Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will not be among the players visiting the White House on Monday (April 28) afternoon as the team is honored for their Super Bowl victory.
A White House official confirmed Hurts’ absence, stating that he, along with several other players, could not attend due to “scheduling conflicts.” NBC News White House correspondent Yamiche Alcindor first reported the news a few hours before the visit.
“A White House official confirms to me that @Eagles quarterback @JalenHurts will not be visiting the White House when the Super Bowl champions come later this afternoon,” Alcindor posted on X. “The White House says Hurts and other players who can’t attend had ‘scheduling conflicts.'”
A White House official confirms to me that @Eagles quarterback @JalenHurts will not be visiting the White House when the Super Bowl champions come later this afternoon. The White House says Hurts and other players who can’t attend had “scheduling conflicts.”
While any high-profile absence tends to draw public attention, it’s important to note that such situations are not unprecedented.
In 2015, legendary quarterback Tom Brady skipped the New England Patriots’ White House visit during President Barack Obama’s administration, also citing a scheduling conflict.
The Philadelphia Eagles accepted the invitation to visit the White House on April 28 to celebrate their Super Bowl victory.
This visit comes with notable history, as the team previously declined a similar invitation during President Trump’s first term following their 2018 Super Bowl win, a decision that led Trump to revoke the invitation entirely.
After some initial uncertainty about this year’s plans, the team formally accepted the offer in March.
However, questions remain about individual player attendance. When quarterback Jalen Hurts was asked at the TIME100 Gala on April 24 whether he would attend, he gave a non-verbal response, looking away from the camera. An uncomfortable expression and hesitant smile suggested he would not make the event.
White House visits by championship sports teams have been a longstanding American tradition, though they have occasionally become politically charged in recent years.
Kanye West has lashed out at FKA Twigs, threatening to “destroy” the British artist for including his daughter, North West, in a music video without his approval and demanding a public apology.
The outburst came during a recent livestream with producer Digital Nas, where West spiraled into a rant targeting the Kardashians, Kris Jenner and unnamed Black celebrities for staying silent on what he sees as exploitation of his children.
“The grandmother that signed for the daughter to do the sex tape has the rights to the names and the likeness of my Black children,” West said, referencing Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian’s past controversies. “That’s what we deal with. And I bet not one Black celebrity say s###. They ain’t gone say s###.”
The livestream took a darker turn when West turned his attention to Twigs, who featured North in her recent video “Childlike Things.”
Kanye West Demands FKA Twigs Apology
West claimed Twigs bypassed him and sought permission from Kim Kardashian instead, which he saw as a betrayal.
“Twigs, you got to apologize and don’t play with my kids,” West said. “Put my daughter in that dark-ass video. I will make it my sole purpose to destroy you. Do we have a problem, n####?”
West insisted that as North’s father and a superior creative mind, Twigs should have contacted him directly.
“If y’all go to Kim… to get rights to my kids to work with y’all in any way, I’m going to use everything in my power and flesh to do every version of Ye you ever seen,” he warned.
He also claimed Twigs once thought “Kim was corny 10 years ago” and accused her of hypocrisy for collaborating with her now.
Ye talks about FKA Twigs collaborating with North without his consent and mentions Kris’s influence over decisions involving his children pic.twitter.com/vGJtYjMDxU
West has a history of publicly accusing the Kardashians of exploiting their children.
He previously wrote on social media, “Kim Kardashian is a sex trafficker,” and called the family “sex workers” who “sex traffic all of the Black children they strategically produce.”
He also took aim at Twigs in a separate post, writing, “I don’t like that Twigs has my daughter in her video dressing all grown” and “WOULD HAVE EXPECTED MORE FROM TWIGS.”
Rhymefest and Eminem are both back in the rumor mill, thanks to claim about the N-word and a legendary rap battle. Rhymefest recently claimed that Eminem was the first white person to call him the N-word during their battle at Scribble Jam. Who else remembers the legendary Cincinnati 1990s rap battle arena that bred some of the fiercest artists in the game?
Scribble Jam was the breeding ground before AllHipHop called it that. If you made it out of that ring, you earned your stripes. Rhymefest built a career not just on battling but also on songwriting and activism. So, when he said Em called him the N-word, we were stunned.
I immediately sprinted over to YouTube to see if there was video proof. I dug deep into the archives, but couldn’t find a clear moment where Em used the word in that battle. Parts of the battle were online, sure, but not a full, unedited version. I was on the verge of giving up when the unthinkable happened.
Kuniva from D12 (salute) slid into AllHipHop’s Instagram inbox with receipts. He sent a direct message containing full footage in question of the Eminem vs. Rhymefest showdown at Scribble Jam. No N-word. Eminem is completely exonerated from the heavy accusation. Benzino had to be foaming at the mouth over this.
