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Kid Cudi “Done” With Kanye West: ‘It’s A Sad Thing’

Kid Cudi has officially cut ties with Kanye West, citing betrayal and a disrespectful jab at their late friend Virgil Abloh as the final straw in a fractured friendship that once shaped Hip-Hop collaborations.

In a sit-down with CBS Mornings that aired Wednesday (August 13), the “Day ‘n’ Nite” rapper reflected on the end of his creative and personal bond with Ye, calling it both painful and permanent.

“It’s a sad thing,” Cudi told journalist Anthony Mason, who asked him to elaborate. “The freedom that we experienced when we were creating, it just will never happen ever again, you know? And that is the heartbreaking side of things.”

When pressed on whether West had broken his heart, Cudi didn’t hesitate. “I think he has over and over, multiple times.”

The two artists shared a prolific history, teaming up on the 2018 joint album Kids See Ghosts and co-writing tracks like 2008’s “Heartless” and 2009’s “Make Her Say.”

But their creative synergy eventually gave way to personal tension, especially as West’s public behavior grew more erratic and controversial.

In recent years, West has been widely condemned for antisemitic remarks and for publicly praising Adolf Hitler — moves that cost him major business deals and drew backlash across the industry.

Still, Cudi made it clear that it wasn’t just West’s public controversies that ended their relationship. It was a personal betrayal.

“He said some things that there’s just no coming back from,” Cudi said, referencing comments West made about Abloh, the late fashion visionary and former artistic director at Louis Vuitton, who died of a rare cancer in 2021.

“Every time he took a dig at Virgil, it just made me super angry. Virgil was an angel to everyone; there’s no coming back from that, man.”

Cudi said the emotional toll of watching someone he once considered a close friend change into someone unrecognizable was devastating.

“Like, I’m done with you, and it breaks my heart, because I loved Kanye, you know? I really loved him, he was a part of my life changing. And at some point, he was a really good friend, but the man that he has become, I just don’t know that guy anymore. I don’t know him, I don’t know that version of him, and it’s really heartbreaking.”

Rick Ross Urges Laila Ali To Accept Claressa Shields’ $15M Fight Offer

Rick Ross jumped into the middle of a brewing boxing saga on Wednesday (August 13) by tagging Claressa Shields and her partner Papoose on Instagram Stories, urging a high-stakes fight between Shields and Laila Ali to actually happen.

Rozay’s social media nudge came just hours after Ali addressed the $15 million offer Shields floated for a potential bout.

Shields wasted no time firing back at Ross’ post with a jab of her own, writing, “@TheRealLailaAli is scared Boss!!!”

Ali, during an appearance on Good Day DC earlier that day, clarified her stance on the rumored comeback.

While she acknowledged previously saying it would take $15 to $20 million to even consider lacing up the gloves again, she made it clear she didn’t initiate the back-and-forth.

“She inserted herself into the conversation,” Ali said, referring to Shields.

Ali explained that she hasn’t responded to Shields directly because “that’s not my focus right now.” She also revealed she’s currently weighing “multiple offers” in the $15 million range.

Though she didn’t rule out the possibility of facing Shields, Ali said she’s still mulling over the idea.

“I’m thinking about it,” she said. “Very soon the world will know my answer to that in detail.” She added that she’s deliberately stayed quiet about the chatter surrounding the fight. “I call the shots. I do what I want to do, how I want to do it.”

Ali acknowledged the buzz around the potential matchup but reminded viewers that she’s been out of the ring for nearly two decades.

Between raising a family and running a business, she said any decision to return to boxing would need serious thought.

Later, she posted a clip from the interview on Instagram and doubled down in the caption: “I have NOT given an answer either way as to whether I will or won’t be coming out of retirement to box again….AND no one from my team has given any response about MY PLANS going forward. Don’t believe the hype!”

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Meanwhile, Rick Ross recently walked Claressa Shields to victory ahead of her dominant showing against Lani Daniels last month. 

Wendy Williams’ Lawyer Blasts “False” Dementia Re-Diagnosis Claims Amid Guardianship Battle

Wendy Williams is once again at the center of a legal and medical storm as her attorney Joe Tacopina forcefully rejected leaked reports claiming she’s been re-diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia, calling the allegations “false” and part of a calculated effort to keep her under strict guardianship.

Tacopina told TMZ the supposed diagnosis is being weaponized by individuals with a “vested interest in keeping Wendy trapped under this excessive and restrictive guardianship.”

