The reggae community is mourning the loss of Fantan Mojah, the roots reggae singer whose spiritually charged anthem “Rasta Got Soul” helped define a generation of conscious music. The Jamaican artist died Tuesday at age 49, just weeks before his 50th birthday. Born Owen Moncrieffe, Fantan Mojah died at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, after suffering complications related to a heart condition, according to people close to the singer. His booking agent, Vertex, said the artist’s health deteriorated quickly after returning from the United States. “Since he came back from the United States, he was hearty, but over the past week he started to ‘tek down’ and he was admitted to the UHWI,” Vertex told Observer Online. “Last night, he was vomiting blood, and that was it. He passed away.” The news comes as Fantan Mojah was preparing to return to the international stage with a scheduled appearance at Germany’s Reggae Jam Festival after reportedly receiving approval for his Schengen visa. “Rasta Got Soul” Reggae Hitmaker Fantan Mojah Passed Away From Heart Complication At 49 The singer had faced significant health challenges in recent years. In 2024, he was hospitalized in Martinique after experiencing breathing difficulties and chest pains. Reports at the time indicated his heart was functioning at roughly 15 percent capacity. By early 2025, however, his condition had improved enough for him to resume touring across Europe. Fantan Mojah’s journey to reggae prominence began far from the spotlight. Before launching his recording career, he worked as a window washer in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. His breakthrough came after meeting DownSound Records founder Joe Bogdanovich. “When I met him as a kid, he was a window washer,” Bogdanovich recalled in an earlier interview. “We got into a conversation that ended up with me recording him, and I made some really, really big records with him.” Following his 1997 debut, Fantan Mojah emerged as one of roots reggae’s defining voices. Songs including “Hail the King,” “Stronger” and the enduring “Rasta Got Soul” blended Rastafarian spirituality, social consciousness and cultural pride, earning him a devoted global following. Fantan Mojah leaves behind his children and a body of work that continues to inspire reggae fans worldwide. It ensures that the message of “Rasta Got Soul” will resonate for years to come.

NFL star Stefon Diggs’ ex-girlfriend, rapper Cardi B, publicly defended the former New England Patriots wide receiver Tuesday by disputing claims made in a pending civil lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault and questioning the evidence supporting accuser Christopher Griffith’s allegations. Responding to comments in an Instagram post about the litigation, Cardi B rejected a user’s assertion that Diggs was seeking to have the case dismissed before it reached trial. “He is not askin to get it dismissed..where are you even getting that for the whole point of suing is to go to court and prove he was lying,” Cardi B wrote in response to user @imspeakingnothingbutfacts. Cardi B defends Stefon Diggs after accusing his male accuser of changing his story multiple times. pic.twitter.com/aPm4jMDmU1 — My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) July 14, 2026 Cardi B also challenged Griffith’s credibility, arguing that his public accounts of the alleged incident had been inconsistent. “This man did 3 interviews change his story 2 times and never provided NOT ONE receipt…but you right wait till trial start,” she wrote, suggesting the case should ultimately be decided through the judicial process. In a separate response to Instagram user @eyescryblood, Cardi B disputed whether Griffith had presented evidence supporting his allegations against Diggs. NFL Star Stefon Diggs’ Ex-Girlfriend, Rapper Cardi B Defends Him Against Christopher Griffith’s Sexual Assault Claims In Lawsuit “Where is the evidence? There is no evidence!” she wrote. “You know what there’s evidence of? Chris stealing from Stefon and NO evidence of Chris claims.” The comments came as Griffith’s lawsuit recently alleged that he filed an alleged 100-page text message exchange with Diggs. Griffith contends the messages support his claims that Diggs sexually assaulted him. Diggs has denied the allegations and asserted that Griffith stole property from him. Cardi B’s statements echoed Diggs’ position in the litigation. It maintains that Griffith has failed to produce evidence substantiating his allegations. Her comments also reflected Diggs’ counterclaims regarding Griffith’s alleged theft. The civil action remains pending, and neither Griffith’s allegations nor Diggs’ defenses and counterclaims have been adjudicated. The parties’ competing factual assertions. The significance of the text message exchanges. Other evidence will be resolved through the litigation unless the matter is otherwise settled.

