Rapper Sinthoro Upper, real name Jamel Davis, was fatally shot inside a public housing apartment in Brooklyn, in a case that has led to the arrest of his 16-year-old stepson, according to the New York Police Department. The suspect was apprehended in the Bronx nine days after the April 12 incident at the Walt Whitman Houses. Authorities said the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute involving alleged marijuana use inside the residence. The teen’s mother, who is pregnant, objected to smoking in the apartment. “She didn’t want the baby to be affected by the smoke,” said Joseph Kenny during a briefing. “Mom first texts her son and tells him to stop… that turns into a verbal dispute,” he added. Investigators allege the confrontation escalated when Davis intervened. The argument became physical before the teen retrieved a firearm. Sinthoro Upper’s Stepson Arrested In Connection To Brooklyn Rapper’s Murder “(The teen) walks back to the bedroom, grabs a shoebox… and shoots (Davis) two times,” Kenny said, noting one gunshot struck Davis’ chest and another his arm. Law enforcement officers later located the suspect on East 165th Street in the Bronx and took him into custody without incident. “He had a backpack with all his belongings,” Kenny said. “He looked disheveled, like he had been living outside since the incident.” Police are seeking judicial authorization to search the contents of the bag. Family members characterized the altercation as preventable. Davis’ brother, Geo Miller, said the dispute followed verbal disrespect toward the teen’s mother. “Why are you talking to your mother like that?” Miller recalled Davis saying. “It didn’t warrant this.” Davis, who performed as Sinthoro Upper, had recently gained attention in the music industry. He was transported to NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Sinthoro Upper is survived by two children and an unborn child.

50 Cent couldn’t help himself laughing at a viral clip of R&B singer Tyrese auditioning in front of producer Jermaine Dupri for a possible spot on the upcoming Usher/Chris Brown R&B Tour. The video, first shared by Jermaine Dupri, shows Tyrese dancing on a city street corner as steam rises around him, creating a dramatic, almost cinematic backdrop. The performance builds until Tyrese turns to the camera and speaks to Chris Brown and Usher directly. Before the clip abruptly ends, Tyrese addresses the two R&B icons with a message. He says, “Chris Brown. Usher. Y’all know what it is. Y’all know what happens with an artist on that level.” View this post on Instagram Dupri leaned into the humor while posting the clip. “Tyrese really out auditioning to open for Usher Raymond and Chris Brown,” he wrote. “37 mins I danced in smoke. Waiting for my call back!” The caption blurred the line between a joke and a real pitch, fueling speculation about whether Tyrese is serious. Tyrese and Usher’s careers have crossed paths several times during their rise in the 90s. Enter 50 Cent, who did not hold back his reaction. “LOL Yo you see this HAHAHAHAAH,” he wrote on Instagram, amplifying the moment for his millions of followers. 50’s response framed the clip as pure entertainment, rather than a legitimate audition. The mogul’s comments were flooded with mixed reactions to the clip. The viral exchange arrives as anticipation builds for the upcoming Usher and Chris Brown tour, with tickets going on sale on April 27. Tyrese’s dramatic street performance, combined with Dupri’s playful framing, turned the moment into instant social media fodder. 50 Cent’s reactions are known to create serious buzz for talent. Tyrese’s becoming an addition to the tour remains unknown at the moment.

Newark, New Jersey, rap legend Rah Digga is stirring debate about power and accountability in the music business after a pointed post aimed at industry titan Clive Davis. The former Busta Rhymes protégé and Flip Mode Squad member took to X on April 21 with a message that quickly circulated across hip-hop circles. “When are we getting the Surviving Clive Davis doc?” Rah Digga tweets. When are we getting the Surviving Clive Davis doc? They gotta wait for him to pass b4 we get THAT level of scandal I reckon… — Rah Digga (@therealrahdigga) April 21, 2026 When are we getting the Surviving Clive Davis doc? They gotta wait for him to pass b4 we get THAT level of scandal I reckon… The rapper’s inquiry invokes the format popularized by Surviving R. Kelly and the widely discussed Sean Combs: The Reckoning. Her wording frames the idea as both a critique and a challenge, suggesting that figures with long-standing influence may not face the same public scrutiny while they remain active. She pushed the point further in the same post. “They gotta wait for him to pass b4 we get THAT level of scandal I reckon…” she added. Rah Digga, Busta Rhymes-Protege/Flip Mode Squad Member, Questions Where’s The “Surviving Clive Davis” Documentary The implication creates deeper industry revelations often surface only after powerful executives lose their influence. The statement reflects a broader skepticism about how institutions handle allegations tied to high-profile figures. Rah Digga did not cite specific claims against Davis. Instead, her post reads as commentary shaped by decades within the industry. Davis, whose career spans generations of chart-topping artists, remains one of the most influential executives in music history. His legacy carries both acclaim and the type of scrutiny that often follows long-term power. The tweet lands at a time when documentary storytelling continues to reshape public discourse around misconduct in entertainment. By placing Davis in that conversation, Rah Digga highlights what she sees as a gap in accountability narratives. Her remarks also echo a recurring theme within hip-hop: questioning who controls the narrative and when those stories reach the public.

