DJ Quik, Daughter Launch Kickstarter for Debut Single

West Coast hip-hop legend DJ Quik is back, but this time he's sharing the spotlight with a newcomer: his daughter, Damyiah Mornaé.

The pair have launched a Kickstarter campaign for their debut single, "Outta My Way," hoping fans will say "Tonite" to their crowdfunding plea. Quik, the Compton, California, mastermind behind 1991's platinum-selling "Quik Is the Name" and 1998's "Rhythm-al-ism," is no stranger to hits. But in today's music landscape, even a legend needs a little help from his friends — and apparently, their wallets. The Kickstarter campaign, which went live Dec. 13, offers the usual "exclusive perks" for backers, ranging from digital downloads to (presumably) signed Quik memorabilia.

According to a press release, Quik was "deeply impressed" by his daughter's "undeniable talent." (She goes by Myiah.Mornae on Instagram, by the way.) A father-daughter collaboration? Sweet, right? Or is this a savvy move by a veteran artist to tap into a new generation of listeners? For those who've been living under a rock (or maybe just weren't born in the '80s), here's a quick refresher: DJ Quik (born David Marvin Blake) is a cornerstone of West Coast hip-hop. He's the producer behind hits for 2Pac, Janet Jackson, and Tony! Toni! Toné! and a pioneer of the smooth, funk-infused sound that defined the G-funk era.

Quik hasn't been resting on his laurels. He recently sat down with NPR's "Bullseye with Jesse Thorn" to discuss his influential career. He dropped a collaborative album, "Rosecrans," with fellow Compton rapper Problem in 2017, produced "Eargasm" for Megan Thee Stallion's "Fever" in 2019, and released "I Didn't Want to Leave You Lonely" with Long Beach, California's Kokane in 2022.

In September 2023, he and Mornaé released a visual album, "818," on YouTube. And just last April, he teamed up with JasonMartin (formerly Problem) for a new album, "Chupacabra."

The press release hypes up Mornaé's future R&B productions, promising she'll "wow" both Quik and fans. That's a lot of pressure for someone whose main claim to fame, so far, is being DJ Quik's daughter. Of course, there's a hashtag campaign: #DJQuikandDamyiah.

Tag your posts on Instagram (@DJQuik and @Myiah.Mornae), and you might get a shoutout. No guarantees, though. This father-daughter project is brought to you by #8B8 Records, a Los Angeles-based label founded in 2022. They say they're all about "innovative, genre-defying music." Time will tell.

‘True Justice Is Coming’: Jay-Z Slams Accuser’s Lawsuit After She Admits to Mistakes in Her Story

Jay-Z is speaking out following his accuser's admission of inconsistencies in her allegations of sexual assault against the rap mogul. The Alabama woman, identified as Jane Doe, claims that Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, and Sean "Diddy" Combs raped her at a 2000 MTV Video Music Awards afterparty when she was 13.

In an interview with NBC News on Friday, Jane Doe acknowledged errors in her account, including misremembering her father's involvement and incorrectly identifying a celebrity present at the event. Despite these discrepancies, she maintains the core of her allegations.

https://t.co/3JJ9SoT4eL pic.twitter.com/o8lW4ywWWz

— Roc Nation (@RocNation) December 14, 2024

Jay-Z's attorney, Alex Spiro, criticized the legal process, stating, "It is stunning that a lawyer would not only file such a serious complaint without proper vetting but would make things worse by further peddling this false story in the press." He added, "We are asking the Court to dismiss this frivolous case today and will take up the matter of additional discipline for Mr. Buzbee and all the lawyers that filed the complaint."

EXCLUSIVE: Jay-Z rape accuser comes forward to NBC News; acknowledges inconsistencies in her allegations. pic.twitter.com/tzk8qIKSFJ

— NBC News (@NBCNews) December 14, 2024

Jay-Z himself condemned the lawsuit, asserting, "Today's investigative report proves this 'attorney' Buzbee filed a false complaint against me in the pursuit of money and fame. This incident didn't happen, and yet he filed it in court and doubled down in the press. True justice is coming."

The lawsuit alleges that Jane Doe attended the afterparty after attempting to enter the awards show at Radio City Music Hall. She claims she was later assaulted by Carter and Combs, though the specific details of the events remain contested.

Both Jay-Z and Combs have denied the allegations. Combs' representatives have labeled the claims as "shameless publicity stunts."

Diddy Accused of Sexually Assaulting Three Men in Disturbing New Lawsuits, Will Smith Denies Connection to Scandal

Three new lawsuits filed Thursday in New York accuse Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs of drugging and sexually assaulting multiple men, adding to the avalanche of civil claims already pending against the music mogul.

The complaints, submitted to New York Supreme Court, detail alleged assaults between 2019 and 2022. Two of the plaintiffs say Combs “personally offered” them alcoholic drinks at parties, after which they lost consciousness and were attacked. A third man, who says he once worked for Combs, alleges the rapper drugged and assaulted him during a meeting about unpaid wages.

Combs, 55, is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. He faces federal charges including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, has pleaded not guilty, and has been denied bail three times. A trial is scheduled for May 2025.

His attorneys, who have called the growing number of allegations “full of lies,” recently secured a court order allowing Combs daily access to a discovery laptop in jail, though under strict conditions. In a statement to the BBC, they said: “We will prove them false and seek sanctions against every unethical lawyer who filed fictional claims against him.”

Will Smith says he wasn't involved in “No Diddy” Freak-Offs & admits he was mad when he saw viral Memes about him. 👀 pic.twitter.com/APqJV8lNRu

— HIPHOP CROWN NATION (@hiphopcnation) December 13, 2024

The men, who filed anonymously, say they fear Combs’ “reach and influence,” according to their lawsuits. Attorney Thomas Giuffra, representing the three plaintiffs, said his office has fielded inquiries from more than 60 people with claims against Combs.

In one case, an anonymous plaintiff said he felt disoriented at a private gathering in 2019 after Combs “personally offered” him a cocktail. He recalled moments of consciousness during which he was being recorded and assaulted. Another plaintiff alleges that, during a 2020 party at Combs’ East Hampton home, he began losing consciousness after drinking alcohol Combs provided, and “fading in and out” as Combs and others “took turns” raping him. The third man claims he was drugged and assaulted by Combs in February 2020 during a hotel meeting arranged to discuss unpaid wages.

Meanwhile, actor and musician Will Smith recently told a San Diego audience he has no connection to Combs, addressing online speculation by saying: “I don’t have s*** to do with Puffy, so y’all can stop all the memes.”