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WNBA star Brittney Griner has officially been sentenced to 9 1/2 years for drug possession and smuggling drugs with criminal intent in a Russian court.Along with her sentencing, Griner was also fined 1 million ruble ($16,000) for conscious drug possession and smuggling. The verdict was made shortly after it was announced that she was found guilty of her crimes. Earlier this year, we reported that Brittney Griner was arrested in Moscow after being stopped by local authorities after they found a number of vape cartridges with cannabis oil in them.Since her arrest, many people have voiced their concerns and support for Griner, including her wife, Cherelle Griner, and NBA basketball star LeBron James. Brittney Griner wrote a letter to President Biden stating that she was scared that she may be a prisoner there forever. "I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don't forget about me and the other American Detainees," she said in her letter. "Please do all you can to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home." President Biden and Vice President Harris spoke to Griner's wife, Cherelle over the phone to assure her that they are working to bring Brittney home safely and as soon as possible.

Brittney Griner Sentenced To Nine Years In Russian Prison

Pusha T

Pusha T joins the chat.
 
Drake has been trending lately as it seems some of his previous friendships are no longer. The Canadian rapper, however, is no stranger to rap beef.
 
We&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/kendrick-lamar-seemingly-take-shots-at-drake-and-j-cole-in-new-song">previously reported</a>&nbsp;that Kendrick Lamar joined&nbsp;Future and Metro Boomin on their new album&nbsp;We Don&rsquo;t Trust You.&nbsp;In his verse on the single "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9bKBAA22Go">Like That</a>", he gave the internet something they were not expecting as he raps, &ldquo;Yeah, get up with me, f*ck sneak dissing/&rsquo;First Person Shooter,&rsquo; I hope they came with three switches,&rdquo; on the single &ldquo;Like That&rdquo; taking direct shots at Drake and J. Cole.
 
&ldquo;Think I won&rsquo;t drop the location? I still got PTSD/Motherfuck the Big 3, n***a, it&rsquo;s just big me&rdquo; dissing J. Cole as he rapped, &ldquo;Love when they argue the hardest MC/Is it K-Dot? Is it Aubrey? Or me?&rdquo;
 
&ldquo;We the big three like we started a league, but right now, I feel like Muhammad Ali&rdquo; rapped Cole on Drake&rsquo;s chart-topping single,&nbsp;First Person Shooter.&nbsp;Obviously- Kendrick disagreed.
 
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<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">https://youtu.be/N9bKBAA22Go?si=ivndHJNxpseI3TDr</div>
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Although Pusha T is not directly involved in the "beef" this time, he is still somehow being mentioned. Over on X, a fan shares, "I just wanted to point out that after all these years of mob talk from Drake, nobody ever laid a finger on @pusha_t.."
 
Push replies, "Not a pinky nail&hellip;"
 
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<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">https://twitter.com/PUSHA_T/status/1775308055028138100?s=20</div>
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Pusha T Reacts To Drake’s ‘Mob Talk’; Seemingly Reignites Beef

Uncle Luke

In a recent interview with Stephen Smith, Uncle Luke shared more thoughts on Diddy's recent <a href="https://www.hot97.com/news/diddys-la-miami-homes-raided-sex-trafficking-probe/">home raids</a> and <a href="https://www.hot97.com/news/diddy-speaks-out-for-the-first-time-following-multiple-sexual-assault/">allegations</a> and compared them to Kanye West's controversies.
 
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<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">https://twitter.com/ArtOfDialogue_/status/1773834619806261672?s=20</div>
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Uncle Luke expressed doubts about Diddy's ability to bounce back, saying, "Literally take the handcuffs off me and then you better P. Diddy you, I brought a P Diddy."
 
He also brought up Kanye West, suggesting that in the music industry, there's always a chance for a comeback. However, he seemed more skeptical about Diddy's prospects, mentioning issues with sample clearances.
 
According to Uncle Luke, Kanye is struggling with getting records cleared and finding artists willing to collaborate. He emphasized the importance of features in today's music landscape, noting that artists often rely on collaborations for success.
 
