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Tag: Empire

  • Rapper Lucki Sued by EMPIRE for Contract Breach

    Uh oh, it looks like Chicago’s own Lucki is in some hot water! His longtime label, EMPIRE, has slapped him with a lawsuit, claiming he’s gone and breached their contract. The big issue? Lucki allegedly dropped new music through a rival distributor, UnitedMasters, instead of sticking with his exclusive deal.

    The Core of the Dispute: Contractual Obligations

    According to EMPIRE’s court filings, they’ve invested a hefty sum – nearly $10 million since 2019 – into Lucki’s career. They also claim to hold the exclusive rights to his recordings, thanks to a renewal agreement from 2024. The label is accusing Lucki’s legal team of a sneaky maneuver, suggesting they buried a termination notice within other paperwork to intentionally make EMPIRE miss their renewal deadline. They’re calling it a ‘bad faith tactic’.

    This whole drama kicked off earlier this month when Lucki independently released a track titled “Not So Virgo of You” on October 1st. EMPIRE sees this as a direct violation of their contract and has responded by seeking injunctive relief. Basically, they want a court order to stop any future releases and to confirm that their 2024 agreement is still very much legally binding.

    Lucki’s Defense: An Unfair Deal?

    But Lucki’s legal team isn’t backing down. They’ve fired back, describing the deal with EMPIRE as ‘unfair’ and overly restrictive. The main point of contention seems to be the 50/50 profit split, which Lucki’s lawyer argues is way beyond industry standards. They also claim EMPIRE unfairly recoups marketing expenses directly from the artist’s share of profits, making the partnership untenable.

    Following EMPIRE’s lawsuit, the track “Not So Virgo of You” was quickly removed from streaming platforms after the label issued takedown requests. It’s a shame because fans apparently really dug the song, describing it as ‘atmospheric’ and the start of a new rollout. Meanwhile, Lucki is reportedly gearing up for his new album, ‘Drugs R Bad,’ though a release date hasn’t been announced yet.

    What Happens Next?

    This legal battle highlights the often-tricky relationship between artists and their labels. With EMPIRE seeking to enforce its contract and Lucki’s team pushing back against what they deem unfair terms, the outcome could have significant implications for both parties. We’ll be keeping an eye on this one to see how it all shakes out!

    What are your thoughts on this contract dispute between Lucki and EMPIRE? Do you think the label’s terms are fair? Let us know in the comments below!

  • Joe Budden on Jussie Smollett’s Lies

    Joe Budden has weighed in on Netflix’s new documentary, ‘The Truth About Jussie Smollett?’, and his take is surprisingly nuanced. While he maintains that he doesn’t believe Jussie Smollett’s story, Budden admits he can relate to the former Empire actor’s particular brand of deception.

    Budden’s ‘Favorite Kind of Liar’

    Speaking on his podcast, Budden revealed that he actually “appreciates” the way Jussie Smollett lies. “This is, like, my favorite kind of liar,” Budden stated, confessing that he used to exhibit similar behaviors. He explained that Smollett represents a type of liar who refuses to admit they’re lying, even when the truth is widely known.

    Budden mentioned that he had to change his own ways after past relationships called him out on his dishonesty. This personal reflection seems to inform his understanding of Smollett’s situation, even as he acknowledges the severity of the lies.

    The Jussie Smollett Saga

    For those who need a refresher, Jussie Smollett, famous for his role as Jamal Lyon on Empire, became embroiled in a high-profile legal battle after claiming he was the victim of a racist and homophobic hate crime in Chicago back in January 2019. However, authorities later alleged that Smollett had staged the attack himself, paying two acquaintances to help him.

    Despite the allegations, Smollett has consistently maintained his innocence. He was indicted on six counts of felony disorderly conduct for filing false police reports. In December 2021, he was convicted on five counts and sentenced to jail time, probation, and ordered to pay significant restitution.

    Conviction Overturned

    In a significant turn of events in November 2024, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned Smollett’s conviction. The court ruled that retrying him after an earlier deal, which involved dropping charges in exchange for community service and a forfeited bond, violated his due process rights. This ruling effectively nullified the second prosecution, leaving the legal status of the case complex.

    What are your thoughts on Joe Budden’s comments about Jussie Smollett? Do you agree with his perspective on the documentary? Share your opinions in the comments below!

  • Jussie Smollett Claims Netflix Special Omitted Key Evidence

    Jussie Smollett, determined to clear his name following the 2019 incident that derailed his career, is now speaking out about the recent Netflix documentary, “The Truth About Jussie Smollett.” While he participated in the film, his representatives allege that key evidence supporting his claims of a police cover-up was deliberately left out of the final cut.

    Allegations of Omitted Evidence

    According to Smollett’s representatives, over 10 critical points were ignored by the documentary, including allegations of witness tampering, the failure to test DNA found on evidence, and a history of scandal within the Chicago Police Department (CPD). They assert that this omission prevents a full understanding of the case and potentially shifts blame unfairly.

    A statement released by Smollett’s team highlighted specific pieces of evidence: “The FBI tested the rope. The Osundairo brothers’ DNA is not on it. Jussie’s DNA is on the rope, as well as an unknown man’s DNA. No one ever tested the DNA of the unknown man to find out who he is.” They further claim that FBI DNA results from March 2019, which predated the initial dropping of charges against Smollett, were never presented to the jury and that Smollett himself only learned about them two years after his trial.

