A civil lawsuit connected to the 2022 shooting outside The Nice Guy in West Hollywood has been withdrawn, bringing a close to claims against the rapper Kodak Black. The incident occurred during Super Bowl Weekend, when he was leaving a private event hosted by Justin Bieber. Two men, Mark Schaefer and Adam Rahman, had alleged that Black’s actions contributed to a confrontation that escalated into gunfire. Court filings indicate the plaintiffs have now dropped the case involving Kodak. Bradford Cohen, an attorney for Kodak Black, criticized the lawsuit in pointed terms. “This lawsuit filed by Gloria Allred, might have been the dumbest, most ridiculous lawsuit I have ever read,” he said, adding that his client chose not to seek attorney’s fees. Cohen said that decision allowed the plaintiffs to leave “with their tail between their legs.” Furthermore, he cautioned lawyers against pursuing what he characterized as unfounded claims about Kodak. View this post on Instagram From $62M to Zero Justin Bieber was initially named in the suit but was dismissed months later. The plaintiffs first sought $62 million in damages, a request that was rejected by a judge. They then made an unsuccessful attempt to recover $10.6 million, just as the civil suit against Kodak ended with no reward. The shooting took place outside the venue as guests, including several prominent artists, were arriving or departing. Kodak Black was struck in the leg. Schaefer was wounded near his ankle, and Rahman in the shoulder. In earlier court documents, Rahman alleged that “Kodak Black initiated the altercation with patrons outside of the subject location, which was the catalyst for the series of events that led to gun violence.” This made Kodak a central figure in the investigation.

Floyd Mayweather must have been listening to LL COOL J when he rapped, “Don’t Call id comeback/I been here for eats.” In a stunning announcement, just before his 49th birthday, Mayweather is officially returning to boxing. On Friday evening, the 15-time world champion confirmed that he is “unretiring” following his highly anticipated exhibition bout with Mike Tyson.  “I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing,” Mayweather told Andreas Hale of ESPN. “From my upcoming Mike Tyson event to my next professional fight afterwards — no one will generate a bigger gate, have a larger global broadcast audience, and generate more money with each event — then my events. And I plan to keep doing it with my global media partner, CSI Sports/FIGHT SPORTS.” Floyd Mayweather Jr. has announced that he will end his retirement and resume his professional boxing career after his Spring 2026 boxing exhibition with Mike Tyson. “I still have what it takes to set more records in the sport of boxing,” Mayweather said in a statement to ESPN.… — ESPN (@espn) February 20, 2026 Richard and Craig Miele, co-founders of CSI Sports/Fight Sports, also released a statement expressing their excitement about partnering with Mayweather. “Signing Floyd Mayweather to un-retire after he captures another worldwide audience with his Mike Tyson match-up, highlights our commitment to providing our global audience with the most high-profile fighters in the sport,” the statement read. “Floyd will once again continue to dominate boxing with the biggest audience and highest gross events of all time, and we are proud and privileged to be able to do with our global team at CSI Sports/FIGHT SPORTS,” their joint statement read. “We look forward to even more announcements that will excite fans and continue to build the sport in 2026!’ MAYWEATHER IS ONE OF BOXING’S ALL-TIME GREATS In a professional career spanning from 1996 to 2017, Mayweather amassed a flawless record of 50-0, and he’s hailed as one of the greatest fighters in the history of the sport. Mayweather has won 15 major world titles across five different weight classes, from super featherweight to light middleweight.  A game-changer when it comes to the economics of boxing, he was named the highest-paid athlete of the last decade(2010–2019) by Forbes and headlined the two highest-grossing pay-per-view events against Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor.  MAYWEATHER IS SUING SHOWTIME Mayweather’s decision to return to officially return to the squared circle follows a recent lawsuit he filed against Showtime. In the suit, he claims that the network, along with former president Stephen Espinoza, misappropriated his funds. He’s seeking $340 million in damages.