Now, truth be told, there were already commenters saying the story was off. But if you know anything about social media comment sections, you know they are full of half-truths. Getting direct footage from someone who really knows? That is gold. Thanks, Kuniva!
It’s also a reminder that memories can betray us. As we get older, those recollections sometimes become more colorful. No shade to Rhymefest, but it looks like Eminem deserves a public apology. Maybe he can just say “my bad” and keep it pushing. Eminem does not seem to care about anything. Will that happen? Only time will tell.
Kehlani defended her pro-Palestine activism and rejected accusations of antisemitism after Cornell University scrapped her headlining performance at its Slope Day event scheduled for May 7.
The R&B artist, who uses she/they pronouns, responded in a TikTok video, standing beside her Jewish-Palestinian best friend and Jewish studio engineer, firmly stating, “I am being asked and called to clarify and make a statement yet again for the millionth time that I am not antisemitic nor anti-Jew.”
She continued, “I am anti-genocide, I am anti the actions of the Israeli government, I am anti an extermination of an entire people, I’m anti the bombing of innocent children, men, women – that’s what I’m anti.”
Cornell President Michael I. Kotlikoff emailed students and faculty to inform them that the university had canceled Kehlani’s appearance after receiving “grave concerns” from the community.
He cited her alleged “espoused antisemitic, anti-Israel sentiments” on social media and in her music videos.
She noted her collaboration with Jewish Voice for Peace, a progressive Jewish organization advocating for Palestinian rights.
In the caption of her TikTok post, Kehlani wrote, “ITS BEEN OVER A YEAR. from day one it’s been clear. I know you’ve seen Cornell University cancel my show, and now there are attempts at other cancellations on top of the cancellations I’ve already experienced over the past year… Don’t make it anti-Jew. This is a played out game. All this because we want people to stop dying (sic).”
Kehlani also visibly supported Palestine by performing in front of the Palestinian flag in the music video for her 2024 song “Next 2 U.”
Cornell’s Slope Day event is still scheduled to take place on May 7, despite Kehlani’s absence from the lineup.
Boosie Badazz has defended his headline-grabbing meet and greets after footage from the wild fan encounters went viral.
Boosie, who performed Saturday (April 260, at Oakland Arena for the Millennium Tour’s penultimate stop, made waves after footage from his Gold and Platinum Meet & Greet packages surfaced online.
The clips showed the rapper getting up close and personal with attendees — including one moment where a fan bent over in front of him and another where he stuck his tongue out for the camera while gripping the fan’s neck.
On Sunday, Boosie addressed the chatter by posting a photo from the event on his Instagram Stories with the caption, “My Meet N Greets Be Lit OMG.”
He later doubled down on his approach with a post on X (Twitter).
“IM A ENTERTAINER. MY ‘MEAT N GREETS’ SUPPOSED TO BE LIT,” Boosie insisted. “IM BOOSIE BADAZZ. ANYTHING ELSE IS UNCIVILIZED.”
While the internet debated Boosie’s wild meet-and-greet antics, the rapper had even more personal news to celebrate.
On April 22, Boosie announced he and longtime girlfriend Rajel Nelson welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Sevyn.
An emotional Boosie shared the announcement on social media, breaking down in tears. “I’m a daddy again, man,” he told followers. “My daughter’s so beautiful. I can’t stop crying. Man, my daughter here.”
Sevyn is Boosie’s ninth child overall, joining his eight other children from previous relationships.
But the rapper made it clear he’s not done expanding his family tree. In a video posted last week, Boosie told his mother, “You see how beautiful that damn baby is. I’m going right back in, momma.”
He even called out two of pop culture’s most prolific dads, saying, “Elon Musk, Nick Cannon, I’m on y’all ass. I’m going right back in that oven.”
Trippie Redd is firing back at critics Sunday night after rumors swirled that he skipped Coi Leray’s baby shower after flaunting his new girlfriend on Instagram.
The “Love Scars” rapper hopped on his Instagram Stories Sunday (April 27) with a message for the haters.
“My baby ain’t have no baby shower yet,” he confirmed. “So, you blogs, go run and tell everybody that. Since I’m the worst dad, and I don’t show up to baby showers and all that extra s###.”
The drama kicked off Saturday when Trippie posted a casual photo of a mystery woman lounging in his cluttered bedroom.
He captioned the shot, “SHOULD I CLEAN MY ROOM?” The post quickly stirred up chatter online, with many questioning his priorities.
Adding to the confusion, Trippie had shared a heartfelt post about his unborn daughter just days earlier on X (Twitter).
