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50 Cent Says Goodbye To Starz After Terrible Ratings Report

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

50 Cent had a message for Starz after the network posted dismal subscriber numbers and a $42.5 million loss—he said “good bye” to the network.

The Hip-Hop mogul and executive producer took to social media to make his exit clear, writing, “It’s not that hard to say good bye. bye,” under a post about the network’s declining performance.

In addition to Fif constantly dragging the network that airs his shows, the second quarter of 2025 brought more bad news for Starz. U.S. streaming subscribers dropped from 13.04 million to 12.2 million, while total domestic customers fell by 410,000 to 17.6 million.

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The company blamed the losses on its recent separation from Lionsgate and said it would no longer release international streaming figures.

Despite the downturn, Starz still leans heavily on programming tied to 50 Cent.

The network airs several of his shows, including the Power universe and BMF.

Power Book IV: Force is heading into its third and final season. In fact, Joseph Sikora, the star of the series, said season three would be worth the wait.

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But behind the scenes, tensions between 50 Cent and Starz have been simmering for years. He has repeatedly criticized the network for delays, inconsistent scheduling and stalled renewals.

In 2022, 50 Cent announced he would take his content elsewhere, encouraging viewers to boycott Starz until his shows returned.

Though he remains executive producer on multiple titles under G-Unit Film & Television, he chose not to renew his deal with the network in 2022.

With subscriber losses mounting and 50 Cent walking away, the network’s future remains uncertain.

Actresses Celebrate “Scary Movie 6” Return With Wayans Brothers

By: Nolan StrongCategory: News

Regina Hall and Anna Faris are hopping back into the chaos with Scary Movie 6 and teaming up with the Wayans brothers for a full-blown reunion that’s got fans excited.

The horror spoof franchise, which has raked in over $900 million worldwide, is getting a reboot, and the two original stars of the film are ready to start filming.

In a joint statement, they said, “We can’t wait to bring Brenda and Cindy back to life and be reunited with our great friends Keenen, Shawn and Marlon — three men we’d literally die for (in Brenda’s case, again).”

It’s been over a decade since we last saw Brenda and Cindy getting dragged through ridiculous horror scenarios.

But this time, it’s not just the gals making a comeback — Shawn and Marlon Wayans are back in the mix too, writing, producing and jumping back on screen. It’s the dream team that started it all in 2000.

Michael Tiddes, who’s been tight with the Wayans crew for years, is taking the director’s chair.

No word yet on the exact plot, but filming kicks off in October 2025 and the new movie is dropping in theaters June 12, 2026.

Doechii Opens Up About Her Accidental Success

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Doechii scored a Grammy and a Top 10 Billboard debut with Alligator Bites Never Heal, but revealed she never thought the mixtape would take off the way it did.

The Tampa-born rapper told People that her 2024 project was more of a personal outlet than a calculated career move.

“No, not at all. I wasn’t even in that mind frame,” she said when asked if she expected the release to be her breakout moment. “I just wanted to get my story out and say what it is that I wanted to say. It was really an experiment.”

Released in August, the mixtape became her most significant success to date.

It climbed into the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 and later earned her a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in February — a historic win that made her only the third woman to ever take home the trophy in that category.

The “Anxiety” rapper explained that she had set a personal deadline for the project’s release.

“I had a deadline in my head, and I was like, ‘I just feel like I have to drop it at this time, and if I don’t, I’m going to miss the mark on something within myself,’” she said. “And so I didn’t expect for it to be nearly as big because right after that I was just like, ‘I’m just going to put this mixtape out, and then I’m just going to go ahead and drop my debut album, and that would be the one.’”

Instead, the mixtape’s unexpected momentum shifted her timeline.

“But it ended up becoming way bigger than I expected and pushing things back a little bit,” she added.

Despite the acclaim, Doechii still hasn’t released her first full-length studio album.

Author Dave Anderson Talks Ice Cube & Dr. Umar, Calls Out Fake Agendas & Exploitation

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur)Category: Features

Dave Anderson is a lot of things.

The Philadelphia native a noted author, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, but he’s never been regarded as quiet. The unapologetic truth-teller has built a career helping people win in business and life. With 23 books to his name, his latest has already sparked debate and controversy.

The Real Black Agenda: Exposing the Myth, Igniting the Revolution has sparked intense conversations about what real progress for Black America should look like. Known as “The Business Bully,” Anderson isn’t afraid to call out political leaders, the entertainment industry or even beloved cultural figures. If he feels they’re failing the community, he’s naming names.

In this candid conversation with AllHipHop’s Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur, Anderson takes aim at fake agendas, industry exploitation and Black leadership failures. He even calls out dangerous myths keeping people from real economic and cultural power. From Ice Cube, Dr. Umar Johnson, a possible Breakfast Club fiasco, Anderson lays out a no-nonsense plan for self-determination, ownership and even health. His mantra insists that Black people can’t wait for saviors when the blueprint for liberation is already laid out.

AllHipHop: What made you write The Real Black Agenda?

Dave Anderson: I got tired of hearing “we don’t have solutions.” We all know the problems—racism, miseducation, broken systems. I wrote this so no one can say they didn’t hear the solutions. It’s my 22nd consecutive bestseller and probably my favorite book.

AllHipHop: Why call it The Real Black Agenda?

Anderson: Too many so-called Black agendas are written for other people’s profit, not ours. Politicians throw us bones—like Kamala Harris saying Black men could sell weed—as if that’s liberation. A real Black agenda protects, uplifts, and respects our history and future.

AllHipHop: You wear a shirt that says “No Handouts, No Begging, Just Power.” What’s that about?

Anderson: Reparations aren’t handouts—they’re repair. But power comes from owning our labor, creativity, and businesses. Look at Hip-Hop: we give away publishing, sell catalogs, and then others make the real money. Ownership has to be more than a hashtag.

