I Still Know What You Did Last Summer was Brandy’s first feature film and one of the biggest movies of 1998. But the renowned vocalist did not have the best experience during filming. Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Brandy said she “didn’t have the best experience” making the film “because of the weather and all of that.” The movie was filmed at several locations in Los Angeles and Jalisco, Mexico, to mimic the Bahamas. “We were in a space where… it was just bugs and this and that. I’m like, ‘We gotta film this somewhere else,” Brandy said. Playing Julie’s (Jennifer Love Hewitt) college friend Karla Wilson, Brandy’s character survived the events to the end of the film, which “was by design.” “That was in the contract,” Brandy said. “Black people don’t last in horror films, so I had to put that in the contract.” Brandy said she was eager to do the film because she wanted to cuss in a movie. “The reason why I wanted to do I Still Know What You Did Last Summer is because I wanted to curse in a film,” she explained. In addition to remembering the film, it was recently announced that Brandy & Monica will be co-headlining their first tour together. The 24-city arena tour, produced by Black Promoters Collective, “brings two of R&B’s most influential voices together on stage more than 25 years after their era-defining duet “The Boy Is Mine” ruled the Billboard Hot 100 for 13 straight weeks.” Brandy & Monica will be joined by Kelly Rowland, Muni Long, and rising star Jamal Roberts as supporting acts.

As proceedings wind down in the federal criminal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, the defense team prepares to mount its case following weeks of testimony and evidence presented by prosecutors. The high-profile trial, centered on allegations of sex trafficking, racketeering, and coercion, has pulled back the curtain on the lifestyle of one of hip-hop’s most recognizable figures. On June 23, Diddy appeared in Manhattan federal court as Homeland Security agent Joseph Cerciello resumed his testimony. He detailed a broad collection of financial records, including hotel invoices, flight logs, and payments allegedly tied to male escorts and a woman referred to in court as Jane, a former girlfriend of Diddy. Jurors also reviewed text messages suggesting preparations for so-called “freak offs,” referencing purchases of baby oil, erectile dysfunction medication, and large sums of cash. In court, jurors were shown explicit video footage featuring Jane and an escort. Diddy, according to prosecutors, was visibly present in portions of the clips, which were screened privately for the jury, legal teams, and court staff. Brendan Paul, Diddy’s former assistant, testified the previous week and pushed back on claims that he acted as a “drug mule” for the artist. Though he admitted to purchasing items and working grueling hours, he denied ever witnessing illegal behavior at events described in court as “king nights.” Arrested in 2024 on drug charges that were later dropped, Paul now testifies under immunity. Defense introduces texts and party details as trial nears closing arguments in Diddy case Diddy, who was arrested in September, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Toward the end of Monday’s session, defense attorney Teny Geragos told Judge Arun Subramanian that her team expected to use approximately 75 more minutes for cross-examinations. A hearing on jury instructions is set for June 25, with closing arguments slated to begin June 26 and continue into the following day. Both sides anticipate using roughly four hours each for final remarks. Geragos also introduced text messages between Jane and Diddy, where she described enjoying aspects of their intimate relationship—part of the defense’s effort to illustrate consent and mutual participation. As prosecutors concluded direct examination of Agent Cerciello, jurors heard audio messages in which Diddy requested items for his parties. “There’s no more baby oil,” he joked in one clip. Other messages mentioned lubricant and cash, offering a glimpse into the preparation and excess behind the scenes. Evidence presented also linked Diddy’s staff to the planning and execution of these gatherings. Text messages suggested Jane communicated with aides about logistics and occasionally expressed concern for Diddy’s well-being, including after alleged drug use. As the prosecution signaled its intent to rest, the focus now shifts to the defense. While explicit footage and financial documents have played a central role in shaping the case so far, the courtroom has yet to hear the full counter-narrative from Diddy’s legal team. With closing arguments on the horizon, the jury will soon be tasked with weighing weeks of testimony, digital records, and emotional accounts.

