“Blackberry Marmalade” serves as one of the first singles from his newly announced album, and it’s already sparking heavy conversation. The track leans into some of Vince’s most direct and uncomfortable subject matter yet. He tackles themes like state-sanctioned violence against Black Americans and the ongoing reality of mass shootings in the United States.

“YouTube has age-restricted the Blackberry Marmalade video. So if you are over the age of 18, make sure to share it with the youth around you,” Staples wrote on X. “Our children deserve the truth.”

However, Staples has built a reputation for pushing boundaries and sending messages through his music. His work often touches on heavy themes like violence, systemic issues, and personal reflection, which can sometimes trigger platform moderation. But from his perspective, the restriction feels unfair for the youth. In addition, by suggesting “our children deserve the truth,” he frames the video as something that the youth should see versus be shielded from.

Read More: Vince Staples Depicts Mass Shooting In “Blackberry Marmalade” Music Video

Vince Staples Shares Frustration

The video is where things really hit. Shot from a first-person perspective, it places viewers directly in the middle of a mass shooting. It shows Vince and others being killed in a brutally realistic sequence. The shooter ultimately turns the weapon on himself, bringing the video to a haunting close. It’s not meant to be easy to watch, and that’s exactly the point.

At the end, Vince drives the message home with a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.

“So the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be,” the quote reads.

Furthermore, from his perspective, the restriction feels like it undermines the message. Especially when the video is clearly meant as commentary rather than shock value.

Moreover, the song also sets the tone for his upcoming album. If this single is any indication, Vince is leaning deeper into commentary that reflects the realities around him. Even if it sparks backlash or platform pushback.

Read More: Blackberry Marmalade – Song by Vince Staples

The post Vince Staples Frustrated After YouTube Age-Restricts His Video appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

But this ruling is just one piece of a much bigger situation. The underlying dispute stems from Dixon’s original $20 million lawsuit against Fat Joe, which included a series of explosive allegations. Since then, Dixon has quietly walked many of those claims back in an amended filing. More serious accusations like RICO violations, trafficking, and statutory rape have been dropped entirely.

Now, the case has shifted focus. Dixon is currently pursuing claims related to forced labor, wage theft, copyright infringement, and fraud, alleging he’s owed at least $600,000 in unpaid wages dating back to 2005 through 2020. Fat Joe has maintained a firm stance throughout.

Read More:

A Win For Fat Joe

“The time of lawyers using their law license as a badge to extort people and destroy families with no evidence is over. I’m not the one,” Fat Joe said following Blackburn’s arrest last summer.

That comment ties into a broader pattern surrounding Blackburn, whose conduct in this case has already raised concerns. From missing depositions to previously being accused of filing questionable legal documents, the attorney has been under increasing scrutiny as the case unfolds.

The judge’s latest ruling also comes with a deadline. Blackburn now has 10 days from receiving the invoices to reimburse Fat Joe’s team for the missed deposition costs.

While the court stopped short of issuing harsher penalties, the contempt ruling still adds pressure moving forward. And with the case now centered on financial and labor-related claims, the next phase could be even more telling.

For now, Fat Joe walks away with a clear procedural win and a stronger position as the legal battle continues.

Read More: Fat Joe’s Ex-Hypeman Alleges Rapper Pocketed His Per Diem To Pay Down Tax Debt

The post Fat Joe Scores Court Win As Judge Calls Out Attorney’s Pattern Of Behavior appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Budden recently expressed on his podcast that he feels Ak might be gambling his money with Stake. “I watch him do hours of commentary on hip-hop in front of a Stake screen,” Budden said. “It’s seeming like he’s gambling his money.” It didn’t take long for Akademiks to respond.

During a recent stream, Akademiks brushed off the criticism. According to him, it doesn’t make sense to criticize gambling culture while also being tied to companies in that same space. Moreover, he framed Budden’s comments as hypocritical, citing that he’s sponsored by apps like PrizePicks, which encourage gambling. “You can’t talk against it when that’s your biggest sponsor,” Ak said. “I’m like yo cut it out.”

He also added that he’s watched people condemn gambling one minute, then turn around and promote it in the next breath. From his perspective, that contradiction is more damaging than anything he’s doing on stream.