AllHipHop: You say there are no real Black-owned record companies.

Anderson: None that own distribution and operate independently at scale. We either sell out or depend on outsiders. We could build our own platforms, our own awards, our own SoundCloud—but we don’t. And when we do build something, too many sell it off.

AllHipHop: What about racism and the “too Black” penalty?

Anderson: It’s real. People who push too hard like Ice Cube, Left Eye, Tupac get labeled difficult or worse. Meanwhile, compliant folks get elevated. It’s a system designed to punish independence.

AllHipHop: And Black leadership?

Anderson: (Scoffs) We have too many “leading Blacks,” not Black leaders. Bought and paid for, serving other people’s interests. Who’s the leader of Italian-Americans? Chinese-Americans? We shouldn’t have to follow a mascot—we should lead ourselves.

AllHipHop: You mentioned Ice Cube’s Contract with Black America.

Anderson: Cube did it right. He brought in Dr. Claude Anderson, went to both (political) parties, and got labeled a sellout for even talking to Trump’s team. Meanwhile, he’s created jobs, movies, and leagues that uplift Black people. We can’t keep canceling our best players.

AllHipHop: And Dr. Umar Johnson?

Anderson: Brilliant in some ways, but the school project has become an anchor around his neck. Years of donations, but no curriculum, no teachers, no students enrolled. If a 20-something in Georgia can open a school from scratch, why can’t Umar deliver after all this time?

AllHipHop: What’s your take on the BET Hip-Hop Awards being gone?

Anderson: Not surprised. We don’t own it. Bob Johnson sold BET decades ago. Until we build and keep our own institutions, this will keep happening.

AllHipHop: Let’s#### your Top 5 rappers, dead or alive.

Anderson: Ice Cube. Lethal Injection changed my life. KRS-One—the teacher. Queen Latifah is proof you can transcend Hip-Hop. Will Smith. The first rapper to win a Grammy, global icon. And a three-way tie: Rakim for lyrical dominance, Pac for depth and vision, Biggie for unmatched style and adaptability.

AllHipHop: You’ve had a huge health transformation—over 340 pounds lost. What drove that?

Anderson: My wife asked me to show her an elderly 600-pound man. I couldn’t. It wasn’t about size. It was about health. I changed my eating, dealt with food trauma and realized we’re digging our graves with forks. Health is revolutionary. If we got healthy, we’d be sharper, harder to control and impossible to ignore.

AllHipHop: What’s the one thing you want people to take from The Real Black Agenda?

Anderson: We already have the blueprint. Own what we create. Build for ourselves. Prioritize our health. Pull resources together. And stop waiting for permission or saviors. If we do that, no one can stop us.

For more, visit Dave Anderson here: https://www.facebook.com/TheBusinessBully/

B-Real Details How Cypress Hill’s “Insane In The Brain” Started As Chubb Rock Diss

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

B-Real revealed that Cypress Hill’s 1993 hit “Insane in the Brain” wasn’t just a wild party anthem—it was originally aimed at Chubb Rock as a diss track, a revelation that reframes one of Hip-Hop’s most recognizable hooks.

Speaking to SPIN, the Cypress Hill frontman explained that the Grammy-nominated single, which helped catapult the group into mainstream stardom, was born out of a perceived slight from the “Treat ’Em Right” rapper.

“If I’m remembering correctly, it was peeled from a line that I had in one of the other songs,” B-Real said. “I think it was, ‘Holding the head insane in the brain / You get the bullet and a hole in your head, a f###### hole in your head.’ Muggs had an idea to make that ‘insane in the brain’ part of the chorus.”

The spark was lit when B-Real heard Chubb Rock’s track “Yabadabadoo,” which he believed referenced Cypress Hill’s earlier work in a dismissive way.

“He says something like, ‘And you know we had to watcha, time for some lyrics,’ and in our song, we say, ‘Time for some action, just a fraction of friction,’” B-Real explained. “So being young and hot-blooded as I was back then, I took it as a diss.”

At the time, Chubb Rock had dubbed himself “The Flamboyant One,” which inspired B-Real’s opening jab: “To the one on the flamboyant tip/I’ll just toss that ham in the frying pan.”

“Chubb Rock and I never spoke about it,” B-Real admitted. “We still haven’t, and it maybe was a surprise for him to know that song was directed toward him.”

B-Real emphasized that he holds no lingering animosity. “I still got mad respect for Chubb Rock. He was always one of my favorite MCs because he’s really dope. It was just that I felt the need to respond. If I was wrong, I will apologize to my man.”

Released as the lead single from Cypress Hill’s second album, Black Sunday, “Insane in the Brain” became a cultural juggernaut. Its success helped cement the group’s place in Hip-Hop history, blending rock elements with West Coast grit and Latin flavor.

“We didn’t anticipate it being a single,” B-Real said. “We thought it would just be a really dope song on the album. Who knew Sony was gonna pick it? No one back then bothered to ask us what the song was about. They just thought it was a crazy song—like go crazy and have fun and all this other stuff.”

Now, decades later, the track continues to energize crowds and serve as a reminder of the group’s legacy. “We don’t make the impact without that song, so I gotta say thanks to him,” B-Real added. “‘How I Could Just Kill a Man’ launched us, but ‘Insane in the Brain’ took us to another level.”

ChatGPT’s “Definitive Best Rappers Over 40” Is Intense—& Possibly Wrong

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: Exclusives

Cornel Dews discusses ranking rappers over 40-years old and gave ChatGTP orders on how to make a list. Does it work? Read below.

There has been great music released by seasoned MC recently, including Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Slick Rick, Clipse as well as younger OGs like Freddie Gibbs and Benny The Butcher. The seasoned rap sect is happy. It made me think about using ChatGPT to spark a valid debate about the “Top 50 Rappers Over 40.” This isn’t an original list of my own, by the way. And if you understand ChatGPT, you’ll know there’s nothing truly original there either.