In an exciting update, Cardi B has announced the debut of her eagerly awaited first single of the year, titled “Outside,” which is set to be released on June 20. The Grammy-winning artist shared this news via social media, specifically on Instagram, stating, “We OUTSIDE this Friday,” alongside vibrant cover art depicting a lively summer sidewalk next to a gushing fire hydrant. The upcoming song is expected to explore Cardi’s recent life events, particularly her difficult breakup with Offset. A previously leaked excerpt suggests that she will express her feelings candidly, where Cardi declares, “I’ve been cuffed up too long, let me remind n-ggas.” The snippet also includes a cheeky yet bold reference to New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs, noting, “Your favorite player on your favorite team, he in my DM.” Cardi B Details Breakdown as Offset Divorce Escalates In a recent discussion on X Spaces, Cardi candidly addressed the emotional impact her relationship with Offset had on her, revealing that she often felt both mentally exhausted and physically unwell during their final moments together. “I don’t think people understand how tired I was … I was literally losing my mind,” she recounted. Cardi expressed her feelings poignantly, stating, “If I was still there, I was gonna end up going to jail. Cause I was gonna end up killing him, seriously, with my own bare hands. It was just getting too much.” The ongoing situation between Cardi and Offset has intensified, especially following Offset’s recent remarks about Cardi’s new relationship. After they were seen together on a yacht, Offset took to social media to question the sincerity of their romance, suggesting it was merely a publicity stunt with his comment, “Good roll out n PR.” The couple’s contentious divorce proceedings commenced last year, shortly before they welcomed their third child. As part of the divorce agreement, Offset has also pursued spousal support and joint custody. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cardi B (@iamcardib)

In the federal criminal trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, prosecutors have begun stitching together an intricate web of evidence—personal communications, financial records, and explicit video footage—meant to support claims that the hip-hop mogul orchestrated a sex-trafficking operation. Tuesday’s proceedings added new depth to a case that has already captivated the public, with new material surfacing that deepens the questions surrounding Diddy’s inner circle. Central to the courtroom’s focus was a resurfaced video from 2016 that allegedly shows Diddy assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in a hallway of a Los Angeles hotel. While jurors had previously seen the footage, Monday’s testimony brought attention to the communications that followed the incident. In a series of text messages exchanged between Diddy, Cassie, his chief of staff Kristina “KK” Khorram, and his longtime bodyguard D-Roc, the aftermath took shape. Diddy wrote Cassie, “about to be arrested,” urging her to return to the hotel. She declined, saying she would not come back and adding that the male escort involved in the night’s events had also left. Jurors were also shown roughly 20 minutes of video footage that prosecutors say depicts a series of sex-fueled gatherings—known in the trial as “freak offs”—dating back to 2012 through 2014. These videos, prosecutors argue, are key to establishing a pattern of behavior at the center of the case. Brendan Paul, a former assistant to Diddy, is expected to testify on June 18. According to filings, Paul is prepared to speak about his role in allegedly sourcing narcotics like GHB for these events. Though he was arrested last year for possession of cocaine and marijuana edibles, those charges were later dismissed. He now holds an immunity deal that protects him if his testimony remains truthful. Defense Presses Consent Claims as Trial Tensions Mount The defense has aimed to reframe Cassie’s role in the “freak offs” as consensual and even participatory. During cross-examination of Special Agent DeLeassa Penland, Diddy’s attorneys introduced text messages that suggest Ventura Fine helped coordinate escorts and logistics. One exchange from Diddy read, “You make the decision please.” Cassie later testified, “I would give that money back if I never had to have ‘freak offs,’” referencing her $20 million civil settlement. Pressure in the courtroom increased when defense attorney Teny Geragos challenged the scope of the digital evidence. She questioned why Agent Penland had not requested full message threads rather than select excerpts. Penland responded that her job was to authenticate the submitted evidence, not to independently pursue additional texts. Additional texts introduced in court highlighted the involvement of Diddy’s staff in the aftermath of the 2016 hotel assault. Khorram was seen coordinating with hotel security to obtain footage, while D-Roc downplayed the severity of Ventura Fine’s injuries in a message to Diddy. Financial records presented showed lavish spending tied to hotel stays and services surrounding these events. Judge Arun Subramanian, overseeing the case, voiced concern over recent leaks of sealed material to the press. He demanded clarity from both legal teams about how the information may have reached tabloids, underscoring the importance of protecting the trial’s integrity. As the prosecution approaches its final days of testimony, the trial continues to raise complex questions around consent, power, and accountability within a high-profile circle. With both sides presenting sharply different narratives, the weight of the evidence and testimony will fall to the jury to interpret.

