Shaquille O’Neal threw shade and a stopwatch at Klay Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion’s romance during a recent podcast taping, calling time on their relationship with a blunt “six weeks.”
Joined by co-host Adam Lefkoe and guest Mike Tyson, the NBA Hall of Famer gave the couple a shelf life shorter than a carton of milk.
“Shaq, did you see the news about the new hot couple?” Lefkoe asked, kicking off the conversation about the Dallas Mavericks guard and the Grammy-winning rapper.
Tyson, seemingly out of the loop, asked, “Who’s Klay Thompson, though?” prompting Lefkoe to fill him in: “He’s now on the Mavericks and he’s with Megan Thee Stallion.”
That’s when O’Neal delivered his now-viral prediction: “Six weeks.”
Tyson disagreed, suggesting the pair might have more staying power than Shaq was willing to admit.
The chatter comes weeks after Thompson and Megan made their first public appearance as a couple at the Pete & Thomas Foundation Gala in New York City on July 16.
Megan, who founded the organization in honor of her late parents, called Thompson the “nicest person I’ve ever met in my life.”
Speculation about their relationship began earlier this year when social media users noticed Thompson in the background of Megan’s Instagram Stories, lounging near a pool.
Thompson, who signed a three-year, $50 million deal with the Mavericks in July 2023, has kept quiet about the relationship, letting their red-carpet moment do the talking.
As for Shaq’s six-week timer, the clock is ticking.
Waka Flocka Flame was kicked out of Montauk’s Surf Lodge after a heated confrontation with security over entry restrictions, capping off a night that started with a nearby performance.
The veteran rapper, known for hits like “No Hands,” arrived at the popular Hamptons venue with a 14-person entourage just as fire marshals were limiting access due to crowd control.
Instead of waiting, the group reportedly tried to enter through a side door. When a security guard intervened, Waka Flocka Flame allegedly lashed out.
According toPage Six, “He was saying, ‘Go f### yourself, you’re a dick.'” Despite the outburst, the group was eventually let inside.
Management attempted to cool tensions by explaining the guard was just doing his job, but the situation escalated further when Waka allegedly shouted, “I’m worth $20 million. Do you know who I am?”
That remark reportedly sealed his fate and staff asked him to leave the venue. Earlier that evening, Waka and his crew had performed at Bounce Beach Club, also located in Montauk.
In a statement to Page Six, Surf Lodge management said, “It’s simply not OK to treat staff with disrespect, no matter who you are.”
The venue, known for attracting celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Jon Bon Jovi and Malia Obama, has long been a summer hotspot in the Hamptons.
Beyoncé honored the late Malcolm-Jamal Warner with a heartfelt tribute after the actor and musician died at 54 while vacationing with family in Costa Rica.
The Grammy-winning singer shared a black-and-white photo of Warner as a teen on her official website, writing, “Rest in power, Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Thanks for being a big part of our shared television history. You will be missed.”
Tracee Ellis Ross also remembered Warner, her co-star from BET’s Reed Between the Lines, with a personal message and photos of the two from their time on set.
“I love you, Malcolm,” she wrote. “First, I met you as Theo with the rest of the world, then you were my first TV husband. My heart is deeply saddened. What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant. You made the world a brighter place. Sending so much love to your family. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss.”
Warner rose to prominence in the 1980s as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, a role that made him a household name.
Over the years, he continued acting in series like Malcolm & Eddie and The Resident, where he worked with Morris Chestnut, who also paid tribute.
“I’m heartbroken,” Chestnut wrote. “He brought so much depth, warmth, and wisdom to every scene and every conversation. One of the nicest in the business. Rest easy, brother. Your legacy lives on.”
NBA icon Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie shared their condolences in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.
“Cookie and I are sad to hear about the passing of our dear friend Malcolm-Jamal Warner. We were both super fans of the hit Cosby Show and continued to follow his career on shows like Malcolm and Eddie and The Resident,” Johnson said. “Every time I ran into Malcolm, we would have deep and fun conversations about basketball, life, and business. He will truly be missed. Cookie and I are praying his family and close friends during this difficult time.”
Warner is survived by his wife and daughter, whose identities he kept private throughout his career.
Cookie and I are sad to hear about the passing of our dear friend Malcolm-Jamal Warner. We were both super fans of the hit Cosby Show and continued to follow his career on shows like Malcolm and Eddie and The Resident. Every time I ran into Malcolm, we would have deep and fun…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 21, 2025
Kid ‘n Play and Jungle Brothers will headline a star-studded class of Hip-Hop legends being honored at the National Hip-Hop Museum’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on August 23 at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre in Washington D.C. Joining them are fellow pioneers DJ Red Alert, Dana Dane, Kwamé Sweet, Tee and DJ Hollywood.
The induction isn’t just a one-night celebration like past events. For the first time ever, the Museum is launching a full week of interactive and all-ages events from August 18 to 22. The programming is in collaboration with the Downtown D.C. Business Improvement District and the Woolly Mammoth Theatre.
The free series—dubbed “Hip-Hop Happy Hours”—will include rare artifacts, DJ battles, graffiti competitions, breakdancing showcases and daily cash prizes.
