In 2017, podcast personality Taxstone, born Daryl Campbell, was arrested by U.S. Marshals New York, New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force and NYPD in connection to the shooting that took place at Irving Plaza back in 2016 which resulted in the death of Troy Ave’s bodyguard,  Ronald “Banga” McPhatter, and rapper Troy Ave being arrested, in which the rapper was freed on $500,000 bail.

Campbell was arrested in January 2017 after his DNA was found on the 9 mm handgun used in the shooting. He has remained incarcerated since, after being denied $500,000 bail, and pleading guilty to two federal weapons counts. However, it has now been revealed that he is facing murder, attempted murder, assault and weapons possession charges.

On Monday, March 13, Campbell was seen for the first time since his incarceration in the Manhattan Supreme Court room as he watch rapper Troy Ave, born Roland Collins, give his account of what happened during the shooting on May 25, 2016.

The NY Post, who was in the courtroom, gives a breakdown of Collins’ testimony where the rapper says he had to fight for his life.

“It looks like if you see people wrestle in high school wrestling — that type of position,” said Collins. “When the shot goes off I see the light from the spark and I hear the shot,” he testified. “This is all happening fast. I get up and start fighting Taxstone, trying to take him, grab the gun, and another shot goes off. I put my leg up to kind of block the shot from hitting me in the face or chest.”

Campbell then reportedly shot Collins in both legs. “I got up,” Collins said. “I’d rather die fighting. People die from leg shots. I’d rather die fighting than laying on the ground. I got up immediately.”

When Collins’ gun misfired, it was then that he noticed his bodyguard, McPhatter, laying face down on the ground.

“I rolled his body over and I’m like, ‘Banga, get up. Come on.’ I’m smacking him, like, ‘C’mon bro. Get up,’” Collins testified. “And his eyes were rolling to the back of his head. His shirt was red so I could tell he got shot.”

Fresh off the release of her brand new single “Red Ruby Da Sleeze,” Nicki Minaj returned to Queen Radio on Friday, March 3, via Amp where she announced that she is launching her own record label under Republic Records.

With Paddy Dukes serving as A&R, Nicki Minaj gave us some insight as to why she started the label.

“I have a record label now,” Nicki said. “I want to do it right ’cause you know when I get behind an artist, y’all know how I do shit for people that’s not even signed to me. Imagine what I’ma do for the ones that’s signed.”

Nicki will reveal the name of the label on the next episode of Queen Radio, but has announced her roster includes London Hill, Nana Fofie, Rico Danna, and Tate Kobang, who wrote the hook and is also featured on “Red Ruby Da Sleeze.”

iHeartMedia’s Black Effect Podcast Festival is officially taking place on April 22, 2023 at Pullman Yards in Atlanta, Georgia.

Hosted by Charlamagne Tha God and Jess Hilarious, the one-day event will feature live recordings of The 85 South Show, WHOREible Decisions and Big Facts. The festival will also feature a joint recording of Reasonable Shady and Checking In with Michelle Williams.

“In 2023, Black creators are at the forefront of a movement reverberating across today’s cultural landscape, and we’re excited to bring this to life for the community at The Black Effect Podcast Festival in Atlanta this spring,” said Charlamagne Tha God about the festival.

“With this festival we want to inspire and uplift new and aspiring podcasters while also showcasing the incredible voices on The Black Effect Podcast Network.”

Tickets for the third annual event will go on sale at 1 pm EST on Wednesday, March 1, 2023

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