Dana Tran, the mother of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ youngest daughter, made a swift exit from New York following the music mogul’s verdict on Wednesday. Sources close to the family revealed that Tran boarded a flight to Los Angeles shortly after jurors delivered their decision. The reason for her sudden departure was personal and urgent: their two-year-old daughter, Love Combs, had fallen ill with a severe cold. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TheCityCeleb (@thecitycelebs) Tran had traveled to New York to support Diddy during his high-profile legal battle. However, upon learning of her child’s condition, she wasted no time returning to care for her. Diddy’s legal saga reached a dramatic turning point that same day. A federal jury acquitted him of the most serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. These allegations, which carried the possibility of life in prison, had loomed over the Bad Boy Records founder for months. Despite the acquittals, the jury found Diddy guilty of two violations of the Mann Act. Those charges stemmed from transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution. While not as severe as the original charges, the convictions still carry significant consequences. The courtroom tension continued as Judge Arun Subramanian denied Diddy’s request for bail. The hip-hop icon remains detained at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center as he awaits sentencing. Federal guidelines for his offenses allow for a maximum of 20 years behind bars. Yet, legal experts agree such a harsh sentence is improbable. His legal team argues that the starting point for sentencing should be 21 months. Prosecutors, on the other hand, contend that the guidelines begin at 51 months, citing aggravating factors in the case. Diddy’s fate now rests in the hands of the court, with sentencing set for October. The verdict has sparked heated debate about accountability, power, and privilege in the music industry. Supporters and critics alike are watching closely as one of hip-hop’s most influential figures faces the consequences of his actions. Meanwhile, Dana Tran’s quiet act of maternal devotion reminds the world that, beyond the headlines and legal drama, family remains at the center of this unfolding story.

Judge Greg Mathis has weighed in on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial verdict, offering a candid and measured response to the hip-hop mogul’s conviction. Speaking from Mountain Gate Golf Course on Wednesday, Mathis shared his thoughts on the outcome and what should come next. His stance is clear: Diddy must face the same sentencing standards as any other defendant would under similar circumstances. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Judge Greg Mathis (@judgegregmathis) Combs, once one of music’s most untouchable figures, avoided conviction on the weightiest charges—racketeering and sex trafficking. Mathis said he never believed the federal racketeering charge fit the facts and described the sex trafficking counts as questionable. Yet, he expressed deep sympathy for Cassie Ventura and the other women who testified to enduring abuse at Diddy’s hands. The former television judge made it clear that accountability must follow. Diddy was found guilty on two counts tied to prostitution under the Mann Act, which involve transporting individuals for illegal sexual activity across state lines. Mathis urged Judge Arun Subramanian, who will oversee sentencing, to impose a term within the federal guidelines. As a first-time offender, Mathis said Combs should serve between 21 and 27 months. Anything less, in his view, would fall short of justice. Mathis acknowledged uncertainty about whether Diddy’s continued detention was necessary to protect society or the witnesses who took the stand. Still, he admitted concern that without meaningful consequences, the artist might repeat harmful patterns. He bluntly noted that unless Combs receives intervention or rehabilitation, “he’s going to do it again.” The former Detroit judge also addressed widespread criticism that federal prosecutors overreached with the racketeering charge. He agreed that the RICO case never seemed solid but pointed out that overcharging is a strategy often used by the government to force plea deals or secure convictions on lesser counts. Mathis explained that this approach, while controversial, reflects a long-standing federal playbook. Beyond the courtroom, Mathis spoke about speculation that Combs might seek a presidential pardon, possibly from Donald Trump if he wins reelection. He called the idea unlikely but not impossible, given the unpredictability of politics and celebrity influence. Mathis also offered a sharp critique of those in the entertainment world who waited until after the verdict to voice their views. In his eyes, silence during the trial spoke volumes about loyalty and fear in the industry. As Combs awaits sentencing at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, Mathis’ words serve as a reminder that even icons must answer to the law. The path forward will reveal whether justice, accountability, and rehabilitation can coexist in a case that has gripped both hip-hop and the nation.

