Of course, this footage led to a great deal of speculation about how it was obtained. It was rumored to be thanks to a “fee dispute or contract issue,” but now, Diddy’s personal videographer Michael Oberlies has set the record straight. According to him, it all started when he went out of town.

“For over two years, we have been working on a project profiling Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs,” he told Rolling Stone. “The footage in question was not released by me or anyone authorized to handle Sean Combs’ materials; it was by a third party who covered for me for three days while I was out of state. This incident had nothing to do with any fee dispute or contract issue. The actions of the parties involved reflect the lack of integrity every storyteller should uphold. Taking footage intended for our project to advance a narrative that was not our own is both unethical and unacceptable.”

Read More: 50 Cent Enjoys Best Career Streaming Day On Spotify Thanks To His Diddy Docuseries

What Did Diddy Say About Sean Combs: The Reckoning?

Following the release of the doc, Diddy’s team issued a statement, making their disapproval apparent.

“Netflix’s so-called ‘documentary’ is a shameful hit piece,” it read in part. “Today’s GMA teaser confirms that Netflix relied on stolen footage that was never authorized for release. As Netflix and CEO Ted Sarandos know, Mr. Combs has been amassing footage since he was 19 to tell his own story, in his own way. It is fundamentally unfair, and illegal, for Netflix to misappropriate that work.”

Netflix later denied these allegations in a statement of its own, insisting the footage was obtained legally.

Read More: 50 Cent Promises New Details Of Diddy’s Child With 2Pac’s Ex, Never-Before-Seen Footage

The post Diddy’s Videographer Reveals How 50 Cent & Netflix Got Unseen Footage For Docuseries appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Real estate expert Eddie Martini told the outlet that Ye likely took this route due to his mounting financial woes. “If you have good books and credit – that means you can document sufficient income and assets and have a good history of borrowing and paying back creditors – then there is no reason or advantage to go outside of traditional lending channels,” he explained. “People typically only seek alternative financing because they can’t qualify for traditional financing.”

This isn’t the first time fans have heard of Ye’s money troubles, either.

Read More: Kanye West & Bianca Censori Make Surprise South Korea Visit

Kanye West Net Worth

In 2021, the Yeezy founder bought a mansion in Malibu for $57.3 million following his divorce from Kim Kardashian. He gutted the place almost immediately with the intention of making it his own, but that didn’t pan out. He listed it for sale in 2024, and it was purchased by Steven “Bo” Belmont for $21 million, marking a $36 million loss. It’s since become a luxury timeshare.

Last month, it was also reported that Ye owes back taxes on his childhood home. He grew up in the South Shore home with his mother Donda, who passed away in 2007. Rhymefest bought the property in 2016, and in 2018, Ye bought it from him. Reportedly, Ye owes Cook County, Illinois just over $1500 in unpaid property taxes.

Earlier this year, Eton Venture Services reported that Ye’s net worth was a whopping $2.77 billion. That number is based on his music portfolio and his sole ownership of the YEEZY brand.

Read More: Why Adidas Just Won Its Kanye West Lawsuit In Federal Court

The post Kanye West Forced To Rely On Unconventional Lender For $3.5M Yeezy HQ Loan appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

For his second of two shows in Sydney, Kendrick Lamar brought out one of his closest collaborators in ScHoolboy Q. He and Doechii were the supporting acts for the handful of performances in The Land Down Under.

But not only was Q a terrific side act, he also was brought out by his former TDE label mate for a nostalgic rendition of “Collard Greens.” The 2013 smash single was one that helped solidify the BLUE LIPS creator as a star, so it was only right to show the song its proper respect.

In the clip from gothamhiphop, you can see the packed arena bouncing up and down for the equally exuberant track. While it was the only joint track they performed, according to Setlist FM, it was still cool to see them reconnect at the time they did.

Read More: The 30 Best Rap Songs Of 2025

Did Kendrick Lamar’s Tour Break A Record?

In a way, this very moment sort of encapsulates what the Grand National Tour was all about. Fulfillment. Not only was it a celebrated production no matter where Kendrick took it, but it also brought him a lot of success.

