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The family of Stephen "Zumbi" Gaines and their attorney have spoken out regarding the Zion I rapper's suspicious death at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley, California last August. Days after The Mercury News reported no criminal charges would be filed—despite the coroner ruling Gaines' death a homicide—Berkeley lawyer Elizabeth Grossman issued a statement refuting the notion. 

"We are not sure who is responsible for the misinformation in the article, but I spoke directly with [District Attorney] Nancy O’Malley today and a final decision has not been made," Grossman said. 

The statement continued, "This comes as a relief to the family and friends of Zumbi, including his mother Carolyn Gaines, who have been waiting for more than a year for the Coroner and Berkeley P

The 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards took place at the Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta on September 30 and finally aired via BET on Tuesday (October 4) with Fat Joe handling hosting duties. Kendrick Lamar, who was nominated nine times, walked away with six trophies in categories such as Lyricist of the Year, Hip Hop Album of the Year and Hip Hop Artist of the Year for his work on "Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers," his fifth studio album and last for Top Dawg Entertainment/Interscope Records. 

He also netted an award alongside his cousin Baby Keem in the Best Hip Hop Video category and Best Director with Dave Free, both for "family ties," as well as Best Live Performer. 

Lamar released "Mr. Morale" in May to widespread acclaim. The project debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 c

Open Mike Eagle has shared a new single called "Circuit City" produced by Madlib and featuring Video Dave and Still Rift. The track comes from Mike's forthcoming album, "Component System with the Auto Reverse," and is the follow-up to lead single and video "i'll fight you" produced by Diamond D of the Diggin' in the Crates crew. 

"Component System with the Auto Reverse" is expected to arrive via Auto Reverse Records on Friday (October 7) and includes the previously-released track with R.A.P. Ferreira, Still Rift and Video Dave, "Multi-Game Arcade Cabinet," as well as his late 2021 offering "Burner Account" featuring Armand Hammer.

Prodigy's posthumous album "The Hegelian Dialectic: The Book of Heroine" has arrived. Comprised of 12 tracks, the project boasts features from DJ Premier, Faith Evans, Big Daddy Kane, Remy Ma, Berto Rich, DJ Scratchand Big Noyd. 

“Navigating through the storm, we’re pleased and grateful to all those who contributed to make this second album of the trilogy – 'Book of Heroine,' a special homage to women across the world,” Prodigy’s wife KiKi said in a statement. “Prodigy selected many of the initial tracks and we closed it out to make a diverse album with a frequency and vibe for everyone. There is much more to come, including 'Vol. 3 – The Book of the Dead.' Thank you for the flowers." 

Prodigy, who had suffered from sickle-cell anemia for most of his life

Nearly 30 years after Snoop Dogg delivered his debut solo album "Doggystyle," he and Dr. Dre are reconvening for "Missionary." Speaking to Stephen A. Smith on the new podcast "K[no]w Mercy," Snoop confirmed the project would arrive via Death Row Records/Aftermath Entertainment next month. 

"Me and Dr. Dre have been working on an album for the past two months," he said. "And it will be done in November, and it’s produced by Dr. Dre. It’s our 30th anniversary to 'Doggystyle.' And the name of the album is called 'Missionary.'"

Snoop also talked about acquiring the Death Row Records brand, adding, "I was looking to get my masters back from 'Doggystyle'—that was what I was searching for. And during the process, they were—the people that had it—were charging more fo

Zion I rapper Stephen "Zumbi" Gaines died unexpectedly in August 2021 while hospitalized at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley, California. On September 30, The Mercury News reported police and prosecutors have determined Gaines' death was not criminal in nature despite determining he died after being restrained by hospital staff and handcuffed by police. 

The Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau wrote Gaines' death was a result of "physiologic stress of altercation and restraint during a psychotic episode." COVID-19 infection and cardiomegaly, an enlarged heart, were listed as contributing factors. The report was finalized last May but no