The first day of the trial was quite contentious. It was revealed that OTF Jam, OTF Vonni, and Flacka would all be cooperating witnesses for the prosecution. Meanwhile, Durk’s legal team laid the blame on Vonni based on his previous statements.

These revelations have been making waves all over social media, with misinformed fans jumping to conclusions. Real journalists like Michael Blackshire have been putting in the work in the courtroom, providing live updates for those looking to follow the case.

In one of Blackshire’s afternoon updates, he revealed that Lil Durk was accused of trying to flee the country while in Miami. This would have occurred at the same time he was arrested. On the flipside, Durk’s defense claims he was simply in Miami to work with DJ Khaled.

Read More: What Happened To Ailea Brown? Inside The Missing Case & New Legal Developments

Lil Durk Trial Day 1

Elsewhere in the trial, there were some reports about Durk’s Amex card and the way in which he paid for the alleged hit. Trap Lore Ross says the alleged hitmen had their flights paid by Durk, and the tickets are on Durk’s Amex credit card statement.

The rapper’s shopping habits were also discussed during the trial. In the same month as the alleged hit, Durk spent thousands at Niemans and Amiri.

Overall, Durk’s trial is expected to last two to four weeks. This will depend on how long witnesses take on the stand. If you remember, in Young Thug’s trial, it felt as though Lil Woody was on the stand for days.

Day 2 begins later today, and we will be sure to bring you all of the latest updates.

Read More: Rapsody’s Growth As An Emcee, Told Through 10 Songs

The post Lil Durk Accused Of Attempting To Flee The Country And Paying For Hitmen With Amex Card appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Release Date: August 21, 2026

Genre: R&B, Soul

Album: N/A

Quotable Lyrics from Lean On

Somebody told me
That love is not a game
And if you should find someone
Don’t let them go

The post Lean On – Song by Miles Caton appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

“Vegas has always been aspirational,” Asghedom said while discussing the planned restaurant. He mentioned the Strip and the city’s visibility before confirming that the new store will be Marathon Burger’s first drive-thru. An opening date and exact location have not been announced. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that it contacted the restaurant for additional details.

Meanwhile, the move gives another piece of Nipsey’s business vision room to expand outside of L.A. Marathon Burger opened its first restaurant on Melrose Avenue in March 2025 under Blacc Sam, the Marathon group, and restaurateur Casey Parker. Sam told the Los Angeles Times at the time that Nipsey had frequently talked about extending the Marathon name into other businesses, including a burger concept. The restaurant also fulfilled a much older goal for the brothers, who had worked together in a restaurant as teenagers and had previously explored opening their own food business.

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Read More: J. Cole Picks Up A Shift At Nipsey Hussle’s Marathon Burger

The Marathon Continues

The concept quickly moved beyond its original Melrose diner. A Venice Boardwalk location followed in 2025, and the company has since grown to three Los Angeles locations along with a mobile food trailer, according to the Review-Journal. The menu is built around Wagyu smashburgers, with the flagship burger served with grilled onions and house-made pickles.

The Las Vegas restaurant continues an expansion strategy that has turned Marathon Burger into a separate arm of the business Nipsey and Blacc Sam built together. Nipsey was killed outside The Marathon Clothing store in South L.A. in 2019, but his family has continued developing projects connected to the brand rather than limiting it to merchandise or memorial efforts.

The post Nipsey Hussle’s Marathon Burger Is Expanding To Vegas appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Asked whether another Drake verse exists, Game left the possibility open. “Maybe. Maybe I pulled it off ’cause I didn’t need it,” he said. He then explained that listeners are not hearing the first version of the record. “There was about three versions and some other versions, they weren’t really too kind.” Game said he ultimately altered more than just that one song while assembling the final album because he wanted attention on the music rather than the conflict surrounding it.

Read More: The Game Speaks On Drake, Kendrick Lamar & TDE At Release Party

A Controversial Collaboration

“No Brakes” pairs Game with Drake at a time when his relationship with Kendrick Lamar has become a subject of debate among West Coast Rap fans. Game spits, “If I have to pick a side, I’m choosing homicide,” on the record, while other lyrics across the album address criticism that maintaining his friendship with Drake amounts to disloyalty toward Kendrick. Those bars fueled speculation that Game was taking Drake’s side, despite his insistence that he was not attacking his fellow Compton rapper.

The Real 92.3 hosts pressed him on whether those revisions were intended to protect particular people. Game widened the explanation beyond any individual artist. He said the goal was “to protect the West Coast as a whole” and argued that the album was better served without becoming another battleground. “I think it was better just to deliver an album full of music without no beefs,” he said. “I don’t think I’m dissing anyone on the album, if I can be perfectly honest.”

What remains unheard may now be as interesting as what made the cut. Game did not disclose exactly which lyrics were removed, who delivered them, or whether the alternate “No Brakes” recordings will ever surface.

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“Maybe. Maybe I pulled it off ’cause I didn’t need it,” said Game. “To be honest with you man, that is not the first version of that song. There was about three versions and some other versions, they weren’t really too kind. So, I pulled certain things off the album. I pulled a lot. I altered the album a lot to make sure that the focus would be more on music and less on B.S., man. To be honest.”

