Grammy-winning rap duo Salt-N-Pepa have escalated their copyright battle against Universal Music Group, filing a notice of appeal on February 4 in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The appeal challenges a January 8 ruling by District Judge Denise Cote that dismissed the duo’s lawsuit over ownership of their master recordings. Judge Cote’s decision held that Cheryl James and Sandra Denton never legally owned the copyrights to their recordings and therefore cannot exercise termination rights under Section 203 of the Copyright Act. The statute allows artists to reclaim transferred copyrights 35 years after the original grant, but only for transfers executed by the artist themselves. Salt-N-Pepa previously served termination notices on Universal in March 2022, with the earliest effective date set for May 15, 2024. Their case centers on a 1986 recording agreement with Noise In The Attic Productions, a company owned by producer Hurby Azor. That contract granted NITA ownership of the master recordings, and on the same day, Azor transferred the rights to Next Plateau Records, a predecessor to Universal. The duo signed an inducement letter linked to the distribution deal with Next Plateau and argued it represented a direct grant of rights, enabling them to reclaim their masters decades later. Judge Cote rejected the claim, stating, “The only copyright transfer effectuated by these agreements was the one from NITA to Next Plateau Records. Plaintiffs can only terminate copyright transfers that they executed.” Salt-N-Pepa Hires “Blurred Lines” Attorney & Files Appeal In UMG Lawsuit Dismissal The court also dismissed a conversion claim in which Salt-N-Pepa alleged Universal interfered with their possession of master tapes, finding no evidence the artists ever held ownership of those recordings. Universal called the dismissal a “complete vindication,” adding it had sought to resolve the dispute privately. A spokesperson said, “While we are gratified that the court dismissed this baseless lawsuit, we remain open to dialogue to support Salt-N-Pepa’s legacy.” Salt-N-Pepa contend their catalog generates substantial revenue, citing millions in streaming and synchronization licenses. The appeal follows months after their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and marks the first involvement of veteran copyright attorney Richard S. Busch, known for his work representing the Marvin Gaye estate in the “Blurred Lines” litigation. The Second Circuit now must determine whether the pioneering duo can reclaim control over the masters that defined their legacy in hip-hop.

Rapper Blueface has confirmed he is expecting another child, sharing the news during a February 22 Twitch livestream with his girlfriend, Nevaeh Akira. The West Coast artist revealed a positive pregnancy test on camera, then celebrated the moment in real time. “You’re having a Blueface baby,” he told Akira, before kissing her stomach and shouting in excitement. View this post on Instagram The announcement marks Blueface’s fourth child. He shares two children, Javaughn and Journey, with Jaidyn Alexis. He also shares a son, Chrisean Jesus Jr., with Chrisean Rock. Akira has a son from a previous relationship, expanding an already blended family dynamic that has often unfolded in public view. The livestream followed weeks of online speculation about Blueface and Akira’s relationship status. Days earlier, he sparked breakup rumors after posting that she was “cut from the roster.” Rapper Blueface Expecting Fourth Child With New Girlfriend Nevaeh Akira, BM Jaidyn Alexis Reacts He also appeared on a livestream with Stunna Girl, which intensified chatter across social platforms. The pregnancy reveal appears to quiet that noise, at least for now. Blueface amplified the moment by sharing two separate tests that confirmed the pregnancy. He described the first as inconclusive, then pointed to the second, which clearly read “Pregnant.” His reaction set the tone. He leaned into the spectacle, turning a private milestone into viral content. Alexis, the mother of two of his children, later addressed the news during her own Twitch broadcast. She maintained that the pregnancy does not affect her household. She emphasized stability and wished everyone involved well. Her response fueled debate online, with supporters praising her composure and critics questioning her sincerity. Meanwhile, Blueface’s mother, Karlissa Saffold Harvey, publicly congratulated the couple and called children a blessing. Akira also expressed joy on social media, signaling optimism about the new chapter. Blueface recently gifted Akira a Mercedes-Benz, adding another headline to the week’s developments. Although minor damage later appeared on the vehicle, he insisted she was not responsible. For Blueface, the announcement reinforces a familiar pattern. His personal life remains intertwined with his brand, unfolding live and unfiltered for millions to watch.

