Lil Baby says his gambling days are over after losing an astonishing $8 million to $9 million in just 40 hours.
Speaking candidly on Lil Yachty’s A Safe Place podcast, the artist admitted the eye-watering loss was the wake-up call he needed to quit for good.
“$8 million,” he said when discussing his heaviest gambling loss. “Like one day, probably like 40 hours straight, I lost like $8 million, $9 million. I made myself stop gambling.”
The Atlanta native revealed he took drastic action by enlisting the help of Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, who is also a longtime friend, to draft a letter that bans him from entering any casinos.
“I had Mike Rubin write a letter to every casino and ban me from the casino,” Lil Baby explained. “I just do s**t. I don’t gamble no more.”
The revelation sheds light on the often-hidden downside of gambling in celebrity culture, where rapid wealth accumulation can feed risky behaviors.
While Lil Baby has built a career defined by hits like “My Dawg” from his breakout 2017 mixtape Harder Than Hard, he admitted the staggering financial loss forced a shift in his personal life.
The rapper, who has grown to become one of Hip-Hop’s most prominent figures, is now charting a new course as he prepares to drop fresh music.
Following his 2022 album It’s Only Me, Lil Baby will kick off 2025 with two new projects, the first of which—WHAM (Who Hard As Me)—arrives on January 3.
As President Joe Biden gets ready to vacate the White House, he has commuted the sentences of more than 1,500 people, one of which was Terry “Southwest T” Flenory, co-founder of the notorious Black Mafia Family.
The former drug kingpin was granted clemency by President Biden as part of his broader initiative to pardon those who were released from prison and placed in home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Southwest T celebrated the news on Instagram, sharing a photo of the official document declaring his freedom. He wrote in the caption, “Now It’s official! @realbigmeechmom I understand you were excited, so last week you let the cat out the bag.
“It’s been a journey, but prayer and unwavering faith beyond mere human comprehension got us to this point. Never once acted in my own ability nor doing anything to anyone to help myself. So the gloves are off, the gag orders are up and all the naysayers have to suck it up.#godisgood.”
Southwest T and his brother Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory were sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for their roles in running an international drug trafficking operation in 2008. But due to health risks posed by the virus in prison environments, Southwest T was set free early while Big Meech remained behind bars.
Friends, family and fans of the brothers congratulated Southwest T in the comment section of his Instagram post. Geto Boys’ Scarface wrote, “free,” while Pusha T said simply, “Congrats.”
BMF operated in the United States from the late 1980s to the early 2000s. Big Meech, the more prominent and charismatic figure of the two, became known for his lavish lifestyle and involvement in promoting Hip-Hop culture. He was instrumental in expanding BMF’s operations and establishing ties with the music industry.
Southwest T, meanwhile, was known for being the more low-key and business-focused brother. He managed operations from Los Angeles, ensuring the smooth distribution of cocaine across multiple states.
BMF was heavily involved in drug trafficking, primarily distributing cocaine supplied by Mexican drug cartels. At its height, the organization was reported to have distributed thousands of kilograms of cocaine across the U.S., including in major cities like Atlanta, Los Angeles and Detroit. They also laundered millions of dollars in drug proceeds.
The Flenory brothers created a facade of legitimacy by associating with the music industry. They even started their own entertainment label, BMF Entertainment, which promoted several Hip-Hop artists and further blended their criminal enterprise with pop culture.
In 2005, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) dismantled the BMF organization following a years-long investigation. The investigation involved wiretaps, surveillance and informants. Authorities accused the Flenory brothers of running one of the largest drug trafficking and money laundering organizations in U.S. history.
Consequently, they were arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and money laundering. In 2008, both brothers pleaded guilty and were sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. Southwest T was released in May 2020 under compassionate release due to health concerns and COVID-19 risks in prison.
In October, Big Meech was transferred to a residential reentry program in Miami to serve the remainder of his sentence, which suggests a step toward eventual release in 2028. The brothers’ story and rise and fall of BMF have been the subject of much interest, inspiring the STARZ TV series BMF, executive-produced by 50 Cent.
