“I believe everybody deserves a defense,” Cohen told DJ Vlad. “I don’t believe everybody deserves a Brad Cohen defense.”

Cohen stopped short of making any judgment about D4vd’s guilt, stressing that he has not reviewed the evidence closely enough to reach conclusions about the prosecution’s case.

“The allegations are what the allegations are. I don’t know what the evidence is yet,” he explained. “I’ve come across cases where people were like, ‘Hey, this is a horrible case and here are the allegations.’ Then, all of a sudden, I get involved in the case and it’s like, the allegations don’t match what I actually know.”

This case has generated intense attention since D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, was charged in the killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors allege Burke killed Rivas Hernandez in 2025 before her remains were discovered months later inside a Tesla registered to him. He has pleaded not guilty. Cohen said he does not take allegations at face value, but that skepticism does not mean he is interested in taking every case that lands in the headlines.

Read More: Tupac, D4vd & Feeding The Conspiracies That Never Die

d4vd Is Now Represented By A Public Defender

The question of who will defend D4vd has become particularly relevant in recent weeks. The Los Angeles Times reported that his private attorneys withdrew from the case on August 31, leaving the Los Angeles County public defender’s office to take over his representation. DJ Vlad made his own preference clear during his conversation with Cohen, personally asking the attorney not to become D4vd’s next lawyer. The request drew laughs from both men.

“I don’t predict myself taking on the D4vd case,” Cohen replied.

Cohen has represented several high-profile artists, including Kodak Black, and has discussed his work involving Lil Wayne, Drake, and other celebrity clients during his latest VladTV interview series. He also previously worked on YNW Melly’s murder case before leaving that defense team after several months.

Read More: Trap Lore Ross Breaks Down In Tears While Describing Horrific D4vd-Celeste Rivas Details

The post Bradford Cohen Explains Why He’d Pass On D4vd’s Murder Case appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

“I also wanna be clear, whatever Ebro said is not the words that came out of my mouth,” Cudi wrote on X. “And that was the biggest issue. Thats what got me the most upset.” Cudi also pushed back against the impression that he had been privately sharing details about his relationship with Ye. “People want to know details about me and Ye, I get it, but im not runnin my mouth about personal things to strangers,” he continued. “Everything we spoke about was stuff the public already knows.”

The clarification adds another layer to Cudi’s initial criticism of Ebro. As we previously reported, Cudi said the two happened to be seated next to one another during a dinner and that he believed they were simply having a private conversation. After Ebro later discussed parts of the exchange on The Ebro, Laura & Rosenberg Show, Cudi called him “thirsty” and “classless” for turning it into public content.

Cudi Says The Damage Was Already Done

Ebro had told listeners that Cudi described publicly reconnecting with Ye as “tough,” while also discussing Cudi’s feelings toward his longtime collaborator. According to Complex, Ebro said Cudi emphasized that Ye remains his “brother” and someone he wants to love.

Cudi’s latest statement suggests his objection wasn’t simply that the conversation became public, but that Ebro’s retelling put words or phrasing on him that he doesn’t recognize as his own. However, the two men have already spoken privately since the dispute erupted. Cudi previously said Ebro offered a sincere apology, which he accepted, and declared that things were “all good.” Still, his follow-up made clear that resolving the disagreement did not erase his concern about what had already circulated.

“I squashed it w Ebro, but it seems the damage is done,” Cudi wrote. He added that moving forward, fans should take anything attributed to him “with a grain of salt” unless they hear it directly from him.

Read More: Kid Cudi Calls Ebro “Thirsty” Over Private Conversation, Then Accepts Apology

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The image features Karina of K-pop group aespa standing in an oversized white skirt while holding a pair of Converse sneakers at her side. A pointed section of light cuts across the white fabric, which critics compared to a KKK hood. Because Karina’s arm is largely obscured by shadow, the shoes hanging from her hand also appeared to some viewers like two feet suspended above the ground.

The reaction spread rapidly across social media, with users questioning how the image survived the layers of approval involved in a major advertising campaign. Actress Yvette Nicole Brown was among those responding publicly. TheGrio reported that Brown reposted the image on Threads and wrote, “That’s a lynching, yes?” before adding, “AND a Klan robe. Damn, Converse.”