D4vd is facing intensified industry pressure following his arrest over the alleged murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, as advocacy organization Industry Blackout launched a petition demanding that streaming platforms remove his entire music catalog. The petition is now available for signup on Change.org. In a public Instagram statement, the group described the case as a defining moment for how the music business responds to serious criminal accusations involving artists. “We… are calling on music streaming platforms and industry stakeholders to remove all music by the artist D4VD from their catalogs,” the organization wrote. View this post on Instagram The post outlines the charges filed against Burke. The popular act’s charges include first-degree murder with special circumstances, sexual abuse of a minor, and mutilation of human remains. The victim’s identity, the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime, and the framing of the case for immediate industry action. Industry Blackout argues that streaming services carry legal and cultural responsibility beyond content distribution. “Music streaming platforms have a responsibility to curate content that aligns with societal values of respect and decency,” the group stated. Petition For The Removal of D4vd’s Music From All Platforms Launched By Advocates Against Violence In The Music Industry Group The message positions companies such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music as gatekeepers with influence over public consumption. Interscope Records, D4vd’s home label, has scrubbed any knowledge of the recording artist from their website. The petition further contends that continued access to Burke’s music risks broader harm. “Allowing artists who perpetuate negative stereotypes or promote harmful behavior to have a platform is counterproductive to the global fight against domestic violence and abuse,” the statement reads. The group links the availability of content directly to cultural impact and public safety concerns. It calls for immediate removal of the catalog and urges supporters to sign and tag industry leaders. “We urge music streaming platforms to take immediate action,” the post states. The campaign reflects growing tension between the presumption of innocence, corporate risk management, and public demands for ethical accountability. D4vd entered a “not guilty” plea on Monday, April 20, in a Los Angeles court.

In a newly released cover story for W Magazine, published Tuesday, A$AP Rocky spoke with unusual candor about his relationship with Rihanna, focusing on how parenthood has reshaped their lives. Reflecting on her evolution, he framed the changes as both personal and profound. “She has changed a lot because she became a mother in that time span, and that certainly changes you. But this woman has always been magic. Philosophically, the way she operates is on another level. She is the most charming and genuine person on Earth. Her energy is unmatched—one of a kind. I just adore her.” His remarks offered a glimpse into a partnership that has largely unfolded outside formal interviews. Beyond public appearances, Rocky described a quieter rhythm at home, where shared interests anchor their time together. “We have so many of the same interests,” he said. “We were addicted to watching documentaries, like the Bob Marley one. Watching films together is so fun. We must’ve watched El Cantante 15 times.” The details, though small, point to a dynamic built as much on routine as on visibility. View this post on Instagram Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Grow Their Family as a Cover Moment Goes Viral The couple’s relationship began in 2020, early in the coronavirus pandemic, and has since expanded into a family of five. Their first son, RZA, arrived in 2022, followed by Riot in 2023 and their daughter, Rocki, in 2025. The feature also included commentary from artists such as Mary J. Blige, Pharrell Williams, Mariah Carey, and SZA, each reflecting on Rihanna’s reach across music and fashion. Blige noted her ability to shift industry standards, while Pharrell described her simply as a “force.” For the magazine’s cover, Rihanna appears alongside her daughter, Rocki, in an image that quickly circulated online after publication. When she later shared the portrait on Instagram, responses poured in from fans. “She is wonderful. I want to hold her and read her fantastic stories of joy and victory. Beautiful baby gurrr,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “What’s better than one cover girl? Two cover girls!!”

