homepage

Ay Huncho Escapes Death After Shooting Targets Rapper’s Family Home

Rapper Ay Huncho avoided harm after a hail of bullets struck his former residence in western Sydney early Sunday in what police are calling a dangerous escalation tied to ongoing gang rivalries.

Just after 1 A.M., gunmen opened fire on a house on Harris Street in Merrylands, a property where the Hip-Hop artist once lived. Inside the home were members of his family, two women, ages 22 and 40 and a 15-year-old boy.

All three escaped injury.

Police described the shooting as reckless and deliberate.

“It’s brazen, it’s dangerous behavior, it’s putting the community at risk, it’s behavior we won’t tolerate,” Inspector Ricki Lindner said during a press briefing.

Investigators confirmed the home previously belonged to Ay Huncho, who was granted bail last month despite police opposition. Authorities allege the rapper has ties to the Alameddine crime network, a group linked to several violent incidents across western Sydney.

The Alameddine group has been under intense scrutiny by New South Wales Police. In March, officers carried out large-scale raids, claiming they dismantled much of the gang’s infrastructure.

Despite those efforts, Sunday’s shooting suggests the violence is far from over.

The NSW Police’s Taskforce Falcon, created to respond to a surge in public shootings and stabbings, is now involved in the investigation.

According to police, this is not the first time Ay Huncho or his circle has been targeted. In June, a 15-year-old and a 22-year-old allegedly attacked the home of the rapper’s bodyguard in Guildford.

The suspects reportedly stabbed the bodyguard’s father during the incident.

Authorities are now working to determine if Sunday’s gunfire is part of a broader pattern of retaliation and internal disputes within the Alameddine network.

Ay Huncho, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, remains out on bail as his legal case continues.

Ray J Begs IShowSpeed To Shower Together, After Kai Cenat Turned Him Down

Ray J is back trying to make viral magic in a bathroom again—this time asking IShowSpeed to hop in the shower with him after Kai Cenat already told him “nah.”

Ray J uploaded a video from inside a steamy shower—no shirt, water running, aiming his next invite at IShowSpeed, who’s currently on Day 18 of his 35-day “Speed Does America” livestream marathon.

“My next person I want to take a shower with is iShowspeed. Yeah, n####. I heard you about the stream with Kevin Gates. And Kevin Gates is my brother. I’m gonna have that n#### line it up, bro. I’ll see you soon, iShowspeed. Talk to me, n####.”

This isn’t Ray J’s first time trying to turn a bathroom into viral content.

Just days ago, he barged into Kai Cenat’s bathroom during the streamer’s “Mafiathon 3” event—rocking shades and a Speedo—trying to join Kai mid-shower.

The second Kai saw Ray J pulling his drawers off, he dipped out of the shower so fast you’d think it was a prank, but it wasn’t.

To make it even weirder, a DJ started playing Ray J’s “One Wish” while all this was happening, turning the whole scene into some kind of surreal meme moment.

Ray J ended up showering alone, but it didn’t matter. Social media lit up instantly, with people clowning the whole thing and wondering what he’s really on.

In earlier streams, Ray J said he wanted to do a shower segment with Kai, but promised to keep his clothes on. That clearly didn’t happen, which explains why Kai looked so uncomfortable and snapped at him after.

Now that Kai’s out, Ray J’s got his sights set on Speed.

And even though Speed already said no once, Ray J’s doubling down like he’s trying to make this shower collab a real thing.

Jon B Revisits 2001 Nas Collaboration & Talks Latest Album Release

In the not so distant past, Jon B walked into Nas’ London concert expecting simply to enjoy the show, but he left with a memory that stitched their careers even tighter. The R&B singer recalled how the Queensbridge legend welcomed him backstage after performing with a full symphony orchestra. They had a special history that made the link-up so much more special.

“They got Jon B here to see you,” he remembered hearing. Nas responded with a grin, “R&B Jon B? The singer? Tell him come in.”

The reunion sparked conversation about their 2001 collaboration on “Finer Things,” a track Jon B crafted specifically with Nas’ style in mind. The smooth song mixed R&B textures with suave-street storytelling.

“I wanted a pocket like the ‘Street Dreams’ tempo. I cooked it up specifically for him,” Jon B told AllHipHop in WonWorld Studios. “He was on it. Two verses. He wrote the song twice, actually, dedication like Pac.”

Watch Jon B talk about Nas at the 20-minute mark below.

Jon B said Nas’ precision in the studio was unforgettable. He rewrote his verses to reach a standard only he could reach. “That closing rap…fire,” Jon B said, reciting the bars with admiration.

That moment and others underlined Jon B’s enduring dedication between R&B soul and Hip-Hop. His career took off in the mid-1990s with hits like “Someone to Love” and “They Don’t Know,” but his collaborations with Hip-Hop figures has distinguished him from others. He worked with Tupac Shakur, Nas, Fat Joe and, more recently, Rick Ross. These links have cemented his crossover viability.

