Dr. Dre Joins Elite Billionaire Club With Jay Z & Beyoncé

Dr. Dre Officially Joins Billionaire Ranks On Forbes 2026 List As Hip-Hop Wealth Gap Comes Into Focus

Dr. Dre billionaire Forbes finally intersected in 2026 when the legendary producer and entrepreneur appeared on the magazine’s annual Billionaires List after years of speculation about his financial status.

Nearly a dozen years after Andre “Dr. Dre” Young famously declared himself Hip-Hop’s first billionaire, the numbers have finally caught up. Forbes’ newly released 2026 list confirms the Compton-born mogul has crossed the coveted three-comma threshold.

READ ALSO: EXCLUSIVE: T.I. Enlists Dr. Dre For His Final Album

The milestone arrives more than a decade after Dre and music executive Jimmy Iovine sold their Beats by Dre headphone empire to Apple in 2014 for $3 billion. At the time Dre celebrated publicly, declaring, “They need to update the Forbes list, s### just changed.”

The declaration turned into a long-running debate across business and Hip-Hop circles as analysts questioned whether the deal truly pushed Dre’s personal fortune past the billion-dollar mark after taxes and partner splits.

Now Forbes says the math has settled.

Still, Dre’s position on the list offers perspective on the staggering scale of global wealth. The producer lands in a tie for the No. 3332 spot worldwide, sharing the ranking with figures including Jared Kushner, Rihanna and steel industry executive Richard T#### Jr.

The placement highlights the dramatic financial gap between the world’s ultra-rich elite and everyone else.

READ ALSO: Applebee’s Launches Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg’s Cocktails With Collectable Tattoos

Dre also did not appear in Forbes’ widely circulated illustration depicting some of the world’s wealthiest individuals socializing aboard a luxury super-yacht. The image includes President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Rupert Murdoch and Mark Zuckerberg.

Three Black figures are included in the artwork: Jay-Z and Beyoncé standing off to the side and Oprah Winfrey positioned on a balcony.

According to Forbes, Dre now joins a small circle of billionaire entertainers. Of the 22 entertainment figures on the billionaire list, nearly half reached that status within the past three years.

Within music specifically, Dre becomes the sixth artist to achieve the milestone. He joins Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen.

At the top of the overall rankings sits Elon Musk for the second consecutive year. Forbes estimates Musk’s net worth at $839 billion, driven largely by the rising valuations of Tesla and SpaceX. The publication notes that Musk’s fortune increased by roughly half a trillion dollars in the past year alone as SpaceX moves toward a potential public offering.

Google cofounder Larry Page holds the No. 2 position with an estimated $257 billion, followed by Sergey Brin at No. 3 with $237 billion. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos ranks No. 4 with $224 billion while Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg rounds out the top five with $222 billion.

Forbes Senior Editor Chase Peterson-Withorn described the broader trend in stark terms.

“It’s the year of the billionaire,” Peterson-Withorn said. “The planet added more than one billionaire per day over the past twelve months as the AI-powered stock market boom boosted fortunes to previously unimaginable heights.”

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Terrence Howard Reveals His First Sexual Experience – At Age 4

Terrence Howard’s recent conversation with Patrick Bet-David showed the lasting consequences of childhood neglect and unsupervised environments for adult behavior patterns.

The actor, known for roles in “Iron Man” and “Crash,” traces his complicated relationship with sexuality back to his formative years in Cleveland, Ohio, where neighborhood dynamics and parental absence created conditions for early sexual exploration among children.

“I was four. It was the older girls that were watching me, they were like six and seven. We did that every day until I was like 13. I had more sex then than I’ve had in my adult life,” Howard revealed.

Growing up on 30th and Central in Cleveland during the 1970s, Howard experienced circumstances that fundamentally altered his psychological development.

He describes a neighborhood culture where children engaged in sexual play without adult supervision or intervention.

His father had recently been released from prison and worked constantly to rebuild his life, while his mother pursued educational opportunities. This combination left Howard and other neighborhood children largely unsupervised during critical developmental years.

“It gave me an eschewed view of interaction. I kept thinking that, you know, everybody was promiscuous like that. So by the time I get 16, 17, you know, I’ve done enough to where I’m starting, now the spiritual side of me is starting to show up, you know,” Howard continued. “But then I slipped back into it at 25, you know, and for 25 to 30-something, you know, we’re still trying to be a Jehovah’s Witness, but still having this urge taking place and, you know, the bad things I learned from my uncles and all of that influencing me.”

The actor explains how these early experiences created distorted expectations about relationships and intimacy.

By his teenage years, Howard had developed a pattern of viewing sexual interaction as a normal part of childhood play rather than recognizing it as inappropriate.

He acknowledges that this warped his understanding of healthy boundaries and consent well into adulthood.

Howard describes his spiritual awakening around age 15 when he encountered a girl he genuinely cared about.

He states, “I just started studying the Bible and really coming around to who I was who I would ultimately become.”

This moment marked a turning point where he began questioning the patterns he’d internalized. The consequences of his childhood experiences lingered into his 30s before he experienced a transformation.

“It takes you a long time to try and get back to who and what you really, really are. But yeah, that really messed me up,” Howard admitted.

He now approaches fatherhood with extreme vigilance, ensuring his own children never experience similar circumstances.

Donald Glover Revealed As Yoshi In The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Trailer Drop

Donald Glover is stepping into the Mushroom Kingdom as the voice of Yoshi in the upcoming The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, bringing his talents to the Nintendo and Illumination collaboration hitting theaters April 1.

The Emmy-winning actor joins a returning cast that includes Chris Pratt voicing Mario, Charlie Day as Luigi, and Jack Black returning as Bowser, alongside fresh additions like Brie Larson as Princess Rosalina and Issa Rae as Honey Queen.

The film is the sequel to 2023’s blockbuster The Super Mario Bros. Movie, continuing the adventure as Mario and his crew face off against the Koopa King while exploring new planets across the galaxy.

Directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic helm the project, which Universal Pictures will distribute worldwide.

