Garry George “Jellybean” Johnson, a founding member of the legendary funk band The Time, has passed away. He was 69. According to an official statement from his family, Johnson passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Nov.21. “The family of Jellybean Johnson is deeply saddened by the passing of their beloved husband and father,” the family’s statement read. “Passing just shortly after his 69th birthday this past Wednesday, November 19, on the evening of Friday, November 21, 2025.  “Jellybean was an innovator of what became known across the world as the Minneapolis Sound. The only drummer the Time ever had from inception to the current day, the statement continued. “Jellybean loved his family, his friends and the city of Minneapolis.” View this post on Instagram Born in Chicago,  Johnson relocated to north Minneapolis with his mother at 19. To keep him out of trouble, she bought him a real drum kit. He honed his skills by listening to the radio.  “When I moved here, Black radio was only on for four hours from 1 to 5 in the afternoon,” Jellybean said. “That forced me to listen to a lot of white rock stations. That’s how I got into Three Dog Night and Black Sabbath and Red Earth and all those kinds of people and stuff, and that changed me too musically.” Johnson would eventually meet other teenage musicians such as Prince, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Morris Day. “We had to be 14, 15,16 years old. Oh yeah, we started early, honey. Yes, we did,” said Johnson. His love of music kept him busy. “That kept us off the streets; we had a place where we could go and practice our craft,” said Johnson. Johnsons would go on to form The Time with Jam, Lewis, Monte Moir, Jesse Johnson, and Jerome Benton. They would go on to record several albums and classic songs, including  “Get It Up”, “The Bird”, “Cool”, “777-9311”, “Jungle Love” and “Jerk Out”. Outside of his work with The Time, Johnson produced Janet Jackson’s 1990 No. 1 single ‘Black Cat’. He also produced and served as a drummer for Patti LaBelle, Human League, New Edition, Cherrelle and Alexander O’Neal. Johnson performed with Rihanna at the 50th Grammy Awards and was the frontman of the Jellybean Johnson Experience. The group spotlighted emerging musicians from Minneapolis. Johnson also founded the Minneapolis Sound Museum in 2022. The vision was to “educate, celebrate and create, while also providing an environment to learn, gather and showcase artistry that preserves and fosters the Minneapolis Sound genre.”

Ja Rule found himself in the spotlight today following reports of a physical confrontation on November 21. Almost immediately, 50 Cent took to social media to mock the situation, fueling discussions across Twitter and other platforms and stirring interest within the hip-hop community. The initial report came from Tasha K, who announced via social media that Ja Rule had allegedly been attacked outside Sei Less restaurant in New York. She tweeted, “BREAKING! I Just got word that Ja Rule was Jumped TONIGHT outside of New York Restaurant Sei Less! I’m being told it was pretty phucking bad! | Story Developing…” Her post prompted swift speculation online. Ja Rule quickly disputed much of her account while confirming that an incident did occur. He responded, “Tasha, why you lying to these good ppl? Yes, some btch as n****s tried to jump me. No it wasn’t at Sei Less, and I’m chilling, smoking a joint, watching SVP with not a scratch on me.” He also posted a video showing he was unharmed, contradicting claims of serious injury. View this post on Instagram Questions Around Max B 50 Cent weighed in with his signature provocation, tweeting, “Now who would do a thing like that? Just [boxing glove emoji] punched him all in his milk dud head. LOL.” His comments continue a long history of playful but pointed exchanges with Ja Rule. Nonetheless, the involvement of Max B also remains unclear. Available video from the scene is low-quality and offers no concrete details about identities or injuries. Max B addressed the rumors directly: “Don’t tie me or my people to anything negative. We grown; we on positive vibes only.” Despite online chatter linking him to Ja Rule’s confrontation, there is no verified evidence supporting any connection. For now, both sides appear intent on keeping their distance from the incident, letting the matter play out online.

