Young Thug found himself in hot water this week after leaked prison video calls exposed that he had been cheating on his girlfriend, singer Mariah The Scientist. There were at least 10 other women. The videos forced Thugger to issue a public apology, adding another chapter to the rollercoaster of drama surrounding his personal life. [Head here if you missed that.]
The streets are buzzing, and the City Boys are down bad—real bad. Thugger has been airing out his own business, and now he’s on the ropes. Despite the scandal, Mariah The Scientist has proved herself to be the definition of “ride or die.” Ten more women is a tough pill to swallow even for the hardest rider. Lucky for Young Thug, being locked up might have saved him.
For now, Mariah seems to be holding things down. She appears to be standing by her man, even though she has to be embarrassed. Young Thug keeps putting their business in the street for the world to see. Is this her way of sending a message that she’s mad but not entirely done with him? Possibly.
Remember, this is the same Mariah who supported Young Thug while he was staring down a potential life sentence. Her loyalty speaks volumes. Now that he’s free-ish, it’s clear she’s a keeper. There’s no coming back from this kind of mess without some serious straightening. Word is, he’s already cut off the other women.
Interestingly, a few years ago, we were scheduled to interview Mariah The Scientist, but her team canceled last minute. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be. The chances of us sitting down with her are looking slim now.
Still, the question looms: could Mariah actually leave Young Thug? It’s a stretch. Despite everything, I think they need each other nowadays.
Either way, we wish the couple all the best as they navigate this chapter. What do you think? Should Mariah stick it out or is it time for her to move on? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
Eminem and 50 Cent fans have long hoped for a joint album from the friends and frequent collaborators and they could get their wish if the rap icons can get it together and commit to recording the project.
The Detroit native opened up about a possible collab with the G-unit honcho during a special Christmas Day episode of DJ Whoo Kid’s Whoo’s House Podcast, celebrating 20 years of Em’s Shade 45 Sirius hip-hop station.
Whoo Kid put the million-dollar question to Eminem, asking if fans will ever get a collab album with 50 Cent.
“That would be great,” Em replied. “I think that we gotta stop bullshitting and just do it…I would never say it’s not possible.”
His manager, Paul Rosenberg, was also on the podcast and is fully on board with the idea.
“I would love to hear it,” he added. “So whenever you guys are ready, we’re putting it out.”
Check out the podcast below. DJ Whoo Kid asks Eminem about a 50 Cent collab around the 21 minute mark.
Although 50 Cent has been less focused on dropping music as he builds his TV and Film empire, he recently teamed up with Em on Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre’s Missionary album.
Meanwhile, earlier this year, 50 Cent revealed Em once refused to go on a highly lucrative joint tour.
Despite 50 Cent planning “the biggest tour in the world,” Eminem flatly rejected the idea. According to the “Many Men” hitmaker, Em urged 50 to do the tour alone because he didn’t want to miss any of his daughter’s childhood.
“He said, ‘I just don’t want to go and come back and Hailie’s grown,’” Fif shared. “I thought he was crazy because I was like, ‘He just don’t want to go.’ ‘Cause I was trying to convince him to go on the tour at that point.”
However, it all made sense when 50 Cent witnessed Eminem walk Hailie down the aisle. He explained, “She got married and I’m like, ‘This is what he’s talking about.’”
Young Buck might be the next big Hip-Hop mogul after taking meaningful steps toward a fresh chapter in his career by completing a certified financial management course.
The course was administered online by Evergreen Financial Counseling, an agency authorized by the U.S. Department of Justice for those in bankruptcy.
Getting the certification marked a pivotal moment for the 43-year-old artist who has faced significant financial difficulties over the years.
The certificate of completion, obtained early Thursday morning (December 26), signifies a move toward greater financial literacy for the rapper, whose career has been shadowed by persistent money troubles.
Young Buck has spent years untangling himself from mounting debt, legal disputes, and multiple bankruptcy filings.
Young Buck navigated escalating challenges since first filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2010—following an IRS raid on his Tennessee home.
He emerged with a clean slate in 2013, but by 2020, he filed Chapter 13 bankruptcy to settle nearly $750,000 in debts, ultimately liquidating personal assets, including the rights to his trademarked name.
After four years and a lengthy fight with 50 Cent and G-Unit over a $250,000 loan that is ongoing, Young Buck is preparing to come out of bankruptcy with a clean slate and a wealth of knowledge.
Evergreen Financial Counseling, the organization that facilitated the course, is federally approved to provide financial management instruction under the Bankruptcy Code.
