T.I is taking Cinq Music Group to court after selling a large portion of his catalog to the record label in 2017. The Atlanta native is suing the label for allegedly refusing to honor a contract promising to let him to buy back those same masters at a cheap price, per Billboard. T.I, whose real name is Clifford J. Harris, sold his chart-topping albums King, T.I. vs. TIP and Paper Trail to Cinq Musiq in a 2017 deal. Harris claims Cinq offered him the option to buy back the masters at a later date on “very favorable” terms. In an update from Billboard, the rapper veteran filed a lawsuit against Cinq Music Group alleging they violated their deal. Harris tried to purchase his masters back for $3 million in 2024 but the label tried to overcharge him by $52 million per the lawsuit. Harris’ lawyer Robert Jacobs says Cinq quickly realized that the formula would “yield a low purchase price because of the limited revenue streams it included.” So, he says, the label simply included that streaming revenue anyway, as well as other excluded sources of income like foreign revenue. “Because it was common knowledge when the parties entered into the Cinq agreement in 2017 that audio streaming and video streaming via the DSPs had become the main driver of music industry growth and revenues, Cinq had ample reason to know then that the [streaming] exclusion would have a significant impact on the [price].” “Cinq’s departure from the contractual definition of Gross Receipts resulted in an exaggerated and inaccurate revenue-side starting point.” Harris asserts that Cinq Music attempted to “artificially inflate” the price of his masters after they realized one of Tip’s “favorable terms” wasn’t so favorable to them. His attorney’s believe that the label was perfectly aware of the terms of the agreement but violated them in order to renegotiate.

Ryan Garcia publicly offered support to Adrien Broner after a concerning video hit social media. In the video clip, the former four-division champ could be seen struggling to communicate, seemingly under the influence. Broner appeared to be speaking to the cameraman asking for assistance with getting a ride, and promised to pay him back later. Adrien Broner tried to get DeenTheGreat’s cameraman to pay for his Uber, saying he’d pay him back later. pic.twitter.com/GZY7FAXU7i — FearBuck (@FearedBuck) April 29, 2026 The clip drew immediate concern with viewers questioning the condition of his health. Ryan Garcia, caught wind of the video and addressed Broner directly offering help rather than criticism. He wrote on X, “Sad to see, AB if you see this call me. Let’s get you situated. No need to keep drinking. Let’s be better.” Sad to see, AB if you see this call me. Let’s get you situated. No need to keep drinking. Let’s be better. Not judging let’s lock in https://t.co/GV81LGWm6e — RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) April 30, 2026 Garcia himself has publicly shared his setbacks and struggles with his health. “I was doing everything — gambling, drinking, women; whatever I wanted to do,” said in an with Ring Champs. “I was just destroying my soul, just destroying my spirit. Everything took a toll on me.” The recent clip of Broner follows years of his battle with alcohol. Last year, former protege Gervonta Davis spoke openly about Broner’s situation. “It’s heartbreaking to see,” Davis said at the time. Broner’s behavior outside of the ring has added to the public’s concern of his mental wellbeing.  In September 2025, Broner was removed from an interview on Cam’ron’s It Is What It Is podcast. Reports indicated he harassed host Treasure ‘Stat Baby’ Wilson during the appearance. Observers again believed he was under the influence. Adrien Broner tried to talk to Cam’ron through the studio window after getting kicked out of the show, while Cam kept violating him pic.twitter.com/OsBPfEuFcz — My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) September 16, 2025

Spirit Airlines, known for their discounted fares, has shut down operations effective immediately after 34 years, per AP News. On Saturday (May 2), the ultralow cost airline announced that all flights have been canceled and customer service is no longer available. “We are proud of the impact of our ultra-low-cost model on the industry over the last 34 years and had hoped to serve our guests for many years to come,” the announcement said. The airline, which was struggling to maintain consistent profitability since the Covid-19 pandemic, had been looking to emerge from its second bankruptcy in less than a year. But those plans were derailed amid soaring jet fuel costs sparked by the outbreak of the war with Iran. “Despite the Company’s efforts, the recent material increase in oil prices and other pressures on the business have significantly impacted Spirit’s financial outlook,” the company’s statement said. “With no additional funding available to the company, Spirit had no choice but to begin this wind-down.” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Saturday that Spirit had a reserve fund set up for customers who bought directly from the airline to get refunds. People who bought from third-party vendors like travel agents would have to seek refunds from them. He had a stark message for people flying with Spirit. “If you have a flight scheduled with Spirit Airlines, don’t show up at the airport. There will be no one here to assist you,” Duffy said. Last month, Spirit approached the White House for financial assistance, and President Donald Trump initially appeared receptive. But on Friday, reports surfaced that a wind-down was imminent after negotiations between the company, its bondholders and the White House appeared to break down. Other airlines have offered to help both Spirit passengers and employees amid the shutdown. According to Duffy, United, Delta, JetBlue and Southwest were offering $200 one-way flights for people who could confirm that they had Spirit confirmation numbers and proof of purchase for a limited time.  Duffy also said other airlines would help with Spirit employees who might be stranded as well as offering them a preferential application process as they look for work.

