When someone on X asked what is ruining Rap albums right now, Leray answered, “PRODUCERS.” She quickly made clear that she was not arguing against production itself. Her issue is with how little collaboration she feels happens during the recording process.

“I think production is so important,” she wrote. “It’s more than just picking a beat and rapping. Mfs not collabing frr pulling out the guitars, pianos !!! Producers use to be Heavy INVOLVED IN ENTIRE PROCESS now everything seems like a money grab.”

Her point gets at a larger shift in how Rap records can come together. Sending beat packs has made it possible for artists and producers to work without ever sharing a room, but Leray appears to be arguing that convenience can come at the expense of chemistry. In her view, production should involve more than handing over an instrumental and waiting for vocals to come back.

Read More: Better Than Yours – Song by Coi Leray featuring NBA YoungBoy

Production In Hip Hop History

That kind of hands-on relationship has long created some of Hip Hop’s most distinct albums. Producers have often done more than program drums or build individual tracks. They can help push an artist into unfamiliar ideas or change arrangements once a record starts to take shape. Leray’s specific mention of live instruments suggests she wants more experimentation rather than a process built entirely around selecting finished beats.

The criticism is also consistent with the way Leray has talked about her own music. She has also worked closely with established producers outside the standard send-a-pack model. Leray previously revealed that she was developing a project with Mike WiLL Made-It, describing herself first and foremost as an artist who wants room to create across genres.

Her post does not let rappers off the hook entirely. Artists still decide what beats to use and how much time they are willing to spend developing a record. However, Leray’s argument challenges the idea that a producer’s job ends once a file reaches an inbox.

The post Coi Leray Says Producers Are Ruining Rap Right Now appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

But in the three decades since the shooting, questions have gone unanswered, conspiracy theories floated around, and fans have remained convinced that we would never really see justice served. And in the decades it took the case to reach a courtroom, Keefe D has spent years publicly discussing his alleged involvement before his arrest in September 2023. Now, his own interviews, memoir and previous statements are among the evidence prosecutors want a jury to consider.

With a jury finally selected and opening statements set for Monday that could lead to a potential resolution in this chapter of hip-hop history, here’s everything you need to know about the Tupac murder trial.

Who Is Keefe D?

Duane “Keefe D” Davis is a former member of the South Side Compton Crips who has been one of the most consistent figures in the cold case. He was the uncle of Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson, a gang member who Tupac allegedly assaulted at the MGM Grand. Davis was with Anderson and other associates on the night Tupac was shot. However, according to the prosecutors, the group sought revenge after Tupac assaulted Anderson.  

What Happened To Tupac Shakur?

On September 7, 1996, Tupac attended a Mike Tyson boxing match at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas with Death Row Records co-founder Marion “Suge” Knight. After the fight, Tupac and members of Knight’s entourage encountered Orlando Anderson inside the casino. Anderson had been involved in a previous dispute with a member of Tupac’s entourage, and a fight broke out.

Later that night, Tupac and Knight were driving through Las Vegas in a BMW when a white Cadillac pulled alongside them. Someone inside the Cadillac opened fire, striking Tupac multiple times. Knight was also wounded, but survived. Tupac was taken to University Medical Center and died six days later, on September 13, 1996. He was 25 years old.

Why Is Keefe D Charged With Tupac’s Murder If He Didn’t Shoot Him?

This is one of the most crucial details about the case. Davis is not accused of personally firing the shots that killed Tupac. Prosecutors allege that he helped organize the retaliatory attack and provided the weapon used in the shooting.

Under Nevada law, someone can be held criminally responsible for a murder if they intentionally participate in or aid the crime, even if another person physically commits the killing. That means the prosecution does not necessarily have to prove that Davis was the person holding the gun when Tupac was shot. Instead, prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Davis knowingly participated in the killing. The distinction is particularly important because the person long associated with the role of shooter, Orlando Anderson, died in 1998 without ever being charged in Tupac’s murder.

Why Did It Take Nearly 30 Years To Arrest Keefe D?

Tupac’s murder remained unsolved for decades, despite investigators knowing about the confrontation involving Anderson and the gang rivalry surrounding the shooting. Davis, however, eventually became unusually outspoken about the case. Over the years, he appeared in documentaries and interviews discussing what happened on the night Tupac was killed. He also detailed his account of the shooting in his 2019 memoir, Compton Street Legend. Those public statements eventually became important to investigators and prosecutors, as well.

Las Vegas police renewed their investigation years after the murder, culminating in a search of a home connected to Davis in July 2023. Two months later, Davis was arrested and charged with murder.

What Evidence Does The Prosecution Have Against Keefe D?

