The Wrap Up with L’Orèal Luchi, keeping you informed on everything that happened in hip hop culture this week:
Takeoff
The man charged with the murder Takeoff is out of jail on a $1 million bond. Patrick Clark was released earlier this week and he had to surrender his passport, he’s not allowed to leave his parents home in Houston, and he can’t have any contact with Takeoff’s family. He appears in court again in March and maintains his innocence. A video shows he had a gun in one hand and a wine bottle in another when he let off gunshots that allegedly struck Takeoff. The fingerprints on the wine bottle helped identify Patrick to the police. Quavo paid tribute to Takeoff in an emotional single, “Without You.”
Tasha K/Cardi B.
Tasha K, the blogger who was ordered to pay Cardi B $3.8 million for spreading lies about her, is demanding the judge vacate the verdict and start a new trial. Tasha K’s legal team argues the judge presiding over the case should have allowed evidence of the singer’s alleged gang ties. A Judge has yet to decide on the ruling.
Gangsta Boo
Sending prayers to the family and fans of Gangsta Boo; she was found unresponsive on the first day of the new year at a friend’s home in Memphis. TMZ reports her death was a result of a drug overdose. Police are launching an official investigation; they believe a fentanyl-laced substance played a central part.
Young Thug
Jury selection for Young Thug’s YSL trial began this week in ATL. There are over 300 witnesses on the state’s list. The defense is planning to call music executives, Killer Mike, Thug’s dad, fiancé, and more to the stand. Prosecutors could call Lil Wayne, Birdman, & Rich Homie Quan. It’s not clear if they will. Gunna, who was recently released, could also be called to testify, but his lawyer says he’ll plead the fifth. The trial begins on Monday, January 9.
50 Cent
50 Cent said he’s going to remind people he’s nice and says he’s dropping new music this year. He celebrated being one of the most famous artists on YouTube and congratulated his boy Eminem, who topped the list. For almost a decade, Fif has been focused on his Tv/Film empire, & only dropped two songs last year. Who do you want to see him collaborate with?