Read More: Drake, Adin Ross & DJ Akademiks Hit With Gambling Suit For “Inflicting Harm”

Akademiks Responds

The back-and-forth taps into a bigger conversation happening across hip-hop media and content creators. Gambling sponsorships have become increasingly common, especially with streamers and influencers. But they’ve also raised questions about transparency and responsibility. Fans are starting to pay closer attention to who’s actually betting their own money. Versus who might be working with a platform.

The debate lands at a complicated moment. As HNHH previously mentioned, a new lawsuit has added fuel to the conversation, naming Akademiks alongside Drake and Adin Ross in an alleged illegal gambling and racketeering case. According to court documents reviewed by Complex, the complaint was filed by a man who says he lost money on Stake.us and believes the platform violates state gambling laws. The lawsuit also claims that the celebrities involved used their influence to promote the site while not being fully transparent about their partnerships.

It remains to be seen how the controversy will play out in court.

Read More: Drake Exposed For Allegedly Winning Unrealistic Amount Of Games On Stake

The post DJ Akademiks Fires Back At Joe Budden Over Gambling Criticism appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

“The parties are finalizing the settlement documentation and anticipate that it will be completed within ten days.” This is a quote from a letter that both Rhymes and Gables’ attorneys sent into a judge this week. It seems each side wanted to bury the hatchet as soon as possible.

The outlet reports that said judge wanted them to file a formal motion for settlement by June 1.

If you haven’t been following this story, Gables had been seeking $6-7 million for alleged assault, battery, wage theft, and infliction of emotional distress. He filed his lawsuit against the New York rapper in August 2025.

Gables was allegedly attacked by Busta Rhymes in January of that same year at his Brooklyn building. Specifically, Gables was allegedly punched in the face and was allegedly subjected to abuse in the workplace.

Read More: Trap Dickey Talks “The Ville,” TDE Compilation & More

Busta Rhymes Lawsuit From Ex-Assistant

This allegedly stemmed from a shouting match that turned physical as Rhymes allegedly was upset with Gables for being on his phone during working hours.

The assistant, who also claimed he was cut off and fired by Rhymes and his team afterwards, went to the police. Rhymes then turned himself in, which shocked fans at the time when details were slim. The veteran spitter would be charged with third-degree assault.

Rhymes didn’t roll over though. In October 2025, he would countersue Gables for defamation. He accused his former employee of extortion and harmful hits on his reputation.

Sadly, when the initial lawsuit first hit the news cycle, it came days after Busta received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Read More: Ranking Every Drake Album From Worst To Best

The post Busta Rhymes Settles Assault Lawsuit With Ex-Assistant appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Ahead of the big release, North has decided to unveil some new merch, which can be purchased at n0rth4evr.shop. The merch includes t-shirts, jewelry, and even a faux fur hat. She’s also selling a few brightly-colored vinyl editions of the new EP.

North is really leaning into the black metal-inspired aesthetic here, which doesn’t come as a huge surprise. During an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show back in 2021, her mother Kim Kardashian discussed her eldest daughter’s style, noting how different it is from her other kids’.

Read More: Trap Dickey Talks Upcoming Album “The Ville,” Teases TDE Compilation Project & Lil Wayne Vs. Jay-Z

Kanye West Canceled Shows

“All my kids are so different,” she explained at the time. “North is like goth. She’s into Hot Topic and she puts like fake tattoos on her face and she listens to Black Sabbath. And she’s just like a full goth girl.”

North’s career may just be getting started, but her father Kanye West is currently trying to turn his around. Earlier this year, he took out a full-page ad in The Wall Street Journal to apologize for his antisemitic behavior and hateful comments. While he has managed to book quite a few shows since, he’s still facing some serious pushback.

He was supposed to headline Wireless Festival in London this summer, for example, but the festival was canceled after the UK government banned him from entering the country. He’s also set to perform at Northern Italy’s Hellwat Festival in July, but the booking has sparked public outcry. The Jewish community, politicians, and more are demanding that the performance be canceled.