He challenged the legitimacy of the leak, demanding proof and accountability.

“The critical questions are these,” Tacopina said. “Where is the actual medical report supporting this leak? And who is the doctor willing to go under oath and face cross-examination by me so the truth can be exposed?”

He made it clear that neither he nor Williams has seen the alleged medical file that reportedly confirms the diagnosis. Instead, he painted the leak as a strategic move to justify continued control over the former talk show host’s life and finances.

Wendy Williams has been under a court-appointed guardianship since 2022 and has previously disputed the dementia claims.

She has requested that new, independent evaluations be carried out to demonstrate her mental soundness, insisting that earlier assessments were manipulated.

Earlier this week, People reported that Williams’ guardianship was extended after a court reviewed a series of medical evaluations, including brain scans and neuropsychological tests.

The documents reportedly reaffirmed her diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia and aphasia, first identified in 2023.

Court-appointed guardian Sabrina Morrissey has requested the guardianship remain in place until at least Tuesday (November 5, 2025).

Jim Jones Feared For His Life After His Cadillac SUV Failed Mid-Drive

Jim Jones found himself in a dangerous situation early Thursday morning (August 14) when his high-end Cadillac SUV lost power in the middle of the road, leaving him stranded and panicked as trucks passed by.

The Harlem rapper posted a video from the scene, showing his vehicle completely disabled.

“In the middle of nowhere, bro; in the middle of the road, too,” he said, panning the camera to show his stalled SUV sitting in traffic. “I’ll tell you how dangerous this is, there’s trucks coming bro.”

Jones said the vehicle, which he claims cost over $100,000, cut off while he was stopped at a light.

“Almost risked my life,” he said, explaining that this wasn’t the first time the issue had occurred.

According to Jones, the only part of the vehicle that remained functional was the key lock, but even that couldn’t help him move the car to safety. He said he’s already returned the SUV to the dealership five times and replaced the engine twice, but the issue keeps happening.

“Now I’m worried bout my life when I’m drivin,” he said.

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In the caption of his video, Jones called out the automaker directly. “Yal help me out and hit @cadillac for me cause I e spoken to regional mangers bout this and they don’t seem to think this is puttin a person life in danger till one of these engines fail at th wrong time.”

He added that he’s “pleaded wit them tht this truck is a danger,” and said he would be calling AAA to tow the vehicle back to the dealership—again.

This marks the sixth time in the past year Jones has had to bring the SUV in for repairs.

Jim Jones Shoots Music Video In Harlem

Earlier this week, Jones made headlines for a different driving stunt—filming a music video while seated at a dining table on top of a moving flatbed truck.

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Lil Yachty Reveals He Manifested Drake Collab While Tripping On Acid

Lil Yachty opened up about his friendship with Drake, crediting an acid trip for kickstarting their creative bond.

The Atlanta rapper and frequent Drake collaborator reflected on how their creative connection began during a livestream Wednesday night (August 13).

“I manifested it, bro,” Yachty said during his appearance on PlaqueBoyMax’s stream. “I was doing acid one night, bro, and I was like, man, I would really love to work with Drake, man. That’s like one of my favorite rappers. I was just talking to the abyss, like I was speaking to a higher power, and I manifested it. I did.”

He added, “This was years ago. This is before we ever did anything.”

The Atlanta rapper’s vision eventually turned into a full-fledged creative partnership.

Their first official track together, “Oprah’s Bank Account,” dropped in 2020 and marked the beginning of a steady working relationship. Since then, Yachty has played a behind-the-scenes role on several major Drake projects.

Lil Yachty holds writing and production credits on multiple songs from Drake’s 2023 album For All The Dogs and Her Loss, his joint project with 21 Savage.

The collaboration goes beyond the studio, with both artists referring to each other as “brothers” despite occasional speculation about tension—most recently over a leaked track last year.

Drake made it clear just how much Yachty’s input shaped For All The Dogs, telling him directly, “I don’t think this album is what it is if I don’t get to run everything by you. If I don’t get to sit in the studio and write with you, and think with you, and if you don’t send me beats, and if you don’t tell me what you believe in or don’t believe in.”

Westside Gunn Slams Griselda Breakup Rumors In Online Clash Over Paris Incident

Westside Gunn set the record straight in a heated rant when a social media user tried to stir the pot about alleged tension within Griselda and a supposed fallout between Benny The Butcher and Conway The Machine during a recent stop in Paris.