“Bringing a week-long activation interactive exhibit and The National Hip-Hop Honors to the Historic Woolly Mammoth Theatre is an amazing partnership that we’re excited about” NHHM founder Jeremy Beaver said. “We’re grateful to the Downtown D.C. BID for helping to bring some of the biggest Hip-Hop icons to the nation’s capital to be honored and perform.”
Artifacts from Hip-Hop’s Golden Era will be on display during the “Happy Hours” each evening. Highlights include original Gold and Platinum plaques worn stage outfits vintage posters and KRS-ONE’s “Hip-Hop Declaration of Peace.”
Master Gee, known as a member of The Sugarhill Gang, told AllHipHop, “This will be one of our most memorable induction ceremonies as we honor Kid ‘n Play on the 35th Anniversary of their movie House Party. Their cultural impact on American music cannot be overstated when it comes to music, movies, dance and cartoons.”
Here’s a breakdown of the themed week:
Aug. 18 – MC Monday: Freestyle open mic with $250 prize
Aug. 19 – Turntable Tuesday: DJ mix-off with $250 prize
Aug. 20 – Wild Style Wednesday: Graffiti art battle with $250 prize
Aug. 21 – B-Boy & B-Girl Thursday: Breakdancing forum with DJ B Blast and $250 prize
Aug. 22 – Grown Folks Friday: 18+ dance party with DJ B Blast and pop-up Hip-Hop shop
The venue will transform into a Hip-Hop hub from noon to 10 p.m. ET, kicking off with The Beat Konductaz Beat Battle hosted by Rapper Big Pooh and Apollo Brown. Simultaneously, NHHM’s DJ DVS will sculpt a cake into a custom Hip-Hop dessert while resident artist Kevin “Scene” Lewis paints live tribute pieces for each inductee.
At 4 p.m. ET, the red carpet will open for press and VIPs followed by a podcast featuring the inductees hosted by Grandmaster Caz. A formal reading of the Mayor’s Proclamation by D.C. BID President Gerren Price and a spiritual blessing by Dr. Ansel “Preach” Augustine will precede the 7 p.m. ET induction ceremony.
Hosted by Master Gee of The Sugarhill Gang the event will feature speeches by DJ RBI and Jay Quan and fashion presentations from NHHM Fashion Director Neil Taylor with handcrafted medallions by Bucky Davis.
The night concludes with a concert featuring performances by Dana Dane, Kwamé, Jungle Brothers with DJ Red Alert and a headline set by Kid ‘n Play.
Hunter Biden stirred the pot with a comparison between crack cocaine and alcohol during a new interview, prompting a one-word reaction from Pusha T that lit up social media.
In a sit-down with Andrew Callaghan for Channel 5, Biden opened up about his past drug use, his father’s decision to step down from the 2024 presidential race and his own legal battles.
But it was his remarks about crack cocaine that sparked the most chatter.
“Does crack cocaine make you act any differently? No, is it safer than alcohol? Probably,” Biden said. He argued that the physical effects of crack were less dangerous than the environments he had to enter to obtain it.
“You can go to your neighborhood convenience store. I don’t want to tell people how to make crack cocaine,” he added.
Biden also said he was drinking heavily while using crack, calling alcohol the “most harmful substance” he had ever encountered. He emphasized the combined toll of both addictions.
Beyond the health concerns, Biden addressed how crack is perceived in society.
“People think of crack as being dirty,” he said. “It’s the exact opposite. When you make crack, what you’re doing is you’re burning off all the impurities so that it combined with the sodium bicarbonate, which makes it smokable.”
The quote quickly made its way to Pusha T, who responded on X with a one-word post: “Deep.”
The Clipse rapper’s reaction carried weight, considering his long history of referencing cocaine and crack in his music.
Alongside his brother Malice, Clipse built a reputation for vivid, coded narratives about drug dealing and street life.
Their albums, Lord Willin’, Hell Hath No Fury and their latest, Let God Sort Em Out, are often cited as Hip-Hop staples thanks to their detailed depictions of the cocaine trade.
Tracks like “Keys Open Doors” have become synonymous with Clipse’s lyrical focus on the drug game.
Social media users quickly weighed in on Pusha T’s “deep” remark, with some praising his restraint and others dissecting the irony of the moment, given his lyrical legacy.
“You probably served him back in the day and didn’t even know,” one user wrote. “I didn’t know Hunter was on the Clipse album roll out.. Respect bringing this authentic crack connoisseur,” another added.
You probably served him back in the day and didn’t even know
— Joseph Le Sauvage (@JoesInvestments) July 22, 2025
Ca$h Out was sentenced to life in prison plus 70 years by a Fulton County judge after being convicted on multiple charges tied to a sex trafficking ring that prosecutors say he led across metro Atlanta.
The former rapper, born John-Michael Hakim Gibson, was found guilty of rape, pimping and aggravated sodomy. He was convicted on two sex trafficking counts and acquitted on a third.
Additional charges, including sexual servitude and aggravated assault, were dismissed.
The court ordered that the 70-year sentence run concurrently with the life term, meaning he will not serve additional time beyond the life term.
