Blue Ivy’s debut film, Mufasa: The Lion King, roared its way to box office success over the first weekend of 2025, crowning her as a rising star in Hollywood alongside her iconic parents, Jay-Z and Beyoncé.
The Disney prequel, directed by Barry Jenkins, claimed the top spot at the North American box office, pulling in over $150 million domestically.
While the film didn’t match the opening-weekend figures of its predecessor, 2019’s reimagined The Lion King, it nonetheless secured its place among the highest earners of the year
Jenkins, who also directed the Oscar-winning Moonlight, voiced his excitement for casting Blue Ivy, aged 12, as Kiara, a lioness cub, in her first acting role.
Her casting, however, comes with no nepotistic strings attached, according to Jenkins, who made clear her selection was based solely on merit.
“Her parents weren’t involved in her booking this film,” he told People. “You know, she had read this audiobook Hair Love with my friend Matthew Cherry, and I just really loved her voice.”
He complimented her preparation and innate talent. “It was great working with her. She came extremely prepared.”
Jenkins explained what drew him to her audition. “I could just tell that she was going to bring this really wonderful innocence, but also the knowingness of a highly evolved child. The children in the audience, they’re going to see themselves in the character she plays, Kiara. She just brought all the complexity that it demanded.”
The film also managed to surpass Sonic the Hedgehog 3, which slid into a close second place after dominating in previous weeks, inching toward a $190 million domestic total.
Other notable contenders included Nosferatu in third, Moana 2 in fourth, and Better Man, Robbie Williams’ musical biopic, rounding out the top five.
Nicki Minaj and her husband Kenneth Petty seem to be doing just fine, despite what the haters have to say. Let’s be real—most people condemned their relationship from the start and thought it wouldn’t last longer than a TikTok trend. Yet here we are, years later, and they’re still going strong.
What I find hilarious is that these two are actually funny. Recently, Nicki went live with her hubby and it was a comedic moment for the books.
Nicki, known for her iconic lyrics, bodacious body and ahem blooming backside, got caught in a funny exchange. During the live, a fan asked them about “clapping.” Now, Nicki being Nicki, assumed they meant firearms. Or was playing along…but hold up—it turns out the fan was referring to something else entirely. Watch how it all goes down below—trust me, it’s worth the laugh.
Now, I know there was probably a little editing involved in this clip, but it was still hilarious. My question is: were they being for real or were they just trolling the fan? Honestly, the whole thing felt like a skit straight out of Seinfeld. Lowkey, “Nicki and Kenny” could make for a pretty entertaining show. Would I watch it? Absolutely.
But back to Nicki—what’s she up to musically? It’s been a minute since she’s dropped something major. With artists like Doechii making waves and the female rap scene dominating in 2024, the queen has been pretty quiet. So, what’s the move, Nicki?
Nicki Minaj could be facing criminal charges over an alleged assault that took place last April.
Law enforcement sources reportedly said the Detroit Police have sent a warrant request to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. Once it’s thoroughly reviewed, they’ll decide whether criminal charges will be filed. The prosecutor will ultimately make the final call.
As previously reported by AllHipHop, Minaj’s latest legal issue stem from Brandon Garrett, who says he was the rapper’s manager during the Pink Friday 2 World Tour last year. He’s suing Minaj for assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
According to legal documents obtained by TMZ and filed by attorney Thomas Feher, Garrett said Minaj sent him on an errand after a Detroit concert. When he came back, Garrett says she became furious when she found out Garrett once sent someone else to pick up her prescriptions.
“Are you f###### crazy having him pick up my prescription?” she allegedly screamed at him. “You have lost your f###### mind and if my husband were here, he would knock out your f###### teeth. You’re a dead man walking. You just f##### up your whole life and you will never be anyone, I’ll make sure of it.”
Garrett says she then smacked him on the face, causing his head to swing backward. Minaj then told allegedly told him to “get the f### out,” so he locked himself inside a restroom “for hours” at Little Caesars Arena out of fear.
Minaj’s attorney, Judd Burstein, denies they’ve even seen the lawsuit.
“At this time, no complaint has been served upon [Nicki Minaj] and therefore, we are unaware of the specific allegations,” Burstein said in a statement. “However, if the lawsuit is as reported by TMZ, it is completely false and frivolous. We are confident that the matter brought by this ex assistant will be resolved swiftly in [Nicki Minaj’s] favor.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs faces renewed scrutiny as a new documentary, Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy, recounts allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse while delving into his sprawling Hip-Hop legacy.
The highly anticipated film, set to premiere January 14 on Peacock, presents damning accusations from former associates and legal representatives, painting a chilling portrait of the storied music mogul’s private life amid ongoing legal battles.
The 55-year-old producer and entrepreneur, who has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution-related offenses, currently remains in custody following his September arrest in New York.