The Griselda co-founder fired back after someone online referenced the rumored scuffle and claimed Benny “flew the coop.”

Gunn fired off, “U mean Benny who I was just on stage with 5 days ago, or who Mom lives with my mom and we just had lunch today Benny.”

He added, “Use that mop/broom combo in ya background to whipe yaself off the planet … again it’s NOTHING yall can do or say it’s pointless Beloveds. GOD DOES LIKE UGLY.”

The exchange started after Gunn made a bold comparison online, prompting a user to bring up the alleged altercation in Europe.

Gunn quickly shut it down, saying, “Exactly Outside n#### trynna speak on in house. Who do yall n##### think yall is, s### be hilarious, yall don’t know us and we don’t know yall. Internet for goofies.”

Conway The Machine Shuts Down Benny The Butcher Altercation & Griselda Split Speculation

The online back-and-forth came days after rumors swirled that Benny and Conway had a physical confrontation while on tour overseas.

But Conway addressed the speculation directly during an appearance on “Way Up With Angela Yee,” brushing it off as overblown.

“Another night with the fellas,” Conway said, downplaying the incident. While he admitted “something did happen,” he chalked it up to late-night antics and alcohol, insisting there was no real beef. He didn’t go into specifics but made it clear there’s no rift in the crew.

“There’s no tension, no split, no drama,” he said, aiming to put the rumors to rest.

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Despite the online chatter, both Conway and Westside Gunn have made it clear that Griselda is intact and the brotherhood remains.

Remy Ma & Claressa Shields Set Record Straight On Fight Rumors

Remy Ma and Claressa Shields shut down internet chatter on Wednesday (August 13) after a recycled video clip led people to believe they had been in a physical altercation over their ongoing personal feud.

A short video of Shields went viral earlier this week, showing the boxing champ saying, “Come fight me, please,” and “Quit playing with me. I ran up on that hoe.”

The clip quickly sparked speculation that she was referring to Remy Ma, following months of public tension between the two women.

However, the footage, which many believed showed Shields admitting to putting hands on the Bronx rapper, was actually from an earlier incident involving fellow boxer Alycia Baumgardner.

Shields clarified the mix-up herself, stating, “This is fake, this video I was talking about when I ran down on Baumgardner.”

She followed up with another post that read, “Y’all know damn well I ain’t got into no fight with nobody. Who stupid enough to try me outside the ring. Please stop lying.”

Remy Ma also weighed in, brushing off the rumors with a few laughing emojis and writing, “imagine the f*ck that. Definitely NOT tawkin bout me… cuz umm yeah.”

The drama between the two dates back to late 2024 when Remy Ma publicly revealed Shields had been involved with her estranged husband Papoose.

Shields later admitted to a private relationship with the rapper beginning in August 2024.

Since then, the two have exchanged jabs online, with Shields once going viral for saying she’d fight Remy Ma for a dollar after accusing her of leaking her phone number.

Despite the heated history, both women made it clear this week that no physical altercation ever happened.

Anthony Mackie Locks Lips With Mysterious White Woman – Hilarious Reactions Erupt

Anthony Mackie got caught mid-smooch in the middle of Notting Hill, locking lips with a mystery blonde while on break from shooting Avengers: Doomsday — and folks online had a field day.

Dude was really going in, grabbing her butt like a rom-com lead and cheesing like he didn’t care who saw. Paparazzi were quick to snap it up, and now the pics are everywhere.

Mackie’s usually lowkey about his dating life, so seeing him out here in full PDA mode had people doing double takes.

The woman’s identity is still in question. But based on the body language, they definitely weren’t strangers. No one’s sure if this is a new boo or someone he’s been seeing on the low, but either way, they looked really into each other.

This is one of the few times the Captain America star has been seen getting cozy since his split from Sheletta Chapital back in 2018. Since then, he’s kept things pretty private when it comes to romance.

Once the photos hit the internet, folks wasted no time chiming in with jokes. One person even labeled Mackie “The Winter Soldier.”

So far, Mackie hasn’t said a word about the mystery woman or the makeout session. Until he speaks up, the internet’s running wild with theories — and memes.

Excerpt:

Claressa Shields vs. Remy Ma? Viral Clip Sparks Fake Beef Rumor

Claressa Shields and Remy Ma in a full-blown street fight?

What the…

That’s what the internet wanted you to believe last week. The way the rumor was cooked up, you would’ve thought it was the undisputed women’s boxing champ versus the Terror Squad queen in some wild celebrity death match.