Quinta Brunosn is opening up about her for the first time about her divorce In an interview with Bustle opened up about going through a divorce in public “Even if you don’t give a lot, people want whatever they can get, and will take whatever they can get,” she explained. “I remember seeing people be like, ‘She announced her divorce.’ I didn’t announce anything. I think people have this idea that people in the public eye want the public to know their every move. None of us do. I promise you.” “No one wants [everyone] to know when you buy a house, when you move, when a major change happens in your personal life — it’s just that that’s public record information,” she continued. “I hate all of it.” She also spoke about the future of her award-winning show, Abbott Elementary. “Those are invisible voices that aren’t in your home with you, that aren’t in your personal life, that aren’t your friends,” Brunson said. “I love my fans, I love the people who watch ‘Abbott.’ So you want to hear them, and you want to listen to them, but when it comes to matters of your personal life and decisions you make, you do have to tune it out.” “It’s a transitional time,” she went on. “I think it’s true for me and my personal life, and it’s how I feel about myself, my career, and the world. I feel very serious about focusing on watering my own gardens, taking care of myself and the people around me who I actually interact with day-to-day.”

Master P is hanging up his mic for good. In an interview with PEOPLE, the No Limit Records founder revealed that his performance at the Essence Festival on July 6 will be his last. “My last show has to be with Essence,” P said. “It has to be big. A celebration.” P then shared why he believes the timing is right for his retirement. I’m growing to another level and I’m embracing it,” P explained. He was recently named the new head coach and president of basketball operations for the University of New Orleans basketball team. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Master P (@masterp) “It’s a blessing now to be able to transition into doing something that’s bigger than me. Being a servant is my most important job,” P said. “I feel like hard work got me here, even though I didn’t know I was going to get this far in life. God spared my life and put me on this journey.” A product of New Orleans’ public housing, P recalled that he dreamt of making it to the NBA and being a success in the music industry. “I was just a kid trying to make it out the ghetto. I just had so many big dreams and goals,” he said. After settling tin tbe San Francisco Bay Area, P learned the tricks of the traded from some entrepreneurial rappers “That’s where I got my hustle. I remember being with E-40, E-A-Ski, JT The Bigga Figga, and all them. I actually created No Limit Records in Richmond, CA, “ P recalled. “I had a lot of close calls,” he continued. “I went from one bad place to another, but I feel like God saved my life for a reason. He knew my heart.” Although officially retiring, P admitted that it was a tough decision, but the time is right, saying this “feels like this is the next phase of my life.  “That chapter closed itself with maturing and growing up and not being afraid to grow, “ P explained. “There is a lot of negative stuff going on in hip-hop, and people don’t want to talk about the positive things. They say when you know better, you do better. That’s the phase I’m on. I’m fine with growing up.”

Wale recently revealed how challenging it is to remain relevant in the rap game. During an interview with Cam Newton on his “Funky Friday” podcast, he spoke about how he’s maintained his relevancy..  “It’s hard, man,” Wale said. “I mean, there are so many things that throw you off. I lost a lot of friends in the streets or just otherwise, but jumping in the industry, being here for about 16 years… The amount of friends that I lost… It’s not a normal life to live,” he continued. He went on to describe the modern music  industry as “not the brightest place to be.” “You could be the greatest rapper of all time, but everybody could be like, ‘Oh I don’t like you, you’re not good,” he explained. “So that can just throw you off … The longevity is no joke, man. And the game done change, it keep changing.” He argued that another aspect beyond the changing nature of the industry, and the arrival of new artists, is how tough it can be to have your art noticed with everything going on. “There’s so much stuff going on right now,” he said. “So much distractions and so much… Everybody is bloodthirsty right now in hip-hop,” he said. “So it’s like, how many people’s attention can you get, you know what I’m saying? How do you enter the zeitgeist? How do you enter the mainstream, the algorithm? It’s busy. It’s tough, it’s a tough game.” Wale also shared that he’s not interested in chasing the latest trends, and supports “evergreen music,” and used JAY-Z’s Reasonable Doubt as an example of great art. “I had to grow up a little bit before I understood how great Reasonable Doubt was,” he said. “I didn’t understand how good it was in middle school. When I got older, I was like, ‘Oh snap.’ Everything he’s saying, I didn’t get. That’s why I got to try to make the music evergreen, because it’ll catch up eventually.”

