Battle rapper Tsu Surf has been released from Michigan state custody and placed on parole supervision, according to records from the Michigan Department of Corrections. The Newark-born performer, whose legal name is Rahjon Cox, began parole on April 15 under the Wayne/Detroit Metro District Probation and Parole office. View this post on Instagram His supervision is set to run through July 30, contingent on compliance with court-ordered conditions. Those conditions require Cox to report to a parole agent within one business day of release, remain in the state of Michigan, and submit to drug and alcohol testing. He must also complete substance abuse treatment and avoid any firearm possession. Cox’s legal history stems from a 2011 Detroit arrest on weapons charges. He later pleaded guilty in February 2024 while serving a federal sentence. In March 2024, a Wayne County Circuit Court judge imposed a term of 12 to 30 months in state custody. Battle Rapper Tsu Surf Released From Michigan Prison After Three Years That sentence runs concurrently with a separate federal conviction. Cox previously served a 37-month federal term after pleading guilty to racketeering conspiracy tied to a gang-related shooting in Piscataway, New Jersey. He entered Michigan custody in February 2024 shortly after completing his federal sentence. However, state authorities initially resisted taking custody before the transfer was finalized. His release on parole now shifts the matter from incarceration to supervised reentry under state oversight. Parole officials will closely monitor compliance throughout the supervision period. Any violation of conditions could result in sanctions, including potential revocation and return to custody. The case now moves from sentencing outcomes to enforcement of supervised release obligations. A representative familiar with parole administration said the process reflects standard oversight procedures. “Parole is structured supervision designed to ensure compliance and public safety,” the official said. Cox’s case illustrates the intersection of federal and state sentencing frameworks, with overlapping custody timelines extending his total period under correctional control. His parole status will determine whether he completes supervision without further legal intervention.

D4vd was arrested Thursday evening in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas, marking a major development in a case that has gripped the city since last fall. Police took the artist, whose legal name is David Burke, into custody at his Hollywood residence before booking him into the LAPD 77th Street Station Jail around 10 p.m. Burke is currently being held without bail on suspicion of murder. The arrest follows months of investigation after Rivas’ remains were discovered in September in an impounded Tesla registered to the singer. According to reports, the teenager had been reported missing more than a year before her body was recovered. While an official cause of death has not yet been released to the public, the Los Angeles Police Department has characterized the investigation as a homicide. Burke’s legal team has issued a firm denial regarding the allegations. Attorneys representing the artist said the “actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death.” The defense further emphasized that no formal indictment has been returned by a grand jury and no criminal complaint has been filed as of Friday morning. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the evidence provided by law enforcement. Prosecutors said they would “review the facts and evidence to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to file charges” against the 21-year-old musician. D4VD Remains in custody: Speculation has surrounded the case since the discovery of the body in September. In November, Los Angeles Police Captain Scot Williams moved to debunk several viral rumors concerning the state of the remains. Williams confirmed to the media that the body was neither frozen nor decapitated, clarifying that the remains had been in the vehicle for several weeks prior to their discovery. The investigation has also involved members of the singer’s inner circle. Earlier this year, Burke’s parents and brother were ordered to testify before a court. The family has reportedly fought the subpoenas, citing concerns over due process rights. Burke, who rose to prominence with indie-pop hits, had recently performed at major festivals including Coachella. His legal team said they intend to “vigorously defend David’s innocence” as the legal process unfolds. For now, the singer remains in custody awaiting a formal decision on potential charges.