On Monday, June 16, jurors in the federal sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs were shown video footage for the first time—marking a significant turning point in the high-profile case. Until now, the courtroom had been dominated by audio recordings, still images, and hours of emotional testimony. But the introduction of graphic visual evidence brought the allegations into sharper focus. The footage, which prosecutors say depicts drug-fueled group sex encounters known as “freak offs,” had been referenced repeatedly throughout the trial. Witnesses described how assistants booked hotel rooms, sourced oils and lubricants, coordinated with escorts, and handled large cash payments. The videos themselves, however, were played only for the jury and essential courtroom staff, who listened through headphones. Defense attorneys were excluded from viewing the clips on their screens, a rare procedural move that underscored the sensitivity of the content. Testimony from Special Agent DeLeassa Penland accompanied the footage. She guided the jury through hotel receipts, flight logs, and text messages dating back to October 2012. At the center of those exchanges was Cassie Ventura, Diddy’s on-and-off partner between 2007 and 2018. According to Penland, Ventura used aliases—“Janet Clark” and “Frank Black”—to book hotel rooms for encounters involving male escorts. The location: Trump International Hotel in Manhattan. Juror Removed as Texts Tie Diddy’s Team to Drugs and Party Culture Earlier in the day, the court dismissed a juror for what Judge Valerie Caproni described as a “lack of candor.” The defense pressed for more clarity, concerned about the impact of the dismissal on the jury’s impartiality. An alternate has since taken that juror’s seat. Prosecutors also presented a series of charts compiled by paralegal specialist Ananya Sankar, mapping out years of text messages related to the case. The communications, many involving Diddy’s chief-of-staff Kristina Khorram, suggested her awareness of both the events and the substances tied to them. One 2016 message referenced drugs stashed in a car trunk. Another, sent shortly before Ventura filed her lawsuit in November 2023, showed a participant pulling away from the lifestyle: “I’m not doing anymore hard partying…no more ‘hotel nights’ and all that stuff.” Defense attorney Teny Geragos challenged the narrative, arguing the charts presented only a narrow slice of an eight-year timeline. “These are just select messages across eight years,” she told the court, urging jurors to consider context. In a separate revelation, prosecutors pointed to a February 2024 outreach Diddy made to a former assistant named Mia, who left his circle in 2017. While the government framed the contact as suspicious, the defense maintained it was simply an attempt to reconnect with someone from his past. Diddy, who has pleaded not guilty, faces five federal charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution. With more witnesses expected—among them Brendan Paul, a former assistant accused of acting as a “drug mule”—the court continues to weigh whether the evidence supports the government’s sweeping allegations or reflects the blurred lines of a celebrity lifestyle.

NEW YORK — (WQHT) — This Father’s Day, the beats of hip-hop aren’t just driving club hits—they’re carrying heartfelt messages of fatherhood, resilience, and legacy. Across New York City and beyond, artists are raising the mic to celebrate father figures, share wisdom, and honor their family ties. For Father’s Day 2025, HOT 97 has partnered with ICON MANN and Toyota to salute four dynamic New York fathers with this special Father’s Day Salute. Is your dad one of the great ones? Tell us about it! Share your story about someone you’d like to nominate as one of the Great Dad’s of New York. Great Dads of New York Who are you nominating as a Great Dad of New York?(Required) First Last Tell us why your nominee is a one of the Great Dad’s of New York(Required) In 300 words or less, tell us a story about why this dad should be one of The Great Dad’s of New York. Share a Photo Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, psd, Max. file size: 4 GB. Share a pic of the nominee Tell us YOUR Name(Required) First Last Who is nominating this dad? What’s YOUR Email Address? (We’ll keep it private)(Required) What’s YOUR Phone Number? (We’ll keep it private)(Required) Would you like to be a HOT 97 VIP?(Required) Yes, consider me a VIP No thanks, I’m good. HOT 97 VIP’s receive periodic messages about special events and behind-the-scenes offereings. Δ

With Father’s Day just around the corner, Fat Joe and Jadakiss treated 70 fathers and their families to a swanky lunch in New York on Wednesday (June 11). In partnership with Reform Alliance and hosted at Sei Less, one of the most popular Asian fusion restaurants in the city, the two rap legends invite fathers who have been adversely affected by the criminal justice system.” During the luncheon, some of the attendees shared the obstacles they’ve encountered after dealing with the criminal justice system, and being invited by Joe and Jade encouraged them to persevere. With full spread served, guests dined on Sei Less dishes like vegetable spring rolls, chicken satay, vegetable lo mein, filet mignon, and broccoli. Also, the attendees took pictures with Joe and Jada and shared the impact of their music.  Fat Joe spoke about the purpose of the event, and how it creates community to a population of people who are often marginalized. “This my hood, this where I’m from. I’m gonna always give back to my community forever,” Joe said. “The importance of events like today is that you got guys like us cosigning these dads and letting them know that we stand with them because they need that moral support.”  “We want to let them know they can come back and get right. It’s some hope now for when you come back to get readjusted,” Jadakiss added. “Hopefully change your financial situation, change your situation with your family and kids.” “Working with Fat Joe, Jadakiss, and Reform to celebrate these fathers at Sei Less was truly special,” Dara Mirjahangiry, co-founder of Sei Less. “Ahead of Father’s Day, we really wanted to shine a light on these fathers who have been impacted by the criminal justice system and support their re-entry journey with compassion. It was a powerful way to bond through culture, community, and cuisine.”