The controversy also brought renewed attention to another Converse campaign image featuring shoes hanging from a tree. The Washington Post reported that users circulated the separate photo while arguing that it made the imagery in the Karina advertisement even more disturbing.

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Read More: Kodak Black Says He, Kendrick Lamar, And Kanye West Form The “KKK”

Converse Says It “Got This Wrong”

The mounting backlash prompted the sneaker company to apologize. Footwear News, via WWD, reported that it contacted Converse about the controversy and received a statement acknowledging the criticism.

“We’re sorry. We understand why this image is deeply upsetting and recognize that we got this wrong,” the company said. “We removed it from our channels and are working to remove it everywhere it appeared. This should not have happened, and we will do better.”

Converse had already started pulling the image from several platforms by Friday (Sept. 18). Further, Footwear News also reported that the image was still live on Converse’s Threads account when its story was published, despite the company saying it was working to remove the campaign everywhere it appeared.

Check out a few reactions to the Converse ad below.

The post Converse Apologizes After Ad Draws KKK & Lynching Comparisons appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

This marks the classic colorway’s first comeback since 2017. The black and blue design goes all the way back to 1985, making it one of the original Jordan 1 looks ever released. Only a few of the retros have followed since then.

Black leather covers most of the shoe, with royal blue hitting the toe, heel, and Swoosh. A white midsole and matching white detailing on the tongue round out the classic look. Nike Air branding sits on the tongue tag, keeping things true to the original build.

This version skips the ’85 cut some fans expected. Instead, it uses the newer High OG shape that’s shown up on other recent retros. The leaked footage gives an early look at texture and stitching before official images ever dropped.

Expect this one to draw plenty of attention once it hits shelves, especially from longtime collectors who missed the last release.

Read More: The New York Yankees Allegedly Made Lil Wayne Change Young Money Logo

Air Jordan 1 “Royal”

Unlike some Jordan 1 colorways that return every year or two, “Royal” has stayed rare by comparison. It’s only come back a few times since the original 1985 release, landing again in 2001, 2013, and 2017.

A suede “Reimagined” version also dropped in 2023, but that one split opinion among collectors. Many preferred the smooth leather build used on earlier releases, which is exactly what’s returning this time around.

That spacing is part of what makes “Royal” feel different from Jordan Brand’s usual retro cycle. Fans have waited nearly a decade for this specific leather version to come back.

Leaked unboxing videos ahead of a release has become more common in sneaker culture. It gives fans a preview of build quality and materials before retailers post anything official.

With its clean color-blocking and real ties to Jordan’s early career, this pair should land as one of the bigger Jordan 1 releases of the fall season.

Read More: CEO Grip Of CMG Passes Away, Hip-Hop Pays Tribute

The post Unboxing Video Leaks The Air Jordan 1 “Royal” Early appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

“[The door] was a gift… Before the Yankees sued me,” he joked. “I had a ‘YM.’ They thought it looked too much like the Yankees. They just sent cease and [desist]. I had to stop using it… I just changed my logo. They’re legends. I respected it. I felt more cooler getting a letter from the Yankees.”

It seems like the “Special Ops” lyricist took it in stride and wasn’t pressed about the Yankees scolding him over the logo. In case you have somehow never seen the logo in question, MyMixtapez shared it on Twitter. Even after the change, it remains an iconic visual element of hip-hop history from the Cash Money offshoot’s inception and their meteoric rise.

Read More: Lil Durk’s Racketeering Charges, Explained

Lil Wayne’s Yankees Threat

This New York Yankees situation is a bit unexpected and ironic because, usually, Lil Wayne’s sports fandom and moves operate outside of the MLB. Sadly for him, it’s not going too well in the NFL for his beloved Green Bay Packers.

After the Packers blew a game against the Minnesota Vikings, Tunechi went on a Twitter rant and claimed he was done with the league. But as any sports fan knows, one’s favorite team always lures them back in, so we doubt he’s fully renouncing his fandom.

“Refs in Minnesota game pure p***y,” Wayne ranted. “Fake af I can’t respect the game when the refs can’t ref the game. I’m out on the NFL this year. Wish for it to be an amazing season for all. My Dik too big for short comings and this sux.”

Maybe he should become a Yankees fan instead. Then, we can get a full merch collab line and this logo debacle can find a surprising reconciliation.