The prosecution’s case relies heavily on Davis’ own words and his alleged connection to the events surrounding Tupac’s shooting.

Davis’ Own Statements

Davis spent years publicly discussing Tupac’s murder and describing what he says happened inside the Cadillac that night. Those statements are potentially significant because they place Davis in close proximity to the events surrounding the shooting and provide prosecutors with his own account of the night. However, Davis has disputed aspects of his previous statements and has argued that some of the stories he told publicly were not literal admissions of guilt.

Keefe D’s 2019 Memoir

Davis’ memoir, Compton Street Legend, is another major piece of evidence. Prosecutors want to use portions of the book to support their account of Davis’ involvement in the shooting. The defense has fought the use of Davis’ previous statements, arguing that they should not be treated as straightforward admissions. A judge ultimately ruled that the memoir can be used at trial.

The 2008 Police Interview

A 2008 interview between Davis and police has also become an important evidentiary battle. Davis’ defense argued that statements from the interview should be excluded, including arguments concerning an alleged understanding between Davis and investigators. The judge ruled that the interview can be presented to jurors, meaning prosecutors will be able to use another decades-old account from Davis as part of their case.

The 2023 Search

Police searched a home connected to Davis in July 2023 as investigators prepared to bring the long-dormant case back to court. The defense attempted to suppress evidence recovered during the search, but a judge rejected that challenge in February 2026. The precise significance of each piece of evidence will ultimately be determined at trial. Prosecutors still have to persuade a jury that the evidence establishes Davis’ criminal responsibility beyond a reasonable doubt.

What Is Keefe D’s Defense?

Davis’ defense has challenged the prosecution’s reliance on his previous statements and the evidence obtained during the renewed investigation.

One of the central problems for the defense is that Davis spent years talking publicly about Tupac’s murder. His memoir and interviews provide prosecutors with a substantial record of his own descriptions of what happened. Davis has argued that some of his previous accounts were fictionalized or exaggerated. His defense has also challenged the circumstances under which some of his statements were obtained and fought to prevent certain evidence from reaching the jury.

The defense does not have to prove an alternative version of Tupac’s murder. It only has to create reasonable doubt about whether prosecutors have established Davis’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. That distinction could become crucial as the jury weighs decades-old statements against the evidence investigators have gathered more recently.

What Has Happened Since Keefe D Was Arrested?

The case has gone through years of pretrial litigation and delays since Davis was arrested.

September 2023: Davis is arrested and charged with murder in connection with Tupac’s death.

November 2023: Davis pleads not guilty.

2024: The defense and prosecution continue fighting over bail, evidence, discovery and Davis’ legal representation.

February 2025: The trial is delayed as Davis’ defense seeks additional time to prepare.

November 2025: The trial is pushed to August 2026 after further disputes over discovery and preparation.

February 2026: A judge rejects the defense’s effort to suppress evidence obtained during the 2023 search.

July 2026: Judges rule that Davis’ memoir and 2008 police interview can be used as evidence at trial.

August 10, 2026: Jury selection begins in Las Vegas.

What Happened To Orlando Anderson And The Other Suspects?

Orlando Anderson has been one of the most important names in the investigation since the night Tupac was shot. Anderson was involved in the fight with Tupac and his associates at the MGM Grand shortly before the shooting. Investigators subsequently considered him a suspect in Tupac’s killing, though there have been conflicting claims surrounding his involvement and he was also never charged.

Anderson maintained that he was not responsible for Tupac’s death. In May 1998, less than two years after Tupac was killed, Anderson was shot and killed in Compton at 23. Now, nearly three decades after Tupac’s death, prosecutors are asking a jury to determine whether Davis was criminally responsible for a murder in which the alleged shooter is dead. For more information on the key players, check out our piece here.

Could Suge Knight Testify In The Tupac Murder Trial?

Suge Knight was sitting beside Tupac when the rapper was shot and was also wounded in the attack. And because he was right next to Tupac, he potentially has firsthand knowledge of what occurred that evening. While he’s been identified on the witness list and may possibly have to testify, he’s already made it abundantly clear that he’ll make prosecutors and the defense regret making him take the stand if he’s forced to. Essentially, he has no interest in cooperating. Suge Knight is currently serving a 28-year prison sentence for a hit-and-run incident in 2015.

Is Diddy Involved In The Tupac Murder Trial?

The conspiracy theories surrounding Diddy’s connection to the Tupac murder have been rampant for decades, especially since all of this happened in the midst of the Death Row-Bad Boy beef. The theories, though, have no actual connection to the criminal case against Keefe D, who has previously made claims about Diddy’s interest in the East Coast-West Coast conflict. Perhaps his name might be mentioned, but there isn’t any concrete evidence that ties the Bad Boy mogul to the case. However, there has been speculation that Diddy may have to take the stand. The criminal case only focuses on Davis. 