At the storied Chateau Marmont, Malice and Pusha T reemerged before a crowd of artists, executives, and longtime admirers during the 2025 GQ Men of the Year gala. The evening carried a sense of occasion, marking not only their presence on a major stage but also the long-awaited return of the Thornton brothers as Clipse with their album Let God Sort Em Out. Momentum has been building around the duo, fueling talk of potential Grammy recognition and renewed interest in their legacy. Their comeback arrives after years of divergent paths—Pusha T releasing a steady run of solo music and Malice stepping back from the industry to pursue a spiritual shift. Now reunited, they appear determined to shape a new chapter together. During a recent conversation with Rolling Stone, Malice pushed back against the idea that their return would be brief. The question held weight, given the long gap since Til The Casket Drops and the uncertainty surrounding new work. But his response left no room for doubt. “Not a chance,” he said, his voice firm. “Listen, we just got here, man. There’s so much more to come.” While a timeline for their next release remains unannounced, a Zoom call from their Virginia Beach studio with writer Simon Vozick-Levinson hinted that fresh material is already in motion. With the acclaim surrounding Let God Sort Em Out still rising, fans have reason to expect more activity soon. Malice reiterates that fans won’t be waiting another 16 years for new Clipse music “No way. Listen, we just got here, man. There’s plenty more.” (via Rolling Stone) pic.twitter.com/5zGLsAf1gE — Kurrco (@Kurrco) November 21, 2025 Reclaiming Identity and Creative Direction Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Malice reflected on his evolution and his decision years ago to briefly perform as No Malice. “As my beliefs and heart evolved over time, I wanted to demonstrate that there was nothing harmful about me regarding bringing negativity or malice into anything,” he said. But reuniting with Pusha T prompted a return to the name that defined their earliest success. “We owe it to ourselves and our fans to maintain our original branding. Clipse will always be Clipse,” he added. With a tour ahead, the brothers are preparing to bring their latest work to the stage. Three final dates are set for December 2025—two in Virginia Beach and one in Brooklyn—before they head into a busy festival season that includes Coachella and All Points East next year.

After 11 years together, Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burruss and producer Todd Tucker have officially called it quits. The couple, who married in April 2014 and became one of Bravo’s most high-profile power pairs, confirmed their split following months of quiet speculation from fans. According to Burruss, the decision was not made lightly. In a statement, she says, “after deep thought and a lot of prayer, I’ve made the decision to move forward with a divorce. This is a difficult and emotional time, but my focus remains on protecting my peace, being the best mother I can be, and co-parenting with love and respect.” “I’m stepping into a new chapter pouring into my work, my family, and my own growth. I’m grateful to everyone who supported us throughout the years, and I ask for privacy, grace, and understanding as we navigate this transition with our family.” Burruss and Tucker first met in 2011 while filming RHOA, eventually blending their personal and professional lives through multiple business ventures, restaurant projects, and television productions. Over the years, their relationship became a recurring storyline on the show. The pair share two children — son Ace, born in 2016, and daughter Blaze, welcomed via surrogate in 2019. Both Burruss and Tucker have expressed commitment to co-parenting with mutual respect and stability. As Burruss moves forward, she says she’s focusing on peace, personal growth, and her evolving career, which includes ongoing entertainment ventures, Broadway work, and new production projects. Tucker has yet to speak out. View this post on Instagram

