Jury Sides With Afroman, Clearing Rapper in Defamation Lawsuit Over ‘Lemon Pound Cake’ Video

The jury has officially spoken, and the lemon pound cake is safe. On Wednesday afternoon, an Adams County, Ohio, jury delivered a monumental free speech victory for rapper Afroman, completely rejecting a multimillion-dollar defamation lawsuit filed by the seven sheriff's deputies who raided his home in 2022.

The sweeping verdict concludes one of the most bizarre, viral and highly entertaining First Amendment trials in recent hip-hop history.

The deputies had sought a staggering $3.9 million in total damages. They claimed the 51-year-old artist — born Joseph Foreman — subjected them to intentional infliction of emotional distress, public ridicule and invasion of privacy after he utilized his home surveillance footage of their botched raid to create a series of mocking music videos, most notably the hit "Lemon Pound Cake."

@wcpo9news Afroman took the stand Tuesday, defending his videos and social media posts about the Adams County sheriff's deputies who accuse him of using their likeness without permission after they executed a search warrant at his home. #afroman #trial #cincinnati ♬ original sound - WCPO9News

After brief deliberations following Wednesday's closing arguments, the eight-person jury sided entirely with the rapper.

"In all circumstances, the jury finds in favor of the defendant. No plaintiff verdict prevailed," the judge stated while reading the decision, officially concluding the matter with defense verdicts across the board.

The trial itself produced a string of viral, internet-breaking moments. Foreman attended the proceedings dressed in a full red, white and blue American flag suit. Conversely, the plaintiffs' testimony routinely devolved into absurdity. On Monday, Deputy Lisa Phillips — who had sought $1.5 million individually — broke down in tears on the witness stand while watching the music video. During cross-examinations, defense attorneys grilled officers on the stand, forcing them to answer questions regarding whether they resembled the Hunchback of Notre Dame and addressing rumors from the rapper's lyrics about infidelity.

Foreman maintained throughout the trial that he only created the videos to recoup the costs of the property damage caused by the raid — which famously turned up zero evidence of criminal activity and resulted in no charges. He also pointed out that the deputies disconnected his security cameras during the search and claimed that roughly $400 in cash was missing when his seized property was returned.

The verdict serves as a massive validation for constitutional watchdogs. Both the ACLU and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) publicly supported Foreman, arguing that the deputies' lawsuit was a blatant attempt to stifle the protected free speech of a private citizen criticizing government officials.

Ultimately, the jury agreed: If law enforcement tears through a citizen's home and finds nothing, that citizen has every constitutional right to write a rap song about it.

Jay-Z and the Roots Will Share the Stage for the First Time in a Decade

Jay-Z and The Roots will headline the 2026 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia at the Belmont Plateau on May 30. The performance, confirmed Tuesday, marks the first time the Roc Nation founder and the legendary live band will share a stage in over a decade. The unique "JAŸ-Z" styling on the poster has sparked widespread speculation among fans regarding a potential dedicated 30th-anniversary celebration of his 1996 debut album, "Reasonable Doubt." (Photo/Courtesy of Live Nation Urban)

A bucket-list moment for hip-hop purists is officially happening this spring. On Tuesday, Live Nation Urban announced that Jay-Z will headline the 2026 Roots Picnic, sharing the stage with The Roots for the first time in over a decade.

The massive homecoming event will take place on May 30 at Philadelphia's Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park. The performance holds heavy historical significance, as it aligns with the upcoming 30th anniversary of Jay-Z’s universally acclaimed 1996 debut album, "Reasonable Doubt."

​Backed by the legendary live instrumentation of The Roots — who are moving the festival to the Belmont Plateau after years at the Mann Music Center — the Roc Nation founder is expected to deliver a career-spanning set.

​"Moving the Roots Picnic to Belmont Plateau and bringing Jay-Z and The Roots together to perform are both bucket-list moments for us," Shawn Gee, president of Live Nation Urban and manager for The Roots, stated. General admission tickets officially went on sale Wednesday morning.

Mystikal to Be Sentenced in June After Pleading Guilty to Third-Degree Rape

Michael Tyler, also known as the rapper Mystikal, is shown in a booking photo following a previous arrest in Shreveport, La. Tyler pleaded guilty to third-degree rape on Tuesday in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, in connection with a separate 2022 assault. The former No Limit Records star — who is already a registered sex offender — accepted a plea agreement to avoid a potential life sentence and now faces up to 20 years in prison. (Photo/Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office, File)

The turbulent legal saga of a former Southern hip-hop heavyweight has reached a grim conclusion.

