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A$AP Rocky Admits Animated Kids Show “Cocomelon” Is Driving Him “Nuts”

A$AP Rocky revealed that he’s been feeling overwhelmed by children’s TV shows while raising his sons, RZA and 12-month-old Riot Rose with partner Rihanna.

Despite his light-hearted complaints, he emphasized his joy in their family life.

“The animated series Cocomelon and others like it are really driving me nuts!” A$AP Rocky said with a laugh. “Don’t tell my girl I said that. I’m totally joking—I don’t care. She’s tired of it too, probably.”

Rocky and Rihanna confirmed their relationship in 2021, and in the interview, Rocky praised Rihanna’s parenting skills, calling her a “great mother.”

A$AP Rocky reflected on how they managed to find time for each other despite their hectic schedules.

“It’s crazy how we find balance with our chaotic schedules,” the 35-year-old said. “The relationship is going great. I don’t think there’s a more perfect person because when the schedules are hectic, she’s very understanding of that. And when the schedule’s freed up, that’s when you get to spend the most time together. It’s all understanding and compatibility.”

Amid these personal revelations, A$AP Rocky is also focused on his career, promoting his forthcoming fourth album, Don’t Be Dumb.

Initially scheduled for an August 30 release, the project has been delayed until fall.

Addressing fans on platform X, he explained, “LEAKS & SAMPLE CLEARANCES ARE DISRUPTING THE ALBUM. ITS BEEN 6 YEARS & I WANNA MAKE THE BEST ALBUM EVER. IM SORRY FOR THE WAIT.”

As the rapper navigates the challenges of parenting, partnership, and professional aspirations, he remains centered on maintaining harmony at home while striving for artistic excellence.

Ray J Calls On Safaree After Erica Mena Uses “N-Word” In Scathing Livestream

Ray J is putting Erica Mena on blast after a fiery livestream in which the reality star/model hurled insults at the singer, his ex-wife, Princess Love, sister Brandy and even his television network, Tronnix.

The conflict allegedly came to a head after Ray J interviewed a contestant from Mena’s Zeus Network dating show following the woman’s elimination from the show. The “One Wish” singer took to Instagram to respond to Mena’s latest outburst, sending shockwaves through social media. In his post, Ray J expressed disbelief and disappointment in Mena, seemingly chastising her for being a repeat offender.

“Why call me the N word! @ericamena – after the racist Monkey comment you made about Black people, you just felt like you could take it to the next level and call me a N###a huh??” Ray J wrote in the caption of the post.

He then highlighted the seriousness of Mena’s words and the fact she apparently hasn’t learned her lesson from a previous altercation he wasn’t involved with.

“SMH …….. OK ….” he continued. “When you make mistakes and take a L – you suppose to Learn from them, This is not cool.”

Despite the previous scandal, it seems Mena hasn’t learned her lesson, a point Ray J didn’t hesitate to address as he appealed directly to Mena’s ex, Safaree Samuels.

“Safaree is my friend, I don’t get into it with my peoples BM,” Ray J wrote, signaling his intent to stay out of the couple’s ongoing drama while still calling out Mena’s behavior. Safaree, who shares two children with the reality star, has also been the target of her social media tirades recently, as well. He added a bit of promotion at the end, urging fans to “subscribe to @tronixnetwork.”

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Erica Mena has found herself at the center of a racial controversy more than once within the past year, with her earlier offensive comments led to her removal from Love and Hip Hop Atlanta, where she was a mainstay until the incident.

Mena’s latest use of the racial slur comes on the heels of the aforementioned controversy that occurred last year, where she faced backlash for a racist “Monkey” comment aimed at Black woman she came to blows with during a reunion special of the reality TV series Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta.

Mena’s recent actions only add to her growing list of public missteps, leaving fans and critics wondering if she will face further consequences.

Check out the post with the receipts below.

EXCLUSIVE: Showboys Defeat Profile Records In $1M “Drag Rap” War—How They Won Explained

The Showboys won a crucial legal battle over royalties against Profile Records and Protoons after a protracted fight dating back to the mid-1980s.

The dispute began in 1985 after Hip-Hop duo The Showboys, consisting of Orville “Bugs Can Can” Hall and Phil “Triggerman” Price, signed an exclusive recording and publishing agreement with Profile Records and Protoons.

This arrangement enabled the group to release hits like “Cold Frontin’,” “Drag Rap,” “That’s What I Want For Christmas,” and “The Ten Laws of Rap” between 1985 and 1987.

In particular, “Drag Rap” has remained popular since its release.

The song has been sampled in at least 175 different by various artists, including Three 6 Mafia, Lil Jon, Lil Wayne, T.I., Chris Brown, Gucci Mane, Megan Thee Stallion, Young Thug and Drake, who sampled the song in his smash hit “In My Feelings.”

Although the agreement ended in 1988, Protoons retained the rights to these compositions and received royalties.

In 2015, Protoons ceased royalty payments to the duo, alleging a breach of contract due to supposed copyright infringement in “Drag Rap.”

Protoons contended that The Showboys had used a nine-note segment from the “Dragnet” TV show theme without proper authorization.