“Yall my daughter tryna share my bday lol,” he wrote. “That’s gone be her damn day now…” His birthday falls on June 18, suggesting Coi Leray’s due date is fast approaching.
Meanwhile, Coi Leray also addressed the baby shower rumors last week, although she did not mention Trippie Redd.
“My babyshower next week,’ she tweeted on April 24. “I’m soo excited.” When asked if footage from a recent event was her baby shower, Coi Leray replied, “Nope, went to the Pink Pier in NY for my friend birthday,” backing up Trippie’s claim that no baby shower had taken place yet.
Coi Leroy is seen attending her BABY SHOWER ALONE after she caught Trippie Redd CHEATING on her while PREGNANT 😔🙏 pic.twitter.com/ZFgdGwsIpw
The pair’s relationship has been rocky since January when Coi accused Trippie of cheating, posting, “Nothing worse than being cheated on. I wouldn’t wish this pain on my worst enemy.”
Although neither has publicly confirmed their breakup, they appear to have gone their separate ways between January and April 2025.
Trippie also stirred controversy earlier this year with a tweet that read, “To every b#### I ever did wrong, I’ll do it again,” further fueling speculation about his personal life.
Leray announced they were expecting a baby girl earlier this month, proudly sharing, “GIRL MOM.”
Shedeur Sanders found himself at the center of an NFL Draft prank and a public apology after Jax Ulbrich, son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, admitted to impersonating New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis.
The prank unfolded during the 2025 NFL Draft when Sanders, awaiting his selection, received a call from someone posing as Loomis.
“It’s been a long wait, man,” the caller told Sanders. “We’re gonna take you with our next pick, man, but you’re gonna have to wait a little bit longer, man. Sorry about that.”
The bizarre moment, captured on Deion Sanders Jr.’s YouTube channel, left Sanders visibly confused as he asked, “What does that mean?” after the caller abruptly hung up.
An NFL official said the league is looking into how Shedeur Sanders’ private number was leaked and then used for this prank call: pic.twitter.com/h5P1CIIQlI
On Sunday night, April 27, Jax Ulbrich came clean on Instagram.
“On Friday night I made a tremendous mistake,” he began. “Sheduer (sic), what I did was completely inexcusable, embarrassing, and shameful.”
Ulbrich continued, “I’m so sorry I took away from your moment, it was selfish and childish. I could never imagine getting ready to celebrate one of the greatest moments of your life and I made a terrible mistake and messed with that moment. Thank you for accepting my call earlier today, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”
The Atlanta Falcons quickly distanced themselves from the incident, issuing a statement that read, “We do not condone this behavior… we have facilitated a direct apology from Jax to the Sanders family.”
Despite the distraction, Sanders remained composed. Before learning the caller’s identity, he brushed off the prank, saying, “It didn’t really have an impact on me… I don’t feed into negativity.”
He added, “I think, of course, it is childish. Of course, I feel like it was a childish act, but everybody does childish things here and there.”
Meanwhile, the NFL has launched an investigation into how Sanders’ private draft phone number, provided by Boost Mobile, ended up in the wrong hands.
Ultimately, Sanders was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round with the No. 144 pick, a slide from earlier projections but a fresh start nonetheless.
Cardi B dropped jaws Sunday night with a savage post just as whispers swirled that her rumored flame Stefon Diggs might be cozying up to an Instagram model.
On Sunday night (April 27), Cardi shared an Instagram Story featuring a blood-soaked lion devouring a monkey’s head.
The brutal image came shortly after an IG model posted a photo with Diggs, captioned, “I don’t post him, I be with him in real life & we be doing it raw [kiss emoji],” igniting fresh gossip about the NFL star’s loyalty. Diggs appeared to clap back with a carousel of posts hinting he’s not about that life.
Offset Seemingly Reacts To Cardi B & Stefon Diggs Drama
Offset, Cardi’s estranged husband also seemed to throw shade. After previously claiming he was “happy” for Cardi’s new romance, he posted a photo of himself staring at his phone with several laughing-crying emojis. Later, he shared another photo captioned, “It’s a cold world we live in.”
Before the drama exploded, Cardi B had gushed about her new man during a Spaces chat.
“It’s been a couple of weeks and I haven’t addressed nothing,” she stated. “Because it’s like knowing you got a gorgeous n#### f###### you and lovin’ you from head to toe, it’s like I don’t really give a f### what anybody say.”
She added, “When you got a real fine n#### that love you from head to toe, it’s like whatever,” explaining she’s been “completely distracted by her new boo.”
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
Though Cardi B has not officially named Diggs as her boyfriend, the two have been spotted together repeatedly since late 2024, including a Valentine’s Day hotel arrival in Miami and dancing intimately at Coachella 2025.