Rapper Lucki, whose legal name is Lucki Camel Jr., is the victim of a residential burglary under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department after thieves allegedly stole nearly $500,000 in personal property from his West Hollywood home. According to the Sheriff’s Department, Lucki returned to the residence at approximately 10:30 p.m. Tuesday and discovered the property had been ransacked. Investigators said the missing items include designer handbags, luxury clothing and other personal belongings with an estimated value approaching $500,000. The Sheriff’s Department has not determined when the burglary occurred. Detectives are reviewing neighborhood surveillance footage and seeking witness statements to establish a timeline and identify potential suspects. Investigators have not disclosed whether the residence showed signs of forced entry or whether the property was specifically targeted. Authorities also have not said whether anyone was inside the home when the burglary took place. Rap Star Lucki’s Hollywood Home Burglarized $500k Worth Of Items No arrests have been made, and law enforcement has not identified any suspects. The Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone with information related to the burglary or suspicious activity in the area to contact its West Hollywood Station at 310-855-8850. Officials have withheld additional investigative details, citing the ongoing nature of the case. The burglary follows a series of high-value residential thefts involving entertainers and professional athletes across the Los Angeles region. Law enforcement agencies have warned that organized burglary crews have increasingly targeted luxury residences, seeking jewelry, designer goods and other valuable items that can be resold. Lucki has not publicly commented on the incident. The investigation remains active as detectives continue collecting evidence, including surveillance video and potential forensic evidence from the residence. Authorities are working to determine how the suspects gained access to the property and whether the burglary is connected to other recent residential thefts in Southern California. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as the investigation continues.

R&B singer R. Kelly, whose legal name is Robert Kelly, has formally petitioned President Donald Trump for executive clemency, seeking a commutation of the 30-year federal prison sentence he is serving for sex trafficking, racketeering and child pornography convictions. According to records maintained by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of the Pardon Attorney, Kelly’s application for a commutation is listed as “pending,” indicating the request is under administrative review. The filing marks Kelly’s first formal clemency petition after years of unsuccessful efforts to reduce or overturn his sentence. Unlike a presidential pardon, a commutation does not vacate a criminal conviction. Instead, it reduces or ends a sentence while leaving the underlying judgment intact. Kelly is serving his sentence at a federal prison in North Carolina following separate prosecutions in New York and Illinois. In 2021, a federal jury in Brooklyn convicted him of racketeering and sex trafficking. The following year, a federal jury in Chicago found him guilty of child pornography and child enticement offenses. Absent executive clemency or further judicial relief, Kelly is projected to remain incarcerated until 2045. R&B Singer R. Kelly Reaches Out To President Donald Trump For Clemency The pending petition follows earlier legal challenges that failed to secure his release. Last year, Kelly sought immediate release from federal custody, arguing that his safety was at risk while imprisoned. Earlier this year, defense counsel also publicly urged President Trump to intervene, alleging that federal authorities improperly targeted Kelly during the investigation and prosecution. Counsel further claimed prison officials failed to protect him and asserted that investigators attempted to influence witnesses. Those allegations have not resulted in judicial relief, and the Trump administration has not publicly responded. The current filing places Kelly’s request within the Justice Department’s formal clemency process, where the Office of the Pardon Attorney reviews petitions before making recommendations to the president. The president is not required to follow those recommendations and retains broad constitutional authority to grant or deny clemency. For now, Kelly remains in federal custody while his petition proceeds through the executive review process. No timetable has been announced for a decision on the request.

