i'm only posting this

because the grey lady said, 'bling-encrusted'............A Money Scandal That's Rocking Hip-Hop

GABRIELE T. SMITH seemed to carry an all-access pass to rap music's circles of power. Usually decked out in designer clothes, she vacationed with the music supercouple Jay-Z and Beyoncé in the Caribbean. She dined at Mr. Chow in Manhattan. She traveled in style to the N.B.A.'s All-Star game. In fact, Ms. Smith had nestled so comfortably into the bling-encrusted embrace of the industry's heavyweights that she established herself as the money manager to the stars. At major investment houses and then through her own company, Premier Business Management L.L.C. in New York, Ms. Smith built a client list that included the president of the Def Jam Recordings label, rap stars like Fabolous and DJ Clue, and an assortment of wealthy young music executives. These days, however, many of those same executives and artists are accusing Ms. Smith, a 35-year-old stockbroker and former talent scout, of running an elaborate hustle. In lawsuits filed against her and the banks where she maintained accounts, former clients say Ms. Smith stole more than $3 million, using some of their money to pay other investors and pocketing the rest.............