe was hit with a $50 million lawsuit and accused of sexual assault. According to the suit, Sharpe was accused of committing assault, sexual assault, battery, and sexual battery, and engaged in the intentional infliction of emotional distress in what is described as a “rocky consensual relationship” that went on with a woman for almost two years.  Addressing allegations for the first time, Sharpe also released a video statement on Tuesday (April 22) about the lawsuit. pic.twitter.com/Tm1vbA3xPn — shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) April 22, 2025 “I’m gonna be open, transparent, and defend myself because this isn’t right,” Sharpe said. “This is all being orchestrated by Tony Buzbee, who has targeted Jay-Z. Tony Buzbee targets Black men, and I believe he is going to release a 30-second clip of a sex tape that tries to make me look guilty and plays into every stereotype you could possibly imagine.” “You know what happened, but you’re trying to manipulate the media,” Sharpe added. “The encounter in question took place during the day at her invitation, and now that appears to be a deliberate setup coordinated by Gabby, also known as Carly on OnlyFans. Gabby and Tony Buzbee want $50 million. What they’re getting is sued for defamation and trying to take me down.”

Roddy Ricch’s Easter post didn’t go unnoticed, but it was the absence of one of his children that stirred up controversy. The rapper shared photos of himself spending the holiday with his daughter, reportedly named Navy. This marked the first time fans had ever seen her, and many were caught off guard. The identity of Navy’s mother has not been confirmed, and some fans believe Roddy may address it in his upcoming release, The Navy Album. While some were reacting to the new addition, others questioned why his son Kadence, who he shares with ex Alexandra Kiser, was not in the pictures. Alexandra was quick to call Roddy out on social media, accusing him of leaving Kadence out of the holiday celebration and not doing enough for his birthday. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) Roddy had already responded to the criticism on his own Instagram Story. When fans asked why his son was missing, he explained that Kadence has autism and that the bright lights and attention of social media can be overwhelming for him. He wrote, “YES, I THREW MY SON A BIRTHDAY PARTY WITH MY ENTIRE FAMILY PRESENT. NO, I DID NOT SHARE THE MOMENT ONLINE BECAUSE IT WAS ALSO THE SECOND TIME MY KIDS WERE IN THE SAME SETTING.” He continued, “YES, I PROVIDE FOR BOTH OF MY KIDS. NO, I DO NOT GIVE A F*CK IF YOU BELIEVE IT. NO, I DO NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT MY RESPONSIBILITIES. YES, I AM TIRED OF THIS SITUATION. HAPPY EASTER!” Alexandra dismissed his explanation. She claimed he barely celebrated their son’s birthday and only skipped posting because Kadence didn’t pose the way he wanted. Their strained co-parenting relationship may surface again when Roddy’s next album drops, possibly on July 18th.

Lil Durk is trying to get his murder-for-hire case dismissed, claiming prosecutors gave the grand jury false information about his song lyrics. Prosecutors accuse the rapper, whose real name is Durk Banks, of planning a 2022 shooting that targeted Quando Rondo. Prosecutors say it was retaliation for the death of King Von, Durk’s close friend and collaborator. Durk’s legal team says prosecutors pointed to the lyrics of “Wonderful Wayne & Jackie Boy,” a song by Babyface Ray featuring Durk, as proof of involvement. However, the defense argues that Durk wrote the song long before the shooting happened. In a recent court filing, his lawyers argued that prosecutors either knowingly or recklessly presented inaccurate details. “The government’s misrepresentation in the Superseding Indictment… undermines the integrity of the grand jury’s true bill against Mr. Banks,” they wrote. In a separate motion, Durk’s attorneys asked the judge to reconsider his release from jail. They argue that prosecutors are using fan-made content against him, including a video on social media that combined Quando Rondo’s voice with Durk’s lyrics. Durk has no connection to the people who created or shared that footage. His team slammed the evidence as misleading and argued that prosecutors are unfairly linking the rapper to content he didn’t create or approve. Durk has been in jail since October and was previously denied bail. His team offered a package worth around $3 million. But the court sided with prosecutors. They cited a pattern of “criminal behavior” and claimed Durk broke jail rules by making unauthorized phone calls. The trial is scheduled for October 14, 2025. Prosecutors are still reviewing massive amounts of evidence, including digital files, witness statements, and surveillance videos. Durk has denied the accusations. He maintains his innocence. He insists there is no solid proof connecting him to the shooting that killed Quando Rondo’s cousin, Lul Pab.