Tony Yayo offered his account this week of a confrontation with Ja Rule that took place aboard a commercial flight. The two rappers, whose rivalry dates back to the early 2000s through their ties to 50 Cent and G-Unit, were seated near one another during the trip. Video of the exchange circulated online, showing raised voices before airline staff stepped in. Ja Rule later exited the plane. Speaking with VladTV, Yayo described the encounter as tense from the moment they saw each other. “I see Ja. He see’s me, he’s spooked. He could tell TMZ, he could tell you, he could tell everybody he was spooked because he only seen me. When you see me, who do you see? You see 50 Cent, you see Uncle Murda, you see some gangsta n**s around all the time, that’s on timing. Ja knows that. He just got punched out at a concert. So, it feels like the world is closing for him. So, he sees me, I see him. I’m not showing no weakness at all,” he said. Yayo placed the moment within a longer history between their camps. “You gotta remember: This is G-Unit. We’ve been through the ringer. We’ve been going at it with, not only him, but multiple street n**s. And I’m not trying to glorify nothing street, I’m just telling you the lifestyle. So look, he’s right here. I see him, he sees me. The stare down starts.” His comments framed the incident less as a surprise and more as an extension of an old dispute. Old Feud, New Flight Ja Rule addressed the situation separately on X, formerly Twitter, with a mocking tone. “I popped on these punks by myself on a plane lmao pssy ass ns I threw the pillow at yayo head cuz you soft… [laughing emojis] knocked ya hat all off sht was hilarious…” he wrote. He also posted what he said was a message from TMZ summarizing the encounter: “Hi Ja — Jamie here from TMZ — reaching out for comment regarding a Delta flight you were on Sunday morning. Witness tells us — From SFO to JFK where Ja Rule got into an argument with Tony Yayo on the flight. Ja was the aggressor and yelled profanities, saying he wanted to fight, then throwing a pillow at Tony Yayo. Crew stepped in and pulled both guys off the plane for a bit. Yayo yelled back that planes are federal offenses territory and he did nothing wrong.” The confrontation occurred shortly after Tony Yayo and Uncle Murda launched their podcast, The Real Report. The show debuted earlier this week and included discussion of current events in hip-hop. The in-flight dispute quickly became part of the broader online conversation. For observers familiar with the history between the artists, the setting was new, but the rivalry was not.

GloRilla finally broke her silence regarding the beef with her sister, ScarFace Woodz. In a recent Facebook Live, the rapper recalls the events that led up to the fallout with her sister and addresses the allegations that she abandoned her family. Over the past few weeks, the pair have been in an intense back-and-forth online. The rapper’s sister—whose real name is Victoria—sent social media into a tailspin after claiming the Memphis native abandoned her family and wasn’t supporting their parents—a claim which Glo vehemently denied. According to the “Yeah, Glo” rapper, her sister has caused her significant grief over the years. GloRilla claims her sister has tried to shoot her and set her up in the past, which is why their relationship deteriorated. She even alleges that she was thrown in jail for a week because of the actions of her sister. GloRilla calls her parents while on Facebook Live to clear the air pic.twitter.com/rjAxNFCQvt — The Female Rap Room (@girlsinrap) February 10, 2026 “Keep My Family Out Of It,” GloRILLA SAYS “I ain’t gone talk about half the stuff you did, just leave it alone,” she said. “You doing you right now, keep doing you, [but] keep my family out of it, [and] keep me out of it…My people [that] I f—k wit, they straight.” Glo then proceeds to call her parents while on live. First, she facetimed her father, who noted that while he disagreed with Victoria’s actions, saying “she needs her a— whooped,” he still loves all his children. He also revealed that Glo has spoiled him with trips, cars, and money, among other things. Similarly, her mother claims she’s well taken care of and only worked at FedEx because she wanted to. However, it’s revealed during their conversation that after her sister went public with their family business, she was forced to resign. Not long after clips of live began to circulate online, ScarFace Woodz hopped on her Instagram Stories to address GloRilla’s remarks. “Aight, so y’all wanna get on this muthaf*cka and lie for Gloria?” She then proceeds to threaten to share a text message from their mother that would prove their relationship isn’t as close as it seems. “Now all the family business finna get out,” she said.

