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50 Cent’s Legal Team Crushes Ex’s Claims

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50 Cent’s Legal Team Crushes Ex’s Claims

Hip hop biography gets real when legal battles make headlines. 50 Cent and Shaniqua Tompkins are heading back to court sooner than expected, and this case is about way more than just paperwork.

Oral arguments in G-Unit Books’ $1 million lawsuit against Tompkins have been rescheduled for Sept. 22, 2026, at 11 a.m. in Manhattan. The hearing had previously been set for Jan. 12, 2027. Justice Robert Reed will consider whether to throw out Tompkins’ defenses and counterclaims, though he will not decide the full case that day. You can find more context on hip hop biography disputes in entertainment.

The dispute centers on a 2007 contract that G-Unit says gave the company exclusive rights to Tompkins’ life story. According to the lawsuit, Tompkins received an $80,000 advance and was promised royalties before later discussing 50 Cent, their son Marquise and their past relationship on her Instagram Live series, The Unspoken. This kind of contractual tussle is reminiscent of the freedom struggle many artists face when protecting their own narratives.

Tompkins disputes the company’s account, claiming she was paid only $35,000 and pressured to sign by members of the rapper’s business circle.

She has also alleged that 50 Cent, born Curtis Jackson, physically abused her during their relationship. These serious allegations speak to the broader conversation around queer identity, consent, and power dynamics in relationships.

“The last straw for me was he hit me in front of my daughter,” Tompkins said. “And I said, as a mother, if I allowed her to see him hit me and stay with him, what example am I setting for my daughter?”

50 Cent’s legal team has denied her claims and says an alleged 2005 confrontation she described concerned a movie agreement, not the book deal in the lawsuit.

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Tupac Murder Trial: Week 1 Bombshells Revealed

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Tupac Murder Trial: Week 1 Bombshells Revealed

Nearly 30 years after rap icon Tupac Shakur was killed, the long-awaited trial of Duane “Keffe D” Davis—the man accused of orchestrating the murder—is finally underway. Tupac Shakur‘s case has haunted hip-hop culture for three decades, and the courtroom has already delivered several jaw-dropping moments in just the first week.

Prosecutors allege Davis, a former Los Angeles gang leader, planned the drive-by shooting in retaliation after Tupac and his entourage beat Davis’ nephew, Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson, at the MGM Grand hours earlier. Tupac Shakur was shot in a white Cadillac on September 7, 1996. Davis is charged with organizing the hit, not pulling the trigger. He pleaded not guilty.

Shooting Erupts Near Courthouse

The trial got an eerie dose of déjà vu Tuesday when gunfire was reported near the Las Vegas courthouse while proceedings were underway, according to PEOPLE.

The incident happened shortly after members of Tupac’s family left the courthouse during a lunch break. Police responded, but no victims or confirmed crime scene were found, and the trial continued. The circumstances surrounding the reported gunfire remain unclear.

Keffe D’s Own Words Played

One of the prosecution’s most powerful pieces of evidence is also one of its simplest: Davis talking.

Jurors heard portions of a 2008 interview in which Davis described being in the white Cadillac involved in the shooting and said he handed a gun to people in the back seat, according to Rolling Stone.

“He rolled down the window, popped ’em,” Davis said then of Pac’s alleged shooter. “If they drove on my side, I would have popped ’em, know what I’m saying. But they was on the other side.”

Prosecutors have also pointed to Davis’ 2019 memoir and other public interviews as evidence that he knew more about the killing than he now admits.

Keffe D’s Defense: ‘I’m a Liar’

Davis’ attorneys are essentially asking jurors to believe that the defendant’s most damaging statements should not be trusted.

His legal team called the prosecution’s version of events “fiction” and argued that Davis exaggerated his involvement for money and attention, KLAS reported. The defense has also attacked the investigation, pointing to missing evidence and questions about whether Davis’ claims were ever independently corroborated.

That creates the central battle of the trial: Is Keffe D finally telling the truth, or has he spent years telling increasingly dramatic stories?

Duane “Keffe D” Davis, 60, walks out after a court appearance in Las Vegas on October 19, 2023 for his arraignment on murder charges in the death of rapper Tupac Shakur. (Photo by John Locher / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

Diddy Gets Mentioned

The trial has also revived one of hip-hop’s longest-running unconfirmed conspiracy theories: whether Sean “Diddy” Combs had anything to do with Tupac’s murder.

