Hip-hop producer Swizz Beatz and several music publishers have sued a North Carolina entertainment venue in federal court, alleging it publicly performed copyrighted songs, including the late DMX’s hit “Party Up (Up in Here),” without obtaining the licenses required under federal copyright law. The complaint, filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, accuses BoatYard Lake Norman and its owner, Chris Boukedes, of repeatedly playing protected musical works despite years of outreach and licensing offers from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, known as ASCAP. At the center of the dispute is “Party Up (Up in Here),” the chart-topping DMX single co-written by Swizz Beatz. The lawsuit alleges the venue publicly performed the song and other copyrighted works without authorization, depriving songwriters, composers and music publishers of performance royalties. According to the complaint, ASCAP representatives attempted to secure compliance through telephone calls, emails and mailed correspondence. The organization contends those efforts were unsuccessful. Swizz Beatz Goes After North Carolina Nightclub For The Illegal Use Of DMX’s Hit “Party Up” In Federal Court “ASCAP has contacted Defendants by telephone, by mail, and by e-mail,” the complaint states. Despite those communications, the defendants allegedly “refused all of ASCAP’s license offers for Boatyard” while continuing to publicly perform copyrighted compositions within ASCAP’s repertory. The action also includes claims involving “Jump Around,” “Party All the Time” and “Shut Up and Dance,” with several publishing companies joining as plaintiffs. Universal Music Corp. is among the entities asserting rights connected to “Party Up (Up in Here).” The plaintiffs seek up to $30,000 in statutory damages. Along with injunctive relief and other remedies available under the Copyright Act. The lawsuit is one of several copyright enforcement actions filed nationwide this week by ASCAP-affiliated songwriters and publishers. In a statement, ASCAP Executive Vice President of Licensing Stephanie Ruyle said the venues chose not to pay. “Each of the establishments sued today has chosen to infringe upon the hard work of songwriters instead of licensing the music they play, despite repeated notifications and opportunities to do so.”

Country music star Jelly Roll’s estranged wife, Bunnie XO, whose real name is Alisa Carter, has shared on her Dumb Blonde Podcast that the couple will continue IVF journey amid divorce announcement this week. TMZ broke the news on Thursday. During a candid episode of her Dumb Blonde Podcast, Bunnie XO opened up for the first time about the couple’s separation, revealing that she and Jelly Roll remain committed to growing their family through IVF despite deciding to end their nearly decade-long marriage. The conversation offered a rare glimpse into the private struggles that unfolded behind one of country music’s most visible relationships. While fans watched Jelly Roll’s rise from Nashville underdog to arena headliner, the couple was quietly navigating an emotionally draining fertility journey. Bunnie described a series of heartbreaking setbacks during the in vitro fertilization process, including multiple embryo losses. The experience, she said, took a profound emotional toll on both of them and placed additional pressure on their relationship. Country Music Star Jelly Roll’s Bunnie XO Reveals Plans To Have IVF Baby Will Continue Despite Divorce Rather than dwelling on the divorce, Bunnie framed the discussion around resilience and the future. She acknowledged that continuing to pursue parenthood after ending a marriage may seem unconventional. Still, she emphasized that both she and Jelly Roll support the decision and remain united in their goal of welcoming a child. The revelation marks Bunnie’s first public comments since reports surfaced that Jelly Roll filed for divorce in Tennessee in May. Although neither has spoken extensively about the breakup, her remarks suggest the pair are working to redefine their relationship rather than sever it entirely. For years, the couple built a public image rooted in loyalty, honesty, and second chances. Their story resonated with fans who embraced Jelly Roll’s transformation from troubled outsider to one of country music’s biggest stars. Through that journey, Bunnie remained a constant presence, often documenting their life together across social media and her podcast platform. Now, the next chapter looks different. Yet the foundation appears unchanged. While their marriage may be ending, their commitment to family remains intact. As Bunnie focuses on healing, rebuilding, and continuing her path toward motherhood, she made one thing clear: the dream she and Jelly Roll shared has not disappeared. It has simply taken a new form.