The clip was floating around showing Shields talking spicy, and folks swore up and down she was aiming at Remy, after a confrontation. I was about to hit the green light on a rumor alert. It was strong. Strong enough to make me think “this is too good to be true.”

We actually do journalism over here. So before I pulled the trigger, I slid the video over to one of our team members who eats, sleeps, and breathes boxing. This man saw the red flags immediately. First, you couldn’t find the footage anywhere else online except on the random little site that posted it. Second, Shields says, “Meet me at 54.”

Now, to regular folks, that sounds like an address. To boxing people, that’s a weight class, 154 pounds. Third, she name-drops “Fight Hype,” which is a huge boxing media outlet.

Last thing…

She never once mentioned Remy. Not Papoose’s name. Nothing. She wasn’t even talking about the Bronx MC at all. The fire was aimed at fellow fighter Alycia Baumgardner, stemming from a heated exchange at a press conference. In other words, it was all about boxing, not Bronx drama.

So why did this nonsense blow up? Somebody intentionally chopped up the clip, slapped their watermark on it, and threw it into the rumor mill, hoping to stir up clicks, chaos, and controversy. Mission accomplished — but not over here. You can’t just throw hands at the truth and expect it to go down easy.

And let’s clear another thing up. Claressa’s hands aren’t “registered weapons.” That’s one of those urban myths that’s been passed around so long it sounds official. She can definitely defend herself, but there’s no magical government registry for knockout punches.

This fake beef almost snuck through, but a little fact-checking saved the day. And honestly, it’s a shame because if this were true, the fallout would’ve been ugly for both ladies. Instead, this one goes into the “nice try” category.

For the record, I won’t post the original video. But that’s real corny.

But here you go…

New Doc On Kanye West’s Tumultuous Life Drops, Fans React

Kanye West is back in the spotlight and not for a new album—his chaotic personal life, mental health battles and ugly fallout with Kim Kardashian are all front and center in a raw new doc called In Whose Name?, dropping in theaters September 19, 2025.

The trailer for the six-year project, directed by Nicolás Ballesteros, dropped Tuesday and it’s already got people talking.

The footage is packed with emotional rollercoasters, tense moments, and Kanye saying jaw-dropping comments like, “I would rather be dead than be on medication.”

The film dives into Kanye’s long, messy journey with bipolar disorder—though now, he says he was misdiagnosed and actually has autism.

Kim also pops up in the trailer, visibly worn out and emotional, telling Ye, “Your personality was not like this a few years ago.”

Ballesteros captured more than 3,000 hours of footage over six years, trailing Ye from Sunday Service rehearsals to his failed presidential run, and everywhere in between.

“What began as a silent observation evolved into a profound journey of artistic and personal growth. Immersed in Ye’s world of extremes, he bore witness to brilliance and breakdowns, triumphs and turmoil, but also observed the paranoia and intensity that increasingly shaped Ye’s world,” a synopsis for the film reads.

The doc shows the collapse of his marriage, his public meltdowns, and his ongoing tug-of-war with meds. At one point, he admits, “I’ve been off my meds for five months now.”

The film doesn’t sugarcoat anything. It’s raw, unfiltered and lets viewers sit with the chaos. No narrator. No spin. Just Ye being Ye—sometimes genius, sometimes spiraling, always unpredictable.

It also revisits major moments from Kanye’s career between 2019 and 2024, including the Jesus Is King, Donda, and Donda 2 eras.

There’s also footage of him walking through his childhood home in Chicago, reflecting on his roots and everything he’s lost.

There’s no word yet on whether Kanye gave this the green light, but the footage speaks for itself.

Keke Palmer Refuses To Feel Guilty For Being Working Parent

Keke Palmer tackled the double standards of motherhood and career pressure in a recent Parents interview, where she dismissed guilt as a burden working parents shouldn’t carry.

“Don’t feel guilt,” Palmer told the magazine. “Your child is your child because you were meant to be their parent. And as a working parent, it could be really, really hard because you’re wondering like, ‘Damn, is this good for me and my child?’”

The 31-year-old actress and singer, known for roles in Hustlers and The Pickup, shares her 2-year-old son Leo with ex-partner and former football player Darius Jackson.

She pointed to the financial strain many families face today as a reason to drop the shame around needing help or choosing to work.

“The reality is, if you got to work, you got to work,” she said. “Just don’t feel guilt where it pertains to receiving help with your child, because it takes a village. I think that’s important, and especially in this economy where everybody’s got to go to work.”

