Duane “Keefe D” Davis’s battle in court over the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur has encountered yet another obstacle. On March 10, his attorney, Robert Draskovich, withdrew from the case, citing disputes over retainer fees, according to reports. Judge Carli Kierny approved the withdrawal and set a hearing for March 31 to assign new counsel. This signals a likely delay in the trial schedule. The specifics of the disagreement over fees and budgets remain unclear. Therefore, Davis is left in need of legal guidance with his case still pending. Since his arrest in September 2023, Davis has cycled through multiple attorneys. Previous lawyers, Carl Arnold and Michael Pandullo—who had collaborated with Draskovich—cited Davis’s altercation at the Clark County Detention Center as a factor in their departure. The frequent turnover has raised concerns over the continuity and strategy of his defense. Davis Faces Murder Allegations as Tupac Case Reignites Davis faces serious accusations that he orchestrated Shakur’s murder and allegedly boasted about it across various media. He and his defense team maintain that these claims are exaggerated and lack factual basis. A recent ruling in February further complicated matters. A judge denied Davis’s motion to exclude evidence collected during a raid on his home. Currently, Davis is serving time at High Desert State Prison for the jail fight while awaiting trial, which is scheduled to begin August 10. The coming months will test his new legal team’s ability to navigate a complex, high-profile case. Observers continue to watch closely as one of hip-hop’s longest-running mysteries moves toward resolution. The courtroom proceedings will determine not only the fate of Davis but also how the decades-old questions surrounding Tupac Shakur’s death are finally addressed.

A fresh round of online sparring has unfolded between 50 Cent and Papoose, adding another chapter to a rivalry that has resurfaced periodically in recent years. The latest exchange began after Papoose released several songs aimed at the Queens-born rapper and television producer. Instead of replying with a track of his own, 50 Cent turned to social media, posting a meme that also referenced boxer Claressa Shields, who has been publicly linked to Papoose. The post quickly circulated online and prompted responses from both camps. According to XXL, 50 Cent shared an A.I.-generated image on Instagram on March 12. The image depicted him standing beside a whiteboard labeled with a mock equation about rap careers. The board read: “The Secret Formula. How to Never Blow Up. 1 Rap Career (still rapping) + 25 Years (still waiting) = 0 Hits (still zero).” The visual then shifted to an image of Papoose, accompanied by the caption, “You make one hit record and I’ll respond. Until then go hang out [with your] boyfriend I mean your girlfriend LOL.” The post was removed not long afterward, though 50 Cent later commented on the decision. “If I put up a post and take it down is because I don’t want your ugly a** face on my page. I’m the algorithm PUNK!” he wrote in a follow-up message that continued circulating across social platforms. View this post on Instagram Papoose Fires Back as His Feud With 50 Cent Escalates Online Papoose responded the next day with a post of his own. He shared a throwback photo that showed himself alongside 50 Cent and fellow G-Unit members Tony Yayo and Lloyd Banks. Alongside the image, he included a snippet from an article discussing accusations that some artists inflate streaming numbers. “On this day Curtis breath was smelling like s**t!” he wrote. “It’s a new day in Hip Hop. The days of buying ya own records, to make it look like you got a hit is over. Inflated numbers can no longer make it seem like you’re better than artist who are really ‘NICE’. Corny memes can’t save you from Papoose. Don’t let him distract you from the fact that I just destroyed him. Soon as I posted that ‘AGENT PROVOCATEUR’ hit streaming platforms he started panicking!” The exchange arrives as Papoose has already issued multiple musical responses aimed at 50 Cent, including the diss track “Agent Provocateur” and a freestyle over the instrumental of “Many Men.” Despite that, 50 Cent has largely kept the back-and-forth in the realm of online commentary rather than recording a direct reply in the studio. Observers of New York hip-hop say the dispute reflects long-standing tensions tied to reputation, commercial success, and personal history within the scene. The friction has occasionally involved Remy Ma, Papoose’s longtime partner, after earlier remarks by 50 Cent sparked conversation among fans. For now, the conflict continues to play out mostly on social media, where both sides have traded posts rather than songs.