The Showboys, with legal representation, rebutted Protoons’ accusations, arguing that Protoons failed to provide concrete proof of infringement, noting no third party had ever filed a complaint against “Drag Rap.”

A court review siding with The Showboys found Protoons’ claims unsubstantiated.

The legal team for The Showboys effectively dismantled Protoons’ assertions, emphasizing the uninterrupted profitability Protoons had enjoyed from the group’s music over the years.

The recent court decision granted summary judgment in favor of The Showboys on their breach-of-contract claim.

This ruling acknowledged that Hall and Price had met their contractual obligations while Protoons defaulted on royalty payments.

Additionally, the court dismissed Protoons’ counterclaims, which included accusations of violating the duty of good faith and fair dealing.

Drake Quietly Drops Three More New Songs From His Burner Account

Drake has returned with another trifecta of singles: “Circadian Rhythm,” “SOD” and “No Face” featuring Playboi Carti.

The tracks arrived quietly on Friday (August 23) from the OVO Sound co-founder’s finsta account, which seems to be his preferred method of delivery these days.

Earlier this month, Drake shared a 100GB data dump boasting three new songs with contributions from Young Thug and Latto. They were later made available on digital streaming providers under the title “100 GIGS.”

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Drake is coming off of his highly publicized beef with Kendrick Lamar.

The conflict flared up in March, when Kendrick took a shot at Drake on Future and Metro Boomin’s track “Like That,” dismissing Drake’s role in the “big three” of contemporary rap. Drake responded in April with two diss tracks, “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle,” in which he insulted Kendrick’s short stature and took personal jabs at his fiancée and mother of his children, Whitney Alford.

Kendrick didn’t hold back either, responding with a series of diss tracks, including “euphoria,” “6:16 in LA,” and “Meet the Grahams.” Each track included deeply personal attacks, with Kendrick questioning Drake’s integrity, his role as a father and even suggesting he was hiding a second child. The beef grew increasingly vicious, with both Kendrick and Drake making dark accusations.

Kendrick’s Not Like Us,” which arrived last, became a chart-topping hit, further solidifying his dominance in the feud. Despite the heavy blows from both sides, the battle has not yet seen a definitive end, with tensions still simmering​. Drake, meanwhile, has been laying relatively low.

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For now, Drake appears content releasing music this way instead of the more traditional rollouts he typically does. Those paying close attention may recognize “SOD” as “Supersoak,” a track that streamer Kai Cenat premiered last month that featured a verse from Lil Yachty.

Yachty tried to clear a sample from Mr. HotSpot that was included on the track but was told he could only use it if they did a clean version due to his religious beliefs. Clearly, it didn’t work out. Yachty has been entirely removed from the track. Fans noticed Lil Yachty unfollowed Drake on Instagram a few weeks back, pointing to an internal conflict.

Nonetheless, the three new songs are available now. Just press play.

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Ashanti And Nelly Reveal Meaning Behind Son’s Name

Ashanti has shared the meaning behind her newborn son’s name, Kareem Kenkaide.

Born on July 18, the arrival of Kareem brought emotional and spiritual joy to Ashanti and her husband, Nelly.

The couple rekindled their relationship earlier this year and chose the name to celebrate familial ties and cultural heritage.

“Kenkaide is my dad’s name, and obviously my dad has only girls,” Ashanti told Entertainment Tonight, explaining the personal significance.

She added that Kareem, which means “generous, kind, and dignified” in Arabic, was selected with deep thought, a final decision made by Nelly with great pride.

The 43-year-old singer shared that Kareem came earlier than expected, prompting Nelly to rush for the birth.

“Having all of us in the delivery room and seeing his face for the first time, I cried. It was just so emotional and spiritual at the same time,” she recalled.

Since welcoming her first child, Ashanti admitted her life has fundamentally shifted, with her son becoming her top priority.

“My son definitely dictates everything now. He is the priority overall, and I don’t care what it will take, what I have to do; I’m just going to give everything and my all to my son,” Ashanti said, adding, “this little boy has my entire soul wrapped around his finger.”

The couple tied the knot in December last year, marking a new chapter after initially dating in the early 2000s and reuniting this year.

Kareem is Ashanti’s first child, while Nelly, known for his prominent career in Hip-Hop, has four other children: son Cornell Hayes III and daughter Chanelle from a previous relationship, as well as two children he adopted from his late stepsister, Jaqueline Donahue, in 2005.

Karrahbooo Calls Cap On Lil Yachty’s Writing Claims: “Stop Bullying Me” 

Karrahbooo has broken her silence after Lil Yachty blasted her in a heated Instagram rant, claiming he had written all of the former Concrete Boys artist’s songs. 

Despite previously hinting at an amicable split, Yachty lost it after a fan alleged Karrahbooo accused the group of bullying her and said they kicked her out. 

Yachty also accused her of verbally abusing people and claimed she’s $900,000 in debt to him in a lengthy tirade. After putting her on blast, he leaked a supposed reference track for her viral On the Radar freestyle.  

On Friday night (August 23) Karrrahbooo responded to Lil Yachty. While she didn’t deny he wrote for her, she insisted she penned some herself. She posted a screenshot of her Top. 3 most popular songs with the On the Radar freestyle in third position after “Running Late” racking up over seven million plays and “WHERE YO DADDY?” just over three million. 