From Harlem with sole. Dreamerz Creative Group brought its signature blend of culture, creativity, and community to life with a two-day activation celebrating its custom Timberland collaboration. Held at the iconic Harlem Haberdashery in Harlem, the event gathered tastemakers, creatives, and supporters for an intimate experience rooted in style and authenticity. The pop-up marked a major milestone for the Harlem-born brand, spotlighting its limited-edition custom Timberland field boots while reinforcing its growing presence in the underground streetwear scene. Known for pushing boundaries through bold design and storytelling, Dreamerz used the moment to further cement its partnership with Timberland. Building on viral momentum and an expanding collaboration with Timberland, the brand unveiled a fresh lineup of custom boots in striking, expressive colorways. Designs such as “Toasted Peanut Butter & Jelly,” “Slime Time,” and “Raspberry Cornbread” reflected Dreamerz’s signature approach—blending playful creativity with cultural influence. Guests were invited into a curated environment where they could explore the collection up close and connect directly with co-founders Justin Payne and Deisia Hopkins, whose shared vision continues to drive the brand’s evolution. View this post on Instagram Founded in Harlem by Creative Director Justin Payne and Brand Director Deisia Hopkins, Dreamerz Creative Group emerged from a viral Instagram moment and has since evolved into a dynamic creative force. Anchored by its ongoing collaboration with Timberland, the brand has turned its custom boot designs into a cultural statement—one that celebrates Black creative excellence while expanding its footprint in global fashion.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani may run the nation’s largest city, but his past life as a rapper is still paying—barely. Freshly released tax filings show the 34-year-old Democrat pulled in $1,643 in music royalties in 2025. That marks a slight bump from $1,267 the year prior. The numbers tie back to his earlier work under the names “Young Cardamom” and “Mr. Cardamom,” a chapter that continues to follow him into City Hall. View this post on Instagram Mamdani didn’t shy away from the topic when asked. Instead, he leaned into the joke. “Go to Spotify if you want to help my bottom line,” he told reporters. Then he added, “A lot of people say they’re listening. They’re not listening.” Long before politics, Mamdani built a niche as a socially aware rapper. He started in high school and continued into his 20s. His lyrics touched on identity, colonial history, and everyday culture. He has described himself as a “C-list rapper,” often pointing to Das Racist as an early influence. NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Is Still Making Money From Rap Music, Per IRS Still, the filings make one point clear. Music is not paying the bills. In 2025, Mamdani earned $131,296 as a New York State Assembly member. His household income reached roughly $145,000, including earnings from his spouse’s design work. Now, as mayor, his salary jumps to $258,750. That figure reflects the weight of leading New York City. Even so, his rap catalog continues to generate small checks in the background. Mamdani is not the first mayor with side earnings in entertainment. Michael Bloomberg once reported TV and film royalties during his tenure. Even so, Mamdani’s story hits different. From underground rap to City Hall, he carries a blend of culture and politics that keeps people watching—and, maybe, finally listening.

Music mogul Akon is sparking widespread conversation after sharing candid views on relationships and gender roles during a recent interview. Speaking with media personality Justin Laboy, the artist opened up about his personal lifestyle and the beliefs that shape it. During the discussion, Akon confirmed he practices polygamy, describing a relationship structure that includes multiple partners. He framed the choice as intentional and rooted in his personal outlook. However, the tone shifted when he addressed whether women should have the same freedom in relationships. View this post on Instagram “Absolutely not,” Akon said. “It doesn’t work that way. Only in America do they get it twisted where women feel equal to men.” The remarks quickly gained traction online, prompting strong reactions across social media. Some listeners criticized the stance as unequal, while others viewed it through a cultural lens. Still, Akon elaborated on his reasoning, pointing to what he described as biological differences. Akon Claims Women Can’t Have Multiple Partners While Men Can “A woman can have one baby a year. A man can have a thousand,” he said. “That’s our purpose and role in life. That’s nature.” He continued by suggesting men often make greater efforts to understand women. “If women understood men the same way, they would rule the world,” Akon added. The interview reflects Akon’s history of blending personal belief with cultural commentary. His statements often ignite discussion, especially when they challenge evolving views on equality and relationships. For many, the conversation raises deeper questions about autonomy and modern partnership dynamics. Others interpret his perspective as rooted in tradition and individual choice. As reactions continue to unfold, Akon’s comments highlight an ongoing cultural divide. His words have once again placed him at the center of a broader dialogue about gender roles, personal freedom, and shifting social norms.