Halle Berry is done with faking in bed. In the preview of the appearance of the Sex With Emily podcast, Berry shared why she puts her sexual needs first during romantic encounters. The Oscar-winning actress is no longer willing to please the male ego at the expense of her own desires. “We had to get there so that he felt good about bringing us to orgasm,” Berry told host Emily Morse. “So we had to say that we did it so that he would feel good about himself. Because what is that doing? That’s putting his needs before our own. And now I don’t do that anymore.” “I’m like, ‘No, I cum first like you cum first to you,” Berry continued. “We both deserve to have this be a mutually enjoyable experience where we both can roll over and go to sleep because we feel good. Not one snoring and one looking… [like], ‘What the f**k am I doing?’” View this post on Instagram After much speculation, Berry confirmed that is engaged to her long-time partner and musician Van Hunt. She spoke about the exact moment that she knew Van Hunt was the one. ​“You know, you get to be 54, you just kind of done it a few times, three, to be exact,” Berry said. “You just kind of know when it’s right, ’cause you know when it’s wrong.” ​During an appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” Berry spoke about the rumors of her engagement. “There’s some confusion that he asked to marry me, and I said no,’ Berry said. “But, that’s not the case?” Fallon. “No, that’s not the case,” Berry explained. “I did not say ‘no,’ we just don’t have a date. Of course, I said ‘yes, I would marry him.’ “ ​“I’m so happy, you guys are a great couple,” Fallon said. ​“Thank you. He did put a little ring on it,” Berry replied.

Baltimore rapper Poppa Fetti is facing a new federal indictment alleging child sex trafficking and interstate transportation of a minor, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. View this post on Instagram A federal grand jury in Maryland returned a three-count indictment against Deion Philip, 33, charging him with two counts of sex trafficking of a minor and one count of transporting a minor across state lines for unlawful sexual activity. Federal prosecutors allege Philip exploited two underage victims for commercial sex acts for financial gain. According to the indictment, Philip trafficked one minor over several weeks in 2025. Prosecutors further allege he trafficked a second minor between October and November 2025. The charging document claims the conduct involved arranging and profiting from commercial sex acts involving the minors. Baltimore Rapper Poppa Fetti Indicted On Federal Sex Trafficking Charges The indictment was unsealed Monday, escalating Philip’s legal exposure beyond pending state charges. In November, Maryland authorities brought nine sex trafficking counts against him. He also faces related charges in Howard County. The federal case now proceeds separately in U.S. District Court in Maryland. If convicted on the federal counts, Philip faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, with each sex trafficking charge carrying a potential life sentence. The interstate transportation charge also carries substantial penalties under federal law. Philip has denied the allegations in prior proceedings and has maintained his innocence. His counsel has not publicly commented on the newly unsealed federal indictment. Federal prosecutors said the case reflects coordinated efforts between local and federal law enforcement agencies to combat child exploitation. A detention hearing and arraignment are expected in federal court. No trial date has been set. The charges remain allegations. Prosecutors bear the burden of proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt, and Philip is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Luci4, the underground rapper who broke through with the viral hit “BodyPartz,” has died at 23. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed the artist, born James Dear, passed away on Feb. 22 in Los Angeles. His cause of death remains under investigation. View this post on Instagram According to his grandparents, Luci4 died at a friend’s home as his career was gaining traction. “We don’t know what happened yet — but we’re suspicious,” they said. The family claims his wallet was emptied and expressed concern about new people in his circle as his fame grew. “We had warned him,” they added, noting they are waiting for answers from police. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a medical call at 11:40 a.m. Paramedics arrived and found him deceased. Authorities then contacted law enforcement. Sources say officers secured the location as a potential crime scene. Investigators have not confirmed foul play. Atlantic Records’ Luci4 Died At 23, Family Confirms Luci4 carved out a distinct lane in the internet rap underground. He emerged as a leading voice in sigilkore, a digital-born microgenre defined by distorted beats and dark aesthetics. His music exploded on TikTok in 2021, where fans propelled his songs into viral territory. “BodyPartz” became his breakout moment. The track spread rapidly across streaming platforms and social media. It later achieved gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America, signaling his arrival beyond niche circles. The buzz led to a deal with Atlantic Records. Industry insiders viewed him as a pioneer of the sigilkore wave. His sound resonated with a generation raised on algorithm-driven discovery. Friends described Luci4 as fearless and visionary. He often spoke about independence and creative control. Now, as detectives continue their investigation, fans mourn a young artist whose momentum felt unstoppable.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has issued a formal apology to actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo following an onstage incident during the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards in London. The apology comes after an audience member shouted a racial slur while Jordan and Lindo were presenting an award at the Royal Festival Hall. The actors, who co-starred in the film Sinners, were on stage when the outburst occurred. The remark was later identified by attendees and viewers as the N-word. In a statement released Monday, BAFTA addressed the incident and acknowledged the harm caused. “Tourette syndrome causes involuntary verbal tics that the individual has no control over,” the organization said. “Such tics are in no way a reflection of an individual’s beliefs and are not intentional.” BAFTA added that “a loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard by many people in the room.” The statement continued: “Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the time, and we apologize unreservedly to them, and to all those impacted.” The ceremony was broadcast by the BBC on a delay. However, the slur was not censored before the program aired, prompting criticism online after viewers replayed the moment. BAFTA Apologizes To Michael B. Jordan & Delroy Lindo After N-Word Incident Jordan and Lindo did not respond publicly during the ceremony. They continued presenting the award for Avatar: Fire and Ash and maintained composure on stage. BAFTA later commended the actors for their “incredible dignity and professionalism.” In subsequent remarks, Lindo said he and Jordan “did what [they] had to do” in the moment. He also said he wished “someone from BAFTA spoke to [them] afterwards.” The organization’s apology was issued nearly 12 hours after the broadcast concluded. BAFTA said it takes “full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation” and pledged to keep inclusion at the center of its work moving forward. The audience member later released a statement reiterating that the verbal tic was involuntary. He did not issue a direct apology to Jordan or Lindo.

