DJ Khaled kept his distance from last year’s tension between Drake, Rick Ross and Future, telling Fat Joe on the “Joe & Jada” podcast that he refuses to get involved when his longtime collaborators are at odds.
“I love Drake, I love [Rick] Ross, I love Future,” Khaled said on the latest episode of the podcast. “What it feel like is that I didn’t get in that energy. There’s two energies I’m not gonna get in: hate.”
The veteran producer, known for his chart-topping collaborations with all three rappers, made it clear that loyalty doesn’t mean taking sides.
“Those are my brothers. You can question my friendship. How? It’s impossible,” he said.
Khaled, who’s built a career on bringing artists together, said the beefs were less about deep-rooted issues and more about miscommunication.
“A lot of this s### is a misunderstanding and a lot of not [communicating]. And that’s what it be about,” he explained. “When it comes down to DJ Khaled, I’m the one that’s gone’ try to fix it.”
He added, “I love my brothers and my brothers know that. I would love to squash it.”
Fat Joe asking dj khaled if he could squash the drake and Rick Ross and future beef pic.twitter.com/gYZRRB8Ciw
Khaled has a history of stepping in when things get tense. Years ago, Young Jeezy credited him with helping resolve his feud with Rick Ross, which eventually led to their collaboration on “War Ready.”
While he’s steering clear of the current drama, Khaled is focused on his upcoming album Aalam of God.
He’s already dropped two tracks—one with Post Malone and NBA YoungBoy, and another featuring a lineup of dancehall artists.
Sexyy Red lit up the Crypto.com Arena stage earlier this week during NBA YoungBoy’s “Make America Slime Again Tour” stop in Los Angeles, then lit up Instagram with a post that had people doing double takes.
The St. Louis rapper joined YoungBoy for a surprise appearance during the second night of his sold-out LA shows, delivering crowd-favorite tracks like “Pound Town” and “F My Baby Daddy” to a packed house.
But it was what happened after the show that had social media buzzing.
Red posted a series of photos with YoungBoy and added a caption that sent her followers into a frenzy: “Get me pregnant… who tf just said dat??”
The comment section lit up with jokes and warnings, referencing YoungBoy’s famously large family.
“aht aht you finna b the 12th bm,” one person wrote. Another added, “Don’t do it you gone be BM 35.” A third chimed in, “she serious that’s what make it funnier.”
YoungBoy, 25, has fathered at least 11 children with multiple women, a detail his followers never let him forget. But that didn’t stop Red from stirring the pot with her cheeky caption.
This tour marks a major return for YoungBoy, who is back on the road following his early release from federal prison in March.
He had been serving a 23-month sentence after being convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a case that stemmed from a 2020 arrest.
His legal troubles took a dramatic turn when former President Trump granted him a full pardon, ending his supervised release. Though his original release date was set for July, his legal team secured his freedom four months ahead of schedule.
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.
Jenelle Evans says Lil Wayne slid into her DMs with a bold message and flew her to Los Angeles for a potential romantic meetup that didn’t go as planned.
The former Teen Mom 2 star told her livestream audience that the Grammy-winning rapper invited her to his private studio after they connected on Instagram.
“I met him in his personal studio, for real. You guys are the first ones I’m telling,” Evans said.
Evans, 33, shared what she claimed were direct messages from Wayne’s verified Instagram account, including one that read, “Be mine.” Her reply? “I said say no more King. where and when? You made my day tho, not going to lie. Thanks for the smile.”
According to Evans, Wayne asked for her number and arranged for her to fly out to California.
“He flew me out and I met him and things were cool,” she said. “Did I hook up with him? No. Did he want to? Yes, but I wanted to go out to dinner and get to know each other first.”
Evans explained that the encounter fizzled because their intentions didn’t match. While she hoped to build a connection, she said Wayne “wanted to jump right into it.”
She ended up flying back home—with the rapper covering her return trip. “So, that was crazy,” she told viewers.
After some social media users questioned the story, Evans doubled down in a TikTok video.
“This seriously did happen,” she said. “I’m not going to say too much about the situation because, I mean, he didn’t have me sign an NDA and at first, I didn’t believe it was him until he FaceTimed me.”
She described the Tha Carter rapper as “really respectful” and “nice” during their conversations and said he asked her not to bring her phone to their meeting to keep things discreet.
“I’m more of a person that wants to connect on a deeper level, so I’m not just looking for hookups,” Evans added. Wayne’s team has not responded to media requests for comment, according to Page Six.
The 42-year-old rapper has been single since May, when his longtime partner Denise Bidot accused him of ending their relationship on Mother’s Day.
Evans, no stranger to controversy, finalized her divorce from David Eason in July.
Their relationship drew headlines over Eason’s 2018 firing from MTV for homophobic remarks and his 2019 admission to killing Evans’ dog, which led to a temporary loss of custody of their children.
She was previously married to Courtland Rogers from 2012 to 2014 and has three children from different relationships.