Three decades later, Jon B continues to push forward with integrity. His latest album, 2024’s Waiting on You, marked his first studio project in more than a decade. The opus is classic R&B, live instrumentation and grown-man songwriting. Beyond his singing, the album underscores his evolution as a producer and arranger.

Jon B credits Hip-Hop culture for shaping him from the start.

“I grew up with hip-hop in the ’80s—truck jewelry, breakdancing, locking, graffiti, the DJ…there’s nothing like it,” he said.

He admitted that rap has always been in his musical toolkit. “I wouldn’t call myself a rapper, but rap is a musical tool for me. I have fun freestyling, been doing it for years,” he said.

For Jon B, the link between Hip-Hop and R&B—and more broadly so-called urban culture—has always been authentic, not just a business strategy. Tt’s been a creative lifeline. With Waiting on You, he reminds longtime listeners and newer ones he’s back like he never left, much like Hip-Hop’s greatest MCs.

Toosii Lands Football Scholarship To Sacramento State

Toosii just pulled off a rare double play—securing a football scholarship at Sacramento State while still riding high on the charts as a multi-platinum Hip-Hop artist.

The 25-year-old rapper announced Sunday that he received an offer to join the Hornets football team as a wide receiver in the 2026 recruiting class.

Sacramento State head coach Brennan Marion extended the offer during a FaceTime call Friday, creating a buzz that quickly spread across both the sports and music worlds.

“Man the lord is powerful,” Toosii posted on social media. “Blessed to receive an offer from Sacramento State. Thank you and big shout to Head Coach Brennan Marion and Coach C.J. Pollard. This don’t even feel real man. I’m speechless right now. I don’t even know what to say.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Toosii (@toosii)

Known for chart-toppers like “Favorite Song” and “Love Cycle,” Toosii becomes the first multi-platinum recording artist to pursue Division I college football.

“A blessing and an honor coming from what I come from. Especially to be able to go back and chase my dreams,” Toosii told On3′s Pete Nakos after receiving the offer.

Before his rap career took off, the Syracuse native played high school football at Rolesville High in Raleigh, North Carolina. Though he shifted focus to music, the dream of returning to the gridiron never faded.

In August, he hinted at his ambitions on social media: “I’m chasing history. First multi-platinum recording artist to go back to school and play DIVISION I football. Next year I’m gonna be on somebody’s team mark my words!”

Toosii also toured campuses at Maryland and USC, which helped him realize that his goal was within reach.

Sacramento State, a program gaining traction under Marion’s leadership, could benefit from Toosii’s visibility and crossover appeal as it eyes a move to a more competitive conference.

Although he posted videos of himself working out with the Hornets, Toosii has yet to make an official decision, which is expected to be made in December.

Lauryn Hill Praises Son Zion Marley For Carving Own Musical Path: “Grass-Roots & Self-Funded”

Busta Rhymes, Questlove and dead prez’s M-1 were a few of the artists who hopped in Lauryn Hill’s recent Instagram post to applaud her son, Zion Marley. The post arrived on Saturday (September 13) and included a clip of Marley’s new video for “Premature Paradise.”

Hill, who shares Zion with Bob Marley’s son Rohan Marley, wrote, “Salute to my beloved son Zion Marley — grass-roots and self-funded, pushing his music out there!! Beautiful song!”

“Wow,” Questlove wrote, while Busta, M-1 and Rohan added emoji expressing their love for the song.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ms. Lauryn Hill (@mslaurynhill)

Lauryn Hill famously wrote and sang about Zion on her celebrated solo debut, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, on the song “To Zion.” The track blends acoustic Spanish guitar, courtesy of Carlos Santana, with elements of Hip-Hop and gospel, underscoring its emotional resonance and the spiritual journey Hill underwent during her pregnancy.

Lyrically, Hill explores the inner conflict she faced between yielding to outside pressure to prioritize her career and her decision to embrace motherhood, expressing vulnerability and ultimately gratitude for what she describes as God’s “gift so great.”

“To Zion” combines themes of maternal love, faith, and transformation, elevating her son as both the literal and symbolic source of her joy—while referencing Zion as the holy city, it also stands as a representation of hope and salvation. The song’s chorus and moving gospel-inspired finale have cemented it as an anthem for women choosing motherhood on their own terms.

One person pointed out, “Its crazy that you wrote the song Zion all those yrs ago and we get to see the muse himself as a whole adult keeping the family’s legacy going. Great song, great presence congrats to your baby.”

Questlove Honored With Peabody Trailblazer Award For Cultural Impact & Storytelling

Questlove will be honored with the 2025 Peabody Trailblazer Award in Los Angeles on October 10 for his expansive contributions to music, documentary storytelling and the preservation of Black culture.