According to the official trailer, the story expands the universe significantly with new characters and locations fans haven’t seen before.

The trailer showcases intense action sequences with characters declaring “My Koopas, your king has returned” and “Long live the king,” establishing the stakes for this galactic adventure.

Glover’s casting represents another major voice acting role for the entertainer, who’s built a diverse career spanning television, film, and music production.

His work on Atlanta earned him Emmy recognition, while his directorial efforts on Swarm demonstrated his creative range behind the camera.

Glover’s recent years have been marked by significant personal challenges and professional transitions.

He released Bando Stone and the New World as Childish Gambino in July 2024, marking his final album under that moniker.

That same year, he canceled his world tour after undergoing surgery for a broken foot and a hole in his heart. He later revealed he’d experienced a stroke without initially realizing it, adding another layer to his health struggles during that period.

Quentin Tarantino Addresses Rosanna Arquette Calling Him Out Over N-Word Obesssion

Quentin Tarantino responded to actress Rosanna Arquette’s recent criticism of his repeated use of the N-word in his films with a pointed statement questioning her motives and integrity.

Arquette, who appeared in “Pulp Fiction,” told The Times U.K. that she’s “over the use of the N-word” and called Tarantino’s approach “racist and creepy.”

She claims he’s been given a “hall pass” that other filmmakers don’t receive.

Tarantino fired back, saying Arquette “took the money” to star in the film and now appears to be seeking publicity through cynical attacks on his artistic choices.

“I hope the publicity you’re getting from 132 different media outlets writing your name and printing your picture was worth disrespecting me and a film I remember quite clearly you were thrilled to be a part of?” wrote Tarantino in a statement obtained by Deadline. “But after I gave you a job, and you took the money, to trash it for what I suspect is very cynical reasons, shows a decided lack of class, no less honor.”

Not exactly remorse.

The director’s use of racial slurs has remained a persistent point of contention throughout his career.

“Pulp Fiction” contains approximately 20 instances of the N-word. “Jackie Brown” (1997) was used more than 30 times. “Django Unchained” (2012) reached over 100 instances.

The “Hateful Eight” included roughly 65 uses of the slur. In films like “Kill Bill Vol. 1” and “Kill Bill Vol. 2,” the word appears sparingly, while “Inglourious Basterds” contains minimal usage compared to his other work.

Tarantino has defended his choices by arguing that the language reflects historical accuracy and character authenticity.

In past interviews, he’s maintained that his scripts demand linguistic realism, particularly in period pieces set during slavery or the Civil War era.

He’s suggested that sanitizing dialogue would compromise artistic integrity and historical truthfulness.

Samuel L. Jackson, who has appeared in six Tarantino films, has consistently defended the director against accusations of racism.

Jackson stated that it would be “impossible for a racist” to create the work Tarantino has produced, particularly given his collaborations with Black actors and filmmakers.

Jackson emphasized that context matters when evaluating the use of offensive language in cinema, distinguishing between exploitation and artistic purpose.

Rihanna Flees Los Angeles After Bible-Thumping Woman Shoots Up Her Mansion

Rihanna left Los Angeles on Monday (March 10) after a woman fired multiple shots at her Beverly Hills mansion while she was inside the home.

The 38-year-old singer drove to Van Nuys Airport with a convoy of SUVs and boarded a small twin-engine private jet to escape the area.

Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, 35, from Florida, was arrested and charged with attempted murder. She’s being held on a $10.2 million bail after allegedly opening fire at the property on Sunday afternoon.

According to dispatch audio obtained by multiple outlets, approximately 10 rounds were fired from an AR-15-style weapon during the attack out of a white Tesla with temporary paper plates.

Police tracked Ortiz to a parking lot in Sherman Oaks, where she was taken into custody.

The LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division is investigating the incident, with detectives working to determine her motive.

What makes this case particularly disturbing is Ortiz’s background. She’s a Christian influencer who reportedly made threats toward Rihanna just days before the shooting.

Court records show she has previous arrests for domestic violence, careless driving, and violating pretrial release conditions in Florida. In December, she filed an appeal to overturn a custody decision involving her child.

A source close to the couple told the New York Post that Rihanna and A$AP Rocky “don’t know much” about what happened and were “left in the dark” regarding the shooter’s identity and motivations.

Rocky wasn’t home during the attack, though it remains unclear whether their three children were present. The couple shares sons RZA, 3, and Riot Rose, 2, plus daughter Rocki, born in September.

Rihanna purchased the five-bedroom, seven-bathroom mansion in 2021.

The property sits on a sprawling 21,958-square-foot lot in the tony Post Office neighborhood, originally built in the 1930s.

Her neighbors include Madonna and Mariah Carey, who have been leasing a property nearby for years. The home features an open-air courtyard and pool, positioned directly across the street from Paul McCartney’s residence.

The incident marks a serious security breach for one of music’s biggest stars.

No injuries were reported, and authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Rappers Step Up, Try & Save Man From Death Penalty In Texas

Travis Scott joined more than 30 artists and scholars backing a Texas death row inmate whose execution date approaches next month.

James Broadnax, 37, faces lethal injection in Huntsville after prosecutors used his handwritten rap lyrics to secure his death sentence in 2009.

Dallas appellate attorney Chad Baruch filed an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday, arguing that prosecutors weaponized Broadnax’s artistic expression to paint him as a threat.

The filing, supported by Killer Mike, Young Thug, T.I., Anthony Anderson, and Kevin Liles, contends that using rap as evidence violated his constitutional rights.

“Rap lyrics are creative expression,” Baruch said in a statement. “When prosecutors treat them as literal evidence of future violence, they invite jurors to decide a death-penalty case based on fear and stereotypes instead of the law.”

Broadnax was condemned for the 2009 deaths of Stephen Swan and Matthew Butler outside a Garland music studio. He was 19 at the time.

According to court records, he and an accomplice planned to rob the men but left with only $2 and a 1995 Ford.

The prosecution introduced more than 40 pages of Broadnax’s lyrics during the punishment phase of his trial. Jurors reviewed the material twice, including hours before voting to sentence him to death instead of life without parole.