Cardi B brushed off rumors she was seeing Stefon Diggs in October.
“The internet is insane,” she stated. “All these rumors are so f###### crazy. That’s why I don’t want to address it because I feel like it’s funny. I’mma just let it ride out, cuz I think it’s cute, it’s funny.”
Despite the mounting speculation, neither Cardi B nor Diggs has confirmed their relationship publicly. Their appearances at clubs and events have only kept the rumor mill spinning.
Cardi B filed for divorce from Offset in August 2024 and has since said she’s open to finding a “little boyfriend” in 2025 but remains focused on her music career and her children.
Yung Miami wasted no time shutting down rumors linking her to NFL rookie Shedeur Sanders after the two were spotted together at his draft celebration in Dallas.
The City Girls rapper found herself at the center of online chatter after congratulating the Sanders family and posing for photos with Shedeur at his Hyde & Seek bash, where he celebrated being picked 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns.
Some social media users suggested Miami was making moves on the young quarterback before the “ink ain’t even dried yet,” but she fired back hard Sunday night.
“Yall b###### don’t know what ‘Supporting your ppl’ look like!!!!” she tweeted, quoting a post that showed her and Sanders at the party. “Everything ain’t dick & p####!!!!!”
Not stopping there, Miami clapped back at a commenter who replied, “With you it usually is,” and another who called her a “w####.”
“Name 3 n##### I been with,” she challenged. “Name em…..”
She sealed her point with another tweet, writing, “I can never go from a shark to Nemo yall b###### slow!.”
The draft party itself was a flashy affair. Sanders, who had been projected as a first-round pick, made a stylish entrance wearing a black tank top, heavy jewelry, a backwards Browns cap and rolling in with Louis Vuitton luggage stuffed with cash — a nod to his lucrative college NIL deals.
He even performed his song “Perfect Timing” for the crowd, showing off his musical side.
Yung Miami, who previously dated Sean “Diddy” Combs from 2021 to 2023, has been vocal about her single status in 2025, tweeting earlier this year, “I can’t fall in love with no hoe!!! Young, Rich, outside, & single!!!!!” Despite rumors linking her to NFL star Stefon Diggs, she made it clear she’s enjoying her independence.
Khloé Kardashian unveiled plans for a fresh reality series alongside Scott Disick and Disney executive Rob Mills during Hulu’s Get Real House event in Los Angeles, revealing a spin-off titled Calabasas Behind the Gates that will spotlight the extended circle surrounding the Kardashian-Jenner household.
“It’s very exciting, very new, very excellent. We’re excited to continue developing,” Kardashian said during the panel.
The upcoming series will shift the lens from the core Kardashian-Jenner clan to the people living in their orbit — neighbors, longtime friends and others residing in their exclusive Calabasas community.
“We all want to know what’s happening behind the gates of Calabasas — who are all these people in the extended lives of the Kardashians? So, we’re developing a show that we’re actually, at least for now, calling Calabasas Behind the Gates,” Mills explained.
While Kardashian and Disick helped introduce the project, neither confirmed whether they would appear on camera.
Disick, who shares three children with Kourtney Kardashian, has been a recurring presence in the family’s reality ventures but has not committed to this one.
The announcement comes on the heels of the season six finale of The Kardashians, the Hulu reboot of their original E! series Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which ended in 2021 after 20 seasons. Hulu has already renewed The Kardashians for a seventh season.
Over the years, the family has launched several spin-offs, including Kourtney and Kim Take Miami, Kourtney and Kim Take New York and Khloé & Lamar. Calabasas Behind the Gates marks the latest expansion of their ever-growing reality TV empire.
A release date for Calabasas Behind the Gates has not yet been announced.
The funeral details for Soulsonic Force member Pow Wow (real name Robert Darrell Allen) have been revealed. According to close friends and family, the viewing takes place on Monday (April 28) at John J. Fox & Son Funeral Home in the Bronx, New York from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET. The burial will follow at the Forest Green Park Cemetery in Morganville, New Jersey.
“This has been a deeply challenging time—one filled with many unforeseen circumstances and emotional hurdles that tested the limits of our strength and patience,” Pow Wow’s widow, U. Seville Draper-Allen, tells AllHipHop. “Despite it all, we held on to our faith. We moved with faith. And it is that same faith, combined with unshakable love and enduring works, that allowed us to overcome every weapon formed against us.
“To each and every person who stood by my husband with compassion, loyalty and genuine care—thank you. Your love ensured he is honored with the dignity and grace he deserves. You stood up for him. You supported us both. And I am grateful beyond words. As the voice for my husband today, I can tell you confidently: he sees your love, he feels your spirit and he would say with his whole heart—’Thank you. I love you more.'”
