Nicki Minaj has been sued for battery and alleged assault by her former manager.
American rapper, Nicki Minaj is facing a lawsuit from former employee Brandon Jovan Garrett, who alleges the rapper assaulted him during a Detroit concert in April 2024. Filed in Los Angeles on January 3, the 10-page complaint names Minaj and her company, Pink Personality, as defendants, citing assault, battery, and emotional distress. Garrett, a former “day-to-day manager,” claims Minaj’s frustration over staff performance escalated to violence during a meeting in her dressing room at Little Caesars Arena. He alleges Minaj struck him on the face and wrist during an argument over a delegated task. The suit states Minaj ordered Garrett to leave, prompting him to lock himself in a bathroom for hours. Garrett claims he was dismissed from the tour the following day and later filed police reports in Chicago and Detroit, citing fear for his safety and emotional trauma.
Nicki Minaj is being sued by her former day-to-day manager for alleged assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, TMZ reports.
He claims that she got upset that he sent someone else to pick up her prescription and told him his 'life is over' before… pic.twitter.com/sDCR1rdJCJ
— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 4, 2025
Drake drops a new freestyle, “Fighting Irish” produced by Conductor Williams.
Coming off the acclaimed hip hop feud with Kendrick Lamar, Drake has again sparked conversation with a new freestyle that surfaced on Friday, showcasing the rapper’s raw delivery over a Conductor Williams-produced beat. The three-minute clip, reportedly titled “Fighting Irish Freestyle,” was part of Williams’ Signature Blends YouTube series but was removed shortly after its release. The song won’t be available on streaming platforms, as confirmed by the producer. In the freestyle, Drake reflects on betrayal and disloyalty following a high-profile rap beef last year. He addresses peers who supported his opponent, rapping, “Even my brothers got tickets… it wasn’t just business.” Fans speculate some lines target NBA legend LeBron James, referencing the high school basketball team he played for. Drake also teases personal struggles, stating, “I don’t have a drinking problem, I got a subtle addiction.” This release follows his hints at upcoming music, including a potential joint album with PartyNextDoor.
NEW DRAKE FREESTYLE OVER CONDUCTOR WILLIAMS PRODUCTION 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/f82zggclAD
— Wost🐰 (@mosthiphop) January 3, 2025
Nigerian artists dominate the 2025 Trace Awards nominations.
The TRACE Awards & Summit is set to return in 2025, showcasing Africa’s top talent with renewed vigor and purpose. The event celebrates the music and narratives fueling African music’s global impact. Nigerian artists dominate key categories, with Asake, Rema, Shallipopi, Burna Boy, and Tems earning nominations for Song of the Year. In the Album of the Year category, Asake’s Lungu Boy, Rema’s HEIS, and Burna Boy’s I Told Them face competition from Ghanaian stars Amaarae, King Promise, and Stonebwoy. Meanwhile, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Patoranking, Odumodublvck, Rema, and Shallipopi are contenders in the Best Collaboration category. Slated for February 26 in Zanzibar, the event promises to spotlight Africa’s rich cultural and musical heritage while honoring the stars shaping its ever-growing influence on the global stage.
Nominees for the 2025 Trace Awards Best Collaboration award
• Asake & Wizkid — MMS 🇳🇬
• Kocee ft. Patoranking — Credit Alert 🇨🇲🇳🇬
• Odumodublvck & Black Sherif — Woto Woto Seasoning 🇳🇬🇬🇭
• Titom & Yuppe & Burna Boy — Tshwala Bam (Remix) 🇿🇦🇳🇬
• Neyna & MC Acondize — Nu Ka… pic.twitter.com/SLXpxFcNMw— 49th. (@the49thstreet) January 3, 2025
Comedic series, The Franchise, cancelled by HBO after one season.
HBO has decided not to renew The Franchise for a second season. The satirical comedy, created by Jon Brown (Succession, Veep) and executive produced by Sam Mendes (1917, Skyfall) and Armando Iannucci (Veep), offered a humorous take on the chaotic making of a superhero movie. The series starred Himesh Patel as a beleaguered first assistant director on a minor installment of a larger superhero franchise. The ensemble cast included Aya Cash, Jessica Hynes, Billy Magnussen, Lolly Adefope, Darren Goldstein, and Isaac Powell, with recurring roles by Richard E. Grant and Daniel Brühl. Premiering on October 6, the eight-episode series concluded on November 24 but struggled to find a broad audience despite positive reviews (74% on Rotten Tomatoes). HBO’s decision reflects the challenges showbiz comedies face in resonating with viewers, especially in an oversaturated streaming market.
‘THE FRANCHISE’ has been cancelled by HBO after 1 season.
(Source: Deadline) pic.twitter.com/FhHgefTcQr
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) January 3, 2025
Bad Bunny unveils the tracklist of his highly anticipated album.
Following the release of his short film, Bad Bunny revealed the official tracklist for his highly anticipated album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS in the early hours of Friday. His sixth album features an array of Puerto Rican artists, including RaiNao, Chuwi, Dei V, Omar Courtz, and Pleneros de la Cresta. Like Un Verano Sin Ti, this album serves as a love letter to Puerto Rico, with Bad Bunny dedicating it to Puerto Ricans worldwide. The tracklist includes 17 songs, with collaborations that reflect the island’s rich culture. RaiNao appears on “PERFuMITO NUEVO,” and Chuwi joins on “WELTiTA.” Fans are particularly excited about “VeLDÁ,” featuring Dei V and Omar Courtz. Additionally, Pleneros de la Cresta, a folk band known for preserving traditional Puerto Rican sounds, adds a cultural depth to the album. The album will be released on January 5.
Bad Bunny unveils tracklist for new album ‘Debí Tirar Más Fotos’ out this Sunday. pic.twitter.com/3Xrii15Ije
— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 3, 2025