T.I. has spoken publicly about a phone call he received from Gunna shortly after the rapper was indicted, offering a glimpse into how the situation unfolded early on. He addressed the exchange on his podcast, expediTIously, describing it as a moment when Gunna was looking for direction. T.I. presented his involvement as limited but necessary. His remarks add context to a case that has continued to shape conversations in hip-hop. According to T.I., Gunna reached out while trying to secure legal representation. “I received a call from him where he sought my recommendation for a lawyer, and without hesitation, I directed him to my attorney, Steve Sadow,” he said. At the time, Gunna had not been able to connect with attorneys Brian Steel or Drew Findling. The introduction came just days before Gunna turned himself in. Interestingly, T.I. played a pivotal role in these events. Looking back, T.I. said he wished he had better understood how the case would resolve. He said he would have urged more caution if he had known the outcome in advance. “I would have ensured that he understood the repercussions of his decision. Agreeing to this plea could lead to public backlash and damage his reputation,” he said. “If anyone could have provided him guidance, it would have likely altered his decision.” Throughout this ordeal, the advice given by T.I. became a crucial part of the story. From Courtroom to Culture Clash The plea agreement quickly became a point of contention within the music industry. Accusations of disloyalty and claims of “snitching” followed, reshaping public discussion around Gunna’s career. The fallout also strained his relationship with Young Thug, a tension that has yet to ease. Calls for reconciliation have so far gone unanswered. Meanwhile, T.I. is often referenced when the debate circles back to Atlanta’s rap community. Young Thug spoke about the situation during an appearance on the Its Up There podcast last September. Reflecting on the lasting impact, he said, “Even if we were to amass a fortune together, I cannot unsee what transpired between us during our time facing legal issues.” He added, “We share love for one another, yet our paths have diverged. Sometimes, that’s simply the way things unfold.” The entire scenario highlights how T.I.’s presence is felt, even when he is not directly involved. As the legal process continues, the episode stands as a reminder of how quickly circumstances can change. Advice, even when well intentioned, has limits. For the artists involved, the consequences have extended beyond courtrooms and contracts. The outcome remains unresolved, and T.I. may still address these developments as time goes on.

Long after the initial exchange faded from headlines, the rivalry between Drake and Pusha T continues to surface in discussions about modern hip-hop. Their dispute reached a defining moment in 2018 with the release of “The Story of Adidon,” a record that shifted the conflict from lyrical sparring to personal exposure. The track drew widespread attention across the industry, reshaping how artists and audiences understood the boundaries of public feuds. In the months that followed, Drake declined to release a formal reply, allowing the episode to settle without further escalation. The subject resurfaced recently after Drake interacted with an Instagram video featuring J. Prince, a longtime music executive and mentor. In the clip, Prince reflected on the fallout from Pusha’s diss record, describing it as a turning point that extended beyond music. He recalled advising Drake against releasing a response that had already been prepared. According to Prince, the unreleased song carried implications that could have reached far beyond professional reputations. The renewed attention coincided with the circulation of documents connected to the Justice Department’s handling of materials related to Jeffrey Epstein. Among them was an FBI tip containing an unverified claim that referred to Pusha T as a “handler.” The report described an anonymous account involving public figures such as Harvey Weinstein and Jay-Z, though it did not prompt further investigation. No charges were filed, and the allegation remains unsubstantiated. The Instagram post Drake engaged with reflected the heightened tone of the moment: “J. Prince Video Resurfaces After Epstein Documents Name Pusha T As ‘Handler’ And Mention Jay-Z.” Shared by the account @torontorappers, the caption illustrated how quickly speculation can circulate online. The convergence of past rivalries, legal documentation, and celebrity culture once again drew widespread attention. It also demonstrated how unresolved narratives continue to reappear in digital discourse. View this post on Instagram Humor, Awards, and Public Response That same intersection of celebrity and commentary appeared on the Grammy Awards stage, where host Trevor Noah referenced the broader media climate during the broadcast. In one moment, Noah joked, “That is a Grammy that every artist wants almost as much as Trump wants Greenland.” The line drew on current events and public familiarity, prompting immediate reaction both inside the venue and online. The remark quickly circulated beyond the ceremony itself. President Donald Trump responded shortly afterward on Truth Social, rejecting any implication of a connection to Epstein’s island. He criticized Noah directly, calling the comedian a “total loser” and questioning his credibility. Trump also suggested the possibility of legal action in response to the comment.