His trial is scheduled to begin in May. As legal challenges mount, the documentary casts an unflinching spotlight on allegations of misconduct from within Combs’ inner circle.
Interviewees include a former bodyguard, a childhood confidant, and others linked to his meteoric rise in the Hip-Hop industry.
In the documentary’s trailer, attorney Lisa Bloom, who represents accuser Dawn Richards in civil proceedings, levels sharp criticism at Combs.
“Sean Combs is a monster,” Bloom states.
Elsewhere in the film, an unidentified insider recounts contentious moments involving the artist.
“I’ve been with Sean for quite a while, and I’ve captured a lot of moments. Anytime a studio or any rooms is [lit with red lighting], he’s making love, sex,” they claimed. They went on to allege, “Some of the girls who were in the room, for sure, they were underage.”
In addition to federal charges, Combs also faces accusations from more than 100 individuals alleging involuntary drugging, physical abuse, and sexual assault.
As of now, the “I’ll Be Missing You” performer has categorically denied all claims, calling the accusations baseless.
Lil Baby has set the bar high for 2025 with the release of his fourth studio album, WHAM (Who Hard As Me). Dropped on January 3, the 15-track project blends the Atlanta native’s signature sound with a roster of A-list collaborators. Young Thug, Future, Travis Scott, Rod Wave, GloRilla, 21 Savage and more show up.
Lil Baby isn’t playing.
Based on a first listen, WHAM feels like an overt move to cement Baby’s dominance in the current rap landscape. Tracks like “F U 2X” immediately stand out, bringing back the grit we know the ATL reps for. The album definitely showcases Baby’s versatility and growth as an artist.
Another highlight is “Dum, Dumb, and Dumber,” which reunites Future and Young Thug. For Thugger, it’s more than just a feature—it’s a triumphant return to the booth. He reflects on his time behind bars. He says, “Yeah, n###a, King Spider back/I don’t even believe I was locked up, for real, for real/I was havin’ my way the whole time, fool, you know what I’m saying.”
The track marks Young Thug’s first verse since his release from jail in October 2024. He pleaded out in the now-infamous YSL RICO case. Future shows off his normal swagger, making the song an instant standout. GloRilla and Rod Wave add some depth to WHAM, and thus Lil Baby’s profile is raised.
But he’s not letting up. Lil Baby confirmed that a deluxe edition of WHAM will drop on January 7.
New Jersey’s music scene has a new name to watch—TheRealEli. An independent artist with an undeniable drive, Eli has been making steady moves in the industry over the past three years. Known for his relatable storytelling and raw talent, he’s proving that hard work and dedication pay off.
“My goal is simple,” Eli says. “I want to grow as an artist, stay true to myself, and eventually be one of the biggest names in the game.”
Eli’s music dives deep into emotions we’ve all felt—love, betrayal, growth. His latest single, “Love Hurts,” captures the raw reality of how love can leave scars, weaving a story that hits home for anyone who’s been through it. Listen to “Love Hurts” on Spotify:
“When people listen to my music, I want them to feel it,” Eli shares. “I want them to see their own stories in mine.” His hustle isn’t just about music—it’s a way of life. Inspired by his family, friends, city, and most of all, his son, Eli is grinding nonstop. Whether he’s writing, recording, or planning his next move, he’s fully committed to leveling up. “This is a 24/7 grind for me,” he says. “I’m always pushing to be better.” Eli has already collaborated with artists like Dre Miller and SevenLateNights and isn’t slowing down. As an independent artist, he’s carving his own lane, and fans can look forward to more music on the way. “Love Hurts” is just the beginning.
Eli’s story isn’t just about music—it’s about resilience, passion, and the grind to turn dreams into reality. With every track, he’s proving that he’s not just another name in the industry—he’s one to remember
Stay connected with TheRealEli and follow his journey:
R&B singer Emanny—known for collaborations with Joe Budden, Rick Ross and Jadakiss—is candidly speaking out about the challenges artists face in the music industry.
Emanny, who recently released Before H3r (Before Her 3), shed light on the predatory practices that continue to plague the music business. His proposed, bold solution: a union for artists.
“The business is never not going to be predatory unless we find a way to at least create some level of union and have a standard for how we are treated within the business,” Emanny said. “There is no business without the art. We have to make that clear.”
In 2021, KRS-One, Public Enemy’s Chuck D and Kurtis Blow founded the Hip Hop Alliance. The organization addresses the “needs and concerns of the Hip Hop and R&B workforce through advocacy, information and service.” It functions similarly to a union but falls shy of being a formal union.
The New York-born singer emphasized the importance of prioritizing and protecting the creators of music. He acknowledged the role of record labels and their financial investment, but he insisted that the art itself is the foundation.