Ca$h Out must also register as a sex offender, avoid contact with victims or their families and stay away from several locations in Atlanta, including the Fulton Industrial Boulevard corridor.
“I want to start out by thanking you for giving us a fair trial. I want to thank the jurors for the amount of time that they put in to judge this trial. The time being on this trial, I was able to see how the jurors are put in the tough position of sitting there and judge someone’s life. And, you know, it’s a hard decision, and I felt like they made the wrong judgment. I’ve done things in my life. I’m not perfect. But the things I’ve been accused of, I know that I haven’t done those things,” Ca$h Out said.
He was initially offered 25 years, but chose to gamble and take the case to trial and lost miserably.
During Monday’s sentencing (July 21), victims and their families delivered emotional statements describing the trauma they endured. One woman said she felt “disgusting” and “unlovable” after being trafficked.
Others spoke of long-term effects including PTSD, anxiety and depression.
The parents of one victim told the court that Ca$h Out used his celebrity status to manipulate and exploit.
The case revealed a years-long operation that prosecutors said functioned like a criminal enterprise. Authorities charged Ca$h Out under Georgia’s RICO laws, typically used for organized crime, arguing he ran a for-profit sex trafficking ring.
More than 50 witnesses testified throughout the trial. Some women said they were raped or denied food unless they performed sex acts for money.
Others said Ca$h Out or his mother took the money they earned.
Prosecutors also presented video evidence from a prostitution sting to highlight the structured nature of the operation.
Ca$h Out’s mother, Linda Smith, known as “Mama Ca$h Out,” was convicted of one trafficking charge but cleared of another and a prostitution count. She was hit with 30 years.
A third defendant, Tyrone Taylor, was found guilty on all charges except pimping, including rape and aggravated sodomy. Taylor received life plus 70 years.
Ca$h Out first rose to fame with the 2012 hit single “Cashin’ Out”, but had faded from the music scene by the time the investigation began in 2019.
Jadakiss set it off a few days ago. I just didn’t say anything. But I want it on the site as a matter of record!
He didn’t specify, but there’s a mysterious collaboration with Hip-Hop legend Big Daddy Kane. Something is officially in the works. While the LOX rapper didn’t offer full details, he confirmed during a recent conversation that something special is brewing. Remember, I said it before, because Kiss was educating his son on Kane.
While younger artists like Travis Scott are topping sales charts, it’s the veterans who are getting the acclaim. Tyler, the Creator, at the big age of 34, has been making noise with Don’t Tap the Glass, but he may soon have to slide over. Nas, Clipse, Raekwon and others have been reasserting their dominance in 2025. I love Tyler though. Jadakiss and Big Daddy Kane may be next and “ain’t no half steppin’” with either of them.
“I’ve talked about this before, but now it’s real,” Jadakiss, who took his time, said. He didn’t give specific details, but the confirmation itself is all we need. Whether it’s an album, a single, or something else…let’s go! What could two of Hip-Hop’s most respected wordsmiths cook up? This isn’t gonna be raw.
Jadakiss and Kane have crossed paths over the years and continue to show mutual admiration. Kane, who helped lay the foundation for lyrical excellence in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, still commands massive respect from every generation of rapper that followed. Jadakiss, known for his gritty delivery and razor-sharp bars, represents that perfect bridge between old school and street-certified contemporary rap.
By the way, Kiss just released a new song. So, with or without Kane, moves are being made.
It’s also part of a wider shift. OGs aren’t just sitting on their legacy—they’re evolving. This is an era where podcasts, tours and live conversations matter as much as mixtapes and albums. Artists like Jadakiss are proving they can talk, perform and still out-rap nearly everyone in the room.
But make no mistake: fans really want is the bars.
Right now, the elders in the culture are dominating not with nostalgia but with BARS. You can’t “vibe” your way out of this. A few years ago, the OGs were about shooting the 30-foot jumper. Not anymore. They are dunking on MFers with both hands.
The Cosby Show creator Bill Cosby reacted to the shocking news of Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s death at 54 from an accidental drowning.
Warner drowned in Costa Rica during a family vacation on Sunday (July 20), after he was caught in a high tide. His official cause of death has been listed as asphyxiation.
Warner rose to fame playing Theo Huxtable on NBC’s The Cosby Show, a role that made him a household name in the 1980s and earned him an Emmy nomination at just 16.
“He’s devastated and it’s a sad day,” Bill Cosby spokesperson Andrew Wyatt said in a statement.
Wyatt said the impact of Warner’s death on Bill Cosby was similar to when he got the news that his own son, Ennis Cosby Cosby, was killed in a failed robbery attempt.
Born August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Warner entered the entertainment industry as a teenager. His breakout role as Theo helped define a generation of television and launched a career that spanned more than four decades.
Following The Cosby Show, Warner starred in the UPN sitcom Malcolm & Eddie alongside Eddie Griffin, which ran for four seasons. He later appeared in recurring roles on shows like Community, Suits and The Resident, where he played Dr. AJ Austin.
Beyond acting, Warner built a reputation as a skilled director, helming episodes of The Cosby Show,All That and Malcolm & Eddie. He also pursued music, blending spoken word and jazz into his performances.
