NEWS
Diddy's criminal trial officially kicked off this week, and jury selection is in full swing. According to TMZ, the third day of the process featured a few people who have ties to the case. One of the potential jurors, for example, worked with Judge Arun Subramanian on anti-class action cases in the past. He said the case could hinder his ability to represent his own client too, and he was ultimately dismissed.
Another one of the potential jurors took the stand and revealed that he works at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where Diddy is currently being held. He was also dismissed. Judge Subramanian called out both the prosecution and the defense, telling them they needed to step up their game when it comes to filtering candidates.
As for the other potential jurors who took the stand, one described himself as "lazy." He wasn't ruled out. Another one admitted to reposting a meme about Diddy that he found while "doomscrolling." This is a term he had to explain to the judge. He was also kept in the jury pool.
So far, 35 people have been added to the jury pool so far, and they've been mostly men. Reportedly, the breakdown is currently "5 white men, 4 Black men, 3 Black women, 2 white women, 1 Latino man and 1 woman whose ethnicity isn't clear."
Diddy was arrested in September of 2024 on charges related to alleged sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. He's pleaded not guilty to these charges, also turning down a plea deal at his final pre-trial hearing. At the time, he said he understood this could mean a longer sentence for him if he's convicted.
Busta Rhymes is honoring his late friend D’Angelo in a truly moving way. The rapper released a heartfelt tribute track titled “Magic,” marking one of his most emotional releases in years. The song celebrates the neo-soul legend D’Angelo, who sadly passed away earlier this month after a private battle with cancer. Over the smooth, soulful backdrop of D’Angelo’s “One Mo’ Gin” from his 2000 classic Voodoo, Busta reflects deeply, sharing raw and powerful emotions through his storytelling.
Throughout the seven-minute piece, Busta takes listeners on a journey through his 34-year friendship with D’Angelo. He recalls their early sessions with A Tribe Called Quest and describes the lasting connection they built over the decades. Instead of simply celebrating the music, Busta pays homage to the person behind it. He describes D’Angelo as a rare, once-in-a-generation artist who “never needed a co-sign” and “touched the souls of the people and everything between.”
During an interview with Okayplayer, Busta called D’Angelo “a godsend,” reflecting on his influence across R&B and hip-hop. “The Earth shifted when D came to do music,” he said, a statement that perfectly sums up D’Angelo’s impact. Anyone familiar with Brown Sugar, Voodoo, or Black Messiah knows his legacy speaks volumes.
“Magic” feels like a conversation between two lifelong friends. Busta Rhymes gives fans an intimate look at a bond that helped shape decades of soul-infused hip-hop. The tributes pouring in since D’Angelo’s passing highlight not only his extraordinary artistry but also the love and respect he inspired among peers. Lauryn Hill expressed it beautifully, writing, “Thank you for being a beacon of light to a generation and beyond who had no remembrance of the legacy that preceded us.”