Hold up, y’all. Let’s clear something up right now: SZA is NOT leaving TDE. There were numerous reports of her parting ways with her longtime manager, Terrence “Punch” Henderson, but there’s real no evidence that she’s leaving the whole label. The rumors started immediately. I think it was rooted in the language in her parting words and some of the after chatter.
Tell me how YOU read this?
Sounds a bit CURT to me. But there was some from Punch as well, which may have fueled the rumors. Walk with me…
And she said this:
I can’t lie: I don’t know what all this means. It really FEELS like something. And it is, but keep walking…
All of a sudden, Punch changed his bio a couple of times to add to more confusion.
The “tea” might be in the new addition (the second screenshot). Punch is reportedly shifting his focus to work with rising TDE star Doechii. We love her! By the way, SZA took to social media to address the situation, making it clear she loves Punch.
“To be clear, I love Punch deeply. NO ONE should be attacking him or being cruel on my behalf,” she wrote. “Sometimes people grow apart, and that’s okay.” With the new revelation, what ever was an askew is now corrected.
Remember what these two accomplished together—Ctrl and SOS weren’t just albums; they were classics. SOS was No. 1 and it held the top spot on the Billboard 200 for 10 nonconsecutive weeks. SZA is a unicorn. There’s no official word yet from TDE headquarters.
Princess Love is putting Ray J and Sukihana on blast, posting alleged messages between them exposing their alleged relations.
Sukihana kicked off the drama on Thursday morning (December) with a cryptic Instagram post. She shared a screenshot of Princess Love’s apparent message to her from Ray J’s phone.
In the DMs, Princess, who filed for divorce from Ray J for the fourth time earlier this year, tells Suki she doesn’t want Ray. According to Princess, she got hold of Ray J’s phone and discovered he was talking to multiple women.
It appears Princess thought Suki was one of these women and threw shade at her.
“By the way,” she wrote. “He said he hates when you keep calling him with no hair [on Facetime] lol.”
Sukihana posted the message on her Instagram feed alongside a trio of question marks.
However, Princess responded in the comment section, claiming the messages were from a month ago. She also claimed Ray J and Suki have been “messing” around but again repeated that she’s over him.
“I was trolling cuz he went through my phone,” Princess claimed. “They been messing I do not want Ray I was being petty.”
Princess then shared a few of her own screenshots, seemingly Ray J’s freaky messages to Sukihana.
“Since y’all wanna go viral so bad,” Princess wrote on her Instagram Story alongside the DMs. “Here you go [crying with laughter emoji].”
Ray J has yet to respond to either Sukihana or his estranged wife with whom he shares two children.
Princess Love filed for divorce in February, claiming she and Ray J mutually agreed to separate.
“We have come to the difficult realization that our paths have diverged, and it is in the best interest of both of us to part ways,” she wrote in a statement shared on Instagram. “This decision was made thoughtfully and with mutual respect and consideration for each other’s well-being. While our relationship as spouses may be coming to an end, we remain committed to co-parenting our children and maintaining a positive and supportive family dynamic.”
Beyoncé helped redefine the limits of live entertainment on Christmas Day as her dazzling halftime performance during Netflix’s NFL broadcast propelled the streaming giant to an all-time viewership milestone.
Her nearly 13-minute set, filled with electrifying renditions of hits from her chart-topping album Cowboy Carter, not only captivated audiences at Houston’s NRG Stadium but also helped Netflix achieve its highest global reach for a live sports event.
The streaming service’s inaugural NFL broadcast, titled “A Cowboy Carter Christmas,” proved to be a gamble that paid off.
Over one-third of Netflix’s global subscribers tuned in to watch the doubleheader, which featured the Chiefs-Steelers and Ravens-Texans matches, streamed across 200 countries.
Beyoncé’s performance, held during halftime of the Ravens-Texans game, became the evening’s centerpiece, blending her signature artistry with surprise guest appearances by Post Malone and Shaboozey.
Performing tracks such as “16 Carriages,” “Blackbird,” and “YA YA,” the Houston native lit up her hometown crowd, marking yet another high point in her illustrious career.
The success of the broadcast bolsters Netflix’s growing investment in live sports.
The company reportedly shelled out $150 million for the rights to air the NFL games, part of a three-year experimental deal to test the platform’s live-streaming capabilities.
The Chiefs-Steelers game registered as Netflix’s second-most popular live event in history, edging out previous sports broadcasts on the platform.
While Netflix did not disclose specific viewership figures for Beyoncé’s performance, the demand was clear.
That demand prompted Netflix to announce it will release a standalone special called “Beyoncé Bowl,” ensuring the performance lives on beyond the Christmas broadcast.