After nearly two weeks, R.Kelly has been released from solitary confinement. Last month, it was reported that Kelly had landed himself in isolation after it was discovered he possessed a retired prison warden’s number. Following the discovery, an investigation was launched. Now, his lawyer, Beau Brindley, is saying the singer was unfairly held without cause. “Mr. Kelly has been released from special housing. No impropriety whatsoever was found with respect to his possession of the telephone number of a former prison official,” Brindley told Los Angeles Magazine. “He was kept in special housing for approximately two weeks without legitimate cause before the facility was compelled to release him.” The former warden, whose name hasn’t been revealed, gave Kelly his cell number prior to his retirement in case he needed to seek advice about an ongoing mentor program. Not long after, Kelly’s cellmate was busted with a phone. A sweep of their cell was made, and it was discovered that a notebook, belonging to Kelly, contained the warden’s number. CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 17: Singer R. Kelly turns to leave after appearing at a hearing at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse on September 17, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Kelly is facing multiple sexual assault charges and is being held without bail. (Photo by Antonio Perez – Pool via Getty Images) R. Kelly serving 30 year sentence for racketeering and sex trafficking R. Kelly, whose real name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, is currently serving a 30-year sentence in federal prison for racketeering and sex trafficking. The singer’s release date was recently revealed to be in 2045, meaning the singer would be nearly 80 years old. Last year, photos of the singer rocking his prison uniform went viral, with people weighing in on his appearance. While some suggested he looked like his spirit had been broken, others claimed he appeared to be having too much fun. During an interview last October, Kelly’s former wife, Drea Kelly, touched on the topic of domestic violence and how it’s particularly handled within the Black community. She questioned why certain survivors receive widespread empathy and support while others are overlooked. The former wife of R. Kelly pointed to Cassie Ventura’s case against Sean “Diddy” Combs as an example, saying that Cassie’s bravery was celebrated far more than that of others who have come forward with similar stories.

Pras Michel has dropped his lawsuit against fellow Fugees member Lauryn Hill, ending a high-profile legal dispute tied to the group’s troubled reunion tour. Court filings show Michel voluntarily dismissed the case this week. The lawsuit had accused Hill and her touring company of fraud and mismanagement connected to a planned reunion tour and anniversary performances.  The dismissal was filed “without prejudice,” meaning the claims could potentially be brought again in the future. The lawsuit was first filed in October 2024 in federal court. Michel alleged Hill mishandled tour finances and failed to provide transparency about business decisions. He also accused her of canceling or altering tour dates and leaving him responsible for certain expenses.  Hill has strongly denied those claims. Her representatives previously described the lawsuit as baseless and full of inaccurate accusations.  Neither Michel nor Hill has publicly explained the reason behind the dismissal. Dispute Rooted in Reunion Tour The legal conflict grew from plans for a Fugees reunion and concerts tied to the anniversary of Hill’s landmark album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Michel’s complaint argued Hill had control over the tour’s business decisions through her company, MLH Touring.  He alleged she breached contracts and mismanaged aspects of the tour’s finances and planning. The dispute came after parts of the reunion tour were shortened or canceled, fueling tensions among the group’s longtime collaborators. The Fugees — made up of Michel, Hill and Wyclef Jean — rose to global fame in the 1990s. Their 1996 album The Score became one of hip-hop’s most celebrated releases. In recent years, fans had hoped a reunion tour would restore the group’s onstage chemistry. Instead, the legal conflict threatened to overshadow that legacy. Legal Troubles Surround Michel The dismissal comes during a turbulent period for Michel personally. The Grammy-winning rapper was convicted in 2023 on multiple federal charges tied to a foreign lobbying and political influence scheme involving Malaysian financier Jho Low.  Prosecutors said Michel participated in a conspiracy that funneled millions of dollars into U.S. politics and attempted to influence government investigations. In November 2025, a federal judge sentenced him to 14 years in prison.  Reports indicate Michel dismissed the lawsuit shortly before preparing to begin serving that sentence. His legal team has continued to challenge the conviction and plans to pursue appeals. Although the case has been dropped, the legal conflict between the former bandmates may not be completely over. Because the claims were dismissed without prejudice, Michel retains the right to file them again in court.

The legendary Juvenile pulled up to Mornings with Mero to talk about his highly anticipated new album “Boiling Point” dropping March 26th, the BBB remix with Megan Thee Stallion, and how his fans made that collab happen. Juvie shares the iconic (and terrifying) story of performing at The Tunnel in NYC, reveals he’s a skilled carpenter and electrician, and gets real about fatherhood, raising four kids, and letting them find their own path. Plus: the Cash Money Millionaires tour with Birdman, BG & Mannie Fresh, the No Limit vs. Cash Money Verzuz, why Wayne wasn’t there, his son Young Juve coming up in the game, the Tiny Desk performance with Trombone Shorty & Jon Batiste, and why he calls himself “Juvie Beverly” with his live band the 400 Degrees. Featuring: Juvenile, Merl New Album: Boiling Point — Out March 26th Boiling Point Tour starts April 2nd Timestamps:0:00 – Intro & Juvenile arrives at Hot 971:00 – How New York shaped Juvenile’s career4:30 – The Ha Remix & Jay-Z jumping on for free5:20 – Still 400 Degrees podcast with Mannie Fresh8:00 – BBB Remix with Megan Thee Stallion10:30 – Cash Money Records branding & marketing genius13:00 – The Tunnel NYC story16:30 – Southern music taking over New York clubs17:30 – The Boiling Point album & making music as a hobby19:00 – Juvenile the carpenter & electrician22:00 – Fatherhood, parenting & keeping it in the family24:00 – Young Juve & the next generation25:30 – Proudest dad moments27:00 – Staying healthy & tour prep28:00 – Cash Money Millionaires tour & Louisiana Fest with Wayne30:00 – No Limit vs. Cash Money & the Wayne no-show31:00 – Sports talk & closing