In 2015, Warner won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B; Performance for his contribution to Robert Glasper’s “Jesus Children” featuring Lalah Hathaway. The song honored the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
Throughout his career, Warner remained vocal about the importance of representation and creative control. He often used his platform to advocate for Black artists in Hollywood and the music industry.
His final television appearance aired earlier this year, continuing a steady presence on screen that began in the early 1980s.
Warner’s death comes just weeks before what would have been his 55th birthday.
History stood still over the weekend. The Wu-Tang Clan, one of the greatest hip-hop collectives music has ever seen, rocked the Wells Fargo Center in Philly for what was promoted as their final tour on U.S. soil. I was fortunate enough to be there. This wasn’t just a concert, it was a cultural communion. A moment of extreme reverence. A time capsule. A victory lap of the surreal sort. And, for many of us, it was a full-circle experience.
What unfolded was an unreal, masterfully orchestrated display of greatness. Wu-Tang Clan proved, once again, that they’re not just icons of Hip-Hop—they are the embodiment of all things Hip-Hop. LL COOL J was there. Lauryn Hill was there. Philly’s own Freeway was embraced like a hometown mayor. We, the fans, showed up in full force. It was a smorgasbord of humanity. Fans from every walk of life co-existing in peace. Every race, age, and background—Black, white, Asian, South Asian, Latino and more. Teenagers who weren’t born when Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) dropped were standing next to OGs from the ’70s. RZA asked the crowd when they were born and every era was represented—loud and proud.
It wasn’t lost on me that the show stuck strictly to Wu-Tang group material. There were no solo album joints performed. There were nine (10 if you include Cappadonna) distinct voices, nine philosophies, nine flows converging to form something otherworldly. RZA, the conductor, led the night like the general he’s proven to be. A couple times he poured champagne on the crowd, but it wasn’t offensive. It felt like a symbolic toast to a 30-year championship run by a proud coach.
The show flowed so fluidly. Meth played hype man for LL, Rae and Ghost shared the stage with Lauryn Hill and ODB’s son Young Dirty Bastard brought his father’s spirit back to life in the most uncanny way. But one misstep bothered me. Every member received a city proclamation…except Ol’ Dirty Bastard. That stung. If any spirit deserved formal acknowledgment, it was his. The essence of Wu isn’t whole without ODB. His son deserved to accept that honor on his behalf. In the past, I was blessed to meet and briefly interview him. He was so special.
Still, Wu’s legacy was on full display. From the sea of W logos on shirts, hoodies and jackets. This was a congregation and we were in church.
I thought back to my DJ days, spinning “Protect Ya Neck” on community radio, feeling like I was part of something seismic. Back then, Wu was targeting campuses and indie radio, building a grassroots base. Now, decades later, I’m playing The Emperor’s New Clothes, Raekwon’s new album, en route to see them in what may be their last collective stand. That’s wild.
This show also reminded us of how Hip-Hop can age gracefully. Not neutered and not overly clean. Stylish. Confident. Raekwon came out looking like a fashion week ambassador, but it was a reminder that that elder statesmen in Hip-Hop don’t have to wear suits to be dignified.
They also reminded us of responsibility and what being grown looks like after 50. RZA used his platform to speak on community violence, promoting unity and peace. He name-checked Biggie, Pac, Nip and others. Warriors are often meant to evolve into wise men.
I saw the brotherhood. When one MC faltered even slightly, another jumped in seamlessly. That’s real love: the very foundation Hip-Hop was built on.
They left nothing behind. They passed the torch and offered the blueprint. It’s up to us now to carry on the culture, to protect it, to honor the standard they set.
Wu-Tang taught us that being fly, being smart, being radical and being raw are not contradictions. They exist in the same cipher. Family is more than blood. It’s also the crew that goes to war with you, support you and the people that rally behind you when you need it the most.
Salute to the Wu-Tang Clan. Thank you. For the music. For the message. For the memories. You may never tour again, but the legacy will continue on.
People are really concerned. Over the weekend, Lil Wayne was supposed to walk a UFC fighter to the octagon, basically do a quick performance during the entrance. But that didn’t happen. Why it didn’t happen still remains a mystery. Folks quickly shifted their attention to something else entirely.
Lil Wayne’s physical appearance became the main focus. The Young Money king seemed to be carrying some noticeable weight. I’m not sure what else to say about his demeanor, but he just seemed a little off. And you know, we’ve watched Wayne evolve through the years. Some of us have been frustrated by his journey, while others have stayed loyal fans. One thing’s for sure: he’s been consistently dope that whole time—unless you hated this last album. Again, another story.
Lil Wayne has lived the life of a rockstar for most of his life. At 42, maybe some of those years are finally showing up physically. Or maybe not living that wild lifestyle anymore is what’s having an effect. Honestly, I don’t know. I’m not here to throw stones about what he has or hasn’t done, but let’s keep it a bean. He’s openly promoted a lifestyle that includes habits like sipping lean. And if you know what lean is, you know there’s nothing good that comes from it.
Hopefully he’s in good health and just packing on some extra weight like many OGs do. From lean…not so lean and it’s still hopefully all good.