Sean “Diddy” Combs and alleged murderer Luigi Mangione are at the heart of two of the nation’s highest-profile criminal cases—yet their stories intersect in an extraordinary legal twist involving a husband-and-wife team of attorneys.
Karen Friedman Agnifilo and Marc Agnifilo, veterans of the legal world, now find themselves shouldering representation of the powerful Hip-Hop mogul and the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in what prosecutors describe as a calculated act of domestic terrorism.
Few would have predicted that two legal cases commanding such overwhelming public attention would hinge on the legal expertise of one household.
Karen Friedman Agnifilo, a former prosecutor with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, has taken on Mangione’s defense amid accusations stemming from Thompson’s December 4, 2024, slaying in Midtown Manhattan.
Mangione, who faces both state and federal charges—including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism—has been painted by authorities as a man driven by resentment toward the healthcare industry.
Evidence discovered at the crime scene included shell casings marked with cryptic words like “deny,” “depose,” and “delay,” along with writings detailing grievances against health insurance practices.
Only days after Thompson’s murder, Mangione was captured in Altoona, Pennsylvania, carrying a gun, fake identification, and a significant sum of cash.
Federal authorities have signaled that a conviction on federal charges could lead to the death penalty for the 48-year-old suspect.
Meanwhile, Marc Agnifilo, a seasoned defense attorney whose high-profile clientele previously included Harvey Weinstein, is defending Sean “Diddy” Combs, one of Hip-Hop’s most enduring figures, against a battery of allegations involving sexual assault, sex trafficking, and racketeering.
Combs, 54, is also embroiled in over 20 civil lawsuits filed by lawyer Tony Buzbee that stretch back as far as 1991 and cover explosive allegations of coercion, non-consensual recordings, and illicit activity spanning three decades.
Facing federal charges ahead of a May 5 trial date, the music mogul has maintained his innocence, resolutely denying all allegations and attributing them to opportunism.
The Agnifilos’ respective clients could hardly be more different—Mangione, allegedly consumed by anger over healthcare inequalities, versus Combs, a music icon facing a wholly different public reckoning over wild “Freak Off” parties.
Both men are being housed at the notorious MDC jail in Brooklyn, New York.
Whether in the acts of a man accused of rage-driven terrorism or in the dramatic courtroom battles facing an entertainment legend, one undeniable truth emerges: the Agnifilos’ unassuming household now serves as a nerve center for two of the most consequential legal battles of the decade.
Issa Rae took on the role of Doechii’s inner voice during a performance of “DENIAL IS A RIVER” for Genius.
The Florida native is on a run of recent unique, creative performances and her appearance on the Genius Open Mic stage was no exception.
Issa Rae opens up by asking Doechii what she’s been up to since they last spoke. Doechii then seamlessly launches into the song, which sees her reflect on an ex-boyfriend who cheated on her with a man.
Later during the performance, Rae delivers an Insecure-style monologue.
“I just feel like this is the perfect opportunity for us to just take a second and kind of unpack what’s happened to you,” she says. “You know, this guy cheated on you and…”
Doechii, Issa Rae – DENIAL IS A RIVER
Her Issa Rae collab follows viral performances of her Grammy-nominated mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal, on Stephen Colbert’s Late Show and NPR’s Tiny Desk.
Earlier this week, the Grammy Museum held a special spotlight event for The Swamp Princess to celebrate her mixtape. The project is up for three awards, including Best Rap Album, the first time a female artist has received the nod for a mixtape.
Killer Mike joined Doechii at the event, branding her “the leader in rap right now.”
“You’re not a rapper aspiring to be, you’ve been an artist,” he declared. “You choose rap to tell a story but visually, [the cover of Alligator Bites Never Heal] is striking.”
Killer Mike added, “It is absolutely a testimony to me that the south has produced an artist like you.”
“Killer Mike crowns Doechii as ‘the leader in rap right now’ at the Grammy Museum spotlight event for Alligator Bites Never Heal. The mixtape is nominated for Best Rap Album at the 2025 Grammys. The south keeps winning! 🐊🔥 pic.twitter.com/HetPyRcZh7
Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar recently crowned Doechii “the hardest out,” and Beyoncé named her as one of her current faves.
After such a stellar year, Doechii is gearing up to deliver her official debut studio album in 2025.
