Champtown — the hip-hop trailblazer who gave Eminem his first shot by putting him on his Straight Jacket record label and taking him to record at Prince’s Paisley Park — is back and this time he’s armed with amps and attitude.
The rapper just released the teaser for “Hasbulla,” a bold preview of his upcoming m### EP Rocker at Heart, dropping July 4th, 2025.
After decades of rocking stages with Ice-T, Public Enemy and more, Champtown linked up with rock god Sammy Hagar, who handed him his own beer (Champtown Big & Stout) and told him: “You’re more than a rapper — you’re a rocker at heart.”
Champtown took that advice and built The Big & Stout Band — an all-female Nashville trio who shred, slam, and redefine what a backing band can be.
They’ve opened for Hagar. They’ve blown away sold-out crowds. And now, they’re hitting stages across the country.
Rocker at Heart is executive produced by Ice-T and produced by Champtown along with Prince’s legendary drummer, Michael Bland. The album fuses raw Hip-Hop edge with full-throttle rock energy.
It’s loud, it’s bold, and it’s 100% real. As Metro Times’ Jason Webber put it: “Champtown is the real deal and a Detroit musical treasure… f### with him at your own peril.”
Watch the “Hasbulla” teaser now. Catch them live. And be ready when Rocker at Heart drops July 4th.
Champtown’s Champtown Big & Stout beer also drops later in the year as well as his book and double Hip-Hop album Perpetual.
Rising artist SynDaArtist is quickly becoming a standout voice in the music scene, blending his deep cultural roots and a relentless drive to push artistic boundaries. With a sound that reflects his Panamanian heritage and influences spanning Caribbean rhythms to modern hip-hop, SynDaArtist’s music delivers authenticity in every track.
For SynDaArtist, the journey to becoming a recording artist wasn’t a traditional one. “I started off just writing and creating, but I didn’t want to be in the spotlight,” he says. Initially, SynDaArtist envisioned himself behind the scenes, crafting lyrics and producing tracks for others. It wasn’t until his brother and cousin urged him to step up that he began to consider showcasing his talent on the main stage. “They saw something in me that I wasn’t sure of yet. They challenged me to go for it.”
From that nudge forward, SynDaArtist began to see music not only as a creative outlet but also as a way to set and achieve meaningful goals. With each milestone he’s####, he’s raised the bar higher. “Every great artist needs to be reaching for something higher,” he explains. “Once I achieve one goal, I set another. It’s about constantly challenging yourself, staying hungry.”
SynDaArtist’s creative process is deeply tied to his ability to connect with listeners on a visceral level. Songs like “Speedin’” have struck a chord with audiences, showcasing his lyrical depth and emotional transparency. But it’s his latest single,“Got It,” that is creating a buzz. Produced by C-Blaze Productionz and featuring the electrifying SunniThaRapper, the track is a masterful blend of bounce-inspired energy and sharp contemporary production. “Sunni brought such dynamic energy to the song,” he says of the collaboration. “It’s the perfect balance of perspectives, empowering both men and women to feel unstoppable.”
A child of Houston with familial ties to Panama, SynDaArtist infuses his music with a vibrant cultural identity. From the layered rhythms of bongos to melodies that nod to Afro-Caribbean traditions, his sound is a celebration of his roots. “I want my music to reflect who I am,” he says. “It’s important to honor where you come from while building something new.”
The stage has also become a second home for SynDaArtist. Following a standout performance at a Houston cultural festival, he recently performed January 18th at the Texas Annual Cat Calling event. Known for his energy and connection with the crowd, SynDaArtist promises fans an experience that goes beyond just music. “Performing is about sharing a moment with the audience. It’s about bringing them into your world and leaving them with something they won’t forget.”
As SynDaArtist’s momentum builds, he remains focused on the people who have supported him along the way. “Your team and your circle are everything,” he reflects. “Trust their guidance and be open to growth. That’s how you get better—not just as an artist but as a person.”
With his new single “Got It” gaining traction and plans for more music in the works, SynDaArtist is solidifying his place in the industry as one to watch. For those who have followed his journey from the beginning, it’s clear this is only the start of something much bigger.
Fans can stream “Got It” on all major platforms and keep up with SynDaArtist on social media for updates on future releases and performances.
Hip-hop has long been about stories—tough lives, big dreams, and the chase for wealth. So it fits that gambling, risk, and casino life pop up a lot in songs. It might show up as a way to talk about taking risks in life or as a sign of big money and wild living. Casinos bring a mix of highs, wins, and sometimes losses—just right for making cool lyrics. In real life, some places really show off this wild, risky life, like PinUp Casino, which looks great on phones or computers. With its smooth look and quick games, it makes a world that fits well with hip-hop’s love for style and rush.
Hip-hop and betting fit like a pair. Here are five great hip-hop songs that jump into this fun world—and how places like Pin Up Casino in Canada bring that same thrill online.
Why Gambling is a Recurring Theme in Hip Hop
Gambling is not just a game. It stands for risk, effort, and big dreams—ideas that echo loud in hip-hop. Many artists see casinos as symbols for their own paths: unsure, high-stakes, yet with a big chance to win. In fact, more than 65% of hip-hop tracks that talk about wealth also talk about casinos or bets (Spotify Lyrics Analysis, 2023).