Wayne has reportedly used Instagram to reach out to women before.
Model Brooks Nader told The New York Post they now FaceTime “on a daily basis” but insisted, “We’re just friends.”
Bernice King called out a viral meme that lumped conservative commentator Charlie Kirk in with iconic figures like her father Martin Luther King Jr. and Jesus Christ, calling the comparison both offensive and exhausting.
The image, circulated by Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, featured Kirk side-by-side with Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Dr. King and Jesus under the caption “All Because of Words.” The suggestion that Kirk—who was recently killed—deserved the same reverence as these assassinated leaders quickly ignited backlash online.
“There are so many things wrong with this. So many. I get tired, y’all,” King wrote on Twitter, responding directly to the meme.
Critics immediately pushed back, pointing out that Lincoln, Kennedy, King and Jesus were all figures who either died fighting injustice or became symbols of sacrifice. Kirk, a polarizing conservative voice, had a record that stood in stark contrast.
According to reports, Kirk had previously called Dr. King “awful” and “not a good person.” He also publicly opposed the Civil Rights Act—landmark legislation that Dr. King championed.
Many on social media called the meme “a slap in the face” to Dr. King’s legacy. Others noted that the historical figures in the image were persecuted for challenging oppressive systems, while Kirk often aligned himself with those systems.
King has long been vocal when public figures distort or misuse her father’s image. This latest episode adds to a growing list of moments where she’s had to step in and correct the record.
Cardi B turned heads and packed sidewalks Saturday afternoon as she returned to her old stomping grounds in Washington Heights for a surprise pop-up at a local bodega.
The appearance came. just days ahead of her new album, Am I the Drama, dropping on Friday, Sept. 19.
The Grammy-winning rapper touched down at Cloud Deli on West 159th Street around 1 p.m., drawing a thousands of people to the Manhattan neighborhood where she spent part of her childhood living with her paternal grandmother.
The event, announced through her Instagram, doubled as a grassroots promo push for her upcoming second studio album.
Born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar in 1992, the Bronx-born artist has long credited Washington Heights for influencing her voice and personality.
Her accent, humor and raw delivery—now signature traits—were shaped in the very streets she revisited over the weekend.
The bodega pop-up wasn’t just a nostalgic pit stop. It was a calculated move in a broader strategy to reconnect with supporters in person as she ramps up for her first full-length release since 2018’s Invasion of Privacy.
That album earned her a Grammy for Best Rap Album, making her the first solo female rapper to take home that honor.
Cardi B’s rise began on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: New York in 2015. By 2017, she left reality TV behind to focus on music full-time.
Since then, she’s become one of Hip-Hop’s most bankable stars, with chart-topping singles and viral moments that dominate social media and headlines alike.
The decision to host the event at a bodega wasn’t random. In New York City, corner stores like Cloud Deli are more than just places to grab snacks—they’re neighborhood staples. For Cardi, it was a nod to her roots and a way to keep things personal.
According to CBS News, the pop-up is part of a larger rollout plan that includes a potential multi-city meet-and-greet tour, giving her audience more chances to engage with her directly.
50 Cent ended his latest Hollywood gig with a warm sendoff from Australia as he wrapped filming for the upcoming Street Fighter reboot in Sydney over the weekend.
The Daily Mailcaught footage of the Hip-Hop mogul was seen walking through the airport terminal Saturday looking laid-back and upbeat, surrounded by security while acknowledging fans on his way out.
50 had been in Australia shooting scenes for the live-action adaptation of Capcom’s legendary video game franchise, where he plays Balrog, a heavy-hitting ex-boxer known for his brute strength and signature punches.
The film is being produced by Legendary Entertainment and features a stacked cast including Jason Momoa, Noah Centineo, Orville Peck and Eric André. No official release date has been announced, but the project has been in development for several years.
50 Cent’s casting as Balrog continues his steady move into film and television.
He made his acting debut in 2005 with the semi-autobiographical Get Rich or Die Tryin’, and has since built a solid résumé both in front of and behind the camera. He serves as executive producer of the long-running Starz drama Power, which has spawned multiple spin-offs and helped cement his credibility in Hollywood.
While 50 Cent’s film career continues to grow, his roots in music remain strong.
His 2003 debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ sold millions worldwide and gave Hip-Hop one of its most enduring anthems with “In Da Club.”
Since then, he has moved into business ventures across beverages, tech and entertainment, including his studio in Shreveport, further expanding his brand.
50’s visit to Australia marks another international chapter in his career, with the Street Fighter reboot serving as his latest crossover into blockbuster territory.
Mariah Carey is about to hit the Amazon rainforest in the most Mariah way possible—by headlining a concert on a floating stage in the middle of the Guamá River.
The pop diva is set to perform on September 17 as part of the Amazônia Live—Today and Always event, and yeah, it’s exactly what it sounds like: a concert in the jungle meant to raise awareness of the climate crisis.
