Brandy and Monica ran into some issues during a recent tour stop in Chicago on Saturday (Oct.18), where fans claim the show ended without warning. Footage has circulated on social media from the pair’s concert, where Brandy is spotted performing hit 1994 hit track, “Baby.” However, mid-performance, she began experiencing audio issues and quickly exited stage left. Before heading offstage, she told the crowd, “Give me one second, y’all, I gotta get my…” and then her microphone cut off. However, Brandy never returned to the stage. According to fan reports, Monica was left to perform the rest of the setlist by herself. Unfortunately, due to Brandy’s absence, the pair was not able to perform their tour’s namesake and 1998 hit single, “The Boy Is Mine.” Fans were left shocked last night in #Chicago when #Brandy abruptly walked off stage during the final segment of #TheBoyIsMine tour and never returned. Concert goers say it appeared she was experiencing sound issues before leaving.Take a look! #Bigorecap #Bigolive… pic.twitter.com/SOX3NpQaKk — BIGO RECAP (@bigorecap) October 19, 2025 Monica Faced Paralysis In Vocal Chord Just Weeks Before ‘Boy Is Mine’ Tour In other news, Monica recently revealed she faced a frightening diagnosis just two weeks before the tour kicked off. According to an Instagram Live from the singer’s account obtained by TheShadeRoom, Monica was diagnosed with temporary paralysis in her right vocal chord. That said, she took things in stride and was proud that she was to “get the songs out” without missing a beat. “I thank God for where I am because we found out what…two weeks before tour, that my right chord has temporary paralysis,” she said, looking to Brandy, who had joined her on the live. Brandy added that she couldn’t even begin to understand what Monica was “going through vocally.” According to MayoClinic, Vocal Chord Paralysis is “a condition that causes the loss of control of the muscles that control the voice. It happens when the nerve impulses to the voice box, also called the larynx, are disrupted. This results in paralysis of the vocal cord muscles.”
Tyler The Creator Under Fire Over Resurfaced Anti-Black Posts
Tyler the Creator has been facing major criticism for resurfaced posts from his X(formerly Twitter) account.
Playboi Carti Facing Assault Charge After Alleged Fight With Limo Driver
Playboi Carti might’ve taken the title of his “Antagonist” tour too literally, according to TMZ. Reports obtained by the outlet reveal that the “Magnolia” rapper is facing a misdemeanor assault charge after an alleged altercation with a limo driver. Police officials reported to TMZ that the limo driver — a man named Carl Reynolds—alleged that Playboi Carti assaulted him while he was transporting the rapper and his entourage from the Waldorf Astoria in Park City to rehearsals on October 2. At the time, the rapper was set to perform at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Monica Faced Paralysis In Vocal Chord Just Weeks Before ‘Boy Is Mine’ Tour
Earlier this week, Monica and Brandy kicked off their highly anticipated Boy Is Mine tour. However, Monica recently revealed she faced a frightening diagnosis just two weeks prior. According to an Instagram Live from the singer’s account obtained by TheShadeRoom, Monica was diagnosed with temporary paralysis in her right vocal chord. That said, she took things in stride and was proud that she was to “get the songs out” without missing a beat. “I thank God for where I am because we found out what…two weeks before tour, that my right chord has temporary paralysis,” she said, looking to Brandy, who had joined her on the live. Brandy added that she couldn’t even begin to understand what Monica was “going through vocally.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) Vocal Chord Paralysis is “a condition that causes the loss of control of the muscles that control the voice,” according to MayoClinic According to MayoClinic, Vocal Chord Paralysis is “a condition that causes the loss of control of the muscles that control the voice. It happens when the nerve impulses to the voice box, also called the larynx, are disrupted. This results in paralysis of the vocal cord muscles.” The condition can cause difficulty with speaking and breathing. “The vocal cords, also called vocal folds, do more than just produce sound. They also protect the airway. They prevent food, drink, and even saliva from entering the windpipe and causing a person to choke,” MayoClinic says. Back in June, Brandy and Monica announced they were co-headlining their first tour, aptly titled The Boy Is Mine Tour. The 24-city arena tour is an homage to their era-defining duet “The Boy Is Mine,” which ruled the Billboard Hot 100 for 13 weeks straight. Produced by the Black Promoters Collective, the event is a “cultural homecoming” of two of R&B’s greatest stars, said President Shelby Joyner. The tour is expected to conclude on December 7 in Jacksonville, Florida, at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena.