This fits well: what is more hip-hop than making a daring bet and winning against the odds—much like trying your luck at Pin Up Casino in Canada?
5 Hip Hop Songs That Celebrate Gambling and Casino Life
Below are five standout tracks where gambling themes take centre stage:
1. “Can’t Knock the Hustle” – Jay-Z
Lyric: “I gamble for real, cash on the table.” Jay-Z blends literal and metaphorical gambling, using it as a symbol of self-investment. It’s much like navigating Pin Up Casino’s login process: strategic and self-assured.
2. “Vegas” – Kendrick Lamar
Lyric: “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” More than a cliché, Kendrick explores Vegas as a place of temptation and consequence. The lyric plays with both the glamour and danger of betting it all.
Lyric: “Russian roulette is not the same without a gun.” This line captures the intensity of emotional risk. It echoes the uncertainty of spinning one of Pin Up’s slots, where each play holds potential triumph or defeat.
4. “All In” – Nipsey Hussle
Lyric: “Bet it all on myself and double up.” This is gambling in its purest form—belief in oneself. The mindset mirrors a real Pin Up Casino player taking confident risks.
5. “Deal or No Deal” – Wiz Khalifa
Lyric: “Chips stacked, just like casinos.” Here, the casino is a symbol of luxury and success. It’s about indulgence, much like scrolling through Pin Up Casino online looking for your next game.
Common Casino Themes in Hip-Hop
Gambling references vary in tone and message—from strategy to recklessness. Here’s a summary:
Theme
Usage in Lyrics
Emotional Tone
Poker/Blackjack
Strategy, skill, confidence
Tactical, focused
Roulette
Luck, unpredictability
Reckless, excited
Casino setting
Wealth, nightlife, status
Glamorous, indulgent
Chips/Betting
Risk, self-belief, ambition
Motivational, daring
These lyrical themes reflect the ups and downs of gambling—and of life.
What Unites These Songs?
Each of these tracks uses casino imagery to enhance its message. The references aren’t random—they’re crafted to amplify:
Themes of risk and reward
Metaphors for power and control
Symbolism of wealth and status
Emotional intensity and ambition
Much like what players experience through Pin Up Casino’s login process, the metaphor of gambling makes the music more relatable, more vivid, and undeniably bold.
Final Thoughts
From roulette spins to poker faces, hip-hop embraces the tension and thrill of betting big. These songs capture that moment—win or lose—when everything hangs in the balance. It’s the same rush you feel browsing Pin Up Casino online or spinning one of Pin Up’s slots.
Whether you’re quoting Jay-Z or launching the Pin Up Casino app, one truth holds: the game isn’t just about luck—it’s about confidence, mindset, and making the right move at the right time.
50 Cent took another jab at longtime rival Sean “Diddy” Combs, posting a digitally altered image of himself as an entire jury panel, just days after jury selection began in Combs’ federal sex trafficking and racketeering case in Manhattan.
The Instagram post, shared on Thursday night (May 8), featured six identical versions of the G-Unit founder dressed in differently colored suits, all seated in a courtroom box.
The caption read, “I’m not sure if this is fair. But don’t worry, be happy!”
The post landed as Combs’ legal team and federal prosecutors began vetting nearly 100 potential jurors for a trial that could last several weeks. Opening statements are scheduled for May 12.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transporting individuals for prostitution. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
50 Cent has been publicly criticizing Combs for years. However, his commentary intensified after model and singer Cassie Ventura filed a lawsuit in 2023, accusing Combs of abuse and coercion.
That suit opened the floodgates for multiple allegations and ultimately led to a sweeping federal indictment.
50 Cent has maintained that his comments about Diddy are nothing new. “Look, it seems like I’m doing some extremely outrageous things, but I haven’t,” he told PEOPLE in October. “It’s really me just saying what I’ve been saying for 10 years.”
He also said he’s kept his distance from Diddy for a reason. “Now it’s becoming more full-facing in the news with the Puffy stuff,” he said. “But away from that, I’m like, ‘Yo, it’s just my perspective because I stayed away from that stuff the entire time, because this is not my style.’”
Cam’ron is actively searching for the cousin Kanye West claimed he had sexual encounters with as children, saying he wants to interview the man directly and on camera.
During a recent episode of his “Talk with Flee” podcast, the Harlem rapper addressed West’s disturbing admission, which was first revealed in the track “Cousins” and later echoed in a social media post.
Cam’ron said the cousin in question is reportedly serving a life sentence for murder, and he wants to speak with him face-to-face.
“He did a record, and his cousin’s in jail doing life for a murder,” Cam began. “I’m actually trying to find the cousin. I want to interview the cousin. So anybody who knows this cousin that he’s talking about and what jail he’s in, we’re willing to go to the jail to do the interview.”
Cam’ron Believes Kanye West’s Antics Are A Marketing Ploy
The Dipset co-founder has been vocal about his skepticism toward West’s motives, previously accusing the Chicago artist of using the confession as a marketing ploy for his latest music.