Among the verses prosecutors read aloud were lines about violence and threats that they claimed showed he posed a continuing danger to society.

During closing arguments, a prosecutor told jurors that Broadnax’s freestyle written from jail proved he was a “psychopathic killer.” The brief argues this interpretation ignored the metaphorical nature of rap music and relied on racial stereotypes about Black artists.

RAP Act Introduced In Congress To Ban Lyrics As Evidence In Court Proceedings 

Broadnax previously argued that prosecutors used race to strike jurors, leaving him with a nearly all-white jury. He also contested the admission of his lyrics as evidence, claiming they lacked any connection to the actual crimes.

According to reporting by The Dallas Morning News, the brief represents the latest chapter in a national debate over the use of rap music in courtrooms.

The Supreme Court has not yet decided whether to hear Broadnax’s case, but the filing marks a significant moment in efforts to prevent rap lyrics from being used as evidence in capital proceedings.

Broadnax’s execution is scheduled for April 30, 2026.

2 Chainz Teaches His Three Kids to Trust Their Inner Voice Like He Does

Intuition became the compass that steered 2 Chainz through decades of uncertainty, struggle, and ultimately toward the success that defines his career today.

The Grammy-winning rapper sat down with CBS Saturday Morning to discuss his debut memoir, The Voice in My Head Is God, a deeply personal exploration of how listening to his conscience transformed his trajectory from street life to international prominence.

Rather than relying on external validation or industry pressure, 2 Chainz credits an internal navigation system for every major decision that propelled him forward.

The rapper’s success in music, business, and now literature stems from a consistent practice of listening to what he describes as divine direction.

“When I listen to the voice and it’s out of love, it’s been great outcomes,” he reflected.

This principle applies whether he’s evaluating a collaboration opportunity, making investment decisions, or determining which creative direction to pursue.

The common thread connecting these choices is alignment with his core values and intuitive sense of what serves his highest good.

The concept behind his book centers on something most people experience but rarely acknowledge.

“The voice in my head is God is a book based on intuition. I feel like intuition is a six sense,” 2 Chainz explained during the interview.

This sixth sense, he argues, operates as divine guidance that extends far beyond career moves. It encompasses relationships, creative choices, and the moral compass that kept him grounded when circumstances threatened to pull him under.

Growing up as an only child in a single-parent household presented obstacles that could have derailed his trajectory entirely.

His mother, Epps, emerged as a foundational influence whose strength and wisdom shaped how he now approaches fatherhood with his own three children.

Rather than viewing his childhood challenges as limitations, 2 Chainz reframed them as lessons that taught him resilience and self-reliance.

The rapper reflects on how loneliness during his formative years became a catalyst for introspection, forcing him to develop the internal voice that would later guide his professional decisions.

Now, as a father of teenagers and younger children, 2 Chainz employs a teaching method rooted in experience rather than lectures.

He doesn’t impose rigid rules or preach abstract concepts about listening to one’s instincts.

Instead, he engages his kids through questions and observation.

“I’m showing them through example. I’m asking my kid a question. I’m saying what’s the first thing that comes to your mind?”

This approach mirrors how he learned to trust his own intuition, allowing his children to develop their internal compass organically rather than through forced instruction.

By surrounding his children with positive influences and modeling thoughtful decision-making, he creates conditions where they can cultivate their own sense of inner guidance.

Gunplay Airs Out Rick Ross, Claims Industry Betrayal & Lost Opportunities

Here we go…ain’t no rumors. Just Gunplay speaking his truth.

Former Maybach Music Group rapper Gunplay is pulling back the curtain on his relationship with Rick Ross, which is not a good thing. He expresses deep resentment about how his career was handled during the height of MMG’s dominance and beyond.

In a candid interview with M3S3 TV, the Miami rapper spoke openly about feeling abandoned by the people he once considered close allies. Gunplay was once one of the most visible soldiers for Ross’ Maybach Music Group, alongside artists like Meek Mill and Wale. He said the support he gave the label was never returned when it came time to invest in his own music.

“Everybody was a group effort,” Gunplay said. “But when it was Gunplay’s turn, it was crickets.”

The rapper explained that while he was delivering records and features, he struggled to get a proper budget or label backing. According to him, that lack of support pushed him toward desperation and, at times, back toward the streets.

“I got hit records. Nobody’s giving me a budget. Nobody’s doing nothing,” he said. “So what you want me to f**king do?”

Friendship With Rick Ross Appears Over

Gunplay also confirmed that his once-tight relationship with Ross has effectively dissolved.

When asked whether they still speak, the rapper answered bluntly: “No.”

At one time, Gunplay was known as one of Ross’ most loyal affiliates, often defending the MMG boss publicly and fighting 50 Cent’s G-Unit. But he now says that loyalty was never reciprocated when it mattered most.

“If you f**k with Ross, you f**k with Gunplay—that’s how it was,” he said. “But when it came time for me to get the push, it just felt like a slap in the face.”

Industry Rule 4080

Beyond Ross, Gunplay also aimed criticism at other industry figures, claiming business decisions derailed his career.

The rapper alleged that he was pressured into selling his publishing rights for $50,000—receiving only $25,000 upfront—while still being required to pay back the full amount later.

“They had me selling my publishing basically,” he said, referring to the deal involving Sony ATV. “That’s facts.”

Gunplay also blasted former associates and managers whom he believes sabotaged his momentum.

“F**k Matt Middleton and everybody who put potholes in my road to success,” he said, warning that karma would eventually catch up with them.

Gunplay insists he repeatedly delivered songs that could have elevated his career, citing tracks like “Straight Yams,” “Rollin,” and “Bible on the Dash.” However, he claims label politics and internal decisions prevented those songs from receiving the full promotional push they deserved.

At one point, he said even a record titled Nobody’s Favorite began generating strong attention, yet the official video took months to materialize.

“The label was asking when we were shooting the video,” he said. “It took five months.”

WELL?

You think Gunplay and Ross can be cool again? Can Don Logan get his career back on track? This feels crazy.