Open AI Halts Use Of MLK Jr. Deepfakes Indefinitely
OpenAI, an artificial intelligence research and development company, has officially shut down the use of Martin Luther King Jr. deepfakes. TOKYO, JAPAN – FEBRUARY 3: Open AI CEO Sam Altman speaks during a talk session with SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son at an event titled “Transforming Business through AI” in Tokyo, Japan, on February 03, 2025. SoftBank and OpenAI announced that they have agreed a partnership to set up a joint venture for artificial intelligence services in Japan today. (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)
French Montana Is Being Sued Again—This Time For Alleged Watch Theft
French Montana is accused of stealing a watch valued at over $1,000,000, according to two Swiss men who recently filed a lawsuit against him.
Sauce Walka Pleads Guilty to Evading Police During High-Speed Chase
Sauce Walka has reached a resolution in his high-profile legal case stemming from a high-speed police chase earlier this year. The Texas rapper was sentenced to 50 hours of community service. He was also placed on two years of probation, marking a significant turning point in his ongoing legal matters. On October 16, in Harris County court, Sauce Walka pleaded guilty to evading police, resulting in a two-year deferred adjudication probation. This arrangement allows him to avoid a formal conviction as long as he abides by the court’s conditions. Reports note that any violation could trigger a prison sentence ranging from two to ten years. This highlights the seriousness of compliance. In addition to probation, Sauce Walka was ordered to pay a $500 fine to the Houston Area Women’s Center. He had missed a court appearance the day before his plea, prompting a warrant for his arrest. He attributed this to a miscommunication with his legal team. The incident began on December 7, 2023, when Sauce Walka ran a red light on Homestead Road in north Harris County. He fled after being signaled to pull over, reaching speeds of 130 miles per hour over more than two miles. The chase concluded when he crashed and was taken into custody. He later posted a $35,000 bond. Loss and Legal Struggles: Sauce Walka’s Creative Rise This year has also brought personal tragedy, including the shooting death of his associate, Sayso P. Sauce Walka was unharmed but publicly mourned his friend’s death, using his platform to address violence in the community. On the creative front, 2025 has seen a positive turn with the release of his collaborative project, Chicken & Sauce, alongside That Mexican OT. The project highlights their distinctive regional styles. It demonstrates Sauce Walka’s resilience amid both personal and legal challenges. Fans await his response to the court’s decision, and given his outspoken nature, he may address it directly. Observers hope he can navigate the remainder of the year without further legal setbacks, moving toward stability and creative focus. View this post on Instagram A post shared by XXL (@xxl)
Rod Wave Banks $14 Million Selling His Own Merch
As anticipation builds for his upcoming album, Rod Wave is poised to redefine both his career and artistic identity. The Florida rapper appeared on The Joe Budden Podcast, speaking candidly about his new music and his evolution as a self-reliant artist navigating the complexities of the music industry. His reflections offered insight into balancing creative ambition with entrepreneurial strategy. Amid the excitement, Rod Wave addressed legal disputes with a former tour promoter, describing them as pivotal in asserting his independence. He revealed that his merchandise revenue has surged from $200,000 to $14 million, underscoring both his business acumen and commitment to self-sufficiency. This growth stems from taking control of his merchandising operations rather than relying on outside management, illustrating how autonomy can drive lasting success. Reflecting on his journey, Rod Wave shared advice from his uncle: “You can buy your own clothes, pay to have them printed and transported, and handle it all yourself.” He added, “If you can make it in the street, you can make it anywhere. Your mind can be the key to innovation.” These words highlight his focus on personal agency and provide a blueprint for aspiring artists aiming to combine creativity with independence. Rod Wave on Music’s Business and Artist Independence Discussing the business side of music, Rod Wave was candid about the systemic exploitation many performers face. “It’s just business, bruh,” he said. “While I’m up on stage rapping, there’s a whole ecosystem profiting off my work.” He emphasized how artists often