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“Captain America: Brave New World” Is Super Safe, Classic Family Flick

Captain America: Brave New World is finally here, amid some controversy, but how is the movie? Chris “C-Boogie” Brown has the low down.

Captain America: Brave New World, the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe entry directed by Julius Onah (“The Cloverfield Paradox”), stars Anthony Mackie as the new Captain America, continuing Sam Wilson’s journey in the MCU.

The story follows Sam Wilson, who’s now working with the U.S. Government on covert missions. When newly elected President Thaddeus Ross asks him to help revive the Avengers initiative, an assassination attempt throws everything into chaos. Alongside his apprentice Joaquin Torres, Sam must uncover a conspiracy that threatens to ignite a global conflict.

The two-hour film delivers a solid mix of espionage, mystery, and political intrigue, punctuated by dynamic action sequences. It not only advances the current storyline but also cleverly ties up loose ends from previous films, including connections to 2008’s The Incredible Hulk.

The movie feels like a natural evolution from the excellent “Falcon and Winter Soldier” series (2021). Like the show, it thoughtfully explores Sam Wilson’s challenges as Captain America without the advantage of Super Soldier Serum. Fans of the series will likely find themselves right at home here.

The ensemble cast delivers strong performances across the board. Carl Lumbly returns with gravitas as Isaiah Bradley, while Giancarlo Esposito makes the most of his limited screen time as Striker. Harrison Ford brings his characteristic intensity to President Ross, but it’s Anthony Mackie who truly shines. His portrayal of Sam Wilson showcases a perfect blend of confidence, self-awareness, and charisma, making him a compelling successor to the shield.

Julius Onah’s direction, while occasionally showing inexperience with large-scale action, proves largely effective. The finale featuring Sam Wilson facing off against the Red Hulk stands as the film’s visual highlight. It’s refreshing to see a properly “RAGING” Hulk causing havoc on screen again!

The film does have its shortcomings. The plot occasionally gets bogged down in exposition, explaining MCU events for newcomers. With three antagonists and five writers involved, certain story elements feel overcomplicated. One antagonist’s visual design falls short, and some reshoots are noticeably apparent, creating slightly jarring transitions.

Despite these flaws, Captain America: Brave New World remains an entertaining addition to the MCU. While it may not reach the heights of “The Winter Soldier” (2014), it successfully captures a similar tone and delivers a satisfying superhero experience. If you’ve enjoyed Sam Wilson’s character development throughout the MCU, particularly in “Falcon and Winter Soldier,” the debut solo outing as Captain America is worth your time.

Captain America: Brave New World is now playing in theaters everywhere. 3.5 out of 5

Thin Lizzo: Singer Sparks Debate After Saying “Bye B####” To Her Old Self

Lizzo shocked her followers over the weekend by unveiling a noticeably slimmer figure in an attention-grabbing Instagram video, where she spray-painted the words “Bye B####” over an image of herself from her Special album cover.

Captioning the post “End of an era,” the Grammy-winning artist signaled a major transformation, sparking a wave of emotions across her fanbase.

Lizzo, long celebrated as a champion of body positivity, has been open about her health evolution. She has attributed her weight loss to a disciplined regime of calorie deficit, a high-protein diet, and strength training.

Lizzo firmly denied speculation that she used GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, with her trainer backing her assertion that her progress was the result of sheer hard work.

A shift in her diet also played a crucial role. After years of veganism, Lizzo transitioned to an eating plan that includes animal-based protein, which she says improved her energy levels, mental clarity, and ability to lose weight.

In January 2025, she revealed she had hit her goal, reducing her BMI by 10.5 points and shedding 16% of her body fat over two years. Known for her unapologetic embrace of self-love, Lizzo has acknowledged a shift in her perspective on body image.

She previously expressed frustration with how the body positivity movement has, in her words, been “commercialized” and “appropriated,” particularly by slimmer, white influencers.

Now, she is focusing on “body neutrality,” a philosophy that encourages people to see their physical forms as just one part of their identity, without fixation on appearance.

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Lizzo’s journey has been at the heart of her creative ventures, from her reality show Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls to her shapewear brand Yitty, both of which promote inclusivity.

But with a growing weariness of conversations about her body dominating the narrative, her latest transformation appears to send a clear message:

The reaction online was immediate and deeply personal.

“Makes me feel kinda sad. That version of Lizzo definitely brought me so much joy and inspiration. Look forward to seeing what you have coming,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “The old you is what motivated women to love themselves.”

Others stood in full support of her journey, with one reply reading, “Look at you!! Stand tall and STRUT that health and beautiful pride. Your SOUL looks lighter, too.”

Drake Has Beef—But This Time, He’s Paid For It

Drake turned Valentine’s Day dinner into an unforgettable experience for dozens of unsuspecting diners after quietly covering their bills at Juliet Steakhouse in Houston.

The Hip-Hop superstar, joined by longtime collaborator PartyNextDoor, marked the release of their joint album $ome $exy $ongs 4 U by treating more than half of the restaurant’s patrons to a lavish meal on the house.