Industry insiders are now speculating about what this success means for Netflix’s future in sports.
With rights to marquee events like the Super Bowl potentially coming up for grabs in 2033, Netflix may soon aim to establish itself as a major competitor in the live sports sphere.
Bow Wow celebrated Christmas with his family and cherished a heartfelt, priceless gift from his daughter, Shai Moss.
The 37-year-old rapper and actor took to Instagram on Christmas Day (December 25), sharing a special moment from the holidays. Bow Wow posted a video of his daughter reading a beautiful tribute speech in front of the family.
“You’re my rock, my built-in bestie, my food partner, and my everything,” the teen told her father. “I want to write this so I can tell you how much I appreciate you and everything you do for me.”
Shai continued, expressing her appreciation for her father’s sacrifices and gratitude for their bond.
“Christmas is all about love, family and togetherness,’ she said, her voice breaking. “I’m so thankful to celebrate Christmas. Thank you for being an incredible dad. I love you.”
Bow Wow immediately rewarded his daughter with a bear hug while the rest of the room wiped their tears. However, Bow Wow apparently saved his emotions for the privacy of his bathroom.
“[Shai] almost made dad cry,” he captioned his post. “She almost had me y’all. Damn this touched my heart.”
Bow Wow gushed over his daughter, thanking her for the “ BEST GIFT EVER,” before adding, “i went to bathroom and let my tears fall yall then came back out a G.”
Earlier this year, Bow Wow celebrated his daughter becoming a teenager. He shared a photo of them on Instagram while reflecting on how quickly time flies.
“Started as a teen now i have one,” he wrote. “Happy birthday @_shaimoss #girldad 🎂 #thebig13.”
Bow Wow shares his daughter with ex Joie Chavis. He also has a son Stone, whom he welcomed in June 2000 with ex-girlfriend Olivia Sky.
Young Thug seemingly issued a public apology to his girlfriend, Mariah the Scientist, following a recent spate of leaked jail calls.
On Christmas Day (December 25) Young Thug took to social media to clear the air amid the reaction to his jail calls. Thug apologized to Mariah, insisting she knows how he feels about her.
“Sorry to my baby for all this b####### on the internet. I love u babyand f### em all we know what’s up with us,” Young Thug tweeted. “AySayTwin..I love yo game more than life mommy.”
However, it appears his apology fell off deaf ears. “She so mad,” Young Thug said in a follow-up post. “I said merry Christmas and she said thank u.”
Young Thug Opens Up About Relationship With Mariah The Scientist
Young Thug’s message to Mariah the Scientist comes after the YSL rapper admitted to speaking to up to “10 girls” daily during a jail call that surfaced online earlier this week.
The clip features Thug sharing his fears about how much Mariah loves him.
“[She loves me] too much. Sometimes too much,” Thugger told a friend. “[It scares me how much] because it’s like man if I do something, if I smack something or something like that, you’d probably be devastated.”
Although Thug expressed how much he loves Mariah, he confessed he’s likely to return to his old tricks once released. Nonetheless, Thug was proud that he managed to go a whole week without speaking to other women.
“But for the most part, I ain’t even been calling no other girls,” he added. “I ain’t call no other girls in like a week. And I usually call at least 10 other girls when I get on the phone just to kill time.”
Another leaked jail call shows Thug talking to Lenna Sayed. The Instagram model is seen bawling on the phone and telling Thug, “I only want you.”
The video sent shockwaves online, not only due to Young Thug’s relationship with Mariah The Scientist, but because Sayed reportedly married boxer Devin Haney in 2023. The couple are set to welcome a child in early 2025.
Thug responded to the viral video, insisting Sayed is a friend and professing his loyalty to his girlfriend.
Floyd Mayweather went all out for his little grandson for Christman, buying the three-year-old an entire building for Christmas.
The boxing legend is the proud grandfather of Kentrell Gaulden Jr. born in 2021 to daughter YaYa and rapper NBA YoungBoy.
On Christmas Day (December 25), Mayweather shared a video of the moment he told the little boy about the grand gesture.
“Guess, what I bought you?” he said. “You the first kid that owned a building in the Diamond district in New York City. We bought you a building.”
Money Mayweather purchased the property amid a reported $402 million splurge, adding over 60 buildings in New York City to his real estate portfolio to provide affordable housing to families.
The building he bought for his grandson, a corner unit on 6th Avenue and 47th Street in Manhattan, represents a full-circle moment for Floyd Mayweather.
“I used to shop in the diamond exchange as a young adult,” Mayweather said in a statement, per TMZ Sports. “I never thought I would end up owning this important property at the entrance of 47th street.”