He was then saked if it was “to protect certain individuals.” Game answered it was “to protect the [West Coast] as a whole. I think it was better just to deliver an album full of music without no beefs. I’m not—I don’t think I’m dissing anyone on the album, if I can be perfectly honest.”

The post The Game Says Earlier Versions Of “No Brakes” Weren’t “Too Kind” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The courthouse sighting was not entirely without precedent between the two artists. MGK joined Durk during an October 2023 Amazon Music Live performance in Los Angeles, playing guitar while Durk performed “The Voice.” We covered the appearance at the time, which came during a set that also featured Durk revisiting material associated with King Von.

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Read More: Lil Durk Trial: OTF Vonni, OTF Jam, And Flacka To Testify For The Prosecution

The Case Against Lil Durk Begins

MGK’s visit also coincided with a major day in Durk’s case. Opening statements began Monday after a jury was selected last week. Prosecutors told jurors that Durk helped set a plan in motion to kill Quando Rondo in retaliation for King Von’s 2020 death. Durk’s defense denied that he had any involvement and argued that the government’s case relies heavily on co-defendant Kavon “Cuz” Grant, who pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors.

Federal prosecutors allege members and associates of Only The Family traveled from Chicago to Los Angeles in August 2022 to target Quando. Gunmen opened fire on his vehicle near the Beverly Center, killing his cousin Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson. Quando survived. Authorities accuse Durk of financing the alleged plot, an accusation he has denied.

The trial is expected to last several weeks. Durk has pleaded not guilty and faces life in federal prison if convicted on the most serious counts. MGK has not yet publicly explained why he attended Monday’s proceedings.

The post MGK Shows Up To Support Lil Durk At Federal Murder-For-Hire Trial appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

“Already talking to another woman about me and what we’re going through… smh,” Serayah wrote over the clip. Before playing the recording, she had directly called Joey out in another Instagram Story and said he “needs to be shown for exactly who he is.” She accused him of proposing to her and asking her to reorganize her life around their relationship while repeatedly being unfaithful. Serayah later removed the posts and wrote, “Post and delete. If you saw you saw.”

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Read More: Serayah Ends Engagement To Joey Bada$$ After “Repeated Infidelity”

A Lengthy Statement About Their Breakup

The recording gave her public statement a different weight. Serayah had already announced that she was ending both the relationship and engagement because of what she described as “repeated infidelity.” The video shifted the focus from a general cheating allegation to what she says she discovered happening outside her presence. TMZ subsequently reported that the conversation occurred within the past week and that Serayah believes Joey and the unidentified woman had been involved with each other behind her back. Those claims have not been confirmed.

Further, their split comes after a period during which the couple had been building a family together. Serayah and Joey began dating in 2023 after first meeting through mutual friends in 2021. They welcomed a son in 2025 and became engaged that summer. In an interview before their child was born, Joey discussed leaving polyamory behind and choosing monogamy as his relationship with Serayah became more serious.

Serayah had also spoken warmly about their relationship after becoming a mother. Two months postpartum, she praised Joey for supporting her and called him a good man as she revealed her engagement ring. Her new statement presents a much different account of what she says was happening privately during that same relationship. She alleged that the infidelity extended into some of the most significant periods of her life. Moreover, she said their son remains her priority and that she wants to protect his privacy and his relationship with both parents. Joey has not publicly responded to her cheating allegations or the conversation she posted.

The post Serayah Puts Joey Bada$$ On Blast With Recorded Conversation appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

According to AllHipHop, the settlement calls for two $12,500 payments. One will be treated as wages, while the second covers the remaining claims resolved through the agreement. Busta, whose legal name is Trevor Smith Jr., signed the deal alongside Starbus LLC and Conglomerate Entertainment. Neither side is admitting wrongdoing. Once the payment is completed, Gables must permanently dismiss his case and relinquish the claims he brought against his former employer.

Initially, Gables sought roughly $6 million after accusing Busta of unpaid wages and abusive treatment during his brief employment. Gables said he worked as the rapper’s personal assistant from summer 2024 until January 2025, often putting in 15- to 18-hour days while earning a flat $200 daily rate. His federal complaint alleged that he was not properly compensated for overtime.

Read More: Busta Rhymes Settles Assault Lawsuit With Ex-Assistant

Allegations Of Violence

Moreover, Gables’s lawsuit also centered on an alleged January 10, 2025 confrontation in Brooklyn. Gables claimed Busta punched him after an argument involving work duties and his cellphone. He said he sought medical treatment afterward and reported the encounter to police. Busta reportedly later turned himself in and received a desk appearance ticket for misdemeanor assault, attempted assault and harassment. He has consistently denied Gables’ allegations, calling them fabricated by a former employee angry about losing his job.

Busta eventually took legal action of his own. His countersuit accused Gables of spreading false claims that damaged his reputation and cost him business opportunities. Busta maintained that his former assistant knew the accusations were false or acted recklessly in making them public. The two sides reached a settlement through mediation earlier this year, but the financial terms were not disclosed until the newer filing.