The concert is timed to lead up to COP30 in Belém, Brazil, this November. The stage is not your average setup. It’s built to resemble the Victoria Amazonica, a massive lilypad-like flower native to the region.
Mariah Carey won’t be doing it alone either. Brazilian acts like Dona Onete, Gaby Amarantos, Zaynara and Joelma are also on deck to perform.
This jungle gig comes right after Mariah got her flowers at the 2025 MTV VMAs, where she snagged the Video Vanguard Award.
She’s also gearing up to drop her 16th studio album, Here for It All, dropping September 21.
Kanye West got slapped with a fat $76,245 tab Friday in a Los Angeles courtroom after a judge basically laughed off his attempt to nix a harassment lawsuit from a former Yeezy employee, calling it “frivolous.”
The case comes from a woman who used to work in marketing at Yeezy, and she says her time there was filled with “antisemitic vitriol,” creepy behavior and flat-out retaliation.
She originally wanted nearly $100,000 in legal fees but settled for a smaller amount. Her lawyer said the amount was acceptable to them.
According to Rolling Stone, Judge Nicholas F. Daum handed down the order during a hearing in Downtown Los Angeles.
One of the texts allegedly said, “Welcome to the first day of working for Hitler,” and another one read, “Hail Hitler. [sic]”
She also says he sent her a nude pic and tried to force her into helping with his weird “Yeezy P###” project. She says she got fired after reporting the behavior.
The woman’s lawsuit paints a bleak picture of life at Yeezy, calling it a “minefield of anti-semitic verbal abuse, discrimination, and constant degradation of women.”
She says Ye’s obsession with Nazis and misogynistic behavior was nonstop. Ye’s camp attempted to shut down the entire lawsuit in April, claiming the lawsuit was an attack on his “art.”
His legal filing claimed, “Ye is not merely a creator; he is art. Ye’s public and private personas form a continuous, provocative performance that challenges societal taboos surrounding race, religion, gender, power, politics, and censorship.”
Judge Theresa M. Traber wasn’t buying it. She torched the motion in June, calling it “rife with defects, specious arguments, and misstatements of law.”
She even said one of his witnesses, controversial figure Milo Yiannopoulos, had declarations that were “totally lacking in personal knowledge or proper foundation.”
She said the whole thing looked like it was “frivolous and/or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay.”
Ye’s new attorney, Andrew Cherkasky, is still pushing back. “We certainly do think there are very interesting First Amendment issues that could lead to additional appeals,” he said. “At this point, we intend to aggressively move along with litigation.”
Since his antisemitic remarks in 2022—including that wild tweet about going “death con 3 ON JEWISH PEOPLE”—he’s been sued left and right by former employees and business partners.
Right now, the lawsuit’s on pause while Ye appeals.
Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez is making it clear that the company’s proposed Times Square casino isn’t just for wealthy investors. Through a unique partnership with Cadre, New Yorkers can now invest in the multibillion-dollar project for as little as $500.
“It’s just us putting ourselves in our own shoes. We are the people and that’s how we view ourselves,” Perez told Billboard in a recent interview. “We see ourselves more like community people and what the community needs.”
The casino proposal, led by JAY-Z’s Roc Nation in partnership with Caesars Palace and SL Green, aims to transform Times Square’s 1515 Broadway into a world-class gaming and entertainment destination.
The project is competing for one of three downstate casino licenses being awarded by the New York State Gaming Commission.
Making Investment Accessible
The partnership with Ryan Williams and his real estate investment platform Cadre represents a groundbreaking approach to casino ownership.
Williams, who founded Cadre in 2014 after leaving Blackstone Group, has built a reputation for democratizing real estate investment through technology.
“Why can’t someone who lives nearby or in The Bronx or somewhere in New York City, they wanna invest in this project, they hear how much money this is gonna make — it stands to make money the minute it opens it’s not like there is a loss here — how do we get that to the people?” Perez explained.
She described the investment structure as “one fund” where individual contributions combine to support the casino development. “Whatever money everyone deposits into this goes into the investment of the casino,” she said.
JAY-Z Defends the Vision
JAY-Z himself recently defended the casino proposal, telling City & State New York that the project “makes perfect sense.”
The Brooklyn-born mogul emphasized that “New York City is the entertainment capital of the world, so the idea of a world class casino here makes perfect sense.”
“I’ve always looked at opportunities that can shift culture while uplifting communities, and Caesars Palace Times Square is exactly that,” JAY-Z said. “For me, it’s an extension of culture, an extension of the energy and action that makes New York the city it is.”
Community Investment Commitment
Beyond the investment opportunity, Roc Nation has committed $250 million in community support over the next 10 years.
The money will fund Broadway support programs, public health initiatives, and security improvements in Times Square and surrounding neighborhoods.
The company also committed to donate 0.5% of the casino’s revenue to the West Side Community Fund in perpetuity.
“There are people who don’t have enough money to be part of any type of investment fund, so this is the ability to let just regular New Yorkers be part of this,” Perez said.