Davis has previously alleged that Combs offered money for a hit involving Tupac and Suge Knight, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Combs has repeatedly denied any involvement, has never been charged, and has not been accused of any wrongdoing by prosecutors in the case against Davis.

Jurors Witness Violence Preceding Tupac’s Death

Prosecutors have spent the opening days building their revenge narrative, including showing surveillance footage of Tupac and his entourage attacking Anderson at the MGM Grand.

After nearly three decades of rumors, documentaries, interviews and conspiracy theories, a jury is finally being asked to separate what people have said about Tupac’s murder from what prosecutors can actually prove.


★TR★

Tory Lanez Marriage Survives After Divorce Dismissed

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Tory Lanez Marriage Survives After Divorce Dismissed

Tory Lanez‘s marriage will remain legally intact after a Los Angeles judge dismissed his wife Raina Chassagne’s divorce case. It’s a surprising turn in what seemed like a straightforward split.

Court records show Judge Nicole M. Heeseman dismissed Chassagne’s petition in July after the former couple failed to move the proceedings forward. Notice of the order was officially issued August 6. According to legal documents, Tory Lanez and Chassagne couldn’t seem to keep things moving in the right direction. The judge cited their “failure to bring the action to judgment” within the required time.

Chassagne filed to end the marriage on June 10, 2024, citing irreconcilable differences. The filing came less than a year after she and Lanez, whose legal name is Daystar Peterson, married on June 25, 2023.

The pair share a son, Kai’Lon. Chassagne initially asked the court for legal and physical custody of the child as part of the divorce proceedings. Now, with the case dismissed, those arrangements remain unresolved.

Lanez, 34, is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence for the 2020 shooting of rapper Megan Thee Stallion. A jury convicted him in 2022 of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, carrying a loaded and unregistered firearm in a vehicle and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.

Prosecutors said Lanez shot Megan in the feet following an argument in the Los Angeles area. He pleaded not guilty to the charges before his conviction.

Chassagne filed for divorce shortly before Lanez began serving his sentence. With the petition now dismissed, she would need to take further legal action if she still intends to end the marriage. It’s a complicated situation with real consequences for everyone involved.

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Jaymin on Rising R&B: 2026 Interview

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Jaymin on Rising R&B: 2026 Interview


Black Cosmopolitan is locking in on Jaymin, the rising R&B artist making waves with his latest project “STATIC” and the anticipated single “Rollin.” As we move into 2026, Jaymin is positioned as one of the freshest voices reshaping the contemporary R&B landscape, bringing a sound that feels both nostalgic and urgently present.

The release of new music in 2026 marks a pivotal moment for Jaymin as he solidifies his place in a genre that continues to evolve through the voices of emerging artists. “STATIC” serves as more than just a project—it’s a statement about artistic vision and the kind of authenticity that resonates deeply with audiences hungry for real R&B. With tracks like “Rollin,” Jaymin demonstrates the kind of lyrical depth and sonic maturity that separates the genuine from the fleeting.

What makes this moment significant for Black Cosmopolitan’s community is witnessing another talented Black artist claim space in mainstream conversations without compromise. Jaymin’s rise represents the continued legacy of R&B as a genre that centers Black creativity, storytelling, and innovation. This is the kind of momentum worth paying attention to.

ASAP Rocky Kills Designer’s Logo Deal – Apology

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ASAP Rocky Kills Designer’s Logo Deal – Apology

Designer collaboration drama just hit different when ASAP Rocky decided to walk away from a potential deal after designer Allan Peters shared their private Instagram DMs without permission. What started as a respectful inquiry turned into a cautionary tale about social media etiquette and respecting artists’ boundaries.

Rocky had slid into Peters’ DMs with genuine interest, asking about his rates for designer collaboration work on a brand logo revision. The message was professional, warm, and showed real appreciation for Peters’ craft. But then Peters made the choice that cost him the bag—he posted the entire exchange to Instagram without Rocky’s consent, captioning it with a simple “I have no words.”

Rocky’s exact words to him were straightforward: “Good morning Allan. How much do u charge for brand logo revisions? Assuming you would be willing to do so I would be honored, love ur work, god bless.” There’s nothing but respect in that message—he acknowledged Peters’ talent and expressed genuine interest in working together. It’s the kind of independent press approach that builds real creative partnerships.