The agreement also requires Gables to return private work materials connected to his employment. Court approval remains the final step for the wages. If the judge signs off and the payments are made, both sides can dismiss their claims without a trial to decide whose allegations were true.

The post Busta Rhymes Officially Settles $6M Legal Battle With Ex-Assistant appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Dark grey suede covers most of the upper, giving the shoe a muted, textured base. Black takes over the midsole and mesh panels, keeping things restrained through most of the build. Teal hits the SoleFly wing logo, lacelock, and shark tooth midsole detailing, adding the pair’s clearest pop of color.

A gum-toned outsole rounds things out underneath, adding some warmth against all that grey and black. It’s a subtle touch that keeps the shoe from feeling too flat or one note.

This marks SoleFly’s first-ever Air Jordan 5 collaboration. The Miami boutique has built a steady run with Jordan Brand over the years, previously touching the Air Jordan 3, 8, and 12. Given how consistent that partnership has become, expectations are already high heading into this release.

The style code is listed as IU0734-001. Limited quantities and SoleFly’s usual boutique-driven rollout suggest this one won’t be an easy cop. Fans should prepare for a competitive release once the drop dates actually arrive.

Read More: Lil Durk Trial: OTF Vonni, OTF Jam, And Flacka To Testify For The Prosecution

SoleFly x Air Jordan 5

SoleFly’s connection to Jordan Brand is stronger than most. The shop was founded by Michael Jordan’s brother-in-law, giving it a level of access few other boutiques can claim.

That relationship has also led to a steady run of collaborations dating back several years. Past projects have leaned into Miami’s local identity, pulling from college sports, city culture, and South Florida flavor throughout each release.

This Air Jordan 5 continues that same approach, even as full design details are still coming into focus. Early looks suggest a more restrained, grey based build compared to some of SoleFly’s louder past efforts.

Overall with SoleFly’s track record and the Air Jordan 5’s own strong year already in motion, this collaboration adds another highly anticipated release to Jordan Brand’s fall lineup.

Read More: Trap Lore Ross Responds After Being Confronted At Lil Durk Trial

The post SoleFly’s First-Ever Air Jordan 5 Collab Drops This October appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Durk is currently facing life in prison. He has a legal team that includes Drew Findling and Brian Steel, who are both known for winning high-profile rap-related cases.

The prosecution began the day by presenting its opening arguments. It was here that they painted a picture of revenge. They pointed the finger at Lil Durk, alleging that he was the mastermind behind the murder-for-hire plot.

Furthermore, the state revealed that OTF Jam, Kavon Grant (OTF Vonni), and Keith Jones (Flacka) would be cooperating witnesses for the prosecution. It was communicated that all three have already pleaded guilty and will be testifying sometime soon.

Read More: What Happened To Ailea Brown? Inside The Missing Case & New Legal Developments

Lil Durk Trial Begins

According to court reporter @youvegtMEL, Lil Durk’s defense responded to the prosecution’s opening arguments with some accusations of their own. They put the blame solely on OTF Vonni. The defense says Vonni was present for King Von’s death. They even say Von told him, “Why did you let me get shot? Why don’t you do something?”

The defense went on to note Vonni’s alleged presence during the attempt on Quando Rondo’s life in May of 2021, and the aforementioned murder of Lul Pab in 2022.

So far, four witnesses have taken the stand, including a custodian of records for the 911 call, an LAPD detective, a patrol officer, and the medical examiner. At the time of writing this, court proceedings are set to resume following a quick recess for lunch.

Read More: Rapsody’s Growth As An Emcee, Told Through 10 Songs

The post Lil Durk Trial: OTF Vonni, OTF Jam, And Flacka To Testify For The Prosecution appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

The YouTuber is currently covering the trial and has been giving fans updates after every single session. However, one Lil Durk supporter didn’t appreciate Trap Lore Ross’ journalism. So much so that he accused him of doing the police’s work for them.

“Nah, bro, you be doing the police’s job,” the fan said. “Hell no, bro. That n***a be doing police work. You got to stop talking about people’s murder trials like that. That s**t f**ed up. Free Smurk. Aye, you say that, at least? […] I’m not committing no crime, I’m just saying. Taking a picture, you know what he be on. Just say Free Smurk, bro.”

Creators like Trap Lore Ross, Vlad TV, and even DJ Akademiks have been hit with these accusations in the past. That they are somehow affiliated with the Feds and that they are helping rappers get convicted.

Trap Lore Ross took to his platform recently, where he talked about the confrontation and what he thought about it. Simply put, Ross believes it’s a bad look for Durk fans. He also feels as though he is being intimidated into not doing his job.

Read More: What Happened To Ailea Brown? Inside The Missing Case & New Legal Developments

Trap Lore Ross Gives His Take

“All of these people that are trying to meddle in what I’m doing, you’re making things worse for Lil Durk,” Trap Lore Ross said.

The Lil Durk trial has officially started in Los Angeles following the jury selection process. Throughout today, we have heard opening arguments from both the prosecution and the defense.

Read More: Rapsody’s Growth As An Emcee, Told Through 10 Songs

The post Trap Lore Ross Responds After Being Confronted At Lil Durk Trial appeared first on HotNewHipHop.