Jury Rules in Favor of Cardi B in Assault Lawsuit
A California jury sided with Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B on Tuesday, finding she was not liable in a lawsuit brought by former security guard Emani Ellis. Ellis had accused Cardi of assaulting her at a Beverly Hills OB/GYN clinic in 2018, when the rapper was pregnant with her first child. The nine-person jury deliberated for about an hour before clearing Cardi of any wrongdoing.
Ellis’s lawsuit, filed in 2020, claimed the artist (whose legal name is Belcalis Almánzar) spat on her, used racial slurs, and lobbied to have her fired from the clinic. Ellis sought compensation for medical costs and at least $250,000 for pain and suffering, alleging that the altercation left her traumatized. Her attorneys argued that Cardi should be held responsible for the alleged assault.
Cardi B firmly denied the accusations throughout the trial, insisting Ellis was the aggressor and attempted to film her entering the doctor’s office before her pregnancy was public. Speaking outside the courthouse, she said, “I swear to god, I will say it in my deathbed: I did not touch that woman.” The rapper warned against future “frivolous” lawsuits, vowing that if targeted again, she would countersue.
Duane “Keefe D” Davis has rejected a plea deal ahead of his scheduled trial in the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur, continuing to maintain that he is innocent. Davis’ decision comes as jury selection is set to begin August 10, 2026, in one of hip-hop’s most closely watched criminal cases. Prosecutors have alleged that Davis was involved in the drive-by shooting that claimed Shakur’s life, but the longtime suspect has repeatedly denied committing any crime. In a recent interview with 8News Now, Davis said he sees no reason to accept a deal that could potentially send him to prison for decades. The 63-year-old cited his age and health issues, including a past battle with cancer and three heart stents, while explaining why he rejected the reported offer. Davis also maintained that other individuals were responsible for the shooting and insisted that he is an innocent man. Shakur was shot multiple times after attending the Mike Tyson-Bruce Seldon heavyweight title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996. The rapper remained hospitalized for six days before dying from his injuries at age 25. The case remained unsolved for more than two decades before Davis was arrested in 2023 in connection with the shooting. His upcoming trial is expected to bring renewed attention to one of music history’s most enduring mysteries.
OVO Sound’s R&B/pop artist Naomi Sharon returns with “Bittersweet (Arabic Piano Remix),” the third installment in a series of upcoming remixes. The hypnotic, richly textured track transforms the original into a propulsive, late-night anthem designed for loudspeakers and repeat listens. The release follows Sharon’s critically acclaimed June album, No Sleep In Paradise, her first full-length project in two years. The Rotterdam singer-songwriter continues building momentum as an international touring artist while entering an exciting new era.
Gospel star Darrel Walls continues his career momentum with “Good To Me,” his first solo release of 2026 following his Grammy win for Best Gospel Album for Heart of Mine. Built around an infectious Afrobeats groove, the track finds Walls expanding beyond his signature contemporary Christian sound and embracing a fresh praise-driven style. The Houston artist’s faith-based offering arrives as he continues celebrating the success of his recent collaborative project with PJ Morton.
Released this past June, Queens, NYC rapper Rome Streetz delivers one of his most ambitious projects yet with Sock It 2 My Pocket, a gritty boom-bap showcase featuring Styles P, IDK, Lloyd Banks and Westside Gunn. The album boasts production from hip-hop heavyweights including Pete Rock, The Alchemist, 9th Wonder, Havoc and Conductor Williams. Rome’s sharp storytelling and fluid delivery shine throughout, blending autobiographical reflections with vivid street narratives. Tracks like “Cocaine Coltrane,” “.22,” “High Speed” and “Shoot Your Trophies” highlight his ability to transform hard-edged experiences into compelling, lyrical street poetry.
Jacquees explores trust, insecurity, and relationship conflict in the official music video for “Accuse Me,” a standout single from his new album MOOD 2. The Atlanta R&B singer delivers heartfelt melodies over contemporary slow-jam production while examining the emotional exhaustion of constantly defending his loyalty amid suspicion. The song highlights Jacquees’ vulnerable, mature storytelling, capturing frustration, resilience, and the challenges of maintaining love when trust begins to fade.
N3WYRKLA returns with the stirring R&B single “Crime,” a cathartic ballad about longing for a past love. Produced by Hitmaka, the song showcases her piercing vocals and emotional vulnerability. The accompanying video captures the New Jersey-born singer navigating heartbreak through lonely nights, restless moments, and quiet reflection. Its cool blue visuals complement the raw emotion and devastation expressed throughout the track.
UK girl group FLO have released their highly anticipated sophomore album, Therapy At The Club , via EMI Records, accompanied by the music video for “Cry Ugly.” Directed by Jake Nava, Sienna Nava and Marlon Cang, the cinematic, dance-heavy visual captures the trio navigating the pain of being taken for granted in a relationship. With its bouncy energy and stylish choreography, “Cry Ugly” delivers an emotional yet vibrant showcase.
Ravyn Lenae teams up with Doechii on “Babygirl,” from her new album Blue Island . The downtempo, 1990s-inspired R&B track blends Lenae’s warmth with Doechii’s laid-back delivery and a funky, Thundercat-like bassline. Their effortless chemistry gives the song a freestyle feel, while the Karl Cannone-directed video finds the two artists dancing in sync through the aisle of an empty church, bringing the collaboration’s playful energy to life.
Los Angeles rap icon 03 Greedo has finally released the highly anticipated “If I, Pt. 3,” featuring Ty Dolla $ign, through Alamo Records. Also known by fans as “Hold Me Down,” the track arrives nearly a decade after it first surfaced and marks the third installment of Greedo’s beloved “If I” series. The Watts rapper recently previewed the song live, building excitement for its long-awaited official release.
UK-Nigerian singer Darkoo returns with her highly anticipated new single “That Girl,” featuring Afrobeats star Asake. Following the massive success of “Favourite Girl,” which won Song of the Year at the MOBO Awards and surpassed 360 million global streams, Darkoo delivers an empowering Afro-fusion anthem celebrating confidence, individuality and self-belief. Produced by French and Enzo, the track encourages women to embrace their authentic selves.