When Will The Tupac Murder Trial End?

Jury selection began in Las Vegas on August 10, 2026 and on August 13th, a jury of six men and 10 women have been selected. With opening statements beginning on Monday, the trial is expected to last approximately four to five weeks, although the exact schedule could change depending on the number of witnesses, evidence and legal issues that arise in court.

What Happens If Keefe D Is Convicted?

If Davis is found guilty of murder, he faces a potential sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. A conviction would also make Davis the first person to be legally held responsible for Tupac’s murder. However, it would not necessarily answer every question about what happened on September 7, 1996.

What Happens If Keefe D Is Found Not Guilty?

An acquittal would mean that prosecutors failed to prove Davis’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and more importantly, it would not necessarily establish who killed Tupac. The jury would be deciding whether Davis is criminally responsible based on the evidence presented in court. A finding that prosecutors did not prove that case would not automatically validate another suspect or theory. Ultimately, an acquittal could therefore leave the central historical question unresolved: who was actually responsible for Tupac Shakur’s murder?

Will The Tupac Murder Trial Finally Solve Tupac’s Murder?

The trial could finally produce a legal answer to one of the biggest questions in hip-hop history, but a conviction of Keefe D would not necessarily resolve every mystery surrounding Tupac Shakur’s death. The jury will be asked to determine whether Davis is criminally responsible for the murder. That is a narrower question than determining exactly what happened inside the white Cadillac, who fired the fatal shots, or whether everyone involved in the attack has been identified. Whatever the verdict, the trial should finally provide a legal judgment based on evidence presented under oath in Tupac’s murder case, which has undoubtedly lacked for nearly three decades.

The post Tupac Murder Trial: Everything You Need To Know About Keefe D’s Case appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Brewer’s case traces the disputed material to “Ridin Rollercoaster,” a song he says he wrote and recorded in April 2012. According to the complaint, his vocals and lyrics were later incorporated into the record that became “m.A.A.d city.” Brewer alleges Morgan and producer Ricci Riera used that material without giving him the same recognition Morgan ultimately received.

Current publishing information for “m.A.A.d city” lists Kendrick Lamar, Morgan, Riera, and Mark “Sounwave” Spears as composers. Brewer’s name does not appear among them. That omission is at the heart of what he is asking the court to change.

Read More: The Game Allegedly Calls Out Kendrick Lamar As Fans Speculate On Decade-Long Beef

Brewer Wants His Name Listed

Rather than simply seeking damages over an unauthorized sample, Brewer is arguing that he should be recognized as a joint author of the song. AllHipHop reports his lawsuit seeks the same writing credit Morgan received and an accounting to determine what money Brewer believes should have been paid to him from the record. He is also demanding a jury trial.

The dispute appears to have been brewing before the lawsuit reached court. Brewer’s attorneys say Morgan did not clearly reject his ownership claim until an April 2026 phone conversation involving an attorney for Riera. A follow-up email included with the filing shows Brewer’s side asking to see the existing splits for “m.A.A.d city” and questioning whether counsel could accept legal service for Morgan or Riera.

The stakes are considerable because “m.A.A.d city” has remained one of the defining records from Kendrick’s 2012 album. Brewer’s claim, however, has not been proven in court, and the lawsuit represents his account of how the song was created. If Brewer succeeds, the fight would not rewrite Kendrick’s role in the record. It would determine whether another writer should have been included alongside the people who have been collecting credit from “m.A.A.d city” since 2012.

The post Kendrick Lamar’s “m.A.A.d City” Pulled Into Legal Fight Over Writing Credit appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

“Usher, Chris Brown… see, they trying to do something new,” Richie told the crowd at Mortgage Matchup Center on Tuesday. He then pointed back to the years when the Commodores and Earth, Wind & Fire were filling venues with their own blend of R&B showmanship. “Commodores and Earth, Wind & Fire, we were doing that back 40 years ago. Only difference is, between then and now, we didn’t go to jail!” Richie said, before adding, “We’re fine Christian men.”

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Read More: Chris Brown Beefs: A Look At His Most Tense Moments

The Freaky R&B Tour

Usher and Brown’s The R&B Tour has been operating on a considerably larger scale than most R&B pairings. The co-headlining run launched in June and is scheduled for 33 stadium dates across North America, with shows continuing through December. Usher has described the tour as an argument for R&B’s ability to command stadiums rather than a competition between its two headliners.