D4vd is currently held apart from other inmates at L.A. County Men’s Central Jail following his arrest for the alleged murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas, TMZ reports. According to a spokesperson for the L.A. County Sheriff’s Office, the rapper is placed in segregation due to his high-profile status. Authorities detained D4vd last Thursday, more than seven months after Rivas’ remains were discovered in the trunk of his vehicle. On the following Monday, prosecutors charged him with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a minor under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman detailed the case in a press statement: “Celeste was just a child, under 14 years old, when David Burke allegedly engaged in repeated lewd and lascivious sexual relations with her. But Burke’s actions did not allegedly stop there. When she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and devastate his musical career, Burke allegedly murdered her, cut up her body and stuffed her body in two bags that were placed in the front trunk of his car. There the dismembered body sat for over four months decomposing until it was found at a tow yard on Sept. 8, 2025. This horrific and gruesome murder committed by the charged sexual predator is shocking and appalling. To Celeste’s loved ones, we will get the justice you seek and deserve.” Burke Pleads Not Guilty as Prosecutors Weigh Possible Life Sentence or Death Penalty D4vd entered a not guilty plea on Monday, mere hours after the charges were publicized. His defense counsel has requested a preliminary hearing within the next ten days. Due to “special circumstances” surrounding the case, D4vd faces a potential death sentence or life imprisonment without parole. These circumstances include the “lying in wait” element of the alleged murder, financial motives, and the fact that Rivas is considered a witness in the lewd acts charge. Prosecutors will determine whether to pursue the death penalty or life without parole at a later stage.

After several years away from public life, Foogiano has been released from prison, closing a chapter that began with his 2021 arrest in Memphis. At the time, the artist—signed to Gucci Mane’s 1017 label—was charged as a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. He was initially granted a bond set at $50,000, but authorities later said he removed his court-ordered ankle monitor. That violation led to a five-year sentence, effectively pausing a career that had been gaining momentum. News of his release surfaced through a widely circulated image shared by No Jumper, showing Foogiano smiling and displaying his grillz. The photo quickly drew reactions online, where listeners weighed both his return and what it might signal. “Four years later and he’s back, time will tell what version of him returns,” one fan wrote. Another added, “Need some music asap.” The tone across responses reflected a mix of anticipation and uncertainty about how his time away may shape what comes next. The timing of his release has added another layer of attention, arriving amid renewed scrutiny of the 1017 circle. Earlier this month, Pooh Shiesty was arrested in connection with an alleged incident involving kidnapping and robbery. Prosecutors claim the episode stemmed from an attempt to exit a contract tied to the label, a development that has prompted ongoing discussion across the industry. View this post on Instagram Gucci Mane Track Fuels Debate, Uncle Murda Weighs In on the Fallout That conversation intensified after Gucci Mane released “Crash Dummy,” a track many listeners interpreted as referencing 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 drew swift reaction online, with some critics questioning the implications. Among those offering commentary was Uncle Murda, who addressed the situation on his podcast. “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 continued, “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?”

Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) made an unannounced visit Monday evening to the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Beverly Hills, remaining inside for roughly 90 minutes before departing without explanation. According to TMZ, he left quickly and declined to respond when reporters asked about the purpose of the visit. The brief appearance, though quiet, drew attention given the broader context surrounding his recent public efforts. In the absence of comment, the visit has been interpreted largely through the lens of his ongoing attempts to address past controversies. In January, Ye published a full-page statement in The Wall Street Journal, offering a direct acknowledgment of his conduct. “I lost touch with reality. Things got worse the longer I ignored the problem. I said and did things I deeply regret. Some of the people I love the most, I treated the worst. You endured fear, confusion, humiliation, and the exhaustion of trying to have someone who was, at times, unrecognizable. Looking back, I became detached from my true self. In that fractured state, I gravitated toward the most destructive symbol I could find, the swastika, and even sold T-shirts bearing it.” The statement marked a rare moment of extended reflection in his public messaging. International Hurdles Shadow Ye’s Attempt at Reconciliation Recent developments abroad have complicated those efforts. Officials in the United Kingdom denied him entry to London, where he had been scheduled to headline the Wireless Festival. In response, Ye proposed meeting with members of the Jewish community in an attempt to open dialogue. “To Those I’ve Hurt: I’ve been following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly. My only goal is to come to London and present a show of change, bringing unity, peace, and love through my music,” he wrote. “I know words aren’t enough – I’ll have to show change through my actions. If you’re open, I’m here. With Love, Ye, formerly known as Kanye West.” The festival was ultimately canceled. In France, a planned performance in Marseille was also postponed amid reports that authorities were considering restricting his entry. Addressing fans directly, Ye wrote, “I know it takes time to understand the sincerity of my commitment to make amends. I take full responsibility for what’s mine but I don’t want to put my fans in the middle of it. My fans are everything to me. Looking forward to the next shows. See you at the top of the globe.” Together, these episodes reflect the challenges he continues to face as he navigates both public scrutiny and efforts at reconciliation.

