Jon B is a rarity: a white artist in R&B who never compromised his craft for pop crossover. He stepped away from album-making for more than a decade to prioritize family, and now, returning to a transformed music landscape, he rises like a phoenix. Born Jonathan David Buck, Jon B is back with Waiting on You, a set steeped in classic soul. He brings along vibrant collaborators—Rick Ross, Tank, and Alex Isley—but the album, start to finish, is unmistakably Jon B.
AllHipHop sat down with the R&B mainstay at WonWorld Studios for a conversation that feels both like a reunion and a reset. Fresh off the release of his album Waiting on You, Jon is in classic form—writer, producer, vocalist—reaffirming the warm, soul-first sound that made Bonafide a touchstone in 1995 and still packs venues today.
In this candid talk, the singer revisits a pivotal era when Hip-Hop and R&B learned to share the same room, revealing how his studio session with Tupac Shakur, which turned out to be ‘Pac’s final recorded verse, helped push the line authentically. He salutes mentors and peers (Babyface, Nas, Tank, Donell Jones, Rick Ross) and spotlights rising collaborator Alex Isley, whose tone he calls timeless.
Beyond credits, Jon centers authenticity. He was reared in a classical music household with a lifetime steeped in Black music culture as well as an 18-year marriage that grounds the star between sold-out weekends and school-day routines. Jon B makes a powerful case for R&B that grows up without growing dull. Watch the full interview below or some of the highlights in the edited transcript.
Tupac: The Studio, The Blessing, The Last Verse
Jon B: “Hip-hop and R&B weren’t really fused yet. We didn’t give people a choice…‘take it or leave it.’ Tupac being on the record changed everybody’s mind.”
In the lab with Pac: “We were in the studio two weeks before he went to Vegas, three or four hours in and we were already halfway done. As tough as his persona was, Pac was the nicest, most diligent worker. He was cutting another song in the next room while working on mine.”
Afeni’s green light: “I was reluctant to put it out after he died, didn’t want to exploit my man. Afeni Shakur told me, ‘My son loved that song. He wanted it to come out.’ That’s what made me release it.”
Creative push: “I’d drift from the melody and Pac would lock me in, ‘Nah, it goes like this…’ He coached and produced me too.”
Babyface & The 18-Year-Old Major-Label Run
Jon B: “Babyface was and is a mentor—vocally and musically. Signing to Yab Yum Entertainment with Tracy Edmonds opened the door to Epic Records. I was 18 walking into Sony like, ‘Whoa’…publishing deal, record deal, Learjet flights to New York.”
Michael Jackson: Remix + Phone Call
Jon B: “I remixed ‘You Are Not Alone’—they didn’t ask many people. Michael called the studio: ‘I love it—it’s different from the original and I like it.’ Later I shook his hand at the BRITs. He’s the goat of goats—my first favorite artist.”
Nas Pulled Up to the House: “Finer Things”
Jon B: “Nas came to my spot—we’re playing pool, chilling. I play him the beat. He goes, ‘That’s some male Sade—smooth. I can rock over that.’ He wrote the song twice. First version was dope; he said, ‘I hate it, I’ll redo it.’ The second time, he asked for names, cars, visuals—turned it cinematic.”
“If I was your man, your knowledge would expand till we both are equal… There’s three things on my list… Number one, you got to be real… Number two, be who you are… Number three, give me peace and I’ll show you the world.” —Nas on “Finer Things” as recited by Jon B
Authenticity, Race, and Kicking Down Doors
Jon B: “Early on my complexion was a challenge, people made jokes. I didn’t see other artists in my lane getting that. I feel like I knocked down walls so the next man didn’t have to. Before there was a Justin Timberlake or Robin Thicke, I’d already dropped three R&B albums with platinum singles. This isn’t dress-up. I’ve lived R&B and Hip-Hop since junior high.”
The New Album: Classic Soul with Heavy Friends
Jon B: “Waiting on You is me bringing it back to what you know me for. Guests include Rick Ross, Donell Jones, Tank, and Alex Isley (Ernie Isley’s daughter).
Tank pulled up to my studio. I asked which verse he wanted—he said, ‘You bodied those. Let me put a bridge on it.’ Then he gave it the bridge of life-piano, strings-uplifted the record. Alex has this classic, Sade-esque subtlety but her own jazziness. She heard a joint and cut it exactly as I wrote it. That’s the best compliment to a songwriter.”
Marriage, Family, and the Business That Actually Works
Jon B: “I’ve been married 18 years—two daughters (18 and 11). My wife is my manager—clothes, videos, bookings. If it wasn’t for her, this might not be the same interview. We keep it classy, no reality shows, but we did our first magazine cover together and hit Sherri and Tamron Hall to celebrate our 18th. Real talk: a lot of rappers managed by their wives are the ones doing well. Corporations can take 20% and not really pull for you. Your wife will, because it’s her household too.”
30 Years In—And Still Selling Out
Jon B: “Thirty years since Bonafide—shows are sold out, people singing album cuts that weren’t singles. I’m going to sing my heart out until I can’t. The celebration continues.”
August Alsina shut down grooming accusations and confirmed his relationship with rumored boyfriend Zu, after a photo post sparked backlash over their age gap and timeline.
The New Orleans native, who turns 33 later this month, faced criticism online after hinting he and Zu have been together for nearly five years. That detail led social media users to question when the relationship began, prompting Zu to directly address the speculation.
“I’m a grown ass man, with his own mind and free will,” Zu wrote in a lengthy Notes app message shared to social media. “I met August when I was already of age, an adult. Aug didn’t even know me when I was 16 or 17…not sure where that came from.”
He confirmed their romantic relationship, adding, “Yea there’s a slight age difference but y’all pick and chooses who to judge when it comes to that. We will have known each other for 5 years toward the end of the year, so he’s speaking in future terms because that’s where we plan to make it.” He ended the post with, “Hope this clears up any confusion.”
But the internet didn’t quiet down.
One user commented, “‘August is my boyfriend’ gone head and clear the AIR for anyone confused.”
Others remained skeptical, questioning the maturity gap and timing.
One critic wrote, “it really doesn’t babe regardless if he met you at 18 or 19 you weren’t grown and he was grown as the f###.”
Zu clapped back, “Awwwe cry me a river.”
The exchange continued with the critic responding, “i’m not sad i wasn’t groomed or dating a predator i like people in my age group.”
Zu replied, “Everybody entitled to the opinion, ik what it is..and I’m living the greatest life.”
August Alsina Weighs In Following Backlash
Another user added, “This don’t clear up anything. If anything makes y’all sound more guilty.”
Alsina didn’t stay silent. He fired back in a separate post, writing, “Guilty? This word implies that you thought yall held some sort of court or dominion over two grown ass people to be judged for some sort of outcome…. The level of delusion and narcissism yall live in is psychotic! Yall don’t even hold authority in your own life… let alone, MINE! Heal & pay ya rent family!”
He also revealed, “Zu lied to me about how old he was when we first clicked up. Granted, he was over 18… but the fact still remains. & I found out later, upon meeting the family.”
Alsina dismissed the “predator” label and made it clear that Zu is with him by choice. “Play somewhere, where it’s safe,” he added, telling critics to stay out of their relationship.
Donald Trump’s hair and health are the internet’s latest obsession and the theories are wilder than ever.
The internet has been set ruminating over speculation after new photos of the former president surfaced, showing him looking noticeably different. Social media wasted no time letting the jokes fly. Comments like “Where is his hair?,” “That is not a healthy man,” and “Grim Reaper do your thing” spread like wildfire, making Trump the reluctant star of another viral storm.
Trump disappeared from public view for a few days, which only created more conspiracy. When he finally popped back up, the pictures didn’t do him any favors. His hair appeared thinner. Some even said that wig is gone! Axnd that familiar orange glow seemed dimmer than usual. The hat he wore looked tight enough to be covering something. Some of the comments I saw wondered if Trumpy had quietly gone bald.