The Peabody organization announced the award earlier this week, citing the Oscar-winning filmmaker and longtime drummer of The Roots as a “vital cultural archivist and social commentator.”

The honor celebrates individuals whose creative work drives cultural progress and social change.

“Through his prodigious output of creative work across documentary filmmaking, publishing, music, and more, Questlove has emerged as one of our most important voices in understanding American culture of the past and present,” said Peabody executive director Dr. Jeffrey Jones, per Variety.

He added that Thompson’s work highlights “the centrality of black musical genius in shaping and defining music and culture across the world.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Peabody Awards (@peabodyawards)

Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, who first rose to fame as co-founder and drummer of The Roots, has built a career that stretches far beyond the stage.

The Roots, known for their genre-blending sound and live instrumentation, currently serve as the house band for “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

His 2021 documentary Summer of Soul unearthed long-forgotten footage from the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and took home both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at Sundance. It also earned a Peabody Award.

Thompson’s recent projects include Emmy-nominated documentaries, Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius) and Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years Of SNL Music further cementing his role as a storyteller focused on Black excellence and historical preservation.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ABC News Live (@abcnewslive)

The Peabody Trailblazer Award has previously gone to Quinta Brunson, creator of Abbott Elementary, and Issa Rae, who was the inaugural recipient. Brunson is set to present the award to Thompson during the ceremony.

Civil rights icon Angela Davis will join Thompson for a live discussion about his legacy and influence during the event, which will be held at The Sun Rose Hotel in West Hollywood. Dropbox is the presenting sponsor.

MC Serch Called Out By Main Source MC Mikey D Over Alleged Lies: “You Are Capping!”

MC Serch of the ’80s/’90s Hip-Hop trio 3rd Bass has a target on his back. Serch was a recent guest on The Shorecast podcast with Apathy and Al Mayo, where he’s accused of telling some tall tales.

On September 11, Mikey D of Main Source—the group that introduced a young Nas to the world on 1991 debut Breaking Atoms—had some choice words for Serch, accusing him of lying about the past. Mikey also clowned him for getting his name wrong. Serch called him Mikey Devastation, when really the “D” stands for destruction.

“MC Serch, you’ve got some explaining to do,” Mikey wrote. “Thanks to DJ Stress, I watched this Apathy Podcast interview over and over. I still can’t believe the way you flipped the story about the confrontation at Wild Pitch. I’m telling you and everyone who saw the interview that you are capping!!! You said things that were far from the truth in order to make yourself look like the victim.

“I could debunk the whole story right now, but I’ll wait. Mikey Devastation, really?? I guess you don’t know what Mikey Destruction stood for!! We were wack anyway??? KEEP POKING THE BEAR!!!!!”

Mikey followed up with the actual clip he has an issue with, which involves Serch’s recollection of Mikey and a friend’s mother allegedly pulling a gun on Wild Pitch Records founder Stuart Fine. Serch claims his wife was seven months pregnant at the time and starting “leaking” because of the stress of the situation.

But Mikey begs to differ, writing, “MC Serch, I can’t let this story go unchallenged!!! This is your account of what happened? Well let me tell the people my side of the story!!”

Mikey’s posts sparked a cascade of comments comparing MC Serch to Fat Joe, who doesn’t exactly have the best reputation when it comes to telling the truth.

“Him and Fat Joe are neck and neck for the most lies told lol,” Ellay Khule wrote, while Prince Po of Organized Konfusion added, “He almost got his ass handed to him when we was on tour back some time ago. He was bein a smart mouth and said some corny unnecessary sht about 1 of the members of RSO. The group Ray Benzino was in.

“Needless to say I told Monch…watch this..and before u know it…they had em half moon surrounded rgt there on stage….I was laughing loud af bcuz it was str8 unnecessary…those are my brothers..been for a long time…. specific weirdo memories amidst GREAT memories.”

People weren’t done there, though. Serch continued getting roasted with more comments like, “dude been a clown” and “his embellishments and lies are why him and Pete Nice fell out years ago. SMH.”

Serch has yet to address the accusations—at least not publicly—nor has Mikey provided his version of events. Kool Moe Dee, however, re-shared Mikey’s post to his page, making it clear a lot of people agree with him.

Find the full Shorecast episode below.

 

Mo’Nique Stands Firm Against “Sister” Tyler Perry & Oprah Winfrey

Mo’Nique doubled down on her ongoing rift with Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey during a recent Instagram Live, making it clear she has no intention of walking away from a fight she believes is rooted in principle and decades of injustice.

“When people say, ‘Mo’Nique, when are you going to stop with Tyler and Oprah?’ I’m not. Just so we clear, I’m not,” she said during the livestream.

The Oscar-winning actress and stand-up veteran has long maintained that her career was derailed after she refused to promote the 2009 film “Precious” without additional compensation.

Despite winning an Academy Award for her role, Mo’Nique said she was labeled “difficult” and effectively blackballed in Hollywood.