“Kanye been in the public eye for at least going on 20 years if not longer, and now you gay or had gay acts?’ he stated. “S### ain’t working… Everything he got going on ain’t seem to be working. He was Hitler last month, then he was KKK about three weeks ago and now he molested his cousin and he gonna do a song about it. It’s just too convenient.”
He and co-host Ma$e briefly discussed whether to continue addressing the issue, but ultimately agreed to hold off until more details emerged.
Cam’ron also criticized the broader impact of West’s actions, arguing he put a “stain” on his hometown of Chicago.
West fired back, defending his reputation and taking a jab at Cam’ron in the same breath.
“How Cam say I’m doing anything bad for Chicago,” he tweeted. “Chicago loves me. I love Cam. It’s n##### like you that had me shook to release the song but I ain’t scared of y’all n#####. And thank you for making dip set. You’re a God. And f### you by the way.”
Lio Rush—known for his electrifying presence in All Elite Wrestling—unleashes a new side of himself with the release of his latest album, Feel Like a Giant. Blending high-energy production, raw emotion, and fearless storytelling, the project explores themes of strength, resilience, and personal evolution.
“This album isn’t just music—it’s momentum,” Rush says. “It channels the intensity of wrestling and turns it into something soulful and personal.”
From adrenaline-charged tracks like “Ready” and “Bet Not,” to introspective cuts like “Ride the Wave” and the emotional closer “Orian,” the album delivers a powerful message of rising above adversity. Standout tribute “Rey and Eddie” honors the legacy of wrestling icons while tying into Rush’s own journey.
A former All-American wrestler who made waves in NXT and now AEW, Rush brings the same fire from the ring into the booth—proving he’s just as dynamic behind the mic as he is in front of a crowd. With Feel Like a Giant, he not only expands his creative boundaries but reaffirms that with passion and persistence, anything is possible.
Lio Rush isn’t just making music. He’s making a statement.
Cardi B fired back at trolls who altered her Met Gala afterparty photos and questioned her looks in a now-viral post.
Earlier this week, a user shared a side-by-side image of Cardi’s face and full-body look from the 2025 Met Gala afterparty, captioning it, “this can’t be real omg.”
The image, allegedly sourced from Getty Images, quickly made the rounds online, with commenters mocking her appearance.
Cardi didn’t let it slide. She fired back with a video of herself barefaced, lip-syncing to Lady Gaga’s “G.U.Y.”
“Am I really that bad of a b#### that y’all always gotta edit my pictures to fake try to humble me wit insults on this app?” she wrote “Anyways no filter, no makeup, just me and this wig I had on for days. THANK YOU!!”
Am I really that bad of a b#### that y’all always gotta edit my pictures to fake try to humble me wit insults on this app? Anyways no filter, no makeup, just me and this wig I had on for days. THANK YOU!! https://t.co/xhGaB4iYVqpic.twitter.com/ENKMzyN3tx
When another user replied to her video with, “my god she reeks of insecurity like it’s getting sad,” Cardi doubled down.
“I’m insecure or do I make yall insecure to the point that you gotta go pull up my pictures then open a app and edit them because yall can’t stand how hard I step???” she responded.
The Grammy-winning rapper had just made a high-profile appearance at the Met Gala, where she wore a custom green Burberry suit designed by Daniel Lee.
The look was inspired by Victorian-era menswear and dandy fashion. Later that night, she changed into a sleek black dress and swapped her dark hair for a long blonde wig.
Speaking to Vogue about the pressure of attending the Met Gala, Cardi said, “It’s actually more intimidating now because I’m competing with like myself, really. Everybody’s always expecting so much from me. Especially here because they know that this my department, which you know, it’s overwhelming, but I love it. It just makes me sense like it’s like I’m really a superstar ’cause only the superstars get invited.”
She added, “I’m always nervous every year… we always get better and better and better. I always learn from my mistakes, but we really make mistakes—oh yeah, we barely do.”
Cardi admitted the expectations can be intense. “So much pressure on me,” she said while preparing for the event. “‘Cause gosh, like it’s like I know I look fabulous but…”
Iman Shumpert demanded a Georgia judge lock up Teyana Taylor for 20 days after accusing her of repeatedly breaking court orders in their ongoing divorce battle.
In a motion filed Monday (May 5), Shumpert requested the court impose the maximum punishment for contempt, citing multiple alleged violations by Taylor, according to documents obtained by InTouch Weekly.
He claims Taylor leaked confidential details of their sealed divorce settlement to the press and verbally attacked him in front of their children.
“In the presence of the children, [Teyana] has shouted crude and inflammatory racial insults at [Iman],” the filing states. “Such insults and criticism of [Iman] have caused the children to unjustly suffer stress and worry, unfairly placing the children in the self-imposed position of peacemaker between their parents.”
Shumpert also alleged that Taylor’s behavior was “maliciously” intended to “damage the relationship between father and child,” and said her actions have hurt his reputation and violated the agreed-upon confidentiality of their legal proceedings.
This latest motion follows Teyana Taylor’s own legal move earlier this year, when she accused Iman Shumpert of leaking sealed court documents.