I know you heard this next rumor. A lot of folks online are convinced he’s dealing with some kind of health crisis. His hand, which has been photographed a lot, looks like it has a recurring growth. Theories are running laps around the truth, which we do not know. They go from minor illness to something far more serious. One extreme MAGA commented, “Cut that hand off, damn it!” They want to save the president. A lot of people do not want that.
The Trump doppelgänger theory made its way back to the front. Some claim the man seen on the golf course yesterday wasn’t him at all, just a stand-in double keeping up appearances while the real Trump rests. The man is almost 80. Those naps get longer and longer…until the big nap.
Seriously, the timing couldn’t be worse. While the world deals with mass shootings, wars and global instability, Trump’s priority seemed to be hitting the golf course. Is there something we should know?
The first thing I saw was, “He’s not on ‘roids anymore.” The internet can be a terrible place. So began my trip to find the truth in the rumors.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson traded in his normally giant physique for a leaner look at the Venice Film Festival. Like the internet dark places I peruse, audiences were stunned. The 53-year-old wrestler-turned-actor slimmed-down for his role as MMA legend Mark Kerr in the new film “The Smashing Machine.”
The transformation was like a shot across the world. Somehow, I think it was apart of the marketing of this movie. I had not heard of it until now. Also, it could be his run and being taken seriously as a thespian. At Saturday’s Miu Miu Women’s Tales event, The Rock stepped out in a blue button-up and black trouser. He has not looked like this in decades. He was joined by co-star Emily Blunt, who plays Kerr’s ex-wife, Dawn Staples.
Social media immediately started calling him “The Pebble.” Honestly, I think the jokes are corny, because “The Rock” is still a big dude. I am sure he could bust a couple skulls if needed. But that’s another story.
The film tells the story of Kerr’s rise in UFC and MMA and his struggles with prescription drug addiction. But according to Johnson, the story cuts deeper than cage fights.
At a Monday press conference, Johnson opened up about taking on the most challenging role of his career. “When you’re in Hollywood — as we all know, it had become about box office. And you chase the box office, and the box office can be very loud and it can become very resounding and it can push you into a category and into a corner,” he said.
“I just had this burning desire and voice that was saying, ‘What if there is more and what if I can?’” Johnson continued. “Sometimes it takes people that who you love and respect, like Emily and Benny, to say that you can.”
He admitted the role forced him to confront questions he’d avoided. “I looked around a few years ago and I started to think, you know, am I living my dream or am I living other people’s dreams? You come to that recognition and I think you can either fall in line — ‘Well, it’s status quo, things are good, I don’t want to rock the boat’ — or go, I want to live my dreams now and do what I wanna do and tap into the stuff that I want to tap into.”
This reminds me of Sly Stallone in “Copland.” That was a good movie but did not turn him into that heavy actor he sought to be. Hopefully The Rock gets some grace.
“I’ve been scared to go deep and intense and raw until now, until I had this opportunity,” he said at the press conference. Dame Dash would pause him, but we’re going to let it slide.
“The Smashing Machine” is set to hit theaters Oct. 3.
Boosie Badazz lit up social media after Kodak Black accused him of staying quiet about Young Thug’s snitching allegations, reigniting a long-running feud between the two rappers.
On Wednesday (September 10), Kodak took to Instagram to question why Boosie hadn’t spoken on Young Thug’s high-profile RICO case, writing, “the spokesman for this s###” is now silent. He added, “These n##### b#######.”
Boosie fired back, brushing off Kodak’s criticism and saying he’ll speak when there’s a check involved.
He also labeled Kodak a “drug [addict]” and accused him of being bitter over past comments.
“N you wrong,” he tweeted. “I shouldn’t have energy at all for this s### with what I’m going through. N u must be still mad bout my remarks about you. Let’s that s### go n admit you regret it now. Your career been down hill ever since. U f###### over your legacy. You go be known as a drug [addict] before before your talents!!”
Boosie also claimed Kodak was placed in protective custody during his time in federal prison and urged him to seek help.
“On top of that u checked Pc my n#### COME ON MANE u walked to the left when u got off the bus. The whole FED system will tell you this. I don’t wanna go back-and-forth with you. Get off the drugs and go get you some helping u f###### the wrong one n####!! #unotoneofus #uaintlikethat.”
He doubled down in an Instagram video.
“When it’s time for me to speak on anything, I’mma speak on it, ‘he asserted. “Whoever put me on their couch, bro, I’mma open book. I’mma speak on it, I’mma tell how I feel, and I’mma keep it real about the situation.”
He added, “But at the same time, I shouldn’t even have no energy for this s###. All this s### I’m going through right now… Man, I shouldn’t even have no energy for this s###. I’m going through real real gangster s###. right now.”
Boosie, who pleaded guilty in August 2025 to a federal gun charge stemming from a June 2023 arrest in San Diego, is currently awaiting sentencing. Prosecutors are recommending two years in prison and three years of supervised release.
The two rappers have been at odds since July 2023, when Boosie criticized Kodak for working with Tekashi 6ix9ine, calling it a betrayal of street ethics.
Styles P addressed backlash Wednesday night (September 10) after critics accused him of mocking conservative figure Charlie Kirk following the political commentator’s fatal shooting during a live event in Utah.
The Hip-Hop veteran took to Instagram to explain a controversial post that some interpreted as a jab at Kirk, who was gunned down earlier that day during a campus debate at Utah Valley University.
In a follow-up post, Styles P wrote, “Nah That was a genuine mistake.. I was just showing @unclemurda and @tonyyayo that I knew how to throw up a collab post fast … ask them!! My word! Then I was like why people bugging ?? The universe tried to line me.”
He added in the caption, “One thing about me .. if and when I say something stupid I don’t mind taking ownership for it !!! That was crazy though I must admit !!!”
Uncle Murda responded in the comments, “My Brother speaking all facts,” while Tony Yayo dropped a pair of laughing emojis.
The original post showed Styles P alongside Uncle Murda and Tony Yayo, soundtracked by Murda’s 2016 track “Cam’ron Voice.”
The song opens with a line from the film Paid in Full, where Cam’ron’s character, Rico, says, “N##### get shot every day B, he be aight.”
The pro-Trump track, released in the run-up to the 2016 election, also includes politically charged lyrics like, “Homies getting shot up in front of they kids/You think we give a f### who the president is.”
Styles P captioned the post, “You be aight !!! We in the mix !!!!!” which many took as a reference to Kirk’s death.
Styles P Faces Backlash Over Perceived Charlie Kirk Mockery
The timing of the post—just hours after Kirk was shot—sparked criticism in the comments.
One user wrote, “One minute you’re telling kids to drop their flag and be positive, in less than 48 hours you post this BS negative music bragging about [guns]. This is why the kids don’t take the elder rappers serious. Make it make sense. SMH!!!”
Another added, “if you referring to the man who got shot and killed on tv in front of his wife and kids you a super duper bozo.”
A third said, “Weak post if you insinuating about Charlie Kirk.”
Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA and a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, was shot on campus during a live “Prove Me Wrong” debate event. Footage showed Kirk grabbing his neck and collapsing after a single gunshot rang out. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Authorities said the bullet came from a distant rooftop, suggesting a calculated sniper attack. Reuters reports two individuals were questioned and later released, with no arrests made as of the latest update.
Charlie Kirk became the center of a media firestorm after Comedy Central pulled a controversial South Park episode mocking him just one day after he was assassinated during a live campus event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday (September 10).
The episode, titled “Got a Nut,” originally aired on August 6 and featured Eric Cartman impersonating Charlie Kirk as a loud, right-wing campus debater.
The storyline included a spoof “Charlie Kirk Award” and quickly became a talking point online for its sharp satire.
Following Kirk’s death—he was shot in front of more than 3,000 attendees during a “Prove Me Wrong” debate—Comedy Central quietly pulled the rerun from its schedule. As of Thursday (September 11), the network has not said whether the episode will return.
Before his death, Kirk had publicly responded to the parody, saying, “They’re going to obviously make fun of me … but I think it’s kind of funny.”