On the 100th episode of Underground Lounge, hosted by retired NBA star Lou Williams and comedian Will “Spank” Horton, movie star Kevin Hart has no problem telling the story about when he had an accident in the middle of his stand-up comedy set in Scandinavia. Spank didn’t ease into it. “What about the time… where the n***a shitted on himself onstage? He thought it was a fart,” he said, drawing immediate laughter. The blunt setup set the tone, pushing Hart to revisit the moment in full detail. The story credits the friendship between Spank and Kevin Hart, who are a part of a comedy group known as The Plastic Cup Boys. Hart leaned in with zero hesitation. “When I shitted on myself… I don’t care. Don’t hurt my feelings. It happened. It is what it is,” he said. The response captured his trademark self-awareness. He framed the incident as part of the job, not a career stain. He then broke down the context. The moment happened while touring in Scandinavia, where he was dealing with severe food poisoning. “I was sick… I had food poisoning real bad, but the show must go on,” he explained. Kevin Hart Remembers Pooping His Pants While Performing Stand-Up Comedy In Scandinavia According to Hart, the situation escalated with minutes left on stage. “I’m like, ‘This can’t happen up here. Not up here,’” he recalled. He tried to speed through material, but the pressure kept building. “I’m fighting… I mean I’m really in bad shape,” he added, describing the physical struggle. Then came the turning point. “I was like, ‘F*ck it.’ I just shitted,” Hart admitted, laughing through the memory. Despite the moment, he kept performing, pausing only briefly. “I felt like they knew,” he said, hinting at the tension he felt while finishing the set. Backstage, the urgency took over. “Get the f*ck out the way… I gotta go to the bathroom. And I need pants,” he recalled telling security. “I left them pants in Scandinavia,” he added. The story reinforces Hart’s comedic identity. He transforms embarrassment into material, proving once again that no moment is off-limits when it comes to the laugh.

Kandi Burruss is turning heartbreak into headline moments, using the stage to address her split from Todd Tucker. During her one-woman show, I Do. I Did. I’m Done!, at City Winery Atlanta on April 27, Burruss laid out her side of the story with striking clarity. View this post on Instagram The former The Real Housewives of Atlanta star did not hold back. She told the audience she uncovered text messages in July 2025 that confirmed infidelity. Still, she made it clear that cheating alone did not end the marriage. The turning point came after the confrontation. Burruss said Tucker responded with indifference, brushing it off as something she would “deal with.” That reaction, she explained, sealed her decision to walk away. Singer & RHOA’s Kandi Burruss Reveals Ex-Husband Todd Tucker Cheated At Her I Do, I Did. I’m Done! Show Leading up to the performance, Burruss teased the show online with a blunt message. “My man’s been cheating on me!” she wrote, fueling buzz that translated into sold-out dates. The venue enforced a strict no-phone policy, leaving fans to rely on firsthand accounts rather than viral clips. Onstage, Burruss leaned into symbolism. She opened in a white wedding dress, then shed it mid-show to reveal a sleek white outfit. Fans described the moment as a visual break from marriage into independence. Costume changes continued, including a red look that underscored the show’s emotional intensity. The production blended music with storytelling, echoing the tone of her Kandi Koated Nights platform. She also performed “My Man Cheated on Me,” anchoring the narrative in her music. Burruss filed for divorce on November 21, 2025. The split became final in March 2026. Reports indicate a lump-sum settlement with no ongoing support. The pair shares joint custody of their children. Tucker has yet to respond publicly. Meanwhile, Burruss continues to take the show on the road, turning personal pain into a powerful, crowd-moving performance.

