Ananda Lewis, a well-known media personality for 90s MTV, died on June 5, 2025, after a long battle with stage IV breast cancer. She was 52. Her sister, Lakshmi Lewis, confirmed the news on Facebook, writing, “She’s free now, in His heavenly arms.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ananda Lewis (@imanandalewis) Born March 21, 1973, in Los Angeles, Lewis rose to prominence in the 1990s as host of Teen Summit on BET. Her sharp, socially conscious interviews—especially a 1996 sit-down with Hillary Clinton—earned her a NAACP Image Award and helped position her as a thoughtful presence in youth media. She joined MTV in 1997, where her charisma shone on Total Request Live and Hot Zone. Interviewing stars like TLC and Aaliyah, she balanced celebrity access with serious coverage of school shootings and teen issues. In 2001, she launched The Ananda Lewis Show, which focused on domestic violence and women’s health. Though it lasted one season, her commitment to meaningful storytelling endured. She later appeared on The Insider and hosted the 2019 revival of TLC’s While You Were Out. A Howard University graduate, Lewis was also a passionate advocate for carpentry, animal rights, and motherhood, raising her son Langston largely out of the spotlight. Lewis revealed her cancer diagnosis in 2020, two years after learning she had stage III breast cancer. She admitted she’d delayed mammograms over radiation fears. “I thought I was protecting myself,” she said during a CNN roundtable with journalists Sara Sidner and Stephanie Elam. By 2024, her cancer had progressed. Choosing alternative therapies over surgery, she pursued micro-chemotherapy, light therapy, and nutrition changes, later expressing regret about not undergoing a double mastectomy. In her final months, she endured intense pain and a fractured hip, spending eight weeks in hospice at home in Los Angeles. She died just hours before Langston graduated from middle school. Tributes flooded social media. Fans called her “our ’90s queen,” and peers like Stephanie Elam praised her courage. Teen Summit clips resurfaced, and many used her story to urge early cancer screenings, especially among Black women. A public memorial is planned for July. Her voice is gone, but her legacy lives on.

With Father’s Day just around the corner, Fat Joe and Jadakiss treated 70 fathers and their families to a swanky lunch in New York on Wednesday (June 11). In partnership with Reform Alliance and hosted at Sei Less, one of the most popular Asian fusion restaurants in the city, the two rap legends invite fathers who have been adversely affected by the criminal justice system.” During the luncheon, some of the attendees shared the obstacles they’ve encountered after dealing with the criminal justice system, and being invited by Joe and Jade encouraged them to persevere. With full spread served, guests dined on Sei Less dishes like vegetable spring rolls, chicken satay, vegetable lo mein, filet mignon, and broccoli. Also, the attendees took pictures with Joe and Jada and shared the impact of their music.  Fat Joe spoke about the purpose of the event, and how it creates community to a population of people who are often marginalized. “This my hood, this where I’m from. I’m gonna always give back to my community forever,” Joe said. “The importance of events like today is that you got guys like us cosigning these dads and letting them know that we stand with them because they need that moral support.”  “We want to let them know they can come back and get right. It’s some hope now for when you come back to get readjusted,” Jadakiss added. “Hopefully change your financial situation, change your situation with your family and kids.” “Working with Fat Joe, Jadakiss, and Reform to celebrate these fathers at Sei Less was truly special,” Dara Mirjahangiry, co-founder of Sei Less. “Ahead of Father’s Day, we really wanted to shine a light on these fathers who have been impacted by the criminal justice system and support their re-entry journey with compassion. It was a powerful way to bond through culture, community, and cuisine.”

Ashanti is stepping into motherhood with grace, hustle, and a whole lot of heart. The R&B star hit the red carpet at the 2025 BET Awards glowing, but made it clear her 10-month-old son, Karem “KK,” was still top of mind. “Baby is doing amazing. He’s about to turn one, which is crazy,” she told People. “It just flew by. Navigating into mommy mode has been very different.” Although KK didn’t attend the show, Ashanti made sure he was taken care of behind the scenes. “I actually had to pump and send milk with the driver to the hotel for him, so talk about multitasking! Mommy has to make it happen!” Ashanti and husband Nelly welcomed their son last year, and since then, her perspective has shifted both personally and professionally. Speaking to Revolt in March, she reflected on the changes motherhood has brought. “This is a new chapter for me. Family first, being married and having a child,” she said. “My mind is thinking bigger and better and more out of the box, obviously.” The new mom is already channeling that energy into creative ventures. “I wrote a children’s book, and I kind of want to just dive into the lane of children now,” she added. “I really do because it’s just so natural. I loved kids before… but now it’s like [times] a million.” And what has little KK taught her so far? “Patience,” she said simply. As she prepares to hit the road with Sean Paul and Fat Joe for the Bring It On Tour, Ashanti is adjusting to tour life with a baby in tow. “I’m definitely in Mama Bear protective mode,” she shared. “Wanting to protect the baby.”