During her livestream, Mo’Nique tied that treatment to a broader cultural pattern, saying, “That dates all the way back to slavery. ‘Just don’t say nothing. Just keep moving on.’ And that’s why we continue to be treated the way that we get treated.”

Mo’Nique insisted her stance isn’t about resentment but about integrity.

“Doesn’t mean I’m bitter, I’m angry and I am not bitter. And I love my brother and sister or my sister and sister, whatever day Tyler chooses, whichever way he goes, I love all of them. However, wrong is wrong and right is right. And until we start standing on what is right, we will continue to be treated wrong.”

The tension between Mo’Nique and Winfrey escalated in 2010 when the talk show host aired a segment featuring Mo’Nique’s estranged family members, including her brother, who admitted to sexually abusing her.

The decision to broadcast that interview added a deeply personal layer to their already strained professional relationship.

In 2022, 50 Cent stepped into the mix, publicly advocating for Mo’Nique and calling for both Perry and Winfrey to make amends. 50 Cent later shared that he had spoken directly with Perry about the situation.

“I talk to Tyler today he told me he never told anyone not to hire \@‌therealmoworldwide and he is happy I decided to work with her,” 50 Cent wrote on Instagram. “He said he couldn’t speak for Oprah but he is sure she is fine with Mo’Nique and has even brought her up for things Mo’Nique has no idea about. I’m so happy for Mo right now! She Back.”

Mo’Nique responded with gratitude and high praise for the rapper-turned-TV executive.

“I want to talk right to our baby, from one Black woman to that beautiful, pure-hearted Black man,” she said. “And let me be clear, I’m saying Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson is of pure heart. So, when y’all get to talking about ‘Oh 50, you next,’ that’s a man, that’s a king. He’s of pure heart, baby, and he’s principled.”

Though she has since patched things up with Precious director Lee Daniels, Mo’Nique continues to press for accountability from Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey, showing no signs of backing down more than a decade after the original fallout.

EXCLUSIVE: JAY-Z Demands Court Stop “Jane Doe” Conspiracy To Ruin His Reputation

JAY-Z is pushing back hard in federal court, demanding that a woman suing him under the alias “Jane Doe” be forced to reveal her identity, accusing her of launching a calculated smear campaign while hiding behind anonymity.

The Hip-Hop mogul’s legal team says that Doe forfeited her right to remain anonymous by continuing to repeat claims she previously admitted were fabricated.

In her last filing, Jane Doe’s psychiatrist claimed “public exposure would destabilize her current mental health recovery” and doubled down on her claims that she was assaulted by Jay and Diddy at a party after the MTV VMAs in 2000.

The lawsuit, which stems from previously dismissed allegations in New York, accuses JAY-Z of abuse, a claim his attorneys say she has already recanted on tape.

“Their filings persist in advancing the same false and malicious narrative previously asserted in court and disseminated through global media, before dismissing those claims with prejudice and before Doe herself stated they were false,” Hov’s lawyer, W. Patton Hahn, said.

The motion accuses Doe and her attorney, Houston-based Anthony Buzbee, of orchestrating a campaign to damage JAY-Z’s name, family and career while shielding Doe’s identity from public scrutiny.

“By reasserting and amplifying these knowingly false allegations, Defendants seek to continue their conspiracy to inflict reputational, emotional, and economic harm on Mr. Carter, his children and his entire family, all while concealing Doe’s identity,” Hahn added.

The original case, filed in New York, was dismissed with prejudice in February—meaning it cannot be refiled.

According to the filing, Doe later admitted on a recorded call that she made up the allegations at the direction of Buzbee, who is also named as a defendant in the current Alabama suit.

Despite that, Doe’s recent court documents again referenced the same claims.

JAY-Z’s attorneys argue that her continued use of the accusations while remaining anonymous is a deliberate tactic to harm his public image without accountability.

Doe claimed she dropped her initial case due to fear, but Jay-Z’s team said the real reason was procedural—Buzbee was not authorized to practice law in New York.

“Any insinuation that Mr. Carter frightened or threatened Doe is false. Mr. Carter has neither harassed nor threatened Doe, and such an accusation is a baseless attempt to prejudice the Court, as well as potential jurors, against Mr. Carter,” Hahn argued. “Mr. Carter only learned of Doe’s identity after Doe voluntarily dismissed her fabricated lawsuit against Mr. Carter with prejudice.”

The filing also pointed to Doe’s own public statements and social media activity discussing her mental health.

Her attorneys previously argued that revealing her name would cause undue harm, but JAY-Z’s team says that argument falls apart given her history of public disclosures.

They also cited testimony from Doe’s psychiatrist, who said she has been diagnosed with multiple psychiatric disorders and takes several medications.

Public records show that within three months of filing the lawsuit, Doe appeared in Mental Health Court. She also faced a second-degree assault charge less than a year before initiating legal action against JAY-Z.