Pow Wow died on April 4 after a long illness. Cholly Rock, one of the original 11 Zulu Kings, estimated he was around 64 at the time of his death. He had suffered from emphysema and the complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
“That was my boy,” Cholly said at the time. “We are original members of the Soulsonic Force. We are first generation b-boys. We are two of the original 11 Zulu Kings. There were only 11 of us in the beginning. I was just 16 when we first met. If I could say anything to him right now it would be, I love you brother. You’re not suffering anymore. I know you were suffering and you’re not anymore. May your journey be a beautiful one and the transition to the after life be a blessed one. We’re pioneers, son.”
Several of Pow Wow’s peers spoke to AllHipHop about his passing, including Kool DJ Red Alert, who said, “Farewell to emcee Pow Wow. When I became part of Zulu Nation in 1979, he welcomed me with open Arms. It was Pow Wow
that coined the phrase ‘Red Alert Goes Berserk.’ A true crowd pleaser on the microphone who, along with Mr. Biggs and emcee G.L.O.B.E., gave us the groundbreaking song ‘Planet Rock.’ Major respect to his contribution to the culture.”
Pow Wow’s Soulsonic Force brethren, Mr. Biggs, called him the “life of the party.” He added, “He loved to have fun. He was the type of individual that you could count on. You never knew where you may see Pow Wow throughout the city. I can recall one of the first times we were performing, the music went out. Myself, along with MC G.L.O.B.E., was lost for words, but Pow Wow just grabbed the mic and started rocking the crowd. I will never forget that moment and I will never forget my brother Pow-Wow.”
Cholly, although unable to attend due to a previously scheduled medical procedure, continued, “My love for Pow Wow is infinite and unconditional. From our time smoking cats in The Valley at a Flash Jam—Flash only played there twice—to spending the night in Staten Island at Pinky’s house, to rocking the mic for Bam with Soulsonic even before ‘Planet Rock.’ I love you my brother. I will miss you ‘Geico Lizard.'”
Melle Mel of the Furious Five came up alongside Pow Wow. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s trailblazing single, “The Message,” was released in 1982, preceding 1985’s “Planet Rock,” but they all knew each other.
“RIP Pow Wow,” Melle said. “The OG, the pioneer, the real dude. My Zulu brother. Rest in eternal peace. Job well done,” while Ikey C of Soulsonic Force calls him, “One of the greatest on stage and with a pen. He always ended convos on the phone with ‘when you see the Queen, my Mom, tell her I love her.'”
That’s only the beginning of the list of people who will miss Pow Wow. DJ Eclipse called him an “innovator.” He continued, “Not only in his style of rhyme, but also as part of the Soulsonic Force and the larger than life imagery they portrayed on stage and in their artwork. They were a huge influence on Hip-Hop and dropped game changing music with ‘Planet Rock’ that created a new sound within the culture. And Pow Wow was at the epicenter of that song delivering one of the most iconic verses ever.”
Van Silk, longtime New York City promotor and the common thread between so many Hip-Hop legends, concluded, “Pow Wow was someone who was very instrumental when Hip-Hop was taking form. Pow Wow was definitely a Hip-Hop kid, who started off as a B-Boy. He could really dance. Soulsonic Force and ‘Planet Rock’ changed the music sound in Hip-Hop. May my brother rest well.
Let’s not spend too much time rehashing old news, but it’s important to remember: after their 2018 Super Bowl win, the Philadelphia Eagles declined the traditional White House visit under then-President Donald Trump.
That decision stemmed largely from ongoing tensions surrounding NFL players protesting racial injustice and violations of their First Amendment rights.
At the heart of it all was Colin Kaepernick, who had effectively been blackballed from the NFL for kneeling during the national anthem. This very peaceful protest sparked national outrage and political attacks.
Fast forward to Sunday (April 27): the Eagles are set to visit the White House on Monday (April 28), this time during Trump’s second term. However, not everything appears smooth behind the scenes. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, the undisputed leader of the team, was recently noncommittal when asked if he would attend the White House ceremony.
That uncertainty has raised speculation about whether the Eagles’ presence will be unanimous.
Earlier Sunday, photos surfaced from what appeared to be a pre-visit meeting, and notably, running back Saquon Barkley — a major off-season addition to the team — was present. While Barkley’s attendance suggests at least some high-profile players will participate, questions remain about others.
This situation speaks to a broader trend in sports. There seems to be growing pressure on athletes and leagues to align, or at least appear cooperative, with political power. The “kiss the ring” ethos is alive and well. The NFL, UFC, and other organizations increasingly seem to navigate expectations that weren’t as pronounced even a decade ago. The stakes are high and symbolic with a simple White House visit.