A representative from Juliet Steakhouse confirmed that Drake’s team coordinated the generous gesture in advance, ensuring the surprise unfolded seamlessly.

The rapper, a frequent guest at the upscale steakhouse and has hosted events there before, left customers stunned as staff informed them that their meals had been covered by none other than Drake himself.

Some took to social media to express their gratitude, sharing photos and thanking the Grammy-winning artist for turning an ordinary night out into something extraordinary.

Drake and PartyNextDoor have plenty of reasons to celebrate. Their collaborative 21-track album, released under OVO Sound, Santa Anna, and Republic Records, has rapidly climbed the charts.

$ome $exy $ongs 4 U shattered streaming records upon release, boasting 56.6 million first-day streams on Spotify alone and claiming the title of the biggest first-day R&B/Soul album debut in Apple Music history.

Within hours, the album reached No. 1 in 72 countries on Apple Music, with standout tracks such as “Gimme Me A Hug” and “CN Tower” dominating the platform’s Top Songs chart.

According to social media chatter, Houston was not the only city where Drake and PartyNextDoor spread their generosity.

Tupac Shakur’s Murder Suspect Offers Up New Legal Strategy

The gangster accused of orchestrating the 1996 killing of Hip-Hop icon Tupac Shakur, has a new argument to prove his innocence and is asking to have his murder trial delayed.

Lawyers for Duane “Keefe D” Davis claim a new private investigator has uncovered evidence that will prove their client was not in Las Vegas when Tupac Shakur was shot on September 7, 1996, on the Las Vegas Strip.

His lawyers also claim to have proof that Suge Knight’s former Head of Security, Reggie Wright Jr., orchestrated the killing of Tupac.

During an interview in January, Davis’ lawyer, Carl Arnold, expressed confidence in his client’s prospects, hinting at an acquittal.

Davis, in past interviews and his own memoir, admitted to being in the Cadillac used in the shooting and claimed he handed the gun to the backseat, where His nephew Orlando Anderson allegedly fired the fatal shots.

Anderson, who maintained his innocence, was killed in an unrelated shooting in 1998.

“The law states the accused cannot be convicted solely on the basis of his confession,” Arnold told News 3. “The State must produce evidence that corroborates the confession and that evidence must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Moreover, the public has been well aware of a myriad of reasons why an accused will confess to a crime.”

Davis has remained behind bars at the Clark County Detention Center since his arrest in September of 2024.

A judge previously set his bail at $750,000, but concerns about the source of funding led to skepticism from the court. Prosecutors alleged that misleading information may have been submitted to secure Davis’ release, prompting the judge to deny bond for a second time.

Davis, known as a former Los Angeles gang figure, has long been linked to Pac’s killing. Authorities say he played a critical role in setting up the drive-by shooting that took place.

Tupac Shakur, 25, was struck multiple times while riding in a BMW with Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight and died six days later.

The attack, law enforcement officials believe, was carried out as retaliation for a casino brawl involving Shakur, Knight and Orlando Anderson, also a member of the Southside Crips. Davis’ arrest in 2023 marked a significant turning point in a case that had frustrated investigators for decades.

Despite public admissions about his involvement, authorities struggled to piece together enough evidence to bring charges until Davis gave incriminating interviews claiming he was offered money by Sean “Diddy” Combs, but never received payment.

MC Shan Shakes Up Hip-Hop With His Genre-Blending Comeback Track

MC Shan is definitely going to get the chat started!

Queensbridge legend MC Shan is proving that true pioneers never fade away! The Hip-Hop OG has resurfaced with a brand-new track, “Comin Backs Impossible,” and it’s already making waves with fans. They are listening and appreciate his ability to evolve while keeping it raw. This time, though, Shan is stepping outside his usual lane, blending rap with country and rock ‘n’ roll for a unique experience.

For those familiar with Shan’s unapologetic presence, both in music and on social media, his latest offering stays true to his essence—bold and unbothered!

His lyrics hit hard:

“Comin’ back impossible / you should’ve been responsible / you didn’t have to leave this world…You come from me, that’ll be your last / what you’ll see will be the blast, and ‘you ask what’s happening?’”

No doubt, the Queensbridge icon is talking his heavy talk, weaving a narrative that could be interpreted in multiple ways. But, we know what he’s saying. Test him if you want. And knowing Shan, there are a few no-so-subliminal shots thrown at some folks.

On social media, MC Shan has never shied away from controversy. He’s been known to set fires, put them out, and then spark new ones, keeping his name hot. But when it comes to the music, he’s signs of an all-out comeback. It ain’t impossible after all.

One thing’s for sure—MC Shan hasn’t lost his edge. Whether this track leads to a full project or just serves as a reminder of his greatness, the buzz is real. Queensbridge’s own is back—pay attention, because MC Shan still has plenty to say.

Follow Shan at @theofficialmcshan.

Cesar Pina Hit With 4PM Curfew; Barred From Selling Real Estate While Awaiting Sentencing

Wanna be mogul Cesar Pina must stay home after 4 p.m. each day and is barred from making any real estate transactions as he awaits sentencing in a federal fraud case.