“I get it. Everyone’s like, ‘Yeah, but there’s no business without the labels who push with the money.’ Cool. To me, that’s secondary. You have nothing to push if you don’t have actual art first. So let’s protect that first. And then we’ll figure out the business,” he stated.
For Emanny, the issue isn’t about greed, just fairness.
“We ain’t greedy,” he said. “We just want a fair shake and a fair hand at the table.”
The singer also warned of an increasingly dire future for artists if systemic and technological issues go unchecked.
“If you think it’s bad now, just imagine how much worse it’s gonna be in the next 10 years when the technology gets even better with [AI], and the [label] situations are even more dire,” Emanny cautioned.
He recounted a story of an artist and friend who secured a record deal. The person released great music, only to be dropped shortly after with no meaningful gain.
“It’s a predatory industry, a predatory situation, period. And it’s going to get even worse if we don’t have some level of understanding—yo, we have to work together to get this better,” Emanny said.
Raekwon has revealed that Wu-Tang Clan was on the verge of working on a feature film chronicling the group’s story with none other than Leonardo DiCaprio at one point in his recent interview.
During a compelling appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, the Wu-Tang Clan revealed his ambitious vision for a full-scale Wu-Tang Clan movie after Rogan suggested none other than Quentin Tarantino as the ideal director. The rapper spoke passionately about what such a film could mean for fans and the group’s legacy, contrasting the concept with Hulu’s series, Wu-Tang: An American Saga.
At first, he expressed confidence in Tarantino’s ability to bring the gritty, authentic vibe necessary to capture the crew’s journey after Rogan laid out a synopsis of how the film could start. “Tell Quentin [Tarantino] to holla at me,” Raekwon said.
The rapper’s dream took an intriguing turn as he recounted a past meeting with DiCaprio to discuss the idea. Believe it or not, A Tribe Called Quest frontman Q-Tip also played a major roll in the early motion of the brainstorming stages of the project. “Q-Tip, a good friend of mine, he had me and Leonardo [DiCaprio] sit down,” he said. We met at this small pizza shop in Brooklyn, one of his favorite spots.”
Raekwon continued, revealing DiCaprio was a longtime Wu-Tang fan and showed immense enthusiasm for the project. “He was like, ‘Yo, Chef, what we got to do, yo, who do we need to talk to?’”
Raekwon took the idea to RZA, Wu-Tang’s de facto leader, and attempted to convince him to pivot from the Hulu series toward a full-length feature film. “I told RZA, ‘Before we do this Hulu thing, I think we need to make a realistic, real-life movie of us’,” he said. “It shouldn’t be nothing that we should play with because people need to know our real story.”
Despite RZA’s interest in the concept, he had already committed to Hulu’s project, which Raekwon admitted he was some what disappointed at the time, but still remains hopeful. “At the end of the day, the Clan is the best,” he said. “But one day, maybe I might get a chance to show my version of it.”
Raekwon concluded by giving fans a taste of what his creative palette is salivating over when it comes to the the full-fledged meat and potatoes of the plot for a Wu-Tang Clan film. His vision for the film is grand, describing it as a mix of an Italian mobster flick and with a classic 90s era Black crime thriller feature. “It would be like a slash of Goodfellas and Menace II Society mixed in one,” he explained. The rapper believes a movie would offer a raw, unfiltered look at Wu-Tang’s rise to greatness, something he feels has yet to be fully captured. “It can still be made,” he said. “Just because there’s a Hulu series, that doesn’t mean s###.”
Joe Rogan wants Quentin Tarantino to make a movie about Wu-Tang Clan
"I know Tarantino… he wants to do 1 more movie, how about he does a f*cking Wu Tang movie…"
Raekwon says he already spoke to Leonardo DiCaprio about making one, before RZA released their Hulu show pic.twitter.com/gLK1UStraL
This isn’t the first time Raekwon has addressed the Wu-Tang Clan film project with DiCaprio. In 2021 Rolling Stone published an excerpt from Raekwon’s memoir “From Staircase To Stage: The Story Of Raekwon And Wu-Tang Clan” in which the New York native recalls being inspired by the success of N.W.A.’s “Straight Outta Compton.” He wanted to make a similar movie for Wu-Tang Clan while RZA wanted a scripted series.
“I was against the deal because I didn’t like the terms, the money, any of it.,” Raekwon said of RZA’s plan for a Wu-Tang series. “I kept telling RZA to look at Straight Outta Compton, which made $200 million dollars worldwide and was the highest-grossing movie by a black director in history. It made no sense to me to sell our story for a TV series where nobody would walk away with real money. Everybody except RZA, that is, because he was getting more on the deal — as an executive producer, writer, creator, composer, and I’m sure a few other ways we’ll never know about.”
Watch the clip from the interview in the post above.