While Floyd Mayweather celebrated Christmas with his grandfather, the boy’s father spent the holiday behind bars.
Earlier this month, a judge sentenced NBA YoungBoy to serve 23 months in federal prison following his guilty pleas to firearms charges linked to separate incidents in Louisiana and Utah.
Floyd Mayweather previously praised his grandson’s father in a 2022 interview.
“I’m proud of NBA YoungBoy,” he declared. “Very, very talented young kid. One of the biggest artists, as far as in music. He got a cult-like following. I look at him just like one of my sons. I only want the best for him and I don’t want him having beef with anyone.”
SZA has parted ways with her longtime manager, Terrence “Punch” Henderson, only five days after releasing her new album, Lana.
The move follows delays of her highly anticipated project, which serves as the deluxe edition of her 2022 LP, SOS.
The singer addressed the split on social media following speculation fueled by Punch updating his bio to remove SZA and criticism suggesting the Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) co-president was responsible for delaying the Lana album.
Despite the split, SZA expressed her love and appreciation for Punch and urged fans to fall back.
“To be clear, I love Punch deeply!” she wrote on Instagram. “NO ONE should be attacking him or being cruel on my behalf,” SZA wrote. “Sometimes people grow apart, and that’s okay. Nothing to celebrate. The end of an era. I wish him the best, whatever his choices may be.”
SZA also claimed Punch “stepped away abruptly,” making the album release “tricky.”
@SZA’s official statements about how she is not being managed by TDE Punch anymore, via Instagram. I personally read her comments about this. Those are really SZA’s statements about this new development. Camp SZA. ⛺️ pic.twitter.com/Myf74VWq7v
— 💙 King Alexander Thee Greatest 💙 (@RealSuperManXO) December 26, 2024
Punch addressed the situation on X (Twitter) writing, “SMH. Change your bio and everything goes haywire. Sheesh. I’m beginning to suspect some of you guys don’t fancy me very much.” He also appeared to throw shade at SZA in a series of follow-up tweets.
“It kind of bothers me how the true meaning of ‘crash out’ got diluted and reduced to someone just saying mean things. Random thought,” he shared. “Madness, as you know, is like gravity. All it takes is a little push.”
SZA also posted a subliminal message seemingly aimed at Punch, warning, “Now now now … let’s keep it cute. It’s Christmas.”
Mielle Organics and Rolling Out created an inspiring editorial and elevated journey of artistic hair expression with its “Art Of Hair” campaign inviting Black art enthusiasts, influencers, and entertainers to elevate their Art Basel experience with unmatched creativity and style.
The “Art Of Hair” campaign is a continuation of Mielle’s 10th anniversary celebration; it’s a rallying for creatives to embrace the extraordinary. Mielle stands as the ultimate natural hair care and beauty brand that believes healthier ingredients encourage healthier hair and skin.
Central to this campaign is the partnership with the Historic Hampton House. The Historic Hampton House is the only Green Book Hotel Museum in the world. The mission of the museum, through its dynamic and diverse programming, facilitates the changing of minds and hearts in terms of race, culture and sociology-economics in this country.
During Art Basel, the museum will open its exhibit, “Invisible Luggage,” which draws upon the spirit of the Historic Hampton House as a safe space and place of congregation during segregation.
Highlighting the idea of shelter and safety as integral to cultural production and collective creation, the selected works reflect the importance of building and celebrating sites of refuge, renewal, and reflection.
Mielle and Rolling Out hosted a private dinner around the art of hair and commissioned art dedication. The collective spoke on their personal hair journeys and creative processes but also explored the cultural significance of avant-garde hair art within the Black community.
By showcasing these artists’ unique perspectives, we inspired a broader dialogue about identity, creativity, and the transformative power of hair.
Mielle and Rolling Out has commissioned a Black female artist Ebony Boyd, to bring empowerment, perseverance, jubilation and inspiration to life through a piece for all to admire. Ebony Boyd is an abstract artist who loves to create beautiful things.
She is naturally drawn to bright and vibrant colors. She has been able to build a successful business building her audience all over the world. Ebony is a classically trained soprano with a focus on jazz, whose art is inspired by music.
Her interpretation of the Art Of Hair is inspired by Olori, the Yoruba word for Queen, bringing empowerment, perseverance, jubilation and inspiration to life through an artistic piece for all to admire.
Founded in 2014 by CEO Monique Rodriguez, Mielle is the fastest-growing Black-founded, woman-led hair care brand for textured hair. Mielle blends science and nature to create high-quality, affordable products packed with natural ingredients like rosemary, mint, and babassu oil.