The sudden death of Grammy-nominated producer Tay Keith has sent shockwaves through hip-hop, prompting an outpouring of grief and questions about what happened to one of rap’s most influential hitmakers. In a statement released Thursday, the Metro Nashville PD provided the first official details surrounding the death of the Memphis native, born Brytavious Chambers. “No foul play is suspected in the death of Brytavious Chambers, 29, also known as Grammy nominated record producer Tay Keith,” the department said in a post on X. No foul play is suspected in the death of Brytavious Chambers, 29, also known as Grammy nominated record producer Tay Keith. He was found dead in his Martin St apt this afternoon by officers performing a welfare check. His death is unclassified pending autopsy results. — Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) June 18, 2026 For investigators, that distinction carries weight. The statement indicates officers found no immediate evidence suggesting homicide, assault, or another criminal act contributed to Chambers’ death. Still, authorities stopped short of identifying a cause. Police said Chambers was discovered inside his Martin Street apartment after officers conducted a welfare check. Such checks typically occur when loved ones, colleagues, or associates express concern for someone’s safety after losing contact with them. Hip-Hop Super producer Tay Keith’s Death Ruled “No Foul Play” By Metro Nashville PD The discovery stunned a music community. Tay Keith rose from Memphis beatmaker to one of hip-hop’s defining producers. His thunderous production style helped soundtrack an era of rap, earning credits alongside artists including Drake, Travis Scott and more. By specifically identifying Chambers as “also known as Grammy nominated record producer Tay Keith,” Nashville police acknowledged the producer’s cultural significance. The department also emphasized that the investigation remains incomplete. “His death is unclassified pending autopsy results,” police stated. That designation means medical examiners have not yet determined either the official cause or manner of death. An autopsy will help establish whether the death resulted from natural causes, an accident, or another circumstance. For now, authorities are urging patience as the investigation continues. The statement serves as both confirmation of Chambers’ death and a reminder that key medical findings remain outstanding. Until those results are finalized, questions surrounding the death of one of hip-hop’s most celebrated producers will remain unanswered.

Fat Joe and Remy Ma have long been closely associated with the Knicks as public supporters. They often appear at key moments throughout the team’s recent seasons. When the franchise finally secured its first championship since 1973, their reaction mirrored a city that had waited across generations for this outcome. By the time the parade moved through Manhattan, the streets had already filled in layers. Fans gathered early and stayed put as floats slowly made their way downtown. The celebration unfolded less like a single event. Instead, it felt more like a city-wide release of something long held in. Among the most visible scenes of the day came from the hip-hop float. Fat Joe and Remy Ma appeared and performed “Lean Back” as the procession passed through dense crowds. The moment was met with a loud, sustained response. It was the kind that blurs the line between performance and shared memory. Set against confetti and constant movement, it felt anchored in New York’s habit of folding music directly into its public celebrations. For those watching, it registered as both entertainment and recognition of the city’s cultural rhythm. View this post on Instagram Euphoria Gives Way to Reflection as Knicks Eye Title Defense Across the boroughs, the tone remained buoyant but slightly disbelieving. It was as though the scale of the victory was still being absorbed in real time. Longstanding narratives around the Knicks—often shaped by disappointment—were briefly set aside. In their place, something more immediate took over. Even amid the noise, there was an awareness that moments like this do not arrive often. The 2026 championship, in that sense, already felt like a fixed point in the franchise’s history. Attention will eventually shift toward what comes next, as the Knicks prepare to begin their title defense. The NBA has not seen a repeat champion since the 2017–2018 season. This statistic reflects how quickly conditions change from year to year. Whether New York can extend this success is uncertain. Still, for now the focus remains firmly on the aftermath of a long-awaited win.

Tay Keith, the Grammy-nominated producer whose tag became a signal flare for a generation of rap records, has died at 29. Authorities in Nashville confirmed he was found in his apartment during a welfare check on Thursday. Meanwhile, no foul play is suspected, and a cause of death is still unconfirmed, according to law enforcement statements reported by multiple outlets. For nearly a decade, Brytavious “Tay Keith” Chambers helped shape the sound of modern hip-hop with a minimal, percussion-driven style that carried both Memphis grit and stadium-sized bounce. He broke out with BlocBoy JB’s “Look Alive” featuring Drake. Then, he worked on Drake’s “Nonstop” and Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode.” Keith didn’t just land hits; he helped define the architecture of chart-topping rap in the streaming era. “Sicko Mode” would go on to earn him a Grammy nomination. Furthermore, it became one of the most recognizable records of the decade. His reach extended far beyond the biggest names in rap. Keith produced for Beyoncé on her Grammy-winning “Homecoming” project. He also contributed to records by Eminem, Future, Lil Baby, Moneybagg Yo, and Sexyy Red, among many others. By his early twenties, his production tag—“Tay Keith, fuck these n****s up!”—had become shorthand for cultural momentum. It was the moment a track shifted from anticipation to impact. View this post on Instagram Keith made Memphis mainstream with skeletal drums that defined an era What made his run distinct wasn’t just volume, but timing. Keith emerged as hip-hop’s regional boundaries were dissolving. Therefore, he carried Memphis into the center of the mainstream without sanding off its edges. His drums were sharp, often skeletal, but always built for scale. News of his passing has prompted an immediate outpouring from collaborators and peers across the industry. This reflects how deeply his sound had become embedded in the last decade of popular music. However the industry ultimately marks his cause of death, the legacy he leaves is already fixed in the record. He was a producer who, before 30, helped soundtrack an era and made the world recognize it in the first two seconds of a beat drop.

