Entertainment Gists
Meek Mill Gets New Trial After 11 Years
US rapper Meek Mill has been granted a new trial on drugs and weapons charges that date back to his teenage years after a long legal battle.
Three judges in Pennsylvania ruled there were credibility issues with his original trial in 2008.
The rapper, who was jailed in 2017 for a minor probation violation, now campaigns for criminal justice reform.
He has been supported by celebrities and campaigners who say the system treats minorities more harshly.
Jay-Z, and the owners of the New England Patriots and Philadelphia 76ers, Robert Kraft and Michael Rubin, have joined Meek Mill in creating the Reform Alliance to help people who are “trapped in the system”.
Meek Mill, whose given name is Robert Rihmeek Williams, said that the past 11 years had been “mentally and emotionally challenging” but that he was “ecstatic that justice prevailed”.
#FreeMeek #FightDifferent #REFORM @MeekMill pic.twitter.com/c98rbT4zxo
— REFORM Alliance (@REFORM) July 24, 2019
What is the case about?
The Pennsylvania Superior Court panel ruled on Wednesday that Meek Mill had the “right to be tried before an impartial judge… because the trial judge heard highly prejudicial testimony at the first trial.”
The sole witness in the first trial was a now discredited drugs squad officer who is no longer with the Philadelphia force.
He was sentenced in 2009 to between 11 and 23 months in county prison, but was released on parole after five months and given a 10-year probation.
Wednesday’s decision by the court means prosecutors now have to decide whether to hold a new trial or drop the case.
How did he begin campaigning for justice reform?
While on parole he started to make his name nationally as a rapper, signing to Rick Ross’s label and releasing a string of hugely successful mixtapes. Before long he was a platinum-selling artist.
But he was arrested in August 2017 for reckless driving as he rode a dirt bike during filming of a music video.
Jay-Z (L) is among the stars to have campaigned for Meek Mill (R)Although the charges were later dropped, a judge ruled the arrest itself was a breach of his probation and he was jailed that November for up to four years – prompting an outcry from Jay-Z, Beyonce and others who campaigned to free him.
He was released after five months after Pennsylvania’s top court granted him bail.
His group, the Reform Alliance, says it aims to “dramatically reduce the number of people who are unjustly under the control of the criminal justice system, starting with probation and parole”.
Nigerian artist N8TAN is set to unveil his highly anticipated ‘UPRISING EP’, a body of work that chronicles his journey from the streets to the heights of his musical ambition.
Built around themes of struggle, resilience, ambition, survival, and triumph, UPRISING captures the realities of an artist determined to turn adversity into momentum. The project reflects N8TAN’s experiences, the challenges that shaped him, and the relentless drive that continues to push him forward.
More than a collection of songs, UPRISING is presented as a story of transformation—from navigating the streets and confronting uncertainty to finding purpose, embracing growth, and rising toward the top.
With its blend of raw storytelling, infectious energy, and personal perspective, the EP offers listeners an intimate look into N8TAN’s world while reinforcing his determination to carve out his own place in the music industry.
‘UPRISING EP’ is a statement of elevation: a reminder that where you start does not have to determine where you finish.
As N8TAN continues to build his musical identity, UPRISING marks another significant chapter in his journey—and an invitation for listeners to rise with him.
Josh2Funny’s Album Has Fans Talking — But Should He Stick To Music Or Skits? 😂🎶
Nigerian comedian and content creator Josh2Funny has taken his comedy game into music, and Nigerians are definitely having something to say about it.
The comedian released his 15-track album, “On Behalf of Josh,” on July 10, 2026, but instead of fading away after release, the project has continued to generate conversations on X.
And the big question now is:
Should Josh2Funny continue with music or go back to skits? 😂
Fans have been divided. While some listeners openly criticized the album and told him to return to comedy, others found songs they genuinely enjoyed.
One X user joked:
“Josh2Funny stopped doing skits and started music, Everybody wan chop this music money 😂”
Another simply said:
“This Josh2Funny Album no enter make he just go back skit abeg 😂”
But then came “Lembe.” 🔥
The track caught fire on X and eventually became a trending topic in Nigeria. The #LembeChallenge also gained momentum as creators began jumping on the song.
Josh2Funny later announced ₦1 million for winners of the challenge, giving the song another major push.
And it didn’t stop there.
‘INTERNATIONAL’ FT. ICE PRINCE ALSO TRENDED
On another day, “International” featuring Ice Prince generated its own buzz on X.
One fan even called it their favourite song from the album, while praising the collaboration. The post itself pulled thousands of views, showing that people weren’t only talking about Lembe.
From album criticism to trending songs and challenges, “On Behalf of Josh” has kept Josh2Funny’s name in the conversation.
Whether you love the album or think he should return to skits, one thing is clear:
Josh2Funny has succeeded in getting Nigerians talking. 😂🔥
So, let’s settle this once and for all:
Should Josh2Funny continue with MUSIC 🎶 or return to SKITS 😂?
Music or Skits? Drop your answer! 👇
RUAN-Badkid.96 is a Nigerian recording artist whose music refuses to live inside a single genre. Blending Afrobeat, Afrofusion, trap, hip-hop, melodic rap, R&B, and global influences, he creates records that move effortlessly between raw street energy, soulful storytelling, and infectious melodies. Whether delivering hard-hitting bars, emotional love songs, or rhythm-driven African records, his sound is defined by authenticity rather than limitation.
Inspired by both African culture and international music, RUAN-Badkid.96 embraces the confidence and ambition of global hip-hop while staying deeply connected to his roots. His lyrics explore love, heartbreak, betrayal, friendship, social injustice, hope, and the everyday realities of life. He doesn’t create music to follow trends, he creates music to reflect truth, emotion, and human experience.
Behind his fearless image is an artist who believes in kindness, equality, justice, and genuine human connection. His appearance may be intimidating, but his message is rooted in compassion and authenticity. Every record carries a piece of his journey, proving that strength and vulnerability can exist in the same voice.
For RUAN-Badkid.96, music is more than entertainment, it’s a language, a testimony, and a lifelong mission to connect with people through honesty, versatility, and unforgettable sound.
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