His legal team argued that keeping her identity hidden while continuing to use the court system to spread falsehoods is a misuse of judicial transparency.

The judge has yet to issue a ruling on either Doe’s request to remain anonymous or JAY-Z’s motion to compel her to publicly reveal her name.

Stacey Dash Goes In On People Celebrating Charlie Kirk’s Death

Stacey Dash blasted social media users who mocked the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling the online reaction “heartless” and accusing people of celebrating tragedy simply because they disagreed with his views.

In a series of emotional video clips posted to her social media, Dash condemned those making jokes about Kirk’s killing, saying, “Y’all are sick for laughing.”

Kirk, 31, was shot and killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University last Wednesday (September 10). Police arrested Tyler Robinson, who later turned himself in to authorities. He is currently being held without bail at Utah County Jail.

“What’s wrong with you? I mean, what is wrong with you that you can celebrate someone’s death?” Stacy Dash fumed. “Seriously, because they don’t agree with you, because they talk about different things and you don’t like what they’re saying? You don’t like hearing the truth, so you celebrate their death. What is going on?”

Dash, known for her outspoken political views, said the online reaction to Kirk’s death revealed a deeper issue.

“That is the state of our country and our world. The devil is dancing right now and you’re celebrating along right with him. So god help you,” she said.

She also reminded viewers that Kirk’s death left behind a grieving family.

“All of you who are celebrating a man’s death, the fact that his children have no father, his wife has no husband, his parents have lost their son, and you’re celebrating. He was a human being,” she said.

Kirk’s widow, Erika, also addressed the public for the first time Saturday (September 13) in a livestream from Turning Point USA’s Arizona headquarters.

“You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife; the cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry,” she said.

A public memorial for Kirk is scheduled for September 21 at State Farm Stadium in Arizona.

The event, organized by Turning Point USA, is expected to draw a large crowd. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are all expected to attend.

Trump also announced that Kirk will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously, calling him a “giant of his generation and a champion of liberty.”

Floyd Mayweather Cashes In On Terence Crawford Victory Over Canelo Alvarez

Terence Crawford dismantled expectations and Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas on Saturday (September 13) by outpointing the Mexican superstar to claim the undisputed super middleweight crown and shake up boxing’s pound-for-pound hierarchy.

Crawford, who came in as a +148 underdog, controlled the pace from the opening round, neutralizing Canelo’s trademark power and landing cleaner, sharper shots throughout the 12-round bout. Judges scored the fight 116-112, 115-113 and 115-113 in favor of Crawford, who now holds titles in three different weight classes.

The Omaha, Nebraska native’s defense and ring IQ were on full display, as he slipped Canelo’s heavy punches and countered with precision. Despite Canelo’s size advantage, his blows failed to faze Crawford, who dictated the tempo and never allowed his opponent to find a rhythm.

By the middle rounds, it was clear Canelo needed a knockout to win. That moment never came.

The win not only elevates Crawford’s legacy but also sparked comparisons to boxing greats. The only modern fighter with a comparable résumé is Floyd Mayweather, who retired undefeated at 50-0 and also holds a win over Canelo.

Mayweather, who rarely speaks publicly about upcoming fights, made his opinion known after the final bell. He posted a photo of a betting slip on Instagram showing he wagered $50,000 on Crawford to win outright. The bet paid out $74,000 in profit, giving him a total return of $124,000.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Floyd Mayweather (@floydmayweather)

Drake Goes For Demar Derozan’s Jugular In Leaked Audio

Drake threw another jab at DeMar DeRozan in a leaked snippet on a track that might end up on his new album, Iceman and he’s clearly still salty about DeRozan riding with Kendrick Lamar in their recent rap war.

The track is a subtle but sharp diss, clowning DeRozan’s time with the Raptors and lowkey blaming him for the team never winning a ring while he was there.

In the leaked bars, Drake gets clever when he spits: “When you was part of the team we used to be planning our Mexico trips in the spring/We must’ve been dealing in the spur of the moment/Cause why (Kawhi) did we think you could get us a ring?” Drake rapped.

The line clearly references Kawhi Leonard, who won an NBA championship with the Spurs in 2014 and did what DeRozan couldn’t — bring a title to Toronto after taking his spot.

Drake’s fury kicked off after DeRozan popped up in Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” video and joined him on stage at the Pop-Out concert.

That move was seen as DeRozan fully standing with his Compton brother, Kendrick, during the Drake vs. Kendrick saga. And Drake’s been in his feelings ever since.

Drake even threatened to yank a DeRozan tribute banner down if the Raptors ever honored him.

“If you ever put a DeRozan banner up, I’ll go up there and pull it down myself,” he said. DeRozan clapped back with a slick jab: “He’s going to have a long way to climb to take it down, so tell him good luck.”

