by Jonathan P-Wright | Jan 18, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
R. Kelly, the famed artist, recently claimed oblivion to a lawsuit that led to a court awarding six women a whopping $10.5 million. The lawsuit was in response to alleged threats that resulted in the cancellation of the docuseries screening, Surviving R. Kelly.
The Unnoticed Lawsuit
According to court documents that TMZ managed to acquire, Kelly insisted that he would have contested the lawsuit if he had been cognizant of it. The singer pointed out that he was overwhelmed with legal issues and had to modify his legal counsel. Amidst these changes, this particular lawsuit might have slipped through unnoticed.
“In case he did receive the lawsuit, Kelly argues his linguistic capability is equivalent to a grade schooler’s, and he heavily relies on his lawyers for an understandable explanation.”
This statement underscored the artist’s alleged inability to fully comprehend the lawsuit’s implications.
Allegations and Threats
R. Kelly, along with his then-manager Donnell Russell, were accused of persistently threatening six women who were featured in the Surviving R. Kelly docuseries. The duo also reportedly intimidated the women and the docuseries producers with potential legal action.
“The lawsuit alleges that a Dec. 2018 screening in New York City was called off after someone from Kelly’s team threatened to ‘shoot up’ the venue.”
The Blame Game
In the latest court documents, Kelly disputed Russell’s role as his manager and suggested that if Russell was the source of the threat leading to the screening’s termination, the blame should be placed solely on Russell.
“He did that for his own reasons,” Kelly stated, distancing himself from Russell’s actions.
Russell was consequently sentenced to a year in prison due to the lawsuit’s fallout.
A Heavy Sentence
R. Kelly was handed a 30-year prison sentence in 2022 after being found guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking. Additionally, he was sentenced to 20 more years for child sex crimes, marking a dramatic fall from grace for the celebrated artist.
Conclusion
The R. Kelly saga underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in the music industry. Despite the artist’s claims of unawareness, the court’s ruling speaks volumes about the alleged misconduct. As music news continues to unfold, we can only hope for justice and a safer environment for artists and fans alike.
As the R. Kelly story continues to unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency within the music industry. Regardless of the artist’s claims of unawareness, the court’s ruling sends a clear message about the allegations of misconduct. As this music news continues to unfold, we can only hope for justice and a safer environment for artists and fans alike.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jan 8, 2024 | Latest, Music News |
The music world was left reeling when news broke about Keefe D‘s request for freedom from prison before his forthcoming trial. Prosecutors, however, are voicing their strong opposition, labeling him a significant threat to society. In this article, we delve into the details, shedding light on the dark corners of the case that continues to grip the attention of Music News enthusiasts worldwide.
Keefe D’s Plea for Freedom: A Closer Look
According to recent reports, Duane “Keefe D” Davis, the alleged orchestrator of 2Pac’s murder, requested to be released from custody on his own recognizance before his scheduled June trial. If this request fails, his legal team plans to advocate for a bail not exceeding $100,000.
Based on court documents TMZ obtained, prosecutors argue that Davis’ request is unjustified. They’ve listed several reasons to deny his release before the trial. Among these are his former status as a high-ranking South Side Compton Crip, his repeated admissions about his involvement in 2Pac’s murder, and allegations of threats made to witnesses while in custody.
Prosecutors highlight Keefe D’s past as a high-ranking South Side Compton Crip. They underline the danger he might pose to society, considering his connections and influence within this notorious gang.
Keefe D and 2Pac’s Murder: Connections That Can’t Be Ignored
According to the prosecutors, Keefe D’s repeated admissions concerning his role in 2Pac’s murder are another strong reason against his pre-trial release. The prosecutors continue to argue that there is substantial evidence pointing to Davis’ orchestration of the 1996 crime.
Allegations of Threats: A Potential Spanner in the Works
The prosecutors have also brought up allegations of threats made by Davis to witnesses while in custody. If proven true, these allegations could significantly impact Davis’ plea for bail.
Factoring in all these elements, the state of Nevada is asking the court to keep Davis in prison until the start of the trial. They believe that the gravity of the charges and the potential risks involved merit such a decision.