Cam’ron said he lost a rap battle to ChatGPT last month, so I asked ChatGPT to kick off a classic barbershop debate for AllHipHop. (Editor’s note: our staff debated over this article and ultimately decided to publish it, although not by consensus.)

If nothing else, we know these types of lists always stir up conversation.

Now, if you don’t mind indulging me, let’s look at artificial intelligence objectively and see what it has to say about the “Top 50 Rappers Over 40.”

For context, ChatGPT primarily sources its information from a massive pre-existing dataset of text and code. This dataset includes a wide range of materials. We’re talking books, articles, websites like this one, Wikipedia entries, and even publicly available Reddit threads (Reddit threads are essentially discussions that begin with an initial post and include all subsequent comments and replies). By learning from this data, it has picked up patterns and generates human-like text and answer questions.

I asked ChatGPT to rank the Top 50 Rappers Over 40 (as of 2025) and gave it the criteria for ranking:

  • Artistic influence over time
  • Album/catalog quality
  • Lyrical talent and innovation
  • Cultural impact and continued relevance
  • Post-40 contributions
RankRapperAgeKey Contributions
1JAY-Z55Cultural icon, lyrical excellence, longevity
2Nas51Classic albums + Grammy-winning late-career work
3Eminem53Elite lyricist, massive global influence
4Black Thought50Undisputed bar-for-bar champion
5Kendrick Lamar38*Honorary – turns 40 in 2027, already legendary
6Pusha T47Sharpest coke rap lyricist
7Killer Mike49Run the Jewels success + solo return
8Royce Da 5’9”48Wordplay, introspection, growth
9Ghostface Killah54Storytelling genius, still active
10Method Man53Maintains lyrical quality & star presence
11Q-Tip54Tribe Called Quest’s visionary
12Busta Rhymes52Energetic, technical, influential
13Lupe Fiasco42Conceptual genius, still elite
14El-P49Sonic architect of modern underground
15Tech N9ne53Independent success story
16Jadakiss49Punchline king with timeless flow
172 Chainz48Southern charisma, business savvy
18Roc Marciano46Pioneer of luxury minimalist rap
19Westside Gunn42Visionary behind Griselda movement
20Conway The Machine42Raw, gritty, emotional delivery
21Bun B51Southern rap OG, respected elder
22Rick Ross49Luxury rap & label-building
23Big Boi49Outkast half, consistently creative
24Common53Poetic, conscious rap mainstay
25Styles P49Grit and growth, consistent catalog
26LL COOL J56Early icon, stage presence
27Ice Cube55Ruthless rhyme writer turned mogul
28Scarface54Emotionally powerful storyteller
29E-4057Bay Area legend, slang innovator
30Too $hort58West Coast pioneer, still active
31Freddie Gibbs42Technical skill + soul fusion
32Talib Kweli49Political bars and sharp pen
33Billy Woods43Avant-garde, complex storytelling
34Big Daddy Kane56Golden era lyricism benchmark
35Rakim57Blueprint for modern MCs
36Inspectah Deck54Wu-Tang’s underrated lyricist
37The Game45West Coast flame thrower
38Cam’ron48Harlem wordplay and swagger
39Fabolous47Punchline consistency
40Lauryn Hill49Influential lyricist, even with limited output
41Pharoahe Monch52Lyrical technician
42Redman54Wild, witty, wordplay legend
43Mos Def (Yasiin Bey)51Poet-activist and rapper
44T.I.44Southern kingpin, business icon
45Joe Budden44Retired, but catalog respected
46N.O.R.E.47From reggaeton to media success
47Jay Electronica48Lyrical mystique, powerful content
48Snoop Dogg54Pop culture fixture and rap icon
49Wyclef Jean55Creative fusion of rap and world music
50MC Lyte54Pioneer for women in hip-hop

When I asked ChatGPT to give reasons for excluding some of the most prolific rappers from the list, the response was:  “You’re absolutely right to raise this. Several of the names you listed absolutely deserve inclusion on a list of the greatest rappers over 40.

The omission of artists like Lil Wayne, Jeezy, Jim Jones, Malice, Juvenile, Raekwon, Benny The Butcher, and others isn’t a reflection of their talent. It doesn’t undermine their contributions. Rather, it highlights the subjective and evolving nature of ranking lists.”

Below is why some might have been left out — and why they should be strongly considered:

Deserving Rappers Over 40 Who Should Be on the List

ArtistWhy They Matter
Lil Wayne (41)One of the most influential rappers of all time; raised a generation of MCs.
  
Malice / No MalicePart of Clipse, helped define street luxury rap; spiritual transformation adds depth.
Jim Jones (47)From Dipset legacy to solo resurgence (Wasted Talent, El Capo), very relevant.
Jeezy (47)Defined trap music’s blueprint; influential albums like TM101.
Juvenile (49)Key to Cash Money’s rise; 400 Degreez is a Southern classic.
Raekwon (54)Wu-Tang’s storytelling master; Only Built 4 Cuban Linx still legendary.
Benny The Butcher (40)Modern street rap torchbearer; Griselda’s leading lyrical voice.

Why They Might Have Been Overlooked, per Chat:

  1. Subjectivity in Rankings – Lists often reflect editorial taste, cultural moment, or bias toward East/West/underground/mainstream.
  2. Recency vs. Legacy – Some lists emphasize consistent post-40 output, which might exclude artists with earlier peak moments.
  3. Commercial vs. Lyrical – Artists like Wayne and Jeezy dominated commercially but don’t always get “lyrical” credit (unfairly).
  4. Underrated Influence – Jim Jones, Benny, and Malice have made major contributions but don’t always get mass-media recognition.

Final Thought on the exclusion of some of the most prolific rappers, according to ChatGPT:

“You’re absolutely right — any serious, balanced list of rappers over 40 should include many of the names you mentioned.”