That especially is true from a financial perspective. It stands alone as the highest grossing hip-hop tour ever. As of November, it’s made $332.1 million. That shatters the previous total ironically held by Drake with It’s All A Blur. That brought in a still unfathomable $321 million.

Back when that report about Kendrick’s run came out, 34 of the 47 shows were reported. Now that the entire tour is complete, we are eager to see how much more that total increases by. K. Dot also broke the record for the highest grossing show in hip-hop history, tallying $9.124 million.

Read More: Diddy Documentaries To Revisit After Watching “The Reckoning”

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The video is set to LL Cool J’s 1990 hit, “Mama Said Knock You Out.” At the time of writing, the rapper has not publicly addressed the use of his song in the video. Other artists, including Olivia Rodrigo, Jack White, Céline Dion, Bruce Springsteen, Linkin Park, and more, have previously spoken out against their music being used in political messaging without permission.

Just this week, SZA took to Twitter/X to call out the White House for using her Saturday Night Live song “Big Boys” in a pro-ICE post. She weighed in after Top Dawg Entertainment president Terrence “Punch” Henderson expressed his disapproval.

Read More: LL Cool J To Serve As Host Of 2025 MTV VMAs

SZA Responds To The White House

“Trying to provoke artist to respond in order to help spread propaganda and political agendas is nasty business. Knock it off,” he wrote. SZA added, “White House rage baiting artists for free promo is PEAK DARK ..inhumanity +shock and aw tactics ..Evil n Boring.”

In response, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson thanked the Grammy-winner. “Thank you, SZA, for drawing even more attention to the tremendous work America’s ICE officers are doing by arresting dangerous criminal illegal aliens from American communities,” she said.

Earlier this month, Sabrina Carpenter also slammed the White House for using her song “Juno” in a video featuring footage of ICE raids. “This video is evil and disgusting,” she declared at the time. “Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.” The White House posted yet another video in response, this time featuring a manipulated clip of Carpenter on Saturday Night Live, which made her appear to be calling cast member Marcello Hernández “illegal.”

Read More: LL Cool J Reaffirms He Created The Hip-Hop Acronym “G.O.A.T” During Late-Night Conversation With Seth Meyers

The post Trump Administration Uses LL Cool J Hit Over Footage Of Alleged Drug Boat Strike appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t exclusive to him, though. It’s happening to a plethora of big-time performers. Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Billie Eilish are in the top three for most impersonated artists online. Drake placed tenth on the list.

Per Spikerz, the social media security company who released all of this information, reveals what these accounts are promising fans. Fake tickets, merch, VIP experiences, and meet-and-greets barely begin to scratch the surface of what they are weaponizing.

Additionally, they share that one in five concert tickets sold over social media was fake or part of a phishing attack. Tallying up all of those counterfeit items have cost fans an alarming $5.3 billion this year.

This epidemic hitting the music industry is being carried out in part through artificial intelligence to mimic artists’ voices (like Drake’s). Overall, it makes it nearly impossible for the fans of these musicians to detect what’s real and what’s not.

Read More: The 10 Best Sneaker Collabs Of 2025

Drake Named In Spotify Botting Lawsuit

Scott Cohen, The Orchard co-founder and advisor for Spikerz, is pro artist and speaks to how a safer social media climate is paramount so that fans and the talents themselves can communicate with one another.

“Social platforms have become the most important connection point between artists and their audiences, and therefore, the most vulnerable. If we want artists to innovate and experiment, we have to give them digital environments where they’re not constantly under attack.”

The Spikerz report carries that same sentiment. “When fans are duped by a fake account into buying non-existent merch, tickets, or experiences, the artist not only loses revenue, but suffers a blow to reputation that undermines future sales and engagement. The resulting brand damage can reduce the value of sponsorships, collaborations, and label partnerships.”

That message carries a lot of weight for Drake especially seeing as that he was mentioned in a recent Spotify lawsuit.

While he’s not a target, the federal class-action filing does put into question how much of his streams are real.

Read More: “Sean Combs: The Reckoning” Exposes Diddy’s Empire Of Influence & Abuse: Review

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The Grammy-winning songstress was quick to weigh in on the use of her song, and she didn’t let it slide. She replied to a tweet from TDE boss Terrence “Punch” Henderson, who also made it clear that he didn’t approve. “Trying to provoke artist to respond in order to help spread propaganda and political agendas is nasty business. Knock it off,” he wrote.