In a riveting continuation of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial in Manhattan, a former girlfriend, referred to as “Jane,” recounted her experiences with the hip-hop mogul, claiming she was coerced into degrading sexual acts. The trial resumed on June 10, where Diddy’s attorneys rigorously challenged Jane’s recollections of their tumultuous relationship. Jane’s testimony painted a stark picture of the alleged psychological, sexual, and physical abuse she endured during their on-and-off romantic involvement. While defense lawyers sought to highlight moments of affection and financial support from Diddy, Jane maintained her narrative of feeling compelled to conform to the mogul’s desires, leading her to resent him profoundly. “I felt pressured to perform these things my lover desired,” she asserted, reinforcing her claims of being manipulated into a lifestyle she did not choose. Combs, 55, faces serious allegations including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution, all of which he has denied through a plea of not guilty. The defense’s cross-examination focused on instances where Jane appeared to engage willingly in sexual activities, including hotel encounters that allegedly involved male escorts. In one notable exchange, Jane had expressed her enthusiasm for a “freak off” at her home, to which Diddy and an escort agreed to attend. However, Jane clarified that her desire for companionship with Diddy left her with little choice but to accept these arrangements. Throughout her testimony, Jane read aloud several explicit messages exchanged with Diddy, where she often felt an underlying sense of insecurity due to his tone. “I suggested these encounters to make him feel better,” she explained, highlighting the emotional complexities of their relationship. Jane alleges extortion, drug use, and control in her relationship with Diddy Jane recounted an alarming incident involving Sly Williams, a sex worker she had invited into their encounters. She alleged that Williams later attempted to extort her by threatening to sell a private recording of their sexual encounter. Despite Diddy’s outrage and suggestion to report the incident to the authorities, Jane refrained out of fear. She also described her troubling realizations regarding Diddy’s potential substance abuse, recalling a trip where she observed physical signs of drug use, including jaundice and shaking. Her concerns deepened when she suggested rehab, only to be met with resistance from Diddy. Under questioning, Jane discussed her understanding of a term she had researched—”cuckold”—which she believed resonated with her experiences in the relationship. She articulated that this term often relates to men who derive pleasure from seeing their partners with other men, suggesting a complex interplay of desire and rejection within her relationship with Diddy. Jane’s testimony also touched upon the nicknames they used during intimate encounters, where she referred to herself and Diddy using famous basketball players’ names, illustrating the casual and perhaps superficial nature of some of their interactions. As the trial progressed, Jane expressed her emotional struggle over the perceived inequities in Diddy’s treatment of her compared to his other relationships, notably with rapper Yung Miami. She candidly shared a text where she warned Diddy, “I’m not Cassie, and I’ll make your life hell,” a reflection of her growing frustration and sadness. Financial discussions dominated segments of her cross-examination, with Jane revealing that during their relationship, she felt limited in her professional pursuits, earning only a fraction of her potential income. Despite significant monetary gifts from Diddy, she perceived these as a means of control rather than support. As the courtroom drama unfolded, Jane’s narrative oscillated between moments of affection and coercion. She described how Diddy would uplift her and engage in meaningful conversations about faith and personal growth, even as he insisted she stay away from platforms like OnlyFans, which he deemed inappropriate. Ultimately, Jane concluded her testimony by sharing that despite the complexities of their relationship, she still harbored feelings for Diddy, illustrating the deeply intertwined emotions that often accompany such fraught dynamics.

Ayra Starr has officially etched her name into the history books. The Nigerian superstar took home the Best International Act award at the 2025 BET Awards, marking a groundbreaking win as the first Nigerian woman to ever claim the honor. The ceremony, held at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre and hosted by Kevin Hart, was packed with star power, but Ayra’s win stood out as a milestone moment. Facing off against a strong lineup of international talent, from the UK to Brazil, South Africa, France, and even her Afrobeats peer Rema, Ayra emerged victorious. Though she was also in the running for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Best New Artist, this win alone signaled a major breakthrough. Her historic moment drew attention beyond the music industry. Roc Nation took to X to congratulate her, prompting buzz about a possible connection between Ayra and Jay-Z’s powerhouse label. Fans quickly recalled the longstanding ties between Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy and Roc Nation, including Jay-Z’s previous efforts to scout Nigerian talent, efforts that even led to collaborative work with Jay Electronica. Still, not everything about the night felt like a win. Despite attending the awards, Ayra’s trophy was handed to her offstage, rather than in front of the live audience. The move reignited criticism about how African artists are treated at global award shows. Years ago, Wizkid called out this exact pattern, slamming it as “rubbish.” Ayra has long demanded respect for her artistry. After the 2023 Headies quietly handed her the Best Female Act award after the ceremony ended, she didn’t hold back. “We didn’t deserve such nonchalance!” she wrote on X. Despite the backstage snub, Ayra’s BET win is a powerful moment, for her, for Nigerian music, and for every African artist pushing for their rightful place on the world stage.