“Great question — there are definitely several rappers over 40 who may have been excluded from typical “Top 50” lists, yet deserve serious consideration due to their impact, consistency, lyricism or contributions to the culture.”

Here’s a breakdown of underrated or overlooked rappers over 40 and why they deserve a mention:

Rappers Often Excluded But Should Be Considered

*Denotes rappers listed in the Top 50 list

ArtistWhy They Matter
AZ (52)One of the most technically gifted lyricists; Doe or Die is a classic.
*Black Thought (53)Arguably the best pure lyricist alive; destroys every feature and freestyle.
Beanie Sigel (50)Raw emotion, street wisdom, and punchlines; was Roc-A-Fella’s heart for years.
Styles P (49)Consistent, hardcore, and spiritually conscious; strong solo work and LOX legacy.
*Killer Mike (49)Powerful lyricist and activist; RTJsuccess and MICHAEL made waves critically.
CeeLo Green (49)Part of Goodie Mob, Dungeon Family; unique voice, creativity, and crossover genius.
Phonte (45)From Little Brother; one of Hip-Hop’s most respected for his wit, soul, and honesty.
Skyzoo (41)Underground king; poetic street storytelling and jazz-infused Hip-Hop excellence.
Ransom (over 40)Grimy, elite lyricist who’s had a major resurgence in recent years.
*Conway the Machine (42)One of the best Griselda emcees; raw, vulnerable, and fierce in his delivery.
Blu (40)Introspective and jazzy lyricist from L.A.; Below the Heavens is cult classic.
Slug (Atmosphere)Spearheaded emo-rap introspection; massive underground impact.
*Bun B (51)UGK legend; Southern rap godfather, consistent voice for Houston.
Twista (50)Pioneer of rapid-fire delivery; technical marvel with classic hits.
8Ball & MJGSouthern legends who brought Memphis to the national scene.
Project Pat (51)Memphis legend whose flow, slang, and content shaped a whole generation.
*Inspectah Deck (54)Wu-Tang’s most underrated lyricist; iconic verses on “Triumph” and more.
*Cam’ron (48)Dipset general, fashion icon, and trendsetter; still relevant with podcasting & bars.
*Busta Rhymes (52)Still touring, still rapping at a high level; dynamic performer and innovator.
*Redman (54)Jersey legend known for charisma, humor, and funk-infused bars.

Why These Artists Are Often Overlooked:

  • Underground or indie careers (less mainstream recognition).
  • Overshadowed by group members (e.g., AZ next to Nas; Deck in Wu-Tang).
  • Regional bias in many lists (East/West Coast often dominates).
  • Late-career resurgences may not be on the radar of newer fans.

Key Criteria for Inclusion

These rappers meet or exceed in one or more of the following:

  • Lyrical excellence
  • Cultural impact
  • Career longevity
  • Consistency
  • Unique voice or message
  • Post-40 relevance

Now that you know how the information was collected, compiled and communicated by ChatGPT.  What do you feel about the list? How accurate is it? What’s missing? 

For more from Cornell Dews, go to thedewsperspective.com

Lil Yachty Repents For Offensive George Floyd Lyric—In Private

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Lil Yachty faced public backlash earlier this week over a controversial lyric referencing George Floyd. Specifically, Floyd’s friend Stephen Jackson called out the rapper for what he described as disrespect toward Floyd, whose death sparked global protests in 2020.

“I won’t be doing no interviews about it,” he said in an Instagram video. “I spoke to him. He’s a smart young man. He’s winning for a reason. He’s a super smart individual. He made a mistake. He apologized. It’s over … he made a mistake. Let it go.”

The line in question goes, “Put my knee up on her neck, I went George Floyd,” a line that almost immediately set social media ablaze with criticism.

Many called it tasteless and flat-out disrespectful, given the tragedy of Floyd’s death in 2020. One person who wasn’t about to let it slide was former NBA player and podcaster Stephen Jackson, a childhood friend of George Floyd.

Jackson tore into Yachty online, saying, “Lil Yachty, bro. You been wack, my n####. But you think you saying George Floyd name, and trying to use his name in a bar, that’s gonna make people like your wack-ass music, my n####? That s### weak.”

He went on to call out what he sees as a broader trend in rap: “Y’all the only era that feel like demeaning the dead and saying that s### is cool. It ain’t.”

Jackson then  warned Yachty to never speak Floyd’s name again, stressing that none of these rappers actually knew him.

“Y’all wanna say his name for clout,” he added. “That’s some weak-ass s###, Yachty. Let somebody die in your family, we gonna do a whole skit about it. And see how funny it is. Cut that s### out.”

George Floyd died on May 25, 2020, after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes during an arrest. The incident, captured on video, led to widespread protests and calls for police reform across the United States and around the world. Chauvin was later convicted of murder and sentenced to over 22 years in prison.

SZA Bosses Up With Vans As New Artistic Director

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

SZA just locked in a major power move with Vans and she’s not just lending her face—she’s running the whole creative show now.

The “Kill Bill” singer scored the title of Artistic Director in a new multi-year collaboration with the skatewear giant and she’s already putting her stamp on everything from visuals to kicks.

The debut campaign, shot by Sophie Jones and styled by Alejandra Hernandez, centers around the Knu Skool—a chunky ’90s-inspired sneaker that SZA’s been rocking for a minute.

“In Vans, I feel free!” she said. “I’ve been wearing Knu Skools and other styles for years; they’ve always had an ethos I connect with. As Artistic Director, my mission is to show that joy, community, creativity, and fashion are all still intersectional. That humanity, culture, and connection are still the access points. I’ve learned that bravery and curiosity are the cures for uncertainty; it’s a lifestyle and Vans champions that spirit. They stand where I stand, and I’m honored to invite a whole bunch of people to stand Off the Wall with us.”