Loved by textured hair consumers worldwide, Mielle’s innovative line is sold in over 100,000 stores and in 90+ countries, continuing to champion healthy hair and Black excellence, now in partnership with P&G Beauty.
“I’m thrilled to be at Art Basel, celebrating the beauty, creativity, and culture it represents through this incredible exhibition, ‘The Art Of Hair.’ Continuing our partnership with Rolling Out allows us to amplify Black media and uplift Black artists, whose work tells our stories in powerful, transformative ways. At Mielle, we honor artistry in all its forms, and this collaboration is a testament to our commitment to supporting Black excellence,” shares Monique.
The collaboration between Rolling Out and Mielle is a celebration of excellence and creativity. Together, we inspire people to embrace “The Art Of Hair” by exploring the world of the Mielleverse.
“This partnership underscores the seamless fusion of art with the Historic Hampton House, culture with Rolling Out, and community positioning Mielle as the quintessential hair care brand for those who seek extraordinary experiences,” added Denise Faulkner, EVP of Sales and Partnerships.
We invite you to join the “The Art Of Hair” movement and experience Mielle Organics firsthand. Follow our campaign on social media to witness our talent in action and discover new ways to embrace your crown.
For more detailed specifications, please refer to the MielleOgranics.com. For more information on the Rolling Out, please visit www.rollingout.com.
Larry Jackson recently reflected on the unique and powerful position he was in when he signed Chief Keef amid FBI investigations and death threats.
In a candid interview, the former Apple Music music executive shared the extraordinary circumstances surrounding his decision to sign Chief Keef, revealing that his motivations extended far beyond music. At the time Chief Keef, who had emerged into the mainstream as a teenage rapper from Chicago, was under investigation by the FBI and reportedly the target of a $50,000 hit.
“This is the first time I’ve ever told this story,” Larry Jackson began, describing how a friend connected to the FBI alerted him to the dangerous situation. “There’s a $50,000 hit out on this kid, and you may want to do something about it.”
Interscope A&R Larry Jackson reveals 16-year-old Chief Keef was on a FBI watch list, and had a $50K bag on his head after Sosa signed a $6M deal in 2012pic.twitter.com/YIJ8UpmMsT
For Jackson, signing Chief Keef wasn’t a typical A&R decision. “That’s not a job from a traditional vocational perspective of an A&R executive. That wasn’t in an A&R class,” he said. The threats and legal troubles Keef faced prompted Jackson to take a more active role in the young artist’s life, stepping in not just as a label representative but as a mentor and protector.
“I personally wrote a letter to the judge,” Jackson revealed, explaining how his intervention kept Keef out of jail. “It was effective and persuasive. It kept him out of jail.”
At the time, Keef was only 16 or 17 years old and already entangled in the challenges of life in Chicago’s drill scene. Jackson’s involvement went deeper than helping Keef avoid incarceration.
“I kind of stepped up in a father figure role,” he said. “This was so much deeper in terms of a vision for not just the music, for his life.”
Despite the chaotic circumstances, Jackson played an instrumental role in shaping Finally Rich, Keef’s debut album.
“I went in and picked the songs for the album. I came up with the intro, came up with the interludes. I mixed the album with Chris Cheney. I sequenced the album,” Jackson recalled. However, his greatest pride came from ensuring Keef survived the turbulent period. “The most important thing to me is that he’s still alive. And not in prison.”
Upon its released in 2012, Finally Rich became a landmark album in the rise of drill music, influencing the modern rap landscape. The project debuted at No. 29 on the Billboard 200, selling 50,000 copies in its first week. It has since achieved RIAA Gold certification, with standout tracks like “Love Sosa” and “I Don’t Like” becoming cultural staples.
Tyler, The Creator and Kendrick Lamar are the Christmas Mix we didn’t realize we needed. On Christmas Day, Tyler surprised fans with a new video titled “That Guy,” where he freestyles over Kendrick Lamar’s GNX song “Hey Now.” Tyler – ever present – responded to a fan’s request way back in November for him to rap over the beat. On the song, he raps, “Hey now, say now, get sticky like a hun bun / You will never be the main guy, you’re a plus-one / 300k in four days Chromakopia / 12 days gold I ain’t even drop deluxe one.”
The video showcases Tyler’s signature creativity as he dances through the streets of his hometown of Hawthorne, CA. He also flexes his Ferrari and other matters. He also refers to The Pop Out: Ken & Friends concert in L.A. stating, “Lil bunny hop out, you seen me at the Pop Out / Pandemonium screaming like they brought Pac out.”
Tyler’s “That Guy” freestyle is a reminder that bro is one of the illest. “All these girls is a habit / boyfriends mad because they thought I was a….” – yep!