On Friday (May 30), Teyana Taylor dropped off a teaser trailer for her upcoming project, Escape Room. Along with an album, there will be an accompanying short film released with it. Coming in at just under two minutes, the teaser clip briefly transports viewers into a new world of Teyana’s creation. As it starts, we see her and Lakeith Stanfield exchanging vows, she then shares a passionate kiss scene with her in-real-life beau, Aaron Pierre. There’s also another shot where the singer is covered in flames and even a scene of her looking almost robotic and strapped to a bed. The project is set to be released to be released later this fall in August 2025. Teyana Taylor Denies Iman Shumpert’s Claims In Divorce Battle In other news, Teyana Taylor is pushing back against Iman Shumpert’s claims, calling his accusations false as their divorce turns increasingly tense. Earlier this month, Shumpert filed a motion accusing Taylor of violating their divorce terms. He asked the court to either fine her or sentence her to 20 days in jail. According to court documents, he claimed that Taylor insulted him in front of their children, causing emotional distress. “[Taylor] has shouted crude and inflammatory racial insults at [Shumpert],” the motion stated. “Such insults and criticism of [Shumpert] have caused the children to unjustly suffer stress and worry, unfairly placing the children in the self-imposed position of peacemaker between their parents.” Taylor has now responded in new court filings obtained by In Touch, denying all of Shumpert’s claims. She rejected the idea that her online activity harmed his public image or finances. She also denied taking their children Junie and Rue Rose out of school without cause or preventing him from seeing them. Her response called for the court to dismiss Shumpert’s petition, arguing that his version of events is simply not true.

Ice Spice had Madison Square Garden buzzing Friday night as she pulled up courtside with New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner, turning Game 6 of the Knicks vs. Celtics series into a full-blown pop culture moment. The Bronx-born rapper, fresh off a string of major appearances, walked in hand-in-hand with Gardner, sending the internet into overdrive. The two have been quietly stirring up dating rumors since late 2024. It all started when Ice Spice showed up to a Jets home game and flicked it up with team owner Woody Johnson. Things escalated a few months later when a TikTok clip caught them riding an escalator together, Ice Spice surrounded by security, adding fuel to the fire. The pair kept popping up at events, including the red carpet premiere for Druski’s Coulda Been Love, keeping fans guessing. In April 2025, Gardner shared a photo carousel on Instagram that included Ice Spice standing next to his grey Rolls-Royce. When she commented “1,” fans took it as a subtle confirmation. The soft launch didn’t last long though, by the end of the month, Ice Spice posted a mirror selfie with Gardner, making their relationship social media official. Since then, the two have been showing up side by side at some of the biggest events in entertainment, from Vanity Fair’s Oscars after-party to a packed UFC match. Gardner, the 2022 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and two-time Pro Bowler, and Ice Spice, who’s taken over the rap game with her unique voice and drill sound, are clearly leveling up together. Their latest public outing, cheering on the Knicks with celebs like Timothée Chalamet and Lenny Kravitz just seats away, solidifies their status as one of New York City’s most magnetic new power couples.

Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is one of the greatest diss tracks of all time. The scathing song aimed at Drake has become a global phenomenon as it has received airplay at clubs and sporting events. Although it was released in May 2024, “Not Like Us” is still setting new records. The song’s latest accolade is that it broke the record for being the longest rap song to chart on the Billboard 100, according to the NFR Podcast. Produced by Mustard, “Not Like Us” has spent several weeks at the number one spot, and it spent almost a full year in the Top 10. Currently, “Not Like Us” is in the  23 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, “Not Like Us” the longest-running number one hit on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart, surpassing Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road”.  Kendrick Lamar breaks Kendrick Lamar’s record (again) for HIGHEST-GROSSING show ever by a Rapper — ($14.81M) 60, 941 total tickets were sold at his show in Seattle. pic.twitter.com/2BDyNWDe7n — NFR Podcast (@nfr_podcast) May 20, 2025 Previously, “Not Like Us” won five Grammy Awards at the 2025 ceremony, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year. The song also won Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video. This marks a significant win for hip-hop, as only one other rap song If that’s not impressive enough,  Lamar broke his own record (again) for the highest-grossing show ever by a rapper, raking in $ 14.81 M. In total, 60, 941 total tickets were sold at the show featuring SZA  at Lumen Field in Seattle. In their review of the show, the Seattle Times described the performance as a “grand-scale presentation of vintage hip-hop storytelling from the Pulitzer Prize winner before a spellbound crowd the size of Bothell.”