“put it on yo kid i ain’t write these songs miles,” Karrahbooo wrote, addressing Lil Yachty by her born name. “stop da cap and leave me out ur internet shenanigans [crying laughing emoji]. Referencing the viral rumor, she added, “stop bullying me big dawg [crying laughing emoji].” 

Karrrahbooo denied the fan’s claims and told him to “man up” and stop believing rumors. “i never said nothing,” she insisted. “u letting random fans get in yo head.” 

Lil Yachty Claims Karrahbooo Is $900,000 In Debt To Concrete Boys

During his tirade, Yachty took credit for writing “every verse you’ve done,” and claimed Karrahbooo left the label “$900,000 “in the hole.” 

“I changed your muthafuckin life!” he said. “And you are here lying, talking about some ‘We bully you’. That s### got me f##### up, bro.” 

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The rant was a far cry from his previous remarks concerning the split.   

“We have split ways with Karrah as far as this Concrete s###,“ he said last month. “I have nothing bad to say, nothing negative to say about Karrah. I wish her the best in her career.” 

Juvenile Believes His Solo Album Sales Are Better Than JAY-Z & Nas

Juvenile is raising eyebrows with his latest career hot take comparing his album sales to those of East Coast rap legends such as JAY-Z and Nas.

In a recent interview, the legendary New Orleans rapper made the bold claim during a spirited debate about whether or not Southern music gets it’s just due. Juvenile didn’t hold back, challenging the notion that lyrical prowess alone defines success in the rap game. In the act of his defiance of the status quo, the Cash Money Records icon stated that his classic album 400 Degreez has outsold any solo record released by rap giants JAY-Z or Nas while on the topic of hitmaking and impact.

“A hit is a hit,” Juvenile declared. “You don’t have to be the best rapper. Some of the best rappers… can’t make a hit. That s##t don’t mean nothing. The best rapper in the world don’t mean nothing if you ain’t got no f###ing hits.”

Juvenile doubled down on his assertion, directing listeners to “check the numbers” when it comes to album sales.

“N###as always talk about man, ‘Nas da da da, JAY-Z…’ Okay, who sold the most records?” he questioned rhetorically. “I think that’s what counts, right? Yeah. Let’s not go off the, let’s just do numbers. Know what I’m saying? Yeah. Let’s see who sold the most records on each solo album?”

Juvenile continued, “Numbers don’t lie, man.”

“Pick your best Nas album. Pick your best Jay-Z album, right? Yeah. And I’m going to take 400 and you tell me who sold the most on a solo album. I’m taking 400.”

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Juvenile’s 400 Degreez, released in 1998, was a monumental success, solidifying Cash Money Records as a dominant force in Hip-Hop. The album sold over four million units in the U.S., spawned hits like “Ha” and was certified 4x-platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America).

On the flip side, JAY-Z’s debut album Reasonable Doubt sold over 1.5 million units in the U.S. The album was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 2002. Nas’ debut album, Illmatic, sold over 2 million units total and was initially slow to gain commercial traction but has since been widely regarded as a classic.

However, HOV did best Juvenile with his album Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life, which sold more than five million units in the nationwide and was certified 5x-platinum by the RIAA.

Check out the interview clip above.

EXCLUSIVE: Diddy Sexual Assault Accuser Says She Fears For Her Life In Bid To Stay Anonymous

A woman asked a New York judge to maintain her anonymity in a sexual assault lawsuit against Diddy’s Bad Boy Records and the label’s former president Harve Pierre. The alleged victim’s attorney opposed Diddy and Pierre’s legal efforts to force her to reveal her name on Friday (August 23).

“Defendants’ motion is nothing more than a scare tactic and ploy to deter litigation against an already crumbling empire that can no longer hide behind the smoke screens of its money, power and fame,” Jane Doe’s lawyer Jeffrey Anderson argued.

Jane Doe accused Pierre of sexually assaulting her multiple times between 2016 and 2017 in a 2023 lawsuit. She sued Diddy’s Bad Boy Records for negligence and enabling Pierre’s alleged crimes.

Multiple women sued Diddy and his associates for sexual assault, among other allegations, over the past year. Many of his accusers have disclosed their identities, but two lawsuits involving Pierre were filed by women who wished to remain anonymous. The aforementioned Jane Doe has only been identified as Pierre’s former assistant.

“Because of my former employer’s power and influence, I fear that I will be harassed and ridiculed if my identity was made public in connection with these claims,” she explained. “I am concerned for my physical safety and the safety of my family.”

Jane Doe hasn’t informed her family about the lawsuit or what Pierre allegedly did to her. She hopes the court will protect her identity.

“This is a source of shame and embarrassment for me,” she said. “Should my identity be made public, I risk negative repercussions to my employment due to the stigma associated with being a victim of sexual assault. I fear others will view me negatively and my reputation will be negatively impacted. My mental health will suffer if I was forced to disclose my identity publicly. I should not have to be subjected to further harm in my efforts to seek accountability for what was done to me.”

Diddy is the subject of a federal investigation over sex trafficking allegations. The embattled mogul’s lawyers maintain his innocence.