On a crisp December evening, rapper 21 Savage transformed a local community center into a hub of generosity.
The Grammy Award-winner hosted his sixth annual holiday toy drive Wednesday at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, bringing joy to over 1,000 families in need.
With gifts stacking into the thousands and proclamations in his honor, the day became a moment of celebration not just for his philanthropy but for the lives he’s helped along the way.
More than 3,000 toys, bicycles, and clothing items were handed out, along with warm meals for the families who arrived seeking a bit of holiday comfort.
The event, spearheaded by 21 Savage’s Leading By Example Foundation, underscores his continued dedication to improving lives in his hometown and beyond.
The rapper also received official recognition for his work—December 21 was proclaimed “21 Savage Day” in both DeKalb County and the state of Georgia.
“21 Savage’s continued dedication to uplifting his community is truly remarkable,” said Congressman Hank Johnson, one of several community leaders in attendance.
Johnson and Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson presented the rapper with four proclamations and two Community Action Awards during the event, commending his far-reaching impact.
The toy drive is one of several annual initiatives led by the foundation. In August, 21 Savage hosted a back-to-school drive that introduced Atlanta’s first-ever Social Impact Village, connecting students with free resources and nonprofit organizations.
His commitment to education extends further through financial literacy efforts, including the distribution of a free guide titled Master Your Money Financial Success 101 Guide With 21 Savage, which was made available at the toy drive and continues to be online.
Let me tell you something: Beyoncé does not lose. At the end of the day, that is an absolute fact. Remember, Jay-Z once used that as his slogan, and I’m sure some of that confidence has rubbed off on Beyoncé during their long marriage.
Well, Beyoncé headlined the NFL halftime show for the Christmas football game on Netflix, and guess what? She killed it! She performed so spectacularly that everyone is talking about it. But what we know now is that this goes beyond music. First of all, the show was even bigger than the NFL Super Bowl halftime show, and that has the rumor mill buzzing. But before we dive into the rumors, let’s break down the statements made today.
Firstly, Beyoncé addressed the country music community and those handing out awards. As you know, she was overlooked during awards season. Her Country Carter album was incredible—a groundbreaking musical project that should’ve earned her numerous accolades in the country music genre. CMA Awards, y’all are some racist bums! She was snubbed in a way that screams foul play, and I’m sure Beyoncé wasn’t happy about that.
Next up, politically speaking. This performance took place in her home state of Texas, where there was a significant loss for her community when Trump won. The performance was a powerful statement about Blackness and the growing inclusivity of the country music movement. The show also featured numerous references to America, the flag, and a subtle yet bold declaration that this country belongs to everyone. Politically, it was a massive statement.
Now, let’s get into the rumors! As you may know, Super Bowl halftime performers don’t get paid. They never have. While Beyoncé has done the Super Bowl halftime show before, this wasn’t a Super Bowl performance—it was something different. The question is, how much did she get paid? This wasn’t just an NFL event; it was also a Netflix production. This marks Netflix’s first time broadcasting live football performances, and what better way to make an entrance than with Beyoncé?
As you know, JAY-Z heads the Roc Nation division that handles entertainment for the NFL. Being married to Beyoncé is definitely a power move, and some might call it “insider trading,” but that’s another story. What we do know is that Beyoncé doesn’t come cheap—or free. It’s safe to say Netflix footed the bill, but the exact figure remains a mystery. One thing’s for sure: you have to pay to play.
The rumor is that Netflix wants to bring more NFL broadcasts in-house, taking them from networks that currently profit handsomely from the games. Will they succeed? That’s going to spark one hell of a bidding war. Somehow, though, I think they just might pull it off.
As for Beyoncé, her performance was phenomenal. It rocked the world and conveyed much more than just music. She invited people into her world. Oh, and by the way, Blue Ivy also performed, and you can bet the internet chatter will be nonstop because they both delivered an amazing show. And when you do an amazing job, you’re bound to attract critics!
Caresha “Yung Miami” Brownlee brought some much-needed holiday joy to South Florida over the weekend.
Hundreds of families drove through Phuse Cream in Plantation, Florida, for the annual “Caresha Gives” Community Toy Drive, an event designed to spread Christmas cheer and kindness while meeting the needs of underserved children.
Caresha personally handed out thousands of donated toys to excited kids, creating a festive atmosphere that rippled through the crowd.
Participants didn’t leave with just gifts; the event also treated families to holiday perks, including complimentary hot meals, creamy ice cream, cheerful face painting, and photos with Santa, all from the comfort of their vehicles.