But after the assassination, conservative voices on social media accused South Park of stoking political division and demanded the show be canceled.
The backlash has reignited debate about the boundaries of satire, especially when it targets polarizing public figures.
The next new episode of South Park is scheduled to air Tuesday (September 17), but no official comment has been made by the show’s creators or the network.
Authorities Confirm No Arrests Made In Connection To Charlie Kirk Shooting
Kirk, 31, co-founded Turning Point USA and was a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump. He was shot just after noon by a sniper positioned on a rooftop, according to law enforcement.
Footage showed him clutching his neck and collapsing. He was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to the hospital.
Authorities have questioned two individuals but released them. No arrests have been made as of the latest update.
Donald Trump ordered flags flown at half-staff through Sunday and offered condolences to Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their children.
Charleston White walked out of a panel at Tougaloo College in Mississippi after making inflammatory remarks about Black colleges and the Black community, triggering a campus-wide investigation into how the event was held without official approval.
The incident, which took place on Tuesday (September 9), was recorded and quickly circulated across social media platforms. The footage shows White abruptly exiting the stage after a tense exchange with someone in the audience who challenged his commentary.
The talk was billed as a discussion on Hip-Hop and the culture of snitching, but things unraveled when the 48-year-old speaker veered off-topic and made remarks that students described as offensive and dismissive toward historically Black institutions.
Charleston White gets chased out of a debate at a HBCU, after he shares his harsh opinion about the black community! 😳😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/Qbntx9QUX4
Tougaloo College President Donzell Lee later confirmed the event had not been approved by the administration.
In a written statement, Lee said the request to use the space had been denied three days prior. Despite that, the event still moved forward and a full review is now underway.
White’s past is as complex as his public persona. Convicted of murder at 14, he spent several years in a Texas juvenile facility before becoming a youth advocate.
He later founded Helping Young People Excel (HYPE), a nonprofit aimed at guiding at-risk youth.
Despite his efforts in community outreach, White’s critics say his aggressive tone and viral social media clips often derail meaningful conversations.
Charleston White is known for provocative commentary on Hip-Hop, gang culture and issues facing Black communities.
Tougaloo College, established in 1869, has roughly 900 students and is one of Mississippi’s historically Black colleges. The administration has not announced when the investigation will conclude, but stated that disciplinary measures will be taken if necessary.
Tyrone Blackburn attempted to clean up a legal mess in rapper Fat Joe‘s defamation lawsuit but was blocked by a federal judge after admitting that his court filing contained flawed citations that appeared to have been created by artificial intelligence.
The Manhattan-based attorney, who represents both co-defendant Terrance Dixon and his own law firm, asked U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon for permission to replace his original motion to dismiss with a corrected version.
Blackburn told the court that his team had discovered “a number of inadvertent citation inaccuracies” and said the changes were necessary “for clarity and accuracy in the record.”
He acknowledged that several legal references in the filing were outdated, incorrect or misquoted, but insisted the mistakes didn’t affect the core of his legal argument. He claimed the errors were unintentional and urged the court to disregard the flawed document.
Judge Rochon denied the request, noting that Fat Joe’s legal team had already filed their opposition. She ruled that Blackburn would have to address the issues in his reply brief, rather than submitting a new amended complaint with fixes.
Fat Joe’s attorneys had already flagged the questionable citations, pointing out missing case names, altered language and formatting that suggested the use of generative AI tools.
In court filings, they said the motion included “misrepresentations and fabrications of legal authority clearly generated by AI,” and listed “at least ten instances” of “hallucinated” case law.
The Bronx rapper is suing Dixon and Blackburn for defamation, accusing them of attempting to extort him by spreading false claims of sexual misconduct and underage relationships.
Fat Joe’s lawyers called Blackburn’s filing “fundamentally untrustworthy” and said he “irresponsibly relied on artificial intelligence-generated content without manual verification.”
They argued that his conduct “overshadows Defendants’ substantive arguments” and urged the court to impose sanctions.
This isn’t the first time Blackburn has been accused of using AI-generated legal citations.
In a separate defamation case involving pastor T.D. Jakes, U.S. District Judge William Stickman ordered Blackburn to pay more than $76,000 in legal fees after submitting filings with false citations and fabricated quotes.
Stickman described Blackburn’s actions as “clear ethical violations of the highest order.”
The footage out there right now is wild. There’s a new clip that shows debris sticking to a UFO and it’s straight out of science fiction. Only this is real. Walk with me on this, because it actually has government officials admitting UFOs (now often called UAP – Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) are going to be hard to deal with.
Lawmakers weren’t ready for what hit them or, more accurately, what didn’t. A House hearing on unidentified aerial phenomena (the other term) took a turn when video evidence showed a U.S. drone firing a Hellfire missile at an orb-shaped object off Yemen. The crazy part is “the thing” shrugged it off and keep gliding like nothing happened.
The clip, unveiled by Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo. during a House Oversight subcommittee session on UFO transparency and whistleblower protection, left the room one fire. Not literally.
The footage, captured by an MQ-9 drone (see below), showed the unmanned aircraft tracking a glowing orb while another MQ-9 lined up and fired. The missile connected, but instead of detonating, the Hellfire appeared to bounce right off the target. HOW?
“That’s a Hellfire missile smacking into that UFO and [it] just bounced right off, and it kept going,” veteran journalist George Knapp explained. “There are servers where there’s a whole bank of these kind of videos that Congress has not been allowed to see.” That means there have been more “encounters” that have not been disclosed.
For lawmakers pushing disclosure and that is where it gets touchy. If advanced U.S. weaponry can’t faze a floating metallic orb, they want to know who—or what—is behind them.
People online are losing it.
“The debris field continuing on like you’d expect to see in space, rather than within the gravity well of a planet, was spooky,” one person wrote. Another said, “It was even realigning and moving faster, catching up to the main object, which is physically not possible without propulsion.”
Walk with me here…
Translation: this wasn’t regular space junk drifting around. The fragments acted like they were tethered to the craft. Smaller chunks floated in formation while the bigger pieces shadowed the main object. The debris kept accelerating with the craft in a triangular pattern…WOW. I find that hard to believe.
There are a lot of theories. Folks are talking warp bubbles, artificial gravity and electromagnetic force fields like it’s a Marvel movie. I need to hear from Neil deGrasse Tyson.
The missile that hit it didn’t even explode. It passed through, like the craft wasn’t solid. What fell off looked like layers of plasma or some high-tech shield. That has people convinced this is the best evidence yet of something not made on Earth. “Whatever this is, it looks like a shapeshifting craft, from solid to liquid to solid again. A changeling,” one person said.
Oh boy.
Some believe these sightings are slow-rolled disclosure and they are getting us ready. We aren’t alone. Others say the aliens are monitoring us, letting us get used to the idea, dropping tech breadcrumbs until we’re ready to talk. Or they are ready to invade (my thoughts).
The video is hard to shake no matter what you think. That missile should’ve blown everything up but didn’t even make a dent. I’m going to snitch! When they get here, I’m telling on everybody to save my skin. I just have to find out what they want.
Drake recently opened up about one of the most intense moments from his acting career on the hit Canadian teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation.
The Grammy-winning rapper played Jimmy Brooks on the show from 2001 to 2009. In a new documentary called Degrassi: Whatever It Takes, Drake talks about learning his character would be shot and paralyzed in a school shooting episode.
The two-part episode “Time Stands Still” aired in October 2004. It showed Jimmy getting shot by Rick Murray, a bullied student seeking revenge.
Drake says he had no idea what was coming when he sat down for the script reading.
“I didn’t know about the end of ‘Time Stands Still’ until I was in the read-through,” Drake explained. “Somebody told me to mentally prepare for today’s script, but they didn’t tell me there was going to be a shooting at the school and that it was me.”
The news hit the cast hard. Drake remembers the emotional reaction in the room.
“There was shock and sadness. We were holding hands and crying in the read-through. It was dark. It was intense,” he said.