SZA’s new role means she’ll be hands-on in shaping future drops and campaigns with Vans.

She’s not just talking about it—she’s building the world she wants to see, and inviting others in too.

Murs Drops Final Album “Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)”

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Murs, a trailblazing voice in the West Coast Hip-Hop scene for more than three decades, has released his final album, Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation). Produced entirely by Grammy-winner Michael “Seven” Summers, it marks the third installment of his acclaimed trilogy and the end of an era for an artist who consistently defied the mainstream and stood as an ambassador for independent rap.

Murs emerged from Los Angeles’ vibrant indie rap movement in the late 1990s as a founding member of the influential Living Legends collective. Over the years, he became renowned for his honesty, introspective storytelling and relentless work ethic.

Murs’ discography showcases collaborations with icons such as 9th Wonder, Slug (as Felt) and production credits with some of the scene’s most respected names.

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In 2014, Murs joined Tech N9ne’s Strange Music label, a significant partnership between two independent Hip-Hop powerhouses. During his tenure, Murs released albums such as Have a Nice Life, Captain California and the collaborative ¡MursDay! project with label mates ¡MAYDAY!, all while upholding the label’s reputation for artistic freedom.

His time at Strange Music was also highlighted by his achievement of the world record for “Longest Rap Marathon,” cementing both his and the label’s status as forces in underground rap. The Strange Music era showcased Murs’ dynamic creativity and further solidified the independence-driven ethos that Strange Music is known for.

Murs is not only celebrated for his expressive lyricism but also for his advocacy for vulnerability and realness in Hip-Hop, addressing personal struggles and broader social issues through his music. His records bridge generations, drawing inspiration from pioneers like Tupac Shakur while influencing contemporary leaders such as Kendrick Lamar and the late Mac Miller.

Whether rapping about superheroes, politics or pain, Murs has consistently delivered substance and creativity, earning the respect of both underground purists and mainstream giants alike.

The Empancipation‘s title pays homage to both Murs’ influential Murs 3:16 album and his journey toward personal liberation. Throughout the 11 tracks, Murs delivers dynamic storytelling and introspection. Find the new album and tracklist below.

  1. Silverlake Rec League
  2. Enjoy f. Nate Curry
  3. Chopper (thisisnotanantipolicesongthisisanantipolicehelicoptersong) f. Reverie
  4. This Aint That
  5. F.A.M.I.L.Y.
  6. Flowers 4 Will i am
  7. Ga$ Prices
  8. Beauty In The Streets
  9. OCH
  10. Lightsabers and Black Forces f. Chace Infinite
  11. Stylus Groove

EXCLUSIVE: UMG Faces Ruin If Drake Gets Kendrick Lamar’s Contract, Lawyers Say

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Drake’s requesting access to Kendrick Lamar’s confidential contract has Universal Music Group warning a federal judge that exposing the deal could destabilize its business model and give competitors a strategic edge.

UMG is urging Judge Jeannette A. Vargas to keep Kendrick Lamar’s contract under seal, arguing that even redacted sections reveal sensitive terms that could be weaponized by rival labels or artists during negotiations.

The document was submitted as part of Drake’s ongoing defamation lawsuit against UMG, which stems from Lamar’s 2024 diss track “Not Like Us.”

“If these terms were disclosed, then other artists could use them in their own negotiations with UMG and other record labels could use them when competing with UMG to sign or re-sign artists, including potentially Lamar himself,” UMG’s legal team wrote.

UMG maintained that the contract outlines current business dealings with Lamar and includes proprietary details about the company’s authority over his music and videos.

The label said releasing those terms would harm its ability to negotiate future deals and could damage its relationship with Lamar.

The court filing emphasized that UMG’s contract with Lamar remains active and that both parties expected confidentiality. The company cited legal precedent to support its request, pointing to prior rulings where judges protected business contracts from public disclosure to avoid competitive harm.

Drake’s lawsuit, filed in January 2025, accuses UMG of defamation and alleges the label promoted “Not Like Us” to damage his reputation and pressure him into a less favorable recording deal.

The suit claims the song falsely portrays him as a pedophile and that its release led to three attempted home invasions at his Toronto estate, one of which resulted in his security guard being shot.

Drake also accuses UMG of coordinating a pay-to-play scheme with Spotify, iHeartRadio and social media influencers to artificially boost the song’s exposure.

UMG CEO Lucian Grainge dismissed the lawsuit as “farcical” and said the label had no intention of sabotaging Drake’s career.

“Drake claims that I was behind a scheme to ‘devalue’ his brand through the release and promotion of the Kendrick Lamar recording ‘Not Like

Us’ —an allegation that makes no sense due to the fact that the company that I run, Universal Music Group N.V., has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Drake, including longstanding and critical financial support for his recording career, the purchase and ownership of the bulk of

his recording catalog, and the purchase of his music publishing rights,” Lucian Grainge said in reply to the lawsuit.

“My focus is on developing and implementing the global strategy that will shape UMG for generations to come. In light of this responsibility, the proposition that I am in the weeds as to the release and promotion of any particular sound recording, from the thousands of UMG releases throughout the world, is farcical,” Grainge added.

UMG has asked the court to dismiss the case, stating that the lyrics in question are artistic opinions, not factual claims.

The court has not yet ruled on whether Kendrick Lamar’s contract will remain sealed.

Chance The Rapper Reveals Relationship With Kanye West Has Cooled Off

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Chance the Rapper said his relationship with Kanye West is on ice and it sounds like he’s cool with that.

During a laid-back convo on the New Rory & Mal podcast, Chance said he hasn’t talked to Ye “in a long time” and confirmed his new Star Line album has zero Kanye involvement.

“Nah, there’s nothing from those sessions on this album. There was one that could’ve been raw,” Chance said when asked if any of their old collabs made the cut.