see only a fraction of the revenue they generate: “Even if someone makes a couple million off you, they could have multiple others like you.” His insights underscore the importance of understanding the broader business landscape in music. Looking ahead, Rod Wave’s forthcoming album promises to capture both his creative vision and the lessons learned from navigating the industry independently. While hints of missed collaborations, including a potential feature on the UY SCUTI project, linger, fans remain captivated by his story of resilience. His journey reflects empowerment through autonomy, offering a roadmap for artists striving for both artistic freedom and financial control. Rod Wave reveals that he makes $14 million from selling and making his own merch, an increase from $200k before doing it himself (via The Joe Budden Podcast: https://t.co/puAqnaAnAT) https://t.co/f9zpQwWEwC pic.twitter.com/UzGa1wxr1B — SOUND | Victor Baez (@itsavibe) October 17, 2025
French Montana Evades Multi-Year Sampling Lawsuit on Technical Grounds
French Montana has secured a decisive win in a protracted copyright lawsuit concerning his 2013 track, Ain’t Worried About Nothin’. The case was brought by producer Eddie Lee Richardson, known professionally as Hotwire The Producer. Richardson alleged that Montana had illicitly sampled Richardson’s instrumental, Hood Pushin’ Weight. The dispute had drawn attention for its broader implications on music ownership and the boundaries of artistic influence. On October 17, 2023, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, under Judge Candace Jackson-Akiwumi, ruled in Montana’s favor. The court acknowledged striking similarities between the two tracks. However, auditory resemblance alone does not satisfy the legal standard for copyright infringement. “We concur with Richardson that HPW’s beat appears indistinguishable from the beat in AWAN when listened to casually. However, unsupported opinions and allegations do not suffice,” Judge Jackson-Akiwumi wrote. This ruling follows an earlier decision from a lower court, which highlighted the complex terrain of copyright law in the music industry. The judge noted the irony that imitation is often “the sincerest form of flattery,” while underscoring that legal protection requires more than perceived similarity between works. Copyright Claims Fall Short While Montana Celebrates Engagement A key factor in Richardson’s case was the type of copyright he held. He registered a sound recording copyright rather than one covering the underlying musical composition. U.S. law stipulates that claims based on sound recordings require evidence of direct copying or sampling. Mere stylistic imitation is insufficient. Judge Jackson-Akiwumi clarified, “Richardson could have provided either direct or circumstantial evidence to support his assertion that [Montana] copied HPW when creating AWAN. However, he has presented neither.” The lack of supporting evidence ultimately led to the lawsuit’s dismissal. While Richardson faces disappointment, Montana’s personal life has seen a brighter development. Reports indicate that he is engaged to Sheikha Mahra, Princess of Dubai. This is a milestone that follows months of speculation. With the legal matter resolved, Montana now looks ahead to balancing his creative work with his personal life. He demonstrates resilience amid both professional and emotional challenges.
Diddy Celebrates Daughter Love Combs’ Birthday With a Heartfelt Gift
Diddy sends his youngest daughter, Love Combs, a heartfelt gift from behind bars. Diddy’s sentencing: As previously reported, Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison following his conviction on prostitution-related charges. The 55-year-old Bad Boy Records founder was convicted under the Mann Act, a federal law prohibiting the transportation of individuals across state lines for prostitution. While jurors acquitted Combs of more serious charges — including racketeering and sex trafficking — the guilty verdict on two counts of transportation secured the prison sentence. Last week, a federal judge handed down a sentence of four years and two months behind bars. In addition, Combs will be required to pay a $500,000 fine and serve five years of supervised release once his prison term concludes. Diddy celebrates love’s birthday: The sentencing didn’t stop him from celebrating his daughter’s birthday. Diddy’s son, Justin Combs, shares a video via Instagram of Love holding a Build-a-Bear, with a personalized message from their father. “Happy birthday Love, it’s daddy, I love you I miss you..” the message could be heard saying. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)