A judge imposed the new restrictions earlier this week, tightening the terms of Pina’s pretrial release as prosecutors scrutinize his financial activities.

The updated conditions mean Cesar Pina can only leave his residence between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. unless granted special permission by pretrial services. He will also remain under electronic monitoring and location tracking.

Pina, who pleaded not guilty to wire fraud charges, is accused of orchestrating a Ponzi-like scheme that allegedly scammed investors out of tens of millions through fraudulent real estate deals.

Prosecutors say he lured victims in by promoting investment opportunities through real estate seminars alongside DJ Envy, a popular radio personality. DJ Envy has not been charged with any crimes.

Authorities claim Pina promised lucrative returns—ranging from 20% to 45% within five months—but instead used funds from new investors to pay off earlier participants, a hallmark of a classic Ponzi scheme.

His arrest in October 2023 sent shockwaves through investor circles, with numerous victims coming forward to claim they had been misled and defrauded.

As part of his modified bail terms, Pina is allowed to handle some property management duties, including rent collection, property inspections, and meetings with tenants, vendors, and contractors.

However, he cannot buy, sell, transfer, finance, or encumber any real estate. The only exception is if his wife acts independently on transactions that do not involve his direction or benefit.

Pina is also required to submit a financial disclosure statement by March 7, detailing his current assets and income, a move likely aimed at ensuring transparency as the government continues investigating his finances.

These tightened restrictions may stem from concerns over Pina’s compliance with previous bail conditions. Pina was released on a $1 million bond following his arrest.

He is currently negotiating a plea deal with federal prosecutors.

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Anthony Mackie Took On “Captain America,” Now He’s Taking On Robert Downey Jr.

Anthony Mackie is ready for battle after stepping into the role of Captain America in Avengers: Doomsday, and this time, he’s taking on none other than Robert Downey Jr.

The actor, who officially debuted as the shield-wielding superhero in Captain America: Brave New World, revealed that filming for the highly anticipated Avengers installment is set to begin in March or April.

Downey Jr., known for his portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man, is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a dramatic twist—as the infamous Doctor Doom.

Anthony Mackie shared his excitement about the cinematic showdown in an interview with Deadline, saying he’s thrilled to face off against the Hollywood icon in an entirely new dynamic.

“RDJ made the big announcement that he’s coming back. Other than him I don’t know who of the original crew will be coming back, but I know he will be,” Mackie said. “I’m excited to be able to go to work with him, go toe to toe with him. That’s a once-in-a-career experience that’s as amazing as working with Harrison Ford, because he’s a legend.”

Mackie previously teamed up with Downey Jr. when their characters fought alongside each other in previous MCU films. This time, however, the two will be on opposite sides, adding another layer of intensity to the story.

While Avengers: Doomsday remains shrouded in secrecy, its production schedule is set. Mackie confirmed that filming will take place in London this summer, with Avengers: Secret Wars following a year later.

However, when it comes to which Avengers veterans might return, he insisted he’s just as in the dark as everyone else.

“I don’t know how many are coming back,” he continued. “I’m the OG now. I’m the only guy. I’m the Avenger from the old group that brings in the new group. So it’ll be a changing of the guard.”

The next two Avengers films will be directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, the minds behind Avengers: Endgame, which saw the emotional farewell of Downey Jr.’s Iron Man and the passing of the Captain America title from Chris Evans’s Steve Rogers to Mackie’s Sam Wilson.

Now, Mackie leads a new era of heroes, and with Downey Jr. stepping into one of Marvel’s most feared villain roles, the stage is set for a high-stakes clash that could redefine the next chapter of the MCU.

Donald Trump Is One Proud Felon: Hangs Mugshot In White House

President Donald Trump has given his infamous Fulton County mugshot a place of prominence, hanging a framed copy of the New York Post front page featuring the booking photo in a hallway just outside the Oval Office.

The image, snapped on August 24, 2023, at the Fulton County Jail in Georgia, the image stems from Trump’s surrender on racketeering and conspiracy charges related to his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in the state.

Now encased in an ornate gold frame, the defiant glare immortalized in the historic mugshot sits among portraits of past presidents, including George Washington and Franklin D. Roosevelt, in one of the White House’s most high-traffic corridors.

The framed newspaper cover was first spotted during President Donald Trump’s February 13 meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

White House aide Margo Martin later shared a photo of the display on social media, an apparent nod to the former president’s embrace of the controversial image.

Trump’s campaign has capitalized on the mugshot, using it on merchandise to fuel fundraising efforts.

The stark image, a historical first for any U.S. president, quickly became a rallying symbol for his supporters and a source of heated political debate.

The Georgia case, which originally saw Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis leading the prosecution, has hit a roadblock, as she was disqualified from overseeing the case.

No replacement prosecutor has been assigned. Meanwhile, four of Trump’s co-defendants have accepted plea deals.

Is Remy Ma Trying To Get Papoose Back? Is A Big Mess Brewing?

Does Remy Ma want her hubby back?

Yo! What it do, man? we got some carbonated tea and it’s bubbling over. So let’s get right into it.