“White House rage baiting artists for free promo is PEAK DARK ..inhumanity +shock and aw tactics ..Evil n Boring,” SZA added. As her post gained traction, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson issued a response.

Read More: SZA, Doechii, & More Headline 12th Annual TDE Holiday Charity Event

Sabrina Carpenter White House Dispute

“Thank you, SZA, for drawing even more attention to the tremendous work America’s ICE officers are doing by arresting dangerous criminal illegal aliens from American communities,” Jackson said. Artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Jack White, Céline Dion, Bruce Springsteen, Linkin Park, R.E.M., Neil Young, and more have previously disapproved of their music being used in political messaging without permission.

Earlier this month, Sabrina Carpenter responded to a video posted by the White House featuring her song “Juno.” It also included footage of ICE raids. “This video is evil and disgusting,” she wrote. “Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.”

News of SZA’s response to the White House comes just a few weeks after it was reported that her “Grand National” tour with Kendrick Lamar broke an impressive record and has become the highest-grossing hip hop tour of all time. The two performers managed to rake in more than a whopping $332.1 million so far, and there are still multiple shows left.

Read More: Drake Left Off Spotify’s Top Albums List As Kendrick Lamar & SZA Dominate

The post SZA Calls Out White House For Using Her Song In Pro-ICE Post appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

“Damn .. yall n****s really miss Drake… I’ll let him kno,” he began last night (Dec. 10). In a separate post he wrote, “All the haters done change their tune .. maybe yall were right all he needed to do was to fall back n let yall realize ain’t sh*t popping out here without hm and now yall all remember the glory days huh…”

Akademiks signed off with a short be promising message: “[ice emoji] so soon.”

While it’s not a release date nor an album cover reveal, it’s good to know that Drake and those in his inner circle are keeping fans ready. After all, it’s been over two years since his last solo album which is For All The Dogs.

That project and most of his others in the last few years, haven’t left much to be desired. But given that he’s coming off a big loss, maybe we will hear the most focused version of him since the mid-2010s.

Read More: Diddy Sold Us The Mogul Myth

What Do We Know About Drake’s ICEMAN?

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Although, it is worth noting that the potential lead singles to ICEMAN have come and gone. “What Did I Miss?” was a pretty mild cut with more “meh” commentary on the aftermath of the Kendrick Lamar battle.

His joint with Central Cee, “Which One,” didn’t do much to build that much excitement. Lastly, his blending of genres on “DOG HOUSE” with Julia Wolf and Yeat was all over the place, but not in an interesting way.

We have received some snippets since then, including one earlier this month. But for most, Drake still has to show that he’s still got it. It feels like people say this a lot when it comes to his albums, but this could be his most important one yet.

He will more than likely do numbers and get approval from his staunch defenders. But whether or not the rap community will mess with it is an entirely different story. You especially have to consider that his lawsuit and loss to UMG has hurt his reputation.

So, it’s safe to say that the hip-hop world is watching.

December 12 could in fact be the day, though. A collaborative merch drop with Marvel and OVO is dropping then. Drake’s album title does partially refer to Marvel character of the same name, who’s “real” name is Robert Louis “Bobby” Drake.

Read More: Everyone Who Discusses Diddy In New Netflix Documentary

The post DJ Akademiks Hints That Drake May Be Dropping “ICEMAN” Soon appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The former NBA superstar has also taken some criticism for his personal life. Whether it be failed relationships or public comments about regrets, everyone seems to have an opinion. With that being said, whenever Shaq is photographed with a woman, you can be sure that someone is going to turn it into a big deal.

That is exactly what happened as Shaq was seen in a photo with business woman Monique Martin. The photo was eventually picked up by the blog, The4thQuarterTV, who reposted the image with the caption, “Shaq surprised another man’s wife with a visit, and her reaction was: My favorite guy is back in town!”

The insinuation here was pretty clear, and Shaq did not take too kindly to the comments, especially considering his friendly relationship with Martin.