Trump had openly backed the Kansas City Chiefs in this year’s Super Bowl, cheering on Patrick Mahomes and making no secret of his preference. After the Chiefs’ mega loss to the Eagles, Trump reportedly left Allegiant Stadium early. Now, with the Eagles on top, Trump is forced to kiss the championship ring!
Whether Hurts and others will appear remains to be seen. Some players may find a diplomatic way to opt out, citing “emergencies” or prior obligations, a common practice in recent years to avoid overt political statements. Others, like Barkley, may choose to fulfill the appearance, whether out of personal belief, team solidarity, or professional necessity.
The South has something to say: Outkast is among the 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees. This year’s class was unveiled during Sunday night’s (April 27) episode of American Idol.
Others in the performance category include Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden and The White Stripes. In the Musical Influence Award category are Salt-n-Pepa and Warren Zevon, while Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins and Carol Kaye are in the Musical Excellence Award category. Producer Lenny Waronker will be honored with the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
Upon hearing the news, Killer Mike—who won his first Grammy Award for his guest vocals on Outkast’s 2001 single “The Whole World”—told AllHipHop, “The South has truly said something, time and time again and did it while remaining players and so fresh and so clean every step of the way. Thank you Outkast, Organized Noize and RIP Rico Wade.”
Outkast’s impact on Hip-Hop is both foundational and transformative. Together with the production trio Organized Noize—fellow Dungeon Family members Rico Wade, Sleepy Brown and Ray Murray—André 3000 and Big Boi fundamentally shifted the genre’s sound, geography and cultural reach. Emerging from Atlanta in the early ’90s, Outkast brought Southern Hip-Hop to national prominence at a time when the genre was dominated by East and West Coast artists.
Their debut album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, was realized at Wade’s mother’s house, which they christened “The Dungeon.” It gave Atlanta a voice and sparked what many consider the city’s rap renaissance, inspiring a new generation of Southern artists and making Atlanta a major hub for Hip-Hop innovation. Outkast’s meteoric success proved that great rap could come from anywhere, breaking down geographic barriers and allowing artists from previously overlooked regions to gain recognition.
The Dungeon. Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Kyle Eustice
Outkast is renowned for their fearless experimentation and genre-blending, pushing the boundaries of what Hip-Hop could sound like. Albums such as Aquemini and Stankonia fused funk, jazz, gospel and even country, setting new standards for production and songwriting.
With Big Boi’s streetwise lyricism and André 3000’s poetic, avant-garde approach, Outkast redefined Hip-Hop’s archetypes and made space for greater diversity of expression within the genre.
The Dungeon Family suffered a major loss last year, when Rico Wade died unexpectedly at just 52 years old. Each member continues to pay tribute and remember Wade through various social media tributes and in-person celebrations. Last month, Outkast shared some rare footage of them posted up at The Dungeon, where Fab 5 Freddy interviewed them for an episode of Yo! MTV Raps.
Shedeur Sanders ended his brief rap career and pledged to focus on the NFL after being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2025 draft.
Shedeur Sanders, once projected as a top-three pick, fell to No. 144 overall, a stunning drop that fueled heated debates and drove a 40% spike in day-two draft viewership compared to last year, according to ESPN.
His unexpected slide even drew comparisons to Colin Kaepernick’s NFL exile, though opinions varied on whether race played a role.
During his live draft stream, Sanders made his priorities clear.
“I just want to ball, bro. I just want to ball,” Shedeur Sanders said, signaling the end of his music pursuits.
Sanders launched his rap career in 2024 with “Perfect Timing,” a track that became a Colorado anthem after touchdowns and racked up almost 6 million streams on Spotify.
His lyrics flaunted a lifestyle of luxury, name-dropping a $70,000 Audemars Piguet watch and a Mercedes-Maybach bought with NIL earnings.
First of all, the Internet is talking crazy right now. I was super excited about Kendrick Lamar performing a new verse to his hit song “family ties,” which features his cousin Baby Keem. Listening, I was watching enthusiastically at the master class that is Kendrick Lamar. Kendrick is really, really dope, and he has an amazing top-tier level of breath control when he raps. Remember, rapping on stage in front of an audience of thousands is not like doing the club.
But, as I delved deeper into the comments, it seemed like there was a little bit of heat. In fact, there was a lot of heat. And that bothered me. So I continued to look at the comments and see what was going on here. Why were people saying it was boring? Well, first of all, I realized that there is a distinct difference between the audiences that are coming to the show. I think that the audience that loves SZA is not the same audience that loves Kendrick Lamar. They might love them together, but they are very different. Secondly, I believe that Kendrick as a rapper is a much different experience. He is a bar-heavy MC that has crossed over into pop sensation territory.