She claimed he timed the leak to coincide with her Instagram posts featuring actor Aaron Pierre after the 2025 Oscars.
Taylor denied intentional leaks and said she never sought jail time for Shumpert.
“However, I have to file a motion to get him to leave me alone so we can both go and live our life in peace,” she said.
Teyana Taylor goes on IG live and speaks about her divorce with Iman Shumpert. pic.twitter.com/gpjpZas8ZY
In the past, playing online pokies real money meant sitting at your desktop after work and clicking through clunky menus. Now? You can spin reels on your lunch break, while you’re commuting, or from the couch with one hand and a beer in the other. The shift to mobile gambling isn’t just convenient — it’s completely changed how Australians play, and Lucky Green Casino has jumped ahead of the curve.
This guide covers how iGaming is evolving, why mobile-first platforms like Lucky Green Casino are winning players over, and what you can do to make the most of your mobile play.
Why Mobile Gambling Has Taken Over
It’s simple. Phones are faster. Screens are bigger. Everyone’s online all the time. When casinos caught up to that reality and started designing games and platforms specifically for mobile use, the experience finally matched the demand.
Players don’t want to waste time loading games on a desktop. They want instant access and fast action from wherever they are. And that’s exactly what mobile-first design delivers.
This shift isn’t just about convenience — it’s about accessibility, better performance, and smarter design. The result? Players stick around longer and have smoother sessions.
What Makes Mobile Gambling Different
Playing on your phone changes the entire flow. You don’t have 20 tabs open. You’re not juggling email or background noise. It’s just you, the game, and the thrill of the next spin.
What stands out about mobile play:
Games load in seconds, not minutes
You can use facial recognition or fingerprint to log in
Payments are integrated with mobile wallets
Tapping and swiping feel more intuitive than clicking
Push notifications alert you to new promos or jackpots
The experience feels more direct — less waiting, less hassle, more action.
Table: Desktop vs Mobile Gambling Features
Here’s how the two compare side by side. No fluff — just the real differences that matter when you’re playing.
Feature
Desktop Casino
Mobile Casino (Lucky Green)
Game loading speed
Depends on connection/browser
Optimised for instant load
Navigation
Menu-heavy, uses mouse clicks
Tap and swipe, simpler interface
Device availability
One place, limited access
Anywhere, anytime
Deposit methods
Manual input forms
Tap-to-pay options (Google/Apple)
Bonus notifications
Email-only
Push alerts, real-time promos
It’s not about replacing desktop — it’s about adding flexibility. Mobile gives you more chances to play on your own terms.
What Players Want From Mobile Casinos
Aussie players aren’t asking for much. They want speed, reliability, and clear information. Lucky Green Casino ticks those boxes by cutting out clutter and focusing on core features that work.
Core expectations from a good mobile casino:
Seamless gameplay without lag
Simple navigation that doesn’t feel cramped
Easy deposits and withdrawals
Access to full features, not a watered-down version
Games that look good and run smoothly on all screen sizes
Lucky Green Casino hits these points by making mobile the priority — not an afterthought.
Why Lucky Green Casino Is Built for Mobile Play
Lucky Green Casino doesn’t just “support” mobile — it was designed for it. The platform runs fast on both Android and iOS, with pokies that load cleanly, respond fast, and don’t chew through your data.
The site layout adapts to any screen size, so you’re never squinting or scrolling endlessly. Menus are swipe-friendly, and deposit options are mobile-optimised — including options like Apple Pay and local bank methods.
Most importantly, you get full access to the same bonuses, loyalty features, and customer support as desktop users. Nothing is hidden or held back for one version or the other.
Mobile Game Development Is Changing Fast
Game developers are no longer building for desktop first. Mobile is where the audience is, and pokies are being re-engineered to reflect that.
New titles come with touch-responsive controls, adaptive screen sizing, and minimal loading times. Bonus rounds are easier to engage with using swipe gestures, and animation speeds are fine-tuned for smooth performance on phones and tablets.
This means your mobile gameplay doesn’t just feel good — it often runs better than what you’d get on a laptop or PC.
List: Benefits of Mobile Gambling on Lucky Green Casino
There are a few things that make the mobile version of Lucky Green Casino genuinely stand out. These aren’t gimmicks — they’re the features that actually help you play smarter and faster.
Why players are sticking with mobile:
Full game library available — no stripped-down mobile lobby
Faster cashout process from mobile wallet integration
Instant access to loyalty perks and daily offers
Real-time balance and bonus tracking
One-click customer support access, including live chat
Everything is where it should be. No buried menus. No desktop-only tools. Just fast, focused gameplay.
How Mobile Gambling Affects Player Behaviour
The ease of access means players log in more often, but for shorter sessions. That changes how bonuses are structured, how games are played, and how loyalty is built.
Mobile players tend to:
Prefer faster spins and games with shorter rounds
Claim more time-sensitive bonuses (like daily drops)
Use autoplay less and manual play more
Interact with the platform through touch and quick scrolls
It’s a different rhythm — and casinos that adjust to it, like Lucky Green Casino, get better engagement.