Jaafar Jackson is taking a definitive stand against long-standing rumors regarding his uncle’s appearance as he prepares for the global release of the highly anticipated biopic “Michael.” Speaking at the film’s Los Angeles premiere Monday, the actor addressed what he described as a primary misconception that the late “King of Pop” desired to change his race. At the star-studded event held at the Dolby Theatre, Jaafar said the narrative that Michael Jackson “wanted to be white” was a fundamental misunderstanding of the singer’s reality. He explained that the upcoming movie intends to show how vitiligo, a chronic skin condition characterized by the loss of pigment, played a significant and early role in the pop star’s life. The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, aims to provide a more humanizing look at the musician’s journey from his childhood beginnings with the Jackson 5 to his unprecedented solo superstardom. Jaafar’s comments echo sentiments Michael Jackson himself shared during a 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where he stated his pride in being Black while explaining his struggle with the skin disorder. — “the biggest misconception? that he wanted to be white.” LET ‘EM KNOW JAAFAR! PUTTING AN END TO THIS ONCE & FOR ALL NOW! pic.twitter.com/2UWEM8Zfpt — ৻ꪆ. (@filmsbratz) April 21, 2026 The premiere was a family affair, with several members of the Jackson estate in attendance to support the 29-year-old actor in his first major film role. Jaafar, who is the son of Jermaine Jackson, said taking on the character was “an honor of a lifetime.” His performance has already become a focal point of early reviews and social media discussion following the screening. Historically, Michael Jackson’s changing physical appearance was a subject of intense tabloid scrutiny and public debate for decades. The biopic is scheduled to arrive in theaters on April 24, following years of development and production.

Rihanna has once again captivated the public eye by introducing her infant daughter, Rocki Irish, to the world on the cover of W Magazine’s 2026 Pop Issue. The high-fashion debut marks a significant milestone for the 7-month-old, who appears alongside her mother in a series of striking photographs that celebrate family and haute couture. The nine-time Grammy winner, now 38, opted for a coordinated high-fashion look with her daughter, with both mother and child draped in Dior. Rihanna donned a Dior Haute Couture coat paired with a lilac hat and a Cartier Collection necklace featuring vibrant purple gemstones. Little Rocki Irish matched her mother’s elegance in a custom Dior Haute Couture diaper and a delicate white headpiece. Inside the issue, the “Diamonds” singer is honored by a prestigious circle of friends and collaborators, including industry giants Mariah Carey, SZA and Mary J. Blige. These fellow stars shared personal accounts of Rihanna’s impact on the music industry and her evolution as a global business leader through her Fenty brand. Rihanna’s partner, rapper and actor A$AP Rocky, expressed his admiration for how motherhood has influenced her life and career. The couple welcomed Rocki in September 2025, adding to their growing family that includes sons RZA, born in May 2022, and Riot, born in February 2023. “She has changed a lot because she became a mother in that time span, and that certainly changes you,” A$AP Rocky said, according to the magazine. He went on to describe the 37-year-old singer as “magic” and “the most charming and genuine person on Earth.” The rapper noted that her energy remains unmatched as she balances a massive career with raising three young children. Rihanna has long been a pioneer in maternity fashion, frequently making headlines for her bold sartorial choices during her pregnancies. This latest magazine cover continues her trend of blending personal life milestones with visionary aesthetic statements.