Damon Dash is stirring debate once again, this time weighing in on the long-running conversation around Ye (Kanye West) and JAŸ-Z. During a recent appearance on The Art of Dialogue, the Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder delivered a bold take that quickly caught attention. “Kanye’s catalog is way better than Jay… Kanye is unbeatable, that man can rock arenas without even singing, no way Jay can do that,” Dash said. KANYE WEST IS WAY BIGGER THAN JAY-Z! Dame Dash recently sat down with the Art Of Dialogue for an extended interview. After being asked about who’s bigger between Kanye and Jay, Dash spazzed: “Kanye’s catalog is way better than Jay, Kanye is unbeatable, that man can rock… pic.twitter.com/Y5eL1kByfZ — Diverse Mentality (@DverseMentality) May 1, 2026 The statement lands as both praise for Ye and a critique of JAŸ-Z, framing the comparison around catalog strength and live performance impact. Dash would criticize Jay’s debut album, Reasonable Doubt. Dash’s perspective carries weight. He played a key role in shaping both artists’ careers during the Roc-A-Fella era. His close involvement with Ye’s early rise and JAŸ-Z’s dominance gives his words added context, even as his history with Jay remains complicated. Hip-Hop Mogul Damon Dash Claims Ye (Kanye West) Has A “Way Better” Catalog Than JAŸ-Z By elevating Ye’s catalog, Dash points to a body of work that spans groundbreaking production and genre-shifting albums. Ye’s influence extends beyond his own discography, touching the sound of modern hip-hop at large. Dash’s “unbeatable” claim leans into that legacy of innovation. At the same time, his comments shift toward performance. “Rock arenas without even singing” highlights Ye’s ability to command massive stages through visuals, production, and presence. For Dash, that kind of spectacle defines today’s arena artist. The comparison casts JAŸ-Z in a different light. Known for elite lyricism and cultural reach, Jay’s strength lies in traditional rap performance. Dash’s critique suggests that the approach may not translate to the same immersive arena experience. The moment also reflects lingering tension. Dash and JAŸ-Z’s business split continues to shape public exchanges. Still, his latest remarks tap into a larger question within hip-hop: what defines greatness now? For Dash, the answer is clear. Innovation, energy, and scale push Ye ahead, even when measured against one of rap’s most decorated figures.

Rapper Pras Michel, a founding member of the Fugees, has turned himself in to begin serving a 14-year federal prison sentence. Authorities confirmed the surrender Thursday, marking a dramatic turn for the Grammy-winning artist. Michel, 53, reported to federal custody following his conviction on multiple criminal counts tied to a complex international scheme. Prosecutors said he participated in efforts to funnel foreign money into U.S. politics and influence government officials. The case, which drew national attention, included allegations of illegal lobbying and campaign finance violations. A jury found Michel guilty in 2023 on 10 counts, including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered foreign agent. From Global Fame to Federal Prison Michel rose to prominence in the 1990s as part of the Fugees, alongside Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean. The group achieved global success with their album “The Score,” which helped define an era of hip-hop.  His later career expanded into film production and activism. However, investigators said his business dealings eventually drew him into a far-reaching political scandal. Prosecutors alleged that Michel worked with foreign financiers, including individuals connected to the 1MDB scandal. They said he helped move tens of millions of dollars through straw donors to conceal the funds’ origins. During the trial, high-profile witnesses were called, reflecting the case’s scope and political sensitivity. The proceedings examined connections that spanned multiple administrations and international actors. Michel has denied wrongdoing in the past and sought to challenge the case through appeals. He was previously denied bail while pursuing those efforts.  Legal Fallout and Sentence A federal judge sentenced Michel in late 2025 to 14 years in prison, along with financial penalties that included forfeiture orders.  At the time of sentencing, officials described the scheme as a serious breach of federal law. One prosecutor said the case involved “a broad effort to conceal foreign influence.” Michel did not make a lengthy public statement at sentencing. Reports indicate he declined to address the court directly. His surrender this week ends months of legal delays and signals the start of his prison term. The development also raises questions about the legacy of the Fugees, once celebrated for socially conscious music. While other members remain active, Michel’s conviction has cast a shadow over the group’s history.