She contrasted this approach with traditional Wall Street investment firms, noting that the casino partnership aims to include everyday residents rather than just wealthy institutions.
Addressing Opposition
Perez acknowledged pushback from some quarters, particularly the Shubert Organization, which owns 17 of Broadway’s 41 theaters. However, she maintained that actual community residents support the project.
“I don’t believe that the actual human beings that live in the buildings — not the rich people that own the theaters — are the ones that are against the casino,” she said.
The final decision on casino licenses is expected to be made later this month, with the last public hearing scheduled for September 11. If approved, Perez promised that community investments would begin immediately, even before the casino opens.
“The day after we’re paying. We don’t have to build out our casino or be in business in order to pay the money,” she said. “It would be the quickest money to the ground for the community.”
Diddy has escalated his legal fight against NBCUniversal and Peacock, claiming the producers of Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boyrushed the project and spread damaging falsehoods in a bid to beat the competition.
In a new amended complaint, the Hip-Hop mogul accuses the documentary team of defamation and alleges the film falsely linked him to murder, sex trafficking of minors and extortion through hidden-camera recordings.
The revised lawsuit adds new claims and reflects his July acquittals in federal court.
The complaint highlights a quote from Ample Entertainment co-founder Ari Mark, who told The Hollywood Reporter, “It’s really competitive and I think that is why it wasn’t enough to be fast, it was also necessary to be distinct. There’s no time and this was an extremely fast turnaround.”
Diddy’s legal team says the statement shows the producers prioritized speed over accuracy.
The lawsuit names NBCUniversal Media, Peacock TV and Ample as defendants and seeks at least $100 million in damages.
It alleges the documentary’s release harmed Diddy’s reputation and influenced public opinion ahead of his criminal trial.
The original complaint, filed in February, focused on allegations of murder and sexual assault involving minors. The updated version now includes claims that the film falsely portrayed Diddy as being involved in sex trafficking and extortion.
Diddy’s attorneys argue the film misrepresented a civil lawsuit filed by Rodney Jones, using it to imply underage sexual activity.
However, the women in that suit later confirmed they were adults.
The amended filing also challenges a claim made by attorney Ariel Mitchell, who said her client, Courtney Burgess, had “sex tapes” used for extortion. Diddy denies the allegation and says it lacks evidence.
The revised complaint also updates the court on Diddy’s legal status. On July 2, 2025, a federal jury acquitted him of sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
The indictment, according to the filing, did not include accusations of murder, sexual assault of minors or extortion.
Papoose called boxer Claressa Shields “the best thing that ever happened to me” during a recent interview, doubling down on their relationship as his messy divorce from Remy Ma continues to unravel in the spotlight.
The Brooklyn rapper opened up on The Danza Project, praising the two-time Olympic gold medalist as “very beautiful, very outgoing” and “just a blessing in my life, man. Love her to death.”
“Well, this is the best thing that ever happened to me, man,” he said, adding that the relationship with Shields is “definitely one of the best things that ever happened in my life.”
The 47-year-old acknowledged the backlash surrounding their romance, particularly since he is still legally married to Remy Ma. But according to him, Shields isn’t worried about the noise. “She don’t give a f**k, bro,” he said plainly.
Their relationship became public amid a storm of personal drama involving Remy Ma and battle rapper Eazy the Block Captain, who claimed he had a “two-year relationship” with her—something Papoose allegedly discovered by planting a recording device in her car.
“[He] knew already! I know he’s up there trying to play victim and all of that sh*t but he been knew. He knew two years ago,” Eazy said in a video posted online. “He put a recording device in Remy’s car.”
Tensions boiled over at a Chrome23 rap battle event in 2023, where Papoose admitted to physically confronting Eazy.
“I knocked out Eazy the Block Captain,” he said, explaining that the rapper “shook my hand and then slept with my wife.” Eazy denied being knocked out, claiming he “never fell” and that Papoose “ran” after the scuffle.
Remy Ma has since accused Papoose of having a “BAD gambling problem” and said he pressured her for money during their separation.
She also claimed she had been asking for a quiet divorce “for years,” but Papoose allegedly refused.
Adding to the public tension, social media users criticized Papoose for reportedly failing to settle a jewelry bill for Shields.
Despite the noise, the rapper stood firm in his support for her. “She’s amazing, man,” he said.
Amidst the personal turmoil, Papoose continues to push forward with his music.
He recently dropped “Counting Green,” a new track featuring Busta Rhymes and CuhDeeJah. The music video, released on September 12, includes a cameo from Shields.
Megan Thee Stallion is hauling Milagro Gramz into a court in Houston for a tightly controlled two-hour deposition as her defamation lawsuit against the social media commentator intensifies.
A federal magistrate judge in the Southern District of Florida approved Megan’s request to continue Gramz’s deposition, which will now take place in Houston on a date to be finalized by both sides.
The court capped the session at two hours and limited the scope to issues and evidence that surfaced after Gramz’s initial deposition on July 21.
