Jonathan Landrum Jr

Duane “Keffe D” Davis’s trial over the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur is moving to closing arguments after the defense rested. Retired Las Vegas detective Dan Long testified that he could not independently verify several details Davis provided, including claims about Orlando Anderson’s hospital treatment and the rental of a white Cadillac. Prosecutors argued that Davis’s account was consistent with information investigators had already developed and said he orchestrated the killing in retaliation for a casino fight. Davis, who did not testify, has pleaded not guilty; prosecutors rested after calling 24 witnesses, and closing arguments are scheduled before jury deliberations.

Prosecutors have rested their case against Duane “Keffe D” Davis in the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur after presenting excerpts from Davis’s interviews and jail calls. The prosecution alleges Davis orchestrated the shooting in retaliation for a casino brawl, while a former Compton gang detective testified that Davis’s authority would have been required for the alleged shooter to act. The defense argues there is no physical or phone evidence placing Davis at the scene or proving he ordered the attack and characterizes his statements as fabricated bravado. Defense testimony is expected to begin next.

Former Compton police detective Robert Ladd testified that Duane “Keffe D” Davis was a senior South Side Compton Crips leader who would have had to authorize the shooting of Tupac Shakur. Prosecutors allege Davis orchestrated the killing in retaliation for a casino fight involving his nephew, Orlando Anderson, and argue that Davis’s own statements support the case. The defense emphasized that investigators found no physical or phone evidence placing Davis at the scene or proving he ordered the attack, characterizing his accounts as fabricated bravado. The prosecution was expected to conclude its case shortly, followed by the defense and closing arguments.

Storm Reid is expanding from acting into music, releasing her singles “Clean Sweep” and “Shotty” independently through her label, 1720 Music. She hopes her songs reveal a more candid and relatable side of her life while allowing her greater creative control and the opportunity to support other artists. Reid plans to develop a first EP after completing Teyana Taylor’s film “Get Lite,” while continuing acting projects including Netflix’s “Roommates.”

At 60, Oakland hip-hop pioneer Too $hort continues recording and touring, rejecting the idea that rappers must retire as they age. His 23rd studio album, “Sir Too $hort Vol. 2: Drink & Smoke,” is produced entirely by longtime collaborator Lil Jon and includes work by Lil Jon’s late son, DJ Young Slade. Too $hort reflects on the lasting popularity of “Blow the Whistle,” the importance of preserving Slade’s legacy, and his desire to keep performing alongside fellow Bay Area artist E-40 until “the wheels fall off.”

Druski will host the BET Awards live from Los Angeles, becoming the youngest host in the ceremony’s history and surpassing Kevin Hart’s 2011 record. Cardi B leads the nominations with six, followed by Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist with five each, while numerous major artists are scheduled to perform. Lauryn Hill will receive the Living Legend Icon Award, Teyana Taylor the Icon of the Year Award, and music executive Sylvia Rhone the Ultimate Icon Award. The ceremony will also feature special categories recognizing creators and fashion’s cultural influence.

Microdramas—vertically shot, one-to-three-minute serialized stories designed for smartphones—are expanding from China into the U.S. entertainment industry. Issa Rae’s Hoorae Media found early success with TikTok-backed thriller Screen Time, which drew nearly 75 million views in its first week, while Peacock, Fox Entertainment, TelevisaUnivision, HartBeat and other major players pursue the format. The model offers lower costs, faster production, direct audience access and opportunities for creators to retain ownership, though platforms are spending heavily on marketing as competition grows. Independent creator Kountry Wayne illustrates the format’s potential, reportedly generating billions of views while rejecting major licensing offers. Festivals such as the American Black Film Festival are also using microdramas as a proving ground for emerging filmmakers and potential longer-form projects.

“Gracie’s Corner,” an educational animated music series created by Javoris Hollingsworth, Arlene Gordon-Hollingsworth and their daughter Graceyn, will debut on Disney+ after attracting more than 6.3 million YouTube subscribers and nearly 10 billion views. Disney acquired global streaming and linear rights to more than 120 shorts and 18 compilations and will develop new original content with the family. The series combines early-learning lessons with hip-hop, R&B and contemporary music, while featuring Black characters and family experiences that its creators felt were underrepresented in preschool programming. It will remain available on YouTube, with the Hollingsworths retaining ownership of the brand.

Leon Thomas will receive ASCAP’s Vanguard Award on June 25 in Los Angeles for his contribution to the future of R&B, following previous recipients including Victoria Monét, Migos and Janelle Monáe. The three-time Grammy winner began as a Broadway child performer and later gained recognition on Nickelodeon’s “Victorious” before becoming a songwriter, producer and solo artist. His work includes co-writing SZA’s Grammy-winning “Snooze” and releasing the 2024 album “Mutt,” whose title track reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Radio Songs chart and was certified double platinum. Thomas has since won Grammys for best R&B album and best traditional R&B performance, released the EP “PHOLKS” and begun touring select markets with Bruno Mars.

The Library of Congress has selected 25 recordings for the 2026 National Recording Registry, citing their cultural, historical or aesthetic importance to America’s recorded sound heritage. New inductees include Taylor Swift’s album “1989,” Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” Chaka Khan’s “I Feel for You,” Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High on That Mountain” and The Go-Go’s “Beauty and the Beat.” The class also includes works by Ray Charles, Reba McEntire, Rosanne Cash, Weezer and others, along with the “Doom” soundtrack and a broadcast of Muhammad Ali’s 1971 fight with Joe Frazier. Swift and Beyoncé are entering the registry for the first time, following more than 3,000 public nominations.

Sports Illustrated is launching SI Beyond the Pitch, a four-city concert and VIP fan experience series timed to the World Cup in Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami and New York. Nelly will headline the June 12 kickoff in Los Angeles, Gordo will perform in Dallas on June 20, The Chainsmokers will headline Miami on June 26, and 50 Cent and Diplo will close the series in New York on July 18. The initiative expands Sports Illustrated’s investment in premium live entertainment after the success of its SI The Party event during Super Bowl weekend.

Druski will host the 2026 BET Awards on June 28 at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, becoming the youngest emcee in the ceremony’s 25-year history at age 31. He succeeds Kevin Hart, who held the distinction after hosting in 2011. Known for viral sketches, improvisational comedy, sold-out tours and high-profile collaborations, Druski was praised by BET executive Connie Orlando for his culturally rooted connection with audiences. Jesse Collins Entertainment will produce the ceremony, which celebrates Black achievement across music, film, television and sports.