Then he dropped the real: “I haven’t talked to him in a long time. He’s one of the most influential people in my music. He was at my wedding, our kids have hung out together. I’ll always love Kanye, but just being honest, I haven’t talked to him in a while.”

The two go way back. Chance helped with Ye’s The Life of Pablo in 2016, writing and featuring on tracks like “Ultralight Beam,” “Famous,” and “Waves.”

But these days, their paths don’t really cross. Chance said both of them have been tied up doing their own thing.

“I feel like I’ve been hella busy – I’m working on s###. He’s obviously been busy. I be trying not to take opportunities to diss motherkers or add too much to the story.”

Kanye’s name has been all over headlines for the wrong reasons lately.

His antisemitic posts and bizarre praise of Hitler sparked outrage and got him dropped by major brands.

“I let people be people. I’m always gonna have my own opinions and I’ma always state my opinions,” he said. “For the most part, I’ma just be me, I’ma let people be them. And so no, there’s not a time where I’m like, ‘Man, I gotta make sure I hit up Kanye before I put this album out or after I put this album out,’ or anybody.”

Even with the distance, Chance still gives Kanye props for being a major influence, especially with The College Dropout. But don’t hold your breath for a reunion anytime soon.

Chance dropped Star Line on Friday, his first full album since 2019’s The Big Day.

Feared Haitian Gang Leader Jimmy Barbecue Reacts To U.S. $5M Bounty On His Head

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier got slapped with a $5 million bounty by the U.S. government after being hit with federal charges tied to gang violence and dirty money in Haiti.

The notorious ex-cop runs the Viv Ansanm gang, a ruthless alliance of armed groups that’s been running wild in Port-au-Prince.

He’s been on the U.S. radar for a minute, but things hit a whole new level when a grand jury indicted him earlier this week for allegedly scheming to dodge sanctions while bankrolling the criminal chaos in Haiti.

The State Department is now throwing serious cash at anyone who helps bring this dude in.

Barbecue’s name has been tied to some of the ugliest violence in Haiti, including the brutal 2018 La Saline massacre. That attack left at least 70 people dead, torched hundreds of homes and included reports of sexual assault.

The U.S. says he wasn’t just involved — he ran the whole thing.

The feds also named Bazile Richardson, a U.S. citizen, in the same indictment. They’re accusing him of wiring money from the States to fuel Barbecue’s gang operations.

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Chérizier’s gang alliance has been going after key places in Haiti, blowing up infrastructure, busting open prisons, and even messing with the main airport.

That has helped them tighten their grip on the capital and throw the whole country into never-before-seen chaos.

Now, the U.N. says gangs like his run about 90% of Port-au-Prince, and their influence is spreading to smaller towns and a good amount ot of their weapons have been traced straight back to the U.S.

NFL’s Travis Hunter Facing $40M Divorce After Months-Long Marriage?

By: IllseedCategory: AHHplus

Travis Hunter might be running plays on the field, but off the field, somebody might be running plays on him.

The rumor mill is going crazy and has been for a minute now. They say he faces a $40 million divorce demand. Yeah, fam. The NFL’s young phenom is staring down a settlement request that could wipe out nearly his entire rookie contract. The marriage isn’t over yet, but it’s been only a couple of months. No prenup.

READ ALSO: Travis Hunter Married Wife Leanna Without Prenup Before $46.5M NFL Payday

His wife, Leanna Lenee, hit the internet with the crazy tears. In the clip, she’s speaking to the camera and crying. Social media detectives went to work…overtime. There are several theories. Sure, some swore it was proof of cheating but many more went with the prevailing theory: gold digger. The story wrote itself in the comment sections. I literally got my info from the comments. Sad.

There’s a massive “but” here, guys.

Lenee quickly jumped online to shut it down. She said the video was actually from December 2024 and that she’s been on a “spiritual growth” journey since then. OK. She also made it clear she’s not living on Instagram these days, suggesting people put that out there to give the wrong impression of her.

But now there are new rumors. Reports continue to claim she’s filing for divorce and $40 million is the number. The rumors sound real, even if they’re n0t necessarily factually sound. Hunter is so early in his NFL journey, I hope he goes down that road with people loyal to him.

Meanwhile, Travis Hunter hasn’t said a world. Stay focused.

If this is legit, I will have much more to say. For now, Dr. Umar…”Stand Down!”

Country Singer Jimmie Allen Talks Hip-Hop, Pays Homage To JAY-Z On “Beer 99”

By: Mike WinslowCategory: Music

Jimmie Allen dropped two new tracks this week, merging country storytelling with Hip-Hop rhythm in a nod to Jay-Z while gearing up for his fall U.S. tour.

The Grammy-nominated artist released a two-song pack featuring “Small Town Anthem” and “Beer 99,” showcasing his genre-mixing style that pulls from his diverse musical upbringing.

“Beer 99″ flips a line from Jay-Z’s “99 Problems” into a breezy, bar-ready hook: “I’ve got 99 problems, but a beer ain’t one.”

Allen uses the song to reflect on everyday stress while keeping the mood light and playful.

“My music has been influenced by Hip Hop since the start of my career with my debut single Best Shot,” Jimmie Allen told AllHipHop.

He credits his family for shaping his musical tastes.

“My dad is Delaware and my mother and from Oakland CA. I grew up with a love of country because of my father, a love of Gospel because of my mother and a love of hip hop because of my cousins from the Bay Area. They put me on to so much hip hop and Bay Area Hip-Hop including, E-40, Mac Dre, Too Short,” Jimmie Allen said.

While “Beer 99” leans into Hip-Hop, “Small Town Anthem” stays true to Allen’s country roots.

The song paints a picture of rural life, from long workdays to tailgate parties and church pews.

The dual release follows Allen’s May single “Country Boys Never Learn,” a collaboration with Noah Curtis and Young Grey that has already pulled in 400,000 streams.