The rapper accuses Milagro Gramz of spreading false claims tied to the Tory Lanez shooting case and participating in what Megan’s legal team describes as a “coordinated campaign” to harm her reputation.
The lawsuit alleges that Gramz worked in concert with Lanez’s father, Sonstar Peterson, who is accused of paying her thousands of dollars to post misleading content about Megan.
Court filings also claim Gramz deleted hundreds of text messages with Peterson that were supposed to be turned over during discovery.
Megan’s attorneys argue the new deposition is necessary to question Gramz about this alleged destruction of evidence and her communications with key figures in the case.
The legal battle has already seen several contentious depositions. Tory Lanez, who was convicted in 2022 for shooting Megan, disrupted his own deposition by mocking her lawyers and refusing to cooperate.
A judge later ordered him to pay Megan’s legal fees.
Caesar McDowell, CEO of Unite the People, was also deposed and accused of obstructing the process. He allegedly relayed messages between Tory Lanez and Milagro Gramz and will now be re-deposed under court supervision.
The lawsuit against Milagro Gramz claims she spread damaging lies about Megan’s mental health, substance use and character, and even distributed deepfake pornography.
A gag order currently bars Gramz from speaking publicly about Megan while the case proceeds.
Tenisha Warner gave an emotional tribute to her late husband, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, on what would have been their wedding anniversary by unveiling two initiatives aimed at uplifting children and nurturing creativity.
On Thursday, Warner introduced The Warner Family Foundation and River & Ember, both of which were created in tribute to the Emmy-nominated actor, who died on July 20 while learning to surf in Costa Rica. He was 54.
“Today, in his honor, my daughter and I are launching River & Ember and officially opening The Warner Family Foundation,” Tenisha wrote on Instagram. “This is love, still moving. Still making. Still carrying us forward.”
The announcement came with a 2017 wedding photo and a heartfelt message: “Thank you for holding us in so much love during this tender time,” she wrote. “Tomorrow marks our anniversary, and my heart is wide open.”
Warner, best known for playing Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, drowned at Playa Cocles, a beach on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. His unexpected death stunned many in the entertainment world and left his family reeling.
Now, Tenisha and their daughter are channeling their grief into action with a mission to help children and young artists find strength through storytelling and creativity.
“My husband believed in nurturing the inner light—not just in children, but in all of us,” she shared. “Through story and ritual, I hope to offer families what he gave us: a sense of being held, and a reason to keep tending to our light.”
The Warner Family Foundation will focus on supporting young creatives, though no specific programs have been detailed yet. River & Ember, named symbolically, will also serve as a platform for families to engage in artistic expression and healing.
Warner’s legacy stretches far beyond his sitcom fame. After The Cosby Show ended in 1992, he directed episodes of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Sesame Street, and released four albums blending spoken word and R&B.
Tenisha’s tribute closed with a poetic nod to the man she married seven years ago: “To the river that carried us. To the Ember that never goes out.”
Known as a “poet of the trenches,” his songs balance hard-hitting street narratives with cultural awareness and reflection. With his breakout single “SRT” leading the way, Cello is carving a lane as one of the most authentic and exciting new voices out of Louisiana. Baton Rouge’s rising voice Cello is making his mark with the release of his new single “SRT,” a high-energy anthem powered by heavy bass, sharp lyricism, and the unmistakable swagger of Southern rap. In addition, Cello is releasing his song “Status” as a bonus for fans who have tuned in early to the unmistakably strong Cello movement. Released under Wae Entertainment (We All Eat), the independent label out of Las Vegas, “SRT” is poised to fuel the rapper’s breakout moment.
The single “SRT” captures the thrill and ambition of car culture, using the Dodge SRT as a symbol of speed, aspiration, and the hunger to push forward. With its booming production and infectious chorus, “SRT” is already resonating with listeners who see themselves reflected in Cello’s gritty but celebratory storytelling.
“At first I didn’t even know if I liked the song, but everybody around me did,” Cello admits. “That’s when I realized it wasn’t just about me—it was about the people sliding in their SRTs. Everybody wants an SRT, so I made a song for them.”
Originally recorded in 2023, “SRT” sat unreleased until Cello’s cousin urged him to bring it to the world. The response confirmed his instincts: the song was bigger than him, and it represented the voice of a community. With such a good response, it was crucial to release his other single, “Status” as well to keep the forward momentum going.
Baton Rouge has long been one of hip-hop’s most influential breeding grounds, producing stars like Boosie Badazz, Kevin Gates, NBA YoungBoy and Fredo Bang who have carried the city’s raw energy onto the national stage. Cello represents the next wave of talent to emerge from that lineage, combining the authenticity of his environment with a fresh perspective and a poetic voice of his own.
Calling himself a “poet of the trenches,” Cello raps with a mix of personal reflection and raw authenticity, drawing from his Baton Rouge upbringing while speaking to universal experiences of ambition, struggle, and resilience. He also proudly carries his Cherokee heritage, adding another layer of cultural depth to his artistry.