Nearly four years have passed since Takeoff was killed in a shooting that stunned hip-hop and reshaped conversations around Migos. The loss also altered the personal and creative bond between Quavo and Offset, who had built their careers alongside him. Since then his name has remained present through tributes, memories, and periodic reminders of his influence on modern rap. Even as time has passed, discussions about his role in Migos continue to frame how the group is remembered. On June 18, what would have been his 32nd birthday prompted renewed attention across social media and among collaborators. Quavo marked the date on Instagram, posting a message that quickly circulated among fans, reflecting on Takeoff’s legacy. Quavo wrote: “Happy Rocket Day 2 Tha Original Drank God. Til infinity your art flow and DRIP will LIVE 4Eva MY BROTHA!!! Blessings.” The post added another layer to ongoing public remembrance that resurfaces each year around the date. View this post on Instagram Questions about what Takeoff might have created had he lived continue to circulate among fans and peers. Speculation about a full Migos reunion has also lingered, especially as former tensions between members have softened at times. Recent sightings of Quavo and Offset in a studio have renewed discussion about possible collaboration in the future. Still, there has been no confirmation of any official project under the Migos name. For many listeners the idea remains tentative, shaped more by hope than by concrete plans. Even so, Takeoff’s absence continues to shape how the group’s history is discussed in public spaces and among longtime fans. The anniversary date tends to bring renewed reflection across social media timelines each year. Those moments often lead back to memories of his role in shaping Migos. As interest persists, fans continue revisiting the group’s catalog with steady emotional weight attached.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a new home. The two-time MVP has officially joined the Nike family after being signed to Converse, Complex reports. Gilgeous-Alexander now joins a Nike roster including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Ja Morant, and Devin Booker. SGA shared the news drop on Tuesday night on his Instagram story on SGA’s page. The animated clip featured his logo morphing into a cluster of Nike Swooshes. JUST IN: Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shifting from Converse to Nike SGA just shared this on his Instagram story pic.twitter.com/x8AE27PaNw — House of Heat° (@houseofheat) June 16, 2026 ​In an official statement, Nike expressed gratitude for SGA becoming a part of the team. ​“We are thrilled to welcome Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to the Nike Basketball signature family. Coming after back-to-back MVP seasons, we are excited to build on Shai’s incredible impact with Converse as one of the most creative leaders in the game.” ​Moving pieces around under the Nike umbrella doesn’t exactly look like a vote of confidence for Converse. The sub-brand has struggled to find its footing since its 2023 revenue peak. Since then, revenue has dropped 35 percent year-over-year in Q3 2026. Rumors are swirling that Nike might sell off the brand entirely, though CEO Elliott Hill insists that’s not on the table. “Converse will remain an important part of the Nike, Inc. family, and we are excited about its long-term prospects,” Hill said. “Overall, the work is not finished, but the direction is clear. Our teams are moving with focus and urgency, and our foundation is getting even stronger.” ​In 2003, Nike acquired Converse, in 2003 and it operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of the brand. SGA’S HISTORY-MAKING SEASON ​Last season, led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a league-best 64 wins. He averaged  31.1 points and 6.6 assists. He also made history as the first guard ever to average 30 points while shooting an incredible 55 percent from the field. ​By securing back-to-back MVPs, he became just the 14th player in league history—and only the fifth guard—to repeat as the league’s Most Valuable Player. ​

Boxing icon Floyd Mayweather Jr. has publicly addressed the wave of media attention surrounding felony charges filed against him in Clark County, Nevada, framing the coverage as a byproduct of his enduring celebrity rather than a threat to his reputation. In an Instagram post shared Wednesday, the undefeated former world champion posted a meme stating, “Good press, bad press, facts or fiction…. Pick your poison. Every headline keeps my name in circulation and everything in motion.” View this post on Instagram The post arrived days after reports surfaced that Mayweather faces felony allegations related to a luxury watch transaction in Las Vegas. Prosecutors allege the boxing star passed a $200,000 check despite insufficient funds in the account. Mayweather has not publicly addressed the substance of those allegations. Instead, his social media statement focused on the broader impact of public scrutiny and media coverage. “Lies and negative news always travel faster than the truth,” Mayweather wrote. “That’s just the way things work.” The former champion suggested that controversy often attracts greater public attention than factual developments. He further argued that criticism frequently accompanies high-profile success. Boxing Icon Floyd Mayweather Jr. Counters Headlines About Felony Charges In Clark County Over Allegedly Passing Bad Checks “Unhappy people love bad news,” Mayweather wrote. “I love stories they think are gonna tear the strongest creature on earth down a BLACK man.” The comments appear to cast the recent headlines as part of a familiar pattern faced by prominent public figures. Mayweather has spent decades operating under intense public scrutiny while building one of the most lucrative careers in sports history. His post also underscored a business philosophy he has long embraced. Rather than distancing himself from the publicity, Mayweather characterized continued media attention as commercially beneficial. “At the end of the day, my name staying in the media is still my name staying in the media,” he wrote. “Attention is attention.” Mayweather added that his priorities remain focused on “family, generational wealth and staying out of other people business that’s not my own.” He concluded with a direct message to media outlets and bloggers covering the case. “So please, keep posting. More Blogs, More Lies… Free Promotion and I gladly welcome Every Line!” The remarks do not address the merits of the Clark County charges. Instead, they signal Mayweather’s intention to project confidence as legal proceedings move forward. For now, the Hall of Fame boxer appears determined to treat the heightened scrutiny as another chapter in a career built on visibility, controversy and public fascination.

