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.

Dexter in the Newsagent returns with her new single “i told ya,” a playful, late–’90s R&B-tinged track that reasserts her confidence and rising star power. The release caps a breakthrough year that included standout singles, a feature on Jim Legxacy’s Black British Music album, and packed live performances. Hand-picked by Blood Orange to support his November show at London’s Alexandra Palace Theatre, the South London artist continues her momentum with her third release of 2025, following “Special” and “Eighteen" which are all featured on her new album Time Flies.

Ne-Yo launches his country-inspired era with the release of “Simple Things,” arriving Friday on the 20th anniversary of his breakout No. 1 hit “So Sick.” Produced by Dave Cohen and Young Lan and recorded in Nashville, the single reflects the singer’s focus on “the things that really matter in life,” including family, faith, and meaningful music. Ne-Yo debuted the track live during his first-ever Grand Ole Opry performance on Thursday, calling the milestone a “bucket list” moment as he embraces a bold new artistic reinvention.

De La Soul’s Cabin in the Skyarrives as a powerful and emotional final chapter for the legendary trio, recorded before the 2023 passing of Dave (Trugoy The Dove). Their first album since 2016, the 20-track project blends weary warmth with inventive transitions, cinematic orchestration, and standout contributions from Nas, Q-Tip, Slick Rick, Pete Rock, and DJ Premier. Highlights include the superb lead single “The Package” and the poignant “Different World,” as the group honors Dave’s legacy with moving reflections on grief, memory, and unbreakable brotherhood.

Ron E unveils the official video for his new single “Still On My Mind,” featuring Fabolous. The cinematic Gerard Victor–directed visual blends glossy nighttime shots and intimate close-ups to amplify Ron’s emotional storytelling and Fabolous’ smooth delivery. The track appears on Ron’s debut album Let Me Explain. . Following a Grammy win and major songwriting credits, Ron E continues solidifying his rise as one of R&B’s most exciting new voices.

This Throwback Thursday, we’re diving into Sade’s 1992 classic “No Ordinary Love,” a song that cemented its place as one of the most evocative and meticulously crafted R&B slow burns of the era. Upon release, critics praised its cool sophistication and emotional depth. Billboard’s Larry Flick lauded Sade’s “famously smoky voice” floating over a spare but sensual arrangement, while Entertainment Weekly called it a surge of emotion from music’s “high priestess of understated cool.” Critics across the board, from The Guardian to Music & Media, celebrated the hypnotic beats, languid groove, and subtle guitar flourishes that elevated the track into something both stylish and deeply affecting. Over the decades, “No Ordinary Love” has only grown in stature. Retrospective reviews describe it as intoxicating, intimate, and devastating in its portrayal of elusive love. Albumism praised its haunting intro, while The Guardian called the song a pinnacle of Sade’s opulent sound design on Love Deluxe. Vulture ranked it second among all Sade tracks, noting how it blurs the line between flawless romance and heartbreak, wrapped in deep-sea synths and an almost accusatory guitar. Its worldwide chart success mirrored the acclaim, landing top-20 placements in multiple countries and climbing several U.S. Billboard charts, eventually becoming one of Sade’s most recognizable hits. The song’s legacy continues to resonate through its award wins, iconic music video, and enduring cultural influence. Directed by Sophie Muller, the video’s imagery of Sade as a mermaid-turned-bride searching for a lost love became an unforgettable visual companion to the track’s emotional depth. “No Ordinary Love” went on to earn a Grammy, multiple ASCAP and BMI awards, and spots on prestigious best-of lists from Complex, Spin, Pitchfork, and Rolling Stone. More than thirty years later, the song remains what its title promises—no ordinary love song, but a timeless masterpiece that still captivates the heart.

Boluwatife “Champz” Balogun, the 14-year-old son of Afrobeats icon Wizkid, makes a bold entrance with his debut EP Champion’s Arrival. Released on November 11, the five-track project soared to No. 1 on Apple Music Nigeria within five hours, making him the youngest artist to top the chart. Blending Afrobeats rhythms with UK grime, the EP highlights Champz’s solo confidence and has already charted in over 30 countries with millions of streams.

Funk/Jazz trio Soulive’s “Flowers at Your Feet,” featuring Grammy winner Van Hunt, is a soulful, psych-funk reflection recorded under Iceland’s endless summer light at Flóki Studios. As the trio’s second single from their upcoming album Flowers , the track showcases their telepathic chemistry and rich lineage of influences, elevated by Hunt’s kaleidoscopic vocals. Produced and engineered by Alan Evans, the song honors musical greats while marking Soulive’s powerful return.