Read More: Ranking Every Drake Album From Worst To Best

The post North West Unveils New Merch Ahead Of “N0rth4evr” Release appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Per a report from the Albanian Post, Ye is orchestrating construction of one called “Eagle Stadium,” which will have a capacity of 60,000. It will be located along the Tirana-Durres axis and with the aforementioned figure, it’s slated to be one of the biggest musical events the country has seen.

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports confirmed this development through a Facebook post. Blendi Gonxhja believes this will be a crucial event for the country at large, especially for tourism purposes.

He didn’t seem to address anything regarding Ye’s anti-Semitic past and the optics of this decision to welcome the controversial superstar. As most of you know, numerous countries have turned him away. France, the U.K., Poland, and Switzerland have all backed out.

It’s worth noting that Italy, who’s still set to have Ye be a headliner for their Hellwatt Festival in July, is on the fence.

Read More: Trap Dickey Talks “The Ville,” TDE Compilation & More

Kanye West’s Global Tour

Vice President of the European Parliament and senior member of Italy’s Democratic Party, Pina Picierno, expressed that government officials should follow suit with the others that have said no.

“The United Kingdom denied the visa. France effectively prevented the Marseille concert. Italy, meanwhile, is just staying idle with 68,000 tickets sold, as if nothing had happened.”

But in the midst of these cancellations, Kanye West has managed to book more shows like the one in Albania. That is set to take place on July 11.

Prague is also set to welcome him for his global tour on July 25. He will play at the Chuchle Arena racecourse, per the venue’s director, Zuzana Rambova. Other upcoming shows for Ye include New Delhi, Istanbul, Spain, and Portugal.

Read More: Ranking Every Drake Album From Worst To Best

The post Kanye West Has A Temporary Stadium Being Built For His Albania Show appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Needless to say, his supporters are thrilled to see him doing so well. “Anybody can have a comeback; pray for this man ,” one Instagram user comments. “Proud of him Wishing him nothing but blessings ,” another writes. Someone else says, “God is GREAT!!!!”

On top of addiction, West has battled homelessness and mental health issues. He also ran into some legal trouble earlier this year, when he was arrested for alleged robbery.

In January, officials received a call from someone who alleged that they’d been assaulted and robbed in Belle Haven. When they got there, the caller alleged that West was the perpetrator. Shortly after his arrest, he was released on a $1K bond. Allegedly, he took just $23.

Before that, West was arrested in November for alleged public intoxication. Authorities said it was “for his own safety.”

Read More: Trap Dickey Talks Upcoming Album “The Ville,” Teases TDE Compilation Project & Lil Wayne Vs. Jay-Z

Delonte West Sobriety

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Over the years, loved ones have tried to help West change his life for the better. Until now, however, nothing stuck. During an appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast in 2024, for example, Mark Cuban recalled sending him to rehab.

“I thought we had him,” he explained at the time. “I thought we had him turned around. We sent him down to Jayson’s place down in Florida. It’s like a farm, Jayson Williams.’”

“It’s like he’s making progress, sending pictures,” he added. “Donte’s e-mailing me, and I’m like, ‘Oh yeah, we getting this,’ and then Donte throws the sh** over the fence, and disappears. We bring him back again, making progress, this is it, same sh**… Only so much you can do. Mental illness is real. It is real, and you just don’t wish it away.”

Read More: Ranking Every Drake Album From Worst To Best

The post Delonte West Delivers Inspiring Update Months Into Sobriety appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

In an interview with the BagFuel podcast per Page Six, the “One Wish” artist told the show, “Here’s what’s crazy. I just did the big celebration. They did the whole confetti at Booby Trap. I was celebrating 10,000 bodies.”

He added, “It’s probably like 11,900… I don’t know if that’s for sure, but I know it reached 10 once I got all the way there.”

Given that, Cam Newton wanted to make sure he heard that claim correctly. Ray J reiterated for him that he didn’t stutter. “10,000 different people,” he reaffirmed before bumping that total to 12,500.

But just because he’s allegedly gotten this far, that doesn’t mean he won’t hit a ceiling. He states, “I can only f*ck a thousand more b*tches. I can’t do any more.”

Read More: Trap Dickey Talks “The Ville,” TDE Compilation & More

Ray J & Kim Kardashian’s Lawsuit

Newton, who still couldn’t believe what he was hearing, did some quick math. If this is true, than he says that Ray J has slept with over one and a half women a day for 30 years.