Drake worried about his character’s future on the show. He didn’t want Jimmy to be stuck in a wheelchair for the rest of the series.
“My question was ‘What now? I don’t want to spend the rest of my years in a wheelchair. I want to be with everyone else, what do you mean?’ Unfortunately, that’s not how life goes,” Drake continued.
The episode addressed serious topics, including bullying and school violence. Drake believes this made the show special.
The “Time Stands Still” episode was groundbreaking for teen television. It aired during a time when school shootings were becoming more common in North America.
The show’s creators collaborated with bullying experts to ensure they handled the topic accurately.
Director Stefan Scaini won an award for his work on the episode. The cast and crew took extra care during filming because of the serious subject matter.
Drake has moved far from his Degrassi days. He’s now one of the world’s biggest music stars. He’s currently working on his ninth studio album called ICEMAN.
The album’s release date has not been announced yet, but fans expect it sometime this year. He’s already released two singles from the project: “What Did I Miss?” and “Dog House.”
Charlie Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday (September 10) during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University, prompting a campus lockdown and nationwide outpouring of grief and condemnation over escalating political violence.
The 31-year-old conservative commentator and co-founder of Turning Point USA was addressing a crowd at an outdoor “Prove Me Wrong” debate when a single gunshot rang out shortly after noon, striking him mid-speech. Law enforcement sources confirmed the suspect remains at large, and university police are conducting a building-by-building sweep to evacuate students and staff.
Video from the event captured the moment chaos erupted, with attendees fleeing as Kirk collapsed. Utah Valley University has since canceled all classes and urged those on campus to shelter in place until law enforcement clears the area.
“It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that Charles James Kirk has been murdered by a gunshot that took place during Turning Point USA’s ‘The American Comeback Tour’ campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025,” the organization said in a statement. “May he be received into the merciful arms of our loving savior, who suffered and died for Charlie. We ask that everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers. We ask that you please respect their privacy and dignity at this time.”
Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death on Truth Social, calling him “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk.” He added, “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
The White House ordered flags to fly at half-staff through Sunday evening in Kirk’s honor. “In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to Half Mast until Sunday evening at 6 P.M.,” Trump wrote.
Former POTUS Joe Biden also condemned the violence, stating on X, “There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now. Jill and I are praying for Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones.”
Fellow former president Barack Obama echoed that sentiment, writing, “We don’t yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy. Michelle and I will be praying for Charlie’s family tonight, especially his wife Erika and their two young children.”
The shooting has reignited concerns about politically motivated violence in the U.S., following recent high-profile incidents including assassination attempts on Trump, the 2022 hammer attack on Paul Pelosi, and the 2011 shooting of former Rep. Gabby Giffords. Giffords responded to Kirk’s death by saying, “Democratic societies will always have political disagreements, but we must never allow America to become a country that confronts those disagreements with violence.”
Utah Sen. Mike Lee called the killing “a cowardly act of violence,” adding, “The terrorists will not win. Charlie will. Please join me in praying for his wife Erika and their children. May justice be swift.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson described the incident as “detestable,” urging political leaders and public figures to denounce violence. “We need every political figure, we need everyone
Ice Spice opened up about creative doubts and public scrutiny, crediting Taylor Swift for offering steady guidance during a pivotal moment in her rise to fame.
In a recent interview with Nylon, the Bronx-born rapper addressed criticism about her songwriting and shared how Swift’s words helped her stay grounded as her career took off.
“The thing about Taylor is that she keeps it so real,” Ice Spice said. “One of the biggest things that I always think about that Taylor said is ‘As long as you keep making music, everything’s going to be fine.’”
Swift initiated the remix after reaching out to Ice Spice directly. The track debuted with more than 5 million streams in its first weekend, breaking previous records for both artists.
The success of the remix also solidified a friendship that began during a whirlwind year for Ice Spice, who was adjusting to sudden fame and financial success.
Now 25, Ice Spice has landed four Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 since her breakout single “Munch (Feelin’ U)” dropped in August 2022.
Despite the accolades, she’s faced repeated doubts about her lyrical skills.
“People were trying to say that I’m not a lyricist, and I just kind of went in with the attitude of ‘Yeah, they’re right. I’m not.’ But it’s just not true,” she said. “I didn’t really feel like having to prove that. But I figured I’d let you know that I definitely knew I was [a lyricist]. The whole time.”
The rapper said Swift’s advice has stuck with her during moments of creative frustration.
“Whenever I’m feeling doubtful or not as confident, having writer’s block no matter what it is, things like that really, really stand out to me,” she said. “She said that to me a few years ago, and it still stood with me.”
Common and the U.S. Open became the talk of the weekend after he was spotted in the stands without his superstar girlfriend, Jennifer Hudson. The chatter wasn’t about Aryna Sabalenka defeating Amanda Anisimova in straight sets—it was about Common’s courtside company.
Photographers locked in on the 53-year-old MC sitting beside a pretty curly-haired woman wearing glasses, which immediately sparked a frenzy of speculation. Yep. They went there immediately.
“J.Hud out, new girl in?” one Threads user quipped. Another said their own grandmother had called to report that “the man Jennifer Hudson [dates] is at tennis with another woman.”
How is she saying that about a Hollywood star and great MC?
J-Hud was nowhere to be found, which instantly led fans to question the status ofthe Chicago power couple. Keep in mind, Common told his lady on her own show, “Yes, I’m in a relationship that is one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met in life. She’s smart. She loves God. There’s something real down to earth about her. She’s talented.”
OK…
Common has been on a “run” as a dater and the rumors come with that territory. Before Hudson there was Erykah Badu, Taraji P. Henson, Serena Williams, Angela Rye and, of course, Tiffany Haddish. Haddish made public that he ended their relationship over the phone after not inviting her to his birthday party.
Yikes!
Common and J-Hud don’t seem to be out of step with each other. Their Instagram accounts still feature each other. Last month, there were hints of an engagement. Sources have made it clear they want to get married. I am praying for this.
Until then…rumors.
So what does Hudson’s absence at the U.S. Open really mean? Probably nothing. Maybe she just didn’t feel like spending her weekend in Flushing Meadows watching backhands and serves. Common overall was chilling with celebs like Lola Tung, Usher, Kevin Hart and Spike Lee. By the way, that new Spike Lee movie sucks. Sorry, bro!
With The Jennifer Hudson Show returning for Season 4 on September 15 and Common’s Apple TV+ series, Silo, heading into its final season, both stars are juggling busy schedules.
Ease off the conspiracy theories. These people are busy!
Music has always been able to stir the emotions of people, but when one accompanies it with visuals, the experience becomes absolutely new. Traditionally, music videos are made using costly cameras, professional staff, hours of editing, and a huge budget.
That is usually not available to independent artists or small creators. This is where AI steps in.
Emerging AI applications are providing artists with the possibility to make songs turn into movies without the participation of a production crew.
Whether you want a full-length video, short social clips, or abstract animations to go with your tracks, AI is making the process faster, more affordable, and incredibly creative.
Why Every Song Deserves A Visual Experience
We live in a world where people scroll endlessly through feeds filled with videos. Sound does not necessarily attract attention, but when accompanied by graphics, a song becomes immediately disseminable, easy to remember, and more influential.
A song with visuals tells a deeper story. Consider lyric videos, which will allow fans to sing with you, or abstract videos, which will capture the tone of your beat. These senses last longer in the minds of people as compared to audio.
And for musicians trying to stand out, having some form of video content isn’t just an option anymore: it’s a necessity.
Ai Tools That Turn Audio Into Dynamic Videos
Here’s where things get exciting: AI-powered platforms are changing how musicians create visuals. They can analyze your track and, automatically, match it to motion graphics, animations, and effects that respond to rhythm, melody, and even lyrics.
Some music video generator platforms are available that specially focus on transforming audio directly into visuals that reflect the mood of a song.
For example, they could give pictures a life of their own by moving in rhythm with the music or create abstract scenes that would vary with the music.