Comedic actor Faizon Love was taken into custody this week in connection with a long-running Florida paternity and child support dispute after a court found him in contempt and ordered him to serve jail time. TMZ broke the news on Wednesday. According to booking records, Love was arrested Tuesday in Hillsborough County and booked into a detention facility in Tampa, Florida, on two contempt-of-court counts. The arrest stems from litigation involving Tiffany Lee, who alleges the actor owes substantial child support obligations. View this post on Instagram Court filings indicate a judge previously held Love in contempt after determining he failed to comply with court orders related to the case. The court subsequently directed him to surrender for a 90-day jail sentence, warning that failure to do so could result in arrest. Love sought relief from the court earlier this year, arguing that he lacked the financial means to satisfy claims that he owed approximately $250,000 in support payments. In filings submitted to the court, Love asserted that his earnings had declined dramatically and that he was experiencing significant financial hardship. The actor reported that his highest gross annual income during the previous five years was approximately $13,000. He further stated that he earned no income during the past year. Love also cited a medical incident that allegedly prevented him from attending a scheduled hearing in April. Actor Faizon Love Arrested In Tampa, Florida Court Over Failure To Pay Child Support To Baby Mom, Tiffany Love Despite those representations, the court allowed the contempt proceedings to move forward. The judge ultimately concluded that Love had not complied with the court’s directives and ordered him into custody. The dispute marks the latest legal challenge for Love, whose acting credits include roles in Friday, The Replacements and Elf. Neither Love nor representatives for Tiffany Lee have publicly commented on the arrest. The case now returns to the court’s docket as the parties continue litigating issues surrounding child support compliance and enforcement. The news surrounds the development of the fourth and final Friday film, starring Ice Cube and Mike Epps. No word if Faizon Love will be reprising his role as Big Worm yet. Further hearings are expected as the matter continues in Hillsborough County.

Hip Hop star Drake and his OVO (October’s Very Own) are preparing to be in partnership with licensing giant Authentic Brands Group, according to Puck. While discussions remain ongoing, the potential transaction signals how far OVO has evolved beyond music into a global lifestyle enterprise. BREAKING: Drake is reportedly selling a 50% stake in OVO to Authentic Brands Group Authentic is the licensing giant behind brands like Reebok, Champion, Forever 21, Brooks, and Sports Illustrated, while also managing the rights to cultural icons like Elvis Presley, Marilyn… pic.twitter.com/R4jWP3VZaQ — JustFreshKicks (@JustFreshKicks) June 17, 2026 Founded as an extension of Drake’s creative vision, OVO has grown into one of the most recognizable artist-led fashion brands in the world. The Toronto-based imprint built its reputation through premium streetwear, limited releases, and strategic collaborations. Partnerships with the National Hockey League, National Football League, and Looney Tunes have expanded the company’s reach beyond music. Authentic Brands Group would bring extensive licensing expertise to any partnership. The company oversees major consumer brands, including Champion, Sports Illustrated, and Reebok. Its portfolio also includes the intellectual property rights of cultural icons such as Shaquille O’Neal, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and Muhammad Ali. Hip Hop Star Drake Plans To Sell 50% of OVO (October’s Very Own) Stake To Authentic Brands Group Industry analysts view Authentic as a leader in brand expansion, licensing, and retail distribution. A partnership could unlock new opportunities for OVO across apparel, footwear, entertainment, and international merchandising. Neither side has disclosed financial terms, and no valuation has been confirmed. However, OVO’s sustained growth, strong consumer loyalty, and global recognition suggest the company could command a significant price. For Drake, the talks represent more than a potential investment. They underscore OVO’s transformation from a music-affiliated clothing label into a major cultural business. If a deal materializes, it could become one of the most significant corporate transactions tied to an artist-owned brand and position OVO for its next phase of worldwide expansion.