Richie has some firsthand experience with the format he was teasing. His current Sing a Song All Night Long tour with Earth, Wind & Fire reunites two veteran acts for another joint run, following their 2023 tour together. Their Phoenix stop took place August 11.

Meanwhile, Chris Brown apparently took the ribbing exactly as it sounded. Rather than firing back, he responded beneath a circulating video with laughing emojis and wrote, “Damn, unk. We love ya paw paw.” So far, Usher has not publicly answered Richie’s joke. Brown, at least, seems content to let the elder get his jokes off.

The post Chris Brown Laughs Off Lionel Richie’s Joke About Him & Usher appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

White leather covers the upper, paired with grey elephant print at the toe and heel. Black and Fire Red accents hit the eyelets, tongue, and midsole. It keeps the same color layout that’s defined this colorway for decades.

The heel brings back Nike Air branding instead of the Jumpman logo. That’s a detail longtime collectors have wanted back for years.

There’s no aged or pre-yellowed look on this release either. Jordan Brand is going for a clean, true-to-original white upper, moving away from the vintage look used on 2023’s “Reimagined” version. That release also split opinion among collectors, and this one looks to fix that.

Further, full family sizing is expected at launch through Nike, Foot Locker, Finish Line, Shiekh, Hibbett, and DSG. With over a year still to go, more details should come out as Jordan Brand gets closer to release.

Read More: Diddy Files Counterclaims Against Lil Rod in $30M Lawsuit

Air Jordan 3 OG “White Cement”

“White Cement” holds a special place in Jordan history thanks to the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest. Michael Jordan wore this exact pair during his free throw line dunk. Fans know it as a moment that’s become one of the most photographed in NBA history.

The Air Jordan 3 itself changed the direction of the whole line. Designed by Tinker Hatfield, it brought visible Air cushioning, elephant print, and the Jumpman logo, all for the first time on a Jordan signature shoe.

Past retros haven’t always gotten the original details right. The 2003 version swapped Nike Air for Jumpman branding, and later releases in 2011 and 2013 drifted further from the OG shape. Overall the 2018 retro fixed much of that, and 2027 looks like it’s building on that same accuracy.

Also for collectors who skipped the 2023 “Reimagined” pair over its aged finish, this release looks like the clean, true-to-OG version many have been waiting on.

Read More: Nike Designer Hints At An Air Worm NDestrukt Return

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That allegation comes entirely from Combs’ filing, reports AllHipHop. It does not identify an accuser or include a police report supporting the claim. Combs’ attorneys state only that, “upon information and belief,” Jones had been accused of sexual assault sometime during the period he was working on The Love Album: Off the Grid and “needed money to defend against legal troubles.”

Combs is using that claim to advance a larger argument about why Jones sued him. According to the counterclaims, Jones sought more money from Love Records after his work on the album was completed. Combs alleges that once those demands were rejected, Jones retaliated by filing a lawsuit filled with false allegations intended to damage his reputation. Jones has maintained that his case is based on misconduct he says occurred while working closely with Combs.

Read More: Diddy Says Lil Rod Never Turned Medical Records Over

Inside Lil Rod’s Lawsuit

The producer filed his lawsuit in February 2024, accusing Combs of sexual assault and alleging that he was drugged during their time working together. He also claimed he was improperly compensated for his work on The Love Album. Diddy has denied Jones’ allegations from the beginning and previously characterized the case as an attempt to generate publicity and pull a settlement.

The court has already narrowed Jones’ case, but it did not eliminate it. In March 2025, a judge dismissed his RICO claims and his breach-of-contract theory. Claims for emotional distress were also thrown out. However, the judge allowed Jones’ sexual assault claim against Diddy to continue after finding that his complaint contained enough factual allegations to survive the dismissal stage.

The counterclaims extend beyond the dispute over money. Combs also accuses Jones of taking computer drives containing footage recorded for a documentary about Combs. Jones allegedly accessed a videographer’s workstation while the group was in St. Barths and later provided footage to Netflix. Some of that material allegedly appeared in Sean Combs: The Reckoning, the documentary series that was executive-produced by 50 Cent. Jones is also being accused of defamation over statements he made in the series.

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

Netflix has previously maintained that the production obtained its footage legally and had the necessary rights to use it. Director Alexandria Stapleton has likewise defended how the material was acquired without publicly identifying the source. Combs is seeking damages through his counterclaims and wants the disputed drives and footage returned.

The post Diddy Files Counterclaims Against Lil Rod In $30M Lawsuit appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Cooke got his hands on a vintage pair in black, white, and red, matching the colorway Rodman wore during his Bulls days. The shoe shows some wear after sitting in storage for over two decades, though the zipper-front design still holds up structurally.