While promoting their new Peacock reality series, Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong Together, the couple made a stop at Cocoa Butter, where a casual game turned into an unexpected moment of nostalgia and admiration. Asked to choose his favorite song from Ashanti’s catalog, Nelly bypassed the expected hits in favor of “Baby,” her 2002 deep cut. The choice surprised many—and delighted Ashanti. During the segment, the St. Louis rapper kept the tone light, jokingly confirming, “Larenz Tate was in that video, right?” in reference to the visuals for “Rain on Me.” But even as the game unfolded in good fun, Nelly’s picks began to reveal something more personal. In a series of bracket-style face-offs, “Baby” consistently emerged victorious over tracks like “Happy,” “Rock Wit U,” and “Rain on Me.” When pressed on his preference, Nelly remarked, “‘Rain on Me’ represented a different stage in our relationship. We’ll just set ‘Rain on Me’ aside and stick with ‘Baby.’” Nelly Stands by ‘Baby’—Choosing Love Over Hits The matchup eventually pitted “Baby” against Ashanti’s high-profile collaborations with Ja Rule, including “Always on Time” and “Mesmerize.” Still, Nelly stood firm. “All of these are fantastic tracks, but ‘Baby’ is my ride-or-die, so I’m going to stick with ‘Baby,’” he said. His pick took on deeper meaning in light of their recent journey as parents. “Being a Scorpio man, I stay true to what I love, and that’s ‘Baby,’” Nelly added with a smile. Originally released on Ashanti’s self-titled debut, “Baby” was produced by Irv Gotti and Chink Santana, sampling Scarface’s “Mary Jane.” The track peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains beloved, partly due to a standout music video that featured actress Nia Long. Now airing on Peacock, We Belong Together offers a more intimate look at the couple’s life, blending their shared history in music with a renewed chapter of love, parenting, and partnership. The series premiered on June 26.

Raekwon is back with The Emperor’s New Clothes, a solo release that brings legends and new voices together under one roof. Dropping via Mass Appeal, the album blends the grit of golden-era hip-hop with sharp, contemporary energy. After a seven-year solo break, the Wu-Tang veteran delivers a project that feels both reflective and fully in the now. The features are nothing short of historic. Longtime Wu-Tang partners—Ghostface Killah, Method Man, and Inspectah Deck—bring their signature edge, while Nas makes a standout appearance that deepens the album’s roots. Griselda’s Conway the Machine and Westside Gunn round out the lineup, injecting a raw, modern sound that complements Raekwon’s polished delivery. Fans have waited since The Wild in 2017 for a solo drop, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The project weaves cinematic storytelling, street wisdom, and layered production into one of Raekwon’s most complete bodies of work. Raekwon hints at Wu-Tang reunion and solo heat Speaking on Instagram Live, Raekwon addressed the status of a potential Wu-Tang Clan album, pointing to the hurdles that come with reuniting such a sprawling crew. “We’re all doing great things in our lives, and getting everyone in the same room is no easy feat. But don’t misconstrue our desire; we definitely want to create together,” he said. He added, “With so many different minds at play, it can be a challenge to agree on a direction. Yet, we are still very much in the game—don’t count us out.” The message was clear: collaboration remains possible, even if the process isn’t simple. And the door to a new chapter for Wu-Tang isn’t closed. Raekwon also hinted at something special arriving August 1, on the anniversary of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…. “I promise you, this next record is going to blow your minds. Trust me,” he said, adding more intrigue to what’s already been a busy year. Even without that announcement landing just yet, Raekwon is front and center in Mass Appeal’s “Legend Has It…” series. The label has already rolled out a new release from Slick Rick and teased upcoming projects with Nas and DJ Premier, Mobb Deep, Ghostface Killah, and De La Soul. A posthumous album from Big L is also on the horizon. The “Legend Has It…” series honors the artists who built hip-hop from the ground up—and who still have plenty more to say. With The Emperor’s New Clothes, Raekwon proves once again that timeless lyricism and sharp instincts can coexist. It’s not just a return—it’s a reminder of how far the culture’s come, and where it’s still headed.