On Tuesday, Mystikal — the energetic Louisiana rapper known for a massive run of late-90s and early-2000s anthems under Master P's No Limit Records — officially pleaded guilty to third-degree rape in connection with a violent 2022 assault.

Appearing in an Ascension Parish courtroom, the 51-year-old artist, born Michael Tyler, accepted a plea agreement that reduced his original charge of first-degree rape. That initial charge carried an automatic life sentence in the state of Louisiana. By pleading guilty to the lesser third-degree charge, Tyler's sentence will be capped at 20 years.

Tuesday's conviction adds a sobering and definitive chapter to Tyler's extensive criminal record. He is already a registered sex offender, having previously served six years in state prison after pleading guilty in 2003 to sexual battery and extortion in an unrelated case involving his hairstylist. Years later, in 2017, he was charged with rape and kidnapping in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, spending roughly 18 months behind bars before a grand jury ultimately declined to indict him and the charges were dropped.

Before his career was permanently eclipsed by his repeated arrests and abuse allegations, Mystikal was a foundational voice in millennial hip-hop. Emerging from the New Orleans underground, his rapid-fire, James Brown-esque delivery became the frantic heartbeat of Master P's No Limit Records. His intense, aggressive flow was deeply rooted in personal tragedy, profoundly shaped by the 1994 murder of his sister, Michelle Tyler. Channeling that raw, frantic grief into his music, he eventually secured multiple Grammy Award nominations and found massive mainstream crossover success with undeniable hits like "Danger (Been So Long)" and the Pharrell Williams-assisted "Shake Ya Ass" off his multi-platinum 2000 album, "Let's Get Ready."

His conviction also serves as another dark chapter in the broader legacy of the No Limit empire. The iconic label has seen several of its defining stars completely derailed by the justice system — most notably Master P's own brother, C-Murder (Corey Miller), who is currently serving a life sentence in Louisiana for a 2002 nightclub shooting.

Tyler will remain in custody at the Ascension Parish Jail as he awaits his official sentencing hearing, which the judge has scheduled for June.

Ryan Coogler Wins Best Original Screenplay, Michael B. Jordan Takes Best Actor for ‘Sinners'

HISTORY MADE: Actor Michael B. Jordan smiles during a Q&A session for his film "Sinners" in Los Angeles on Nov. 22, 2025. Jordan cemented his Hollywood legacy at the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday, becoming only the sixth Black man to win the Oscar for Best Actor for his ambitious dual role in the Ryan Coogler-directed vampire thriller. (Photo/Kevin Paul)

Hollywood's biggest night proved to be a monumental milestone for Black cinema. On Sunday, the 98th Academy Awards heavily honored Ryan Coogler’s vampire thriller "Sinners," highlighted by a historic Best Actor victory for Michael B. Jordan.

Michael B. Jordan receives a massive round of applause from the entire room as he wins the #Oscar for Best Actor.

(via ABC/AMPAS) pic.twitter.com/TpPrBBU3OB

— Variety (@Variety) March 16, 2026

Jordan took home the gold for his ambitious, double-duty performance as twins Elijah "Smoke" Moore and Elias "Stack" Moore. With the victory, Jordan cements his Hollywood legacy, becoming only the sixth Black man in the 98-year history of the Academy Awards to win Best Actor — joining the elite, history-making ranks of Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker and Will Smith.

The win represents a triumphant peak for the actor, whose ascent to superstardom began with Coogler's 2013 feature debut, "Fruitvale Station."

Coogler also had his name called to the podium, winning the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for "Sinners." The visionary director's concept entered the ceremony with a record-breaking 16 nominations — surpassing the previous all-time high of 14 shared by "All About Eve," "Titanic" and "La La Land."

"Sinners" also broke major ground behind the camera. Autumn Durald Arkapaw made Oscar history by taking home the award for Best Cinematography, becoming the first female director of photography to ever win the category. The film's composer, Ludwig Göransson, also captured the award for Best Original Score.

Misty Copeland comes out of retirement to put Timothée Chalamet in his place during a live ‘Sinners’ performance at the #Oscars. pic.twitter.com/EhUIOEw8jg

— New York Magazine (@NYMag) March 15, 2026

Beyond the trophies, the telecast itself served as a massive platform for Black music and culture. The ceremony featured a highly anticipated, cinematic musical tribute to "Sinners" that celebrated the film's singular visual style and its deep roots in Black dance and musical traditions.