Palmer also explained how motherhood helped her define her personal limits, especially in an unpredictable industry like entertainment.

“I think a lot of times you can feel like you got to do this, or you got to do that, or you feel like that you can’t make a choice, especially in this kind of industry where it’s up and down,” she said. “But when you have a child that needs you, it’s easier for you to prioritise what is best for your sense of self.”

Palmer’s comments arrive as more working parents speak out about the mental load of balancing careers and caregiving.

Spike Lee Reverses Course On Saying Goodbye To Denzel Washington

Spike Lee reversed course in New York, stepping back from earlier comments that his fifth movie with Denzel Washington would mark the end of their decades-long collaboration.

At a Cannes Film Festival press conference in May, Lee had suggested that their upcoming thriller Highest 2 Lowest would likely be their final joint project.

But when asked about that statement during the film’s U.S. premiere, the Oscar-winning director made it clear he’s no longer so sure.

“I said that before, but I got my mind right,” Lee told The Hollywood Reporter. “I’m open to work with Denzel Washington and this not be the last film of the dynamic duo, D and Lee.”

The pair’s creative partnership spans more than 30 years, beginning with 1990’s Mo’ Better Blues and continuing through Malcolm X, He Got Game and Inside Man.

Their latest effort, Highest 2 Lowest, marks their first collaboration in nearly two decades.

During the Cannes event, Lee hinted at Washington’s possible retirement as a reason for the farewell tone.

“I think this is it — five. He’s been talking about retirement, so… Even though he just did another deal. I thought you said you were retired Denzel, what’s up?! But those five films together, those stand up,” Lee said.

Highest 2 Lowest is a modern English-language retelling of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic High and Low.

In the new version, Washington plays a powerful music executive who becomes the target of an extortion plot after his driver’s son is mistakenly kidnapped.

Lee revealed that the idea didn’t start with him.

“(He) had gotten the property and he sent it to me; he said, ‘Spike read the script. If you like, let’s go.’ I read it right away, called him up, I think the next day and said, ‘Let’s go.’ It happened like that,” he said.

The film also features performances from Jeffrey Wright and A$AP Rocky. It will debut in select theaters before hitting Apple TV+ on September 5.

Toosii Pausing Rap Career For College Football

Toosii is pressing pause on the mic and picking up the pigskin—because the platinum-selling rapper wants to suit up for Division I college football. No cap.

The 25-year-old Syracuse native has been flooding his socials with workout clips and football drills, all part of his mission to make a wild crossover from Hip-Hop star to college athlete.

And he’s not being shy about it either.

“I’m gon be the first artist to go back and go D1 for football. I’m pushing myself everyday. #Myfirstlove,” he posted.

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Toosii’s been grinding at NC State’s football facilities, showing off his speed, footwork and gym sessions like he’s already on the team.

NFL safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and retired baller DeSean Jackson, who coaches at Delaware State University, have been showing him love, while the rest of the internet is either rooting for him or raising eyebrows.

Thing is, this isn’t a random stunt. Before his fame, Toosii actually played high school ball. Now he’s trying to run it back—literally—and make history as the first rapper to go from chart-topper to Division I roster.

Toosii is eyeing the 2025 season as his shot to make it real. Whether a school gives him that chance, and whether he can hang with dudes who’ve been grinding on the field for years, is the big question.

Snoop Dogg Named Los Angeles Community Chairman For FIFA World Cup 2026

Snoop Dogg has been named Los Angeles Community Chairman for the FIFA World Cup 2026, a move announced Tuesday (August 12) by the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission to boost local involvement ahead of the global tournament.

As community chairman, the Hip-Hop icon will represent the Host Committee’s outreach and legacy programs, helping to rally support and drive participation across the city as Los Angeles gets ready to host eight matches, including the U.S. Men’s National Team’s opener at SoFi Stadium.

“This isn’t just any tournament, this is the biggest event on the planet, and it’s coming to our city,” Snoop said. “LA is ready to show up with that signature style, culture and love for the beautiful game. I’m here to make sure the whole world has a great experience in our city, and everyone in our community gets a chance to participate. Stay tuned.”

The role places Snoop Dogg at the forefront of initiatives tied to the World Cup’s long-term impact, including youth soccer access, wellness programs, job training and neighborhood improvement efforts.