Keefe D Pleads Not Guilty: The Ongoing Legal Battle
Despite the case against him, Davis pleaded not guilty to his involvement in 2Pac’s death last month. He had already made two court appearances, but his attorney failed to show up.
2Pac’s Father Speaks Out: A Heartrending Angle to the Story
Earlier this month, 2Pac’s biological father, Billy Garland, shared his thoughts on Davis in an interview. According to Garland, Davis was merely a pawn in a larger game. He believes that Davis was exploited by various entities, including the government, the justice department, the LAPD, the Las Vegas Police Department, and others.
“He’s always been a tool, and there’s just time that they used him for what they wanted to use him,” he said. “Anytime a Black man gets strong that has the potential to lead other Black people, he’s not gonna survive.”
As the case continues to unfold, fans of 2Pac and followers of Music News will be watching closely to see how this dramatic saga ends. Will Keefe D be granted bail, or will the prosecutors’ arguments prevail? Only time will tell.
by Derrick T Lewis | Dec 28, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
Image credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
The music world is abuzz with the latest news surrounding two of its most colorful personalities – Cardi B and Offset. The pair, once a power couple, are currently facing a lawsuit over allegations of unpaid rent and significant property damage to a vacation home they once shared in Beverly Hills.
The Backstory
Cardi B and Offset, who have a history of making headlines, are once again in the spotlight. This time, it’s due to a legal dispute involving a vacation home they rented in the affluent neighborhood of Beverly Hills.
The Allegations
According to documents procured by TMZ, the pair took up residence in the property in 2022 but vacated in October of the same year without providing any notice to the property owner.
The Damages
The damages reportedly include scratches on the tile floors, torn rugs, damaged curtains, and broken furniture. The landlord has estimated these damages to total around $85,000.
The Landlord’s Efforts
The landlord claims to have attempted to resolve the issue privately with the former couple, but has had no luck in reaching them. This has led to the decision to take legal recourse.
The Timing
This lawsuit comes on the heels of Cardi B’s recent announcement that she and Offset had decided to call it quits. The Bronx-born rapper took to her Instagram Live to share her emotions about the split.
“I’ve been single for a minute now,” she confessed. “But I have been afraid to like—not afraid I just don’t know how to tell the world. But I feel like today has been a sign.”
Cardi’s Feelings
Cardi continued to express her feelings, hinting at Offset’s recent behavior as a contributing factor to their breakup.
“You’ve really been feeling yourself… because of your bitch ass album and shit. And you really been doing me dirty after so many fucking years that I mothafucking helped your ass. Not even a fucking thank you that I got from your bitch ass.”
The Future
This legal issue adds another layer of complexity to an already tumultuous situation. It remains to be seen how Cardi B and Offset will handle this latest development in their ongoing saga.
by Derrick T Lewis | Dec 26, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
Image credit: Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock.com
Playboi Carti, the founder of Opium, is no stranger to stirring up intrigue with his lyrical content. His latest track, “H00DBYAIR,” is no exception. The song’s outro gives a brief yet poignant glimpse into his personal life, revealing that he has recently welcomed a second child into the world. Let’s delve into the details of this exciting new development.
Decoding the Lyrics
Longtime fans were quick to decipher the clues in “H00DBYAIR”. It seems that the song acts as Carti’s public announcement of his newborn daughter. He refers to her as Yves in the song, a name initially misinterpreted by some fans as “Eve”.
A Father of Two
Before Yves, there was Onyx. Playboi Carti’s son, Onyx, is from his previous relationship with Australian rapper, Iggy Azalea. The new track gives a nod to Onyx, demonstrating Carti’s tender side as a father. The rapper takes listeners on a journey through his experiences of fatherhood, sharing the age he was when each of his children were born.
Clearing Up Confusion
Playboi Carti took to Instagram Stories to clear up the confusion surrounding his daughter’s name. He corrected the spelling from “Eve” to Yves, using a familiar font he’s been employing throughout his recent songs. This clarification added an extra dimension to the rapper’s persona, showing his attention to detail and care for his fans’ understanding.