R&B legend Raphael Saadiq and breakout star Miles Caton took the stage to perform the Best Original Song nominee, "I Lied to You." The performance expanded into a larger celebration of Black musical excellence, featuring an all-star lineup that included Shaboozey, blues pioneer Buddy Guy, Eric Gales, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram and Bobby Rush.

"These show moments are more than just performances — they expand into cinematic tributes that celebrate the relationship between music and storytelling and why these films resonated so deeply with audiences around the world," Oscars producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan stated prior to the broadcast.

While Paul Thomas Anderson’s "One Battle After Another" ultimately took home the night's top prize for Best Picture — which also featured a Best Supporting Actress nomination for Teyana Taylor — the cultural footprint of the 2026 Oscars belongs undeniably to Coogler, Jordan and the entire "Sinners" ensemble.

To see the entire list of winners click here.

Trap Choir and Tuxedos: Rick Ross Sets Formal Dress Code for ‘Port of Miami’ 20th-Anniversary Tour

Grammy-nominated hip-hop heavyweight Rick Ross, shown in this promotional portrait, is set to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his 2006 debut album, "Port of Miami," with a unique 17-city national tour. The "Port of Miami" 20th Anniversary Black-Tie Experience — featuring the Renaissance Orchestra and Sainted Trap Choir — will visit prestigious theaters across the country, with formal attire heavily encouraged for attendees. (Photo: Will Sterling Courtesy of MMG)

The Biggest Boss is trading standard arenas for symphony halls to celebrate the album that laid the foundation for his empire.

On Wednesday, Rick Ross officially announced the "Port of Miami" 20th Anniversary Black-Tie Experience. The 17-city national tour will celebrate two decades since the release of his blockbuster 2006 debut, pairing his foundational street anthems with the Renaissance Orchestra and the Sainted Trap Choir.

The ambitious trek will kick off on May 29 at the James L. Knight Center in his hometown of Miami, delivering an unprecedented level of luxury to chart-topping, trap-heavy records like "Hustlin'" and "Push It."

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A post shared by Rick Ross (@richforever)

For the Grammy-nominated hip-hop heavyweight, the tour is a deliberate pivot from a traditional hip-hop show into a high-society gala aesthetic. Attendees are heavily encouraged to dress in formal black-tie attire for the performances, which will hit illustrious venues across the country, including the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, the Beacon Theatre in New York, and the Chicago Theatre, before concluding in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 29.

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A post shared by Rick Ross (@richforever)

“Port of Miami was the foundation of an empire, the blueprint to the biggest boss,” Ross stated in a press release regarding the tour's grand vision. “Twenty years later, we aren't just celebrating an album; we are elevating the culture. Bringing this music to the stage with a full orchestra and choir in a black-tie setting is about cementing the legacy. It's luxury, it's historic, and it's a milestone we are going to celebrate at the absolute highest level."

Released in August 2006, "Port of Miami" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and permanently altered the soundscape of Southern rap. The album introduced the world to the undeniable, larger-than-life persona that would eventually define the Maybach Music Group era.

Ross also took to social media to celebrate the milestone, acknowledging his relentless two-decade run in the industry.

"Twenty summers later. I never stopped Hustlin," Ross wrote to his followers on Instagram. "A black-tie experience performed live with @renaissanceorchestra and the legendary @saintedtrapchoir. From the 305 to the world. Lock in your city. Get fly."

Tickets for the historic anniversary tour went on sale to the general public this morning, Friday, March 13.

Eminem Pays Tribute As Lord Sear, Longtime Shade 45 Radio Host, Dies at 52

Steve "Lord Sear" Watson, a veteran hip-hop DJ and long-standing SiriusXM radio personality, smiles in an undated black-and-white promotional portrait. Watson, whose deep roots in the 1990s New York underground scene translated into a nearly two-decade run as a cornerstone of Eminem's Shade 45 channel, died Wednesday, March 11. He was 52. (Photo courtesy of SiriusXM)

The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of a foundational voice and a true New York heavyweight.
Lord Sear, the veteran DJ, rapper, and long-standing SiriusXM radio personality, died on Wednesday, March 11. He was 52.

Born Steve Watson in Harlem, New York, Sear served as a cornerstone of satellite radio on Eminem’s Shade 45 channel for nearly two decades. He built a massive national following co-hosting "The All Out Show" alongside Rude Jude, where his booming laugh, encyclopedic hip-hop knowledge, and razor-sharp humor became a daily ritual for millions of listeners. He later transitioned into a solo anchor role, commanding his own flagship program, "The Lord Sear Special."