Jack Harlow is back and apparently “Blacker” than ever before with his latest album, Monica. Harlow recently discussed the R&B-inspired project with the New York Times‘ Popcast podcast. At one point in the conversation, it turned to race and how white rappers are positioned in the music industry. One of the interviewers pointed out that Harlow’s white peers—like Post Malone, MGK, and Jelly Roll— have the ability to retreat into other genres, such as Country and Rock, whereas Black rappers don’t. However, it appears that Harlow dove deeper into his Black influences with his latest project— a sentiment he agrees with, saying he got “Blacker.” “I love Black music. I love the sound of Black music. And of course, I’m hyper-aware of the politics of today, that safer landing spot that a lot of my white contemporaries have found,” Harlow says. “And of course, it appealed to me to do something that I felt, at a time when there’s certainly people that expect me to take the routes y’all are taking, to take the route that not only might not be expected but is also the route that I genuinely want to take. So all the stars aligned in that way for me, to be honest.” “I love R&B music,” Harlow Says Harlow continued: “I’m not gonna pretend that what you’re talking about, I was like, ‘Huh, I guess you’re right!’ I know that there are multiple things appealing about this route, but I also came to the decision, I’m proud to say, off of what feels good in my ear. I love R&B music. I love the sound of soft, intimate, melodic music. So I want to be understood. I want to write melodies that invite people to sing along…” “… I really don’t like erratic music. I don’t like loud music. I like soft music. I like smooth music. I spend a lot of time sitting in silence. I like silence…,” he added. Monica is now available on all streaming platforms. The release date, which is Friday, Mar. 13, also coincides with the rapper’s 28th birthday. The album is a follow-up to the rapper’s last project, Jackman(2023). Upon its release, Jackman reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Rap Albums chart and even earned a nomination for Hip Hop Album of the Year at the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards.

Chance the Rapper took the stand against Pat Corcoran, his former manager, as their legal battle continues ​According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Chance wishes that he had fired Corcoran sooner than he did. ​Corcoran has alleged that Chance owes him $3 million in unpaid commissions after they went their separate ways in 2020. He also claims they had a “sunset clause” which would give him a percentage of royalties until 2023. Corcoran said that  it “was a handshake deal and they never got the agreement in writing.” ​When Change took the stand, he disputed all of Corcoran’s claims. ​”We never described it as a contract until he sued me. And we had an at-will agreement that didn’t address termination,” Chance testified.  “We moved that way forever. We never discussed the sunset clause; we just discussed how I’d pay him. And one thing that stayed consistent is that I paid him his 15 percent [in net proceeds]. … I kept paying him that 15 percent. I can’t think of one situation where he did meaningful work, and I didn’t pay him.” ​From 2012 to 2020, Chance claimed that he paid Corcoran $11 million as his manager. He added, “definitely the person that got paid the most” by Chance the Rapper LLC, his registered company. ​”I probably should have fired him [sooner],” Chance said. ​In November 2020, Corcoran filed the lawsuit against Chance. The lawsuit also included scathing comments about Chance’s 2019 debut album, The Big Day. He described it as  “subpar” and “lackluster.” Also, he claimed Chance blamed him for the album’s poor fan reception instead of acknowledging his own “lack of dedication.” ​Responding to the suit, Chance filed a countersuit the following year, seeking damages of $1 million and seeking to have the case dismissed. When Chance fired Corcoran, he replaced him with his father, Ken, and his brother, Taylor.