Dwight Howard Faces New Scandal As Marriage Falls Apart After Cocaine Claims

Dwight Howard faced serious cocaine addiction accusations from his estranged wife, Amy Luciani, and the basketball star is calling it quits on his marriage.

Howard filed for divorce from Luciani just days after claiming he had a severe drug problem and even posted an emotional video showing what she says is a bag of cocaine. That’s next level.

She also alleges Child Protective Services has been called to their home multiple times. The drama doesn’t end there.

According to Luciani, Howard asked his son to lie for him about unspecified matters. That’s crossing a line that shouldn’t be crossed.

She filed for divorce before, in July 2025, after just six months of marriage to the former NBA star.

Howard’s past relationships have been rocky territory. His baby mama, Royce Reed from “Basketball Wives,” previously accused him of sexual and physical abuse before he won a defamation case against her in 2010.

Reed also made claims about Howard’s sexuality that became public knowledge. Those allegations followed him for years.

Howard’s son, Braylon Joshua Howard, was born in November 2007 with Reed. The kid has watched his father’s personal life play out in headlines his whole life.

More recently, Stephen Harper filed a sexual assault lawsuit against Howard in Georgia in July 2023, but the case was later dismissed.

Howard has stayed quiet about Luciani’s latest claims. His legal team hasn’t responded to requests for comment.

The couple’s short marriage is unraveling fast. Six months from wedding bells to cocaine accusations tells its own story.

NBA Kills Hawks’ Magic City Night Promotion Amid Concerns

The NBA canceled the Atlanta Hawks’ planned Magic City tribute night next Monday after hearing concerns from league stakeholders about promoting the famous strip club.

The event was scheduled for March 16 during a game against the Orlando Magic and would have celebrated the iconic Atlanta institution with food, music, and exclusive merchandise.

The Hawks announced the promotion last month as a tribute to what they called an “iconic cultural institution.”

Plans included lemon pepper wings named after former Hawks guard Lou Williams, a halftime performance from rapper T.I., and a live podcast recording featuring Hawks owner Jami Gertz, T.I., and Magic City founder Michael Barney.

Commissioner Adam Silver said the league heard “significant concerns from a broad array of league stakeholders, including fans, partners and employees.”

The Hawks said they remain committed to celebrating Atlanta “with authenticity” and that some elements would continue, including T.I.’s halftime performance and sales of lemon pepper wings.

San Antonio Spurs player Luke Kornet spoke out against the promotion, urging the Hawks to reconsider. But the decision sparked immediate pushback from Atlanta’s Hip-Hop community, particularly from Killer Mike.

According to TMZ, Killer Mike defended Magic City as a longstanding Black-owned institution that has been part of Atlanta’s community for more than three decades.

“We don’t f### with Luke Kornet. Luke should stay in San Antonio and concern himself with San Antonio business,” Killer Mike said.

Magic City opened in 1985 and has become a cultural landmark in Hip-Hop history.

The documentary Magic City: An American Fantasy explores how the venue shaped Southern Hip-Hop and served as a launching pad for countless artists.

The STARZ docuseries features interviews with Drake, T.I., 2 Chainz, Jermaine Dupri, Big Boi, Killer Mike, and Quavo discussing the club’s influence on Atlanta’s sound and swagger.

Killer Mike emphasized that stripping provided real opportunities for performers.

“These women have went on to become business owners, moms, wives and more,” he said.

He compared the venue to the historic era of the Playboy Club, noting that those establishments helped open doors for Black entertainers.

“You are never going to get rid of adult entertainment in Atlanta,” Mike added.

The Hawks said they were “very disappointed” in the NBA’s decision but would respect it.

Rodney King Gets Memorial Plaque 35 Years After Beating By LAPD Changed Hip-Hop

Rodney King raised his voice on the third day of the Los Angeles riots and asked a question that would echo through Hip-Hop culture forever. “Can we all get along?”

Those five words became a rallying cry for a generation of artists who channeled rage into resistance through music and activism.

King’s beating on March 3, 1991, by four Los Angeles police officers wasn’t just a moment of brutality captured on video.

It became the catalyst that transformed Hip-Hop from entertainment into a movement for social justice and accountability.

The videotaped assault sparked something raw in the Hip-Hop community. N.W.A.’s “F*** Tha Police” wasn’t just a song anymore. It was a prophecy.

Artists like Ice-T, Snoop Dogg and Tupac Shakur used their platforms to articulate the pain and frustration that King’s beating represented.

Hip-Hop became the voice of communities that mainstream media ignored or demonized. The genre transformed into what Chuck D called “the Black CNN,” delivering truth that television wouldn’t touch.

King died on June 17, 2012, at age 47 from accidental drowning in Rialto, California. His passing marked the end of a life that had become inseparable from the fight for racial justice.

But his legacy lived on through the artists he inspired and the movements he helped spark.

His daughter Lora King carried forward his message through the Rodney King Foundation, ensuring that his story remained central to conversations about police brutality and systemic racism.

Now, 35 years after that beating, Altadena is honoring King’s memory with a permanent plaque at 2530 Lincoln Avenue, the site of his former home.

The Rodney King Foundation, My Tribe Rise and Altadena Rising organized the March 8 event to celebrate King’s resilience and his impact on activism.

Heavenly Hughes, founder of My Tribe Rise, emphasized the importance of this moment.

“We’ve been through so much in Altadena, so we want to use this moment to encourage our Black community members to resettle and build back better in a place with so much Black history we need to capture and cultivate.”

The event featured live performances, food and community fellowship, creating space for reflection and recommitment to the values King’s life represents.

King’s memoir, “The Riot Within: My Journey from Rebellion to Redemption,” documented his journey from a troubled youth in Altadena to becoming a symbol of resilience and reconciliation.

His $3.8 million settlement from Los Angeles became less important than his willingness to engage in difficult conversations about race, justice and the possibility of healing.

Hip-Hop artists continue to reference his beating and his question as they address contemporary issues of police brutality and systemic oppression.

The plaque installation represents more than historical commemoration.

It’s a statement that Altadena refuses to forget the man whose suffering became a catalyst for cultural awakening.