Then, in February, Drake was on stage in Sydney when someone tossed him a DeRozan Raptors jersey. He looked at it, then spiked it like he was in the NFL.

Later, the Sacramento Kings (DeRozan’s current squad) threw shade right back with a video hyping up their guy.

Drake and DeRozan were tight during his Toronto days, but that bond clearly snapped once DeRozan danced on stage while Kendrick fired off shots at Drake in front of thousands.

Now, Drake’s still not letting it go. On top of the music drama, he’s suing Universal Music Group over claims they helped Kendrick win the rap beef by juicing his streams with bots.

Biggie & Jermaine Dupri Both Wanted These Young Rappers—But What Happened?

Da Youngstas and Biggie Smalls in the same sentence? Yeah, that’s the story you didn’t see coming. A lot of people forget just how early Da Youngstas jumped into the Hip-Hop scene. These Philly teens weren’t even old enough to buy their studio time back in the day, but they were already trading bars with some of the biggest names.

Long before State Property, Beanie Sigel or Memphis Bleek made it cool to rep Philly nationally, Da Youngstas were already putting work in.

READ ALSO: Biggie Wanted To Play Fat Albert Before His Death 

Fast forward a few decades and the story takes a wild twist. In a new exclusive interview, the group drops a revelation that might have changed Hip-Hop history.

According to Taji (aka TM), The Notorious B.I.G. himself was interested in signing him after the group’s initial run. Let that sink in. Biggie Smalls, arguably the greatest rapper to ever touch a mic, had his eyes on one of Philly’s own.

But that wasn’t the only opportunity. Taji reveals he also had deals on the table from Jermaine Dupri, who at the time was the undisputed king of young rap talent and a few other heavyweights. Being young, there’s a downside.

There were too many offers, too much confusion and nothing moved. You really have to hear him describe it. The timestamps are in the video.

Now, decades later, the young brothers are back…grown men with kids. They are also a duo, a pair of seasoned vets with numerous scars from the game. They admit the industry hit them with highs and lows, but they’ve still got the fire.

Can Da Youngstas carve a lane in today’s rap climate? New artists pop up on TikTok every day. Time will tell, but they’re determined.

What makes this even more interesting for me is watching them speak as elder statesmen of the culture. These aren’t the kids who once battled on wax—they’re survivors of Hip-Hop’s ruthless machine: the music business.

The full interview drops on AllHipHop soon, but for now, you can catch the video on our YouTube above. Trust, it’s worth the watch to see how Da Youngstas execute their second act.

Teyana Taylor Says Beyoncé’s Advice Changed Her Life & Career

Teyana Taylor credits a pivotal piece of advice from Beyoncé with shaping her path in music and beyond, revealing that the superstar’s words still guide her nearly two decades later.

The singer, actress and director opened up in a recent Marie Claire interview about how Beyoncé’s mentorship helped her stay focused and resilient in an industry that often overlooks young Black women.

“Yes, everybody knows I don’t play about B,” Taylor said. “She’s the one who would help me understand, you’re going to have to invest in yourself to get what you want.”

Taylor said the encouragement didn’t stop there. “No matter where I’ve ever been, whatever challenges I was going through, wherever I’ve been in my career, feeling stagnant or feeling unseen or unheard, to just hear Beyoncé tell me how proud of me she is, no matter where I am in my life and my career, really inspires me to keep going and just keep following my heart and following my gut.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Marie Claire (@marieclairemag)

Taylor, 34, has carved out a multi-hyphenate career since first signing with Pharrell Williams’ Star Trak label in 2005 at just 15.

Her early connection with Beyoncé came the following year when she choreographed the video for “Ring the Alarm,” a bold move that foreshadowed her fearless approach to the business.

Teyana Taylor Releases Visual Album “Escape Room”

Since then, the Harlem native has released four studio albums, directed music videos and films, and starred in both television and film projects. Her most recent album, Escape Room, dropped Tuesday (August 22), marking her return to music after announcing her retirement in 2020.

The project was released alongside a 38-minute short film on Amazon Music, featuring actors Aaron Pierre and LaKeith Stanfield.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jimmy Neutch (@teyanataylor)

The album’s rollout caught many by surprise, especially those who believed Taylor had permanently stepped away from recording. But with Beyoncé’s words still echoing in her mind, Taylor continues to bet on herself.

Clipse Brings Hip-Hop To The Vatican As Part Of Historic Concert

Clipse delivered a milestone moment Saturday (September 13) at St. Peter’s Square, becoming the first Hip-Hop act to perform at the Vatican as part of the Grace for the World concert, a global event promoting unity and peace.

Pusha T and Malice, dressed in tailored suits, took the stage alongside John Legend* for a live performance of “The Birds Don’t Sing,” a track from their first album in years, Let God Sort Em Out.
The show was part of the World Meeting on Human Fraternity and was co-directed by longtime collaborator Pharrell Williams, who also served as executive producer through his company Something in the Water.