Sean “Diddy” Combs has sold one of his waterfront properties on Miami Beach’s Star Island for $55 million, according to property records. The transaction involves the estate at 1 Star Island Drive. It was sold through Combs’ 1 West Star Island LLC to JFStar LLC, a Newport News-based entity led by John A. Franklin. The nearly 8,000-square-foot residence sits on 1.3 acres of bayfront land. Additionally, it includes six bedrooms, eight and a half bathrooms, a pool, a spa, and a private dock. The property, which dates back to 1940 and was expanded in 1995, features a two-story main residence. There is also a separate guest cottage. Before Combs purchased the home in 2021 for $35 million, it belonged to music figures Gloria and Emilio Estefan. They had used it as a guest retreat near their primary Star Island estate. The recent sale appears to have been completed privately rather than through a traditional public listing. The buyer financed part of the purchase with an $18.5 million mortgage from San Diego-based Axos Bank, records show. Combs continues to own the neighboring property at 2 Star Island Drive, which remains his primary Star Island residence. The sale comes as Combs serves a four-year federal prison sentence. He was convicted on two counts related to transportation to engage in prostitution. However, he was acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges. View this post on Instagram Star Island’s Billionaire Boom and Celebrity Allure Star Island has remained one of Miami Beach’s most exclusive residential communities, with roughly 30 estates attracting celebrities, business leaders, and wealthy investors. In recent years, the island has seen several major real estate deals. These include billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin’s expansion of his holdings to about 6.5 contiguous acres. Other notable sales include Vlad Doronin’s $120 million estate transaction. In addition, Russell Weiner made a $35.3 million purchase of a property previously owned by Rosie O’Donnell. The island has also remained connected to hip-hop figures. Rapper Rick Ross increased the mortgage on his Star Island home to $35 million after purchasing the property for the same amount three years earlier. At the time of Ross’ purchase, Combs gifted him a golf cart. Ross shared this in an Instagram post.

Rapper Lil Durk secured a significant procedural victory Tuesday after a federal judge ordered newly added racketeering allegations to be tried separately from his upcoming murder-for-hire case, preserving the scheduled Aug. 20 trial on the original charges. U.S. District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald ruled that the racketeering counts, which prosecutors added in June, will be severed from the Los Angeles case and litigated in a later proceeding. The decision narrows the issues for the August trial, where prosecutors allege Durk orchestrated a murder-for-hire plot targeting rival rapper Quando Rondo that resulted in the death of Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a Robinson. Before the ruling, Rolling Stone reporter Nancy Dillon documented the hearing in a series of posts on X, describing the court’s reaction to the government’s arguments. “Heading into Lil Durk’s hearing now,” Dillon wrote. “He’s seeking to sever allegations tied to a Chicago murder and Atlanta shooting from his L.A. murder-for-hire trial, arguing prosecutors delayed the ‘sweeping new charges’ and left him unable to prepare his defense for the August trial.” Lil Durk’s high-powered legal team, outside court, waiting for judge’s ruling: Drew Findling, Christy O’Connor, Marissa Goldberg, and Brian Steel (who repped Young Thug at YSL trial) pic.twitter.com/Ujhpyhf5nB — Nancy Dillon (@Nancy__Dillon) July 14, 2026 Following the hearing, Dillon reported that Judge Fitzgerald appeared skeptical of the prosecution’s position. “Wow, judge was on fire, very frustrated with prosecution, seemed to be leaning heavily toward severing Chicago allegations from Aug. 20 trial. He promised ruling by End Of Day,” she posted. Rapper Lil Durk Secures Win In Case With Judge Excluding Racketeering Charges From Upcoming Trial, Attorneys Drew Findling & Brian Steel React Attorneys Drew Findling and Brian Steel remained outside the courthouse awaiting the decision. She also identified attorneys Christy O’Connor and Marissa Goldberg as members of the defense team. Judge Fitzgerald ruled in Durk’s favor on the severance request. The judge wrote, “The Government chose to withdraw evidence of the ‘Chicago incident’ in the Los Angeles trial.” Durk’s attorneys had argued that prosecutors unfairly altered their theory of the case. The prosecution’s introduction of broad racketeering allegations weeks before trial left insufficient time to prepare a defense. They sought either dismissal of the new counts or a separate trial. The court granted the alternative request. A trial date for the racketeering charges has not been set. Durk and his co-defendants remain scheduled to stand trial on the remaining federal charges beginning Aug. 20.