R&B singer Queen Naija is officially engaged to longtime partner Clarence White, marking a heartfelt milestone in their relationship. The singer shared the news on social media, posting a video of White’s romantic proposal in an intimate setting. The announcement arrives during an exciting moment in her career. Queen Naija also revealed that her new single, “Ring,” will drop on April 16. The release has already generated buzz, especially after she teased lyrics that now feel deeply personal. View this post on Instagram “I won’t forget the night you made my dream come true,” she sings. “It was just me and you in our New York hotel room.” She continues, “No camera rolling but it felt like a movie. Ain’t no more playing house, this is a real thing.” The couple began dating in 2018 and have built a life together in the public eye. They welcomed their son, Legend Lorenzo White, in 2019. Over the years, fans have closely followed their relationship, often questioning when they would take the next step. R&B Singer Queen Naija & Longtime Boyfriend Clarence White Get Engaged That conversation gained traction in May 2024 during a YouTube Q&A. White responded thoughtfully when asked about commitment. “You should probably have a conversation with him and see if he has that in his head,” he said. Queen Naija added her own candid advice. “Maybe you need to break up with your boyfriend to find your husband,” she said, sparking discussion among viewers at the time. Now, the engagement brings that chapter full circle. It reflects growth, patience, and a shared commitment between the couple. For Queen Naija, it also mirrors themes in her music, where love and vulnerability remain central. As fans celebrate the news, anticipation continues to build around “Ring.” The moment blends her personal journey with her artistry, offering a glimpse into a new phase of both her life and career.

Rapper Ice Spice has urged a court to narrow a contract dispute with Thee Bella Brand, arguing the case concerns an unpaid $20,000 invoice rather than broader claims of reputational harm, according to recent filings. The lawsuit, filed in 2025 by Thee Bella Brand and its owner Gabrielle Alexis, centers on 25 custom wigs the company alleges Ice Spice agreed to purchase but never paid for. The complaint further claims the rapper made disparaging remarks about the products on social media, which the company says damaged its business relationships and caused the loss of a repeat celebrity client. View this post on Instagram The company seeks more than $400,000 in compensatory and punitive damages. In response, Ice Spice’s counsel disputes both the factual basis and legal scope of those claims. Her filings characterize the dispute as a straightforward breach-of-contract matter, rejecting any allegation of a coordinated effort to harm the brand. Defense counsel argues there is no evidence linking Ice Spice’s online activity to quantifiable financial losses. The filings further assert that the plaintiff is attempting to expand a limited commercial disagreement into a reputational tort claim without sufficient support. Rapper Ice Spice Faces Thee Bella Brand’s $20k Lawsuit Counsel for the plaintiff, Justin Mungai, pushed back in a public statement. “This is what entitlement looks like. Fame is not immunity from the law. Ice Spice will be held accountable,” Mungai said. Ice Spice has not issued statements outside of court filings. However, her response signals an intent to contest liability and damages as the case proceeds. The matter is now entering discovery, with both parties expected to exchange evidence and testimony. A deposition is scheduled for late April 2026, subject to potential scheduling changes. The case raises questions about how courts assess alleged reputational harm tied to social media conduct in commercial disputes involving public figures.

In recent weeks, Pooh Shiesty was taken into custody in Dallas, where prosecutors filed charges including kidnapping and robbery tied to a studio incident. Investigators allege the rapper and several associates carried out what they describe as an “armed takeover” in an attempt to exit his deal with 1017 Records. According to those claims, a firearm was used to pressure Gucci Mane into signing a release. If convicted, Shiesty could face a lengthy sentence. This reality has prompted strong reactions across hip-hop circles. Moreover, the case has fueled debate online. Some fans direct criticism toward Gucci Mane and question his role in the situation. That conversation intensified after Gucci Mane released “Crash Dummy,” a track widely interpreted as addressing the allegations. In the song, he raps, “Tell the truth, you went out like a real crash dummy, and after all that, boy, you still signed to me. I walk in the room, you can feel the pressure building / N***a dapped me up there, whole time they plotting against me.” The lyrics circulated quickly and drew attention from peers and commentators. As a result, Uncle Murda offered a pointed critique during a recent podcast appearance. View this post on Instagram Uncle Murda Slams Gucci Mane, Questions His Street Cred Speaking on The Real Report, Uncle Murda questioned the stance reflected in the record. “You can’t sound like a civilian after being a gangsta for 20-something years,” he said. “Some street sh*t happened to this n***a, now he want to sound like a civilian.” He went on to express sympathy for Shiesty and others he believes were influenced along the way. “I feel bad for Pooh Shiesty and Big30, and all them n****s, and all them n****s that Gucci misled,” he added. “You know how many n****s that n***a misled, had out here banging, selling drugs, killing n****s, and doing all this crazy sh*t? And now he a rat? Now he a civilian?” Murda closed with a blunt assessment. That left little room for ambiguity. “Get the f**k out of here, man,” he said. “Gucci a sucka. That sh*t he did with some sucka sh*t. I don’t feel like that. There’s no passes, no excuses. So I’m not going to sit up here and give you no f***ing scenario about Keyshia [Ka’Oir] and this and — No, all that sh*t was some corny sh*t, Gucci. It was some sucka sh*t.”