But the Harlem rapper wasn’t having the public exposure. He fired back with a statement piece of his own: “THIS IS JUST DISTASTEFUL, WELL I GUESS WE WON’T BE WORKING, GOOD LUCK BUDDY.” The message was loud and clear—you don’t put someone’s private business on blast for clout.

Peters later tried to smooth things over with a video apology, claiming he “got excited” and assumed Rocky would take it as a compliment. He thought sharing the message showed admiration for the artist’s reach and influence. But that explanation came too late. The damage was done, and the opportunity had already been rescinded.

This whole situation is a reminder about respecting boundaries and maintaining professional courtesy, especially in creative spaces. When someone reaches out to you with genuine interest and kindness, that’s not your moment to capitalize on their name for social media engagement. It’s your moment to show that you value the relationship more than the likes.

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Honey Bxby on A Thousand Times: JID Collab

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Honey Bxby on A Thousand Times: JID Collab


When Honey Bxby and JID connected for “A Thousand Times,” nobody really saw it coming. The R&B singer and the Atlanta rapper operate in pretty different sonic lanes, but this new track proves that sometimes the most unexpected pairings hit different. The whole thing plays out like a couple having a real conversation with each other—her side, his side, and they both go absolutely crazy on it. JID‘s rapid-fire delivery contrasts beautifully against Honey Bxby’s smoother vocal approach, creating this dynamic tension that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

What makes “A Thousand Times” feel so fresh is how it doesn’t try to force the collaboration into one box. Instead, both artists lean into what they do best while meeting somewhere in the middle. Honey Bxby’s verses feel intimate and vulnerable, while JID brings that lyrical precision and energy that’s earned him his reputation. There’s chemistry here that suggests both artists trusted the vision and weren’t afraid to take risks.

This is the kind of collab that reminds us why Black music continues to evolve and surprise us. When artists from different corners of hip-hop and R&B decide to create together, magic happens. For our community, it’s another moment where we get to witness our talented creators pushing boundaries and proving that genre lines don’t have to be walls. What do you think of the pairing?

Missing New York Grandmother Found in Las Vegas

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Missing New York Grandmother Found in Las Vegas

(Updated on 08/21/2026 @ 3:20 p.m.)

Alisa Goods, a 63-year-old grandmother from New York City who disappeared while visiting Las Vegas earlier this month, has been found dead. The discovery brings a devastating conclusion to what her family had hoped would end differently.

“Our hearts are broken. We were notified that my aunt was found–unfortunately, not the way we wanted her to be. This is an unimaginable time,” a statement from Goods’ family obtained by NBC 4 New York read. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances of her death.

(Original story posted 08/18/2026 @11:54 a.m.)

Alisa Goods traveled to Las Vegas in early August to visit Roger John, a friend of nine years. On August 8, she left his apartment to catch a bus to a nearby CVS and never came back. Her family filed a missing persons report two days later, on August 10, after they couldn’t reach her.

What happened next deepened their concern. Days after filing the report, the family began receiving text messages from her phone number, but something felt off. The messages weren’t from Alisa.

John said he expected her to return quickly from her shopping trip. “Last I saw her, she was going down the stairs. And I said, ‘OK, see you later,'” he told Fox 8 News. He left the house about 15 minutes later. When he returned three hours later, she still hadn’t come home.

“I was like, ‘she should have been home already.’ I didn’t think much of it, because sometimes she’d go out and she’d shop. She stays out,” John said. “I kept texting and calling and texting and calling.”

Alana Calloway, Goods’ niece, described the suspicious texts that alarmed the family. She had texted the number asking for a callback because of an emergency with “mommy,” but the responses were evasive. “They kept putting it off and saying, ‘Now my card’s not working,'” Calloway told Fox.

The messages contained red flags. Someone claiming to be Alisa mentioned needing money, requested Bitcoin, and asked for gas money—despite the fact that Goods didn’t have a car in Las Vegas. At one point, the sender referenced someone named Kelly, a person the family said doesn’t exist among their relatives.

Screenshot from Facebook

Keven Newton, Goods’ son, also received the suspicious messages. What should have been reassuring contact from her phone instead became another troubling sign that someone else might be in possession of it.