The appointment adds to Snoop’s growing presence in the sports world. Earlier this summer, he joined the ownership group of Swansea City, a Welsh club competing in the English Football League Championship. That group includes American investors Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen, along with Croatian star Luka Modrić.

Snoop also made waves during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he served as a special correspondent for NBC, offering commentary, hosting segments and becoming a breakout favorite among viewers for his enthusiastic support of Team USA.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Los Angeles playing a key role as one of the event’s major host cities.

How Italiachains is Putting Silver Chain Jewelers Out of Business

If you’ve bought a rope chain in the last 20 years—whether it was a 2mm rope chain, 5mm rope chain, chunky 8mm rope chain, or anything in between—there’s a good chance it came from one place: Italiachains.

Before 2024, Italiachains wasn’t a household name. In fact, most customers had no idea they existed. They were the “ghost supplier” behind nearly every mall kiosk, department store jewelry counter, and even some of your favorite internet jewelers like Luke Zion Jewelry and Harlembling. Yep, those guys.

The business model was simple:

  • Italiachains made premium diamond c####### chains and other Italian silver jewelry in Italy.
  • They sold them wholesale to middlemen across the USA.
  • Those middlemen slapped on a 20% to 100% markup and told you it was the “best deal in the mall.” (Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.)

This went on for decades. If you bought a mens rope chain at the mall in 2016 for $199, the kiosk guy probably paid Italiachains $99 for it. If you bought a 925 silver rope chain online for $300, odds are the seller bought it from Italiachains for $150. Everyone got paid—except the person who actually wore the chain.

The 2024 Plot Twist: Italiachains Goes Direct

In 2024, Italiachains looked around and said, “Wait a minute… why are we letting middlemen take all the profit and all the credit?”

So they flipped the script. Instead of supplying the mall kiosks, department stores, and online re-sellers, Italiachains went direct-to-consumer. Now anyone can buy the exact same Italian chains that used to be marked up by 100%, at factory-direct prices.

Imagine finding out the restaurant down the street has been buying its “house special pasta” from your Nonna… and you can just walk into Nonna’s kitchen and get it for half the price. That’s exactly what Italiachains did to the jewelry industry.

Why This Has Jewelers Nervous

Mall kiosks and online jewelers built entire businesses on Italiachains’ products. Now customers can skip the middleman and get their silver rope chain straight from the source. And here’s the kicker:

  • Better Prices – No 50% mall markup.
  • Better Quality – No cutting corners. Still made in Italy, still solid 925 sterling silver, still that diamond c####### chain sparkle.
  • More Sizes – From thin 2mm rope chains for layering to bold 5mm rope chains for a statement look.

That leaves the old resellers with two choices: slash their prices to compete… or try to sell “mystery metal” chains to make up the margins.

A (Slightly) Funny History of Rope Chains in America

Let’s be honest—rope chains are the peanut butter of the jewelry world. They go with everything, they last forever, and everyone from your uncle in the ‘80s to the rapper on your playlist has worn one.

For decades, Italiachains was the quiet hero, supplying Italian silver jewelry that made these moments possible:

  • The high school kid buying his first mens rope chain to wear with a fitted cap.
  • The dad treating himself to a 3mm rope chain after a big work bonus.
  • The grandma getting a delicate 2mm rope chain for her pendant (and telling everyone it was “custom”).

All those chains came from one place… but until recently, you never knew the name.

The Bottom Line

Now, thanks to Italiachains’ direct-to-consumer model, you can get authentic Italian chains—the same ones that fueled an entire industry—without paying the mall price tag.

If you’ve been shopping for a 925 silver rope chain, stop feeding the middleman and go straight to the source. Your wallet (and your neck) will thank you.

Pro Tip: Next time someone brags about their “custom” rope chain from the mall, just smile and say, “Nice. I got mine from Italiachains for half the price.” Then let them Google it.

Nick Cannon Explains Why “Co-Parenting” Term Is Harmful

Nick Cannon dismissed the term “co-parenting” during a recent episode of his podcast Nick Cannon @ Night while reflecting on his relationships with the mothers of his 12 children.

The 44-year-old entertainer and host of The Masked Singer responded to a fan question by saying he’s never been comfortable with the label.

“I’ve always kind of had an issue with that term,” Cannon said, explaining that he views parenting as a shared responsibility regardless of whether the parents are romantically involved.

“When you start throwing labels on things, I think it does more harm than help and can get very dangerous, because then everybody else has a preconceived notion of what you’re doing,” he said, according to People.