Word on the street is that Remy Ma might just be having second thoughts about stepping away from Papoose. Yeah, yeah, we all know the drama, the back-and-forth, and the alleged entanglements, but check this out. “Sources” say Remy been sending some ahem explicit pics to her still-legal husband Papoose. Apparently and allegedly, she wants to remind him of what they once had.

These pics are apparently fully bucket nekked. Before you get crazy, Remy has been hot and has revealed some of her goodies, but not thee goodies.

https://www.instagram.com/remyma/p/Cg-M939PYQ3/?img_index=1

Pap held Remy down for years. This man was the definition of loyalty. He rode for her! But now? It’s looking like tables turned, and Remy might just be realizing that what she had was rare. Damn! Black Love, y’all!

Clarissa Shields. Y’all know the boxing champ, right? Well, the rumor mill is saying this is rooted in the boxer getting her man. Makes sense. It hits different when brother is happy with “her.”

Claressa Shields Professes Her Love For Papoose & Reveals Why She Kept Relationship Private

There is another side. Eazy The Block Captain’s name is still floating around. It’s getting real ugly. “Sources” say he might be pillow-talking, leaking info, and might’ve even been recording conversations with Remy. I guess he needs some insurance – just in case things went left. I hope he does not play himself!

They might be over, because if a shred of this is true, we are going to see a mess bigger than the last mess they made. Is Easy shopping around some dirt on Remy? Is Tasha K trying to buy? Oh there are even more questions that I cannot even put out there right now.

If these rumors are true, Remy might be ready to spin the block and fix things with Pap. Pap is still her husband in the eyes of the law. could he have a weak spot for her? If I had to guess, I think he is going to go with the fighter, not the shooter!

Stay tuned!

2 Chainz Tells Legend Of Birdman’s $900 Debt Leading To Connection With Lil Wayne

2 Chainz has uncovered yet another layer to the unique backstory of his connection to his frequent collaborator Lil Wayne.

In an interview with The Breakfast Club 2 Chainz appeared in with The Alchemist and Larry June in promotion of their latest collaborative album Life Is Beautiful, the Atlanta native shared an interesting story about how he first met Lil Wayne, In the process, he ended up revealing that it all started because Birdman owed him money. In his initial remarks on the story he reflected on his early days hustling to afford studio time at Patchwerk Studios in Atlanta, which was a hotspot for artists and industry figures.

“The way I met Wayne was just like this,” 2 Chainz said in part.

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“I was obviously selling weed, but I was using the money to book studio time at Patchwerk, which is like a renowned studio in Atlanta that’s owned by one of the ex-Falcons players. Everybody would be in there, you know, that’s where people went. And so I was in like a little B room and Baby (Birdman) and them from Cash Money were in the A room—30 Cash Money dudes, whatever, whatever. So somebody came to me and said, ‘Hey, them boys next door need some weed.'”

2 Chainz explained that things got sticky when he agreed to provide them with weed but wasn’t immediately paid for it.

“They take my weed,” he recalled. “I’m telling them, I think the zips was like $450 at the time, you know what I’m saying? I take, I give them the zips. Don’t no money come.”

As he continued, 2 Chainz revealed that he opted to take a road trip with Cash Money to ensure his temporary loss wouldn’t turn permanent.

“I ain’t in that position to give no weed away,” he said. “So I ended up going to New Orleans with them, following them about this $900.”

His trip to New Orleans led to an unforgettable experience staying in a mansion full of Cash Money affiliates, which eventually led to his first encounter with Lil Wayne.

“They had a mansion for everybody. Then everybody had their own mansion, right? And I’m staying in the mansion for everybody. They got a big jacuzzi as a living room sofa. This is many years ago. And at this point, I’m not a full rapper. I’m a trapper. And one day Wayne comes over and we go out in like the indoor pool and we smoked some gas together. You know what I’m saying? And that’s how I met Wayne, following Baby to New Orleans about these $900 that he eventually did pay back.”

Elsewhere in the interview, 2 Chainz also addressed Kendrick Lamar name-dropping him on “Not Like Us” where Kendrick referenced him in a line about Drake conning Atlanta rap artists. The “Mercy” rapper downplayed the mention, revealing he’s under the belief it was more about wordplay than a direct shot at him.

“I just think it was kind of like some wordplay cause Drake and I got a song called ‘No Lie’,” he said. “And so when he said he lied, I just felt like, I don’t know, but I didn’t take it as no kind of way. I don’t think he was taking a shot at me.”

Check out the clip of 2 Chainz detailing his reaction to Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” in the post below.

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Young Thug & Kanye West Prop Up Drake As Kendrick Lamar Chatter Settles

By all accounts, the last year has been challenging for Drake, but it looks like the OVO Sound co-founder finally has something to celebrate.

Following the release of $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, his new collaborative album with PARTYNEXTDOOR, the single “Gimme A Hug” is pulling in millions of streams.

On Saturday (February 15), the track landed at No. 3 on Apple Music and settled in at No. 6 on Spotify U.S., prompting both Kanye West and Young Thug to take notice. It was previously at the top spot on Apple Music before another Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR cut “CN TOWER” moved in.