It’s no secret Eminem and Machine Gun Kelly don’t like each other. Their long-running feud stretches back to 2012, when Kelly called Em’s then 16-year-old daughter Hailie “hot as f###.”
Over the years, they’ve exchanged multiple diss tracks, culminating with Slim Shady’s 2018 single “Killshot.” But if rapper-turned-country star Jelly Roll gets his way, they will mend their relationship in 2025. During a recent appearance on Andrew Schulz’s Flagrant podcast, Jelly Roll revealed his dream is to sit them down together and show them how similar they are.
“My heart is always to bring them together one day,” Jelly Roll said. “I see so much more of them in each other than they know.”
Jelly Roll added that he has yet to broach the topic with Eminem considering they don’t know each other that well. As he explained, “I’m just still kinda glad that I’m in that circumference to be able to have them conversations.”
“My heart is always to bring them (Eminem & MGK) together one day. I see so much more of them in each other than they know…”
Jelly Roll, who’s known Machine Gun Kelly much longer than he’s known Eminem, also he said that Shady mentioning MGK was more of an honor than a diss.
“If you got mentioned in an Eminem song, it was like getting mentioned in a comedy special,” he said. “You couldn’t be hotter if you got mentioned in an Eminem [song].”
As for Eminem and MGK, the beef intensified in 2015, when MGK started suggesting in interviews that Eminem had him blacklisted from certain platforms and opportunities in the music industry, allegedly because of the tweet about Hailie. MGK framed himself as the underdog being targeted by the rap giant.
The feud got even worse when Eminem released the Kamikaze album in 2018, where he dissed MGK on the track “Not Alike.” Eminem criticized MGK’s career, rap skills and past comments about Hailie. In response, MGK dropped the diss track “Rap Devil,” a play on Eminem’s song “Rap God” in which he mocked Eminem’s age, relevance and personality, calling him bitter and out of touch.
Eminem responded with the aforementioned “Killshot,” a scathing diss track targeting MGK’s persona, career and credibility. The track became one of Eminem’s most-streamed singles, overshadowing MGK’s efforts in the beef.
Following the back-and-forth, MGK claimed he “won” the battle, but the rap community widely credited Eminem with the upper hand due to his lyrical prowess. MGK later shifted his focus to pop-punk music, reinventing himself with the album Tickets to My Downfall (2020), which marked a significant departure from his rap roots.
Jelly Roll and Eminem collaborated on the 2024 single “Somebody Save Me” from the diamond-selling MC’s latest album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce). They performed the song live at the MTV Video Music Awards last September.
Stormzy has been barred from driving for nine months after being caught using a mobile phone behind the wheel of his luxury car in London.
The grime star pleaded guilty to the offense, leading to a fine and additional points on his driving record. Stormzy faced the sentencing earlier this week at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court.
An off-duty officer had spotted Stormzy using a phone while driving his Rolls-Royce Wraith in West Kensington on March 7, 2024.
The officer approached the vehicle, tapped on the tinted windows, and reportedly told the rapper, “Get rid of your tints and get off your phone.”
The 31-year-old artist did not appear in court but admitted to the violation through a written plea.
Along with his driving ban, Stormzy received a $2,490 fine, six more points on his license, and criticism from District Judge Andrew Sweet for what he described as “dangerous and irresponsible” conduct.
The court detailed that the chart-topping rapper already had six points on his license due to previous speeding offenses.
In the hearing, it was also mentioned that Stormzy had earlier been caught driving a Lamborghini Urus with illegally tinted windows that blocked out all but 4% of light—violating the legal requirement to allow 70% of light through.
After being warned, the rapper eventually removed the tinted windows.
Peter Csemiczky, Stormzy’s legal representative, addressed the court on his client’s behalf, acknowledging the actions and offering an apology. “He accepts full responsibility for what occurred,” said Csemiczky.
Known for hits such as “Vossi Bop” and “Shut Up,” the rapper has built a reputation as one of Britain’s most prominent figures in Hip-Hop.
Ciara’s love story with husband Russell Wilson is truly one of those story book romances that’ll have you tearing up before you get anywhere near the ending of the novel.
The Atlanta-bred vocalist proves such is true during here recent appearance on Summer Walker’s podcast, during which she spoke about the first time she met the veteran NFL QB along with how easily they have blended their lives together. The singer described their first meeting as unique and low-key.
“The first time that we met in person was a really unique situation,” Ciara shared. “When you’re public figures, oftentimes if you try to go outside like normal people, they’ll put a label on you like you’re automatically dating.”
Ciara talks about the first time she met her husband, Russell Wilson, in person.
She shares how open he was to meeting her father and son, and discusses the possibility of having 1 (or 2) more kid(s)
To avoid any public speculation, the pair decided to meet at her house. “At that time, it was me and my dad and my son, Future,” she said. “We were talking about where we’re gonna go eat out, and we were like, you know what, it’s better to just meet inside.”