Michael Eric Dyson Admits He Exaggerated Jay-Z’s Disagreement Over Drake/Kendrick Battle

Michael Eric Dyson went public with regret after breaking two decades of trust with one of Hip-Hop’s most powerful figures.

The renowned scholar and author took to Instagram to tell Jay-Z he was sorry for revealing details of their private text exchange about the Kendrick Lamar and Drake battle.

Dyson had previously compared Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” to Donald Trump’s political identity, a take that Hov reportedly rejected.

The author reflected on his mistake as he prepared to attend Reverend Jesse Jackson’s funeral, drawing a parallel to Kanye West’s once publicly posting a private text exchange between them.

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“I remember once when Kanye posted publicly a text exchange between us,” Dyson said. “It was private. And I was hurt by that. I’m thinking about that because I’ve done the same thing to Jay-Z.”

The core issue centered on whether rap lyrics could be compared to political rhetoric.

Jay-Z argued they couldn’t be conflated, pointing to his legendary battle with Nas as proof of how the game operates.

“A very dear and good friend of mine disagrees with me. His name is Shawn Carter, better known as Jay-Z. He hit me up and he vigorously disagreed with my particular position. He said it with dignity. He said it with respect. He articulated his ideal intelligently.”

However, Dyson later clarified that Jay-Z’s actual message was far more casual.

“He said it ain’t that serious. He wasn’t vigorously disagreeing with me,” Dyson admitted. “I mischaracterized him. So I want to apologize to him.”

The author explained that he and the Roc Nation mogul typically exchange texts about “The Godfather” and geopolitics, not contentious debates.

Their recent exchange broke that pattern when Dyson’s Trump comparison sparked disagreement. Dyson acknowledged that he may have exaggerated the conflict to strengthen his online argument.

“Where you messed up is where you fess up,” Dyson said, referencing an old Black saying. “And that’s what I’m doing here.”

“Power: Origins” Finds Its Young Tasha With Rising Star Zuri Reed

Zuri Reed just landed the role that’s about to change everything for her career. The rising actress got cast as the younger version of Tasha St. Patrick in the upcoming “Power: Origins” prequel series.

She’s stepping into some serious shoes here. Naturi Naughton made Tasha one of the most complex characters in the Power universe across multiple seasons.

Now Reed gets to show us how Tasha became the woman we know. The prequel series will dive deep into the early days before Ghost, Tommy, and all the drama that made Power a cultural phenomenon.

Reed’s been building her resume with smaller roles, but this is her big break. “Power: Origins” is expected to be one of Starz’s biggest releases this year, and playing young Tasha puts her right in the center of it all.

The casting makes perfect sense when you see Reed’s range. She’s got that intensity that Naughton brought to the original character, plus the acting chops to handle the dramatic storylines “Power” is known for.

Starz hasn’t revealed much about the “Origins” timeline yet. But we know it’s going back to show how these characters became who they were before the main series started.

This means Reed will get to explore Tasha’s origin story from scratch.

The “Power” universe keeps expanding with new spinoffs and prequels. “Book II,” “Book III,” and “Book IV” all found their audiences, so “Origins” has big expectations to meet.

According to Deadline, production on “Power: Origins” is set to begin filming this summer in Atlanta.

Candace Owens Sparked MAGA Civil War Over Iran Conflict

Candace Owens broke ranks with the Trump administration over military involvement in Iran, calling on active service members to leave their posts.

The conservative commentator posted a viral message on X accusing the president of abandoning his campaign promises to avoid foreign conflicts.

Owens released a statement that reached over 1.2 million views. She wrote, “If you are a US soldier, resign today. Trump has betrayed America. He lied to us about not starting wars, and now we’re in one with Iran. This is not what we voted for.”

Her words reflected growing frustration within certain segments of the MAGA movement over the administration’s military escalation.

The controversy stems from the February 28 strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Owens contends the operation serves Israeli interests rather than American security.

In a follow-up video, she escalated her rhetoric, stating, “Do not join or remain in the United States Military. Trump has betrayed America and expects you to die for Israel. There is no honor in being led by dishonorable men to your death.”

The backlash came swiftly from Trump allies.

Laura Loomer accused Owens of attempting to weaken the military from within, writing, “She wants our nation to be susceptible to attacks from adversaries. She has never made any real sacrifices for America.”

Yet Owens found support among anti-war conservatives who believe the administration abandoned its isolationist platform.

On March 9, 2026, Iran’s Assembly of Experts announced that Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of the slain leader, would serve as the new Supreme Leader.

Lil Durk Hires Young Thug’s “Super” Lawyer Brian Steel For Murder-For-Hire Case

Brian Steel just filed paperwork to join Lil Durk’s legal team and the Chicago rapper’s defense just got a whole lot stronger.

Steel’s replacing attorney Jonathan M. Brayman on the case, which means Durk’s now got one of Hip-Hop’s most respected lawyers in his corner.

This is the same guy who freed Young Thug after 2.5 years in lockup during the YSL trial. Durk’s been sitting in prison since October 2024, waiting for his murder-for-hire trial.

The case involves allegations that he ordered a hit on Quando Rondo, whose cousin was killed back in 2022. His trial is set for August 20, 2026.

Steel’s got the resume to back it up.

During the Young Thug trial, he was so committed to protecting his client that Judge Ural D. Glanville actually jailed him for refusing to reveal his sources.

That’s the kind of lawyer who doesn’t back down. Drake and PartyNextDoor even made a whole song, “Brian Steel,” on their album to honor his work.

With Drew Findling already on the team, Durk’s now got a super team forming.

Findling’s known for winning high-profile cases and Steel’s got the courtroom credibility that comes from beating the feds.

When Steel appeared on Killer Mike’s Conversate podcast last month, he made it clear how he operates. The federal government’s conviction rate sits at 94 to 95 percent. Steel’s response? “Not with us.”

The trial was originally supposed to start next month, but it got pushed back.

A judge denied co-defendants’ requests to be tried separately, so everyone’s going down together if it comes to that.