50 Cent has fans and business leaders wondering what’s next for his ambitious plans in Shreveport, La., after the hip-hop mogul shared a cryptic Instagram post that appeared to question the future of his investment in the city. On Monday night, the G-Unit founder wrote, “There are people in Shreveport that just don’t want things to get better. I only make deals that make sense. I’m gonna have to pull back on The Red River! peace.” View this post on Instagram View this post on Instagram The message immediately ignited speculation across social media, especially because it arrived less than a month after 50 Cent, born Curtis Jackson, celebrated the groundbreaking of the G-Dome, a centerpiece of his vision to transform downtown Shreveport into a major entertainment destination. During the June 17 ceremony, Jackson painted an optimistic picture of the city’s future. Asked where he believed Shreveport would be in five years, he replied, “It’ll be totally new. You won’t recognize it.” Is 50 Cent Abandoning The Red River In Shreveport, Louisiana? Hip-Hop Fans Question Latest IG Post Those comments now stand in sharp contrast to his latest post, leaving many residents questioning whether the rapper, producer and entrepreneur is reconsidering his commitment to the Red River development. The uncertainty follows setbacks involving the Red River Entertainment District. In March, redevelopment plans stalled after inspectors reportedly discovered major structural issues requiring significant repairs before construction could move forward. Despite those challenges, Louisiana officials approved a plan in January to invest roughly $124 million in entertainment projects connected to Jackson’s G-Unit brand. The proposal includes three large-scale venues designed to boost tourism, attract new businesses and strengthen Shreveport’s economy. A G-Unit-commissioned economic impact study projected the developments could generate an estimated $18.8 billion in economic activity over the next 20 years. The report also forecast approximately 6,000 jobs and nearly $300 million in wages during that period. Jackson has become one of Shreveport’s most influential private investors, making every public statement about the project closely watched. While he has not explained what prompted his latest remarks, the post has fueled questions about whether negotiations have stalled or if new obstacles have emerged. City officials have not publicly responded, leaving the future of one of hip-hop’s most high-profile redevelopment ventures uncertain.

New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith will not face criminal charges after Florida law enforcement closed its investigation into a June 21 incident at his Davie, Fla., residence, though authorities said the case could be reopened if new evidence emerges. According to an investigative report obtained by ESPN, Davie police have designated the case as inactive after concluding that the available evidence did not support additional investigative steps. The decision ends the criminal inquiry for now but does not permanently close the matter. Police finish investigation against Jets’ Geno Smith after woman’s troubling social media post https://t.co/VkOWlMyaAi pic.twitter.com/mrN5j3zGmV — New York Post (@nypost) July 14, 2026 Investigators wrote, “No further investigative steps can be reasonably taken with the information presently available,” signaling that detectives had exhausted the evidence currently available to them. The investigation began after a woman publicly identified as “Kristen” posted a video on social media alleging that Smith “beat my ass.” Davie police opened an inquiry to determine whether the allegation warranted criminal charges. After reviewing the evidence, investigators declined to recommend prosecution. Authorities also noted that the investigation could resume if new witness testimony or additional evidence becomes available. New York Jets’ QB Geno Smith Faces No Charges After Investigation In June’s Domestic Incident, NFL Can Still Investigate While the criminal case has concluded, the NFL could still review the matter under its Personal Conduct Policy. The league acknowledged the situation on June 23, stating it was “aware” of the allegation but offering no further comment. The NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy operates independently of the criminal justice system. As a result, the league can investigate allegations even when no charges are filed or convictions are obtained. Whether the NFL pursues its own inquiry remains uncertain. Smith has not been charged with a crime in connection with the June incident. The veteran quarterback returns to New York after the Jets reacquired him from the Las Vegas Raiders. The move reunited Smith with the franchise that selected him in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He is expected to enter the 2026 season as the Jets’ starting quarterback. For now, the legal process has concluded in Davie. However, investigators left the door open for the case to be revived if new evidence surfaces. Until then, Smith remains free of criminal charges as he prepares for the upcoming NFL season with the Jets.