Some people go one step further to analyze lyrics in order to propose corresponding story components. The outcome is a first draft of a video that artists can perfect, instead of creating one entirely on his/her own.
From Lyrics To Motion: Automating Creative Storyboards
Storyboarding has been one of the most time-consuming aspects of video production. In the old world, musicians were required to map scenes and determine the camera positions and how images would be aligned to the song. Well, AI removes that barrier.
The new technologies scan your lyrics and mood and suggest visual plots fitting the message of your song. For a heartfelt ballad, it might suggest soft, emotional visuals.
For a high-energy dance song, it could generate fast transitions, vibrant colors, and pulsing effects. This does not imply that you lose creative control- it only provides you with a base, and hours of planning are saved.
Customizing Visuals To Match Your Song’s Vibe
One of the best things about AI video creation is how much you can personalize the results. The majority of sites give you the option of themes, color, motion style, and visual effects.
Whether you want your song to feel cinematic with sweeping landscapes or you prefer bold, abstract graphics that mirror electronic beats? AI gives you that flexibility without requiring advanced editing skills.
The trick is that you should take the output of the AI as a rough first draft. After creating the visuals, you can edit and optimize so as to give your artisanal touch, so that the final version is your style and brand.
Ai Music Videos For Social Media & Marketing
Music marketing has shifted to short-form, scroll-stopping content.
TikTok, Instagram Reels, and rather than posting boring audio samples, you can post attention-grabbing snippets that impress the eye immediately. Even a looping animation or lyric video may result in a significant number of shares and activity.
This is a game-changer for independent artists. You do not even have to hire an artist to compete; you simply need the appropriate AI tool to promote your music on the platforms where your audience spends their time.
Wrap Up
It is not that AI is going to take over creativity; it is meant to improve. AI tools eliminate the need to do the heavy lifting in video production, thus allowing musicians to concentrate on what counts: the music itself.
Whether you’re looking to create a full-length video, generate lyric animations, or craft short clips for social media, the technology is ready and accessible. Begin with a few tools, try one or two of them, and watch your songs come to life accompanied by gorgeous images.
Your music should not only be heard, but also seen. And with AI, it has never been easier to realize that vision.
GloRilla is pushing back against a copyright lawsuit in Louisiana federal court that accuses her of lifting a viral phrase about body image for her track “Never Find.”
The Memphis rapper, along with UMG Recordings, Warner Chappell Music and BMG Rights Management, filed a motion to dismiss a complaint brought by Natalie Henderson, also known as Slimdabodylast.
Henderson claims GloRilla’s lyrics echo her own from a song titled “All Natural,” which includes the phrase “all naturale, no BBL”—a reference to Brazilian Butt Lifts.
Henderson alleges her line gained traction on social media after she posted videos highlighting her unaltered figure in early 2024.
She argues GloRilla’s line—”Natural, no BBL, but I’m still gon’ give them hell”—is too close for comfort and accuses the rapper and her collaborators of profiting from her original work.
However, GloRilla’s legal team argues that Henderson’s case doesn’t meet the legal standard for copyright infringement.
According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, the defense argues that Henderson failed to prove GloRilla had any realistic chance of hearing her song. Simply uploading a track online, they say, isn’t enough to establish access.
Courts typically require evidence that a song was widely distributed or commercially successful—criteria Henderson’s track doesn’t meet.
The defense also disputes the idea that the two songs are substantially similar.
While Henderson’s track repeats the phrase as a hook, GloRilla’s version uses it once, with a different context and rhyme. Her lawyers argue that words like “give them hell” are common expressions that appear in countless songs and don’t amount to copying.
The legal team also challenges the copyrightability of the phrase itself.
They cite other 2023 and 2024 songs that use similar language about natural bodies, arguing that short, popular phrases aren’t protected under copyright law unless they show a high level of originality.
Additionally, GloRilla’s attorneys argue that Henderson is not entitled to both statutory and actual damages and hasn’t demonstrated any actual infringement that would justify an injunction.
The defense is urging the court to toss the lawsuit entirely, arguing that viral phrases—even catchy ones—don’t automatically qualify as protected intellectual property.
Offset brushed off any talk of competition with Cardi B as both artists prepare to drop major albums just weeks apart, with the Migos rapper declaring his latest project Grammy-worthy.
Speaking to TMZ this week, Offset said there’s no rivalry between him and his estranged wife Cardi B, despite both of them being in the running for potential Album of the Year nominations.
Offset dropped his third studio album Kiari on August 22, while Cardi B’s sophomore effort Am I The Drama?is set to arrive on September 19.
When asked if their kids might see both parents nominated for the same Grammy category, Offset shut down the idea of any tension.
“Never. No, no, no,” he said. “I just want all peace, man, all for us to win, everybody gotta win. We got kids to take care of, we got to catch the dubs (wins).”
Offset also showed support for Cardi’s upcoming release, saying, “For sure. That s### hard, she’s gonna do her big one, too.”
The former couple, who filed for divorce for the second time in July 2024, share three children: 7-year-old daughter Kulture, 4-year-old son Wave and 12-month-old daughter Blossom.
Offset described Kiari as his most personal work yet.
“It was an album that meant a lot to me… just me being personal, me being vulnerable, about life. People like it and that’s a blessing,” he said.
The rapper believes the album deserves recognition at the highest level, calling it his “best solo work” and a contender for Album of the Year.
Cardi B’s upcoming release marks her first full-length project since her 2018 debut Invasion of Privacy, which won Best Rap Album at the 2019 Grammys.
The anticipation surrounding her return has been building for months, with fans eager to see how her new material stacks up against Offset’s introspective offering.
Launched in late August 2025, Google’s image-editing model Nano Banana—officially named Gemini 2.5 Flash Image—exploded into public view after going viral on testing platforms like LMArena. Without any fanfare, Nano Banana distinguished itself with uncanny precision, natural language prompting, multi-step editing, and near-instant results.
Google later confirmed the “banana” codename when integrating the capability into its Gemini app—both mobile and web—making it available to free and premium users alike.
Key Features That Matter (and Dominate)
Real-Time Edits with a Natural Language Interface
Nano Banana accepts simple, human-style prompts like “change the couch to red” or “put me in front of the Eiffel Tower”—no masking, no layers, no Photoshop knowledge required. Edits appear nearly instantly, often within a couple of seconds.
Consistency Across Multi-Step Edits
Every edit you make—whether changing clothes, lighting, or blending two photos—retains the integrity of the original, including faces, textures, and details. This ability to maintain identity across edits is a breakthrough in AI image consistency.
Speed That Crushes Competition
One reviewer noted that Gemini with Nano Banana produces images up to six times faster than ChatGPT’s image generation feature, offering both realism and efficiency. Others call it “Photoshop express” for its near-instantaneous editing capabilities.
Watermarks and Responsible Use
To mitigate risks like deepfakes and misinformation, Nano Banana automatically embeds both visible watermarks and invisible digital identifiers (SynthID) in every generated image.
Unmatched Realism and Character Fidelity
Reviewers consistently note Nano Banana delivers extraordinarily realistic results—especially with faces—even when inserting the user into scenes or selfies with celebrities. In comparison to ChatGPT’s image generator, users report superior realism, better background fidelity, and improved character consistency.
Hype or Real Breakthrough?
The excitement around Nano Banana isn’t without caveats:
Some observers highlight that the hype may overstate its capabilities. While it’s one of the top AI image editors now available, it doesn’t make Photoshop obsolete—and certain edits still don’t work reliably.
Others point out limitations in interface usability and prompt engineering—sometimes edits loop or fail unexpectedly, especially when the prompt attempts broad or complex scene overhauls.
While the invisible watermark (SynthID) is a smart safeguard, its accessibility and robustness are still limited, raising legitimate concerns about misuse.
Where to Use Nano Banana via Free Tools: Pollo AIIf you want to try Nano Banana without paying or downloading Gemini:
Pollo AI, a free web-based platform, now supports Nano Banana through integration with Google’s Gemini image-editing stack. It’s ideal for experimentation or quick editing tasks, offering:
Full access to Nano Banana’s real-time edits and multi-step prompting.
