On Wednesday, the federal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs resumed in Manhattan with a continuation of the defense’s cross-examination of his former girlfriend, referred to in court as Jane. Picking up from Tuesday’s proceedings, Diddy’s attorney, Teny Geragos, pressed Jane on the nature of their relationship, pointing to text exchanges and financial support that could suggest mutual consent rather than coercion. Jane, however, maintained that she felt pressured into sexual situations involving escorts, telling jurors, “I was just adapting to my circumstances and my environment.” Diddy has pleaded not guilty to charges including sex trafficking and racketeering. Geragos emphasized that Diddy had covered Jane’s living expenses—roughly $40,000—after she moved in April 2023, suggesting a level of care and mutual involvement. Jane countered that the financial support came with control, making her feel obligated to comply with his wishes. She described a birthday “hotel night” celebration that left her emotionally scarred, saying, “I resent him for knowing how much I loved him and knowing I couldn’t say no to him.” Her testimony painted a picture of conflicted intimacy, where affection and emotional dependence were clouded by coercive dynamics. Defense Cites Love Letters, Extortion to Show Diddy’s Emotional Depth The defense also focused on Diddy’s past relationship with Cassie Ventura, whom Jane said he called “one of his greatest loves.” Geragos introduced letters Diddy had written to Ventura—some while under the influence—to suggest a capacity for deep emotional connection. Jane acknowledged the letters but noted that Diddy often expressed affection after outbursts or controlling behavior. She testified that she would sometimes propose “freak-offs” to ease tension or appease his insecurities. A separate incident involving a man named Sly Williams was also examined. Jane testified that Williams, who had participated in one of their encounters, later threatened to leak a private video. She said Diddy urged her to report the extortion, but she refused out of fear. While the defense cited this as an example of Diddy’s concern, Jane described it as part of a broader pattern of control—financial, emotional, and sexual.

Silentó, the Atlanta rapper who became famous for his hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” was sentenced to a 30-year prison sentence for the January 2021 murder of his cousin. Born Lamar “Ricky” Hawk, he pleaded guilty but mentally ill to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and firearm possession while committing a crime, along with concealing a death involving the killing of Frederick Rooks III, WSB-TV Atlanta reported.  A separate felony murder charge was dropped according to the terms of the agreement. In Januaray 2021, Silentó was first arrested after the DeKalb County Police Department discovered that Rooks sustained gunshot wounds to his face and leg. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Shortly thereafter, Silentó confessed to the crime, and law enforcement officers matched bullet casings to a gun that he had on his person when he was arrested. Chanel Hudson, Silentó’s publicist at the time, shared on social media that her client was dealing with severe mental health issues.  “Over the past several years, Ricky has been suffering immensely from a series of mental illnesses,” her post read. “We will continue in his efforts of treatment, but we ask in the meantime the public to uplift him and his family in immediate prayer & positive energy!!” Hudson also claimed that he had attempted suicide in 2020 and had numerous run-ins with the law. Dropping his debut single in 2015, “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” was released as a junior in high school in 2015 and peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. To date, the song has earned more than 400 million Spotify streams in the time since. Silentó will serve 30 years in prison with credit for time served since Feb. 2021.

Ashanti is stepping into motherhood with grace, hustle, and a whole lot of heart. The R&B star hit the red carpet at the 2025 BET Awards glowing, but made it clear her 10-month-old son, Karem “KK,” was still top of mind. “Baby is doing amazing. He’s about to turn one, which is crazy,” she told People. “It just flew by. Navigating into mommy mode has been very different.” Although KK didn’t attend the show, Ashanti made sure he was taken care of behind the scenes. “I actually had to pump and send milk with the driver to the hotel for him, so talk about multitasking! Mommy has to make it happen!” Ashanti and husband Nelly welcomed their son last year, and since then, her perspective has shifted both personally and professionally. Speaking to Revolt in March, she reflected on the changes motherhood has brought. “This is a new chapter for me. Family first, being married and having a child,” she said. “My mind is thinking bigger and better and more out of the box, obviously.” The new mom is already channeling that energy into creative ventures. “I wrote a children’s book, and I kind of want to just dive into the lane of children now,” she added. “I really do because it’s just so natural. I loved kids before… but now it’s like [times] a million.” And what has little KK taught her so far? “Patience,” she said simply. As she prepares to hit the road with Sean Paul and Fat Joe for the Bring It On Tour, Ashanti is adjusting to tour life with a baby in tow. “I’m definitely in Mama Bear protective mode,” she shared. “Wanting to protect the baby.”