Nick Cannon admitted he’s still working on getting things right.

“I haven’t figured it out yet. I haven’t gotten it all the way right. But also to your point, if I just step into every situation with respect and compassion and individuality. That’s the other thing I always do with anyone I’m involved with in my life.”

He emphasized that he avoids lumping the mothers of his children into a single category.

“I don’t bunch them together. I really try my hardest not to be like, ‘Oh yeah, my baby mamas,’ you know, unless I’m telling a joke or something like that, but no one wants to be grouped into anything,” he said. “Everyone wants to be treated like an individual with respect and compassion.”

Cannon became a father in 2011 when he and then-wife Mariah Carey welcomed twins Moroccan and Monroe. The couple separated in 2014 after six years of marriage.

Since then, Cannon has fathered 10 more children with five other women. His children include Golden, Powerful, Zion, Zillion, Zen, Legendary, Onyx, Rise, Beautiful and Halo.

His son Zen died at five months old in 2021 following a battle with brain cancer.

Dr. Umar Johnson’s FDMG School Reportedly Has 99 Problems

DR. UMAR JOHNSON’S FDMG SCHOOL FACING SEIZURE?

Dr. Umar Johnson might be about to face his biggest test yet and it’s not a meme, snow bunny or lecture in sight. Word on the street is the FDMG Academy (they do not even have a website anymore) is tangled up in some serious trouble. The City of Wilmington reportedly ready to snatch the keys if $76,000 in unpaid water bills, penalties, and fees aren’t paid up.

There are reportedly two court judgments, writs of motion and the sheriff’s office sitting on standby. This bad boy is allegedly going to auction. It kind of sucks, but let me pose a question at the end of this writing. What happened to the Frederick Douglass & Marcus Garvey RBG International Leadership Academy for Black Boys?

Umar hasn’t said a lot. But check this floating online:

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There are reportedly $1.6 million in donations and that hasn’t gone unnoticed by higher forces. Then there’s two buildings that can’t seem to open over like a decade (he says six years). Now even his fans are saying his m.o. is “collect the money, shift the blame and keep the faithful followers giving again.” White supremacy isn’t the enemy this time.

There are school for young Black boys (and girls), but they’re just doing the work, not talking online.

Umar’s mouth may have boxed him in. He has years and years of rhetoric, blasting folks and more. He’s basically alienated potential big-money donors. This is more about fund raising than anything else. Remember, he didn’t want any government assistance. People looking for a savior have found something else and nobody likes this.

Some folks think that his “frozen accounts” claim is just his way of getting out of this mess. What if Dr. Umar came clean and admitted he was in over his head, would you forgive him? Accountability goes a long way with sheep. Wolves…not so much. We’ll see. White folks do not seem to know he even exists. So…there’s that.

It’s been over 20 years since he first talked about building a school. That’s longer than people’s entire K-12 education. He could’ve started with five to ten boys in a small space and built from there. Instead, we’ve got unpaid bills, endless fundraising pleas and more Instagram clips. DAMN.

This feels like a cruel joke. What would Marcus Garvey do?

Jim Jones Drops Podcast Bombshell With Fivio Foreign’s First Interview

Jim Jones officially kicked off his podcast journey with a first episode featuring Fivio Foreign, who opened up about life after jail and reconnecting with his children.

On Wednesday morning (August 12), Jones dropped a teaser for his new show, “Artist 2 Artist,” revealing that the Brooklyn rapper would be the debut guest.

In a preview clip, Fivio raised eyebrows when asked about seeing his kids after getting out of jail.

“How’d it feel seeing them when you came home?” Jones asked.

“I ordered the kids over and I just told the mothers, ‘I got them,’” Fivio replied.

Jones shared the clip on Instagram with the caption: “It’s never tht perfect time sometimes u just gotta do it @artist2artistt just a regular conversation something we all need to have wit our friends New show dropping.”

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While the official release date for the podcast hasn’t been confirmed, the buzz around the IFC studio—Jones’ newly launched media hub—is already building.

The Intellectual Factory for Content, or IFC, is a multi-use creative space offering recording studios, video production rooms and a sports bar set to open in summer 2025.

Earlier this month, Fivio was released after serving nearly 200 days behind bars.

He was arrested in January on multiple charges, including aggravated assault, terroristic threats and unlawful possession of a weapon.

The charges stemmed from an alleged incident on New Year’s Eve in New Jersey, where Fivio was accused of threatening a woman with a gun after she asked for help jumpstarting her car.