Tyrese Reveals He Was 2Pac’s Replacement In “Baby Boy” Movie

Tyrese Gibson has uncovered the remarkable story of how late director John Singleton poached him for a film role originally meant for 2Pac. During a candid and revealing interview on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast, Gibson shared an anecdote about his classic film Baby Boy that has since set the internet ablaze.

The R&B singer and actor recalled a powerful moment with the legendary director in which he compared Gibson to none other than the “California Love” rapper himself. Gibson explained how the situations went down by remarking on how his upbringing in the tough streets of Watts and genuine connection to the hood.

“I was born and raised at Martin Luther King Hospital,” Gibson started off. “I ain’t out here super Crippin’, Bloodin’. I ain’t sold no dope. Y’all other n###as out here painting a different picture. I’m a real hood n###a that could make a call and f##k your life up.”

It was this raw, unfiltered energy that he says caught Singleton’s attention and forged a connection. As Tyrese Gibson continued, he recounted the moment Singleton made the bold comparison likening him to the deceased West Coast rap legend he recalls everyone was imitating at the time.

“John Singleton was like, ‘You the only n###a that remind me of Pac,'” he said. “’Everybody out here want to be Pac. They getting tattoos trying to become Pac. They out here trying to rap and sound like Pac. They trying to be super thug like Pac, they getting Pac tattoos, they doing whatever.'”

Gibson revealed that this sentiment was also echoed by someone very close to 2Pac—his mother, Afeni Shakur. In the process, he explained how deeply connected he became to Afeni as time rolled on.

“Who else said it?” he questioned rhetorically. “Pac’s Mama, who became the godmother to my daughter at the time,” he added, underscoring the deep connection he shares with the late rapper’s legacy.

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Tyrese Gibson’s big break is widely considered his starring role in Singleton’s 2001 classic Baby Boy. His depiction of the main character “Jodie” drew both fan, and eventually critical acclaim, and in-turn, the film catapulted him to stardom.

The movie was a box office success, grossing over $29 million worldwide. Though it didn’t win major awards, Baby Boy has remained a cult favorite, solidifying both Singleton’s and Gibson’s places in the annals of Black cinema. The film’s enduring legacy only adds to the illustrious filmography of Singleton, who also created Boyz N The Hood in addition to several other classic movies. Not to mention the 2Pac comparison adds a significant layer to Tyrese Gibson’s already storied career.

Check out the interview clip below.

Judge Mathis Divorce Sends Social Media Into Frenzy

Judge Greg Mathis’ wife Linda filed for divorce on Thursday (August 22). Linda has been married to the star of the popular reality courtroom show Judge Mathis for 39 years.

According to court documents obtained by E! News, the couple separated on July 17. Linda cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their divorce.

Judge Mathis married his wife in 1985. The two have four adult children. The family starred in the E! reality TV series Mathis Family Matters in 2022.

“It was really my family that was the foundation of my success,” Judge Mathis said in one episode. “After coming out of the streets in Detroit, Linda allowed me to work 15 hours a day, five [to] six days a week. So, it’s that support that allowed me to pursue the success that you see.”

Linda added, “Our love and support runs deep. That’s how the Mathis family rolls.”

Judge Mathis’ divorce elicited hilarious reactions on social media. Some fans started fantasizing about the newly single judge. Others expressed their disbelief over a nearly 40-year marriage ending. Multiple people suggested the two needed to stick together regardless of the issues in their relationship.

Check out some of the commentary below.

RFK Jr. Announcement Shakes Up Election After Rappers Endorsed Him For President

Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspended his presidential campaign. RFK Jr. endorsed former President Donald Trump in a speech on Friday (August 23).

“In my heart, I no longer believe that I have a realistic path to electoral victory in the face of this relentless systematic censorship and media control,” Kennedy said. “So, I cannot in good conscience ask my staff and volunteers to keep working their long hours or ask my donors to keep giving when I cannot honestly tell them that I have a real path to the White House.”

Beanie Sigel, Geto Boys member Willie D and Hot Boy Turk supported Kennedy during his campaign. RFK Jr. was the most prominent third-party candidate in the 2024 presidential race.

RFK Jr. bowed out of the presidential race to avoid being a “spoiler” in the election. The anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist claimed he could’ve won the election if outside forces weren’t working against him.

“In an honest system, I believe I would’ve won the election,” he said.

RFK Jr. railed against the Democratic party in his exit speech. Five of Kennedy’s siblings condemned his endorsement of Trump.

“We want an America filled with hope and bound together by a shared vision of a brighter future, a future defined by individual freedom, economic promise and national pride,” the Kennedys said in a joint statement. “We believe in Harris and [Tim] Walz. Our brother Bobby’s decision to endorse Trump today is a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear. It is a sad ending to a sad story.”

RFK Jr. sought to remove himself from ballots in about 10 battleground states. Some secretaries of state have said it’s too late to remove his name. He urged voters in battleground states not to vote for him if his name remained on the ballot.

6 Top Tips for Enjoying Live Gigs with a Hearing Impairment

Attending live music shows and concerts can be a thrilling experience, allowing you to see your favorite performers up close and feel the energy of the crowd. However, for those with hearing loss, concerts can also pose some challenges. With proper planning, you can fully enjoy live shows despite your hearing difficulties. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of live gigs with a hearing impairment.