Steel’s entrance into this case changes the whole dynamic, though. He’s not just another attorney. He’s the guy who walked Young Thug out of prison.

Kanye West Confirms Massive Los Angeles Show As Come Back Continues

Kanye West just booked SoFi Stadium for April 3 and it’s his biggest U.S. show since everything fell apart in 2022.

The announcement comes after years of canceled tours and industry exile. CAA dropped him completely after that death con 3 tweet about Jewish people.

The rapper did apologize publicly for years of anti-semitic and otherwise loathable behavior in a Wall Street Journal ad, where he blamed untreated bipolar disorder and brain trauma for his actions.

He lost the billion-dollar empire, deals with the GAP, Balenciaga and his Adidas Yeezy partnership, but somehow stayed relevant.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday at 11 A.M. through the usual channels. Rod Wave’s Mainstay Touring is handling the promotion instead of the major agencies that used to book Ye.

This isn’t just any venue either. SoFi holds over 70,000 people and hosts the biggest names in music. Getting that booking means someone still believes he can sell tickets.

Kanye’s track record with major shows has been solid lately. He recently performed in Mexico and has international dates lined up for France, Europe and India.

His streaming numbers prove people are still listening. Ye landed 10th on Spotify’s 2025 year-end list with 70 million monthly listeners.

That’s serious staying power despite all the drama. The timing ties into his upcoming album, Bully, dropping March 20 through Gamma Records.

The label houses Mariah Carey, Usher, and Snoop Dogg, giving Ye a legitimate distribution deal again. Ye’s return to stadium-level bookings signals the music industry is ready to do business again.

Doja Cat Destroys Timothée Chalamet For Dismissing Opera & Ballet As Dead Art

Doja Cat went off on Timothée Chalamet after he dismissed opera and ballet as irrelevant art forms during a recent CNN town hall.

The rapper posted a TikTok video defending centuries of classical performance tradition that Chalamet had written off as dead weight in modern entertainment.

She called out his dismissive attitude toward disciplines that require serious dedication and respect from performers and audiences alike.

“Opera is four hundred years old. Ballet is five hundred years old,” Doja Cat said in her video response. “Somebody named Tim, Timothy Chalamet, had the nerve to say on camera that nobody cares about it.” She emphasized the cultural weight these art forms carry and the commitment dancers and singers bring to their craft every single day.

Chalamet made his controversial comments during a town hall with Matthew McConaughey, where he discussed traditional entertainment formats.

He stated he wouldn’t pursue work in ballet or opera because “no one cares about this anymore.” The actor was trying to explain his preference for contemporary projects over preservation-focused artistic endeavors.

“There is an etiquette around opera, there is etiquette around ballet. It’s amazing,” Doja Cat explained. “Dancers show up at eight a.m., six a.m., whatever. They show up, and they break, and they bleed every single day just because they have respect for it.”

The backlash against Chalamet has been swift and severe from the arts community.

Major institutions, including the Metropolitan Opera, LA Opera, and the Royal Ballet, publicly responded to his comments.

They invited him to experience their performances firsthand, suggesting he might change his perspective if exposed to live classical art.

“Just because the industry is having a tough time doesn’t mean people don’t care about it,” Doja Cat continued. “Dancers care, the singers care, the audience cares. There’s still an audience.”

T.I. Responds To Critics, Talks 50 Cent & Talks Sons Defending Tiny In New

When T.I. and Young Dro walk into a room together, it feels less like an interview and more like a family reunion. The Atlanta heavyweights recently linked with Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur and DJ Thoro for a lively conversation that bounced between music, culture and life lessons.

The Hip-Hop legends offer an unfiltered conversation about new music, chart success, ATL culture, and retirement rumors. Atlanta icons discussing an upcoming PSC Gangsta Grillz project is peak Hip-Hop. T.I. also responds to comments from music exec-turned-podcaster Ray Daniels and other critics who question his career choices.

The conversation dives into working with Pharrell and Dr. Dre, the success of “Let Em Know,” and how the Atlanta movement remains united across generations. Young Dro shares updates on his upcoming solo project with Metro Boomin and his sobriety journey. Tip also opens up about acting, filmmaking, the 20th anniversary of ATL, and why he refuses to compromise creatively even when Hollywood pressures artists to do so.

This interview is packed with insight, humor, and real talk from two of Atlanta’s most influential artists.

Oh, and yeah, 50 Cent.

Chuck Creekmur: That’s what’s going on. So let’s jump right into it. Y’all got a project. You got a Gangsta Grillz coming.

T.I.: Yeah, PSC Gangsta Grillz, man. Still in the streets, man. We got a record off that project being released this Friday called “Straight From the A” — myself, Young Dro, Big Kuntry King, DC Young Fly. It’s an anthem for the city, man, to come together. We came to uplift the town, you feel me?

Chuck Creekmur: I love how Atlanta sticks together. Is that fair to say? Or is that a myth? Everybody had their moment, but overall, for the most part?

T.I.: Definitely. If we don’t like nothing else about you, we love that you from the town.

Yung Dro: Yeah, that’s a fact.

Chuck Creekmur: What keeps y’all’s crew so tight? Me and Dro have interviewed y’all together before. What keeps y’all close?

T.I.: I think what should probably be studied more is what makes crews not tight.

Yung Dro: Ego, money, women…

T.I.: Yeah. The absence of that. Women and money are the main two things.

Yung Dro: Creative differences too.

T.I.: I think ego more than that. You need ego for either of those things to be implemented. Selfishness, jealousy, lack of love for oneself. If you don’t see God in yourself, you ain’t going to see God in nobody else. If you always focusing on somebody else’s blessings, then you definitely won’t notice your own.

Chuck Creekmur: Definitely. Now let’s keep it a buck. You got a hit record right now, which is kind of rare.

T.I.: Thank you.

Chuck Creekmur: In this state of the music industry, the music business. Why you say that?

T.I.: We got a lot of hip-hop hit records. Not as of late, but we’ve had a lot of hits.

Chuck Creekmur: Name a Hip-Hop hit record lately.

T.I.: That’s subjective too.