This isn’t the first time Cooke has stirred up speculation with a low-key Instagram post. He recently did something similar with the Nike Air Max 180, captioning that preview “It’s time to get busy again.” Like that post, it’s unclear whether this new teaser is hinting at an actual retro or simply celebrating a forgotten grail.

As of now, the Air Worm NDestrukt isn’t listed anywhere on Nike’s official release schedule. That doesn’t rule out a future return, but it does mean fans shouldn’t expect anything official anytime soon.

Read More: Chris Brown’s Performance Takes A Freaky Turn In Toronto

Nike Air Worm NDestrukt Retro

The Air Worm NDestrukt has stayed pretty quiet since Rodman’s playing days, never receiving the kind of retro treatment plenty of other 90s basketball shoes have gotten over the years. Its zipper closure and bold design made it one of the more distinctive signature shoes of that era.

Cooke’s history of previews adds some weight to these teasers, even without confirmation. His past posts have occasionally lined up with pairs that eventually moved toward some form of
return.

Given how long retro projects typically take to appear, even an early tease like this could represent the first step toward something real. Nike has definitely leaned into 90s nostalgia across its basketball archive, making a shoe like this a real possibility eventually.

For now, fans will have to treat this one as speculation. Whether “Twist” ends up meaning a real comeback or just a nod to sneaker history remains to be seen.

Read More: Doja Cat Calls Tyga A Penis For AI Album

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Release Date: August 13, 2026

Genre: Hip-hop

Album: Dillagence 2

Quotable Lyrics from Talk Ya Shit

Look, my money bag heavy in every town I lock up
Like loaves of bread jumpin’ out the toaster when I pop up
Again, because my stocks up
These bitches get they rocks up

The post Talk Ya Shit – Song by Busta Rhymes & J Dilla featuring Lil Wayne appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

“Nobody asked me anything about Tyga, but I felt like saying this: Tyga is a penis for making an AI album,” she said.

It’s a pretty harsh criticism but one that probably isn’t too far from how most working musicians view the AI ecosystem. Doja Cat and plenty of other artists have criticized platforms like Suno, which are basically being trained by being fed the work of actual artists. 

Read More: Inside The Tupac Murder Trial: 11 Key Players To Know

Tyga Defends AI Use

Still, Tyga’s approach to AI is something that he’s defended. In fact, he’s suggested that the AI takeover is inevitable, and his attempt to use it for his latest project merely reflects the direction the industry is going in. 

“I’ve never spoken on this with anybody because I always felt like it’s similar to a magician explaining how he does his tricks. Like why are people overexplaining how they make sh*t that’s good?” Tyga told VIBE. “If you like it, you like it; if you don’t, you don’t. I don’t care. It’s supposed to give you an experience and a feeling. But we definitely used AI as a [tool]. And I know people are going to be mad about me saying this, but it’s where technology is going. It’s no different than when Auto-Tune came out. Some people were opposed to it, but real artists took it and used it.”

What are your thoughts on Tyga’s new album? Sound off in the comment section below. 

Read More: The 10 Best Miami Heat Player Exclusive Sneakers Of All Time

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YoungBoy told Funny Marco that he was never going to speak to his mom again. Gaulden eventually spoke out, saying that YB was lying about her, and that she doesn’t appreciate false narratives being spread online.

DJ Akademiks posted this video on his platform. However, YoungBoy did not appreciate this. While streaming with Funny Marco, YoungBoy stated just how upset he was about Akademiks’ post.

This prompted Ak to respond on his most recent live stream. The commentator is looking to keep his relationship with YB intact, which ultimately led to some damage control.

Read More: Inside The Tupac Murder Trial: 11 Key Players To Know

DJ Akademiks Reacts

As Akademiks explains, the video Gaulden posted was public. Furthermore, he knows the relationship YB has with his mom behind the scenes, especially during his recent tour. Therefore, he didn’t feel like it was necessary to ask YB for any kind of permission.

However, Akademiks noted that he never wants to comment on the relationship between a mother and son. He noted that he loves YB as an artist and as a friend, and that he would never want to jeopardize their relationship.

That said, Ak said he was deleting the video, and that he would not touch this topic ever again. It is a noble decision, and one that demonstrates just how much Ak cares about the relationship he has with YB.

Only time will tell whether or not YB forgives Ak for all of this. YB certainly has a lot going on right now, especially with his move to South Korea. Regardless, this is a saga fans didn’t exactly see coming.

Read More: Is The Game Looking For Beef With Kendrick Lamar?

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