  1. Research the Venue Accessibility

One of the first things to do when preparing to attend a concert is to research the accessibility features of the venue. Many modern arenas and music halls now offer assistive listening devices and seating options to accommodate hard-of-hearing guests.

Call the venue ahead of time to inquire about hearing loop systems, which transmit sound directly to hearing aids equipped with telecoils. Ask if they provide receivers with headphones or if you need to bring your own. Some venues may also have captioning displays.

Check the venue’s website and read reviews to see if other patrons mention the availability of these services. You want to confirm what type of systems are offered so you can prepare accordingly.

The venue may also have designated seating areas with good sightlines to the stage and reduced background noise. Ask about priority wheelchair-accessible seating even if you don’t use a chair, as these spots often have the best views. Booking early helps secure them.

  1. Invest in a Quality Hearing Aid

Wearing advanced hearing aids makes a significant difference in your ability to understand speech and music. Investing in a high-quality pair from leading brands such as the ones at phonak.com/en-us/hearing-devices/hearing-aids ensures you have the amplification and noise reduction features needed for dynamic concert environments.

Key features like directional microphones, Bluetooth connectivity, and telecoil compatibility optimize hearing aids for concerts. Directional microphones focus on sounds coming from the stage and minimize surrounding crowd noise. Bluetooth allows hearing aids to receive audio signals directly from the assistive listening system. Telecoils pick up magnetic signals from hearing loops.

Professional audiologists can help you select suitable models and program the hearing aids specifically for concerts. Be sure to get your hearing aids checked and adjusted regularly for optimal performance. Keeping them clean and well-maintained also improves audio quality.

  1. Protect Your Ears During Loud Shows

Concerts, especially rock and pop shows, can reach dangerously high noise levels. Make hearing protection part of your concert preparation to avoid damaging your residual hearing.

High-fidelity earplugs designed for music are a good option for reducing risky volumes while still allowing you to hear the tunes. Avoid foam and other cheap plugs that muffle the sound. Custom-molded plugs from an audiologist give a more natural sound than disposable filters.

Also, be mindful of taking breaks during lengthy shows to give your ears a rest. Move to quieter areas like the lobby for a while if the volume becomes uncomfortable. Limiting consecutive days of attending extremely loud concerts helps prevent cumulative hearing loss over time.

  1. Arrive Early to Test Assistive Devices

Make sure to arrive with ample time before the show starts so you can test any provided listening systems. Venues often distribute receivers for hearing loops and headphones at a help desk or accessibility booth. The earlier you get there, the more time you’ll have to ensure the devices are working properly.

Double-check that your hearing aid telecoil is activated so you can access the signal from a hearing loop. Try adjusting the volume and positioning of the headphones provided to find the clearest sound balance between music and vocals. Let an usher know right away if you have any technical problems, as it can take time to resolve issues.

Having this equipment sorted before the concert begins means you can focus on enjoying the show once it starts. You won’t miss the opening songs fiddling with unfamiliar devices. Getting settled ahead of the crowds also secures your prime accessible seat.

  1. Sit Near Speakers or Away from Them

Strategically selecting your seating location based on the type of concert and venue layout can significantly improve your listening experience.

For amplified concerts, sit nearer to the front-of-house speaker towers facing the crowd. Sound mixing engineers adjust these speakers to project the vocals and instruments out toward the audience. Sitting closer to them provides clearer, more balanced audio for those with hearing difficulties.

For quieter acoustic shows, it may be better to avoid the front rows. The instruments on stage often overpower the vocals from up close. In smaller venues, sit farther back where you can better hear the mix of frequencies. Moving around between songs helps you find the optimal spot.

Ask an usher for tips about the best hearing-friendly seating zones given the show and venue. Explain your needs when purchasing accessible tickets so box office staff can guide you.

  1. Use Smartphone Apps to Augment Listening

Specialized smartphone apps can enhance what you’re hearing during a live show. Apps like SoundPrint provide real-time sound level measurements. This lets you monitor if decibels exceed harmful levels and move further away or use ear protection when necessary.

Other apps act like portable assistive devices. Jacoti Listen brightens and isolates vocals and instruments to make them more audible in noisy environments. AmpLIFY magnifies and clarifies sound through headphones.

Apps that display live lyrics synchronized to the music can also aid understanding. Be sure to charge devices beforehand and bring wired headphones as Bluetooth can cut out. Enable captioning if available on the app or venue screens.

Attending shows with a friend who can relay lyrics and details you miss provides additional support. Make sure to take breaks from actively listening to minimize fatigue.

Hearing loss can pose challenges at live concerts, but with the right tools and preparation, you can have an equally fun and rewarding experience. Follow these tips to hear your favorite performers clearly and comfortably. From getting your hearing aids optimized to using handy smartphone apps, a few simple steps make concerts more accessible and enjoyable. With persistence and creativity in finding solutions, you can join in the excitement and energy of seeing great live music.

Coi Leray & Trippie Redd Confirm Rekindled Romance With Heavy Concert PDA

Coi Leray is dating Trippie Redd again. Leray declared her love for Redd in an Instagram post on Friday (August 23).