Read More: The 40 Best Rap Albums Of 2025

Shaq Responds to The4thQuarterTV

According to The New York Post, this led to a swift response from the Hall of Famer, saying “Yes my boys wife. I can tell yall site is broke and need money nice try this is the reason yall always gonna b a broke blog. Thanks for making me more money though #dummies.”

While this is certainly a harsh response, it is one that Shaq probably sees as justified. After all, he is friend’s with the woman’s husband, and having lies insinuated can be extremely damaging.

It also just goes to show that the life of a famous person can oftentimes be exhausting. Everything you do is being watched and judged on social media for all to see. This has been especially true for Shaq, although he continues to pursue being in the public eye. Sometimes, you really have to wonder if all of the game is worth it.

Read More: Drake & Top5 Beef? A Brief History Of Their Relationship

The post Shaq Calls Blog “Broke” After Insinuating He Slept With His Friend’s Wife appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Not all of the reactions were positive, however. Amid outrage from some of the Barbz, Nicki hopped on Twitter Spaces to clear a few things up. According to her, she doesn’t care whether or not her fans support Donald Trump.

“Let me make this very clear, I don’t give a f*ck,” she declared, as captured by Bo Loudon. “I love it when I see you guys out there still having community within each other. As you’ve gone through your lives since I met you guys 15, 16, 17 years ago, you’ve made changes to your lives. And guess who wasn’t there to decide? Pink lady. Pink lady ain’t up in your business, pink lady loves you for you. Pink lady doesn’t tell you what to think, pink lady loves you in spite of what you think.”

Read More: JD Vance Takes Nicki Minaj Over Cardi B

Is Nicki Minaj A Trump Supporter?

This isn’t the first time Nicki has left her supporters divided with her political takes, however. Last month, she took to TikTok to repost a video from The White House, which listed several of the Trump administration’s supposed achievements. “No men in women’s sports. Border is closed. Our cities are safer than ever. Criminal illegal are being deported. Gas prices are low. World peace,” it said.

Before that, she reacted to a video of Trump and Melania featuring the viral “Beez In The Trap x What’s Up?” remix.

“The President & First Lady of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Barbz, idk which one of you uploaded this to the white house TikTok but just know unlimited backstage GAG CITY FOR LIFE. Idk what timeline we’re on right now, I’m just goin w|the flow,” she wrote.

Read More: Kenneth Petty Ups The Ante In Years-Long Battle With Attempted Rape Accuser

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They report that across all of his credits he amassed a whopping 11.3 million plays. It sounds like Get Rich Or Die Tryin contributed a huge chunk to that total as it hit a new all-time peak in daily streams as well.

Whether you love him or hate him, you can’t deny that 50 knows how to conduct business. He’s successfully stirred the pot and it’s lead him to having the number one program on Netflix and a strong effort on DSPs despite a lack of new material.

Folks online certainly recognize his greatness in that regard with one user writing, “Haha that documentary coming in clutch.” Another adds, “Oh I know Diddy is livid in his cell [loudly crying emoji].”

Diddy’s legal team has certainly had a lot to say on their client’s behalf since the docuseries hit the streaming platform on December 2.

Read More: The 40 Best Rap Albums Of 2025

What Has 50 Cent Said About His Diddy Documentary?

One spokesperson for the embattled mogul trashed 50 and Netflix’s production to the nth degree. “Netflix’s so-called ‘documentary’ is a shameful hit piece… As Netflix and CEO Ted Sarandos know, Mr. Combs has been amassing footage since he was 19 to tell his own story, in his own way. It is fundamentally unfair, and illegal, for Netflix to misappropriate that work.”

However, regardless of what 50’s actions have said leading up to the doc’s release, he’s informing anyone who’s got an issue with it that there’s no malicious intent. “There’s no place for me, I didn’t make the docuseries,” he told GQ. “I got the best possible people to make one. That’s why you don’t feel anybody’s energy when watching. […] If it was [my agenda], I would’ve focused on the fact that you’re the only man in jail for transporting male sex workers.”

But on Sherri Shepherd’s talk show this week, he did reveal that he’s got plenty of other footage that he’s figuring out what to do with. One shocking claim 50 made is that he’s allegedly in possession of details about him having a child with one of 2Pac’s exes.

Read More: Sean “Diddy” Combs & Kim Porter’s Relationship Timeline

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