Ciara recounted the moment Wilson showed his willingness to embrace her family from the start and how it led to her epiphany that he just might the one for her. “My dad and my son are here, and then he was like, ‘It’s alright. I gotta meet him anyway,'” she recalled. “When he walked away that first day, I knew. I never had that feeling in my life.”
Wilson apparently felt the same. “He had a friend with him, and he said to him, ‘I think she’s the one,'” she said.
Ciara immediately called her best friend to share her excitement, saying, “I told her, ‘I don’t want to jinx anything, but I think he’s the one.'”
Reflecting on their family dynamic, Ciara expressed deep admiration for Russell’s role as a father. “I love how he fully just embraced it, took my son in as his own,” she said. “I hate when people try to say a man won’t come and treat all your kids equal. He’s just such a good dad.” She noted the beauty of blended families and praised Russell as a “green flag” in her life.
As the conversation shifted to family growth, Ciara hinted at the possibility of more children. “Our family keeps on growing,” she said with a laugh. “He was talking about some Cinco. I’m like, ‘High five, I love you.'” Ciara has long envisioned a big family, saying, “I’ve always said I would have five kids.”
With their current family’s carefully spaced age gaps — her youngest, Win, is nearly one, Sienna is seven and Future is 10 — Ciara joked about the challenge of twins potentially disrupting their rhythm.
“What would you do if you messed around and your last baby was twins?” Walker asked. Ciara’s response was full of optimism. “I’d honestly be happy,” she said. “Because then I know we put a period on it. We’re done.”
Federal prosecutors are preparing to name alleged co-conspirators in a sweeping racketeering case involving Sean “Diddy” Combs, related to charges that link the disgraced Hip-Hop mogul to an alleged criminal enterprise.
AllHipHop has confirmed that the U.S. government plans to reveal the names of individuals who supposedly worked alongside Diddy in illicit activities by March 7, 2025, through a highly anticipated “Enterprise Letter.”
The “Enterprise Letter” will lay out the specifics of the alleged criminal acts, including dates, locations, and participants.
Diddy has been indicted for crimes that range from racketeering conspiracy to sex trafficking and arson over the destruction of a car belonging to rapper Kid Cudi.
The arson incident reportedly occurred in early 2012, when co-conspirators allegedly targeted Kid Cudi’s vehicle by slashing its convertible top and hurling a Molotov cocktail inside, igniting a fire that law enforcement concluded was intentional.
Prosecutors argue this brazen act stemmed from Diddy’s fury over Ventura’s prior brief relationship with Kid Cudi.
In her civil suit, Ventura claimed that Diddy told her in February 2012, “I’m going to blow up Kid Cudi’s car,” which the rapper confirmed via a statement released by his spokesperson that said: “This is all true.”
This episode, however, is just one layer of the allegations against Diddy, who has been locked up without bond since September of 2024.
Federal authorities accuse him of leading a broader criminal organization that engaged in activities including kidnapping, intimidation, and sexual exploitation.
In one chilling charge, Combs and his associates allegedly held a person at gunpoint in December 2011 to orchestrate a burglary.
Defense attorneys for Combs have vehemently denied the allegations, arguing that the charges lack substantive evidence directly implicating their client.
“All of this talk of dozens of victims and 50 witnesses…if they [prosecutors] had that…if they really had it, it would be in the indictment,” Diddy’s lawyer Marc Agnifilo said after his client was charged.
In fact, Diddy’s lawyers want the feds to disclose the “Enterprise Letter” much faster, asking for a February 1, 2025 deadline.
According to the defense, the postponement hinders their ability to prepare adequately for trial, creating a fundamental imbalance in the proceedings.
Brandon Garrett, who says he was Nicki Minaj’s manager during the Pink Friday World Tour 2 last year, is reportedly suing the rapper for assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
According to legal documents obtained by TMZ and filed by attorney Thomas Feher, Garrett claims the incident took place in April 2024, when Minaj sent him on an errand after her concert in Detroit. When he returned, he says he was summoned to her dressing room and she became furious when she discovered Garrett once sent someone else to pick up her prescriptions.
“Are you f###### crazy having him pick up my prescription?” she allegedly screamed at him. “You have lost your f###### mind and if my husband were here, he would knock out your f###### teeth. You’re a dead man walking. You just f##### up your whole life and you will never be anyone, I’ll make sure of it.”
Garrett says she then struck him on the right side of his face with an open hand, causing his head to swing backward and hat to fly off his head. Minaj then told supposedly told him to “get the f### out,” which he did. He then locked himself inside a restroom “for hours” at Little Caesars Arena out of fear for his safety. He also called his fiancée to let her know what happened.
Minaj’s attorney, Judd Burstein, denies they’ve even seen the lawsuit.