WE ARE SAD TO REPORT THAT OUR DEAR FRIEND AND HOST, LORD SEAER HAS PASSED AWAY AT AGE 53. SEAR WAS MORE THAN A VOICE ON THE RADIO - HE WAS A FORCE, A FRIEND, AND FAMILY TO SO MANY OF US! IN HIS HONOR, PLEASE TUNE IN TOMORROW FROM 12–4PMET/9AM-1PMPT ON SHADE 45, WHERE FRIENDS WILL… pic.twitter.com/MvWBPu8GwA

— Shade45 (@Shade45) March 11, 2026

Following the news of his passing, Shade 45 released an official statement honoring his decades-long impact on the station and the genre.

"Sear was one of the greatest people to be around, I will never forget how he made me laugh on our tour together. Our time on Shade 45 together was always some of my favorite interviews. He made the world a better place and I'm gonna seriously miss that. Rest in peace Lil Trey."

— Eminem

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Lord Sear. He was more than a voice on the radio — he was a force, a friend, and family to so many of us,” the station wrote. “Rest easy, Lord Sear. The culture will never forget you.”

Sear’s connection to the culture was deeply rooted in the 1990s underground hip-hop scene. He was a frequent, scene-stealing fixture on the legendary "The Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show" on WKCR, providing comedic relief, raw energy, and freestyle verses that became the stuff of New York mixtape lore. His memorable vocal cameos and close associations with 90s artists — most notably his work on Kurious’s classic 1994 album, "A Constipated Monkey" — helped define the golden era's irreverent, cypher-heavy energy.

His influence extended far beyond the soundproof walls of the studio. During the early 2000s, Sear took his turntable talents to arenas worldwide, touring alongside Eminem as a DJ during the monumental "Anger Management Tour."

Eminem publicly honored his longtime friend and collaborator on Thursday, issuing a heartfelt tribute that recalled their shared history on the road and on the airwaves.

“Sear was one of the greatest people to be around, I will never forget how he made me laugh on our tour together,” Eminem wrote in a tribute posted to X. “Our time on Shade 45 together was always some of my favorite interviews. He made the world a better place and I'm gonna seriously miss that. Rest in peace Lil Trey.”

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Lord Sear. He was more than a voice on the radio — he was a force, a friend, and family to so many of us... Rest easy, Lord Sear. The culture will never forget you."

— Shade 45

The grief extended across the entire hip-hop ecosystem, with peers and legends sharing their own memories of the iconic broadcaster. Legendary producer DJ Premier expressed his disbelief online, writing: “Love You Sear. Crazy we spoke Monday night and you sounded fine. Snapping on each other like we always do.”

Fellow New York rap staple Fat Joe also paid his respects, adding: “God bless i know him my whole career love you sear.”

Beyond traditional music media, Sear's iconic voice also soundtracked a generation of gamers. Rockstar Games issued a statement acknowledging his famous role as the co-host of "Game FM" in the blockbuster video game "Grand Theft Auto III," writing: “Rest In Peace Lord Sear, Titan of NYC Hip-Hop and host of GTAIII's Game FM.”

Sear’s passing leaves a profound void in hip-hop media. He was a broadcaster who never lost his authentic connection to the streets that raised him, serving as a vital bridge between 90s underground purism and modern global radio.

Tlc, Salt-N-Pepa, and a Reunited en Vogue Bring 90s Dominance to the iHeartRadio Music Awards

The trailblazing R&B group En Vogue poses for a studio portrait. The legendary trio is preparing to share the stage with TLC and Salt-N-Pepa — a historic, first-of-its-kind collaboration — at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards. The highly anticipated March 26 performance in Los Angeles will mark the group's continued run with reunited original member Maxine Jones. (Photo/RBUniversalFan)

Before "girl power" became a commodified pop slogan, the actual groundwork was being laid on the hip-hop and R&B charts. On Thursday, March 26, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles will host a first-of-its-kind collaborative performance featuring the era's most defining trailblazers: TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue.

The joint set at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards brings together three groups that fundamentally shifted the culture for women in music. Salt-N-Pepa introduced unapologetic sex positivity and feminism to hip-hop, TLC rewrote the rules of female autonomy and financial independence with diamond-selling dominance, and En Vogue provided the vocal blueprint for self-respect and boundary-setting.