After being found not guilty of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, Diddy will have to remain in prison after his bail was denied again. The Bad Boy Records founder has spent nearly 10 months in jail, including through his two-month trial. On Wednesday (July 1), Judge Arun Subramanian set a sentencing for Oct. 3, but “the date could move up if Combs’ team seeks to expedite it.” The judge ordered all sides to return to court on Oct. 3 for sentencing but noted that the date could move up if Combs’ team seeks to expedite it. While he was acquitted of the more serious charges, the jury found Diddy guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution (in connection with his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura) and guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution (in connection with his ex-girlfriend who testified under the pseudonym “Jane”). During the proceedings, Subramanian noted that there was a “great divide” between the prosecution team and Diddy’s defense attorneys in sentencing. In response, Subramanian scheduled a remote status conference for Tuesday to get to the bottom of sentencing, saying, “time is of the essence.” Diddy’s lawyers team is seeking a term of 21 to 27 months. Prosecutors are seeking a prison term of 51 to 63 months. Douglas Wigdor, Cassie Ventura’s attorney, said in a statement that they expected Diddy to be convicted of the sex trafficking count involving her, which he said was the “most important count to her.” “I think that obviously she would be a lot happier if the jury had convicted on that. But she’s at peace with the verdict,” Wigdor said. “She is moving ahead with her beautiful family and her husband.”

As tensions remain high between DDG and Halle Bailey over custody of their son Halo, the rapper is already thinking about future fatherhood, just not in the traditional sense. During a recent livestream from Paris Fashion Week, DDG spoke candidly about possibly turning to fertility options if he decides to have another child someday. “If I’m 29 or something like that, and I ain’t got the time,” he said, “I’ll just go to that little place, do my little one-two, put my s**t in a cup. Take a little egg from somebody, throw it in another little body. Cook that motherf****r up for nine months. You can do that type s**t when you got money. That’ll alleviate a lot of s**t.” His comments come as he continues to battle Bailey in court over parenting rights. Earlier this year, Bailey was granted full custody of their 18-month-old son after accusing DDG of repeated physical abuse. A judge also issued a restraining order against him in May. In response, DDG filed his own legal claim, accusing Bailey of emotional manipulation and alleging that she has made threats involving self-harm. Bailey denied those claims, saying she is mentally sound and fully capable of caring for their child. Bailey is currently filming in Rome and has Halo with her. DDG has asked for permission to visit his son in Italy, but only under supervision. A judge has ruled that if the visits are approved, DDG will not be allowed to post any photos or videos of their son on social media. The former couple started dating in early 2022 and split in October 2024. Their son was born in December 2023. A court hearing to determine permanent custody arrangements is expected to take place this July in Los Angeles.

Mariah Carey has a new album on the way. During a recent interview at the 10th anniversary of Apple Music with Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden, Carrey made the announcement.  “I’m trying not to tell too much about the new album,” Carrey said.  “It’s a special occasion/ Mimi’s emancipation- that’s a lyric from one of my songs. What is next? The album is coming out,” she continued. “I don’t wanna tell too much about it because I just don’t want to reveal the whole thing. It’s finished.”  Carey dropped the news following the release of her newest single, “Type Dangerous.” She went on to say that the track was a “heavy record” and that it has “real weight to it.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Apple Music (@applemusic) The multi-Grammy award-winning vocalist also revealed that the new album has about 11 or 12 songs on it.  “We got some Mariah ballads,” she said, adding that a second single will be released soon. “I’m very excited about it. It’s very summery. I like the beat as well.” Sampling Eric B. and Rakim’s classic 1986 single, “Eric B. Is President”, she performed ”Type Dangerous,” along said Rakim at the 2025 BET Awards.  “I’ve always loved ‘Eric B. Is President.’ It wasn’t something like, ‘Oh, I’m gonna flip this’- I just wouldn’t think of doing it,” she explained. “But then we were in this restaurant in Aspen, and they had different music on, and they played ‘Eric B. Is President’ and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh! I love this song!’ We ended up in the studio a couple months later and we did it.”