Young Thug tweeted a simple, “That boy back number one [goat emoji],” while West offered, “Gimme a hug is incredible. Sheeeeeeesh.”

Unsurprisingly, people were quick to hop in the comment section of Young Thug’s post and remind him that Kendrick Lamar exists. Many people suggested Drake will only remain No. 1 until Kendrick drops again. As the majority of music fans are well aware, Kendrick and Drake had a highly publicized war of words last year that trickled into 2025.

Starting with the March 2024 release of Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That” featuring Kendrick, the contentious lyrical ping-pong went on until May, when the former TDE dropped the proverbial nail in the coffin—”Not Like That.” Drake essentially crawled into a whole and remained relatively quiet for the rest of the year.

Earlier this month, “Not Like That” swept the 67th Grammy Awards, winning five trophies, including Record of the Year and Best Rap Song. To add insult to injury, Kendrick then performed the seething diss track during his historic headlining gig at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on February 9.

It was assumed he’d bleep out Drake’s name considering the Toronto rapper is suing his label, Universal Music Group, over the song—but nope—Kendrick looked directly at the camera as he rapped, “Say Drake/I hear you like ’em young.” He did, however, censor the “pedophile” line.

JAY-Z “Never Paid One Red Penny” To Jane Doe

Jay-Z never wavered in the face of disturbing allegations, and now the lawsuit that accused him of rape has been formally dismissed with prejudice, meaning it can never be refiled.

Despite widespread online speculation suggesting he may have settled the case, court records confirm the rap mogul – or Sean “Diddy” Combs – did not pay a dime to resolve the matter.

Documents obtained by AllHipHop revealed that the suit, which alleged the music mogul and Diddy assaulted a then-13-year-old girl at an MTV Video Music Awards afterparty in September 2000, has been shut down for good.

Alex Spiro, Jay-Z’s attorney, said in a statement Friday that the case never should have been brought in the first place.

“The false case against Jay-Z, that never should have been brought, has been dismissed with prejudice,” Spiro said. “By standing up in the face of heinous and false allegations, Jay has done what few can—he pushed back, he never settled, he never paid one red penny, he triumphed and cleared his name.”

Jay-Z addressed the outcome on social media, posting a firm statement through Roc Nation that denounced the case as baseless.

“Today is a victory. The frivolous, fictitious and appalling allegations have been dismissed. This civil suit was without merit and never going anywhere,”* he wrote on X. “The fictional tale they created was laughable, if not for the seriousness of the claims. I would not wish this experience on anyone. The trauma that my wife, my children, loved ones and I have endured can never be dismissed.”

His statement also called for justice not only for victims but also for those falsely accused.

“The court must protect victims, OF COURSE, while with the same ethical responsibility, the courts must protect the innocent from being accused without a shred of evidence,” he continued.

While the lawsuit’s dismissal closes the legal chapter, the public discourse surrounding the case remains heated.

The internet swirled with speculation that Jay-Z had settled to put the matter to rest, but the rapper’s statements and court records prove otherwise—he stood firm, never conceding a dime to his accuser.

Tupac Shakur “Lost His Mind” Over Aaliyah According To Suge Knight

Suge Knight, says legendary rapper Tupac Shakur had his sights set on signing R&B star Aaliyah and working on a project with her before his untimely death.

Speaking from prison in an interview with The Art of Dialogue, Knight recalled Shakur’s excitement after seeing Aaliyah perform live.

“Tupac wanted to sign Aaliyah. I took him to go see Gladys Knight perform, and he loved it. Then Aaliyah came out, and Pac said, ‘Don’t get up, don’t get up.’ I said, ‘Why?’ He said, ‘You’re gonna talk to Gladys, then you’re gonna talk to the little girl singing, and the next thing you know, you’re gonna be doing that,’” Knight recounted.

Tupac Shakur, who had already cemented his legacy as one of Hip-Hop’s greatest artists, was taken aback by Aaliyah’s stage presence and voice, Knight explained.

From that performance alone, the rapper was convinced she was destined to be a megastar, and he wanted to be part of her journey.

“He was so excited. I ain’t never seen that little n#### so happy. Out of all the girls and women he ever seen, he thought she was the biggest star and had the best voice ever,” Knight said.

The rapper’s enthusiasm didn’t fade after that night. According to Knight, he continued talking about Aaliyah for days, sharing his vision for working with her and making music together.

“I never seen him get so excited about no female artist. He lost his mind over Aaliyah. He was super, super, super excited,” Knight added.

But any plans for a collaboration would never materialize. On September 7, 1996, Tupac Shakur was shot multiple times in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas.

He died six days later on September 13 at the age of 25. His vision for making music with Aaliyah never had the chance to be realized.

Aaliyah, meanwhile, continued her rise to superstardom, solidifying her place as one of R&B;’s most beloved voices.

But tragedy struck five years later. On August 25, 2001, the singer was killed in a plane crash in the Bahamas at just 22 years old.