In a riveting continuation of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial in Manhattan, a former girlfriend, referred to as “Jane,” recounted her experiences with the hip-hop mogul, claiming she was coerced into degrading sexual acts. The trial resumed on June 10, where Diddy’s attorneys rigorously challenged Jane’s recollections of their tumultuous relationship. Jane’s testimony painted a stark picture of the alleged psychological, sexual, and physical abuse she endured during their on-and-off romantic involvement. While defense lawyers sought to highlight moments of affection and financial support from Diddy, Jane maintained her narrative of feeling compelled to conform to the mogul’s desires, leading her to resent him profoundly. “I felt pressured to perform these things my lover desired,” she asserted, reinforcing her claims of being manipulated into a lifestyle she did not choose. Combs, 55, faces serious allegations including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution, all of which he has denied through a plea of not guilty. The defense’s cross-examination focused on instances where Jane appeared to engage willingly in sexual activities, including hotel encounters that allegedly involved male escorts. In one notable exchange, Jane had expressed her enthusiasm for a “freak off” at her home, to which Diddy and an escort agreed to attend. However, Jane clarified that her desire for companionship with Diddy left her with little choice but to accept these arrangements. Throughout her testimony, Jane read aloud several explicit messages exchanged with Diddy, where she often felt an underlying sense of insecurity due to his tone. “I suggested these encounters to make him feel better,” she explained, highlighting the emotional complexities of their relationship. Jane alleges extortion, drug use, and control in her relationship with Diddy Jane recounted an alarming incident involving Sly Williams, a sex worker she had invited into their encounters. She alleged that Williams later attempted to extort her by threatening to sell a private recording of their sexual encounter. Despite Diddy’s outrage and suggestion to report the incident to the authorities, Jane refrained out of fear. She also described her troubling realizations regarding Diddy’s potential substance abuse, recalling a trip where she observed physical signs of drug use, including jaundice and shaking. Her concerns deepened when she suggested rehab, only to be met with resistance from Diddy. Under questioning, Jane discussed her understanding of a term she had researched—”cuckold”—which she believed resonated with her experiences in the relationship. She articulated that this term often relates to men who derive pleasure from seeing their partners with other men, suggesting a complex interplay of desire and rejection within her relationship with Diddy. Jane’s testimony also touched upon the nicknames they used during intimate encounters, where she referred to herself and Diddy using famous basketball players’ names, illustrating the casual and perhaps superficial nature of some of their interactions. As the trial progressed, Jane expressed her emotional struggle over the perceived inequities in Diddy’s treatment of her compared to his other relationships, notably with rapper Yung Miami. She candidly shared a text where she warned Diddy, “I’m not Cassie, and I’ll make your life hell,” a reflection of her growing frustration and sadness. Financial discussions dominated segments of her cross-examination, with Jane revealing that during their relationship, she felt limited in her professional pursuits, earning only a fraction of her potential income. Despite significant monetary gifts from Diddy, she perceived these as a means of control rather than support. As the courtroom drama unfolded, Jane’s narrative oscillated between moments of affection and coercion. She described how Diddy would uplift her and engage in meaningful conversations about faith and personal growth, even as he insisted she stay away from platforms like OnlyFans, which he deemed inappropriate. Ultimately, Jane concluded her testimony by sharing that despite the complexities of their relationship, she still harbored feelings for Diddy, illustrating the deeply intertwined emotions that often accompany such fraught dynamics.

Ayra Starr has officially etched her name into the history books. The Nigerian superstar took home the Best International Act award at the 2025 BET Awards, marking a groundbreaking win as the first Nigerian woman to ever claim the honor. The ceremony, held at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre and hosted by Kevin Hart, was packed with star power, but Ayra’s win stood out as a milestone moment. Facing off against a strong lineup of international talent, from the UK to Brazil, South Africa, France, and even her Afrobeats peer Rema, Ayra emerged victorious. Though she was also in the running for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Best New Artist, this win alone signaled a major breakthrough. Her historic moment drew attention beyond the music industry. Roc Nation took to X to congratulate her, prompting buzz about a possible connection between Ayra and Jay-Z’s powerhouse label. Fans quickly recalled the longstanding ties between Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy and Roc Nation, including Jay-Z’s previous efforts to scout Nigerian talent, efforts that even led to collaborative work with Jay Electronica. Still, not everything about the night felt like a win. Despite attending the awards, Ayra’s trophy was handed to her offstage, rather than in front of the live audience. The move reignited criticism about how African artists are treated at global award shows. Years ago, Wizkid called out this exact pattern, slamming it as “rubbish.” Ayra has long demanded respect for her artistry. After the 2023 Headies quietly handed her the Best Female Act award after the ceremony ended, she didn’t hold back. “We didn’t deserve such nonchalance!” she wrote on X. Despite the backstage snub, Ayra’s BET win is a powerful moment, for her, for Nigerian music, and for every African artist pushing for their rightful place on the world stage.