Chuck Creekmur: Just name one.

Dro: “Not Like Us” was a huge one.

Chuck Creekmur: That was 2024 though, right?

T.I.: I was going back further than that. Future had records too, but yeah, we haven’t had a recent hit. That’s fair.

Chuck Creekmur: And by the way, your song is still going up the charts. It’s not like it just cracked Top 40.

T.I.: That’s a blessing. It’s early, bro. It’s only week number five. We number one at Urban, cracking Top 20 at Rhythmic, and I think we number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100. Number one on Shazam. Number two on YouTube. I don’t know what Bruno Mars got going on, but he out of here. We also number one Hip-Hop/R&B.

Chuck Creekmur: Dro, you seem to still love rapping. Is that true?

Young Dro: Yeah, I feel good, man.

Chuck Creekmur: Weren’t you in the car rapping and somebody pulled up on you?

Young Dro: Yeah, we were doing Cadillac Chronicles and some girl pulled up on the side bumping the record. You couldn’t pay for that.

Chuck Creekmur: Which record was it?

Young Dro: “Shoulder Lean.”

T.I.: Classic. Was it a fan or one of your thousand cousins?

Young Dro: It was a fan.

T.I.: Dro has a thousand cousins in Atlanta.

Young Dro: The hardest thing in the world is to throw a Dro show. You going to have a thousand cousins. My daddy got 13 kids. My mama got five boys and 38 grandchildren.

Chuck Creekmur: Tip, I love the art of rapping. I love hearing the words being put together and turned into a hit record, but it’s still rapping. Do you still put a lot of time into the art or is it effortless?

T.I.: Effort applies. Sometimes it happens so fast that it don’t seem like it. But more than the effort, it’s the intention. Actually caring about the outcome. A lot of times people just go in there and do something and leave because they don’t really care. I really care about doing dope stuff.

DJ Thoro: Let me tell you — that “Let Em Know” record? That’s top-tier lyricism. My favorite rapper is Big L, so it’s hard for anybody to impress me lyrically. Did you have to hear the beat first or did you already have it planned out?

T.I.: It happens different ways. I don’t have pages of lyrics. But for that particular record, yeah, I heard the beat first and then went at it.

DJ Thoro: That joint is dope. And I want to commend Pharrell too because he got range.

T.I.: Yeah, that’s Pharrell. That record is dope.

Chuck Creekmur: I was at Delaware State and the students mentioned your record. They like the record, I like the record. That’s something you don’t see a lot — that connection between the generations. How do you feel about having a record that brings people together like that?

T.I.: It’s a blessing. I just think when you put positive energy out, positive energy returns.

Chuck Creekmur: Let’s talk about your family unit — and Dro’s included in that. I felt like y’all really remained solid in the midst of a negative situation.

T.I.: To say “came together” implies that we were once separated. We remain together. We’ve always been together.

Chuck Creekmur: That’s a fact. As a father, how did you feel seeing your sons jumping in defense of their mom?

T.I.: All of it is very unfortunate. Terrible. It’s terrible that something like this had to happen around something that was intended to be so positive for fans and people who love the culture. But at a point, it was a mandatory evil.

DJ Thoro: Let’s go back to the music. Is Pharrell only on that one track?

T.I.: Nah, we done did plenty of records.

DJ Thoro: What features are we looking at on the project?

T.I.: Dro on there, of course. PSC. Weezy the producer. Usher. DJ Toomp. Pharrell. T-Pain. 2 Chainz is on that record too. So much to speak of.

Chuck Creekmur: Are you swinging for the fences with this album?

T.I.: What that mean?

Chuck Creekmur: I mean are you aiming above what’s expected?

T.I.: So you asking me if I’m trying to make a dope album?

Chuck Creekmur: Basically, yeah.

 I saw Ray Daniels say something — paraphrasing — that the problem with Tip was he was chasing hits.

T.I.: Whose problem? Was it a problem for him? Was it a problem for me?

Chuck Creekmur: I didn’t agree with him, by the way.

T.I.: Somebody who ain’t able to do what I do can’t tell me how to do it. Unless he can go in there and do better than me, then he can’t tell me how to do what I do.

DJ Thoro: That’s my issue too. Too many people hold the mic as spectators of Hip-Hop, not participants. So their opinion is not valid to me. They never accomplished anything in the art itself.

T.I.: He entitled to his opinion, whatever. But I’d love to talk to him about it in person.

Chuck Creekmur: Fair enough. So how did DC Young Fly get into all this?

T.I.: He from Atlanta.

Young Dro: He’s singing.

T.I.: DC rap too though. DC one of those people who can damn near do anything.

Chuck Creekmur: Y’all doing a Gangsta Grillz.

T.I.: The very first one. We struck the match. Now we fanning the flames.

Chuck Creekmur: Atlanta definitely made that stamp.

Chuck Creekmur: What about acting?

T.I.: I got two films in post-production that I directed, wrote, produced. One I even starred in. One is a sequel to the first film I directed called Da ‘Partments, which you can watch on Tubi right now. This is Da ‘Partments 2. It’s a comedy set in apartments in Atlanta where you observe how these people live and what they get into.

The next one is a romantic comedy called Thought She Was the One. Ensemble cast: myself, Terrence J, Tyler Chronicles, Kountry Wayne, Brittany Hall, Dominique Perry, and more. It’s about people moving around the city looking for love.

Chuck Creekmur: Can we get you and Lauren London back together for ATL?

T.I.: There’s something happening between Warner Bros. and Paramount or Netflix or something. We got to let that settle and then start having those discussions. This is the 20th anniversary of ATL. We’ll probably get together to celebrate that shortly.

Chuck Creekmur: What about the 25th anniversary of I’m Serious?

T.I.: It’s coming.

Young Dro: Best Thang Smokin’ 20th anniversary this year too.

Chuck Creekmur: We got to celebrate these things.

T.I.: We going to celebrate all of it.

Chuck Creekmur: I’m proud of y’all, man. And congratulations on five years sober.

Young Dro: Five years today. God sustains me. Without the Word to keep me on the path, I’ll fall short.