Sara Rivers, a former member of Da Band, has reentered public view after filing a far-reaching lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs. Her complaint, submitted in February 2025, accuses Combs of sexual assault, harassment, and misconduct connected to her time on Making The Band 2. Rivers is seeking $60 million in damages, a sum she argues reflects the extent of the alleged harm. Rivers describes a series of disturbing episodes during the show’s taping. In her account, Diddy “backed her into a corner” and made unwanted physical contact while cast members lived in what she called “inhumane” conditions. She also says Diddy and his companies damaged her career by misusing her creative work. These claims form the core of a narrative she has carried for years but is now fighting to litigate in full. Last August, U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff dismissed most of Rivers’ allegations with prejudice, blocking any future attempt to revive them. Only one allegation remains—the claim brought under New York’s Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act—and it cannot move forward without approval from a higher court. Rivers has already encountered a major complication: she missed the October 17 deadline to file Form C, the document required to establish the official record for an appeal. That missed deadline has placed her appeal in default under federal rules. Current Legal Context for Diddy Rivers’ case is one piece of a larger legal landscape surrounding Diddy. A judge recently granted him permission to serve a defamation lawsuit against accuser Courtney Burgess through newspaper publication because his incarceration prevents direct service. The matter is separate from Rivers’ claims but adds to the ongoing legal scrutiny focused on Diddy. With most allegations already thrown out and her appeal stalled, Rivers faces an increasingly steep climb to keep her case alive. Unless the appellate court intervenes, her remaining claim may never reach a courtroom. For now, both sides are waiting on the next procedural decision, which will determine whether the lawsuit continues or closes for good.

Cardi B is easing her way back into fitness as she prepares for a massive touring year ahead. The rapper shared a gym clip to her Instagram Story showing her sweating through a stairmaster session, a video she noted was originally recorded on November 13th and posted on November 20th. Still adjusting to life after giving birth, she told fans she’s intentionally starting slow as she rebuilds her strength. “Tour journey with me,” she wrote. “I haven’t started tour rehearsals yet but I’m doing light workouts to not only get my body back in shape but my joints and bones.. I’m 33 honey I’ma ol’ lady.” In the clip, Cardi let everyone know this was her official first day returning to the gym. She knocked out more than 20 minutes on the stairmaster before heading toward the squat machine, explaining that her long-term goal is to eventually handle an hour on the stairs without stopping. With a 2026 arena debut on the horizon, she’s focused on getting her endurance where she wants it to be. This comeback also arrives during a major moment in her personal life. Cardi recently welcomed her fourth child, and her first with NFL star Stefon Diggs, announcing that she gave birth to a baby boy on November 13th. She posted the first look at her newborn on November 19th, a sweet photo that shows her holding her son as he’s wrapped in New England Patriots gear in honor of his father’s team. The post collected more than four million likes as fans celebrated the new addition. On top of motherhood and training, Cardi is gearing up for the Little Miss Drama Tour, which kicks off February 11th in Palm Desert and travels through dozens of cities before closing out April 17th in Atlanta.

Max B is shutting down swirling rumors linking him or his crew to an alleged altercation involving Ja Rule earlier last night. The speculation erupted online after videos and conflicting reports suggested the Queens rapper had been “jumped” at the Brandy and Monica tour stop in Brookyln, New York — but Max B says his name shouldn’t be anywhere near the controversy. The situation began when blogger Tasha K claimed Ja Rule was attacked outside a New York restaurant, alleging he was “jumped pretty bad.” Soon after, additional reports pointed to a separate backstage incident at the Brandy & Monica show at the Barclays Center, where a brief scuffle involving Ja Rule was captured on video. The unclear details and multiple versions of the story led social media to start assigning blame — and Max B’s name quickly got thrown into the mix.With rumors gaining traction, Max B took to X (formerly Twitter) to set the record straight. “Don’t tie me or my people to anything negative. We grown — we on positive vibes only,” he wrote. “The internet loves to make up stories… But let’s be clear: Max B ain’t got no problems with nobody. No drama, no beef, no narratives. The Wave is home and focused on  Family, music, and positive vibes only. Stop trying to attach the Wave God to fake stories to get clicks…” View this post on Instagram The Harlem rapper, who was recently released after serving more than a decade behind bars, has consistently emphasized staying focused and avoiding drama as he transitions back into his career. Ja Rule has also responded to the chatter, dismissing claims that he suffered a serious attack. “Not a scratch on me… we good over here!!!” he said on social media, appearing unbothered by the incident and shutting down speculation that the situation left him badly injured. View this post on Instagram