No cost and no install, perfect for SEO writers, marketers, or professionals dabbling in visuals.
Immediate utility—you can generate product mockups, blog graphics, or social media visuals in a matter of seconds with simple prompts.
For those in SEO or KOL marketing, this is gold—generate visual assets directly within your content workflow without added production burden.
Practical Use Cases and Industry Impact
Nano Banana isn’t just flashy—it’s useful. Some real-world examples include:
E-commerce: Brands creating product mockups saw ad conversion rates jump by over 34%, according to Google case studies.
Architecture and Design: Firms using iterative room visualizations with Nano Banana slashed revision cycles by more than 50%.
Education: Visual aids crafted through Nano Banana boosted student comprehension in pilot programs.
Social Trends: Ordinary users have created eerily convincing selfies with celebrities (e.g., Shah Rukh Khan, Brad Pitt), which then flooded LinkedIn and WhatsApp groups—many people didn’t realize the images were AI-generated.
Final Take
Nano Banana is real—and it’s good. It offers unmatched consistency, realistic results, intuitive natural language editing, and blazing speed. Integration into Gemini means it’s accessible to both free and paid users, and platforms like Pollo AI make it approachable for everyday creators.
But let’s be frank: it’s not flawless. Fine-tuning prompts can still be tricky, and overhyping could lead to unrealistic expectations. Photoshop isn’t dead—and neither is the need for human artistry and oversight. Still, as an AI tool in mid-2025, Nano Banana sets a new standard.
If your goal is fast, precise, believable image editing, it’s among the most effective options right now. And with free access via Pollo AI, there’s no downside to exploring it.
Queen Latifah brought her voice and visibility to women’s health as she was unveiled Tuesday (May 15) as the face of WeightWatchers’ first-ever menopause-focused program, a new initiative aimed at supporting women through every phase of hormonal change.
The “WeightWatchers for Menopause” campaign, launching September 2025, will provide women with access to menopause-trained clinicians, evidence-based treatments such as hormone therapy and GLP-1 medications, personalized nutrition and fitness plans, and workshops designed specifically for every stage of menopause.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Latifah opened up about her own experiences, describing menopause as a “new journey” that shifted how she views and takes care of her body.
She recalled being surprised when her doctor first mentioned menopause, but said the experience helped her recognize subtle changes like increased sensitivity to temperature and difficulty shedding weight.
“I felt pretty normal,” she said. “I wouldn’t have even known that I was in premenopause, and I was actually kinda shocked.”
Rather than feeling overwhelmed, she said the process has made her feel more grounded and informed.
Latifah emphasized the importance of access to care and information, especially for women who may not know what to expect.
“Fortunately, I was a young girl running in these streets trying to be grown,” she joked. “So a lot of my friends are several years older than me so they experienced this before me. I mean, I’d never really heard the word perimenopause until one of my friends brought it up.”
She also credited those older friends for helping her feel prepared and less alone. Now, she’s using her platform to normalize the conversation and encourage women to advocate for their health.
Latifah highlighted the value of wellness habits like sleep, movement, bone health and mindfulness, saying they’ve helped her feel strong and in control.
Finding the right roommate can be just as crucial as finding the right apartment. For musicians, creatives, and anyone living a lifestyle deeply rooted in passion and personal interests, the person you share a home with can influence everything from your mood to your productivity. That’s where SpareRoom, the #1 roommate finder in the U.S., comes in.
Every three minutes, someone finds a roommate on Spare Room. But it’s not just about filling a space — it’s about making sure the person moving in is the right fit. For people in the music scene, this goes beyond just splitting the rent; it’s about creating a home environment that creates creativity, mutual understanding, and maybe even collaboration.
Why Shared Living Matters More Than Ever
The rise of co-living has brought new attention to the social and emotional benefits of sharing a home. According to recent research published in PMC, there’s a significant relationship between mental health and house sharing, especially when factoring in resident preferences and compatibility. This isn’t surprising when you think about it. Coming home to someone who respects your quiet time before a gig, or who understands your need to jam at 2 PM, can completely change your day-to-day experience.
It goes even further. A broader review confirms that shared living provides social support and caretaking, which correlates with improved mental health and well-being compared to living alone. For musicians who often juggle irregular schedules, late-night sessions, and creative burnout, this kind of support system can be a game-changer.
The SpareRoom Difference
So, what makes spareroom.com stand out? This platform is designed to connect people based on what actually matters to them. Unlike basic housing classifieds, SpareRoom lets users search based on personal interests, lifestyles, and even values.
This is especially powerful in a community like music, where everything from work habits to volume preferences can be unique. Whether you need a roommate who’s also a night owl or someone who won’t mind rehearsals in the living room, SpareRoom makes it easy to narrow down your search.
Fast, Easy, and Safe
The experience of using SpareRoom is intentionally simple. It takes just a few clicks to post an ad or search for an apartment share. And if you’re always on the move, the mobile site and apps mean you can keep the process going while on tour or between sets.
But convenience doesn’t come at the cost of security. Your safety is their top priority, with a dedicated team of moderators working seven days a week to check ads and content. It’s a level of vigilance that’s rare in online platforms and essential for peace of mind.
And if you ever hit a roadblock, help is just a call or click away. SpareRoom’s customer services team is known for their quick responses — usually within three rings over the phone or 24 hours via email. Unlike many tech services, their contact details aren’t buried or hidden.
Roommate Matching That Actually Works
Matching algorithms might not be new, but SpareRoom applies them in a way that matters: focusing on compatibility. Whether that’s aligning sleeping patterns, lifestyle choices, or shared values, the goal is to create a home environment where everyone feels comfortable and understood.
Studies cited in The International Journal of Indian Psychology show that roommate compatibility and healthy communication are closely linked to improved psychological adjustment and academic success. While the latter may apply more to students, the principle holds true in creative circles as well. A harmonious living situation can directly influence your ability to focus, practice, and perform.
Why It Works for the Music Community
Musicians have unique needs. Late nights, early morning sessions, the need for quiet sometimes and loudness at others — it’s not a 9-to-5 lifestyle. Platforms like SpareRoom that allow for nuanced searching and honest profiles make it easier for people in the music industry to find homes that fit them.
Additionally, shared living can help cut down on the cost of living in major music cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Nashville. For those just getting started or going all-in on their craft, finding a compatible roommate is essential.
Conclusion: A Roommate That Hits the Right Notes
For musicians and creatives, where you live (and who you live with) shapes more than just your schedule. It affects your mood, your mental health, and even your ability to succeed.
With its user-first design, dedicated safety features, and emphasis on shared values and interests, Spare Room offers a smart, compassionate way to find a living situation that actually supports your lifestyle.
In a world where the right environment can make or break your creative process, finding the right roommate isn’t just a search — it’s a strategy. And SpareRoom is making that strategy a whole lot easier to pull off.
Young Thug’s prison phone recordings recently surfaced online, featuring the Atlanta rapper calling Drake “funky” and “stupid” while criticizing his behavior during Metro Boomin’s personal tragedy in 2022.
The leaked audio captures the YSL Records founder discussing Drake’s attempt to secure a beat from Metro Boomin just weeks after the producer’s mother died. The recording reveals Thug’s frustration with what he viewed as poor timing and insensitive business moves from the OVO Sound leader.
“Drake so stupid, he probably just sent some stupid condolences,” Thug said on the call. “You’re using the fact that you Drake as a weapon now. Then you come right back, two three weeks later, like ‘Yo, let me get this song.'”
The Metro Boomin Situation
The conflict stems from Drake’s original verse on “Trance,” a track that appeared on Metro Boomin’s 2022 album HEROES & VILLAINS. Drake recorded a verse for the song, which also features Travis Scott and Young Thug, but Metro cut it from the final version.
Young Thug explained Metro’s decision during the recorded call. The Boominati Worldwide founder had complete creative control over his Republic Records release, and chose to remove Drake’s contribution. The timing coincided with the death of Metro’s mother, Leslie Joanne Wayne, who passed away in October 2022.