In May 2025, he pleaded guilty to third-degree terroristic threats as part of a plea deal. The remaining charges were dropped, and he was sentenced to time served, along with three years of probation.

Jim Jones Teases Podcast Launch

Jones had hinted at launching a podcast earlier this month, posting videos from inside the IFC and asking followers, “Don’t get scared now,” while teasing that nobody could outtalk him.

Though he initially said the podcast setup was just part of the facility’s offerings, it’s now clear he’s stepping into the content game himself.

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RZA Wants Rihanna To Name Her Baby After Ol’ Dirty Bastard

RZA threw out a wild baby name idea for Rihanna during the Nobody 2 premiere in Los Angeles—he wants her to name her next kid after his late Wu-Tang Clan brother, Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

Rihanna revealed at the 2025 Met Gala she’s expecting her third child with A$AP Rocky. The couple will keep their “R” name tradition, but the gender is still under wraps.

The Wu-Tang legend chopped it up with PEOPLE and didn’t hold back when asked what name he’d pitch for Rihanna’s third baby.

“You know what? ODB, because you know the legend must live on,” he said.

This all comes after Rihanna and A$AP Rocky named their first son RZA Athelston Mayers, a clear nod to the Wu-Tang mastermind himself.

RZA’s been open about how much that meant to him, telling CNN, “It is a great honor to know that there’s another generation that’s not even of my own household that feels the strength and the inspiration of that name.”

Rihanna’s been spotted rocking Wu-Tang gear, so it’s not like the baby name came outta nowhere. She’s clearly got love for the crew.

As for ODB—real name Russell Jones—he passed away back in 2004 at just 35 years old. He collapsed at RZA’s studio in NYC and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The medical examiner ruled it an accidental overdose caused by a fatal combo of cocaine and the painkiller tramadol.

ODB helped launch Wu-Tang into the stratosphere with their 1993 debut Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).

His solo debut, Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version, dropped in 1995 and went platinum, powered by tracks like “Brooklyn Zoo” and “Shimmy Shimmy Ya.”

The dude was known for his wild energy and unpredictable style, making him one of the most unforgettable voices in Hip-Hop history.

So, if RiRi’s really eyeing baby number three, RZA’s got dibs on the name—and he’s keeping the Wu legacy alive while he’s at it.

Drake Shocks With Latest Kendrick Lamar Legal Strategy

Drake is taking his battle with Kendrick Lamar into the courtroom. But you already know this. There’s a new move that has us Hip-Hop heads scratching our heads.

(((Breathes in deeply)))

In a surprising twist, Drake’s legal team has reportedly asked Universal Music Group to hand over documents related to domestic violence allegations against Kendrick. The request has left many wondering what the Toronto superstar hopes to gain. (I’m trying to maintain my professional side here.) Kendrick has more or less dismissed these accusations by featuring his smiling wife and children in the music video “Not Like Us.”

It doesn’t stop there. Drake’s camp is also asking for information on manager Dave Free’s relationship with Kendrick’s kids. Yes, you read that right. The bizarre request has people speculating whether this is some kind of obscure legal maneuver or just a puzzling fishing expedition.

One more time…

Check this out:

DOCUMENT REQUEST NO. 50:

From January 1, 2014 to the present, all Documents and Communications relating to allegations of domestic violence, violence against women, and/or other forms of violence committed by Kendrick Lamar Duckworth.

DOCUMENT REQUEST NO. 51:

From January 1, 2019 to the present, all Documents and Communications relating to David Isaac Friley (a/k/a Dave Free) and his relationship with Kendrick Lamar Duckworth and Kendrick Lamar Duckworth’s children.

This type of move is unprecedented in rap beef. Subpoenas? We’ve never seen this happen before in a rap battle. I guess it is no longer a battle, right? That was over a year or more ago.

Drake isn’t just dealing with the legal feud. He’s gearing up to release his new album Iceman and anticipation is boiling over. Hardcore supporters and casual listeners alike are ready to see if the 6 God can deliver a musical comeback. His latest legal moves keep reminding us that he’s basically a sore loser.

Maybe this is all part of a bigger plan. Maybe. But…it feels like Drake’s strategy is like playing chess on a checker board. Or checkers on a board with no squares. We’re all over the place. If Drake wanted to keep the focus on the music, these courtroom antics are doing the opposite. A musical comeback will do what a loss in a rap battle or a legal win could never do.