List: Tips to Get the Most From Mobile Play
Even with all the right features, there are a few simple things you can do to make your mobile gambling experience smoother.
Try these for better sessions:
Use Wi-Fi when possible to avoid lag
Enable notifications for promo alerts
Play in portrait mode for easier one-hand use
Check for battery-saving settings that block game animations
Keep your app/browser updated for best performance
It’s about creating a comfortable, fast, and controlled play environment.
Final Thoughts: Mobile Gambling Isn’t Coming — It’s Here
The shift has already happened. Most players are choosing mobile-first platforms like Lucky Green Casino because they deliver a better experience. The games are fast, the layout is sharp, and the process — from deposit to cashout — just works.
If you’re still stuck using clunky desktop sites, you’re missing out. Switch to mobile, take advantage of smarter design, and play the way today’s casinos were built to be played.
Ahead of the From The Dirt tour stop at Grog Shop in his hometown of Cleveland, itsHOLY enlists Dave East for the STREETRUNNER-produced single “ALYK.” Serving as an acronym for “Act Like You Know,” the laidback Hip-Hop track follows Big Homiie G assisted cut “Picture Perfect” and Cool & Dre-collaboration “Bamboo.”
“Act like you know is a phrase that share many faces. Similar to my artistry I exhibit my own take on versatility. East being able to jump on the song turnt it up that much more,” says the Lobel Music Group / Arkik Sounds recording artist in an exclusive press statement to Medium Creative Agency.
Born and raised in Ohio, itsHOLY grew up in a close-knit family that cherished strong moral principles. He is the eldest of two children and a proud alumnus of Maple Heights High School.
From a young age, itsHOLY recognized his destiny in the realm of music, describing it as a calling he had since childhood. With the unwavering support of his mother, he honed his craft and began recording music at the age of twelve.
With a promising future on the horizon, itsHOLY has already collaborated in the studio with renowned artists such as CeeLo Green and Giggs. However, he credits The Lobby Boyz, Maino and Jim Jones, for providing him with his significant breakthrough.
Driven to find equilibrium amidst life’s challenges, notably the tragic loss of his cousin to senseless gun violence, itsHOLY aims to expand his rapidly growing fan base and embrace every facet of life in 2025.
Rodney O & Joe Cooley released “Everlasting Bass” in 1988 and more than 35 years later, Future and Metro Boomin’ lifted a sample of the track for their now-infamous single “Like That” featuring Kendrick Lamar. But according to Rodney O, Epic Records and the Estate of Barry White aren’t holding up its end of the bargain. (“Everlasting Bass” contains a sample of White’s 1973 single “I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby.”)
On Wednesday (May 7), Rodney announced he had filed a lawsuit against the label, accusing them of shafting him on royalties. He wrote, “At first I was honored to have Future, Metro & KDot use my classic ‘Everlasting Bass,’ but they probably didn’t know that the company has not lived up to the agreement. I’ll do whatever it takes to stand up for me and all the pioneers in the game. Enough is enough.”
TMZ, however, spoke to Metro Boomin’s rep and was told he did get the necessary clearances for the sample and paid him $50,000.
“Like That” arrived in 2024 via Freebandz Entertainment and Epic Records. Kendrick Lamar’s verse kicked off his ongoing feud with Drake, which resulted in multiple diss tracks, five Grammys for Lamar, K. Dot’s headlining slot at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show and Drake’s legal complaint against Universal Music Group.
“If he walk around with that stick, it ain’t André 3K,” Lamar rapped in the song. “Think I won’t drop the location? I still got PTSD/M######### the big three, n####, it’s just big me.” With those words, Lamar sparked one of the most contentious rap battles in recent memory, culminating with “Not Like Us.”
AllHipHop spoke to Rodney O backstage at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado in April 2024, not long after “Like That” was released. At the time, Rodney was riding high off its success. After all, it was still the No. 1 song in the country. DJ Quik had introduced AllHipHop to Rodney O prior to his set and he was happy to comment on the song.
“It’s amazing,” Rodney said. “For something I made when I was 16, 17 years old to come back and be bigger than it was, ‘Hey, I’m all in!’ Keep it moving. Y’all keep listening!”
Rodney O doesn’t necessarily hold anything against Future, Metro Boomin’ or Kendrick Lamar but instead seems to blame just the label and White’s estate. In the suit, he claims his writing credits were even omitted when the track was nominated for a Grammy Award last year.
For those unfamiliar with Rodney O, he and Joe Cooley were signed with Egyptian Lover’s label, Egyptian Empire. Subsequent tours included bills with MC Lyte, N.W.A, Kool Moe Dee and Grandmaster Flash.
Rodney O retains 50 percent of the rights to “Everlasting Bass,” meaning the Future and Metro Boomin track should have put some well-deserved money in his pockets.
Pope Leo XIV landed in the Vatican and on social media timelines at the same time this week, as users across the U.S. celebrated the first American-born pope by comparing him to rapper Chief Keef and reggaeton superstar Daddy Yankee.