Megan Thee Stallions Celebrates 30th Birthday With Business Power Move

Megan Thee Stallion marked her 30th birthday by diving into the spirits industry, unveiling her new tequila brand, Chicas Divertidas, on Saturday (February 15).

The Grammy-winning rapper and entrepreneur introduced the label with two premium tequilas—Blanco and Reposado—crafted from 100% Blue Weber agave sourced from the red volcanic highlands of Jalisco, Mexico.

“As someone who values good vibes and great memories, I knew I wanted to create a tequila that was designed to be shared and savored with my Hotties,” Megan Thee Stallion said.

The tequila is distilled at Casa Centinela, a Jalisco-based distillery crafting spirits since 1904. The Blanco variety boasts a smooth, slightly sweet profile with hints of rosemary and green tea, while the Reposado develops richer flavors through aging, incorporating notes of caramelized agave, American oak, and warm spices.

Chicas Divertidas’ packaging features a bottle design inspired by the Angel’s Trumpet flower, with grooves mimicking the agave plant.

A dagger-pierced heart adorns the label, embodying the brand’s motto: “Keep it cute, classy, and cut-throat.”

The Blanco is priced at $70 and the Reposado at $80, with both available for pre-order at ChicasDivertidasTequila.com and ReserveBar.com. In previous interviews, Megan cited Beyoncé as an inspiration for expanding her business ventures into the alcohol industry, which added another milestone to her entrepreneurial journey.

“Smooth, sultry, and premium. This process has been years in the making, and I’m so proud to take this next step in my journey as an entrepreneur and launch this brand. I know the Hotties are ready, it’s time to give them a drink made by me! I’m excited to share this labor of love with you all,” Megan said.

50 Cent Keeps the Pressure On Big Meech & Rick Ross

Rick Ross and Big Meech’s “Welcome Back” Event Mysteriously Canceled

50 Cent is not letting up! The highly anticipated Big Meech and Rick Ross “Welcome Back” event, originally set for February 13, was canceled. Poof! Gone. No real explanations. And if there’s one person who loves a good Hip-Hop mystery, it’s ME! 50 Cent promises it was not him, but we’re not so sure.

So, what happened? That’s the million-dollar question. All we know is that something—or someone—put the brakes on what was supposed to be a grand celebration. “Big Meech is back!” The streets are buzzing, and so far, things aren’t looking too good. This week, 50 Cent had an absolute field day with this. I think I saw him running the 50-yard dash. Get it?

50 Cent Rips Big Meech For Doing “Nothing” For Lil Meech While He Made BMF Family $5M

Fif wasted zero time jumping in the mix. He’s been lighting up social media with a relentless barrage of posts, clowning the entire situation. If you’ve been following 50 over the years, you already know: he’s the petty king of Hip-Hop beef. It’s a sport to him. And right now, Ross and Meech are the main event.

50’s history with Big Meech’s camp is deep. He’s been a vocal supporter of Meech’s release, played a key role in bringing his son Lil Meech into acting, and even gave him a prime role in the hit series BMF. So, if anyone has been down with them, knowing the ins and outs of the dynamic, it’s him. But, this thing has happened.

There’s a major shift in the air and many questions. Does this mean Meech and Lil Meech are now out of favor with Ross? Are they going to realign with 50 Cent? Can they? Or are they going to go a completely different direction?

The Game Clowns Lil Meech After 50 Cent Cuts Him Off Over Rick Ross Drama

I continue to wonder. Did Big Meech still get paid for the event that never happened? If so, at least that’s a win. But if not, this could be a sign of rocky roads ahead. he’s a major figure, but this step back into the world can get messy. Who’s really in his corner? Who’s just using his name? What is a crime boss to do?

One thing is clear: 50 Cent is not here for answers, just the smoke. In fact, he’s doubling down. At this point, someone needs to start a college course on 50 Cent’s trolling tactics because this man has elevated it to an art form.

For now, check out 50’s latest posts. Will they get deleted? Maybe. Will he keep going? Absolutely. See below.

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Dang! He’s telling Lil Meech that Big Meech is ruining him!

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Poor Lil Meech even liked a post about the cancellation.

Bill Maher Compares Kendrick Lamar To “Single White Female” Over Drake Disses

Bill Maher took aim at Kendrick Lamar’s ongoing feud with Drake, likening the California rapper’s relentless diss tracks to the obsessive behavior in the 1992 psychological thriller Single White Female.

During the February 14 episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, the HBO host used his “New Rules” segment to criticize Lamar for releasing multiple diss tracks aimed at Drake, including a high-profile Super Bowl LIX halftime show performance that featured a rendition of “Not Like Us.”

Maher argued that Lamar’s persistent shots at the Toronto-born rapper had gone beyond traditional rap beef.

“New Rule. Kendrick Lamar has to get over Drake. Six diss tracks and a halftime performance? That’s not a beef, that’s a remake of Single White Female,” Maher said.

Single White Female, a cult classic thriller starring Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh, tells the story of a woman who develops a dangerous obsession with her roommate, mimicking her look and behavior before turning violent.

Maher’s comparison suggested Lamar’s approach to the rivalry had become excessive.