Musical icon Akon tells Won of One: A PLLRS podcast a story of when Universal Music Group passed on the opportunity to sign award-winning recording artist T-Pain while remembering the 20th anniversary of Akon’s debut album Konvicted. Before T-Pain was known as one of the greatest singer-songwriters of his generation, he was Akon’s new artist on Konvict Muzik, trying to break through to the mainstream with his 2005 hit, “I’m Sprung.” Akon detailed how early label reactions exposed a narrow view of what a star should look like. “When we brought his demo into the building, they laughed us out of there,” Akon said, recalling a moment that now reads as a major miscalculation. Akon Remembers Universal Music Group Passing On R&B Singer T-Pain On Won of One: A PLLRS Kon pointed directly to Universal Music Group as part of that early resistance, describing an environment where presentation outweighed potential. “They were clearly joning us out because he wasn’t the most handsome guy in the world,” he added. For Akon, the rejection reflected more than one meeting gone wrong. “He wasn’t the typical profile of what they were looking for,” he explained. In that system, he suggests, originality often takes a backseat to marketable aesthetics. T-Pain would go on to sign with Jive Records and produce classic albums such as Rappa Turnt Sanga, Epiphany, and Thr33 Ringz. History, of course, tells a different story. T-Pain would go on to reshape the sound of modern hip-hop and R&B. He brought Auto-Tune into the mainstream and stacked chart-topping records in the process. Akon’s account emphasizes how rapidly an industry’s agreement can disintegrate when faced with new innovations. Universal Music Group has not commented on Akon’s claim yet. Akon’s reflection turns into a critique, emphasizing that talent doesn’t always fit industry norms. Without artists advocating for the unconventional, innovative voices may be overlooked before they’re heard.

As Chris Brown prepares for a high-profile tour alongside Usher, attention has already shifted to the visual choices surrounding his next album. The project, Brown, due May 8, arrives with cover art that draws directly from a familiar visual tradition. In the image, he reclines across a carpet in a tailored tan suit. This composition echoes the polished aesthetic once synonymous with late-20th-century R&B. Observers quickly pointed to parallels with imagery associated with Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, and Teddy Pendergrass. The reference points appear intentional. This suggests a deliberate attempt to situate the album within a broader historical continuum, especially with Brown channeling iconic influences. Responses to the artwork have been varied, reflecting the complexities of revisiting such recognizable imagery. For some, the cover reads as a thoughtful nod to artists who helped define the genre’s visual and musical identity. Others interpret it as an ambitious move that invites direct comparison to figures whose influence remains difficult to match. That push and pull between homage and expectation has long shaped how audiences interpret contemporary R&B releases. Even so, the conversation itself highlights how visual presentation can shape anticipation well before the music arrives, particularly when Brown is at the forefront. Chris Brown gon be YEARNINGGGG pic.twitter.com/4sRaSe0lCb — rnbmusic (@rnbmusic) April 30, 2026 Brown and Usher Set the Stage for a Major R&B Tour The album rollout comes during a particularly active period for Brown, whose visibility has remained steady in recent years. Later this year, he and Usher are expected to launch The R&B Tour: Raymond & Brown, produced by Live Nation. Tour dates will stretch across multiple cities. The tour is positioned as a large-scale showcase of both artists’ catalogs. It blends newer material with songs that helped define their careers. For concertgoers, the pairing offers a chance to see two performers with distinct trajectories share the same stage; moreover, Brown’s involvement builds unique excitement for fans.

Druski will headline this year’s BET Awards as host, stepping into one of the ceremony’s most visible roles when it returns on June 28. The announcement, made Thursday, signals a night likely shaped by his loose, improvisational style rather than a tightly scripted program. In a video introducing the news, he made clear the tone he intends to set. “I told BET if I’m hosting, we gon’ do this my way,” he said. What followed was a string of mock directives delivered with comic precision: “Rule No. 1: Jamie Foxx, take that big ass hat off. Rule No. 2: Sexyy Red? No leggings, rompers, or bodysuits. We don’t need no wrestlers, no wrestlers on the red carpet. Black suit and tie. Rule No. 3: YNs? Take the ski masks off, man. Stop. Stop it. Rule No. 4: Megapastors, listen. I know y’all on my back right now. I’ve been getting the DMs and the threats. Just leave it up to God. We gon’ lock them doors, and can’t nobody get out. Welcome to the 2026 BET Awards.” The booking arrives at a moment when his profile has broadened well beyond internet comedy. Over the past year, Druski has moved between digital sketches, live appearances and television, building a following that cuts across platforms. His recent contributions to The Voice have introduced his humor to a wider audience, even as his online work continues to circulate widely. The through line has been a style that leans on timing and character, often blurring the line between satire and performance. View this post on Instagram Viral Reach Brings Attention—and Misinformation One recent example underscores that reach. In March, a sketch built around exaggerated political archetypes drew nearly 200 million views on X, extending far beyond his usual audience. The moment took an unexpected turn when the platform’s chatbot misidentified an image from the clip, briefly fueling confusion online. That attention also invited misinformation. Posts soon circulated with inaccurate claims about his family background, using images pulled from his social media to support them. A representative later clarified to Complex that the individual pictured was a childhood neighbor, not a relative, closing out a short-lived but widely shared rumor.