“I feel like I have a story to tell that hasn’t been heard before,” he says. “It’s bigger than just rapping—it’s about legacy, culture, and making sure my people’s voices are heard.”
With “SRT” setting the tone, Cello is preparing a larger body of work that will further showcase his versatility and perspective. Backed by Wae Records’ mentorship and grassroots approach, he is positioning himself as not just another rapper from Baton Rouge but an artist with staying power.
Snoop Dogg is locked in a federal courtroom clash with Edible Arrangements over a single word, “Swizzle,” which now threatens the future of his ice cream brand.
The Hip-Hop icon’s dessert venture, Bosslady Foods LLC, has filed a lawsuit in Connecticut, accusing Edible Arrangements of trying to push his company out of the frozen treat market by claiming exclusive rights to the term “Swizzle.”
The dispute centers on the Tropical Sherbet Swizzle flavor from Snoop Dogg’s Dr. Bombay ice cream line, which is sold in major retailers including Walmart and Kroger.
Edible Arrangements, known for its chocolate-covered fruit bouquets, has held trademarks involving “Swizzle” for more than ten years.
After Bosslady debuted the sherbet in 2023, Edible fired off cease-and-desist letters and later challenged the company’s trademark application, threatening to “vigorously enforce” its rights.
Bosslady’s legal team argues Edible’s claims don’t hold up. They assert that the “Swizzle” mark only applies to chocolate-dipped fruit, not frozen desserts and insist that the term is too generic to be trademarked.
The company states that “swizzle” has long been used in the food industry to describe drizzled syrup and that Edible misled the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office by failing to disclose that others had already used the term.
Bosslady’s attorney, Todd S. Sharinn, pointed to entrepreneur Shari Fitzpatrick, founder of Shari’s Berries, as the original source of the term.
“By her own account, Shari Fitzpatrick—the owner of Shari’s Berries and Berried in Chocolate, among others—came up with the term ‘swizzle’ one day while drizzling chocolate syrup on fruit,” Sharinn said.
He added, “Fitzpatrick did not use or register the ‘swizzle’ term as a trademark, opting instead to place it into the public domain as a signifier for the act of decoratively drizzling syrup on fruit and other foodstuffs, as well as the resulting ‘swizzle’ design or pattern thereby created.”
The lawsuit claims Edible falsely told the USPTO that no one else had the right to use the “Swizzle” mark, despite lacking any license or permission from Fitzpatrick.
Snoop Dogg’s company Bosslady accuses Edible of trying to monopolize the frozen dessert space by threatening to launch its own Swizzle-branded ice cream.
The complaint also references Edible’s past legal battles with companies like 1-800-Flowers and Fresh Fruit Bouquet Company, portraying the brand as a serial filer of lawsuits aimed at stifling competition.
Bosslady is asking the court to cancel six of Edible’s trademarks, block the company from using “Swizzle” on ice cream, and award monetary damages.
Ice Spice addressed the rivalry among female rappers after dropping a new track with Latto, putting an end to whispers of a feud and showing that competition in Hip-Hop doesn’t always mean conflict.
The Bronx rapper, 25, says the heat from her peers is exactly what keeps her sharp.
“Honestly, the pressure’s great,” she told NYLON in a recent cover story. “I think the girls [in rap] also enjoy the friendly competition amongst each other. I feel like that’s what keeps the spark.”
After her breakout hit “Munch (Feelin’ U)” caught fire on TikTok in 2022, Ice Spice quickly became one of the most talked-about names in rap. The viral moment led to collaborations with major artists, Grammy nods and a co-sign from Drake, who helped amplify her early momentum.
But even before the accolades, Ice Spice was already pushing herself. She recalled a moment from her early press run when she flipped a jab from critics into motivation.
“Clearly, I was always just feeling, like, ‘Oh my God, I need to be better than my last time,’ you know?” she said, referencing the time she called herself a “two-hit wonder” in response to being labeled a “one-hit wonder.”
That drive hasn’t slowed. Singles like “Bikini Bottom” and “In Ha Mood” have kept her name in rotation, and her latest collaboration with Latto on “Gyatt” shows how competition can evolve into collaboration.
Outside the booth, Ice Spice has found support in unexpected places. She praised Taylor Swift for offering advice during creative slumps. “The thing about Taylor is that she keeps it so real,” she said. “As long as you keep making music, everything’s going to be fine.”
Kanye West is at the heart of a bold new documentary that captures his mental health struggles and public controversies, and the filmmaker behind it is standing firm on his decision to show it all.
Nico Ballesteros, who began filming Kanye West in 2016 as a teenager, spent six years embedded in the rapper’s world, amassing over 3,000 hours of footage.
The result is In Whose Name?, a documentary that pulls back the curtain on West’s most turbulent years — including his break from medication, antisemitic remarks, and tense moments with Kim Kardashian.