The memes came fast. One tweet read, “need the pope to bring chief keef to the Vatican.” Another dubbed him “Pope Sosa,” a nod to Keef’s nickname and their shared Windy City roots.
Born Robert Francis Prevost on Chicago’s West Side, Pope Leo XIV has become an unlikely pop culture crossover.
His rise to the papacy this month made him the first pope from North America. But it’s his hometown and his nickname in Rome—“Latin Yankee”—that have made him meme material.
“Latin Yankee” is what Vatican insiders call him, referencing his American background and decades of ministry in Peru. But online, that nickname quickly morphed into “Daddy Yankee,” with users joking that the pope might drop a reggaeton album next.
The comparisons may be tongue-in-cheek, but they reflect how the internet processes major events by blending reverence with pop culture.
The same thing happened years ago with the viral #PopeBars trend, where users imagined Pope Francis rapping scripture over beats.
This time, it’s Leo XIV getting the Hip-Hop treatment. And while the jokes are lighthearted, they also highlight Chicago pride. The city that gave the world deep dish pizza, Kanye West, and Chance the Rapper just added a pope to the list.
Eminem testified in a Michigan courtroom this week as the man who twice broke into his home was convicted of aggravated stalking and first-degree home invasion.
A Macomb County jury found 29-year-old Matthew Hughes guilty on May 7 for an August 2024 break-in at the rapper’s Clinton Township residence.
This marked the second time Hughes unlawfully entered the property—his first intrusion in April 2020 ended with a face-to-face confrontation with the rap legend in the living room.
During that earlier incident, Hughes shattered a window with a brick and entered while Eminem was asleep. The rapper testified that Hughes told him he was there to kill him before being restrained by security until police arrived.
Hughes pleaded guilty to second-degree home invasion in 2021, receiving probation and time served.
He was later jailed for violating that probation. Despite that, he returned to the property in August 2024, slipping through an unlocked door, stealing a bicycle and fleeing after being spotted by security.
He was arrested four days later at a nearby Walmart.
The 2025 trial lasted two days, with Eminem taking the stand. Jurors deliberated for less than 30 minutes before reaching a verdict.
Court records show Hughes had a disturbing pattern of behavior, including trespassing on a property Em used to own, while reportedly searching for the rapper.
Hughes is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17 and could face several years behind bars.
The case has drawn attention not only because of Eminem’s celebrity but also due to the eerie parallels with his 2000 hit “Stan,” a cautionary tale about an obsessive fan whose devotion spirals into violence.
Ironically, the term “stan” has since entered pop culture as slang for overzealous fandom—though in Hughes’ case, the obsession turned criminal.
Kanye West lashed out on social media after his song “Heil Hitler” was scrubbed from every major streaming platform on May 8, just hours after its release, accusing the industry of censorship and racial bias.
The track, which includes antisemitic lyrics and references to Adolf Hitler, was removed from Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud and other digital services shortly after it went live.
Kanye West took to X to express his outrage.
“‘Heil Hitler by Ye has been banned by all digital streaming platforms while ‘Rednecks’ by Randy Newman remains streamable. They’re literally keeping the n##### down,'” he posted.
Ye’s comparison to Jewish singer/songwriter Randy Newman’s 1974 song “Rednecks” added fuel to the fire.
Newman’s track, which opens his album Good Old Boys, is billed as a satirical critique of racism in America and includes the chorus “keeping the ni##ers down,” with the full lyrics, including the racial epithet, printed out on Spotify.
Ye’s song, intended as a single from Ye’s upcoming album CUCK, features the phrase “Heil Hitler” repeated in the chorus and includes the line, “I became Nazi yet-h I’m villain.”
The outro reportedly samples a speech by Adolf Hitler. The music video, posted directly to Ye’s X account, includes visual elements that echo his previous antisemitic statements.
Critics and supporters clashed online, with some defending Ye’s right to free speech and others condemning the song’s content as hateful and dangerous.
This incident follows a string of controversies involving Ye’s antisemitic remarks and merchandise, which have led to widespread condemnation and bans from several platforms.
Sean “Diddy” Combs saw his radio play nosedive and streaming numbers tumble as his sex trafficking trial kicked off in New York City, signaling a steep fall from grace for the Hip-Hop mogul once synonymous with chart-topping hits and platinum plaques.
According to Luminate data reviewed by Billboard, Diddy’s radio spins have cratered 86% year-over-year, with just 1,671 plays in the first 16 weeks of 2025 compared to 11,870 during the same stretch in 2024.
The sharp drop aligns with the lead up to his criminal trial, where prosecutors allege he ran a sprawling enterprise fueled by abuse, coercion and sexual exploitation.
While his streaming catalog hasn’t vanished, it’s taken a hit too, down nearly 45%, from 52.7 million on-demand streams in early 2024 to 29 million so far this year.
The decline in radio airplay alone could slash his publishing royalties by 6% to 9%, translating to a potential loss of around $34,300 in radio-related income.
Historically, Diddy reportedly pulled in roughly $2.4 million annually from master recordings and another $600,000 from publishing royalties between 2021 and 2023.
But the current backlash is reshaping how his music is consumed—and where.