“At this time, no complaint has been served upon [Nicki Minaj] and therefore, we are unaware of the specific allegations,” Burstein said in a statement. “However, if the lawsuit is as reported by TMZ, it is completely false and frivolous. We are confident that the matter brought by this ex assistant will be resolved swiftly in [Nicki Minaj’s] favor.”
Last August, Nicki Minaj was sued by one of of her Barbz, Tameer Peak, who accused the Grammy Award-nominated rapper of slander. Peak claimed he was a victim of the “Nicki hate train” in 2017, when she supposedly lashed out at several of her ardent fans.
He says Minaj publicly ridiculed him and accused him of being a “stalker.” At one point, she allegedly invited him to her hotel to film and embarrass him in front of 100,000 viewers on Instagram Live.
Peak also accused Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty, of battering him at a Super Bowl event in 2020, which he said Minaj addressed in a private message.
Other allegations included Minaj painting him as mentally unstable, saying, “It’s clear they’re not necessarily, you know, a full basket umm at the picnic.” In another alleged instance, she supposedly said he was “one sandwich short of a picnic” and receiving government checks.
Peak was asking Minaj for $5 million in damages for reputational harm, emotional distress and financial loss.
USHER has lamented never getting the chance to record a song with Prince.
During an interview for Vogue’s “Life in Looks” series, the “Yeah!” hitmaker described how he wore a custom-made jacket from the late superstar’s tailor, Arturo Padilla, for a special tribute staged at the 2020 Grammy Awards.
Reflecting on the moment, USHER admitted he regrets not reaching out and asking the “Purple Rain” hitmaker if he was willing to collaborate during his lifetime.
“This moment was really a celebration. I wish we had more time. I would of figured out a way to have gotten to do a record with Prince,” he stated. “He’s the one person that I always wanted to work with, that I never got a chance to do a song with. And the journey continues.”
Prince died at the age of 57 in 2016.
Elsewhere in the conversation, USHER reflected on Jay-Z asking him to be the headliner of the Super Bowl Halftime Show in February.
The Hip-Hop icon has served as the NFL’s live music entertainment strategist since 2019.
“I found out that I was gonna be the Super Bowl Halftime Show by Jay-Z. He asked me, ‘Are you ready for the major moment?’ I’m like, ‘What you talking about, brother?’ He’s like, ‘Are you ready for your Michael (Jackson) moment?’ I was like, ‘The Super Bowl? Hell, yeah,'” the entertainer recounted.
USHER’s Super Bowl Halftime Show featured guest appearances by Alicia Keys, Lil Jon, Ludacris, will.i.am, and H.E.R.
Lil Tjay is apparently sweating Offset over an alleged $10,000 debt.
Leaked direct messages posted online show an exchange between the two rappers that began with Lil Tjay texting, “Ngl ima smack the s### out you,” to which Offset replied, “lol huh u joking right. Just seen this pop up gotta be the wrong ninja u texting boy I’ll smoke you.
“U barely lived already who tf you think you talking too ninja. U gotta be talking to the wrong ninja. I’m in New York right now. Come smack me lil clown boy.”
Tjay revealed he was in Miami and simply wanted his $10,000 back. The text added at the bottom read, “Do not loan offset no money he’s poppppped.”
Lil Tjay, born Tione Jayden Merritt in 2001, is an American rapper, broke out in 2018 with “Brothers.” He released his debut studio album, True 2 Myself, in 2019, which included hits like “F.N” and “Leaked.”
The album solidified his position as a rising rap star. In 2021, he dropped his second album, Destined 2 Win, featuring popular tracks like “Calling My Phone” (featuring 6LACK) and “Headshot” featuring Polo G and Fivio Foreign. That same year, he and Offset collaborated on “Run It Up” with Moneybagg Yo. The song peaked at No. 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 26 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart.
Lil Tjay doesn’t appear to have any financial problems. In April 2024, he was arrested on a warrant at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport but was quickly released on a $500 bond. Despite facing possible legal consequences, Tjay still celebrated his 23rd birthday by dropping more than $500,000 on Richard Mille and Patek Philippe watches from Benny “Da Jeweler” Nisanov.
“@liltjay SAID HE WANNA SPEND 500K FOR HIS BDAY!!” Nisanov wrote on Instagram at the time. “23 YEARS YOUNG THIS HOW WE COMIN.”
As for Offset, since the 2022 death of fellow Migos member Takeoff, the group has dissolved. He makes headlines for his messy split from Cardi B more often than his music.
Most recently, he and Cardi B were fighting online about an alleged lewd photo Offset was sent of his estranged wife hooking up with another man.
JAY-Z was initially a little hesitant to accept induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and wanted the institution rebranded because he said the genre was “dead,” according to the organization’s leader.