Lil Wayne took the stage at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, on April 11, 2024, delivering a performance that highlighted his distinctive artistry. Yet amid the applause, a note of frustration lingered as he addressed a conspicuous absence from the Grammy nominations. The evening was both a celebration of music and a moment of reflection for the seasoned artist, Wayne. Despite releasing Tha Carter VI last June, Wayne’s fourteenth studio album received no nods from the Recording Academy. Following the 2026 Grammy Awards on Sunday night, he took to social media to express a mix of admiration for fellow nominees and disappointment in his own omission. His post drew an unusual comparison to NFL coach Bill Belichick. “Congrats to the nominees and winners. Wasn’t included, as usual. I gotta work harder, as usual. One time for my slime Bill Beli,” Wayne wrote. Referencing Belichick—celebrated for his accomplishments yet overlooked in his first year of Hall of Fame eligibility—Wayne captured a familiar sense of being passed over despite consistent achievement. Tha Carter VI debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 with 108,000 album-equivalent units in its first week. Critics offered a range of reactions, sparking industry conversations about Wayne’s lasting influence and the weight of recognition within hip-hop. There’s no denying the impact Wayne continues to have on the rap landscape. Congrats to the nominees and winners. Wasnt included. As usual. I gotta work harder. As usual. One time for my slime Bill Beli — Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) February 2, 2026 Celebrating Hip-Hop Achievements While Wayne did not take home an award, the ceremony recognized several notable contributions to the genre. Kendrick Lamar won Best Rap Album for GNX and also claimed Best Rap Song for “tv off” and Best Melodic Rap Performance for “luther,” which contributed to the Record of the Year honor. Clipse earned Best Rap Performance for “Chains & Whips,” and Doecii was awarded Best Music Video for “Anxiety.” These Grammy moments served as reminders of Wayne’s own significant achievements in hip-hop. The night also featured moments of debate. Nicki Minaj publicly addressed Trevor Noah’s comedic jabs regarding her political affiliations. On X (formerly Twitter), she framed her response in spiritual terms: “As they do their ritual tonight, God almighty will reveal himself to them. The ritual will backfire on them. God will not be mocked.” Her remarks highlighted the intersection of faith, celebrity, and public scrutiny during high-profile events, a space Wayne himself is certainly familiar with.

Don Lemon is breaking his silence after his arrest for his alleged involvement in a Minnesota church protest he was reporting on. Earlier this week, Don Lemon was released from federal custody on his own recognizance. As he stood on the courthouse steps, the former CNN anchor thanked his supporters. “It really, it truly means the world to me,” he said. Lemon says he spent his “entire career covering the news,” and has no plans on slowing down. He continued: “I will not stop now. In fact, there is no more important time than right now.” It’s being reported that Lemon’s arrest occurred while covering a Grammy Awards event. Lemon confirmed this was true, saying, “Last night, the DOJ sent a team of federal agents to arrest me in the middle of the night for something I’ve been doing for the last 30 years, which is covering the news,” Lemon said. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) “I will not be silenced,” Lemon Says He added, “The First Amendment protects that work for me and for countless other journalists. I stand with them, and I will not be silenced. I look forward to my day in court.” Lemon’s former employer, CNN, also spoke out about his recent arrest, calling it “unacceptable.” “The FBI’s arrest of our former CNN colleague Don Lemon raises profoundly concerning questions about press freedom and the First Amendment,” the statement reads. “The Department of Justice already failed twice to get an arrest warrant for Don and several other journalists in Minnesota, where a chief judge of the Minnesota Federal District Court found there was ’no evidence’ that there was any criminal behavior involved in their work.” The statement continues: “The First Amendment in the United States protects journalists who bear witness to news and events as they unfold, ensuring they can report freely in the public interest, and the DOJ’s attempts to violate those rights is unacceptable,” the outlet continued. “We will be following this case closely.”