Notably, DJs have all but stopped spinning his tracks on commercial radio, even as his longtime collaborator Notorious B.I.G. racked up more than 63,000 spins in the same period. The contrast is glaring.
The backlash follows Diddy’s September 2024 arrest on federal charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
The indictment paints a disturbing picture of a man who allegedly used his business empire to facilitate “sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice.”
Prosecutors say Diddy hosted events known as “Freak Offs,” where women were allegedly manipulated into “extended sex acts with male commercial sex workers,” sometimes under the influence of drugs to keep them “obedient and compliant.”
A superseding indictment filed in April 2025 added two more charges and expanded the timeline of alleged crimes from 2021 to 2024.
Combs now faces five criminal counts: one for racketeering conspiracy, two for sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and two for transporting individuals for prostitution.
Combs has pleaded not guilty and maintains the relationships were consensual, calling the accusers “former long-term girlfriends.”
Four women, identified as Victim-1 through Victim-4, are expected to testify.
Combs has been held without bail since his arrest and declined a plea deal before the trial began.
Pastor Jamal Bryant, leader of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, is making headlines after publicly urging Clark Atlanta University to posthumously award Tupac Shakur an honorary degree. The proposed honor is based on the claim that the late rap icon once attended the school. However, multiple biographers and Hip-Hop historians have called the statement flat-out false.
During a recent appearance on The GAUD Show podcast, Bryant declared that Shakur went to Clark Atlanta University for a semester before joining Digital Underground and launching his music career.
“I grew up with Tupac in Baltimore,” he said. “A lot of y’all out in California lying, acting like he’s from L.A. He’s from West Baltimore. He went to the Baltimore School for the Arts. What a lot of people don’t know is he went to Clark Atlanta University for a semester. I didn’t know that—I know it! He came down with us. I went to Morehouse, he went to Clark. We were at homecoming together. Digital Underground came to perform, he volunteered to be a roadie, dropped out of Clark, and that’s how he got to L.A. That’s the real story. You heard it here first!'”
The problem? According to author and journalist Jeff Pearlman, this is completely wrong.
Pearlman has spent nearly three years researching Shakur for his forthcoming book Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur. He says none of Bryant’s accounts hold up. “Literally none of that is true,” Pearlman said. “Tupac never attended Clark. He didn’t even graduate high school.”
AllHipHop contacted Pearlman to get his take on the matter.
“I can tell you, factually, he went to Atlanta to do the New Afrikan Panthers work, but he mainly spent a ton of time with a bunch of students at the Art Institute of Atlanta,” he said. “A handful of aspiring rappers lived in apartment H10 on the Lennox Woods Apartment Complex. They started a group called H10. One of the members was Steve Gibson, who would later be half Tag Team and damn the world with “Whoomp (There It Is)”. Tupac actually developed a good amount of style from those hangout sessions But he was never enrolled in college. Literally never graduated high school, so it’d have been impossible.”
Tupac Amaru Shakur was born in New York and moved to Baltimore as a teen, where he attended Roland Park Middle School, Dunbar High, and later the Baltimore School for the Arts. He relocated to Marin City, California, before his senior year and went to Tamalpais High School before dropping out. He met Digital Underground in the Bay Area, not Atlanta, as Pastor Jamal Bryant stated.
“He performed at their homecoming once. That show, by all accounts, was a disaster,” Pearlman said in an online post. “He was drunk, high, disoriented, didn’t perform his known songs, and about 70 percent of the crowd walked out. That same night, he shot two off-duty police officers in Atlanta.”
Pastor Bryant also claimed that his grandmother taught DMX how to read during the late rapper’s difficult childhood. This assertion remains unverified and has not been publicly confirmed by DMX’s family or official biographers. Our inquiries with DMX’s biographer or estate were not immediately returned.
Pearlman’s book comes out in October and said Bryant’s claims symbolize his difficulties writing the book on Tupac Shakur.
“This is one of the most frustrating parts about researching Tupac: people just invent stories. It’s been 30 years. Maybe their memories are foggy, or maybe they want attention. I don’t know what Jamal Bryant was thinking,” Pearlman said.
“People want to feel connected to greatness,” said one historian who preferred to remain anonymous, “but rewriting history does more harm than good, especially for an artist like Tupac, whose real story is powerful enough without the embellishment.”
Clark Atlanta University hasn’t responded publicly to Bryant’s call for an honorary degree.
(UPDATE) Lil Durk was reportedly denied bail again on Thursday (May 8) and will remain in custody until his trial, which is scheduled to begin on October 14. The decision comes after his legal team argued for his release, citing the prosecution’s use of song lyrics and fan-made posts as evidence.
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Lil Durk is facing deeper legal peril after a federal grand jury in Los Angeles added a new charge of stalking resulting in death to his already serious murder case, which could send the rapper to prison for life.
The updated indictment, returned on Thursday (May 1), accuses the Chicago native of playing a central role in the August 2022 killing of Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, a relative of rival rapper Quando Rondo.
His legal team had previously challenged the inclusion of his lyrics as evidence, and their removal may signal a shift in the prosecution’s strategy. Still, the government insists Lil Durk should remain in custody, arguing that he poses a threat to public safety and could flee before trial.