That being said, there was one comment that stood out beyond the others. That person was an employee of the venue, and they said that he was stood up by DJ Mustard. DJ Mustard was supposed to show up and warm the crowd up. But this time, the Grand National Tour had no warm-up act. And that would have gotten them hyped up and ready to go. Here is exactly what he said so that you have the full context:
“As an employee here, we were worried about food and beverage sales as there was no intermission between sets, AKA no time for guests to stand up and get more drinks. People chose to get up during SZA’s sets, and were glued to their seats during Kendrick’s. He also opened to a completely cold crowd as DJ Mustard no-showed, and breathed life into a stadium that had been standing around in ambient music for two hours.”
Anyway, I am super excited to see this tour. I will be honest in saying that as a Hip-Hop person, I am more interested in Kendrick than SZA, but seeing them together looks like a vibe. The tickets are pretty expensive, so I am not sure if I am going or not, but I hear they are offering some discounts. If they can get the prices down to something affordable for me, a struggling writer, I will take it into consideration.
Anyway. What do you think about the new lyrics and also the show? By the way, I think this is about people taping the show more than enjoying the show. Everybody wants to tape the whole concert as if they did not spend a part of their rent to attend. They need to just enjoy the show to the fullest degree and leave the taping to the pros. It is going to be all over the Internet and it is worthless! Enjoy the show!!!
Madelaine Petsch made her relationship with Hip-Hop artist Tyga public at Coachella after weeks of speculation and a string of low-key sightings.
The Riverdale actress, 30, posted a series of affectionate photos with the 35-year-old rapper on Instagram, confirming what many had already suspected.
Her caption simply read “madschella,” a nod to the festival where the pair were first seen looking close. One photo showed Petsch leaning her head on Tyga’s shoulder.
Another captured them walking away from the camera with their arms wrapped around each other.
The couple’s public debut comes two months after being first spotted together at a Hollywood party, fueling romance rumors. While neither had addressed the speculation then, their Coachella posts left little room for doubt.
Tyga performed at the festival as a guest during sets by Ty Dolla Sign and producer Mustard. Petsch supported him throughout the weekend, adding to the buzz surrounding their relationship.
Tyga’s dating history includes high-profile relationships with Kylie Jenner, model Demi Rose and singer Avril Lavigne.
He was married to influencer Jordan Craig from 2010 to 2011 and shares a 12-year-old son with Blac Chyna.
Petsch previously dated musician Travis Mills from 2017 to 2020 and was linked to music manager Anthony Li in 2022.
Dylan, Dylan, Dylan, Dylan, Dylan. Mere days after former Bad Boy executive Phil Robinson died from cancer, former Making Da Band star Dylan Dili has made some serious allegations against him.
In a series of Instagram Stories, Dili accuses Robinson of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from his old group, Da Band, which was previously signed to Bad Boy.
“We received paperwork in 2022 that showed Phil Robinson—”our manager”—was charging $150,000-$200,000 a show. A night for our performances…and giving us $1500 a piece. Every city. If he is reincarnated he should return as a roach.”
Robinson, who died last week, played a pivotal role at Bad Boy in the late ’90s and early 2000s, shaping the careers of The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, Mary J. Blige, 112 and more. Dili, however, didn’t have anything positive to say about the man.
“I just heard your bum ass died,” he wrote. “R.I.P. TEEF. You should go twice. Thankful you otta here. R.I.P. Phil Robinson the Thief.” He added, “It was time to go. Be lucky I ain’t get to you first. R.I.P. Phil Robinson. Tonight we celebrate. I hope it was very slow and painful. Poor guy. Moving on. Tonight we celebrate the life of a lying thief. Cheers.”
Dili ended his posts with a vow to his own artists, promising them he would treat them the way he was treated.
News of Robinson’s death was confirmed by fellow industry vet Sylvia Shann, who mourned Robinson on Instagram.
“My friend left,” she wrote. “He left a beautiful imprint of his best self .. Sophie. The love of his life. The greatest gift he offered to his legacy. It’s been hard for him. I’ve watched; by his bedside-defeat every single obstacle in life. He is the strongest man I have ever known. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. I know of no other man who has.
“I can finally say ‘I’m not telling your business!’ He has no more BUSINESS. His job is done. God received my best friend’s soul yesterday evening. Life will never be the same without you.”
Evidently, Dili doesn’t share the sentiments. Check out the rest of his posts below.