“All I can think about is this album,” she told Variety earlier this month. “So I’m just looking forward to making more hits, making more music and achieving more of my goals. That’s it.”
Simone Joy Jones, who sings as S!MONE, is a multi-talented artist whose star continues to rise. It was apparent, From the moment she walked into WonWorld Studios, that her light is brighter too. Best known for her standout role on the hit series “Bel-Air,” Simone is also making waves in the music world with her deeply soulful sound and personal storytelling.
In this exclusive interview with AHH’s Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur, Simone opens up about her creative evolution, balancing dual careers, and the inspirations behind her latest project, Magnet. Simone’s journey is a testament to passion, growth, and the pursuit of artistry, from her early days in musical theater to her dream collaborations.
Read more from one of the industry’s brightest young talents in this edited QA interview. To truly witness S!MONE, watch the full interview on AllHipHopTV or our YouTube below.
AllHipHop: It’s great to meet you, Simone. You’ve been killing it on screen, but your music is really jumping off right now. Tell us a bit about your musical journey.
S!MONE: Thank you! Music has always been part of my life. I grew up in a musical theater world, and that storytelling element is a common thread in my music, acting, and even directing. My inspirations come from legends like Prince, Michael Jackson, and Anita Baker—an ’80s baby thanks to my parents! Singing feels natural, something I’ve always done. My mom sang in the choir, and I followed suit. It’s been a journey of growth, from my earlier EPs to my current project.
AllHipHop: Speaking of growth, how has your artistry progressed over time?
S!MONE: I’m proud of the journey. I’m someone who loves improvement and showing up as I am. Listening to my earlier work, I can appreciate who I was then while recognizing how much I’ve learned since. My latest project feels like another leap forward, and I’m excited to keep evolving.
AllHipHop: As an actor and musician, how do you balance vulnerability in your work with public critique?
S!MONE: Music feels more personal than acting because it’s my stories, my taste, and my decisions. If someone doesn’t like it, it feels like they don’t like me. But I’ve learned to embrace that. Not everyone will connect with my work, and that’s okay. I value feedback from people whose opinions I respect, but ultimately, I stand by every note and lyric.
S!MONE aka Simone Joy Jonesat WonWorld Studios
AllHipHop: Do you write your own songs?
S!MONE: Yes, I wrote everything on this project with help from some incredible collaborators. Writing is cathartic but also vulnerable—sometimes I think, “Did I really just put that out there?” But it’s rewarding when listeners connect with those honest moments.
AllHipHop: Your album “Magnets” has such a range of styles. Do you have a favorite track?
S!MONE: It’s hard to pick a favorite because each song holds a unique memory. Right now, I’m loving “Circles” for its storytelling and structure. It’s about someone talking in circles—a true story—and the writing process felt very natural.
AllHipHop: You’re also a talented actor. What has your experience on “Bel-Air” been like?
S!MONE: “Bel-Air” has felt like a four-year college experience. It’s been incredible for personal growth, communication, and learning to advocate for myself. The cast is like family—they’ve been supportive, coming to my shows, and even taking me on tour. It’s a blessing to grow alongside them.
AllHipHop: Do you think about legacy when creating music or acting?
S!MONE: Absolutely. Being part of legacy projects like “Bel-Air” and “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead” has made me think about the longevity of my work. I’m inspired by artists like Whitney Houston, whose songs live on forever. While I focus on the present, I aim to create work that stands the test of time.
AllHipHop: You’ve mentioned some incredible artists. Who are your dream collaborators?
S!MONE: I’d love to work with Willow Smith. She’s so versatile and fearless in her artistry. Her mix of punk rock and jazz influences is inspiring. I’m also a big fan of Kendrick Lamar and SZA—their honesty and innovation are unmatched.
AllHipHop: You’re clearly multi-talented. Any other hidden skills?
S!MONE: I teach yoga, shadow directors, and even flew a plane recently! I’ve also been dancing since I was 12. Learning and exploring new skills keeps me energized.
AllHipHop: Final thoughts for your fans?
S!MONE: Thank you for listening and supporting me. Magnets is about attracting the right people and opportunities—it’s me showing who I am.
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