Raekwon and Ghostface Killah recently dropped the trailer for an upcoming documentary, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, Raekwon’s legendary 1995 album. Titled the Purple Tape Files and filmed over several years,  the doc celebrates the album on its 30th anniversary and its ongoing influence. During the trailer, Raekwon shared the creative zone he was in while putting the album together.  “I put myself into a serious mindframe,” The Chef said. “A serious storytelling album. I had to make this product stand out. “I knew that purple represents royalty, and that’s exactly what I was looking for,” he continued, referencing its distinctive color palette that led many to call the LP The Purple Album. Raekwon also shared that he was serious about approaching the album and demanded that those around him live up to the same standard. “We had to make a conscious decision,” he explains. “Either we want to stay here and keep holding guns and want to run around playing this game, or did we want to go for the American dream and get on this rap shit.” The documentary also features guest appearances by Kendrick Lamar, Method Man, Nas, and fellow members of the  Wu-Tang Clan who share their insights about the impact of one of the most renowned projects in hip-hop history. “It ushered in the alter egos, the aliases,” RZA says in the clip. “Still, to this day, it’s flows that you haven’t heard before, saying the most wild shit,” Lamar added. Snoop Dogg describes Only Built 4 Cuban Linx as a “lesson on style” and that “it was all created from the Wu-Tang movement.” Released on August 1, 1995, and produced entirely by RZA, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx is renowned for its cinematic, mafioso-rap storytelling, with Ghostface Killah as the “guest-star.” With no skips, some standout songs include “Criminnolgy”, “Heaven & Hell”, “Ice Cream, “Verbal Intercourse”, “Rainy Dayz”, and  “Incarcerated Scarfaces.”

Ice Spice is making waves in Hollywood with a big animated debut on the horizon. The Bronx-born rapper has officially joined the voice cast of The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, set to hit theaters this December. The announcement came via Deadline on June 9th, with Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon revealing the new additions to the project. Ice Spice will star alongside comedic heavyweights like Regina Hall, George Lopez, Sherry Cola, and Arturo Castro. Not only will she lend her voice to the film, but she’ll also be contributing a brand-new original track to its soundtrack. Excited about the opportunity, she reacted to the news on her Instagram Story with a cheerful, “yay!!!” The moment feels especially personal for Spice, considering her 2022 single “Bikini Bottom”,inspired by the SpongeBob universe, was a standout from her debut EP Like…?, which reached No. 15 on the Billboard 200. Meanwhile, the rapper continues to stir buzz in both the entertainment world and her personal life. Speculation around her relationship with NFL star Sauce Gardner continues, especially after a cozy mirror selfie of the two surfaced on her Instagram in April only to be quickly deleted. The two had already drawn attention after attending Adin Ross’ boxing match together and landing on the kiss cam, though neither has confirmed their relationship status. On the music front, Ice Spice recently dropped a feature on KATSEYE’s “Gnarly” remix, marking her first release of 2025. She’s also stepping further into film, with a role in Spike Lee’s upcoming project Highest 2 Lowest, where she’ll appear alongside Denzel Washington and A$AP Rocky. From the Bronx streets to the SpongeBob universe, Ice Spice is keeping her momentum strong and expanding her brand in every direction.

Sean “Diddy” Combs stands at the center of a high-stakes federal trial as disturbing new testimony from a former girlfriend, known in court as Jane, adds to the scrutiny. Jane dated the artist on and off between 2021 and 2024 and now claims she was coerced into sexual encounters as part of a pattern of manipulation and emotional control. Jane testified that what began as a single encounter with a male sex worker later spiraled into prolonged “hotel nights,” during which she was allegedly pressured into multiple sexual acts over several days. “I don’t want to be used and locked in a room to fulfill your fantasies,” she wrote in a message to Diddy. In court, she added, “I’m not a porn star. I’m not an animal.” She described feeling an eerie sense of recognition when reading Cassie Ventura’s 2023 lawsuit against Diddy. “I felt like I’m reading my own sexual trauma,” Jane told jurors through tears. That moment, she said, forced her to confront her own experience in a new light. Testimony reveals private trauma and manipulation behind Diddy’s public apology Jane also recalled a tense trip to Miami in May 2024, when the two watched the leaked surveillance video showing Diddy assaulting Ventura. The footage, which had already made headlines, left Jane physically ill. While Diddy later issued a public apology, Jane testified that his private explanation downplayed the assault, suggesting it was a one-time incident. During the March 2024 Homeland Security raids on Diddy’s homes, Jane said she was approached by law enforcement but chose not to speak. At that point, she still felt emotionally entangled, though she had begun to question the relationship’s foundation. Text messages between the two reveal a toxic pattern of gaslighting, with Jane writing, “I became a side chick and sex worker in my own relationship.” She testified that threats to release private videos followed emotional breakdowns, including one exchange where she told Diddy, “I’m gonna kill myself.” Her account paints a troubling portrait of emotional and psychological abuse shaped by power imbalance, fame, and fear. “I felt violated and manipulated,” she told the court, summarizing a relationship she described as built on coercion masked by luxury.