But according to the singer, it’s probably more than that. “Yeah, the math is different ’cause when we’re on tour, we’re thinking five to ten a day.”

This wild claim surfaces following some recent updates to the ongoing and complex lawsuit between Ray J and Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian. It revolves around their infamous sex tape and the latter duo’s efforts to keep details of a 2023 settlement agreement sealed.

A judge ruled against it and as a result, the details of it are more than likely to come to light. The 2023 agreement centers around Ray J being paid $6 million to never speak about the tape ever again. Ray J countersued in November 2025, claiming that Kim and Kris violated the terms of it by speaking on it themselves on their Hulu reality show.

Read More: Ranking Every Drake Album From Worst To Best

The post Ray J Claims He’s Slept With 12,500 Women, But He Has A Limit appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

She’s already denied her involvement, doing so with a concise public statement. She wrote, “I’ve seen what’s being said online, and I want to be clear, none of it is true, and I have no involvement in this situation. This week marks the start of an important and exciting new season for me, and my focus is fully on that.”

But Brown doesn’t understand why she’s been the only one to speak out when she had nothing to do with the situation. As caught by Complex, in an interview with Fox News Digital, she called out Klay and Megan for keeping a tight lip instead of coming to her defense.

Brown tells the outlet that her and her family have been facing an overwhelming amount of death threats. Because of this, the 31-year-old has enlisted heightened security.

Read More: Trap Dickey Talks “The Ville,” TDE Compilation & More

Megan Thee Stallion Says Klay Thompson Cheated

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Towards the end of Brown’s response, she asks Klay and Megan do something on her behalf and ASAP. “… For them to just allow me to get dragged for a lot of people to allow me to get dragged through the mud for, it seems like three, three, four days now, knowing one hundred percent what was being said was false, that surely somebody would step in and say, ‘No, this is a lie. Please point your fingers somewhere else or don’t point them at all, but don’t point them at Lexi.'”

To this point, Klay Thompson has indeed said nothing as this story continues to develop. He has yet to address Megan Thee Stallion’s claims as well.

As for the Houston artist, she’s been vocal but not in the way Lexie Brown needs. She’s focused on publicly declaring the Dallas Mavericks guard as a cheater.  “Trust, fidelity and respect are non-negotiable for me in a relationship, and when those values are compromised, there’s no real path forward. I’m taking this time to prioritize myself and move ahead with peace and clarity.”

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The post Lexie Brown Calls For Klay Thompson Or Megan Thee Stallion To Speak Out Amid Death Threats appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The Baton Rouge Police Department claims the attack was carried out by two men in masks. They believe Cleezy5 was targeted. Reportedly, the two suspects fled in a vehicle.

“It was a targeted attack. The victim was out there working out, we know those two suspects walked up and fired upon the victim multiple times killing him at the scene,” Lt. L’Jean McKneely, a BRPD public information officer, said. “We know it was two persons they walked up, they were masked, had masks on their face prior to doing the shooting, while doing the shooting.”

“We know it was a vehicle somewhere close that they got into,” he continued, “We see and feel that there is some association involving certain groups here in Baton Rouge, but it’s nothing we can openly say at this time because it is an ongoing investigation.”

Read More: Trap Dickey Talks Upcoming Album “The Ville,” Teases TDE Compilation Project & Lil Wayne Vs. Jay-Z

Cleezy5 Shooting

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“We know there’s a lot of social media chatter about this particular shooting, and we’re asking if anybody knows anything, please call us,” McKneely added. “We’re following up on all the leads that we have. We’re reviewing information and evidence that we have, but we need the public’s assistance. […] The community wants to know.”

Cleezy5 was the CEO of the Top Boy Gorilla collective and worked closely with artists like Fredo Bang. Since his passing, countless fans and peers have taken to social media to share their condolences.

“Dawg been holding it down for a min, rest in peace,” one Twitter/X user writes. “Well there goes the future of rap music,” another claims. Someone else says, “I hate that for fredo he been pushing peace.”

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The post TBG CEO Cleezy5 Dead At 46 After Baton Rouge Shooting appeared first on HotNewHipHop.