The comedian continued his critique with a few music history references, dismissing the notion that legends in other genres behaved similarly.

“Frank Sinatra made 1,400 records, and not one was hating on Tony Bennett,” Maher said. “Stevie Wonder never made an album called ‘Ray Charles Can Kiss My Black Ass.’”

Lamar’s halftime performance, which drew a record-breaking 133.5 million viewers according to Apple Music, cemented “Not Like Us” as a cultural moment.

The track had already earned him five Grammy Awards, making it one of the defining hits of his career.

Maher also jabbed at Drake’s Canadian roots while making a reference to former President Donald Trump’s past remarks about Canada.

“I just think it’s sad when a rapper from California can’t get along with a rapper from our 51st state,” he quipped, referring to Trump’s prior suggestions that Canada should be absorbed into the U.S. and his repeated mischaracterization of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a “governor.”

EXCLUSIVE: S1Ws Documentary Spotlights Revolutionary Power Of Public Enemy

A new documentary called To My Rescue, It Was The S1Ws (A Public Enemy Story) premiered at the 2025 Pan African Film Festival on Wednesday (February 12) in Los Angeles. The red carpet event featured a Q&A session with director Janol Ture as well as the S1Ws/cast members Brother James, Brother Mike and Brother Roger.

As the title suggests, the film dives into the history of one of the most powerful and revolutionary movements in Hip-Hop history: the implementation of Public Enemy’s S1Ws, who not only provided security for the group but fought for social justice, amplified the struggle and empowered the resistance. The film chronicles their journey, revealing how they fundamentally reshaped Hip-Hop’s messaging, performance and cultural impact.

It also effortlessly illustrates how well the S1Ws meshed with Public Enemy’s music. Albums like It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back and Fear of a Black Planet became anthems for resistance, blending dense sample-heavy production with laser-sharp messages.

“This is an electrifying, educational and entertaining journey that captures and honors the legacy of one of the greatest Hip-Hop groups of all time,” Ture tells AllHipHop. “The motivation is to honor and highlight the example of what it means to move and exist for a powerful purpose that is for the greater good of all. After seeing this film, I hope people walk away and discover their purpose, maximize their natural, God-given gifts and capabilities and make a positive difference in the world.”

In a time when movements for change demanded both visibility and action, the S1Ws stood at the forefront, embodying the unfiltered and unapologetically revolutionary essence of Public Enemy’s music. Their presence and politically charged imagery fueled a global cultural movement, serving as a powerful symbol of resistance. Committed to raising awareness and fighting for social justice, they sounded the alarm on pressing societal issues while reflecting the struggles of marginalized communities.

The documentary delves into the crucial role the S1Ws played within Public Enemy, highlighting their unwavering brotherhood and profound impact they had on the group’s legendary performances alongside Chuck D and Flavor Flav. Through their commanding stage presence and unified stance, the S1Ws helped transform Hip-Hop into a platform for activism, using music as a force to challenge oppression and amplify the voices of the unheard.

Featuring appearances from Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Terminator X, Ice Cube, Ice-T, KRS-One, DMC, Doug E. Fresh, Monty Ross, and more, the documentary sheds light on their lasting influence and the revolutionary power of Hip-Hop.

In addition to interviews with legendary artists, the soundtrack and score is provided by Terminator X and includes plenty of music from Public Enemy along the way. The film is expected to see a wide release in fall 2025.

Pictured in featured image (l-r): Brother James Norman, Brother Roger (Roderick Chillous), Brother Mike (Micheal Williams) and Janol Ture. Courtesy of Ture. 

The Alchemist Confirms Nas’ Involvement In New Mobb Deep Album 

The Alchemist has given fans a long-awaited update on his long-rumored Mobb Deep album, revealing that the project is still in the works—and Nas is involved.  

In a recent interview, the legendary producer confirmed that he’s sitting on unreleased tracks from the iconic Queensbridge duo. He also hinted at the possibility of adding Nas to the mix, fueling anticipation for the first official Mobb Deep project in over 10 years. 

Alchemist opened up about the project during a recent appearance on The Breakfast Club with 2 Chainz and Larry June while promoting their new joint album Life Is Beautiful

“They did so much work, it was insane,” he began. “You could just peel back layers in Prodigy’s rhymes. He was ahead of his time.” 

He continued, highlighting the group’s “unmatched” discography, praising his late friend and teasing the new album.  

“P’s legend lives,” Alchemist declared. “He did more than the average person while he was here, and he even left behind a lot of stuff so we’re lucky enough to be working on a new Mobb Deep project.” 

Alchemist confirmed he’s crafting the beats alongside Havoc with Nas on board too, revealing, “Nas is involved.”  

Reflecting on Prodigy’s legacy, he added, “It feels great just to hear his voice again. We missed it. It’s a void not hearing his voice anymore.”  

The Alchemist & Havoc Tease Mobb Deep Album With Studio Footage

Alchemist and Havoc announced the new Mobb Depp project last year on Instagram. 