Adding a unique twist to the day was a special collaboration between Caresha Gives and Phuse Cream, which debuted a holiday-themed ice cream flavor exclusively for the event.
For the South Florida native, giving back to the community during Christmastime carries a deep sense of purpose.
“Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, and it was incredible to see the smiles on these kids’ faces,” Caresha said. “South Florida will always be home, and giving back to this community that shaped me is a blessing. Every child deserves to feel special on Christmas, and I’m so happy we could make that happen this year.”
The “Caresha Gives” initiative has already started to gain momentum, even ahead of the official launch of the CareshaGIVES foundation in 2025.
The foundation aims to develop impactful programs that assist underserved communities with a focus on empowering families and expanding access to resources.
This holiday season marked the beginning of CareshaGIVING, the foundation’s first project, which kicked off during Thanksgiving with a Turkey Giveaway event in partnership with the City of Opa-locka and MegaTV.
Through this effort, families in Opa-locka were provided with meals to ensure a heartfelt holiday celebration.
Rumors are swirling on this Christmas Day! I saw something funny, where 50 Cent released his “opps list.” I thought it was funny, but absolutely thought there was some truth it it! Now, many of the names just happened to be Drake’s opps too. This list included Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Kanye West, LeBron James, and DeMar DeRozan. What a list! Still funny too!
Word is 50 Cent may be lending a strategic hand to Drake. We know 50 Cent. He’s got the big sword! Could he be helping with the ongoing Kendrick Lamar situation? Fans and analysts have pointed out these odd and peculiar shifts in Drake’s tactics. 50 is known to win battles in court too. This suggests there’s a bigger, more strategic mastermind at work.
Here Is The Evidence:
G-Unit Chain Spin: One of the most blatant signs was Drake’s unexpected nod to G-Unit when he spun a G-Unit chain during the battle. This symbolic move seemed out of place—unless it was part of a broader strategy devised by 50 Cent himself.
Battle Tactics with 50’s DNA: Some of Drake’s funny lines and bar strategies, like the “Push-ups” and the “Family Matters” references, felt like of 50 Cent’s earlier playbook with Ja Rule. While these moves didn’t land well at the end of the day, he had a week of good fortune. I hope Fif didn’t advise him on the use of AI.
Reverse Engineering Narratives: Drake’s use of the media and theories about bots to flip public sentiment is another tactic that screams 50 Cent. The issue is…Drake’s alleged use of bots was flipped back on him. 50’s ability to rebrand and weaponize criticism is very powerful.
Petitioning as a Power Play: Drake’s recent petition against UMG and Spotify, casting himself as a martyr in the vein of Prince and Michael Jackson, has 50’s influence written all over it. Turning a corporate complaint into a cultural stand is classic 50! Leveraging public sympathy! Not sure if it will work, but they definitely took away those “PDF” allegations.
Subliminal Responses and Strategic Dates: Kendrick’s recent subliminals seems to refer to Mr. Cent. References to “50 deep” and “money and power” suggest Fif is in Dot’s scope too. There are more rumors that even suggest that Drake could drop a significant project around Kendrick’s birthday.
There’s no denying this is all a calculated effort. One thing is clear: if 50 Cent is in Drake’s corner, the battle is about more than just lyrics. This is about cultural dominance! I am not sure that he can do anything with Kendrick, who’s a master chess player too!
Do you think 50 Cent is Drake’s secret weapon? Drop your thoughts below!
When did 50 Cent start disliking Kendrick Lamar? It feels like just yesterday when Kendrick made a cameo on Power. But now, it seems like 50 goes out of his way to downplay Kendrick’s achievements and the impact he’s had on hip-hop.
Quavo partnered with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, HOPE Hustlers, and Atlanta City Council for the second annual Huncho Farms on Tuesday, providing food and nutritional resources to over 500 families in Atlanta as part of his fight against food insecurity during the holiday season.
Held in the heart of Georgia’s capital, the event featured a festive outdoor farmers market that offered fresh produce, meats, canned goods, and a specially created Huncho Farms cookbook filled with accessible, nutritious recipes for families.
This year’s initiative expanded its focus by targeting grandparents raising their grandchildren in areas like food deserts, where access to affordable, healthy meals is limited.
Quavo highlighted the urgency of the situation through hands-on participation, alongside appearances by Atlanta City Council District 10 representative Andrea Boone and members of the HOPE Hustlers violence intervention organization.
“I’m so grateful that Quavo and the Quavo Cares Foundation chose this community for their Huncho Farms event this year,” Boone said. “This neighborhood is situated in a food desert, where a vast number of grandparents are raising their grandchildren. Food costs are exorbitant, making it more difficult for people to address their basic needs. This farmer’s market-style food drive will assist many hard-working people who deserve to have healthy fresh food and vegetable options this holiday season.”