Raekwon and Ghostface Killah recently dropped the trailer for an upcoming documentary, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, Raekwon’s legendary 1995 album. Titled the Purple Tape Files and filmed over several years,  the doc celebrates the album on its 30th anniversary and its ongoing influence. During the trailer, Raekwon shared the creative zone he was in while putting the album together.  “I put myself into a serious mindframe,” The Chef said. “A serious storytelling album. I had to make this product stand out. “I knew that purple represents royalty, and that’s exactly what I was looking for,” he continued, referencing its distinctive color palette that led many to call the LP The Purple Album. Raekwon also shared that he was serious about approaching the album and demanded that those around him live up to the same standard. “We had to make a conscious decision,” he explains. “Either we want to stay here and keep holding guns and want to run around playing this game, or did we want to go for the American dream and get on this rap shit.” The documentary also features guest appearances by Kendrick Lamar, Method Man, Nas, and fellow members of the  Wu-Tang Clan who share their insights about the impact of one of the most renowned projects in hip-hop history. “It ushered in the alter egos, the aliases,” RZA says in the clip. “Still, to this day, it’s flows that you haven’t heard before, saying the most wild shit,” Lamar added. Snoop Dogg describes Only Built 4 Cuban Linx as a “lesson on style” and that “it was all created from the Wu-Tang movement.” Released on August 1, 1995, and produced entirely by RZA, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx is renowned for its cinematic, mafioso-rap storytelling, with Ghostface Killah as the “guest-star.” With no skips, some standout songs include “Criminnolgy”, “Heaven & Hell”, “Ice Cream, “Verbal Intercourse”, “Rainy Dayz”, and  “Incarcerated Scarfaces.”

Ice Spice is making waves in Hollywood with a big animated debut on the horizon. The Bronx-born rapper has officially joined the voice cast of The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, set to hit theaters this December. The announcement came via Deadline on June 9th, with Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon revealing the new additions to the project. Ice Spice will star alongside comedic heavyweights like Regina Hall, George Lopez, Sherry Cola, and Arturo Castro. Not only will she lend her voice to the film, but she’ll also be contributing a brand-new original track to its soundtrack. Excited about the opportunity, she reacted to the news on her Instagram Story with a cheerful, “yay!!!” The moment feels especially personal for Spice, considering her 2022 single “Bikini Bottom”,inspired by the SpongeBob universe, was a standout from her debut EP Like…?, which reached No. 15 on the Billboard 200. Meanwhile, the rapper continues to stir buzz in both the entertainment world and her personal life. Speculation around her relationship with NFL star Sauce Gardner continues, especially after a cozy mirror selfie of the two surfaced on her Instagram in April only to be quickly deleted. The two had already drawn attention after attending Adin Ross’ boxing match together and landing on the kiss cam, though neither has confirmed their relationship status. On the music front, Ice Spice recently dropped a feature on KATSEYE’s “Gnarly” remix, marking her first release of 2025. She’s also stepping further into film, with a role in Spike Lee’s upcoming project Highest 2 Lowest, where she’ll appear alongside Denzel Washington and A$AP Rocky. From the Bronx streets to the SpongeBob universe, Ice Spice is keeping her momentum strong and expanding her brand in every direction.

Hitmaka recently revealed that Diddy once came on to him at his home in Miami. During a livestream with Ray J, the multiplatinum producer recalled a moment when Diddy gave him a compliment that he felt was suspect. “Ayo, I never told this story,” Hitmaka began. “Diddy be doing some real wild sh*t…he was like, ‘Come here, you little pretty motherf**ker!’” Showing his discomfort witht the incident, Hitmaka gave a side-eye as he rolled in his seat. According to the Hitmaka, that was just the beginning. Producer Hitmaka aka Yung Berg reveals to Ray J that Diddy tried to flirt with him at his house on Star Island “come here you little pretty motherf*cker… imagine when I put my arms around your fine a**… and I left… Diddy is one of the nastiest n*ggas ever…” pic.twitter.com/RKSLDlsI07 — SOUND | Victor Baez (@itsavibe) June 8, 2025 “We at his crib, we at Star Island, and I’m like, ‘huh?’ He like, ‘Yo, I made motherf**kers forget that such-and-such was this, imagine when I put my arms around yo lil fine a**.’ I said, ‘WHAT?!?’” Hitmaka then said he left the house after Diddy’s latest compliment. He then gave a shout-out to musician Rob Holliday, who he said was in attendance at the event before calling Diddy “one of thee nastiest ni**as ever in life.” Currently, Diddy is on trial for sex trafficking and racketeering in Manhattan. “Jane” an anonymous woman claiming to be his girlfriend for several years, took the stand again. During testimony on Monday (June 9), Jane testified that after having a single encounter with a male sex worker later it turned into many “hotel nights,” during which she was allegedly pressured into multiple sexual acts over several days.  “I don’t want to be used and locked in a room to fulfill your fantasies,” she wrote in a message to Diddy. In court, she added, “I’m not a porn star. I’m not an animal.” She went on to detail how she was caught in a toxic situation. “I became a side chick and sex worker in my own relationship.” If found guilty on all charges Diddy faces life in prison.