Read More: Jhené Aiko & Kendrick Lamar’s Collaborations, Revisited

The post The New York Yankees Allegedly Made Lil Wayne Change Young Money Logo appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Per TJB, an official cause of death hasn’t been publicly announced at press time, despite rumors circulating online. Also, Gotti and CMG haven’t issued a public statement on the matter as of writing this article. CEO Grip received tributes from many fans, admirers, peers, and loved ones who praised his legacy as a key fixture in the Memphis scene and a driving behind-the-scenes force behind CMG’s success.

Under Grip’s IG account’s last post at press time, many tributes flooded in from colleagues and friends tied to CMG and beyond. Moneybagg Yo, for example, posted a broken heart emoji, an open hands emoji, and a dove emoji in the comments section. YFN Lucci wrote “Damn big dawg” alongside various broken heart emojis and a dove emoji, whereas 42 Dugg posted three broken heart emojis and wrote, “damn big bra.”

The Jasmine Brand also shared Boosie Badazz’s social media video paying tribute to CEO Grip. “I want to say RIP to my n***a Grip, man,” Boosie remarked. “Me and Grip go way back, bro. Rest in peace, my n***a.”

Read More: Lil Durk’s Racketeering Charges, Explained

RIP CEO Grip

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Elsewhere on social media, fans and peers shared pictures, videos, and memories of CEO Grip to pay tribute to his memory and mourn his loss. CMG has sadly faced heartbreaking moments like these before, as have other hip-hop collectives and labels. It’s a sad time, and an unfortunate way through which those unaware of his impact have now learned about what he left behind.

We will see if more information comes out about the CMG affiliate’s passing, whether from the label itself, from family, or other official sources. During this mournful time, fans and peers are looking back at what he gave us with gratitude. The Memphis world and beyond will continue to honor his legacy.

Read More: Jhené Aiko & Kendrick Lamar’s Collaborations, Revisited

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The pieces date back to 2009 through 2011, right around the album’s release. That includes a gold pendant seen on the actual Take Care cover art. A gold chain, several diamond rings, and two bracelets round out the rest of the collection.

An OVO owl piece is also part of the set, tying directly into Drake’s longtime label branding. A luxury watch is included as well, adding even more value to the overall listing. Speaking of OVO, Authentic Brands Group has just acquired a 51% stake in Drake’s OVO brand, allowing Drake to control creative direction.

This isn’t the first Take Care era item to hit the resale market recently. A rare watch tied to the same album cover sold separately earlier this year for $500,000. Together, both listings show how much demand still exists for pieces connected to that specific project.

For fans who grew up on that album, it’s a rare chance to own something directly tied to one of Drake’s most defining eras.

Read More: Lil Durk Gets His Trial Delayed And Secures Bond Hearing In November

Drake’s Take Care Jewelry Auction

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Take Care remains one of the most respected albums of Drake’s career. Its influence still gets brought up over a decade after it first came out.

That kind of lasting impact helps explain why items from this specific era mean so much on the resale market. Collectors aren’t just buying jewelry. They’re buying a physical piece of an album that built his career.

Hip-hop memorabilia tied to iconic albums has become its own growing market. Watches, jewelry, and clothing worn during defining eras often hold value the same way rare sneakers do.

This auction adds to that trend, giving collectors another entry point into hip-hop history. Whether it sells at full price or not, it’s a reminder of how much importance these albums still carry and certainly how much money they can still generate.

Read More: Trey Songz’s Alleged Sexual Assault Victim Seeks Settlement Money

The post Drake’s ‘Take Care’ Jewelry Collection Is Going To Auction appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Per the scheduling order and notice @youvegtMEL posted, this bond hearing comes “at the request of counsel.” This also means prosecutors haven’t litigated the evidence they plan to use in the trial.

This could be good for the Chicago rapper if his legal team is able to secure bond ahead of the trial. Also, reports recently emerged that no motions had been filed yet in Lil Durk’s upcoming trial, which meant the doors for a dismissal or full-on delay were still open.

Now, this bond hearing could impact the rest of the trial as both sides plan to motion for dismissals on one hand and collect evidence on the other. While this means this process could be longer than expected, both supporters and detractors have reason to believe this could go either way.

Read More: Lil Durk’s Racketeering Charges, Explained

Lil Durk’s Bond Hearing

For those unaware, Lil Durk’s upcoming trial centers on accusations he helped finance and organize murder in aid of racketeering. The case references the 2022 murder-for-hire a jury already acquitted him of, as well as his alleged involvement in a 2019 Atlanta shooting and a 2022 Chicago murder.