“Thank You for turning up with me on my last show day in Ohio @trippieredd the world loves you and so do I,” she wrote.

The post included a clip of Redd performing at Leray’s concert in Columbus, Ohio on Thursday night (August 22). The two hugged and kissed on stage, confirming rumors of their renewed romance. Leray shared another video of the couple kissing on Instagram Stories.

Leray and Redd previously dated in 2019. Leray called it her “first real relationship” in a 2020 interview.

“We had such a great bond,” she said. “We was so lit. But it was just—the timing wasn’t right … He loves hard. He’s a lover. So, s### just got to the point where we need to just chill.”

Redd released a song titled “Leray” after they split in 2019. The track appeared on A Love Letter to You 4.

“It was love at first sight and misery after two months/Always feeling f##### up either by love or no love/’I thought you was married to the single life,’ she said/I wasn’t necessarily looking for happiness, just less pain/I should’ve said something/You said the only thing wrong with money is you ain’t have enough of it/You said you deserve better and now so do I/Anyways, the best part of us was me/When you got with me, you were a genius/Now without me, you have to live life as an idiot/I don’t write songs, I write life, I told you that/And you were only f###### with my feelings because you didn’t know your own/I do miss who I thought you were/And sometimes I’m miserable without you/So, it’s just like you’re still here,” he said in a spoken-word portion of the song.

Listen to “Leray” below.

Breonna Taylor Case: Judge Blames Boyfriend—Not Cops—For Her Death

A federal judge dismissed felony charges against two former Louisville police officers in the Breonna Taylor case. According to multiple reports, Joshua Jaynes and Kyle Meany were cleared of charges carrying potential life sentences for their roles in Taylor’s 2020 death.

Taylor, an unarmed Black woman, was shot and killed by cops in her apartment during a botched raid. Jaynes and Meany faced charges for the use of a dangerous weapon to deprive Taylor of her Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable search. Jaynes and Meany were not present at the scene of the shooting, but the two falsified information for a warrant to search Taylor’s home.

Judge Charles Simpson claimed the bad warrant was not the cause of Taylor’s death. The judge blamed Taylor’s boyfriend Kenneth Walker, who shot a cop in the leg. Walker grabbed a legally owned gun and fired a shot when officers broke into the apartment. Walker thought the police were intruders. Officers returned fire, killing Taylor.

“There is no direct link between the warrantless entry and Taylor’s death,” Judge Simpson ruled. “As a result, the issue becomes whether law deems [Walker’s] decision to shoot first to supersede the warrantless entry such that his conduct became the proximate, or legal, cause of Taylor’s death. The court concludes [Walker’s] decision to shoot first did just that.”

Judge Simpson said prosecutors failed to prove officers executing the no-knock warrant “used their firearms for the purpose of subjecting Taylor to the search.” The judge determined the “only active employment of a weapon alleged in the indictment is ‘use’ for self-defense, i.e. returning [Walker’s] fire.”

Jaynes is still charged with falsification of records in a federal investigation and conspiracy to falsify records and witness tampering. He faces up to 40 years in prison.

Meany remains on the hook for a false statement to federal investigators charge. The maximum sentence is five years in prison.

Hurricane Chris Walks Back 50 Cent Viral Rant: “Big Misunderstanding” 

Hurricane Chris has had a change of heart after criticizing 50 Cent over his recent Humor & Harmony Festival in Shreveport, LA. 

Chris went viral after calling out the G-Unit mogul for not booking local artists and shelling out $500,000 on law enforcement during the four-day event. He doubled down, calling 50 Cent a “culture vulture,” after Fiddy responded by trolling him. 

Nonetheless, Hurricane Chris now claims he meant no ill will and wants to have a sit down with 50 Cent.  

“It’s no hate. It’s all love, but I must voice my opinion because I been here, and I been in Shreveport,” Chris told KSLA News 12 in an interview published Thursday (August 22).  

“I definitely had no malice,” he continued. “It was just me wanting to see my community be respected. I had already seen him come into the community and disrespect the culture and names, and it came out because I was in one of those moods.” 

Louisiana-born artist Fredo Bang also hit back at the “A Bay Bay” rapper’s viral remarks. “Hurricane,” he said. “If he didn’t put no Louisiana artists, Louisiana legends, who the f### I am then?” 

Chris expressed frustration that too few hard working local artists were hired to perform. “[Shreveport does] have artists,” he continued. “A lot of artists, more artists than that I can’t even name that would rock stages like that. It’s not about me.” 

According to Hurricane Chris, the whole affair was just a “big misunderstanding,” and he’s “willing” to collaborate with 50 Cent in the future.  

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Lil Yachty Blasts Co-Host’s Ex For Threatening To Expose Him Amid Podcast Drama 

Lil Yachty fired back at his co-host Mitch’s ex-girlfriend after she threatened to expose him following his explosive Instagram rant. 

On Thursday night (August 22), after unleashing on former Concrete Boys artist Karrahbooo, Yachty directed his anger towards his A Safe Place podcast co-host, Mitch, before quitting the podcast and ending their friendship. 

Earlier in the day, a clip went viral of the rapper appearing to disrespect Mitch for lacking purpose before meeting Yachty.