For the first time in 15 years, the Clipse will be heading on tour. In support of their album Let God Sort Em Out, which is set for release on July 11, Pusha T and No Malice will be playing live shows all across North America accompanied by Earthgang. The highly anticipated tour kicks off on August 3 and includes stops in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Chicago, and their hometown of Virginia Beach, VA. The first single, “Ace Trumpets,” was released to critical acclaim, and the official video was released on June 4. In an interview with GQ, Malice expressed his excitement about goint out on tour. “Once you’ve delivered and once you have done your part, you got to see how things fall in place,” Malice said. “And a lot of times they fall in place better than you could have planned […] “No matter the day and the age, you just have to deliver. We do what we do. It’s always quality. Everything is always fine-tuned. We could never just give you haphazard. And I think that’s what the fans recognize about us. They know that everything that we do is chiseled and handcrafted.” Below are all the dates of the tour: 08-03 Boston, MA – Roadrunner  08-05 Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall  08-07 New York, NY – Terminal 5  08-09 Fairfax, VA – EagleBank Arena  08-10 Virginia Beach, VA – The Dome  08-12 Miami, FL – The Fillmore  08-13 Orlando, FL – The Vanguard  08-14 Atlanta, GA – The Eastern  08-16 Cleveland, OH – Agora Theatre  08-17 Milwaukee, WI – The Eagles Ballroom  08-18 St. Louis, MO – The Factory  08-19 Fayetteville, AR – JJ’s Live  08-21 Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom  08-23 Los Angeles, CA – The Novo  08-25 San Francisco, CA – Warfield Theatre  08-27 Phoenix, AZ – Marquee Theater  08-28 San Diego, CA – SOMA  08-29 Las Vegas, NV – The Theater at Virgin Hotels  09-02 Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall  09-03 Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion  09-04 Dallas, TX – The Bomb Factory  09-06 Kansas City, MO – Midland Theatre  09-07 Minneapolis, MN – The Armory  09-08 Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed  09-10 Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple 

Sean “Diddy” Combs stands at the center of a high-stakes federal trial as disturbing new testimony from a former girlfriend, known in court as Jane, adds to the scrutiny. Jane dated the artist on and off between 2021 and 2024 and now claims she was coerced into sexual encounters as part of a pattern of manipulation and emotional control. Jane testified that what began as a single encounter with a male sex worker later spiraled into prolonged “hotel nights,” during which she was allegedly pressured into multiple sexual acts over several days. “I don’t want to be used and locked in a room to fulfill your fantasies,” she wrote in a message to Diddy. In court, she added, “I’m not a porn star. I’m not an animal.” She described feeling an eerie sense of recognition when reading Cassie Ventura’s 2023 lawsuit against Diddy. “I felt like I’m reading my own sexual trauma,” Jane told jurors through tears. That moment, she said, forced her to confront her own experience in a new light. Testimony reveals private trauma and manipulation behind Diddy’s public apology Jane also recalled a tense trip to Miami in May 2024, when the two watched the leaked surveillance video showing Diddy assaulting Ventura. The footage, which had already made headlines, left Jane physically ill. While Diddy later issued a public apology, Jane testified that his private explanation downplayed the assault, suggesting it was a one-time incident. During the March 2024 Homeland Security raids on Diddy’s homes, Jane said she was approached by law enforcement but chose not to speak. At that point, she still felt emotionally entangled, though she had begun to question the relationship’s foundation. Text messages between the two reveal a toxic pattern of gaslighting, with Jane writing, “I became a side chick and sex worker in my own relationship.” She testified that threats to release private videos followed emotional breakdowns, including one exchange where she told Diddy, “I’m gonna kill myself.” Her account paints a troubling portrait of emotional and psychological abuse shaped by power imbalance, fame, and fear. “I felt violated and manipulated,” she told the court, summarizing a relationship she described as built on coercion masked by luxury.