Never say never. In one of the most improbable events in boxing history, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, two of boxing’s greatest legends, have agreed to a highly anticipated rematch more than a decade after their first duel. According to ESPN, the event will take place at the Sphere in Las Vegas on September 19. The bout will be streamed across the globe and streamed globally on Netflix. No information about what weight class the fight will be contested at has been released. In the announcement of the fight, Mayweather is anticipating another victory over his arch-rival.  “I already fought and beat Manny once,” Mayweather said. “This time will be the same result.”  FLOYD MAYWEATHER vs. MANNY PACQUIAO Two of the greatest icons in boxing history will meet again in the first-ever professional boxing match at Sphere in Las Vegas. Saturday September 19LIVE globally only on Netflix#MayPac2 pic.twitter.com/3i5FtXBzgX — Netflix (@netflix) February 23, 2026 For Pacquiao, he will have another opportunity to hand Mayweather his first loss of his career. “Floyd and I gave the world what remains the biggest fight in boxing history. The fans have waited long enough. They deserve this rematch. And it will be even bigger now that it will be streamed live globally on Netflix,” Pacquiao said in a statement.  “I want Floyd to live with the one loss on his professional record. And always remember who gave it to him,” Pacquiao continued. “As always, I dedicate this fight to my fellow Filipinos around the world and to bringing glory to the Philippines.” Mayweather, 48, announced his plans to return to the ring following his fight against Mike Tyson on April 25 in The Congo. Back in July, Pacquiao officially came out of retirement and fought Mario Barrios to a majority draw. In a tune-up fight,  Pacquiao will face exhibition Ruslan Provodnikov on April 18 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. In their first fight on May 2, 2015, Mayweather won a unanimous decision against  Pacquiao.  A financial success, the fight generated over $600 million in total revenue. Also, the bout earned 4.6 million pay-per-view (PPV) buys in the U.S. alone, which is still a record. The live gate at the MGM Grand also set a benchmark, raking in $72 million.