During a recent interview with Vulture, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame chairman John Sykes revealed that JAY-Z would rather have been inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame when his name was on the ballot.
Sykes addressed calls for the Rock Hall to be renamed to reflect its expanded definition of the genre. Referencing inductee Missy Elliott’s description of rock music’s original sound as “a gumbo,” Sykes emphasized the need to do “a better job of communicating to people where rock and roll came from” before turning to Hov.
“The best story to convey this was when a great friend of mine, JAY-Z, got inducted a few years ago. I was so excited,” he recalled. “But he told me, ‘Rock is dead. It should be called the Hip Hop Hall of Fame.’ And I said, ‘Well, Hip Hop is rock and roll.’
“He goes, ‘No, it isn’t.’ And I said, ‘We’ve got to do a better job explaining it. Little Richard, Otis Redding, Chuck Berry — these artists were the cornerstones of rock and roll. If you look at the sounds over the years, those artists ended up influencing Hip Hop.’”
Sykes explained that although JAY-Z “hemmed and hawed,” he showed up when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021.
The chairman concluded, “That made me feel like we had done our job to communicate that rock and roll is open to all.”
JAY-Z’s Induction To Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame
JAY-Z was joined by Foo Fighters, The Go-Go’s, Carole King, Todd Rundgren, and Tina Turner as part of the 2021 Class.
“It’s an incredible honor,” he said during his acceptance speech. “Growing up, we ain’t think we could be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. We were told that Hip Hop was a fad. And much like punk rock, it gave us this anti-culture, this subgenre, and there were heroes in it.”
Meezy Fettachinni Dakaprio, a name that’s as unique as his sound, is a force to be reckoned with in the hip-hop scene. With roots that trace back to a family deeply involved in music, it’s clear that Meezy’s passion runs through his veins. He recalls the influence of his two aunties and their singing group, “Elegance” and his cousin’s and uncle’s group called “Chillie Base Crew”, as the spark that ignited his journey into music. But Meezy is quick to remind us: “It’s not where you’re from, it’s how you come.”
With a string of impressive features in major publications like Tha Source, The Hype Magazine, GENZHIPHOP, Prove Magazine, MaxedHipHop, and Hiphop Paradise Magazine, 2024 has been a year of major milestones for the Oklahoma-based artist. He even got the nod of recognition from The Shade Room, a feat that speaks volumes about his rising star. Meezy’s music is more than just beats and bars; it’s real, heartfelt, and full of energy. “Energy doesn’t lie,” he says, and that authenticity is something his fans can feel in every track.
His style? It’s not about trends. “Never much for the dab, I’m stuck in this SWAG,” Meezy declares. This attitude is mirrored in his approach to collaboration. He keeps things simple and real, preferring to work independently and avoiding the complexities of many collaborations. After all, he’s been through enough in his life to know what’s important — and that’s staying true to himself.
His journey hasn’t been without its struggles. Meezy served 8 years in penitentiary — a period that temporarily derailed his music career. Before his sentence, he was opening for major acts like B Hamp and H-Town. His past choices led him down a dark road of selling drugs and gangbanging, which caught up to him in 2013. But adversity didn’t break him. As he says, it was just “a minor setback for a major comeback.” After his release, Meezy has been hustling harder than ever to make up for lost time.
One of his biggest achievements to date? His song was licensed for the movie Tazmanian Devil, a recognition that stands as a testament to his resilience and growing influence in the industry. And while he doesn’t take his father’s advice lightly — “Never get stuck doing something you don’t love” — Meezy is committed to his craft for life, no matter what.
As for the future? Meezy’s eyes are set on his upcoming single, “SNAPSHOT,” which promises to capture his journey and energy in a whole new light. So, be sure to check out his latest tracks and keep up with his rise in the industry.
Check out his new single “SNAPSHOT” Follow him on Instagram @MeezyFettachinniDakaprio
Listen, y’all, Drake stays in his bag of mystery, and his latest flex is a wild reminder of just how deep the rabbit hole goes. This time, we’re talking about this Anita Max Wynn chain.
Crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, the pendant is a next-level masterpiece, weighing in at 3 kilos of gold and boasting over 250 carats of flawless diamonds. You read that right. But this ain’t just a shiny bauble—there’s a story behind it. 💎
According to Jason Arasheben, the CEO behind the design:
“Having done a number of owl pieces for Drake, I was excited to work with him on a pendant of his alter ego. Just as the cartoon holds more meaning than meets the eye, so does the pendant. The back features all the dates of his Australian tour with a secret compartment revealing the Toronto skyline.”
An alter ego? Anita Max Wynn sounds like the name of a character straight out of a Netflix series. Who is she? What does she mean to Drake? Is this a nod to some deep, artistic metaphor, or is it just Drizzy being Drizzy? I thought Champagne Papi was his alternative life. Well, apparently that name refers to “I need a max win” in gambling. Uh, ok. Anita Max Wynn, a young girl character. Got it.