Drake’s leaked verse for “Trance” has circulated online since the album’s release. The song became a hit without his contribution, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. Complex and other hip-hop outlets covered the controversy when rumors first emerged about tension between Drake and Metro.
Metro Boomin confirmed the conflict during a November 2024 GQ interview, calling it “a personal issue that really hurt me and disappointed me.” He declined to provide specific details but denied it involved romantic relationships, contrary to speculation on platforms like The Shade Room.
Prison Loyalty Criticism
The recordings also capture Young Thug criticizing Drake for not using his influence during the three-year YSL RICO case. Thug spent over 900 days in Fulton County Jail before reaching a plea agreement in October 2024, while fellow YSL member 21 Savage and other associates watched the case unfold.
“Drake, you Drake, go talk to the president,” Thug said on another call, suggesting the Canadian superstar should have leveraged his political connections.
Drake publicly supported Young Thug throughout the legal proceedings. The Toronto native dedicated songs to Thug’s lawyer Brian Steel and celebrated the rapper’s release on social media. During high-profile legal battles, many artists find themselves seeking various forms of entertainment and mental escape through different platforms, including specialized gaming sites like Top-Rated Non GamStop Casino Sites that offer unrestricted access during stressful periods.
However, the private recordings reveal Thug expected more direct intervention from his collaborator, similar to how industry veterans like Lil Wayne and Birdman have historically used their influence in legal situations.
How The Calls Became Public
These phone conversations became available through Georgia’s Open Records Act. Cobb County Sheriff’s Office routinely processes requests for inmate communications, making Thug’s calls accessible to anyone filing proper paperwork.
Hip-hop fan accounts on social media obtained and published multiple recordings over recent weeks. Sources told Rolling Stone that supporters “have been sitting on these for a while now,” indicating calculated timing for the releases. DJ Akademiks and other hip-hop media personalities amplified the content across their platforms.
Fulton County Jail records all inmate phone calls automatically. Thug knew his conversations were being recorded but continued making the comments about fellow artists, a decision that mirrors similar situations involving other incarcerated rappers covered by outlets like AllHipHop and HipHopDX.
Other Artists Mentioned
The Drake criticism represents one part of a larger collection of leaked recordings. Additional calls feature Thug commenting on Future’s parenting, Gunna’s loyalty, and Kendrick Lamar’s music, creating multiple industry conflicts simultaneously.
Thug called Future a “deadbeat dad” on one recording, saying “You locked in 100% with the b######, that’s the wrong way to go.” The Freebandz leader has faced similar criticism from other industry figures over the years.
Another call features criticism of Gunna following his Alford plea in the YSL case. The relationship between the former collaborators has remained strained since Gunna’s release from jail, with producers like Southside and London on da Track caught in the middle of the beef.
Wack 100 claimed a 28-minute recording exists of Thug “trashing” Drake extensively. The industry manager, known for his insider knowledge and appearances on platforms like No Jumper, suggested more damaging content remains unreleased.
Young Thug Responds
Thug addressed the controversy during a recent interview with Big Bank on the Perspektives show. He described the calls as venting sessions during 23-hour lockdowns at Fulton County Jail, not calculated public statements.
“I ain’t never been a type to talk about nobody else in my life on the phone with nobody else,” Thug said. “I’ve never been that type of dude.”
He explained that phone calls with his girlfriend became his primary outlet during isolation. The conversations turned into “rambling vents rather than carefully measured statements,” a situation familiar to anyone who has followed similar cases covered by hip-hop journalists and commentators.
Thug also posted on social media, writing “Bashing me only goin f— that rap community up more, I’m the blue to this fake ass game.” The statement echoed sentiments previously expressed by artists like NBA YoungBoy and Kodak Black during their own legal troubles.
Impact on Relationships
Drake has not publicly responded to the leaked recordings through his OVO Sound channels or social media. The Toronto rapper faces decisions about future collaborations with Young Thug, who remains on 15-year probation following his October 2024 plea agreement.
The calls occurred between 2022 and 2024, when Thug faced potential life imprisonment on gang charges. His mental state during this period influenced the tone and content of his private conversations, similar to situations documented by journalists covering the Atlanta hip-hop scene.
Young Thug and Drake collaborated on multiple tracks including “Ice Melts” and have maintained a public friendship for years. The recordings test this relationship publicly for the first time, potentially affecting future projects through their respective labels YSL Records and OVO Sound.
Industry insiders, including figures like DJ Khaled who maintains relationships with both artists, now watch to see how this situation develops. The hip-hop community often rallies around artists during legal troubles, but these recordings complicate traditional loyalty narratives.
Legal and Cultural Implications
The leak demonstrates how modern legal proceedings create permanent public records of private moments. Georgia’s open records laws make inmate communications available long after cases conclude, a reality that affects numerous hip-hop artists facing legal issues.
Hip-hop fans now consume private pain as entertainment content through platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Young Thug’s situation shows how imprisonment changes perspective on industry relationships and loyalty expectations, themes regularly explored by publications like Vibe and XXL.
The recordings provide insight into power dynamics between major artists signed to different labels. Thug’s expectation that Drake should have contacted government officials reveals assumptions about influence and obligation that extend beyond typical Atlantic Records or Universal Music Group business relationships.
As Young Thug continues recording new music under probation restrictions, these conversations will influence his approach to both personal relationships and public communications. The Drake situation represents the intersection of legal consequences, personal relationships, and public entertainment in modern hip-hop, a dynamic that continues to evolve as the culture matures.
In recent years, THCA carts have gained significant attention in the wellness community. People are increasingly exploring natural alternatives to support their health, and these carts promise a range of benefits. Whether you’re new to the world of THCA or a seasoned user, understanding what sets these products apart can help guide your wellness journey.
This article is here to explore how THCA carts can contribute to wellness, touching upon their unique properties and benefits.
What Are THCA Carts?
THCA carts are a type of cannabis product that contains tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), the precursor to THC, which is the compound associated with the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Unlike THC, THCA is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t produce the “high” typically associated with cannabis consumption. Here are some points to understand THCA carts better:
Definition: THCA carts stand out because they deliver THCA in its acid form, which has different effects from its more commonly known counterpart, THC.
Production: These carts are made by extracting the THCA compound from cannabis plants and then refining it. The product is then filled into vaporizer cartridges for ease of use.
Conversion Process: When you vape THCA carts, the heat from vaping converts THCA into THC, a process called decarboxylation. This can provide a different range of effects compared to consuming raw cannabis.
Understanding how THCA carts work and their unique properties is crucial for anyone interested in using them as part of a wellness routine.
Health Benefits of Using THCA Carts
THCA carts are gaining attention for their potential role in wellness, primarily due to their impressive health benefits. Here’s a closer look at what makes these carts a noteworthy option for those seeking natural alternatives:
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: THCA is recognized for its anti-inflammatory effects, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with chronic pain and inflammation.
Neuroprotective Effects: Research also suggests THCA holds neuroprotective qualities. This means it might help in protecting brain cells, potentially offering benefits for those with neurodegenerative conditions.
Antioxidant Capabilities: As an antioxidant, THCA helps combat oxidative stress in the body, which is linked to aging and various health issues. This natural defense can support overall vitality and wellness.
Anecdotal Benefits: Users report improvements in mood and mental clarity. While scientific research is ongoing, these accounts highlight the possible mood-enhancing effects of THCA.
By examining these health benefits, it becomes clear why THCA carts are becoming a sought-after option for wellness support.
THCA Carts vs. THC Carts: Understanding the Difference
Understanding the differences between THCA carts and THC carts is vital for anyone considering these products for wellness purposes. Here’s a breakdown of their key distinctions:
Psychoactive Properties:
THCA Carts: Non-psychoactive, meaning they won’t cause the “high” associated with traditional THC products.
THC Carts: Contain psychoactive properties that lead to intoxicating effects.
