The defense argues that Howard, who worked as a male escort, could decide which services he offered and reject requests he did not want to perform. Combs’ attorneys have also accused him of turning to litigation after losing income when the encounters stopped. Howard’s amended complaint draws the line somewhere else. He acknowledges that he accepted money and understood the meetings were sexual. However, he alleges that his consent didn’t extend to everything he says happened during them. He claims Combs and others used misrepresentations along with drugs and physical restraint to keep him participating.

One allegation involves a 2016 trip to Miami, where Howard claims his clothes, identification, and phone were taken from him. He says he witnessed Combs assault Cassie Ventura before being ordered into another room, where he allegedly remained for approximately 12 hours.

“Plaintiff’s agreement to attend the Miami encounter did not extend to being deprived of his clothing, identification, and telephone; to witnessing an assault; or to being confined for approximately twelve hours in a room he could not leave,” Howard wrote in the complaint.

Read More: 50 Cent Is Not Scared Of Diddy Being Released From Prison: “I Have Shooters”

Diddy Wants The Trafficking Claims Thrown Out

The latest filing follows a July ruling that allowed several of Howard’s civil trafficking claims against Combs to continue. U.S. District Judge Anne Hwang dismissed other portions of the case but gave Howard an opportunity to amend them, leading to the current version of his complaint. Combs’ lawyers argue that the revisions still fail to connect the alleged drugs or restraint to sexual acts Howard would not otherwise have performed. They also contend that his own description of a 2015 encounter shows that sexual activity stopped after he became ill.

Cassie is separately asking Hwang to dismiss the claims against her. Her attorneys argue that Howard has not sufficiently alleged that she used force, fraud, or coercion against him. Howard’s latest complaint seeks damages and medical expenses, along with an order preventing harassment or retaliation.

The civil case is separate from Combs’ completed federal criminal trial. A jury acquitted him of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy while convicting him on two counts of transportation for prostitution. Howard’s allegations were not the sex-trafficking charges decided in that case.

Hwang is scheduled to hear the latest dismissal arguments on Oct. 21. The hearing will put the competing definitions of consent directly before the court, with Combs arguing that Howard could choose from the “menu” and Howard maintaining that agreeing to paid sex never meant surrendering control over everything that happened afterward.

Read More: Cassie Opposes Clayton Howard’s Bid To Add Diddy Trial Records To Civil Lawsuit

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“It depends,” Rocky told Complex. He pointed to Fenix Flexin and Tyga, two artists who faced criticism this year after acknowledging AI played a role in their recent music, while admitting he didn’t know enough about their individual processes to judge exactly how they used it.

Read More: Is AI Killing Creativity In Hip-Hop?

Rocky’s own comfort zone is much narrower. He prefers making music “practically,” but sees value in AI when it solves a technical problem. Using Ye’s Graduation track “Good Morning” as an example, Rocky explained that AI could separate stems from an existing recording if an artist wanted the instrumental without the original vocals.

“AI has a lot of negative connotations,” he said. “I don’t think when it’s used in certain ways that it’s necessarily a right or wrong thing.” His line seems less about whether AI touches a recording at all and more about how much creative responsibility it gets handed. “AI is supposed to be a tool in that sense,” Rocky explained. “If somebody does a totally AI-generated song where all they did was prompt something, then I think that that’s their thing. But who am I to say what’s standard and what’s not?”

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A$AP Rocky Still Wants People In The Room

Rocky’s preferred process becomes clearer when he talks about his own music. “I’m just doing me out here, and I’m doing my music practically, the right way,” he said. “I’m really tapping with musicians, producers, beat makers, just to convey my sound and develop my sound.”

That approach is carrying into the next phase of Don’t Be Dumb. After releasing the album earlier this year and completing a 49-date world tour, Rocky told Complex that a second disc is still coming. He teased only two guest appearances and said listeners need to hear the additional material before some of his upcoming moves, including unreleased work with Metro Boomin, begin to make sense.

He is also preparing “Shroom Clouds,” a new song and video slated for Friday. Rather than treating AI as a shortcut around that continued studio work, Rocky appears more interested in using technology when it can handle a specific task and leaving the actual construction of his sound to the people making it with him.

Read More: Dr. Dre Gets Torn Apart For Using & Defending AI In Music

The post A$AP Rocky Says AI Should Be A Tool, Not The Artist appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

This pair is a big deal for Jordan fans. It is one of the original 1991 colorways, from the season when Michael Jordan won his first title. The shoe is also celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

Overall, the design stays true to the classic look. A white leather upper sits on top, with bright red on the midsole, lace lock, heel tab, and tongue. Black details tie everything together.

The biggest news is the heel. Nike Air branding reportedly returns, a detail missing from the 2010 and 2014 retros.

The shape is also reported to be closer to the original. That includes the toe box and the height of the tongue. Fans have asked for those changes for years.

The pair is a general release. Look for it on SNKRS and at retailers like Foot Locker, Finish Line, Hibbett, Shiekh, and Dick’s. The style code is CT8529-105.