Chuck Creekmur: Tip, I remember talking you out of retirement once.

T.I.: And I put out an album then. And then I retired.

DJ Thoro: What if the demand outweighs your desire to retire?

T.I.: What, I’m supposed to wait until there’s no demand before I retire? Bro, it’s somebody else’s turn. I don’t want to be the old dude sucking up all the light.

Somebody “pauses” him and laughter ensues

Chuck Creekmur: New York doesn’t hate you, though.

T.I.: Why you think I think that?

Chuck Creekmur: I get the vibration you got a chip about New York.

T.I.: I love New York. If I moved from Atlanta, I’d move to New York. When I was young, Tony Starks, Purple Tape, Raekwon — that was my stuff. I was on Nas, It Was Written, Jadakiss, Biggie, Life After Death. I love New York. I’m just observing. Everybody from New York ain’t going to like me, but a lot of people do.

Young Dro: Same in Atlanta. Everybody don’t like me there either.

Chuck Creekmur: That’s hard to believe.

Young Dro: My baby mama.

Chuck Creekmur: That’s universal right there. What about a solo project, Dro?

Young Dro: I got one on the way with Metro Boomin. After Futuristic Summa, everybody took that so well. We still got a single out called “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” with me, Travis Porter, and Gucci Mane. But after that, Metro wanted to do a project on Dro — and also wanted to do a project on Dro and Tip.

DJ Thoro: Did y’all sample Cyndi Lauper?

Young Dro: We didn’t sample it. Just the idea.

DJ Thoro: Funny enough, Cyndi Lauper is on the ninth floor in this building. She’s got a studio here.

Young Dro: That’s crazy. I loved Cyndi Lauper as a kid.

Chuck Creekmur: Man, I appreciate y’all for coming through.

T.I.: Congratulations to y’all too. This 30 years for you, right?

Chuck Creekmur: Nah, 28.

T.I. We rounding up. Love and respect, man. Congratulations. Appreciate y’all for uplifting the culture and never compromising. Showing up in the right places, making sure people know what they need to know, telling it like it is and not how people want it to be.

Chuck Creekmur: Appreciate that, man.

T.I.: What are you proud of right now?

Chuck Creekmur: I’m proud of my team. I’m proud of us. We in the trenches.

T.I.: Why ain’t y’all ever do movies and documentaries and all that stuff?

Chuck Creekmur: We working on that. Trust me, we cooking. That’s the good thing about sticking around. You got 30 years of archives, 30 years of ideas, and you still in the game when a lot of people fell to the wayside.

DJ Thoro: We participants, not spectators.

Boosie Roasts Kodak Black With Crack Head Movie Role Offer

Boosie BadAzz isn’t playing games with Kodak Black anymore.

The Louisiana rapper went nuclear on Twitter after Yak posted behind-the-scenes footage that made Boosie look like he was snitching on camera.

The whole thing started when Kodak shared a clip from what appears to be a movie set. In the video, you can see Boosie acting out some scene where he’s supposedly spilling street business on a plane.

Fans immediately started going crazy. Some thought it was real. Others figured it had to be acting.

Boosie jumped on Twitter quick to set the record straight. “YAK WE WAS JOSING ON SET LOL THAT AINT EVEN N THE MOVIE IM A GREAT ACTOR HA,” he wrote.

But he didn’t stop there. The Baton Rouge native came with the real heat next.

“JUST SAY YOU WANNA GET N ONE OF MY FILMS. I GOT THE PERFECT ROLE FOR U TO PLAY. A CRACK HEAD #NOSCRIPTNEEDED JUST BE YOURSELF.”

That’s about as personal as it gets. Boosie basically told Kodak he’s already living the role.

This beef goes way deeper than some random movie clip, though. These two have been going at it ever since Boosie called out Kodak for working with Tekashi 6ix9ine back in 2023.

Boosie said at the time: “That n#### Yak messed me up… This n#### ain’t got no morals, don’t got no principles.”

The 6ix9ine situation really set Boosie off. He couldn’t understand why any rapper would collaborate with someone who cooperated with federal authorities in a RICO case.

Now they’re throwing around movie roles and addiction jokes. It just keeps getting messier.

Freddie Gibbs Trash Talks Lakers’ Jaxson Hayes, Manager Gets Booted Out Of Arena

Freddie Gibbs‘ manager Ben Lambert got way too comfortable at courtside and paid the price with a full arena ban.

Lambert was escorted out of Crypto.com Arena during Sunday night’s Lakers-Knicks showdown for absolutely cooking Jaxson Hayes. Security wasn’t having it.

The whole thing got captured on Gibbs’ Instagram Stories. Lambert was going off on the Lakers center with zero chill.

“You average two points a game and you’re 7’5″. Trash, trash, trash,” Lambo yelled from his courtside seats. The man was not holding back.

But that wasn’t even the worst part. Gibbs brought up Hayes’ legal mess with that mascot situation from January.

“First of all let me tell you something boy, don’t be acting tough. You already have a lawsuit from a mascot. Come over here and you’ll have another lawsuit, punk,” Gibbs continued. Cold-blooded.

Security stepped in quickly and walked Lambert right out of the building. Gibbs filmed the whole ejection for his followers.

“They just put Lambo out the game for talking s### to Jaxson Hayes,” Gibbs captioned the video, while documenting his own manager getting tossed.

Hayes has been dealing with fallout from shoving the Wizards mascot, G-Wiz, during pregame warmups back in January. He was suspended one game for that mess.

The mascot performer isn’t playing around either. They hired attorney Waukeen McCoy and filed a whole lawsuit against Hayes, per the NY Post.

Hayes tried to clean it up afterward with an apology. “Should’ve handled it a different way. And, you know, we live and we learn,” he said. Too little too late.

Gibbs is notorious for his courtside antics as a hardcore Knicks fan. Plot twist, though. His daughter, Irie, was right there with him, rocking a Lakers #8 Kobe Bryant jersey. A Family divided, courtside.

The Lakers ended up winning 110-97 despite all the drama in the stands.