Thursday, October 17, 2024

Kendrick Lamar Sweeps 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards, Leaves Megan Thee Stallion Empty-Handed

  Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET
GloRilla performs onstage during the BET Hip Hop Awards 2024 at Drai's Beachclub & Nightclub on October 08, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Kendrick Lamar emerged as the undisputed champion of the 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards (taped Oct. 8 and broadcast Tuesday), sweeping all eight categories in which he was nominated. Despite entering the night with 11 nominations, Lamar ultimately outshined Megan Thee Stallion, who led with 12 nominations but failed to secure a win.

Lamar's victories included top honors, such as Hip Hop Artist of the Year, Song of the Year for “Not Like Us,” and Lyricist of the Year. He also won Video Director of the Year, shared with Dave Free for their work on the “Not Like Us” music video.




In contrast, Megan Thee Stallion, known for her chart-topping hits, was surprisingly absent from the winners' circle, a shock to many given her leading number of nominations.

Other notable wins included Nicki Minaj’s “Pink Friday 2,” which took home Hip Hop Album of the Year, reaffirming her lasting influence. Sexyy Red was crowned Best Breakthrough Hip Hop Artist, while 50 Cent earned the Hustler of the Year title for his business ventures.

Hosted by Fat Joe, the awards ceremony highlighted both veterans and emerging stars, showcasing hip-hop's lasting impact and global reach.

Key Winners

Hip Hop Artist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar
Song of the Year: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
Hip Hop Album of the Year: “Pink Friday 2” – Nicki Minaj
Best Breakthrough Hip Hop Artist: Sexyy Red
Hustler of the Year: 50 Cent
Best Collaboration: “Like That” – Metro Boomin, Future, Kendrick Lamar
Lyricist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar
Video Director of the Year: Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar (“Not Like Us”)

For the full list of winners, click here.

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Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Diddy's Legal Battles Escalate: Demands Accuser Names in Sex-Trafficking Case, Faces New Graphic Lawsuit

Sean "Diddy" Combs, who is currently in jail awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges, has requested the identities of his accusers, according to court documents filed Tuesday.

The music mogul's legal team argues that the overwhelming volume of allegations and the anonymity of the accusers necessitate disclosure to ensure a fair trial.

Combs, 54, faces charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The indictment alleges a pattern of abuse spanning decades, with Combs allegedly using his wealth and influence to coerce individuals into sexual acts.
Prosecutors claim that Combs organized and directed "freak-offs," gatherings characterized by explicit sexual activity, where drugs were frequently used to incapacitate victims and facilitate the assaults that form the basis of the sex trafficking charges.

His attorneys argue that the extensive media coverage surrounding the case has led to a "torrent of allegations," some of which they deem "outright absurd." They cite recent civil suits filed by six anonymous plaintiffs and claims from Attorney Tony Buzbee of representing 120 accusers as contributing to what they describe as a "hysterical media circus."

The defense asserts that without knowing the identities of the accusers, Combs cannot adequately prepare for his May 5th trial. They emphasize the need to differentiate between consensual relationships and alleged coercion, particularly given the expected volume of evidence related to Combs' sexual history.

Federal prosecutors oppose disclosing the accusers' names at this stage. The Manhattan U.S. attorney's office declined to comment.

New Lawsuit Adds to Mounting Allegations

In a separate development, a new lawsuit filed in California accuses Combs of sexual assault, battery, abuse, false imprisonment, and kidnapping. The plaintiff, Ashley Parham, alleges that Combs and his accomplices raped her in 2018 after she made a comment about Combs' alleged involvement in Tupac Shakur's death. Parham's lawsuit also names Kristina Khorram, a former associate of both Combs and Kanye West, as a co-defendant.
The lawsuit contains graphic details, including allegations that Combs used a remote control to sexually assault Parham during the attack. According to the filing, Parham was coerced into a room and then physically restrained while Combs and his associates assaulted her. Parham claims that Combs threatened her life during the ordeal, adding that she was too frightened to name him when she initially reported the incident to multiple police departments. She is now seeking $50 million in damages for the assault and the resulting emotional trauma.

Combs has consistently denied all allegations in both the criminal and civil cases against him. His legal team has not yet issued a public statement regarding the latest lawsuit. These allegations, along with the new lawsuit, could have profound implications for his career and legacy as one of hip-hop's most influential figures, especially if he is convicted and faces a lengthy prison sentence.
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Monday, October 14, 2024

Brooklyn Rapper Ka, Firefighter and 9/11 Responder, Dies at 52

Photo Credit: Instagram: @mimivaldes
Kaseem Ryan, the Brooklyn-born rapper known as Ka, who balanced a career in hip-hop with two decades of service as a New York City firefighter, died unexpectedly Saturday at the age of 52.

His death was announced Monday in a post on his Instagram account, sparking an outpouring of tributes from the music community. Ka was praised for his reflective lyrics, minimalist production, and dedication to both his craft and the city he served.

“Ka lived a life of service — to his city, to his community, and to his music,” the Instagram statement read. “He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as a recording artist.”

A native of Brownsville, Ka spent 20 years with the New York Fire Department, rising to the rank of captain. He also worked as a first responder during the Sept. 11 attacks, a role he rarely discussed publicly but one that deeply influenced his worldview and music.


Known for his introspective, poetic style, Ka’s music was often described as a form of “quiet rage,” characterized by its understated delivery and deeply introspective lyrics that explored themes of survival, struggle, and social justice, drawing on his experiences both in the streets and in the firehouse. On his critically acclaimed 2016 album "Honor Killed the Samurai," Ka rapped: "With bars of greed, I plead, how many cars you need? / When fathers bleed to fill ribs of kids that hardly read."

Though Ka had been rapping since the early 1990s, it wasn’t until the release of "Iron Works" in 2008 that he gained recognition in the underground hip-hop scene. In an interview with Complex, Ka said the album was a personal milestone, a way to show his mother that his years spent pursuing music hadn’t been in vain. “I wanted to give my mother a CD to put in her hand,” he said.

His lyrical mastery and minimalist production earned Ka a devoted following and widespread respect in the hip-hop world. He was fiercely independent, releasing all of his albums on his own label and maintaining creative control over his music. The Fader once called him “New York rap’s greatest living treasure,” while journalist Jeff Weiss described him as “the master of quiet rage,” noting that Ka’s music carried “pain, grief, and wisdom in every bar.”

Ka collaborated with prominent artists such as Wu-Tang Clan’s GZA and producer Roc Marciano, continuing to push the boundaries of hip-hop with each release. His most recent project, "The Thief Next to Jesus," was released in August 2024.

Ka is survived by his wife, Mimi Valdes, who paid tribute to him on Instagram, calling him "my king, my hero, my best friend." He is also survived by his mother and sister.

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