The lineup for the free concert included Jennifer Hudson, BamBam, Jelly Roll, Karol G, Teddy Swims and Andrea Bocelli, who joined the performers in delivering a message of global harmony.

“This is a rare cultural moment where the world stops and collectively tunes in,” Pharrell said before the concert. “It is a message of unity and grace for all of humanity.”

Bocelli added, “Let us shine a spotlight on humanity with music from the very heart of Christianity and the most important spiritual square, reaching the entire world with a single message of brotherhood and peace.”

The event also featured a drone and light show by Nova Sky Stories, which projected Sistine Chapel-inspired visuals above Vatican City, creating a visual spectacle that matched the significance of the performances. The concert was streamed live on ABC News Live, Hulu and Disney+, while thousands gathered in person—provided they arrived before the 8 p.m. local entry cutoff.

Notes & Albany Lou Deliver Raw Street Reality on “Pablo”

Albany, New York, has long been known for its gritty street stories, but very few artists capture the unfiltered reality of the city the way Notes and Albany Lou do in their new collaboration, “Pablo.”

Coming straight from one of the most dangerous corners of New York State, this duo represents a level of authenticity that’s hard to find in today’s rap game. Where most artists show off the surface of “hood life,” Notes and Lou dig deeper—shedding light on the struggles of poverty, the scars of drug addiction, and the unforgiving landscape of the inner city.

For Notes, the track is more than music—it’s personal testimony. Raised in the Arbor Hill neighborhood, he grew up surrounded by poverty and chaos. Much of his life was spent behind bars, but through it all, his pen stayed sharp. Now free, Notes is channeling his pain, survival, and perspective into his art, positioning himself as a street poet with a voice that demands to be heard.

Joining him on the record is Albany Lou, one of upstate New York’s most respected lyricists. Known for his rugged delivery and raw authenticity, Lou adds an edge to “Pablo” that perfectly complements Notes’ storytelling. The chemistry is undeniable—two artists with lived experience painting vivid pictures of the streets they come from.

The video for “Pablo” (watch here: YouTube Link) adds even more weight to the song, illustrating the harsh realities they describe. It’s not glamorized, it’s not sugarcoated—it’s the truth, and that’s what makes it powerful.

With “Pablo,” Notes proves he’s stepping into his purpose, while Albany Lou continues to cement his place as one of the region’s top voices. Together, they’ve crafted something that feels less like entertainment and more like documentation—a snapshot of survival and resilience from Albany’s streets.

Ex-“Teen Mom” Star Janelle Evans Claims Lil Wayne Flew Her To L.A. For Hookup

Jenelle Evans says Lil Wayne slid into her DMs with a bold message and flew her to Los Angeles for a potential romantic meetup that didn’t go as planned.

The former Teen Mom 2 star told her livestream audience that the Grammy-winning rapper invited her to his private studio after they connected on Instagram.

“I met him in his personal studio, for real. You guys are the first ones I’m telling,” Evans said.

Evans, 33, shared what she claimed were direct messages from Wayne’s verified Instagram account, including one that read, “Be mine.” Her reply? “I said say no more King. where and when? You made my day tho, not going to lie. Thanks for the smile.”

According to Evans, Wayne asked for her number and arranged for her to fly out to California.

“He flew me out and I met him and things were cool,” she said. “Did I hook up with him? No. Did he want to? Yes, but I wanted to go out to dinner and get to know each other first.”

Evans explained that the encounter fizzled because their intentions didn’t match. While she hoped to build a connection, she said Wayne “wanted to jump right into it.”

She ended up flying back home—with the rapper covering her return trip. “So, that was crazy,” she told viewers.

After some social media users questioned the story, Evans doubled down in a TikTok video.

“This seriously did happen,” she said. “I’m not going to say too much about the situation because, I mean, he didn’t have me sign an NDA and at first, I didn’t believe it was him until he FaceTimed me.”

She described the Tha Carter rapper as “really respectful” and “nice” during their conversations and said he asked her not to bring her phone to their meeting to keep things discreet.

@jenellelevans

#stitch with @Reality TV & ADHD yes, it’s true 🤷🏻‍♀️

♬ original sound – Jenelle Evans

“I’m more of a person that wants to connect on a deeper level, so I’m not just looking for hookups,” Evans added. Wayne’s team has not responded to media requests for comment, according to Page Six.

The 42-year-old rapper has been single since May, when his longtime partner Denise Bidot accused him of ending their relationship on Mother’s Day.

Evans, no stranger to controversy, finalized her divorce from David Eason in July.

Their relationship drew headlines over Eason’s 2018 firing from MTV for homophobic remarks and his 2019 admission to killing Evans’ dog, which led to a temporary loss of custody of their children.

She was previously married to Courtland Rogers from 2012 to 2014 and has three children from different relationships.