Huncho Farms originated from earlier Thanksgiving drive-thru events by the Quavo Cares Foundation, which distributed turkeys, household essentials, and holiday meals.
Building on its success, the event evolved into a farmers market model.
The community-centered approach has allowed the foundation to work with partners like Walmart, Feeding America, and the Tender Foundation, which recently provided a $150,000 grant to support single Black mothers in the area.
The praise rising Vallejo rapper LaRussell is receiving from the generations of Bay Area artists before he continues to reign down following Oakland veteran Mistah Fab’s emotional testimony.
On Tuesday (December 24), the “Still Feelin’ It” lyricist shared a video of his experience at one of LaRussell’s recent concerts. Though the video was barely a minute long, Mistah F.A.B. managed to touch on a deep subject in a touching way as he described how LaRussell reminded him of his innocence before he was exposed to the realities of the industry.
In the caption of the tearful clip, Mistah F.A.B. went into detail about how the situation played out and his extensive history with LaRussell.
“Went to @larussell show just as a fan to watch from a far and he spotted me and called me on stage,” Mistah Fab wrote in the lengthy caption. “I was reluctant to go up as first because I was just there as a fan, but after adhering to the calling I felt compelled to share these sentiments.”
He continued, praising LaRussell and remarking on how Philadelphia content creator and motivational speaker Wallo played a role in creating the moment at hand.
“Thank you for having the courage to be different, the temerity to not be pusillanimous, creating aegis spaces for fans to galvanize and celebrate love and passion and honor this art of Hip-Hop,” he wrote. “It’s funny it took @wallo267 someone from a whole different region to put me on to who this man was years ago but I’ve been tapped in ever since….”
Mistah F.A.B. went on to encourage LaRussell to continue on his fearless path while also alluding to his own reinvigorated zeal for the art form and the business at large.
“Keep going brother…Don’t let non of these industry antics get you off your game,” he wrote. “I give glory to god for my story. Because for whatever reasons my route was detoured. Im still here, after radio politics, hatred from peers, quiet jealously, idols pushing competition instead of coalition. I’m still here and i stand in solidarity with whatever you on!!! Keep going brother voices of the village unite. You have reinstated and restored passion and promise. Rumble young man Rumble. The era way. GOOD COMPANY x DOPE ERA”
Mistah F.A.B. isn’t the only OG rapper to give LaRussell high praises for his elevated approach to breaking himself as an independent artist whilst also paying homage to those who came before him. In a recent interview with AllHipHop, Oakland legend Richie Rich recently sat down with Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur at the iconic WonWorld Studios and dished on why he loves LaRussell.
“I come from an era when people paid $20 for a CD,” Richie Rich said. “If they lost it or scratched it, they’d go buy another one. Paying for music wasn’t an issue. Now, with streaming, you can pay $10 a month for unlimited music. But if you think about it, how can all those artists eat off just $10?”
He continued, “Russell [LaRussell] introduced me to this platform where fans can pay directly for the music, even naming their price. One fan paid $500 for a download. The platform also gives me their contact info, so I can reach out directly about shows or special offers. It cuts out the middleman, putting me back in touch with my fans.”
Terry “Southwest T” Flenory partied onstage in Detroit with Rick Ross in his first appearance since President Joe Biden commuted his sentence.
The co-founder of the city’s notorious Black Mafia Family was one of more than 1,500 people granted clemency by President Biden as part of a broader effort to pardon those released from prison and moved to home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Sunday night (December 23), Rick Ross called Southwest T up on stage at the Wild N’ Out show in Detroit. The former drug kingpin rapped along as Ross performed his hit song “B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast),” which references Southwest T’s Brother Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory.
Southwest T and Big Meech were sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2008 for their roles in running a money laundering and drug trafficking international drug trafficking operation.
However, Southwest T was released to home confinement in May 2020. He was granted compassionate release due to ill health and the risks posed by COVID-19 in prisons.
Meanwhile, Big Meech served out his sentence and was released to a halfway house in October.
Southwest T announced the good news about his commuted sentence on Instagram earlier this week. He shared a video of him having his ankle monitor removed alongside a copy of his pardon.
“Now It’s official!” he revealed in the caption. “It’s been a journey, but prayer and unwavering faith beyond mere human comprehension got us to this point. Never once acted in my own ability nor doing anything to anyone to help myself. So the gloves are off, the gag orders are up and all the naysayers have to suck it up.#godisgood.”