    Contradictions and Alleged Pressure

    Smollett’s representatives also challenged the narrative surrounding the Osundairo brothers’ alleged deal with CPD. While the brothers deny making a deal, Smollett’s team points to public statements from former Chicago Police Chief Spokesman Anthony Guglielmi, who suggested a deal was brokered. They allege that CPD used Smollett’s ‘Good Morning America’ interview—where he identified the attackers in a photo but not by name—to trick the brothers into believing he had identified them.

    Furthermore, the team alleges that CPD pressured witness Anthony Moore to alter his testimony. Moore reportedly told police the man he saw was White, yet was presented with a lineup of only Black men. He also testified under oath about pressure from Sean Wieber of the special prosecutor’s team to change his story, which Moore refused to do.

    Further Allegations Against CPD

    Additional claims include allegations that CPD altered surveillance video and assigned detectives with histories of misconduct to the case. Specifically, they point to Officer Richard Hagan, who had been previously sued for evidence tampering in the Laquan McDonald murder trial, potentially overseeing footage that could have exonerated Smollett.

    Despite these claims and his participation in the documentary (for which he reportedly refused payment while others were compensated), Smollett is moving forward with his music career and will appear in the upcoming season of Fox’s “Special Forces.” His team maintains that his story has remained consistent since the beginning.

    What are your thoughts on Jussie Smollett’s claims about the Netflix documentary and the Chicago Police Department? Share your perspective in the comments below!

  • Serayah’s Post-Baby Red Carpet Snapback

    Actress and singer Serayah has officially made her post-baby red carpet comeback, and she absolutely stunned. Making her first high-profile appearance since giving birth in May, the “Empire” star looked incredible at the 40th Annual Stellar Awards in Nashville, proving she’s still very much that girl.

    A Sleek and Sultry Return

    Serayah, who shares her first child with rapper Joey Bada$$, opted for a strapless black gown that perfectly hugged her body, showcasing her post-baby “snapback” and curves. The ruched bodice and sleek floor-length silhouette exuded classic, sultry, and grown woman vibes all at once. It was a look that commanded attention and celebrated her new chapter as a mother.

    Her styling, hair, and beauty choices were equally intentional and clean. While she accessorized with stacked rings, she kept jewelry minimal, allowing her natural melanin and the dress’s design to shine. Her glam featured a natural, glowy makeup look with nude lips, soft lashes, and a sleek updo, perfectly complementing the sophisticated yet sexy ensemble.

    Embracing Motherhood and Fitness

    This head-turning appearance comes just a month after Serayah shared an update on her new life as a mom in a July Instagram post. She spoke about her “new bundle of joy,” thanked fans for their support, and casually revealed her engagement to Joey Bada$$. Her caption read, “2 months postpartum.. Wowww, where do I begin? First, I want to thank everyone who’s reached out to me, congratulated me, and sent me love and support during this new chapter.”

    Serayah has been embracing her new life, family, and routine, and fans are here for it. Her post-baby “snapback” isn’t entirely surprising, given her consistent dedication to fitness. She previously told The Cut in 2015 about her routine, including hot yoga and CorePower Yoga, which she found more beneficial than the gym. More recently, she’s shared workout videos on TikTok, even involving her fiancé, Joey Bada$$.

    More Stellar Moments from the Red Carpet

    Serayah wasn’t the only one serving fashion moments at the 40th Annual Stellar Awards. The red carpet was filled with notable looks, including CeCe Winans in a flowing champagne gown, DomiNique Perry in a teal satin kaftan, Damita as a “golden goddess” in sequins, DeVon Franklin in a classic tux, Adia in a bold hot pink ensemble, Trina Braxton in gold sequins, Jordan G. Welch in purple and gold, and Jekalyn Carr in cobalt sequins with a ruffled skirt.

    What do you think of Serayah’s post-baby red carpet look? Who else slayed the Stellar Awards red carpet? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Jussie Smollett Calls Police ‘Villains’ Ahead of Netflix Doc

    Jussie Smollett is doubling down on his narrative surrounding the 2019 incident that significantly impacted his career. In a recent interview with Variety, Smollett referred to the “villains” in his story as the two individuals who allegedly assaulted him, the Chicago Police Department, and former Mayor Rahm Emanuel. He questioned the timing of certain events, suggesting potential cover-ups related to the Laquan McDonald case.

    Maintaining His Story Amidst Controversy

    Smollett firmly stated that his account of the events “has never” changed, contrasting it with what he perceives as shifting stories from others involved. “I have nothing to gain from this,” he asserted, emphasizing his commitment to his truth.

    As he prepares for the release of his Netflix documentary, “The Truth About Jussie Smollett?,” the former “Empire” star continues to maintain that he was attacked by two masked men who used racist and homophobic slurs, not by the Nigerian American brothers who testified against him. He offered a poignant, “All I can say is, God bless you, and I hope it was worth it,” seemingly directed at those who have doubted him.

    Looking Forward: Music and TV Comeback

    Beyond the documentary, Smollett is also working on his new album, “Break Out,” and preparing for his return to television. He acknowledged that public perception still affects him but expressed readiness to move forward and continue his career despite the ongoing controversy.

    His determination to share his perspective through new projects signals a desire to reclaim his narrative and re-establish his presence in the entertainment industry.

    Do you believe Jussie Smollett’s account of the incident? What are your thoughts on his upcoming Netflix documentary and music? Share your opinions in the comments below!