Reggae legend and actor Jimmy Cliff, known for classics like “Many Rivers to Cross,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” and “Vietnam,” has died at 81. His wife, Latifa Chambers, confirmed Monday that Cliff died from a seizure followed by pneumonia. In a message posted to his social media accounts, his family thanked fans worldwide for the unwavering support that sustained him throughout his six-decade career. Born James Chambers in Jamaica’s Saint James parish, Cliff became a defining voice of the island’s emerging music scene in the 1960s. His breakthrough extended beyond music with his starring role in the 1972 film The Harder They Come, a cultural landmark that helped introduce reggae to global audiences. Though initially slow at the box office, the film and its soundtrack became touchstones of Jamaican identity, influencing generations of artists and cementing Cliff as one of reggae’s most important ambassadors. Cliff’s career spanned collaborations with the Rolling Stones, Wyclef Jean, Sting, and Bruce Springsteen, along with two Grammy wins, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Jamaica’s Order of Merit. His songs were covered by artists as varied as John Lennon, Cher, and UB40, while political movements and international fans embraced his anthems of resilience. Even in his later years, he continued recording and performing, leaving behind a global legacy rooted in pride, perseverance, and the transformative power of reggae music.

NBC is pushing back against Sean “Diddy” Combs’ $100 million defamation lawsuit, arguing that The Making of a Bad Boy could not have damaged the music mogul’s reputation because, in the network’s view, his public downfall was already self-inflicted. In a newly filed motion to dismiss, highlighted by AllHipHop, NBC points to Combs’ own statements at his federal sentencing, where he was partially convicted on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, as evidence that he acknowledged destroying his career long before the documentary aired. At sentencing, Combs told the judge, “Because of my decisions, I lost my freedom… I lost my career. I totally destroyed my reputation.” NBC argues this admission directly undermines the lawsuit’s core premise, insisting the documentary did not cause reputational harm he had already publicly claimed. However, Combs’ team says the network is mischaracterizing the remark and avoiding the real issue, whether the film was produced responsibly. His publicist, Juda Engelmayer, told VIBE that the lawsuit challenges NBC’s publication of allegations that were “factually unsupported,” contradicted by official records, or sourced from unreliable individuals. Filed in February 2025, the lawsuit accuses NBCUniversal of acting “maliciously and recklessly” by airing claims that portrayed Combs as a near-demonic figure and linked him without evidence to the deaths of Kim Porter, The Notorious B.I.G., and Heavy D. Combs’ attorneys say the film sensationalized unverified accusations, prioritizing speed and shock value—supported, they argue, by the producer’s own admission of a rushed turnaround. A judge has not yet ruled on NBC’s motion to dismiss as the high-profile legal battle continues to unfold.

Dallas-born, LA-based musician Liv.e continues her prolific streak with a new collaborative project: GENA, a duo formed with acclaimed Detroit drummer and producer Karriem Riggins. Short for “God Energy, Naturally Amazing” and partly inspired by Gina from the ’90s sitcom Martin, GENA debuts with the smooth, buoyant single “Circlesz.” Paired with a retro talk-show–style video directed by Mackai Sharp, the track blends playful bass, nimble drums, and Liv.e’s shape-shifting vocals into an irresistibly repeat-worthy groove.

From her fifth studio album Destinée, French-Malian singer-songwriter Aya Nakamura drops the visuals for her new single “No Stress.” The nighttime video features a striking club scene where a stylish, self-assured Aya dances confidently under the glow of admiring onlookers. Among them is a potential love interest she playfully captivates, teasing him with sultry choreography and heartfelt lyrics that boldly lay out what it truly takes to win her heart.

Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems has surprised fans with the release of her seven-song EP Love Is a Kingdom, arriving without prior announcement. Produced, composed, and written almost entirely by Tems herself, the EP blends R&B, Afrobeats, and alternative music, showcasing her soulful vocals and vivid songwriting. Exploring themes of love, personal strength, and growth, the record offers a dynamic mix of ballads and lively tracks, further cementing Tems’ status as a rising global star.

Nigerian, Juno-nominated R&B artist Zenesoul releases her new single “Focused On Me,” a soulful affirmation of growth and self-love. Blending classic soul warmth with modern R&B textures, the now Toronto-based singer/songwriter continues to prove why she’s one of today’s most compelling voices. With emotional honesty and vulnerability, Zenesoul transforms her lived experiences into healing soundscapes that uplift and deeply resonate with listeners.

Faith Richards’ new single “Private Star” finds the rising R&B artist stepping fully into her sensual, cinematic power. Co-produced with Prairies, the track blends dark-pop allure with her signature journal-like storytelling, reflecting the duality of writing it in Paris in 2022 and finishing it in Dallas in 2025. Moody, magnetic, and brimming with confidence, “Private Star” offers a striking preview of her boundary-breaking sophomore album scheduled to arrive early next year.

Nicki Minaj’s latest legal challenge escalated this week after her longtime attorney, Judd Burstein, abruptly withdrew from representing her in a $10 million defamation lawsuit refiled in New York. Burstein, who previously secured the case’s dismissal in New Jersey, said he declined to take it on again, emphasizing that his decision was not tied to the merits of the claims. He reiterated that he still holds “great affection and respect” for Minaj, even as speculation grows over the timing of his departure. The lawsuit, brought by Tameer Peak, stems from comments Minaj allegedly made during an April 2024 Stationhead broadcast, including calling Peak “one sandwich short of a picnic” and implying he receives government assistance. Peak argues the remarks subjected him to public humiliation. Minaj, now without the attorney who helped her defeat several major suits in recent years, must defend the renewed case as scrutiny around her public behavior continues to draw attention. In Burstein’s absence, The Northstar Group (owned by entertainment attorney Londell McMillan) has stepped in temporarily, noting the withdrawal came without warning. The firm requested a 45-day stay so Minaj can retain new counsel and prepare her response. Representatives stressed that Minaj and her company fully intend to fight the allegations as the high-profile case moves forward in New York.

Grammy-winning rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel of the Fugees was sentenced Thursday to 14 years in federal prison for illegally channeling millions in foreign money into former President Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign. Michel, 52, declined to speak before US District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly handed down the sentence. His 2023 conviction on 10 counts—including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered foreign agent—followed a high-profile trial featuring testimony from Leonardo DiCaprio and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Prosecutors argued that federal sentencing guidelines supported a life sentence, accusing Michel of betraying the United States “for money” and lying “unapologetically” to advance his schemes. They urged the court to impose a punishment reflecting what they described as the severity of his crimes, the national security risks involved, and the scope of his alleged greed.  Michel’s attorney, Peter Zeidenberg, called the 14-year sentence “completely disproportionate,” noting that the defense had sought just three years. In court filings, Michel’s team argued that a life sentence would have been “absurdly high,” comparing such penalties to those given to terrorists and drug cartel leaders. They criticized prosecutors’ interpretation of sentencing guidelines as extreme and vowed to appeal both the conviction and the sentence.