Sizing is expected to include adults, and some outlets say kids’ sizes are planned too. It last returned in 2014, so 12 years have passed.

Read More: 50 Cent Is Not Scared Of Diddy Being Released From Prison: “I Have Shooters”

Air Jordan 6 “White Infrared”

The Air Jordan 6 has had a huge 2026. The “Reverse Infrared” arrived in February, and the 35th anniversary run has included several other colorways.

The “White Infrared” feels like the other half of that story. Jordan Brand is giving both pairs more OG details, which fans love.

Tinker Hatfield designed the Air Jordan 6 in 1991. It has a rubber tongue, a visible Air unit, and a heel tab that makes the shoe easy to slip on. It was also the first Air Jordan to include that heel tab.

That small detail made a big impact, and it is still one of the shoe’s most recognizable features. November is a big month for Jordan Brand. It also brings several Space Jam releases, so competition will be high.

Read More: 50 Cent Downplays Jay-Z’s Influence And Blames Him For “Curtis'” Blowout Loss To Ye’s “Graduation”

The post Air Jordan 6 “White Infrared” Unboxing Experience Unveiled appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Fif even came through with his own documentary, Sean Combs: The Reckoning, for Netflix. Whenever he sits down for an interview, he happily talks about Puff. For people like Andrew Schulz, that is a real gift.

50 Cent was on Schultz’s Flagrant podcast on Wednesday to talk Street Fighter. At one point, Schultz brought up Diddy and how his release date is creeping up. When asked if he was scared of what would happen when Puff gets released, Fif offered up a very simple answer: “I have shooters.”

Read More: The Grammys Has A Hip-Hop Problem

50 Cent Addresses Diddy In Jest

“No, I got shooters, you think he was the only one? Why you think I stay in this bullshit for so long,” 50 Cent said.

It’s a response that elicited a hefty laugh from Schultz and his co-hosts, who didn’t expect 50 Cent to deliver a one-liner of this variety. That said, the response does prove that 50 Cent isn’t exactly worried about Diddy’s release. Ultimately, the mogul will have other things to worry about upon his exit from FCI Fort Dix, which is slated for March of 2028.

Speaking of Diddy, much has been made of his last few days in prison. After it was reported that he was treated at the hospital for a head injury, it was revealed by TMZ that Diddy actually got into a fight with a drug lord.

Only time will tell whether or not Diddy ever addresses the things 50 Cent has said about him over these past few years.

Read More: Quavo’s Days As A Pop Star Are Over

The post 50 Cent Is Not Scared Of Diddy Being Released From Prison: “I Have Shooters” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

At one point, 50 Cent was asked if he would be mad about Eminem doing a song with Ja Rule. Fif couldn’t even entertain the question, because he knows Em would never mess with a direct opp of his. 50 Cent even said that Em could do a song with Jay-Z, and he wouldn’t care.

AlexxMedia took this as Fif admitting that he did not have a real issue with Hov. However, 50 Cent took things in a different direction. He argued that Jay has never been the biggest rapper in the world, at any point in his career. In fact, he took credit for Jay-Z losing steam in the mid-2000s.

Read More: The Grammys Has A Hip-Hop Problem

50 Cent Has Some Words For Jay-Z

50 Cent used Jay-Z’s appointment as President of Def Jam as an example. Hov was the President of the iconic record label between 2004 and 2007. Fif believes that had it not been for his rise to fame, Jay-Z never would have retreated into an executive role.

The legendary rapper then went on to blame Hov for unleashing Def Jam’s entire budget into the marketing campaign for Kanye West’s Graduation.

Graduation vs. Curtis

If you remember, Graduation vs. Curtis was a major moment in hip-hop history. On September 11, 2007, Kanye and 50 Cent both dropped massive albums. Graduation was supposed to drop a week later, but Ye moved his release up for a direct competition.

At the time, it was seen as a referendum on street rap versus the nerdy persona that Ye had adopted. 50 Cent even said he would quit rap if Ye outsold him. In the end, Ye sold 957K units, while Fif sold 691K. West was declared the winner, and while Fif didn’t quit rapping, his career was certainly impacted.

All of these years later, 50 Cent stands firm in his belief that Jay-Z was his judge, jury, and executioner in that battle.

Read More: Quavo’s Days As A Pop Star Are Over

The post 50 Cent Downplays Jay-Z’s Influence And Blames Him For “Curtis'” Blowout Loss To Ye’s “Graduation” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

On top of the music, Meg has been getting into the acting world. A few years ago, she made a controversial cameo on the show She-Hulk. Now, she is looking to appear on another big show. This time around, it is a network thriller for FOX.

That show just so happens to be the Baywatch reboot. Baywatch is an iconic 80s TV series about lifeguards. Pamela Anderson and David Hasselhoff were on this show, making it a true phenomenon. Now, the show is making a comeback, with a release of early 2027.

The trailer for the show officially came out on Tuesday, and if you’re watching closely, you will see Megan Thee Stallion.