Kehlani is speaking out once again, this time calling out ICE for what they describe as the “kidnapping” of immigrants across the country. During a recent interview on Los Angeles’ Big Boy’s Neighborhood, the singer did not hesitate to challenge the agency’s actions while discussing the current political climate with host Big Boy. “They’re kidnapping [people] out of schools, and jobs, and homes, and churches,” Kehlani said, describing how routine life has become a target for immigration raids. Big Boy followed by pointing out how even those trying to follow the rules are being punished, saying, “They’re kidnapping you now from going to do the right thing for your paperwork.” Kehlani agreed, adding that ICE is “kidnapping American citizens as well, it’s insane. Checking for Spanish-adjacent last names.” View this post on Instagram Kehlani’s comments fit into a year where the artist has consistently used their platform to call out human rights abuses, regardless of the backlash. In 2024, they endured canceled shows and watched collaborators pull away after they voiced support for Palestine. On X, Kehlani revealed how isolating it became, writing, “Because of my political stance, I couldn’t get any features, but I guess I’ll save that for an interview ‘cause everybody fronted on me. Every single person was like, ‘Yeah,’ and then they just ghosted me.” Despite the pushback, Kehlani is experiencing one of the strongest years of their career. Their single “Folded” became their first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned two Grammy nominations. They also delivered an impressive lineup of remix collaborators for the Homage Pack, featuring Toni Braxton, Brandy, JoJo, Mario, Ne-Yo, and Tank. Beyond that, Kehlani has teamed up with multiple artists this year, some including Cardi B and Leon Thomas.

Fugees artist Pras Michél is officially facing a long stretch behind bars after a federal judge handed him a 14-year prison sentence linked to conspiracy and illegal foreign lobbying charges. The decision came down Thursday in a Washington, D.C. courtroom, where the judge also tacked on three years of probation to follow his prison term. This news arrives just weeks after Pras was ordered to forfeit a staggering $64 million, tied to what prosecutors described as an extensive international scheme. His legal troubles stem from a list of allegations that have been building for years. Back in April 2023, Pras was convicted on ten separate counts, including accusations that he interfered with campaign finance laws during Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential run. Prosecutors also claimed he attempted to influence the Trump administration in 2017, painting a picture of a complex network of foreign connections and political maneuvering that ultimately unraveled in court. For Pras, the sentence marks an outcome his team hoped they could somehow avoid. He previously told TMZ Hip Hop that he and his legal camp were holding out hope for a lifeline, saying they were essentially “crossing their fingers for a pardon from Trump himself.” Instead, the court delivered what many are calling a harsh but expected verdict, given the scale of the accusations and the financial penalties already assigned. Now, Pras is preparing for the next chapter of this already dramatic legal saga. He’s been ordered to surrender on January 27, officially beginning the lengthy sentence that follows one of the most high-profile federal cases involving a hip hop figure in recent memory. At this point, the focus shifts to how he plans to navigate the years ahead and what this means for his legacy as a member of one of hip hop’s most celebrated groups.

Mike Epps stopped by HOT 97 to talk to Nessa about headlining the We Them Ones Comedy Tour in 2026. He opened up about what it means to finally take the last slot on stage after years of hosting, and why this year’s 36-city arena run feels different. They got into how he prepares for back-to-back dates, what young comedians don’t see behind the scenes, and how he approaches mentoring Chico Bean, Karlous Miller, and the next generation. Mike also reflected on moments in his 30-year career where he thought he “made it,” what stand-up has taught him, and what it feels like to keep evolving in an art form that takes a decade to master. He and Nessa also talked about the iconic Day-Day role in the movie Friday, auditions that changed his life, and why he believes Ice Cube’s advice still guides him today. Mike shared stories about being booed early in his career, the pressure of New York audiences, and the instinct it takes to survive on stage. They touched on his upcoming TV projects, working with Kenya Barris, what success looks like now as a father, and why he bought a farm back home. Finally, he opened up about legacy, the lessons he hopes his kids hold onto, and what he’d tell his 20-year-old self about business, discipline, and staying around the right people.