Sly Stone, the legendary funk musician who was regarded as one of the most renowned artists of all time, has passed away, Variety reported. He was 82.  Sly’s passing was confirmed by his family, who released an offcial statement. “After a prolonged battle with COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease] and other underlying health issues, Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend and his extended family,” a statement from his family reads. “While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come.” “Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music. His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable. In a testament to his enduring creative spirit, Sly recently completed the screenplay for his life story, a project we are eager to share with the world in due course, which follows a memoir published in 2024.” Born Sylvester Stewart in Denton, Texas, in 1943. The family relocated to California.  Sly found his love while singing in the church choir from the age of 4, alongside his siblings. Soon, he would gain local fame as a member of bands in high school before goint to study music theory at Solano Community College. After leaving school, he worked as a DJ for San Francisco’s KSOL. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) By the late 60s, Sly and the Family Stone was formed with his brother Freddie Stone, sister Rose Stone, trumpeter Cynthia Robinson, drummer Greg Errico, saxophonist Jerry Martini, and bassist Larry Graham. The trailblazing group was the first multi-gender, interracial band to hit the mainstream. Combining funk, rock, and psychedelic soul, they released their debut album, A Whole New Thing, in 1967. “Dance to the Music,” their first single, was also released in 1967  their album of the same name the next year. In 1969, Stand became their biggest success, featuring classics such as  “Everyday People,” “Hot Fun in the Summertime” and “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”/”Everybody Is a Star.”  The same year, the band gave a legendary performance at Woodstock. Although the band would have some more hit songs and albums, such as the highly influential Greatest Hits in 1970 and There’s a Riot Goin’ On in 1971, Sly’s drug use caused the group to fracture. He became notorious for missing concert dates. They officially broke up in 1975. For their immense accomplishments, in 1993, Sly and the Family Stone were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Over the years, Sly stayed out of the public eye, rarely performing due to battling addiction. In 2023, he released his memoir Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), named after the band’s classic 1970 single. Earlier this year by Grammy and Oscar-winning director Questlove documented his life and career in  Sly Lives: aka the Burden of Black Genius. The doc features commentary from various Black artists about how they cope with challenges with success.  We at HOT97 extend our prayers and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sly Stone.

The Game is standing in solidarity with Los Angeles protesters as immigration raids spark unrest across the city. On Monday, June 9th, the Compton rapper took to Instagram to show support for Black and brown communities who’ve flooded the streets in response to recent ICE crackdowns. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Game (@losangelesconfidential) “Ever since I could remember… it’s been black & brown in this city,” The Game wrote, captioning a series of black-and-white photos from the protests. “From the early days of my childhood til now, we’ve been side by side through it all. All of us. All the time. Not always seeing eye to eye but we’ve shared Los Angeles for a very long time. I stand with y’all like I know you’d stand with us. ‘We might fight against each other… but I promise you this.. we’ll burn this b!%?! down get us pissed!!!!!’ To live & die in L.A.” Fans quickly showed love in his comments, thanking him for speaking up. “Meanwhile Snoop Dogg entertaining the king… thanks for using your platform,” one person wrote. Another added, “You always speak about unity. My respect for you.” Protests erupted after ICE agents launched sweeping immigration raids across L.A., including the controversial arrest of union leader David Huerta, who officials claim interfered with the operation. Thousands of demonstrators have since taken to the streets. Chaos followed—protesters set self-driving cars on fire, while officers responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bangs. According to CBS News, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said 39 arrests were made over the weekend. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump escalated tensions by calling for military action. “Looking really bad in L.A. BRING IN THE TROOPS!!!” he wrote on Truth Social, prompting even more backlash as scenes of unrest continued to unfold across the city.