Could Anita Max Wynn be his next move in crafting the Drake Cinematic Universe? Anything is possible!
And the secret compartment on the back? You see that? It’s giving (you like my slang, right?) James Bond villain. Imagine pulling a Toronto skyline out of your bling. Doesn’t he live in the states though? Drake puts on for his city.
This is a cultural artifact in the making. Drake. Anita Max Wynn. illseed. The people.
What do y’all think Anita Max Wynn represents? Drop your theories below!
It looks like the beef between Tupac and Nas has found its way into 2025.
Young Noble is p#####. The Outlawz member dropped a seven-minute diss record titled “EuthaNASia” on January 2, and it just got to me. But this was aimed squarely at Nas. The song seems to revive old wounds from the 1990s. We know Nas and Pac were not the best of friends. Now, Young Noble appears to be keeping that old energy alive.
Let’s talk about the track. It’s a lengthy tirade. Young Noble goes all in or all out. The beat is aggressive and it changes throughout the song. Some might say seven minutes is a stretch, but he kept my attention. But nobody isn’t just dissing.
Young Noble recently did an interview with The Art of Dialogue, and addressed Snoop Dogg’s recounting of Tupac and Nas’ infamous Bryant Park encounter. Noble suggested that Snoop got the story twisted, claiming Pac’s squad was the dominant force in that situation—not Nas’. “Snoop said some wild s##t, like Nas had ‘Pac surrounded,” Noble said. “Maybe Snoop don’t realize all these n####s are actually with Tupac… not Nas.” I dunno, guys. This was 30 years ago.
Will Nas Respond?
The big question: Will Nas clap back? The Queensbridge tends to take it easy these day. I doubt he replies, but he could. NAH, not in 2025. Not at the beginning of the year. I am thinking Nas is trying to make his Queens Wakanda come true. Anyway, Young Noble is older, but he raps like the dude from the 90s. Shout out to him.
Drake may have more of an uphill battle to fight than even he bargained for when it comes to listener’s acceptance of his new music, based on the reception of his latest rumored unreleased snippet.
On or about Friday (January 3), an extremely brief 12-second long snippet began circulating on social media. In the clip, Drake appears to swear off of his merciless rap beef with Kendrick Lamar, and instead make a return to his post as an immaculate curator of vibes.
More specifically he raps, “F*ck a rap beef, I’m tryna get the party lit,” over the ratcheting, sample-driven production. While the authenticity of the snippet is somewhat unclear at the moment, many fans have begun speculating that it could be apart of material Drake and PartyNextDoor are readying for their upcoming collaborative effort, which Drizzy was rumored to drop in late November when Kendrick released GNX on a whim and went No. 1.
In a post AllHipHop shared on Instagram covering the unreleased snippet, users had a field day in the comment section, having their way with witty references to Kendrick’s diss tracks along with dishing petty remarks about his “Not Like Us” legal petition against UMG and Spotify. Long story short, it was somewhat of a bloodbath in the comment section — leading us to believe fan perception of Drake’s future music direction may be even more rigid than we expected at the height of his battle with Kendrick. Nevertheless, it’s seems you miss out on quite a bit of fun, these days, when you opt to not be messy. So instead, lets jump into the proverbial kitchen and see how IG users were cooking Drizzy over his new flows.
Of course, the “tv off” hitmaker’s fan army immediately chimed in with several blatant shady retorts targeting Drake. “Kendrick getting the party lit and beefing,” a user wrote before adding, “Duality.”
Another user referenced Kendrick’s “Euphoria” diss track in their comment, writing, “…I like Drake with the melodies, I don’t like Drake when he act tough.”
A number of other users left Kendrick out of their remarks and instead decided to go directly at Drake and his character as an artist.
“REAL QUICK: where’s the reference track?,” one user wrote suggesting the bars in the new snippet were created with the help of a ghostwriter.
Then another user went on to criticize his legal compaint in connection to Kendrick’s scathing diss track targeting him, which Drake alleges UMG and Spotify colluded with each other to boost. “Shoulda said this before the lawsuit,” the user wrote.
Another user added, “Aubrey Drake Graham does care cause he said LAWSUUUUUIT‼️ instead of MUSTARRRRRRRRRRD.”
Multiple usesrs also suggested Drake needs to move on, not just from the beef, but from his alleged juvenile lifestyle as a whole. “The party is over,” a user wrote. “Time to grow.”
“N#### you 40, enjoy gettin lit and let the youngn’s get it lit,” another user added.
Additionally, one user sarcastically trolled Drake, writing, “Ahhh now it’s f a rap beef after you begged the man to drop, got it.”
Check out the post above and dive into the lively comment section if you want a good laugh.