We still don’t know why he didn’t perform at the UFC event, but maybe that was for the best. In today’s viral world, it could’ve easily turned into a bad look. I’m sure the performance would’ve been cool, but all it takes is one little clip for people to overanalyze it into oblivion—and that’s exactly what happened.
Diddy is facing a legal counterpunch from NBCUniversal, which has asked a judge to throw out his $100 million defamation lawsuit over a documentary that the network argues is protected by free speech and rooted in public interest.
The media giant, along with Peacock TV and Ample Entertainment, filed a motion to dismiss Diddy’s complaint, asserting that the documentary Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy neither defamed him nor caused new damage to his public image.
The film aired on Peacock in January 2025 and includes commentary on Diddy’s upbringing, career, and a series of lawsuits and criminal charges that have engulfed him in recent years.
Diddy filed the massive suit earlier this year, claiming the documentary falsely portrayed him as a violent predator and criminal mastermind.
NBC contends the film simply reflects a broader conversation already unfolding in the media.
NBC’s legal filing argues that Diddy’s reputation was already under intense scrutiny before the documentary aired and his July 2025 conviction on prostitution-related charges did nothing to help his arguments, not to mention the hundreds of civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault and abuse.
The lawsuit also takes issue with segments referencing the deaths of Diddy’s former partner Kimberly Porter and rappers Christopher “The Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace and Heavy D.
NBC says the film did not accuse Diddy of murder but instead explored public speculation and theories, many of which had already circulated through national outlets.
The network states that those statements originated from interviewees and were not endorsed by the producers.
Mitchell appeared on Newsmax with a client who claimed to possess flash drives showing Diddy with minors. Mitchell argues that Diddy’s reputation had already been “irreparably damaged” by his criminal case. Like Mitchell, NBC wants the judge to dismiss the case.
Diddy remains in custody while awaiting sentencing on October 3 after he was convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
50 Cent ignited a weekend war of words with Dave Blunt on Instagram while also launching a $1 million lawsuit against his ex-girlfriend Shaniqua Tompkins over alleged contract violations tied to tell-all content.
The rap mogul stirred controversy after posting a photo of Blunts with the caption, “Ye this ya manz? If I catch him im pushing down the stairs,” referencing Blunts’ connection to Kanye West. Blunts didn’t hold back, retaliating with a photo of 50 from his 2011 film, All Things Fall Apart, where he portrayed a college athlete battling a terminal illness.
“I been going to the gym and been locked in on my health journey the world is watching me lose weight,” Blunts wrote in the caption. “But you lost all that weight for that weak ass movie and nobody watched that s###.”
The back-and-forth quickly made its way to Instagram, where reactions ranged from disapproval to amusement. “Thats foul on 50s part that big ass n#### prolly grew up loving 50 cent,” one user commented. Another joked, “Stairs is diabolical bro can’t stand on one he gon break it.”
While the online spat grabbed attention, 50 Cent—real name Curtis Jackson—was also making headlines for legal reasons. According to court filings obtained by AllHipHop, his publishing company, G-Unit Books, is suing Tompkins for allegedly breaching a 2007 agreement by promoting and discussing their past relationship in recent interviews.
“Capitalizing on her recent notoriety from a ‘viral’ post commenting on testimony in the high-profile ‘Diddy’ trial, Tompkins has repeatedly and deliberately exploited the very rights she conveyed to G-Unit Books,” the complaint states.
The lawsuit seeks to halt the distribution of the content and demands $1 million in damages. Tompkins has appeared in multiple interviews in recent months, where she accused 50 Cent of abuse during her pregnancy and throughout their relationship in the 1990s.
The legal filing was submitted earlier this month.
Malcom-Jamal Warner has died at age 54 following what sources say was an accidental drowning. According to a report from PEOPLEon Monday (July 21), Warner was on a family vacation in Costa Rica and drowned while swimming.
The actor, best known for playing Theo Huxtable on the hit NBC sitcom The Cosby Show across all eight seasons, was reportedly found unresponsive, though no official cause of death has been confirmed by authorities.
Warner rose to fame in the 1980s as the youngest son of Cliff and Clair Huxtable, a role that earned him an Emmy nomination and made him a household name.
“I know I can speak for all the cast when I say The Cosby Show is something that we are all still very proud of,” Warner once told PEOPLE of the show. “We share a unique experience that keeps us lovingly bonded no matter how much time goes between seeing or hearing from each other.”
Warner acknowledged how the show’s legacy had changed given the allegations made against Cosby, who was convicted of sexual assault in 2018 but later had the charge overturned in 2021,
“Regardless of how some people may feel about the show now, I’m still proud of the legacy and having been a part of such an iconic show that had such a profound impact on — first and foremost, Black culture — but also American culture,” Warner added.
In his late teens, Warner began directing music videos for acts like New Edition and Special Ed and went on to direct episodes of The Cosby Show, All That and Kenan & Kel. He later co-starred in the UPN comedy Malcolm & Eddie and lent his voice to the animated series The Magic School Bus, where he played the character of the classmate Tim.