Lil Nas X has requested a diversion for his felony police battery case. ​The pop superstar was arrested for his involvement in an altercation with police in August. ​According to PEOPLE, Lil Nas X made an appearance in court in Van Nuys, Calif., on Thursday, March 12. Christy O’Connor,  his attorney, reportedly asked: “a judge for a short delay so that she could file a motion to transfer his case into an unspecified diversion program.” The judge ordered the case back on April 6,  Rolling Stone reported. After the hearing, Lil Nas X (born Montero Lamar Hill) made a statement to reporters outside the courthouse. “All I wanted to say is to my fans, I really love and I miss you, and I appreciate your support so much. And I can’t wait to be back hugging you guys,” Lil Nas X said to reporters, according to Nancy Dillon of Rolling Stone. Lil Nas X spoke after court appearance in police battery case “I really love & miss you,” he said in msg to fans. “I can’t wait to be back hugging you guys” Atty Christy O’Connor told judge they’ll soon file motion for diversion, in bid to end prosecution Case back 4/6/26 pic.twitter.com/hYfdVbQLEi — Nancy Dillon (@Nancy__Dillon) March 12, 2026 Lil Nas X was charged with four felonies, including battery and injury on a police officer. He was seen walking down Ventura Blvd naked in the San Fernando Valley when the police were called to the scene. Police officers approached the “Old Town Road” rapper, where he allegedly injured three of them. The following day, he broke his silence on the incidentwith a video message shared to his Instagram Stories. “Your girl is gonna be okay, boo. Okay? S—’s gonna be all right,” he said in the video. ” That was a terrifying last four days. But your girl is gonna be all right.” Christy O’Connor, his attorney, denied that his client was on drugs during the incident. “Assuming the allegations here are true, this is an absolute aberration in this person’s life,” she said in court, per the Associated Press. “Nothing like this has ever happened to him.”

Kelly Clarkson opened up on her talk show about a surprising detail from her early career, revealing that her $1 million prize from American Idol never arrived as she expected. The Grammy-winning singer shared the story during the March 10 episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show while speaking with reality star Rob Rausch, who recently appeared on The Traitors. Rausch told Clarkson that he was still waiting on his $220,800 prize from the show, prompting Clarkson to share her own experience. She recalled assuming her 2002 American Idol victory would come with a direct $1 million payout—but the reality was different. “They were like, ‘Oh, you win a million dollars or whatever,’” Clarkson said. “No, you didn’t. They lied. You did not.” She explained that the figure represented an investment in her career rather than a personal check. “It was like a million dollars’ worth of investment in you,” Clarkson said. Clarkson also said she expected a car as part of the prize, a vehicle she desperately needed at the time because her own car was damaged. The car never appeared, while Clay Aiken, a fan-favorite finalist from the show’s second season, reportedly received one. Kelly Clarkson Claims She Never Received Million-Dollar Prize Money For Winning American Idol “I remember Clay telling me that the second season,” Clarkson said. “He was like, ‘Yeah, they gave my mom one too.’ I was like, ‘I’m gonna actually kick your ass right now,’” she added with humor. Clarkson encouraged Rausch to view reality television fame as a platform rather than a single payday. “Look, you are a really good actor! I think you’d be great at it,” she said, praising his performance on The Traitors. Since winning American Idol, Clarkson has turned early exposure into a lasting career. She has released chart-topping albums, won multiple Grammys, served as a coach on The Voice, launched her own talk show, and authored children’s books. Her reflection underscores a key lesson: television victory can open doors, but lasting success comes from talent, perseverance, and seizing opportunity.

Influencer Celina Powell is stirring the pot again, reviving her long-running drama with Offset. This time, she claims the Atlanta rapper still talks about his estranged wife, Cardi B, amid their divorce proceedings. Powell aired the allegations during a recent appearance on the One Night With Steiny podcast. According to Powell, the former Migos member repeatedly brings up Cardi B in private moments, far away from cameras and social media timelines. “When all the cameras are down, he’s not online, all this man wants to do is go gamble and f*ck and cuddle and talk about Cardi B all day,” Powell said during the interview. “That’s all he want to do.” Powell described what she called a strange pattern in their conversations. She claimed almost any topic somehow leads back to Cardi. “I could be like, ‘How’s the weather?’” Powell said. “He’d be like, ‘It’s really nice, but you know what? I think it’s cold where Cardi’s at.’” She pushed the story further with another example. “And you know what? Fk that bch. Because when I was with her, it was warm,” Powell added. “I swear to God, it’s crazy how he talks about her.” Celina Powell Says Rapper Offset Only Wants To Cuddle & Talk About Estranged Wife Cardi B The tension between Powell and Offset goes back nearly a decade. The saga first erupted in 2017 when Powell claimed she was pregnant with the rapper’s child. Both Offset and Cardi B quickly shut down the accusation. Offset later alleged Powell attempted to extort him for $50,000 in exchange for terminating the pregnancy. Powell has consistently rejected that claim. The drama reignited earlier this year. In January, Powell posted a video online that appeared to show her and Offset lying in bed together. “Made a tape last night & all u heard was him in the video lol offset you sleepy boy,” she wrote in the caption. Soon after, Powell alleged that Offset threatened her and owed her money. The rapper has not publicly addressed the latest accusations. In hip-hop, messy history rarely stays buried. Powell’s latest claims reopen a saga that continues to orbit Offset and Cardi B’s high-profile relationship, keeping the drama alive in rap’s ever-watchful spotlight.