Prosecutors allege The Voice gave whoever carried out these violent acts higher standings in his collective and other forms of compensation. Their intent is to paint him and his associates as being part of a criminal organization responsible for multiple incidents.

Durk pleaded not guilty to these allegations. Judge Fitzgerald severed these from the murder-for-hire case after prosecutors presented a sprawling superseding indictment against him.

Elsewhere, Lil Durk is keeping his head up, sharing messages with the youth and thankful words with his supporters and legal team. We will see what other updates emerge ahead of this November 4 bond hearing.

Read More: Jhené Aiko & Kendrick Lamar’s Collaborations, Revisited

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The alleged sexual assault victim wants the court to release a significant cut of the money the singer paid in the settlement. According to Jeffries and court documents, an escrow account under control of the court currently holds that settlement money, pending the resolution of a lien issue. She reportedly asked the court to release 55 percent of the total amount or all amounts above $69,950.52, which reportedly suggests the settlement has a value of at least the $70K ballpark.

Jauhara Jeffries reportedly said she needs the money promptly because the delay of the settlement money’s release is preventing her from attending matters in her life. While the court reportedly denied this request, a hearing on the matter will reportedly take place later this month.

Read More: Trey Songz’s Arrest History: A Decade Of Legal Trouble

Trey Songz Allegations

Jeffries’ 2021 lawsuit against Trey Songz claimed he allegedly put his fingers in her vagina non-consensually at a Florida nightclub in 2018. She alleged she was partying with him at Diddy’s house for a New Year’s Eve party and later went to the club with Songz and other girls on his invitation.

Despite the alleged incident, Jeffries reportedly claimed she got into Trey’s car later in the night and was kicked out when she refused to hand her phone over. He denied these allegations.

Trey Songz faced other legal trouble recently, such as a New York brawl case from almost two months ago that did not lead to any jail time. But he has also launched legal battles of his own regarding these run-ins with law enforcement.

The singer sued the Kansas City Police Department for allegedly wrongfully arresting him back in 2021. The court dropped the charges against him over this incident, which included resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer.

Read More: Lil Durk’s Racketeering Charges, Explained

The post Trey Songz’s Alleged Sexual Assault Victim Seeks Settlement Money appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Of course, we have heard various Hov retirement stories before, whether they are attached to this first LP, a project like The Black Album, or the long wait since 2017’s 4:44. So this reflection should come as no surprise. “Rappers were pulling up in turtle tops and minivans, and we was coming with 4Runners and Lexuses and Acuras. You want to do that? We already doing this? That seems like a step backwards,” he reportedly remarked.

But a more interesting caveat was how the Roc Nation mogul spoke about not liking the process of being an artist. He reportedly wanted to drop an album and dip immediately after, citing Russell Simmons as an example to follow. “I didn’t love being an artist… I didn’t like shooting videos. Didn’t like doing interviews. I didn’t like speaking,” Jay reportedly expressed.

Read More: Are Ye & Jay-Z’s Concerts Redemptions Or Ruses?

Jay-Z & Colin Kaepernick

In hindsight, we know his passion for writing contributed to him changing his mind, and the success kept on coming with it. It seems like the Brooklyn MC made both realities come true. He is just as much of a businessman these days as he is a lyricist, performer, and creative.

But Jay-Z’s marriages of business and music have been controversial. Recently, new remarks and insights from Colin Kaepernick (and Hov’s Yankee Stadium freestyle) have re-litigated the NFL Roc Nation debacle. These developments sparked renewed debates around whether or not Hov sold the culture out by partnering with a league who was blackballing one of their players for protesting systemic racial oppression in the United States.

With this and other controversies in mind (such as the Target deal backlash he also pushed back on during his Yankee Stadium freestyle), these reflections on his early career ambitions are, in a way, prophetic. But a larger question looms for die-hards and haters alike: Does Jay-Z like being an artist enough these days to step back into the studio album ring? Or are there only more billionaire business deals on the way?

Read More: Lil Durk’s Racketeering Charges, Explained

The post Jay-Z Says He Didn’t Like Being An Artist Despite “Reasonable Doubt’s” Success appeared first on HotNewHipHop.