Legal Matters
In the backdrop of this happy news, there seems to be a cloud of legal issues. TMZ reported earlier this year about an arrest in Georgia, with Carti initially accused of assaulting a woman described as “his pregnant girlfriend.” The alleged assault was reported to have occurred in December of the previous year. However, Carti’s lawyer, Brian Steel, refuted the allegations, stating that Carti had been “falsely accused”.
“Mr. Carter was falsely accused,” Steel had said. “Pursuant to my communications with the Fulton County District Attorney‘s Office, this case will be dismissed without any prosecution or litigation.”
Anticipating New Music
Fans of Playboi Carti are eagerly waiting for his new album, speculated to be titled “Music”. This album is expected to drop next month, marking a significant milestone as it comes just over three years after his critically acclaimed “Whole Lotta Red”.
Wrapping Up
Playboi Carti’s latest track “H00DBYAIR” has not only given fans a catchy new tune to vibe to but also a glimpse into his personal life. As he navigates his journey of fatherhood, his music continues to evolve alongside him, an echo of his experiences and emotions. One thing is certain – Playboi Carti isn’t just a rapper; he’s a storyteller, sharing his narrative with the world one song at a time.
As we anticipate his new album, we can only expect more layers of his life to be unraveled, more stories to be told, and more music that resonates with the experiences of his fans. Until then, we celebrate the birth of Yves and the new chapter in Playboi Carti’s life.
by Laghe Andrews | Dec 14, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
Hip-hop artist Lil Durk finds himself embroiled in a legal tussle with financial technology company, Exceed Talent Capital. The rapper, whose real name is Durk Derrick Banks, is accused of fraudulent dealings involving the rights to his music track “Bedtime.” The lawsuit, filed in a New York court, seeks a hefty sum of $12 million in damages.
The Allegations
In court documents viewed by Music Business Worldwide, Exceed Talent Capital alleges that the rapper agreed to sell them the rights to “Bedtime.” This agreement was made despite an existing exclusive contract between Lil Durk and Alamo Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment.
“Exceed Talent Capital acquired the “Bedtime” rights for $600,000, only to discover later that Durk had previously assigned the same rights to a third party.”
This alleged double dealing has landed the rapper in hot water, with the fintech startup seeking recompense for the hefty sum it paid for the rights.
The Fallout
Exceed Talent Capital claims that the fallout from the failed deal has caused significant harm to its reputation and relationships with partners and investors. The company had already paid $450,000 of the $600,000 owed when it was notified by Alamo Records about Durk’s exclusive recording agreement. The revelation forced Exceed to return the funds invested by third parties.
The list of defendants in the lawsuit extends beyond Lil Durk. Manager Andrew “Dilla” Bonsu, Only The Family Entertainment, Inc, OTF Label, and firm TTPMG are also implicated in the legal action.
Prior Partnership with Exceed
Before this dispute, Lil Durk and Exceed had announced a partnership in October last year. The partnership aimed to offer fans a “Trenches All-Access Pass,” akin to an NFT. This pass promised access to a private Grand Theft Auto roleplay server created by the rapper, which at the time had a waitlist of over 15,000 users.
Fans were offered lifetime access, limited edition in-game wearables, and a chance to invest in shares from proceeds of “Bedtime.” However, this partnership has taken a sour turn with the recent allegations.
The Music Industry’s Response
The music industry has responded with mixed reactions to the lawsuit. Last week, it was reported that the artist formerly known as Kanye West expressed interest in buying out Durk’s contract from Sony. This comes as a significant development, given the high-profile nature of both artists.
Conclusion
As the legal proceedings continue, the future of Lil Durk’s music career and his relationships with music labels and tech companies remains uncertain. The outcome of this case could potentially have far-reaching implications for the music industry and the intersection of music and technology.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and integrity in business dealings, particularly in industries like music where intellectual property rights are paramount. It remains to be seen how Lil Durk will respond to these allegations and what impact this will have on his career and reputation.
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