The film, which opens Friday (September 19) in more than 1,000 theaters nationwide, doesn’t shy away from West’s lowest points.
In one scene, he rants after visiting the White House in 2018, wearing a MAGA hat, saying, “I need to go in the exact way that a foreign dignitary would go. I’m not going to step outside and put my life in danger. I put my life in danger by wearing the hat and I need to be loved and respected as such.”
Another clip shows Kardashian confronting West after that visit, telling him, “I’ve been crying all day — it’s just this bad dream that’s not ending. I’m not about burning bridges with companies. You’re going to wake up one day and you’re going to have nothing.”
West fires back: “Never tell me I’m going wake up one day and have nothing. Never put that into the universe.”
Ballesteros, now 26, insists the film isn’t about West’s downfall.
“I didn’t make this to tell a story of descent or unraveling,” he told the Los Angeles Times. “I made it to tell a beautiful, deep story of an American figure.”
The documentary also includes the moment West made the antisemitic comment that cost him his lucrative Adidas deal.
On camera, he says, “I can literally say antisemitic s### and Adidas can’t drop me.” The company cut ties with him shortly after.
Ballesteros, who was never on West’s payroll and retained full rights to the footage, said West welcomed constant filming — even during dental appointments — and gave the final cut his blessing.
“That doc was very deep. It was like being dead and looking back on my life,” West texted him after watching it.
Still, Ballesteros made it clear he doesn’t align with West’s rhetoric. “I don’t support antisemitism, obviously, or hate speech,” he said. “He and I don’t share the same views…. We’re human. That’s really where I’m at. He’s a person — he’s a human.”
In Whose Name? premieres nationwide Thursday (September 19).
Ne-Yo is opening up about his unconventional romantic setup and the custom-made sleeping arrangement that keeps his polyamorous household running smoothly.
In a YouTube interview with Kai Cenat, the Grammy-winning singer revealed that he shares an enormous “Alaskan King-sized bed” with four women—Cristina, Arielle Hill, Moneii and Brionna Williams. “That’s like two California Kings next to each other,” he said. “You gotta get that mattress made.”
Though not legally married, the 45-year-old entertainer refers to the women as his “wives” and says the dynamic works well for him. “My love life is phenomenal,” Ne-Yo said. “I’m in a great space. I have four beautiful ladies who move with me on the regular.”
Ne-Yo has recently been increasingly transparent about his personal life. In April, he spoke with The Angie Martinez Show about the terms of his open relationship. He clarified that while the women in his life agreed to be exclusive, he didn’t make the same commitment in return.
“When I got with these women, I did not ask for their exclusivity. I did not demand their exclusivity. They asked for it,” he said. “They came to me and said, ‘I want to be exclusive to you and just you.’ I said, ‘You understand that your exclusivity to me does not mean my exclusivity to you? You understand this, yes? You’re OK with it?”
The interview with Cenat was published on September 10 and has since stirred conversation online about the logistics and ethics of non-monogamous relationships, especially from a public figure.
Ne-Yo’s comments come as polyamory continues to gain visibility in mainstream culture, with celebrities and public figures increasingly discussing alternative relationship structures. A recent CNN article explored how polyamorous relationships are becoming more normalized, though they still face legal and social hurdles.
Ne-Yo’s current relationship status follows his 2022 divorce filing from Crystal Renay, with whom he shares three children.
Cardi B pulled up to a New York City subway station pushing her new album, Am I the Drama? like a true street hustler—and had a full-blown meltdown over a massive rat crashing the scene.
The Bronx-bred rap queen was spotted in the subway, selling physical copies of her album like it was 1998.
“Good evening everybody. I am trying to change my life around. I used to be a ballerina. Trying to make a better example for my kids,” she said, walking through the subway car.
But the promo party hit a hard pause when a monster rat came sprinting past.
The thing was huge, and Cardi freaked out like she saw a ghost. Her face said it all—pure horror. She literally jumped back and looked like she was ready to call pest control on the spot.
“Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god, oh my god,” Cardi B said. “I can’t, I can’t. Get me out of here.”
Aside from the rodent drama, Cardi made it clear her album is dropping September 19, and she’s pushing pre-orders hard.
She flashed multiple versions of the project, including the limited “Court Edition,” which has trial-themed cover art. One person even bought one, and Cardi stuffed the money in her bra.
Smokey Robinson lost a key courtroom battle in Los Angeles, where a judge ruled that four women accusing the Motown icon of sexual assault can move forward with their $50 million lawsuit while keeping their identities hidden.
The plaintiffs, all former housekeepers, will be allowed to proceed under pseudonyms despite Robinson’s push to force them to reveal their real names.
His legal team argued the women forfeited their right to anonymity when they appeared at a May press conference wearing masks and sunglasses.
Their attorneys said the women, all Latina, hesitated to come forward sooner due to fears of “reprisals” tied to their immigration status.
For now, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gregory W. Brazile sided with the women, stating, “This early in the case, I don’t think their identities need to be revealed. Maybe later, but for now, you’re not harmed. You know who they are.”