After facing backlash, Lil Yachty asked his friend to clear up the clip, but Mitch refused. He also insisted Mitch had benefited from him to the tune of around $400,000. 

“I say ‘Mitch how the f### you didn’t go on the internet and tell these folks we playin, bro?’” he recalled. “F### you and the podcast. I don’t give a f### about the podcast.” 

However, Mitch’s ex-girlfriend, who also happens to be his cousin, soon chimed in. She blasted Yachty in a Twitter Spaces, warning she would reveal his secrets.  

The woman claimed Mitch sacrificed his own career to support Yachty and said her relationship with him suffered because he was always in meetings with the rapper. She also accused Lil Yachty of holding Mitch back, using him and blocking other opportunities.  

Furthermore, she claimed the podcast would be “nothing” without Mitch, adding that nobody tunes in for the rapper. Then she made a bold claim, insisting she was responsible for their success. 

“Let’s really get into the tea. People really watch that s### cuz of me,” she said, referring to the podcast going viral after Yachty called out Mitch for having a sexual relationship with his cousin. “You brought that s### up because you wanted to try to f###### clown and humiliate that n####,” she added. “And yeah that s### is about me.” 

Yachty fired back, claiming Mitch would lie to her “just to get away from you,” and the endless meetings didn’t exist.  

“Stop playing with me ho,” he yelled, becoming irate. “You was really a b#### that he just used to use to sleep at your f##### house ho.” 

He added, “If you got some dirt bring it to the muthafuckin light ho. So we can really tell everything how it is.” 

After all the drama, Mitch finally provided the clarification Yachty had requested and said their conversation was “taken out of context.” 

While Lil Yachty said the podcast was over, Mitch apparently missed the memo. “The next podcast will be epic,” he wrote. “ion even think we need a guest this time lol.. see ya around (insert think piece below).” 

Cardi B Reveals She Hated Living In Atlanta & Has No Friends There 

Cardi B is opening up about her hunt for a New York apartment and spilling the beans on her time living with her estranged husband, Offset, in Atlanta. 

On Thursday (August 22), Cardi took to Instagram Live after her apartment hunting caused a stir online. While it was speculated that her NYC move was related to her divorce, Cardi B shut down the rumors and explained she needed to be in the city for work. 

“Right now, I’m in the city, and I need to go take a shower,” Cardi B said. She revealed that she’s been showing in her engineer’s gym bathroom or renting hotels, and she’s tired of it.  

“I’m going to be coming to have meetings with my label like twice a week,” she added. “And on top of that, I’m trying to get an office out here.” 

Moreover, Cardi B said she’s “comfortable” in New York, and despite what many fans believe, she actually lives in her New Jersey home with the children and not in Atlanta.  

“I don’t live in Atlanta. I have a house in Atlanta,” she stated. According to Cardi B, she spends very little time in Atlanta and never liked living here. 

“I only go to Atlanta like three or four times a year,” she explained. “And probably I go for a week, maybe less. I tried to move to Atlanta in 2018 and I lived there for like six months. And I hated it. I don’t have not one friend in Atlanta, and I don’t have not even one family member in Atlanta. So I just don’t like Atlanta.” 

Despite her ongoing divorce and freak accident, which caused her to slow down, Cardi B claims she’s still on course to drop her highly-anticipated upcoming album this year.  

A$AP Rocky Under Fire After Talking Tough About Drake Beef 

A$AP Rocky finally addressed his long-running feud with Drake, claiming he’s above beefing with the OVO founder while there’s “real” problems on the streets.  

During a wide-ranging Billboard cover story published Thursday (August 22), Rocky addressed a number of topics, including his issues with Drake. However, despite both rappers taking numerous shots at each other, A$AP Rocky dismissed the notion of any Drake beef.  

“You got to realize, certain n##### was throwing shots for years,” the Harlem native stated. “I ain’t in the middle of that s###. That’s not how I retaliate right now. I got bigger fish to fry than some p#### boys. It is real beef outside. It is real. N##### getting really clipped and blitzed every day. N##### sniping n##### every day. That little kitty s### ain’t about nothing.” 

Fans React To A$AP Rocky’s Drake Remarks

However, after quotes from the interview surfaced online, social media users questioned his remarks. 

“Rocky pretending he’s in the streets when in reality he’s a stay at home dad in Rihanna’s mansion is kinda wild. LOL,” one person shared. 

Another echoed the sentiment, adding, “U got real beef outside with 2 kids and a woman at home while you modeling and dropping mid tracks????” 

While a third claimed, “Drake destroyed Rocky so bad he can never recover from it. He should just move on.” 

Despite downplaying the beef, fans believe A$AP Rocky dissed Drake on “HIGHJACK,” which dropped earlier this month. The diss and their beef, appears to stem from Drizzy’s rumored relationship with Rihanna before her marriage to Rocky.  The feuding rappers have exchanged multiple shots since at least last year. Moreover, rumors surfaced that Drake will be “cemented” on his rival’s list once A$AP Rocky drops his upcoming album, Don’t Be Dumb.    

It’s worth mentioning that Rocky is currently awaiting trial, accused of shooting his former friend and collaborator A$AP Relli outside a Hollywood hotel. He pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault involving a semi-automatic firearm and is set to face trial on October 21. 