Ice Cube is putting laughter and legacy over box office numbers as he gears up for Last Friday, the long-awaited fourth chapter of his iconic Friday franchise.
The Hip-Hop legend and Hollywood heavyweight told The Hollywood Reporter that for him, success isn’t about raking in millions but about creating moments that stick with audiences.
“Hearing people laugh in the theater, hearing how much people enjoy it, having quotable lines that they take to their regular life, like ‘Bye Felicia,’ or something like that—that’s when a movie is great to me,” Ice Cube explained. “It’s not how much money you make. No, it’s how many times people can watch it and enjoy it. That’s really the measuring stick.”
Cube introduced the world to Friday in 1995, writing, producing and starring in the cult classic. He followed it up with Next Friday in 2000 and Friday After Next in 2002, cementing the franchise’s place in pop culture.
After years of back and forth, Cube finally struck a deal with Warner Bros. earlier this month to move forward with Last Friday.
Despite the two-decade gap since the last installment, Ice Cube said he feels no pressure to deliver.
“There’s no pressure because I’m working with the best in the business,” he said.
He added that the real challenge is ensuring the new film resonates with today’s audiences.
“With each movie you do, you have to make it good and great,” he added. “You can’t just expect people to spend their time and money on something that’s not worth it. The fun of making people laugh is actually working with things in current times and people and personalities that draw laughter, some reality, so you’re gonna have fun.”
A former executive at Bad Boy Records, Phil Robinson, died last week following a private battle with cancer. The news was confirmed by fellow industry vet Sylvia Shann, who mourned Robinson on Instagram.
“My friend left,” she wrote. “He left a beautiful imprint of his best self .. Sophie. The love of his life. The greatest gift he offered to his legacy. It’s been hard for him. I’ve watched; by his bedside-defeat every single obstacle in life. He is the strongest man I have ever known. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. I know of no other man who has.
“I can finally say ‘I’m not telling your business!’ He has no more BUSINESS. His job is done. God received my best friend’s soul yesterday evening. Life will never be the same without you.”
Robinson was a highly influential executive at Bad Boy in the late ’90s/early 2000s. While not a public figure like embattled Bad Boy founder/CEO Sean “Diddy” Combs, Robinson was renowned within the music industry for his sharp business acumen, ability to spot and nurture talent and dedication to supporting artists behind the scenes.
He played a pivotal role in shaping the sound and success of Bad Boy Records, working closely with major acts like The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, Mary J. Blige and 112. He was known for guiding young artists through the complexities of the music business, offering mentorship and tough love when needed, and helping build lasting careers. His influence extended beyond Bad Boy with roles at Southpaw Entertainment and Magic Johnson Enterprises.
Robinson was described by peers as a visionary and a mentor, someone whose impact was deeply felt even if his name wasn’t widely recognized by the general public. Shann suggested Robinson had something incredibly important to talk to her about prior to his death, but they never got the chance.
“As I type this, tears are rolling down my face and I hear your voice,” she wrote. “We were going to have lunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel this week.. and ‘talk about it.’ He left me with dangling in thought of his last , biggest feat yet! ‘No man can touch this Syl, you are the only person who I trust to carry this one.’ I have an idea of what he wanted to discuss with me… and I don’t know what do with that. I love you. We tell each other all the time. We are of the same cloth. Philly Rob; you’re the greatest!”
Geto Boys’ Willie D also paid tribute on YouTube, praising Robinson for truly caring about his artists. He said, “This dude was something special … Big loss. Big loss.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs is moving to shield himself from self-incrimination as he battles over 60 civil lawsuits and a looming federal criminal trial in New York.
The Hip-Hop mogul, facing serious charges including racketeering, sex trafficking and interstate domestic violence, has asked a judge to freeze civil proceedings like the one brought by Joi Dickerson-Neal until after his criminal case concludes.
Diddy’s legal team filed a motion arguing that continuing civil discovery now would force him into a dangerous legal corner where answering questions could jeopardize his defense in the criminal trial.
The Fifth Amendment protects individuals from being compelled to testify against themselves and Diddy appears ready to invoke it if necessary.
According to her complaint, Diddy allegedly spiked her drink at a Harlem restaurant, leaving her unable to walk or stand.
She claims he videotaped the assault and shared the footage within the music industry, including with Jodeci member Davante Swing, who allegedly told her “everyone” had seen it.
Her claims include sexual assault, “revenge p###,” emotional distress and violations of the state’s gender-motivated violence law.
Diddy’s attorneys have moved to dismiss parts of the lawsuit, arguing that laws related to revenge p### and sex trafficking did not exist in 1991.
Meanwhile, Diddy’s criminal case will begin May 5, 2025 and is expected to last at least nine weeks.