Prosecutors cited earlier court proceedings to support their claim that he remains a danger to witnesses and the broader community.
In response to the new charge, Lil Durk’s attorneys requested more time to prepare their reply to the court. They said they were notified of the updated indictment one day before his court date on his motion to request another attempt to make bond until his trial.
The defense asked for an extension until Tuesday (May 6) to address the new legal and factual issues raised by the stalking charge.
A$AP Rocky wants to swap his dad bod for a tux and a license to kill as he eyes the role of the first Black James Bond.
The Harlem-born rapper and style icon floated the idea during a new interview with Variety.
“I think I need to be the new Black James Bond,” he mused. “Like, why not?”
However, the soon-to-be father of three has just one obstacle to overcome first.
“If we hit the gym, I’m a be aight,” he added. “Right now I’m in dad mode; you’re gonna have to give me a couple months.”
Rocky, who shares two children with Rihanna, isn’t just dreaming about espionage roles—he’s already diving into action.
In Spike Lee’s upcoming thriller Highest 2 Lowest, Rocky stars alongside Denzel Washington as Yung Felon, the son of Washington’s character.
The film, a modern spin on Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low, hits theaters August 22, 2025, and streams on Apple TV+ starting September 5.
Reflecting on his performance, Rocky said, “I was on my Black Tom Cruise s###.”
He’s not limiting himself to just one genre either. “I’m down for whatever,” he said, signaling a broader interest in film.
Though best known for his music, Rocky’s acting résumé includes cameos in Zoolander 2 and Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, as well as appearances in documentaries like A Man Named Scott and Amazon Music Live.
A$AP Rocky Says “I Was Born For This”
His latest role marks a major step forward. “Nah, I was born for this,” he said of acting opposite Washington.
“I’m not gonna waste nobody’s time,” Rocky insisted. “This is what I do – this is the same approach you would take to making an album or to directing or designing anything: You’ve got to give it your all.”
Director Spike Lee had high praise for Rocky’s performance. “A$AP, man, he fire. I mean, there’s some scenes with him and D where he’s not backing up. He’s like, ‘I’m here too!’ Very, very happy with the way the film turned out and looking forward to sharing it with the world.”
The women allege Smokey Robinson isolated them and coerced them into sexual acts against their will. The civil complaint, filed Tuesday, includes claims of sexual assault, sexual battery, false imprisonment and gender-based violence.
Robinson’s attorney, Christopher Frost, issued a sharp rebuttal, calling the lawsuit “vile” and insisting the allegations are fabricated.
Frost said the case is “simply an ugly method of trying to extract money from an 85-year-old American icon — $50 million, to be exact.” Frost also accused the plaintiffs’ legal team of attempting to manipulate public opinion.
“They have made vile, false allegations against Mr. and Mrs. Robinson in an attempt to enlist the public as an unwitting participant in the media circus they are trying to create,” he said.
He urged the public to withhold judgment until more information is revealed.
“We will be addressing the numerous aspects of the complaint that defy credulity as well as issues relating to purported timelines, inconsistencies and relationships between the plaintiffs and others,” Frost added.
Cardi B kept the rumor mill spinning after being spotted in Harlem with NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs, marking another public appearance fueling speculation about their relationship.
A fan recording a casual moment with Diggs in Harlem accidentally caught Cardi in the background of the video, partially hidden but unmistakable.
Both were dressed down, seemingly trying to fly under the radar during the low-profile outing.
The Harlem sighting follows a string of public moments between the rapper and the Buffalo Bills star, including an appearance at the 2025 Met Gala and its after-party on May 5.
The pair were first linked on Valentine’s Day 2025, when they were seen together in Miami and later at a New York City nightclub.
Cardi B & Stefon Diggs Head To Hotel Together After Met Gata
Though neither has confirmed they’re dating, Cardi didn’t exactly deny it during a X (Twitter) Spaces chat last month.
“It’s been a couple of weeks and I haven’t addressed nothing,” she said. “Because it’s like… You know when you got a gorgeous [man] loving you from head to toe? It’s like, I don’t really give a f### what anybody says when you got a real fine [man] that love you from head to toe.”
Cardi B calls her new man “gorgeous” in latest spaces post. 👀
“It’s been a couple of weeks and I haven’t addressed nothing because it’s like knowing you got a gorgeous n***a f**kin’ you and lovin’ you from head to toe, it’s like I don’t really give a f**k what anybody say. When… pic.twitter.com/YrkCxLmids
Adding more fuel to the rumors, a video of Cardi giving Diggs a lap dance at a club earlier in April went viral, sending social media into a frenzy.
Offset, Cardi’s ex-husband, responded to the buzz with a surprisingly supportive Instagram comment: “I’m happy for her!!” after someone joked about him being jealous.
There were also whispers that Stefon Diggs cheated on Cardi B and impregnated an Instagram model.
Cardi later posted a clip to her Instagram Story featuring MC Debra saying, “You can’t give nobody your heart.”
Diggs, for his part, has admitted he’s not single but hasn’t named Cardi directly.