“You already know where I’m at ALC Studios new Mobb Deep coming soon RIP Prodigy,” Havoc said in one video. “Y’all see Al in the background you already know what it is. Mobb Deep coming soon baby. Infinite!” 

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The Alchemist’s relationship with Mobb Deep dates back to the late 1990s when he first contributed to their 1999 album Murda Muzik. He would go on to produce iconic Mobb Deep tracks like “The Realest” and “Thug Muzik.” 

Mobb Deep’s final album, The Infamous Mobb Deep, was released in 2014, three years before Prodigy’s untimely death in 2017. 

“The View” Hosts Slam Kanye West Over Anti-Semitism: You Won’t “Get Away With It”

Kanye West faced blistering criticism from The View co-hosts after airing a Super Bowl LIX commercial that directed viewers to a website selling items linked to Nazi ideology.

The panel denounced his ongoing stream of anti-Semitic remarks and made it clear that mental illness cannot serve as a justification.

Alyssa Farah Griffin called out what she sees as a troubling pattern of leniency toward Kanye West, voicing her frustration over excuses made for the rapper-designer.

“I feel like for some reason Kanye’s been given a pass, and I know there’s a perception that he may have some mental health issues, but there are tens of millions of people around this country who have mental health issues and are not saying bigoted, racist, anti-Semitic things. I think it’s a cop-out.”

Griffin noted the scale of West’s influence, warning that his social media reach extends far beyond what many may realize.

“This man—get this—he has more social media followers than there are Jews in the world. He does have influence. There are people who are looking to him, especially young people, and he should not be normalized.”

Ana Navarro referenced a recent plea from Friends star David Schwimmer urging Elon Musk to ban Kanye West from X, formerly known as Twitter, stressing the real-world harm that rhetoric like his can cause.

Sara Haines expressed disbelief over West’s continued presence on high-profile red carpets despite his pattern of incendiary comments.

“I don’t know how he’s allowed to walk red carpets and do all the things because you keep seeing him pop up. And it’s not crazy fringe things—it’s literally at the Grammys, walking the red carpet.”

Haines made it clear that no public figure should be allowed to spew hate without consequences.

“We need to continue to call it out, ‘cause it’s completely hate-filled awfulness. And I don’t care who you are—you don’t get away with it.”

Gillie Da Kid Hopes Struggles With Deceased Son Will Save Lives: “Streets Don’t Love Nobody”

Gillie Da Kid has revealed how he’s attempting to save lives while moving forward from the fatal shooting of his son nearly three years ago.

The Philadelphia-bred Hip-Hop veteran-turned-podcaster opened up about his heartbreaking struggle with his late son, Yng Cheese, during his raw and emotional interview with Shannon Sharpe on his Club Shay Shay podcast.

As he reflected on their strained relationship before Cheese’s tragic death in July 2023, Gillie uncovered how he’s mobilizing his grief to affect the change he wants to see. He told Sharpe that part of his motivation is the way he left things with his son before his untimely death.

“I ain’t gonna sugarcoat s### I was struggling with my son, trying to get him the f### out the streets,” Gillie admitted. “We didn’t even have the best relationship when he passed because he wanted to be a street n#### and I didn’t believe in that s###.”

As he continued, Gillie explained why his mission is no longer about his son.

“It ain’t about Cheese no more,” he said earnestly. “Cheese ain’t here. It’s about me saving somebody else’s life and letting them know that you can die out here. Somebody will blow your brains out playing out here and thinking this sh*t is not serious when it is.”

Gillie continued, maing it clear that the streets only lead to two outcomes.

“It ain’t no successful drug dealers out here,” he said. “There’s not no successful criminals out here. No, they die and they go to jail. So if you want to be in jail for the rest of your life, that’s cool. If you want to get the seeds knocked out your melon, that’s cool. But I’m here to tell you, that’s what’s going to happen.”

Reflecting on how Cheese got caught up in the streets, Gillie pointed to the pressure of fitting into an image and how stories such as his son’s are all too common amongst the youth.

“Being a follower, wanting to subscribe to some s### that’s not really you,” he said while remarking on how his son got caught up with the wrong people. “And that’s most of the kids out here. Most of the kids in the suburbs subscribe to s### that is not even really them, and then they got to prove themselves.”

He also highlighted how peer pressure leads kids to make deadly choices.

“They don’t want to be looked at as p*ssy, so that’ll drive them to do some sh*t they had no business doing,” he said. “My message to the youth is go ahead and do something that’s beneficial to you. The streets don’t love nobody.”

Gillie also shattered the illusion of success in the drug game.

“If you could show me the drug dealer with the big house on the hill, I congratulate you,” he said. “If you could show me 10 successful drug dealers, you could tell me 10 street n#####, I’m going to show you nine that’s going to tell. All of this s### is a myth.”

Gillie ended with a sobering thought.

“It ain’t even about Cheese no more. It’s about saving some other lives that think this s### is more than what it is. I can’t do nothing for Cheese. Cheese is gone.”

Watch the clip in the post above and also revisit the previous clip from the interview, during which Gillie reveals how his son is connected to the 17-year-old Philadelphia basketball star who was recently fatally shot via the post below.