Read More: The Grammys Has A Hip-Hop Problem

Megan Thee Stallion Joins Baywatch

For now, it looks like this is just going to be a cameo spot for Megan. Regardless, this is a huge look for her, all things considered. It’s a show that will play on Network television, which means it will have a lot more eyeballs than just a traditional show on a streamer like HBO or Disney+.

This comes in the midst of Megan Thee Stallion’s rollout for ACT III. This is set to be Meg’s next album, and we have even been getting some Tina Tuesday Freestyles in the midst of all this. However, this week, Meg ended up skipping out on the series.

Between this new album and the Baywatch cameo, there is one thing for certain. Megan Thee Stallion is booked and busy, even despite the hate from her detractors.

Read More: Quavo’s Days As A Pop Star Are Over

The post Megan Thee Stallion Cameos In Trailer For “Baywatch” Reboot appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Just a year after his passing, Drakeo The Ruler’s brother filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Live Nation. He aimed at promoters, in particular, saying the security measures were “lackadaisical to totally absent.” The rapper’s brother felt as though the backstage area was not secure, and his brother passed as a result.

According to TMZ, Drakeo The Ruler’s family has come to an agreement with Live Nation, Hollywood Elite Security, Inc., Black Tide Events, LLC, and others. The wrongful death lawsuit has officially been settled. Specific terms must be completed within 45 days for the settlement to be made official.

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Drakeo The Ruler Was A West Coast Legend

As is typically the case with these kinds of settlements, the exact terms have not been disclosed. This protects both the family and the defending party. Regardless, a life has been lost, and that is what is most important to Drakeo The Ruler’s family.

In the years since his passing, Drakeo has oftentimes been used in the Drake and Kendrick Lamar discourse. Drake has previously co-signed the West Coast artist. Meanwhile, some felt as though Kendrick bit his style on GNX without giving proper credit. Whatever the case may be, there is no denying that influence he had on West Coast rap in general.

RIP Drake The Ruler.

Read More: The Grammys Has A Hip-Hop Problem

The post Drakeo The Ruler’s Family Reaches Settlement With Live Nation In Wrongful Death Lawsuit appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

As part of the deal, Foot Locker becomes the Official Athletic Footwear Retailer of the Knicks. The partnership begins ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season.

The big piece is a dedicated Foot Locker space inside the Knicks Team Store. It will feature Knicks products during home games, and it will be open to the public.

However, it is not a full standalone store. It is a retail area built into the team shop. Still, it is a rare way to shop for sneakers inside an NBA arena. There is more beyond the shop. Foot Locker will also run pop-ups during select home games and show up across the arena. Expect contests, signage, and a Knicks Theme Night.

To start things off, Foot Locker is launching the Fan Express. It is a mobile experience that will travel all over New York before ending at Madison Square Garden. There’s sneakers, ticket giveaways, live podcast recordings, and prizes.

Specific events and product drops have not been announced yet. The Knicks open their season on October 20th against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Read More: A$AP Rocky Announces Release Date For New Single Ahead Of Disc 2

Foot Locker x New York Knicks

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Of course this comes after the Knicks are the reigning NBA champions, and the city is still celebrating. The team won its first title in 53 years this year, so it’s a huge moment.

Also Knicks gear is in high demand right now. Jordan Brand has leaned in with the Air Jordan 8 “Knicks,” which drops on December 24th. Foot Locker is expected to be one of the retailers for that pair.

A sneaker retailer inside the arena also gives Foot Locker a direct line to a very loyal fanbase. Game nights bring thousands of shoppers through the building.

The deal also fits Foot Locker’s recent push into basketball. The company has been promoting a platform called “Hoops Lives Here.” This partnership puts that idea on the city’s biggest basketball stage. Whether Foot Locker gets exclusive Knicks sneakers is still unknown. Overall that would be a fun next step.

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Release Date: October 9, 2026

Genre: Hip-Hop

Album: Sitting Bull

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We say that because a new Rocky interview with Complex is making the rounds online. In fact, it was revealed that Rocky will be dropping a new single this Friday called “Shroom Clouds.” This is a song that was originally called “Mushroom Clouds,” but has since been renamed. It is also being branded as the lead single to Don’t Be Dumb Disc 2.

Five other songs have been confirmed for the project, with some of these being eight years old. Among the songs are “Babushka Boi,” “Trunks,” “Sundress,” Grim Freestyle,” and “Hijack.”

Read More: The Grammys Has A Hip-Hop Problem

A$AP Rocky Preps Disc 2

“It’s all going to live on this too with like new revisions to it, new verses and a couple of new singles that people probably never heard,” Rocky said.

Some of these songs have already been previewed, although as Rocky makes abundantly clear, the songs will be touched up. It should also be noted that Disc 2 is only expected to have a grand total of two features.

While we do have a release date for the single, we do not have any release dates for the album itself. Some fans may be disappointed by this, although if one thing is for sure, it is that an update is coming sooner rather than later.

Read More: Quavo’s Days As A Pop Star Are Over

The post A$AP Rocky Announces Release Date For New Single Ahead Of Disc 2 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.