Wayne has reportedly used Instagram to reach out to women before.

Model Brooks Nader told The New York Post they now FaceTime “on a daily basis” but insisted, “We’re just friends.”

Bernice King Criticizes Meme Comparing Charlie Kirk to Civil Rights Icons

Bernice King called out a viral meme that lumped conservative commentator Charlie Kirk in with iconic figures like her father Martin Luther King Jr. and Jesus Christ, calling the comparison both offensive and exhausting.

The image, circulated by Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, featured Kirk side-by-side with Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Dr. King and Jesus under the caption “All Because of Words.” The suggestion that Kirk—who was recently killed—deserved the same reverence as these assassinated leaders quickly ignited backlash online.

“There are so many things wrong with this. So many. I get tired, y’all,” King wrote on Twitter, responding directly to the meme.

Critics immediately pushed back, pointing out that Lincoln, Kennedy, King and Jesus were all figures who either died fighting injustice or became symbols of sacrifice. Kirk, a polarizing conservative voice, had a record that stood in stark contrast.

According to reports, Kirk had previously called Dr. King “awful” and “not a good person.” He also publicly opposed the Civil Rights Act—landmark legislation that Dr. King championed.

Many on social media called the meme “a slap in the face” to Dr. King’s legacy. Others noted that the historical figures in the image were persecuted for challenging oppressive systems, while Kirk often aligned himself with those systems.

King has long been vocal when public figures distort or misuse her father’s image. This latest episode adds to a growing list of moments where she’s had to step in and correct the record.

The meme was originally posted by Luna on May 29.

Cardi B Causes Major Commotion With Return To Washington Heights, Brings Whole Block Out

Cardi B turned heads and packed sidewalks Saturday afternoon as she returned to her old stomping grounds in Washington Heights for a surprise pop-up at a local bodega.

The appearance came. just days ahead of her new album, Am I the Drama, dropping on Friday, Sept. 19.

The Grammy-winning rapper touched down at Cloud Deli on West 159th Street around 1 p.m., drawing a thousands of people to the Manhattan neighborhood where she spent part of her childhood living with her paternal grandmother.

The event, announced through her Instagram, doubled as a grassroots promo push for her upcoming second studio album.

Born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar in 1992, the Bronx-born artist has long credited Washington Heights for influencing her voice and personality.

Her accent, humor and raw delivery—now signature traits—were shaped in the very streets she revisited over the weekend.

The bodega pop-up wasn’t just a nostalgic pit stop. It was a calculated move in a broader strategy to reconnect with supporters in person as she ramps up for her first full-length release since 2018’s Invasion of Privacy.

That album earned her a Grammy for Best Rap Album, making her the first solo female rapper to take home that honor.

Cardi B’s rise began on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: New York in 2015. By 2017, she left reality TV behind to focus on music full-time.

Since then, she’s become one of Hip-Hop’s most bankable stars, with chart-topping singles and viral moments that dominate social media and headlines alike.

The decision to host the event at a bodega wasn’t random. In New York City, corner stores like Cloud Deli are more than just places to grab snacks—they’re neighborhood staples. For Cardi, it was a nod to her roots and a way to keep things personal.

According to CBS News, the pop-up is part of a larger rollout plan that includes a potential multi-city meet-and-greet tour, giving her audience more chances to engage with her directly.

50 Cent Says Goodbye To Australia After “Street Fighter” Shoot

50 Cent ended his latest Hollywood gig with a warm sendoff from Australia as he wrapped filming for the upcoming Street Fighter reboot in Sydney over the weekend.

The Daily Mail caught footage of the Hip-Hop mogul was seen walking through the airport terminal Saturday looking laid-back and upbeat, surrounded by security while acknowledging fans on his way out.

50 had been in Australia shooting scenes for the live-action adaptation of Capcom’s legendary video game franchise, where he plays Balrog, a heavy-hitting ex-boxer known for his brute strength and signature punches.

The film is being produced by Legendary Entertainment and features a stacked cast including Jason Momoa, Noah Centineo, Orville Peck and Eric André. No official release date has been announced, but the project has been in development for several years.

50 Cent’s casting as Balrog continues his steady move into film and television.

He made his acting debut in 2005 with the semi-autobiographical Get Rich or Die Tryin’, and has since built a solid résumé both in front of and behind the camera. He serves as executive producer of the long-running Starz drama Power, which has spawned multiple spin-offs and helped cement his credibility in Hollywood.

While 50 Cent’s film career continues to grow, his roots in music remain strong.

His 2003 debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ sold millions worldwide and gave Hip-Hop one of its most enduring anthems with “In Da Club.”

Since then, he has moved into business ventures across beverages, tech and entertainment, including his studio in Shreveport, further expanding his brand.

50’s visit to Australia marks another international chapter in his career, with the Street Fighter reboot serving as his latest crossover into blockbuster territory.