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi is opening up about a deeply personal health battle. The Jersey Shore star revealed she has been diagnosed with stage 1 cervical cancer. Snooki, 38, explained that the diagnosis came after years of abnormal Pap smear results led doctors to perform a cone biopsy. The procedure ultimately detected adenocarcinoma, a type of cervical cancer. Despite the scary news, she emphasized that the cancer was caught early and remains highly treatable. “It came back Stage 1 cervical cancer called adenocarcinoma,” she said. “And obviously not the news I’ve been hoping for, but also not the worst news just because they caught it so early. Thank freaking God!” The reality TV personality said she is scheduled to undergo a PET scan to determine whether the cancer has spread. She also shared that she is considering a hysterectomy while hoping to keep her ovaries. While processing the diagnosis, Snooki is using her platform to raise awareness and encourage women to stay on top of routine screenings. She strongly urged fans to get regular Pap smears, stressing that early detection made a critical difference in her situation. Snooki then took to social media to thank her fans for the outpour of love. “So overwhelmed with all the love you guys have given me appreciate you!! Now go book ya exams!” View this post on Instagram By speaking publicly, Snooki said she hopes to help others feel less alone if they are facing similar health scares. View this post on Instagram

Sean “Diddy” Combs and his son Christian Combs have reached a settlement with the law firm Summa LLP in a dispute over unpaid legal fees, according to court documents cited by TMZ. The firm had claimed it was owed payment for more than 100 hours of attorney work and approximately 90 hours of paralegal time, totaling at least $53,688.35. The specific terms of the settlement have not been disclosed. The agreement closes that particular financial disagreement, though it does not resolve the broader legal matters connected to the case. Much of the firm’s work related to Christian Combs’s defense against a civil lawsuit filed by Grace O’Marcaigh. She alleged that he attempted to coerce her into performing oral sex while she was employed as a steward on a yacht chartered in 2022. O’Marcaigh also claimed that Diddy created what she described as a “lawless atmosphere” aboard the vessel. The allegations remain contested. Diddy has denied any wrongdoing and previously sought dismissal of the claims against him. In a letter, he wrote, “[It] incorrectly alleges that I chartered the yacht where the alleged assault occurred… I am neither the signatory nor a party to the… Charter Agreement.” His statement focused on disputing his contractual connection to the yacht in question. 50 Cent Comments as Combs’ Legal Matters Persist The lawsuit has also been referenced in an ongoing public exchange between 50 Cent and the Combs family. In a recent Instagram post, 50 Cent wrote: “Come on Christian you can do better than that man. LOL. No seriously how is your case going, the one when you drug shorty on the boat?” The comment followed the release of the Netflix documentary Sean Combs: The Reckoning, which 50 Cent executive-produced. Diddy is currently serving a federal sentence of more than four years after being convicted on two counts related to transportation to engage in prostitution. While the settlement with Summa LLP resolves a fee dispute, legal proceedings tied to the family continue to unfold.

NBA YoungBoy announced over the weekend that he and his wife, Jazlyn Mychelle Hayes, have welcomed a baby. In a short video shared to Instagram Stories, the rapper filmed Hayes resting in a hospital bed. “My gangsta had her baby,” he said quietly, before asking how she felt. “Relieved,” she replied, offering a small smile. The couple, who married in January 2023, revealed last summer that they were expecting a daughter. The child is their third together, following Alice, born in 2021, and Klemenza Tru, born in 2022. With this birth, YoungBoy—whose legal name is Kentrell DeSean Gaulden—is now a father of 13. Gaulden became a parent as a teenager, welcoming his first son at 16. In the years since, he has had children with several former partners, a fact that has drawn sustained public interest alongside his prolific music career. His expanding family has often unfolded in tandem with album releases, tours, and legal challenges, becoming part of the broader narrative that surrounds him. A Personal Moment Amid Online Noise The announcement came amid an unrelated online dispute between the rapper and the streamer PlaqueBoyMax. After the streamer criticized YoungBoy’s “HeadTap” video, the rapper responded on X with a sharply worded post. PlaqueBoyMax later addressed the exchange during a livestream, saying, “I fuck with you. I’m not going to apologize. I didn’t do nothing wrong.” He added, “At the end of the day, I fuck with YB. I’m still going to play his music… YB, I fuck with you heavy. I just don’t like this song.” For now, the focus appears to be on family. The brief hospital video offered a rare, unguarded glimpse into a private moment—one that stood in contrast to the public intensity that often surrounds him.