While the triple-threat billing is a major draw for the telecast, the En Vogue appearance carries significant cultural weight. The performance marks the group's continued run with original founding member Maxine Jones, who made her highly anticipated return to the lineup in early 2025 at the NBA All-Star Game.

Her return — which eventually preceded the late-2025 departure of longtime member Rhona Bennett — restored the original vocal blend that anchored timeless anthems like "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" and "Free Your Mind." The reunion of Jones with Terry Ellis and Cindy Herron has not been without its signature behind-the-scenes friction; former member Dawn Robinson publicly criticized the move late last year, claiming Maxine's return was a "set up" to oust Bennett.

Despite the noise, the current trio has remained focused on the stage, leaning into the nostalgia of their restored lineup.

“Having Maxine back and sharing it with our fans around the world — was beyond special,” Herron stated regarding the group's revival.

Now, that revived chemistry will be showcased on live television alongside their peers. A joint appearance with Salt-N-Pepa naturally sparks anticipation for a live rendition of their 1993 multi-platinum smash "Whatta Man." Adding TLC — the best-selling American girl group of all time — into the mix elevates the set into a definitive celebration of the era's dominance.

The ceremony, airing live on FOX, will be hosted by Atlanta rap pioneer Ludacris, who is also set to receive the 2026 iHeartRadio Landmark Award. The accolade honors artists whose portfolios have shaped the culture across multiple decades. Since his 2000 breakthrough with "Back for the First Time," Ludacris has shifted 24 million records globally and expanded his footprint into Hollywood.

“I'm excited to return as host of the iHeartRadio Music Awards to celebrate and perform alongside some of the best in the industry,” Ludacris said in a press release. “It's going to be a night with special performances and surprise moments fans are going to love.”

30 Years Later: Snoop Dogg Pours One Out for Tupac With Limited-Edition Cali Red Blend

Snoop Dogg, center, and Tupac Shakur, right, share a toast in this archival behind-the-scenes footage from the 1996 music video shoot for "2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted." The rare footage is featured in a new short film released Tuesday accompanying Snoop Dogg's launch of a limited-edition Cali by Snoop wine honoring the 30th anniversary of their iconic collaboration. (Image courtesy of Treasury Wine Estates/Cali by Snoop)

Thirty years after they helped define the golden era of West Coast hip-hop, Snoop Dogg is raising a glass to his late friend and collaborator, Tupac Shakur.

On Tuesday Snoop Dogg's wine brand, Cali by Snoop, officially released "2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted," a limited-edition red blend celebrating the 30th anniversary of their iconic 1996 anthem. Developed in partnership with Treasury Wine Estates and the Tupac Estate, the release serves as a liquid tribute to one of the most legendary brotherhoods in rap history.

"It's hard to believe it's been 30 years since Pac and I got together to make '2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted,'" Snoop Dogg said in a press statement regarding the release. "Nobody did it like us, and I can't think of a better way to honor his legacy than with a drink. This wine is perfect for celebrating with loved ones, and I'm looking forward to the people pourin' a little out with me for my friend".

For the culture, the milestone runs deep. Released during the absolute peak of Death Row Records' dominance, the original track became the defining soundtrack of a turbulent but triumphant 1990s hip-hop boom. Notably, the cinematic visual for "2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted" stands as the only music video Snoop and Tupac ever filmed together.

The limited-edition "2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted" red blend by Cali by Snoop is shown in a promotional image. Snoop Dogg released the wine in partnership with the Tupac Estate to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their classic 1996 collaboration. The bottle's label features a custom illustration of the two hip-hop legends inspired by their joint appearance at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards. (Image courtesy of Treasury Wine Estates/Cali by Snoop)

To accompany the wine launch, Cali by Snoop released a moving short film featuring rare, behind-the-scenes archival footage of the two superstars on the set of that exact video. In the clip, Snoop reminisces about their rapid rise, noting that they were often the only ones who truly understood the pressure they were under.

"When I think back on that time, I sometimes trip off all the drama, the courtrooms, the cases, the battles on and off record," Snoop says to his late friend in the tribute film. "But all of that played a part in the legends we became".

The wine itself is a Petite Sirah-dominant California red blend, characterized by tasting notes of toasty oak, dark fruit, toffee, and baking spice. The bottle's label artwork features a custom illustration of Snoop and Tupac inspired by their legendary joint appearance at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards, complete with a written tribute to Shakur.

The "2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted" wine retails for $14.99 and is currently available at major retailers nationwide.