In a recent installment of Talk With Flee, Cam’ron made clear he has little interest in interviewing Ye (formerly known as Kanye West). He pointed to lingering discomfort with material from the rapper’s song “Cousins.” In that track, the Chicago artist recounts a deeply personal experience from childhood. This disclosure has drawn strong reactions across the industry. Cam’ron framed his position as a matter of personal boundaries rather than outright condemnation. “I don’t really care about what people do in their off-time, but when you wanna just openly admit at 40-something that you’ve been sucking d**k when you was a teenager, I can’t really rock with you,” he said. “‘Cause you wanna be gay when you wanna be gay when it’s convenient.” He continued by expanding on what he sees as inconsistency in how identity is presented. Yet, he maintained that his criticism is not aimed broadly. “I don’t have nothing against gay people, but how you just gonna make yourself gay when st ain’t going right?” he said. “Said you was sucking your cousin’s d**k when you was little, and not once, you was randomly sucking his d**k consistently.” The remarks, delivered in his typically direct tone, circulated quickly online. Furthermore, they appear to have prompted a response from Ye himself. Cam’ron Clashes With Ye as Tensions Spill Into a Viral Showdown “I don’t get that. I hate that,” Cam’ron said, recounting what he described as an angry message from Ye accusing him of bullying. “Somebody comes out and says something. I say something about what they said, and now I’m the bully. […] You’re mad at me?” The exchange adds to a broader pattern of public friction involving both figures in recent months. Neither has suggested any immediate effort to resolve the disagreement. Elsewhere, Cam’ron faced a separate flashpoint during an appearance by Jey Uso on It Is What It Is. The conversation escalated abruptly, with Uso lunging forward before others intervened to separate the two. No injuries were reported. The moment ended quickly. Reactions online have been divided, with some expressing concern. Others speculated the scene may have been staged to build anticipation for WrestleMania.

After several years largely out of the spotlight, Baby Keem is beginning to speak more openly about a defining moment in recent hip-hop discourse: the high-profile clash between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Keem, Lamar’s cousin, had remained mostly silent during the exchange, a period that coincided with a lull in his own releases following The Melodic Blue in 2021. With the arrival of his new project Ca$ino and a return to interviews, he is now offering a measured perspective. In a conversation with Ross Scarano of The New York Times, he described the rivalry in athletic terms. “For me it felt like a sport,” Keem said, likening the moment to “two heavyweight fighters going at it in the ring.” The framing captures the scale of the competition, which extended beyond lyrical exchanges into broader questions of influence and chart performance. Both artists commanded widespread attention, turning each release into a cultural event. For Keem, the episode also carried a personal dimension, given his proximity to Lamar. He suggested that support from “the greatest artist of all time,” as he described his cousin, has reinforced his own creative direction and confidence. That backing, he indicated, continues to shape how he approaches his work. Baby Keem speaks on Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s 2024 beef: “For me, it felt like a sport.” “I was so confident that sometimes you forget to be proud.” (via The New York Times) pic.twitter.com/tzPFDVSHaL — Kurrco (@Kurrco) April 16, 2026 Keem Faces Criticism—and Fires Back The release of Ca$ino has prompted fresh scrutiny, particularly as some listeners have noted its more modest commercial trajectory. Tracks like “Good Flirts,” which features Lamar, have not maintained a sustained presence on the charts. The gap between projects, along with the project’s brevity, may have influenced its reception among fans. Still, Keem has not shied away from addressing criticism directly. “not bout to keep pretending like I’m not the best n**… Not going no where don’t worry I’m mad now,” he wrote, signaling a more confrontational stance. The response suggests an artist intent on asserting his place, even as expectations continue to evolve.