Regarding Diddy's raid &amp; legal issues, Uncle Luke expressed concern that the legal issues could tarnish his reputation. He speculated that Diddy might need to mend relationships and seek support from allies to make a comeback.
 
Uncle Luke also highlighted the challenges of dealing with law enforcement, especially on a federal level. He suggested that Diddy's past statements and controversies could complicate his situation further.
 
In conclusion, Uncle Luke's interview sheds light on the complexities of Diddy and Kanye's situations. While Kanye may face challenges in the music industry, Diddy's legal issues &amp; recent raid present a different set of obstacles to overcome. Only time will tell how both artists navigate their respective challenges and whether they can make successful comebacks.

Uncle Luke’s Take On Diddy’s Raid And Kanye West’s Controversial Remarks

Lizzo

<a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/lizzo-wants-to-be-a-supermodel-instead-of-a-singer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lizzo</a> is clarifying remarks she made about quitting her music career, causing a stir on social media.
 
On Tuesday (April 2), the 'About Damn Time' singer revisited her comments, prompted by an outpouring of support from fans, who urged her to reconsider.
 
&ldquo;I wanted to make this video because I just need to clarify when I say &lsquo;I quit,&rsquo; I mean I quit giving any negative energy attention,&rdquo; Lizzo begins in a new video shared on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5RWyNRvD91/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>. &ldquo;What I&rsquo;m not going to quit is the joy of my life, which is making music and connecting to people. And I know I&rsquo;m not alone. In no way shape or form am I the only person experiencing that negative voice that&rsquo;s louder than the positive.&rdquo;
 
She continued, &ldquo;If I can just give one person the inspiration or motivation to stand up for themselves and say they quit letting negative people, negative comments win then I&rsquo;ve done even more than Icould&rsquo;ve hoped for. I&rsquo;m going to keep moving forward and keep being me.&rdquo;
 
Check out her latest statement below.
 
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<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">https://twitter.com/PopBase/status/1775249122918109323?s=20</div>
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We previously reported that the Detroit-bred entertainer shocked fans following what appeared to be a retirement announcement. On Friday (March 29), amid her ongoing,<a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/lizzo-sexual-assault-lawsuit-put-on-ice-by-california-judge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;jaw-dropping sexual assault and harassment lawsuit</a> aired her grievances online, prompting her to take a step back from the music industry.
 
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m getting tired of putting up with getting dragged by everyone in my life and on the internet,&rdquo; she begins in&nbsp;the statement.
 
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m constantly up against lies being told about me for clout &amp; views &hellip; being the butt of the joke every single time because of how I look &hellip; my character being picked apart by people who don&rsquo;t know me and disrespecting my name.&rdquo;
 
&ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t sign up for this shit &ndash; I QUIT,&rdquo; she declared.
 
Last August, Lizzo was sued by three former backup dancers &mdash; Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez &mdash; alleging a &ldquo;toxic work environment.&rdquo;
 
Despite the case being temporarily stayed, she's vigorously maintained her innocence, challenging a January ruling that denied her motion to dismiss.

Lizzo Backtracks Comments ‘I Quit’ Music

Sexyy Red

As spring blooms,<a href="https://www.hot97.com/news/sexyy-red-says-shes-the-modern-day-boosie/"> Sexyy Red </a>has debuted a striking new look. While she's often recognized for her vibrant red hair, she's not afraid to dabble in other colors like pink and yellow.
 
Yet, her recent change might catch you off guard. On <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sexyyred/?img_index=1">Instagram</a>, she shared a video and photo flaunting her sleek black pixie cut.
 
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This bold departure from her usual style marks a notable shift for Sexyy, signaling a new phase in her fashion journey.
 
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<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">https://www.instagram.com/p/C5QApdeuAgT/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet</div>
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In her post, she captioned it "BETTY BOOP 🍒." The resemblance between the two is unmistakable with Sexyy's new hairstyle. Let's also remember that Betty Boop herself sports red.