Jimmie Allen is set to hit the road again this fall for his “Stories Behind the Songs” tour, kicking off September 5 in Dallas.

Since debuting with “Best Shot” in 2018, Allen has carved out a space in country music by blending sounds from pop, R&B and Hip-Hop. His breakout hit made history as the first debut single by a Black artist to reach No. 1 on country radio.

Allen’s rise continued with a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 2022 and wins at both the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music awards in 2021.

His upcoming tour adds to a list of major festival appearances, including Stagecoach, CMA Fest and iHeartCountry Festival.

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Lil Yachty’s Tacky George Floyd Bar Draws Wrath Of Terrence Floyd As Backlash Grows

By: Nolan StrongCategory: News

Lil Yachty dropped a tone-deaf bar during a livestream and now he’s catching serious flak after name-dropping George Floyd in a line that p##### off Floyd’s family and friends.

He rapped: “Put my knee up on her neck, I went George Floyd” during a live session with rapper Plaqueboymax on August 14. Once it hit the internet, people were not feeling it.

Social media lit up with folks calling the line flat-out foul and tasteless, especially considering Floyd’s death is one of the most painful and public tragedies in recent memory.

Terrence Floyd, George’s brother, didn’t hold back when asked how he felt.

He told journalist Loren LoRosa from The Breakfast Club, “I believe it’s inconsiderate. Sometimes this generation doesn’t pay attention to what they say they just want to make a song and just get on the charts and really feel like the people listening will accept it because of who he is. It’s really inconsiderate you should think about what you’re writing.. it may make sense to you, but think about the impact to others.”

He continued, “People are sending the clip to me. I want the line changed. Let my brother rest in peace. It disturbs the family’s peace. There has to be a better message behind any mention of George Floyd’s name. So his legacy can live on beyond what chauvin did to him.”

Stephen Jackson, a former NBA player and longtime friend of George Floyd, also went in on Yachty. In a video post, Jackson said, “Lil Yachty, bro. You been wack, my n####. But you think you saying George Floyd name and trying to use his name in a bar, that’s gonna make people like your wack-ass music, my n####? That’s weak.”

“Y’all the only era that feel like demeaning the dead and saying that s### is cool. It ain’t,” he said. “Y’all wanna say his name for clout. That’s some weak-ass s###, Yachty. Let somebody die in your family, we gonna do a whole skit about it. And see how funny it is. Cut that s### out.”

George Floyd was killed in 2020 by former police officer Derek Chauvin, whose knee pressed into Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes during an arrest in Minneapolis. Floyd repeatedly told officers he couldn’t breathe.

His murder sparked global protests and Chauvin was later convicted and sentenced to over 22 years in prison.

Sean Kingston Heading To Prison For Three Years Over Luxury Goods Scam

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: Exclusives

Sean Kingston will spend more than three years behind bars after a federal judge sentenced the Hip-Hop artist for orchestrating a multi-million-dollar fraud ring involving high-end goods and fake wire transfers.

On Friday, August 15, a federal court in Fort Lauderdale handed Kingston a three-and-a-half-year term after prosecutors detailed how he and his mother scammed retailers out of luxury items, including a bulletproof Cadillac Escalade, a 232-inch television and pricey jewelry. The court also ordered him to pay $1.17 million in restitution.

Kingston was convicted of conspiring with his mother, Janice Turner, to defraud more than 20 victims out of $3.1 million in goods and services.

Prosecutors said the pair used forged documents and false promises of wire payments to trick businesses into delivering expensive merchandise.

The government’s sentencing memo revealed that the original pre-sentencing report failed to include all victims and the full scope of losses. Federal attorneys asked the court to consider the broader damage caused by the scheme, which spanned several years.

“There are 21 people or businesses who lost money because of Sean’s actions,” prosecutors stated. “Sean and his mother tried to steal about $3.1 million.”

Kingston’s mother, Janice Turner, was sentenced on July 23 to five years in federal prison after being convicted on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud.

She was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following her sentence and attend a restitution hearing scheduled for October 16.

According to reports, authorities seized several of the luxury items during a raid on their Florida home. Prosecutors said the fraud involved over $3 million in losses.

Kingston, who had been on house arrest, was taken into custody immediately following the sentencing.

Diddy Scores Victory Against Sara From “Making The Band” Judge Throws Out Most Of Her $60M Lawsuit

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Diddy scored a significant legal win in New York after a federal judge dismissed nearly every claim brought against him by Sara Rivers, a former contestant on MTV’s Making the Band 2 and a member of the group Da Band.

U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff ruled that 21 of the 22 claims in Rivers’ $60 million lawsuit had no legal standing or were filed too late.

The only claim left standing accuses Diddy of violating the New York City Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act. That claim remains on pause while a federal appeals court weighs whether recent amendments to the statute are valid under state law.

Rivers, who performed with Da Band on the early 2000s reality series, alleged a range of misconduct dating back over two decades. Her lawsuit included accusations of sexual harassment, assault, forced labor and emotional abuse, many of which stemmed from her time on the show.

Rivers’ lawsuit painted a disturbing picture of her time under Diddy’s management. She alleged that he touched her inappropriately during filming, mocked her eating disorder, and forced her to live in shared quarters with male group members despite being married.

She also claimed he threatened violence and made bizarre statements, including allegedly saying he wanted to “eat” someone’s flesh.

The suit also referenced the now-infamous “cheesecake” episode, in which Diddy ordered the group to walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn to retrieve dessert. Rivers said the group was paid just $5,000 per episode and received a one-time $25,000 signing bonus, while Diddy profited from their labor.

Diddy and his legal team denied all allegations. In previous statements, they called the lawsuit “meritless” and maintained that the claims were “completely false.”

The court sided with Diddy and dismissed all claims “with prejudice,” meaning they cannot be refiled. Several claims had already been voluntarily dropped by Rivers before the hearing and the judge marked those as moot.