Usage and Conversion:
THCA Carts: When vaped, some THCA can convert to THC. However, the extent of this conversion depends on the vaping temperature and method.
THC Carts: Designed specifically for the psychoactive experience, primarily used in recreational contexts.
Wellness Impact:
THCA Carts: Offer potential wellness benefits without causing a “high,” making them appealing for those looking for relief from symptoms like pain and inflammation without psychoactive effects.
THC Carts: While they also offer benefits, the psychoactive nature may not suit everyone’s wellness goals.
Both THCA and THC have unique roles, but their impact on wellness can vary greatly based on personal health needs and lifestyle preferences.
Exploring THCA Vape Carts for Sale: What to Consider
When it comes to buying THCA vape carts, it’s important to make informed decisions. Here’s a handy guide on what to look for:
Quality: High-quality THCA carts should be free from contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides. Look for products that are lab-tested and come with a certificate of analysis.
Purity: Ensure that the vape cart contains pure THCA without unnecessary additives. This enhances the overall wellness benefits and safety of the product.
By considering these aspects, you can ensure that you’re purchasing high-quality THCA vape cartridges that suit your wellness needs.
The Rise of THCA Live Resin Disposables
THCA live resin disposables have gained momentum in the market thanks to their convenience and potency. Here’s why they are becoming the preferred choice:
Definition: THCA live resin disposables are ready-to-use vape devices filled with live resin, a concentrate made from fresh cannabis plants. This process preserves the plant’s full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, offering a richer and more flavorful experience.
Benefits:
Convenience: Disposables are user-friendly as they don’t require charging or refilling, making them ideal for those new to vaping or those on the go.
Potency and Flavor: They often provide a stronger and more aromatic experience compared to traditional carts because they contain concentrated compounds from the plant.
Ease of Use: With no setup or maintenance required, they are hassle-free, providing an easy introduction to THCA’s benefits.
In summary, THCA live resin disposables offer an effortless and powerful way to experience the benefits of THCA. Their heightened flavor, combined with ease of use, makes them a popular option in the wellness community.
THCA Carts for Wellness: Real User Experiences
Exploring real user experiences can provide valuable insights into how THCA carts contribute to wellness. Here are some perspectives from individuals who have tried these products:
Positive Experiences:
Many users report enhanced relaxation and stress relief when using THCA carts. These benefits are often linked to the non-psychoactive nature of THCA, allowing individuals to enjoy a calm state without experiencing a high.
Users with chronic pain have found some relief with THCA vape carts. This is likely due to the anti-inflammatory properties often associated with THCA.
Testimonials frequently highlight the convenience of products like the THCA live resin disposable. Users appreciate the ease of use and the quality of the vapor.
Cautionary Tales:
Some users have noted the importance of sourcing THCA carts from reputable suppliers to avoid low-quality or contaminated products.
Those new to vaping may need time to adjust to the method of consumption. It’s important to start with lower doses to gauge personal tolerances.
Case Study Narratives:
Anna, a regular user of THCA carts for wellness, shares her experience of managing migraine symptoms. She noticed a reduction in frequency and intensity, attributing this improvement to the carts’ calming effect.
John’s journey with THCA vape cartridges began as an exploration for anxiety management. Over time, he found the effects subtle yet consistent, helping him navigate stressful days with greater ease.
By leveraging diverse user stories, potential users can better understand the range of effects and outcomes when incorporating THCA carts into their wellness routine. For further reading, wellness forums and cannabis publications provide detailed user reviews and discussions.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
In summary, THCA carts offer a promising addition to wellness practices, with benefits potentially including relaxation, pain relief, and improved mood. As you consider trying THCA cartridges, it’s essential to:
Research Reputable Brands: Always select products from trustworthy companies that can provide lab test results and ingredient transparency.
Start Slow: Especially if you’re new to THCA or vaping, begin with a low dose to assess how your body reacts.
Consult Healthcare Providers: For those with existing health conditions or concerns, consulting with a healthcare professional can offer personalized guidance.
Exploring THCA carts could be a worthwhile step in enhancing your wellness journey. Educate yourself with consumer safety articles and guidelines for purchasing and using THCA products responsibly. This ensures not only a safe experience but also maximizes the potential benefits. Consider researching and finding THCA vape cartridges for sale through licensed dispensaries or verified online retailers.
Sean “Diddy” Combs may be weeks away from sentencing, but his twin daughters, Jessie and D’Lila Combs, turned the spotlight on their late mother, Kim Porter, with a heartfelt poolside tribute shared on Instagram Tuesday (September 9).
The 18-year-old sisters recreated one of Porter’s most memorable swimsuit photos, posing by the water in matching black one-pieces and channeling their mother’s signature grace.
“Like mother like daughters,” they captioned the post. “10 years later can you tell the difference?”
Porter died in 2018 at age 47 from lobar pneumonia. Since then, Jessie and D’Lila have consistently honored her memory online, especially on Mother’s Day and the anniversary of her death, often reflecting on her influence and the void her absence left behind.
The tribute arrives as the family faces another emotional chapter. Their father, Diddy, is scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday (October 3) after being convicted of transporting individuals to engage in prostitution.
He was acquitted of more serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
Prosecutors have asked for a sentence of 51 to 63 months—roughly four to five years—while Diddy’s legal team is pushing for a reduced term of 21 to 27 months.
His attorneys have also requested credit for the nine months he’s already spent in custody since his arrest in September 2024.
Jessie & D’Lila Celebrate Diddy On Father’s Day
Despite the legal turmoil, the Combs children have publicly stood by their father. On Father’s Day, Jessie and D’Lila posted a throwback family photo on Instagram.
“You have always been there for us whenever we needed you,” they wrote. “No matter what through thick and thin. We appreciate everything you’ve done for us and we couldn’t ask for a better dad. The bond we have is inseparable and unplaceable. We are so blessed to be given a dad as great as you are. We love and miss you so so much.”
Scott DiClaudio, a Philadelphia Common Pleas Court judge, is facing a formal misconduct complaint after allegedly trying to sway another judge’s decision in a criminal case involving a close associate of Meek Mill.
DiClaudio, elected in 2015, typically oversees post-conviction cases, including those involving inmates serving life sentences.
According to The Inquirer, Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board filed charges Tuesday (September 10), accusing DiClaudio of attempting to interfere in the sentencing of Dwayne Jones, a friend of the Hip-Hop artist.
The incident reportedly took place on June 12, when Judge Zachary Shaffer and his law clerk stopped by DiClaudio’s chambers to buy T-shirts from Shay’s Steaks, a cheesesteak business owned by DiClaudio’s wife.
After the transaction, DiClaudio asked the clerk to step out. According to the complaint, DiClaudio then handed Shaffer a piece of paper with Jones’ name and courtroom number written on it.
He allegedly said, “I’ve heard you might do the right thing anyway,” before tearing up the note and discarding it.
Jones was awaiting sentencing on gun charges tied to a deadly shooting. Shaffer later recused himself and alerted court administrators about the encounter.
The board’s filing also highlighted DiClaudio’s ties to Meek Mill, noting he “is also acquainted, both socially and professionally,” with the rapper.
Meek Mill has long been entangled with the Philadelphia court system, most notably under Judge Genece Brinkley, who kept him on probation for over a decade after a 2007 arrest.
In 2017, Brinkley sentenced Mill to two to four years in prison for probation violations, including popping a wheelie on a dirt bike. The sentence drew national attention and fueled the “Free Meek” movement.
This is not the first time DiClaudio has come under scrutiny.
In 2020, he was suspended for two weeks for failing to disclose debts and ignoring court orders to pay overdue bills to a fitness club. In April 2025, he was accused of using his judicial position to promote his wife’s cheesesteak business.
That matter remains unresolved.
The Judicial Conduct Board stated DiClaudio “engaged in conduct that was so extreme that it brought the judicial office itself into disrepute.”
The Court of Judicial Discipline will determine whether DiClaudio should be suspended without pay. A decision is expected within weeks.