In addition to acting, Warner built a respected career in music and spoken word. He won a Grammy Award in 2015 for Best Traditional R&B Performance for his work on Robert Glasper’s Jesus Children alongside Lalah Hathaway. Warner also directed several television episodes and short films over the years, showcasing his range behind the camera.
Most recently, Warner had been hosting a podcast titled “Not All Hood,” which explored themes of identity, culture and personal growth. The most recent episode was released just three days prior to his death. Warner was known for keeping his personal life out of the spotlight. He’s survived by his wife and daughter, whose names he never publicly disclosed.
Tyler, the Creator announced Don’t Tap the Glass mere days ago and now it is here. The Grammy Award-winning creative has done it again, guys. Tyler was vague about what this album was and he seemed to imply that it wasn’t like anything he’s done in the past.
Now we know what it is—a dance album. There are a lot of House vibes mixed with rap. I’m not mad at this. We know that Tyler is a genre-bender. He took time to explain himself and what he wants to accomplish with this project. (If you see “typos,” that’s because his statement is unedited.)
I ASKED SOME FRIENDS WHY THEY DONT DANCE IN PUBLIC AND SOME SAID BECAUSE OF THE FEAR OF BEING FILMED. I THOUGHT DAMN, A NATURAL FORM OF EXPRESSION AND A CERTAIN CONECTION THEY HAVE WITH MUSIC IS NOW A GHOST. IT MADE ME WONDER HOW MUCH OF OUR HUMAN SPIRIT GOT KILLED BECAUSE OF THE FEAR OF BEING A MEME, ALL FOR HAVING A GOOD TIME, I JUST GOT BACK FROM A ‘LISTENING PARTY’ FOR THIS ALBUM AND MAN WAS IT ONE OF THE GREATEST NITES OF MY LIFE. 300 PEOPLE. NO PHONES ALLOWED. NO CAMERAS, JUST SPEAKERS AND A SWEATBOX. EVERYONE WAS DANCING. MOVING, EXPRESSING, SWEATING. IT WAS TRULY BEAUTIFUL. I PLAYED THE ALBUM FRONT TO BACK TWICE, IT FELT LIKE THAT PENT UP ENERGY FINALLY GOT RELEASED AND WE CRAVED THE IDEA OF LETTING MORE OF IT OUT THERE WAS A FREEDOM THAT FILLED THE ROOM, A BALL OF ENERGY THAT MIGHT NOT TRANSLATE TO EVERY SPEAKER THAT PLAYS THIS ALBUM BUT MAN DID THAT ROOM NAIL IT. THIS ALBUM WAS NOT MADE FOR SITTING STILL. DANCING DRIVING RUNNING ANY TYPE OF MOVEMENT IS RECOMMENDED TO MAYBE UNDERSTAND THE SPIRIT OF IT. ONLY AT AT FULL VOLUME
– Tyler
Tyler has longevity because he pulls elements from different genres but makes it his. You can’t box this dude in, much like Pharrell. He has a very unique sound and loves music. What’s interesting is Don’t Tap the Glasssupposedly has no theme or concept. We’ll be talking about it, but the consensus is there’s a theme.
Don’t Tap The Glass is not CHROMAKOPIA. And that is a good thing!
The album rollout might feel familiar to last year’s CHROMAKOPIA. That project also hit on a Monday morning, but Tyler’s said previously this release stands in contrast to the cinematic vibes of that project. The visuals for Don’t Tap the Glass seems to be a nod to legends like LL COOL J, Ludacris and 50 Cent. These hints of gritty lyricism isn’t what the project is. At least that’s what I think for now. Clipse show up in the video below.
Ksoo is set to face trial in Jacksonville for the 2019 killing of 16-year-old rapper Bibby, while his own father prepares to take the stand against him.
Jury selection started on Monday (July 21) for the murder trial of Ksoo (real name Hakeem Robinson) who’s accused of gunning down Adrian Gainer (also known as Bibby) in a case that has drawn intense scrutiny due to its family entanglements and gang affiliations.
Ksoo, 26, is currently being held in Duval County Jail and is also awaiting trial for the 2020 killing of rival rapper Charles McCormick Jr., better known as Lil Buck.
The shooting occurred in broad daylight outside a Jacksonville shopping plaza and was allegedly captured on dash-cam video.
The trial for Lil Buck’s death is running parallel to pretrial hearings in the Bibby case, where Ksoo is charged with first-degree murder. Both killings are reportedly tied to a violent feud between the ATK and KTA gangs, which have been locked in a deadly rivalry across Jacksonville’s Hip-Hop scene.
Robinson Sr. previously addressed his decision to cooperate in a now-deleted Instagram post, writing, “If it was me and my Daddy (Shaka tip) in a situation like this, I would’ve been freed my daddy along time ago. NO MATTER WHAT MY CONSEQUENCES WOULD’VE BEEN(no justification needed).”
He continued, “Especially if he’s a good/great daddy(datpart) He could do more for me out of jail than in jail/prison!!!! WHO LEAVE THERE DADDY IN JAIL TO ROT??? ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU KNOW HE INNOCENT.”