“Every time the person texts back, it just felt like my heart was in my stomach because I knew it wasn’t my aunt,” Calloway said.

The family’s desperate plea was simple: they wanted her home safe. “I want to know that she’s OK and that she is alive,” Calloway said. “She has a family that loves her, cares about her. We want her home and want her home safe and alive.”

Now, as authorities continue their investigation, that hope has been replaced by grief and unanswered questions about what happened in those final hours.


★TR★

Tyrique Withers on V Man August 2026

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Tyrique Withers on V Man August 2026

Tyriq Withers Covers Vman Magazine

Tyriq Withers is gracing the pages of Vman magazine, and it’s a moment worth celebrating. The rising talent brings an undeniable presence to the cover, commanding attention with the kind of effortless cool that reminds us why representation in high-fashion publications continues to matter. This feature marks another milestone for creative visibility in spaces that haven’t always made room for Black faces and perspectives at the forefront.

With grooming by the talented Tasha Reiko Brown, Tyriq Withers looks polished and intentional on the editorial spread. Brown’s attention to detail elevates every element, proving that the right creative team can transform a cover into a statement piece. It’s the kind of collaboration that shows up in these pages because it matters—when BIPOC creatives get the platform and resources to do their best work, everyone benefits from the excellence that follows.

Lil Durk Viral Mugshot: AI-Generated Fake Image

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Lil Durk Viral Mugshot: AI-Generated Fake Image

A supposed mugshot of Lil Durk has been circulating online, but BlkCosmo has confirmed the image is fake. It’s the latest instance of AI-generated misinformation making its way through social media.

The image shows what appears to be the Grammy-winning rapper, whose real name is Durk Devontay Banks, with a shaved head and wearing jail clothing. It was designed to look like official booking photography.

Fake Lil Durk mugshot

Sources with direct knowledge tell BlkCosmo that’s not a real photo. Lil Durk currently has a short haircut, not the bald look depicted in the viral image.

When reached for comment, the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles made clear that booking photos aren’t released to the public anyway. A spokesperson confirmed that policy directly.

Durk has been in federal custody since his October 2024 arrest in connection with an alleged murder-for-hire plot.

Federal prosecutors allege he sought revenge after his friend and fellow rapper King Von, real name Dayvon Daquan Bennett, was fatally shot in 2020 outside an Atlanta hookah lounge.

The government claims members of Durk’s crew targeted rapper Quando Rondo in California in 2022. Quando survived the shooting, but his cousin Lul Pab was killed.

Related media

Durk has denied all wrongdoing and remains in federal custody in California awaiting trial.

His representatives haven’t commented on the fake image yet.


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Boosie Badazz: Powerful Black Man in $600K Pardon Fight

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Boosie Badazz: Powerful Black Man in $600K Pardon Fight

Presidential pardon drama just got real. Boosie Badazz is fighting to recover $600,000 after claiming lobbyists failed to deliver the clemency they promised him. The Louisiana rapper opened up about the dispute during the latest episode of the Rickey Smiley On The Spot podcast, laying it all out for host Rickey Smiley.

“Some government lobbyists came to me and said, ‘We can walk in and get you a presidential pardon from Trump,'” Boosie explained. “At first I wasn’t going to entertain it, but I was under pressure.” He was facing the possibility of being resentenced over previous gun and marijuana possession charges. After receiving probation instead, Boosie decided to cut ties with the lobbyists and asked them to return the $600,000 he’d paid toward the pardon effort. When a month passed without the money returning, he filed a lawsuit, calling the whole thing a “scam.”

“I don’t know who y’all think y’all is, but I am a powerful Black man,” Boosie told Smiley, his tone making clear he wasn’t backing down from this fight. The situation speaks to the broader struggle for freedom and justice that so many in our community face—sometimes even when seeking help through official channels.

The White House has distanced itself from the lobbyists Boosie hired, disputing claims that they had any real access to the administration’s clemency process. An official told NOTUS that the White House team handling pardons had “never heard from” Jacob Wohl or Jack Burkman, didn’t support their work, and believed their involvement could “actively harm” someone’s chances of receiving clemency. Boosie’s attorney was initially told that the White House hadn’t even seen an application submitted on his behalf. A separate application was later filed directly by his lawyer, but an official cautioned that “receipt of documents should not be taken to mean anything other than documents have been received.”

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