The remaining claim under the Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act will remain frozen until the appeals court decides whether the law’s recent changes are enforceable.

Halle Berry Fires Back At Ex Over “Housewife” Comments With Epic 59th Birthday Post

By: London JennnCategory: News

Halle Berry had social media users in stitches with her hilarious response to ex-husband David Justice’s comments about their marriage and her not being “motherly” enough.

On her 59th birthday, the Oscar-winning actor posted a series of photos from a tropical vacation with her partner Van Hunt, showing herself relaxing and enjoying wine and cake, alongside a birthday card labeled “Mom” from her children.

Berry captioned the post with “Phew…! cooking, cleaning and mothering,” clearly referencing and mocking Justice’s outdated expectations about her role in their marriage.

She also shared a dismissive GIF featuring Tiffany “New York” Pollard. 

Social media lit up with reactions to her posts, with one saying, “Halle said I heard you b###### was looking for me. B#### HERE I GO.”

Another added, “It’s the way @halleberry didn’t have to say a damn thing cause y’all went to town on him for her and she STILL made her way to Beyoncé’s internet to give a subtle smacking not once, but twice.”

Her response came after Justice publicly said he doubted their compatibility because she didn’t cook, clean, or seem motherly.

Justice made headlines earlier this week after revealing on the “All the Smoke” podcast that their marriage ended largely because she didn’t fit his idea of a traditional housewife.

He admitted he agreed to marry Berry after only five months because he didn’t want to hurt her feelings, though he was unsure about his true feelings at the time.

Meanwhile, Hunt shared “one of my favourite photos” of Berry on Instagram as a birthday tribute.

“it shows how resilient u are,” he said on the image. “The shots just bounce off u.”

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The Cool Kids Roar Back With “Foil Bass” Video Dedicated To Mac Miller

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

The Cool Kids—the innovative Blog Era-defining duo comprised of Chuck Inglish and Sir Michael Rocks—are back with another new single and video, “Foil Bass,” the second offering from their forthcoming album, Hi-Top Fade.

Toward the end of the visual, there’s a dedication to the late Mac Miller, who died of a drug overdose on September 7, 2018. The track follows “Banana in the Tailpipe,” which arrived last month.

Serving as their sixth studio album, Hi-Top Fade reunites Chuck and Mikey with A-Trak’s label, Fool’s Gold, home of The Cool Kids’ early hits, including “Gold and a Pager” and “88.”

“This track is coming at a perfect time,” Mikey tells AllHipHop. “We’re not here to give you microwaved beats and one-size-fits-all raps. We tapped into that raw energy that made you nod your head to a rap song for the first time. Clever, memorable lines that clearly let you know where we come from—and where we’re headed.”

Chuck adds, “As far as the beat goes, we wanted to make music you could bump in your car.”

Emerging in the mid-2000s, The Cool Kids helped usher in a new era of Hip-Hop by tapping into the do-it-yourself ethos of the digital age: rather than relying on radio, they found massive success on blogs and social media platforms like MySpace, inspiring a young generation of artists to build their own lanes online.

Musically, The Cool Kids are credited with reconnecting contemporary Hip-Hop to its roots—channeling stripped-down, 1980s boom-bap beats and a playful, party-centric attitude—while simultaneously pushing boundaries with fashion, wit and a message of self-expression.

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Their influence can be traced through Chicago’s modern rap scene, having encouraged now-prominent acts to embrace individualism and experimentation rather than conform to prevailing mainstream trends. At a time when flashy bravado dominated the rap landscape, The Cool Kids stood out by encouraging listeners to be themselves, sparking a movement that reshaped both the sound and culture of Hip-Hop for a new generation.

Previous releases include 2022’s Before S### Got Weird (Chapter 1), Baby Oil Staircase (Chapter 2) and Chillout (Chapter 3) as well as 2017’s Special Edition Grand Master Deluxe and their 2008 EP, The Bake Sale. Stay tuned for updates on the album release date.

Teyana Taylor Ordered To Pay Iman Shumpert $70K In Divorce Contempt Case

By: London JennnCategory: News

Teyana Taylor was ordered by a Georgia court to pay her ex-husband, Iman Shumpert, $70,000 in legal fees after being found in contempt of court related to their ongoing divorce dispute.

The judge ruled Taylor violated a clause in their 2024 divorce judgment that prohibited either party from disclosing details about the settlement.

Shumpert claimed Taylor breached this agreement when she posted an Instagram video in March 2025 discussing their split, and the court agreed that this was a willful violation.

According to Us Weekly, the court dismissed Taylor’s accusations that Shumpert leaked divorce details to the media, noting she failed to provide evidence and lacked diligence in her contempt claim.

Taylor previously accused Shupert of intentionally releasing sealed court records to the media and asked for the judge to sentence him to jail time.

Shumpert claimed it was Taylor who leaked divorce documents and also urged the court to jail Taylor.

Taylor’s request for Shumpert to pay her legal fees was denied, and the judge noted that Taylor refused to answer questions about her financial situation during the case.

The court described Taylor as “willfully” in contempt based on the disclosure and her ability to pay, noting her active career with film and TV projects following the divorce.

Teyana Taylor and Iman Shumpert were married in 2016 and have two daughters together; Taylor filed for divorce in January 2023, citing “cruel treatment” and accusing Shumpert of emotional abuse, which he denies.

The $70,000 payment to Shumpert’s lawyer is due within two weeks of the court order date.

Teyana Taylor Announces Musical Comeback

Meanwhile, Taylor is gearing up for a return to music after announcing her retirement five years ago. She announced her fourth studio album, Escape Room, set to be released on August 22.

This album marks her return to music after announcing her retirement five years ago; it is her fourth studio album.

Earlier this week, during an appearance on the “Joe and Jada” podcast, she previewed a new song, “The Hard Part,” featuring Lucky Daye. 

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