Ksoo’s brother, Abdul Robinson Jr., is also charged in Bibby’s murder and is awaiting trial on second-degree murder charges.
Authorities believe the killings were part of a string of retaliatory shootings between ATK, aligned with rapper Yungeen Ace, and KTA, a group once led by Julio Foolio, who was fatally shot in Tampa on June 23.
The Bibby murder trial is expected to begin in full following the conclusion of jury selection in the Lil Buck case.
Jim Jones admitted that he overlooked three future superstars—Drake, J. Cole, and The Weeknd —claiming he had a chance to sign each artist but passed for various reasons.
Speaking on “The Art of Dialogue,” Jones opened up about the missed opportunities that could have altered the course of his executive legacy.
“J. Cole used to be in my studio all the time. I can’ say that wholeheartedly, and then Drake, Alan Grunblatt [Koch VP] let me hear some of his music. But I kept telling him [Grunblatt] he [Drake] had no image. I didn’t understand it, it didn’t connect, but he could rap his ass off,” Jim Jones revealed.
As for The Weeknd, Jones said a personal tragedy clouded what could have been a major business move. He explained that he flew to Canada to meet the Toronto singer, but the timing couldn’t have been worse.
That same day, his close friend and fellow rapper Stack Bundles was shot and killed. Jones said he wasn’t in the right mental space to make decisions.
Before anyone dismisses his story as revisionist history, it’s worth noting that Jones was in a legitimate position to sign all three artists. As a top executive at Koch, he had the authority and platform to bring them on board.
His own success at the label—through albums like On My Way to Church and Hustler’s P.O.M.E.—helped elevate Koch’s status in the industry. Still, Jones said he doesn’t dwell on what could’ve been.
“Would it have been nice? Yeah, that might have been dope. But who knows, they might have not had the success that was given to them from the work they put in if it would have went through the channels that I had to offer,” Jim Jones said.
Nessa Diab, also known as Nessa Nitty on Hot 97, linked two of the most controversial names in Hip-Hop and sports this week—Nicki Minaj and Colin Kaepernick.
A blistering new video accuses Roc Nation of orchestrating a pattern of sabotage behind the scenes.
The longtime radio host and partner of Colin Kaepernick hosted a nearly 10-minute clip on X on Saturday. The video, titled “Not new to this, ” Diab claimed Roc Nation has engaged in a long-running smear campaign against Kaep and Nicki Minaj.
Minaj’s recent viral accusations against Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez and JAY-Z provided the spark for Nessa. She said what Minaj is dealing with echoes what she and Kaepernick lived through.
“It triggered me,” Nessa said, “They did it to Colin. They’re doing it to her.”
Nessa’s central grievance remains Roc Nation’s 2019 deal with the NFL—a move pitched as a partnership for social justice and entertainment but widely criticized for sidestepping the NFL’s treatment of Kaepernick. The former 49ers quarterback was effectively frozen out of the league after kneeling during the national anthem in protest of police brutality in 2016.
Hi everyone. If you’re wondering why I readdressed previous issues with Jay Z, Desiree Perez + Roc Nation recently, it’s because I saw @NICKIMINAJ sharing her experiences of dealing with similar smear campaigns from them and people questioning her. I believe what she said,… pic.twitter.com/ShGFRWhDHP
“JAY-Z didn’t speak to Colin before doing that deal. They used that partnership to make it seem like Colin was the problem,” he says in the video.
She says she personally overheard a phone call between Kaepernick and Jay following the announcement of the NFL-Roc Nation partnership. According to her, Kaepernick made it clear he was blindsided and deeply disappointed. “Colin told him he was not okay with it. He felt blindsided. And I heard it,” she articulated in the video.
From Nessa’s point of view, Roc Nation’s maneuvering was about silencing dissent from the people. “He was ready. He was training every day. They just needed to pretend like he was the issue so they wouldn’t lose control of the story,” she continued.
Nessa also alleges that Roc Nation is using similar tactics to discredit Nicki Minaj. Minaj accused the company of stalking, defamation, and targeted harassment. “I saw myself in her posts,” Nessa said.
JAY-Z, Perez and Roc Nation have not publicly addressed Nessa’s claims.
She also said that a forthcoming documentary from Kaepernick will delve deeper into the matter.
Diddy is facing a new legal hurdle in his $50 million defamation lawsuit after Miami-based attorney Ariel Mitchell asked a federal judge to dismiss the case.
Mitchell, who briefly appeared on a NewsNation segment with Courtney Burgess, is accused by Diddy of helping spread what the Bad Boy founder calls “outrageous lies” about his alleged involvement in sex crimes.
The lawsuit, filed in January 2025, also names Burgess and Nexstar Media, which owns NewsNation, as co-defendants.
Burgess claimed during the interview that he received 11 flash drives from the late Kim Porter, which he said contained videos of celebrities participating in “Freakoffs” involving minors.
He also said he had 54 pages from Porter’s memoirs, which Porter’s kids said were fake.
Mitchell’s attorney, Steven A. Metcalf II, argued that her appearance on the program did not include any defamatory statements and that her role as an attorney shields her from liability.