Lil Yachty Unleashes On Karrahbooo In Scathing Rant Amid “Bullying Rumors” 

Lil Yachty unleashed on former Concrete Boys “First Lady” Karrahbooo after allegedly telling a fan the group bullied her before kicking her out. 

However, Yachty painted a very different picture during an explosive rant on Instagram Live Thursday evening (August 22). Despite previously downplaying her departure from the group, Lil Yachty let rip. He accused Karrahbooo of verbally abusing people, claimed he wrote for her and said she cost him nearly a million dollars.  

“I’m so sick and tired of helping people,” he said before urging Karrahbooo, “tell the whole story. Go ahead and tell people how you verbally abuse people. Don’t get on here and make it seem like n##### kicked you out.” 

He continued, “I’ve been letting you do this whole thing where you act like you like a princess and you sweet.” However, Yachty insisted, “internally we have withheld your actions since the beginning of me giving you this career.” 

Lil Yachty blasted Karrahbooo over repeated “disrespect” before listing all he’s done for her.  

He took credit for writing “every verse you’ve done” and said he decked out all five of his Concrete Boys artists. “I put eight carats of earrings on everybody ear,” he stated. “I put three chains on all y’all neck.” 

According to Yachty, “We bought a Cartier watch. I gave you that chrome Rolex. You was waiting tables… What are we talking about n####? I changed your muthafuckin life! And you are here lying, talking about some ‘We bully you’. That s### got me f##### up, bro.” 

Yachty continued, attacking her character before saying that Karrahbooo talks “crazy” to his label and other professionals and claimed he was stealing from her.  

Lil Yachty Claims Karrahbooo Left The Label $900,000 “In The Hole”

He questioned how he could take her money when she hasn’t made any and said he spent a whopping $900,000 on her. 

“I got every receipt. $900,000 Concrete in the hole,” he added. “I dare you try me. Try me and I’mma post it! And I’ll post how much money your f###### streams have made.” 

He expressed disappointment over the “bullying” accusations and said he let her live in his home rent-free and gave her money. “You was my best friend bro,” he added. “What are we talking about?” 

He also revealed that he reactivated his Instagram account to address the rumors despite previously promising to stay off the internet. Ultimately, Yachty claimed the whole situation made him violently ill. 

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Lil Yachty’s remarks come after a fan claimed Karrahbooo dished the dirt on her exit after asking why she left. “She immediately corrected me and said I didn’t leave they kicked me out,” the fan tweeted. “[She said] they were really mean to her and bullying her a lot.” 

Donald Trump Rages Over Kamala Harris’ DNC Speech In Explosive Rant 

Donald Trump was incensed by Kamala Harris’ DNC address, launching a fierce tirade, attacking and insulting the Vice President as she formally accepted the Democratic party’s nomination on the final night of the convention. 

On Thursday night (August 22), as Harris delivered a forceful speech, warning of the ramifications of another term under Donald Trump, her political rival was losing it on his Truth Social platform. 

“Consider not only the chaos and calamity when he was in office, but also the gravity of what has happened since he lost,” Harris urged Chicago delegates. “Trump tried to throw away your votes. When he failed, he sent an armed mob to the United States Capitol, where they assaulted law enforcement.” 

Donald Trump Lashes Out At Kamala Harris

Calling the Vice President “Comrade Kamala Harris,” Donald Trump provided a running commentary of what he referred to as “her ‘puff piece.’” 

“The Chaos and Calamity is allowing our Country to be infiltrated by Millions of Criminals!” he replied in one of the first of dozens of posts. “PEACEFULLY AND PATRIOTICALLY!”  

Harris continued referencing his criminal convictions. “For an entirely different set of crimes, he was found guilty of fraud by a jury of everyday Americans,” she stated. “And separately, found liable for committing sexual abuse.” 

Trump fired back, writing, “These Prosecutions were all started by her and Biden against their Political Opponent, ME!” 

Meanwhile, back at the convention, Harris addressed concerns over the controversial far-right policy proposal Project 2025. She branded it a blueprint for “what a second Trump term would look like,” adding it would “pull our country back to the past.” 

Harris said the policy was “written by his closest advisors,” but Trump denied it. 

He accused Harris of “LYING AGAIN ABOUT PROJECT 2025…THAT I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH!” 

When Harris claimed “Donald Trump hand-picked members of the Supreme Court to take away reproductive freedom,” blaming him for the overturn of Roe v. Wade, Trump pushed back. 

“Everybody, Democrats, Republicans, Liberals, and Conservatives, wanted Roe v. Wade TERMINATED, and brought back to the States,” he insisted. “I do not limit access to birth control or I.V.F. – THAT IS A LIE, these are all false stories that she’s making up, that I’ve never even heard of. It’s just words coming out of her mouth.” 

Truth Social/Donald Trump

After calling Harris a “radical Marxist,” he claimed she “caused the Attack of October 7th.” He also declared, “There will be no future under Comrade Kamala Harris, because she will take us into a Nuclear World War III!”

Trump promised to continue his rant on Fox News to “discuss Marxism in America!” He called into the live broadcast to protest about Harris’ speech, but the hosts had to cut him off.