Nicki Minaj’s recent political activity has drawn sustained attention, placing her at the center of a broader conversation about celebrity influence and political expression. Her alignment with President Donald Trump has prompted sharp reactions across social media, cable news, and entertainment circles. While criticism has been widespread, the response has not been unanimous. Among those speaking publicly in her defense is fellow rapper Foxy Brown. Several high-profile figures, including Don Lemon, Chelsea Handler, Dr. Umar, and Uncle Luke, have questioned Minaj’s political direction, framing it as a notable shift from her past public positioning. The criticism has also exposed divisions among fans and observers, many of whom view celebrity political engagement through the lens of cultural responsibility. At the same time, a smaller group has emphasized the right to independent political views, regardless of public expectations. Brown’s response emerged within that context. In a social media exchange captured by Live Bitez, Foxy Brown reacted to an Instagram post praising Minaj’s stance with a direct endorsement. “FINALLY! INTELLIGENCE IS PARAMOUNT!” she wrote. The comment quickly drew criticism, with some users questioning Brown’s relevance and speculating about her motives. Others used the moment to revisit long-standing debates about loyalty and visibility in the music industry. View this post on Instagram Minaj’s Politics Stir Debate Online That backlash was met with its own resistance. Some commenters defended Brown’s right to express a political opinion without qualification. One user wrote, “People especially Black people think that all Black people have to be Democrats. Newsflash: we’re Americans and we can vote for whoever we want to vote for.” The exchange highlighted how political affiliation remains a sensitive and often polarizing topic within online discourse. For Minaj, the moment reflects a more visible engagement with conservative spaces. Her recent appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmFest marked a departure from her earlier avoidance of Republican-aligned events. She was later seen sharing a stage with Trump, where initiatives tied to investment programs for young Americans were discussed. The appearances drew attention less for policy detail than for their cultural significance. Minaj also revealed her Trump Gold Card, referencing an expedited citizenship process under EB-1 or EB-2 visa classifications. The disclosure added another layer to the public conversation surrounding her political activity. As reactions continue to unfold, the focus remains on how artists navigate political identity in public view. The discussion, shaped by both criticism and support, continues to evolve. Welp… pic.twitter.com/c5v8ztVVLR — Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) January 28, 2026

Clayton Howard, a former sex worker, has filed a lawsuit disputing how his story was presented in the Netflix docuseries Sean Combs: The Reckoning, produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. Since its release last month, the series has drawn sustained attention for its interviews with people connected to Sean “Diddy” Combs. It has also featured others who say they were harmed by him. Howard, who appears in the documentary, now says the finished project reshaped his account in ways he neither expected nor consented to. He argues that the edit left viewers with a version of events that no longer reflected his lived experience. According to court filings reviewed by Billboard, Howard claims his testimony was selectively altered to recast Cassie Ventura—whom he identifies as his primary trafficker—in a sympathetic role. In the lawsuit, he states, “The defendants deliberately edited, distorted, and misrepresented plaintiff’s account to present Cassie Ventura as a victim while omitting critical evidence of plaintiff’s sex trafficking by Ventura. This misrepresentation has severely tarnished my reputation.” Howard contends that crucial context was removed, changing the meaning of what he shared on camera. Moreover, he maintains that the resulting portrayal misled audiences and damaged his credibility. The complaint goes further, alleging that the editorial choices served interests beyond storytelling. Howard argues that the depiction advanced Jackson’s long-running conflict with Diddy while protecting someone he accuses of trafficking for commercial benefit. He says his account was sidelined in favor of a cleaner narrative that better fit the series’ larger arc. In his telling, the edits were strategic rather than incidental. A legal battle that challenges who controls the narrative As part of the lawsuit, Howard is asking Netflix to issue a disclaimer alerting viewers that the series may contain edited material that does not fully represent the underlying testimony. He is also seeking damages tied to reputational, emotional, and financial harm. As of now, neither Netflix nor 50 Cent has responded publicly to the filing. The case remains active. Howard’s claims build on an earlier lawsuit filed in July, in which he accused both Ventura and Diddy of participating in his sex trafficking. That complaint includes allegations of emotional distress, economic loss, and physical harm, including claims involving an STD and a terminated pregnancy. A judge has allowed Howard to pursue alternative methods of serving Ventura after standard attempts proved unsuccessful. Together, the filings add another layer of legal scrutiny to an already contested public narrative. The dispute arrives amid renewed debate over authorship and accountability in high-profile documentary filmmaking. As Howard seeks to reclaim control of his story, the case raises familiar questions about power, profit, and representation in true crime and celebrity media. Ultimately, how the lawsuit unfolds may help clarify where editorial discretion ends—and responsibility begins—when real lives are shaped for a streaming audience.