“In addition to performing her role as an attorney for matters involving the preparation of litigation or for pending litigation, such vicarious attributions concerning Defendant Mitchell violate First Amendment principles separating actual speech from associative liability,” Metcalf said.
Mitchell is also arguing that the government’s seizure of the alleged flash drives with the videos supports her statements that she was basically telling the truth.
“Mitchell cannot be said to have acted with reckless disregard for the truth. Photos and videos were produced, leading to a federal subpoena for this specific material. Then the government or members of the Southern District acted in manner to take possession of said materials, and thus the government essentially vouched for its existence of said materials,” Metcalf added.
Diddy has denied all allegations, stating that the claims are fabricated. His lawsuit alleges that the defendants orchestrated a media campaign that harmed his business and personal life.
Mitchell’s legal filing asserts that even if her comments were damaging, they are protected under the legal immunity for attorneys, unless actual malice can be proven.
Diddy was found guilty on two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution on July 2, 2025, after a months-long federal trial in New York.
“The evidence elicited at trial was extreme to the point where any living person’s reputation would be affected from such…while I salute his criminal defense team – the fact relevant here is that there are countless of other individuals with actual sexual allegations against Plaintiff, where any statement Mitchell made is pale in comparison and is merely a drop in the bucket,” Metcalf argued.
Travis Scott and his JACKBOYS collective stormed to the top of the Billboard 200 with JACKBOYS 2, which debuted at No. 1 after racking up roughly 232,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. for the week ending July 17, according to Luminate.
The project not only claimed the top spot on the Billboard 200 but also led the Top Album Sales chart with more than 160,000 pure album sales. It marked the biggest sales week for a rap album since Scott’s Days Before Rodeo moved 331,000 units on the chart dated September 7, 2024. The seven-track digital release dropped Friday (July 18), followed by a 17-song expanded edition and a 20-track version that hit digital platforms on the final day of the tracking week.
JACKBOYS 2 also generated 94.86 million on-demand official streams, translating to 72,000 streaming equivalent album (SEA) units. Track equivalent album (TEA) units made up a negligible amount. The album debuted at No. 4 on the Top Streaming Albums chart.
The rollout included five vinyl variants sold exclusively through the JACKBOYS webstore, along with nine deluxe box sets featuring branded apparel and CDs. Four digital download versions were also offered, three of which included bonus tracks and one with alternate cover art.
The release is the sequel to the original JACKBOYS compilation, which also debuted at No. 1 on the chart dated January 11, 2020. The follow-up was first teased in March, but Scott didn’t confirm the release date until July 10.
The new chart also saw a flurry of high-profile debuts. Justin Bieber’s surprise drop, SWAG, entered at No. 2 with 163,000 equivalent album units, including 198.77 million on-demand streams — his biggest streaming week to date. The 21-track set, released July 11, debuted atop the Top Streaming Albums chart. Album sales totaled 6,000, while TEA units came in at 1,000. Physical versions of SWAG are expected in December.
After an eight-week run at No. 1, Morgan Wallen’s I’m the Problem slipped to No. 3 with 147,000 units, a three percent drop from the previous week.
Clipse returned to the charts for the first time in nearly 16 years with Let God Sort Em Out, which landed at No. 4 with 118,000 units. The album matches the peak of their 2002 debut Lord Willin’, which also reached No. 4.
Clipse brothers Pusha T and Malice have been transparent about their disdain for Scott since their album rollout began.
Raekwon says his cannabis venture in Newark never had a fair shot, claiming he and his team were “hoodwinked” by their landlord after a judge ordered the closure of his dispensary, HashStoria, over more than $500,000 in unpaid rent and fees.
The ruling came down after BMHC LLC, the property owner, filed suit alleging months of missed payments.
However, Raekwon’s crew says there’s more to the story. They argue they had a verbal agreement to pause or adjust rent payments during extended construction delays and permitting issues tied to the City of Newark, which left the business unable to generate income.
“We were hoodwinked, and while it’s a very sad outcome, we will have our day in court,” Raekwon told TMZ Hip Hop.
According to HashStoria representatives, the landlord not only ignored their rent arrangement but also allowed an unlicensed dispensary to operate next door.
That illegal shop, they say, attracted repeated police raids and damaged the reputation of their legal business, which had branded itself as “Legal AF” to make its compliance clear.
The team behind HashStoria, which marketed itself as a Black-owned business, says they faced constant regulatory hurdles that others in the market didn’t have to navigate.
Despite the eviction, Raekwon plans to take action against the landlord for allegedly misleading and damaging the business.
Meanwhile, BMHC LLC insists they gave HashStoria ample time to catch up on rent following the dispensary’s grand opening and are now looking for new tenants to fill the space.
Raekwon Returns With New Album
Raekwon’s legal battle comes just as he dropped his first solo album in eight years.
The Emperor’s New Clotheswas released Friday (July 18) through Mass Appeal and features appearances from Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Nas, Conway the Machine, Westside Gunn, Benny the Butcher, Inspectah Deck and Marsha Ambrosius.
The project is part of Mass Appeal’s 2025 “Legend Has It…” series, which also includes new music from Nas, Mobb Deep, Ghostface Killah, De La Soul and Big L.