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a formal investigation Monday into the security failures and significant delays that plagued Jay-Z’s “Extra Innings” concert at Yankee Stadium the previous night. The high-profile event was thrown into disarray after a large crowd of ticketless individuals reportedly stormed the gates, forcing stadium staff to suspend entry and leaving legitimate ticket holders stranded outside for hours. The security breach resulted in a cascade of logistical issues that pushed the start of the performance back by three hours. While the legendary Brooklyn rapper was scheduled to take the stage at 9 p.m., the show did not begin until after midnight. The delay left thousands of fans frustrated as they waited in extended lines following the gate closure. Memphis Bleek, a longtime associate of Jay-Z, shared that the artist was visibly upset by the situation prior to his performance. While Jay-Z ultimately delivered a set that many fans praised as remarkable, Bleek indicated the rapper was frustrated by the stadium’s lack of preparation and was deeply concerned for the safety of his audience. Mayor Mamdani, who has been in office for only a few months, signaled that the city would take a proactive role in reviewing the incident to prevent future occurrences at major venues. The mayor emphasized that while the city does not manage the privately operated stadium, the welfare of New Yorkers remains a priority for his administration. “Last night is something that we’re going to follow up on because I know many New Yorkers who were delayed after there was a breach of security by those that didn’t have tickets,” Mamdani said. He noted that the actions of those who bypassed security resulted in a “multiple-hour delay” for law-abiding fans who paid to see the show. The investigation comes during a period of high visibility for the new mayor, whose early tenure has been marked by the New York Knicks winning their first NBA Championship in over five decades. Mamdani stated that the inquiry will look into how the perimeter was breached and why it took several hours to restore order and resume safe entry into the Bronx venue.  Representatives for Yankee Stadium have not yet released a detailed statement regarding the specific security breakdown. However, the probe is expected to examine staffing levels and crowd control protocols used during the “Extra Innings” event to ensure that future concerts can maintain safety without such extensive disruptions.

50 Cent is keeping fans talking after one of the most shocking moments in Raising Kanan Season 5 sent social media into overdrive. The hip-hop mogul and Power Universe architect reacted to Episode 5 of the Starz drama by sharing a bruised image of Mekai Curtis as Kanan Stark following the character’s brutal beating at the hands of his uncle, Marvin Thomas, played by London Brown. “Ok I don’t want to hear shit about we family after this. @50centaction Raising Kanan,” 50 Cent wrote on Instagram, turning one of the series’ most violent confrontations into an instant viral moment. View this post on Instagram The post referenced the episode’s climactic fight after Marvin learns that Kanan shot his brother, Lou Thomas, portrayed by Malcolm Mays. Fueled by anger and betrayal, Marvin unleashes a relentless attack on his nephew, leaving Kanan battered and bloodied. The emotionally charged sequence quickly became one of the most discussed scenes in the Power franchise, with clips spreading rapidly across social media. Fans wasted little time weighing in on the showdown, with many praising London’s commanding performance and debating whether Kanan deserved the punishment. “This young man got taken through the coffee table. Gotta check Kanan pulse! Damn! ,” one fan commented. 50 Cent Comments On Raising Kanan’s Viral Fight Of His Character & Uncle Marvin Thomas, Played By Mekai Curtis & London Brown Another viewer admitted, “I ain’t never smiled so hard watching somebody get whooped .” Others argued that Marvin’s response fit the gravity of Kanan’s actions. “Kanan can fight he just can’t fuck with Marvin hell Lou couldn’t fuck with Marvin lmao,” another user wrote. A separate fan added, “Kanan really deserved every hit tho.” Another comment compared the beating to other infamous Power Universe moments, writing, “Kanan needed that more than Dre or Tariq. Y’all gotta start next episode off like that .” Beyond the memes and reactions, the scene highlights Raising Kanan‘s willingness to explore the painful consequences of betrayal within family. Marvin’s attack was driven by more than rage. It reflected the emotional cost of discovering that his own nephew had turned a weapon on his brother. Season 5 serves as Raising Kanan‘s final chapter. 50 Cent’s post helped amplify a pivotal episode that has already become one of the franchise’s defining moments. Viewers are still processing the fallout—and wondering how Kanan recovers from the beating that shook the Power Universe.