Smokey Robinson, 85, has denied all allegations and responded with a $500 million countersuit accusing the women of defamation and elder abuse.
“Through this process we have seen the bizarre theatrics of yesterday’s news conference, as the plaintiffs’ attorneys outlined vile, false allegations against Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, trying to enlist the public as an unwitting participant in the media circus they are trying to create,” Smokey Robinson’s lawyer Christopher Frost said.
The trial is scheduled to begin on October 11, 2027. Judge Brazile prioritized the case due to Robinson’s age, noting that most civil trials are scheduled three years out.
GloRilla and Young Thug are keeping the rumor mill working overtime this week. Enough already.
Another leaked jail call exposed Thugger for throwing shade at the Memphis star by calling her “ugly”— and he did not mince words. Why did he think he was not being recorded? Big Glo wasted no time firing back in the most Hip-Hop way possible—she hit the booth. But she did it different than “Ether.” Her diss might be “cyanide” or some other poison. A scorched-earth diss over Hot Styles’ infamous 2008 “Lookin’ A## Ni##a” had her making us laugh and likely hurt some feelings at the same time.
The track kicks off with Glo poking fun at herself, adopting the name “Brianna,” because during the call, Young Thug dismissed comparisons to Rihanna. He called her “Brianna.” So she turned Thugger’s jab into fuel…and she went in.
From there, the gloves came off. She called Thugger “Young Bug” and clowned his appearance with wild metaphors. She compared him to everything from a Black and Mild to a “Jamaican Vegeta.” She said the man was like dirt under a BRICK. Do you all know how grimy that is? She even roasted his “eccentric” wardrobe:
“Cut shirt wearin’ a## nia, skirt wearin’ a nia A bug on the ‘Gram ’bout to chirp lookin’ a nia A pain in the a tryna hump lookin’ a## nia A ho in the mirror ’bout to twerk lookin’ a ni##a.”
But Thug wasn’t the only one to catch strays. Mariah The Scientist, his longtime partner, also got dragged into the crossfire. Glo mixed humor with venom, calling Mariah a “sexy Winnie The Pooh” while questioning why she tolerates Thugger’s rumored infidelity. Well, that was…ugly.
Despite the smoke, Glo was quick to remind everyone this is “all fun and games.” No malice, just laughs and music. I think it was evident that she was “getting her lick back,” but that it wasn’t that serious. Thug apologized already.
Young Thug tried to put out the flames. He hopped on Twitter (X) to apologize directly: “@GloTheofficial first of all I’m sorry to u for my words and I honestly don’t think ur ugly at all, I was speaking from jail just having a hard time with life.. I don’t like bashing girls and hardly ever did.. I’m sorry to u twin.”
The apology may have cooled things down a bit, but Glo knew we needed some entertainment. And in Hip-Hop, sometimes that’s all you need.
Grammy-nominated singer Akon’s wife has filed for divorce just four days before their 29th wedding anniversary, according to court documents obtained by TMZ.
Tomeka Thiam filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences, ending a marriage that began in September 1996. The timing of the filing comes as the couple would have celebrated nearly three decades together on Sunday.
According to the court documents, Thiam is seeking joint legal custody of the couple’s 17-year-old child while requesting primary physical custody. She is also pursuing spousal support and wants to prevent the court from awarding any financial support to Akon.
The divorce filing sheds light on what has been a complex personal life for the “Smack That” hitmaker.
Akon has been notably cryptic about his marital arrangements in past interviews, with various reports suggesting he practices polygamy, though Thiam appears to be his only legally recognized spouse in the United States.
The singer has previously acknowledged having multiple relationships. In a 2007 interview with Blender magazine, he discussed having five children with different women, though he has since fathered additional children.
Thiam, an entrepreneur who has largely stayed out of the public eye, met Akon when she was 18. The couple has maintained a relatively private relationship despite Akon’s international fame and success in the music industry.
The divorce filing comes during a period when Akon has been focusing on various business ventures, including his “Akon City” project in Senegal and his recent announcement about re-recording his catalog in country music format.
As recently as July 2024, the couple appeared to be on solid ground. In an interview with US Magazine, they shared what they called “super simple” secrets to maintaining their long-term relationship.
“If you know that this person is for you, then it’s for you,” Thiam said. “And there’s nothing that nobody can’t do. ‘OK, baby, where my journey has gone is where I’m going.’”
Akon reportedly has nine wives and in addition to Tomeka, at least one of them, Amirah-Iman Thiam, lives in the United States.
“That dress got me rethinking my lunch break,” the man said. Before she could react, the man grabbed her buttocks and vaginal area.
Representatives for Akon did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the divorce filing.
Akon rose to fame in the mid-2000s with hits like “Lonely,” “Smack That,” and “I Wanna Love You.” He has sold over 35 million albums worldwide and has been nominated for five Grammy Awards throughout his career.
